TRANQUIL - 2

"You study magic, yes?"

Xayah's attention shifted from the paste she was working on mixing, instead focusing on a soft looking haedian of pinks and lilacs who had his head tilted in obvious curiosity with his question.

"I do. Whether or not I'm successful at it is another matter entirely, though. Why?" Xayah asked in response, setting her bowl of sorts down so she could turn to face the clan member. Her tail wound neatly around her paws, gold clinking as she tilted her head in turn. There were plenty of others who were actively using magic at this very moment. She, on the other hand, had yet to spark despite her best efforts. Something that drove her to near madness, on her worse days. But with time, she would be successful. She was certain of it.

"So... you've not yet harnessed it?" He asked to confirm, sitting in front of Xayah when she reluctantly nodded. He moved then to reach inside of a soft bag hanging around his neck, the soft sounds of stones clicking together being the only indication of what lay inside. 

"This can serve as a focus for you, then. My name is Galen, and I am to be your guide and teacher. At least, for the duration of your stay with us." He introduced, eyes sparkling as he gave the vayron a smile and extended his hand to offer a pale blue crystal.

Xayah eyed the blue crystal before reaching to accept it, wariness and curiosity at the forefront of her mind as she looked it over. Felt the weight on her palm while the many facets caught and reflected light, an almost... deep illusion being made. As if there was mana swirling inside of it already.

"I have not Sparked though. How will this serve as a focus for me if I have yet to channel my magic at all?" Xayah asked, frowning as she looked back up at the haedian. "I've tried for years to Spark. I'm not so certain this will help me."

"Ah," Galen started, shaking his head. "This won't help you Spark. This will simply serve as a conduit so you may help me. You will and influence over the crystal will allow you to use magic with it, but it will do nothing to aid you in your personal endeavor of Sparking. I'm afraid we don't have anything that could help you with that."

An unfortunate truth, but the truth none-the-less.

"Come. I will have another of your companions finish your task here, so you can focus on learning how to utilize our crystals." Galen instructed as he stood, waiting for Xayah to do the same before he started leading her away from the apothecary.  "There are some who are in need of healing, and are willing to help you practice on them with the crystal. Don't worry, though. You won't be able to harm them at all, and I will be there the whole time."

Xayah simply nodded as she trotted along, looking around her as they progressed further into the clan than before. She saw more haedians bearing other crests and colors, seeking out various items to trade or to get aid. Many were from clans she had yet to visit. Ones that had yet to see a vayron before, if their stares were anything to go off of. Ones of confusion, suspicion, and wariness. Nothing that made her feel any sort of ease over what may lay ahead.

"Here we are," Galen announced, pulling Xayah out of her thoughts and from watching the other haedians. He'd brought her to a quiet, tucked away den of sorts that smelt of incense and medical supplies. There was a heavy, embroidered sheet that served as a door, depicting a haedian with swirling magic and a pestle held in their paws.

The pair ducked inside, Xayah once again looking around as she followed Galen to the back of the den. To a more... grizzled looking haedian. One with red and black robes covering his body, with blackened steel chains and armor. She had no idea what clan he could possibly belong to, but... she wasn't too keen on finding out. Hopefully, they were kinder than they appeared.

"Ke'lal, this is Xayah. She's the one who will be helping me heal you today." Galen explained as the pair sat next to him. "She will be using one of our crystals to help you."

Xayah had a feeling that Galen was the only reason she was able to sit next to Ke'lal without issue or complaint, the varyon not at all missing the hard stare or silence from the apparent Guard. It was only after he gave a small, short nod that Galen encouraged her to channel her magic through the crystal. 

"He has a gash on his side," She mused aloud, watching the wound light up.

"Push your magic through some more now."

Xayah nodded, doing as instructed. Her focus remained on the wound, the crystal glowing in time with it as she continued to push her magic through. Something she'd never been able to do before. Just the sensation alone was mind boggling to her, feeling sort of like... she was pouring a pitcher of water out. Pouring into this haedian instead. But she could see the wound stitching itself back together, soon being nothing more than a faint scar.

"I think that's as healed as I can get it." Xayah said after she stopped trying to heal Ke'lal, the glowing of the crystal swirling inside of it before dissipating entirely. It was... honestly, incredible. Being able to actually heal and help someone? Xayah felt an immense sort of pride over her work, over not needing assistance with using a crystal conduit for the first time.

"You did well," Galen praised, grinning down at her as he stood. "I will check in on you again in a little while, Ke'lal. Come, Xayah. If you are willing to continue practicing, we have a few more who need assistance.