Time seemed to pause around them.
The wind stood still, pausing the fluttering leaves to remain silent. The only thing Tyra could hear was the sound of her heartbeat - loud and uneven.
"Focus". Tamire murmmed behind her. "Just feel".
Tyra nodded.
Her lips parted at the feeling of his breath at the nape of her neck.
"Your right hand first". He said softly, guiding her wrist upward. He gently folded her thumb unto her middle finger, then lifted the rest into a steady arc.
"Like this. Let it hold your focus".
His finger moved to her left hand, coaxing it into place - thumb resting against her index finger, the others straight and parallel. She felt the subtle touch in his skin, the calm in his touch.
" Now bend"
He helped her draw both arms forward, elbows folding in, the right hand aligning just before the left, shaping an invisible path between them and the river. He didn't let go.
"Widen your stance".
Tyra shifted as he guided her hips, her left leg sliding ahead of the right, grounding her in the damp earth. Her eyes fluttered shut as his voice dropped even lower.
"Now, let go. Listen to what lifts".
And there it was, that gentle stir, like a ripple in her chest, rising with the mist.
Something heard her, something answered.
He let go of her hands moving backwards. It was awkward standing so close behind her. A feeling of satisfaction settled in his chest watching her powers lift the waters gradually. But a frown soon appeared on his face.
Tyra could feel the power surge within, she opened her eyes in excitement to view the river - a slight shift in focus.
The water erupted beneath, surging a wave across its borders. It overshadowed the hill splashing droplets of water on them. Their clothes got wet, like they were drenched in rain.
With closed eyes, Tyra bit down hard on her lips.
"Haven't I done enough already?". She muttered. She felt the need to kneel down before Tamire to plead for mercy as she turned around.
He looked down at his cloak already pissed. Another mistake from Tyra again would make him lose his mind.
Before he could react, Tyra rushed to him drying the wet parts of his cloak with her dress's hem.
Her hands trembled as she panicked while stealing glances at him. She wished he cussed out instead of being silent.
"That's enough".
He roared the words, his voice cracking with rage.
He pushed her.
Already panicking, Tyra almost lost her balance, but held her feet strong against the ground, she whimpered.
Was her training over already?
Tyra couldn't look at Tamire as he walked past her, his presence alone was suffocating, coupled with the embarrassment she felt.
She snifled severally following behind him quietly down the hill, unable to stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. She felt horrible, unproductive...
........
Isadore and Rachel waited restlessly for Tyra in her room, eager to know about her first day of training with the mystery disciple. Their eyes fixed to the door, unblinking. Not wanting to miss the second the walks in.
Their curiosity got the best of them, each brewing up questions when she arrives.
At the sound of lock clicking, they both jerked up as Tyra entered the room.
"How was your first day of training?"
"Where did you train?"
"Did you see his face?"
"Were you able to wield your powers?"
"Why did you stay out for long?".
Isadore and Rachel bombarded Tyra with questions, not giving her space to breathe or give them answers. Both stepped aside when they noticed her mood - face flushed red with teary eyes.
Tyra sat at the edge of the bed staring out the window. The scene from the hill kept replaying in her head, she hated herself now.
"Maybe I'm not fit for this place". Her voice cracking, bursting into tears.
Isadore sighed. She wasn't comfortable with the fact that Tamire will take on the role of Tyra's guide in wielding her powers but at the same time, she couldn't do anything about it. It was the Master's decision anyways.
She held Tyra's hands, speaking calmly.
"Did he hurt you?"
Tyra stared at her, unsure of her response. Of course Tamire hurt her, but she was responsible for his fury.
"No, no. It's not what you think". She sighed deeply.
"I hurt him".
Isadore furrowed her brow. She wasn't convinced by Tyra's response. Her heart ached from seeing her friend in tears. There was more to it. She let go of her hands.
"There is something you are not telling me Tyra. I might as well ask Tamire for his side of the story".
Tyra shook her head holding Isadore's hands tightly.
"I'm the one at fault not him".
"Well, I'll be the judge of that".
Isadore slammed the door, her fury was more than obvious.
"I don't think she is convinced". Rachel hugged Tyra patting her back, she wasn't convinced either.
.......
Gwaine walked through the hallway reading a book - The History of Sorcery.
He had developed interest in reading books and documentaries about sorcery ever since the tournament. His long, delicate fingers brushed through each words as he flipped the brown pages. With eyes fully engrossed in each page, he failed to focus on his steps as he found each word intriguing. Till he bumped into a disciple. The book hit the floor with a thud bringing Gwaine back to reality.
"I believe your eyes are not for decorations".
Isadore growled, her eyes glaring at the disciple she collided with. Without hearing his response, she walked away.
Gwaine went after her. He knew what Isadore was like when she was furious and it wouldn't change now.
He blocked her path, his grip strong on her arm. "I don't know where you are heading to or what you are going to do. But whatever it is, do it when you are calm".
He quickly removed his arm at her sharp gaze. But her face brigthened up immediately.
"It would be nice if it's two against one".
With a brief smile, she pulled Gwaine. Despite Isadore's petite stature, she was able to drag him through the hallway.
Gwaine followed quietly giving up on struggling out of her strong grip. As they walked through a familiar path - a pathway avoided by all disciples, his mind wandered wild.
What could Tamire have done to annoy Isadore?
"Isadore, will you mind explaining what we are doing here?" He asked when she released his hand before Tamire's room but he received no response.
She knocked aggressively on the door, ignoring Gwaine's words to keep it down.
She scoffed. "He thinks he is the most feared disciple in Andoths, just wait till I change everyone's opinion about him".
She kept knocking till the lock clicked. Isadore didn't move a muscle as she stood with hands on her waist, tapering her foot against the floor.
"