Opening the door to his room, Darren let Cooper and Declan in before shutting it closed behind him. While taking off his helmet and placing it on the table, he walked over to the bed and flopped onto it face first without hesitation. It had been a very tiring day and it pained Darren just thinking about all the things that had happened.

First, there were the guards stalking them. Next, the knights were captured. Aenwyn apparently had to do something on her end that made Abraham and Gilbert wary of her, though they hadn't explained what yet. Then the orphanage burned down on top of that, something that Timothy and Abigail were less than pleased about. Thankfully the two had a plan just in case something like this happened, so they would be fine.

"And now we have some guy who tried to kill me trapped in the basement," Darren said to himself quietly. "What a mess." Now he was just hoping to get some rest in before something inevitably pulled him away into something else.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Darren?" Aenwyn's voice said through the door. "Are you there? I would like to speak with you."

Holding back a groan, Darren called out that the door was open. He flipped onto his back and sat up as Aenwyn started to close the door. As she turned, Darren could immediately tell from looking at her that something was wrong. She looked slightly disheveled and was leaning from one foot to the other. Instead of a small smile or calm expression on Aenwyn's face that Darren had come to associate with her, Aenwyn's mouth was pressed into a thin line while she started at a wall.

"Abraham has been… questioning the Rogue Magi for information," Aenwyn said slowly. "He believes that what he has discovered must be brought as soon as possible to the human capital, Vasilikos. He wishes to leave some of his men here so that we may travel briskly and to add security to Chrimata until a more suitable plan is made."

"Sounds like we're leaving soon then."

"Correct."

After that Aenwyn stood silently. Moving to the table and taking a seat, Darren saw that Aenwyn's eyes seemed to cloud over as she stayed deep in thought. Cooper and Declan opted to lay down at his feet.

"Are you alright?" Darren asked cautiously.

Aenwyn froze, then her eyes shot to his in surprise. To Darren, it looked like Aenwyn forgot that he was still there in the room.

"I…" Aenwyn trailed off uncertainty. "No," she finally said with a shake of her head, walking to the table and taking the seat across from Darren. "I do not believe I am."

"Okay, what's wrong?"

Minutes passed as the silence stretched out between them. Darren wanted to ask again or maybe steer the conversation to a safer topic just to fill the silence, but something told him to wait. His patience paid off as Aenwyn looked up from the table and into his eyes.

"You are aware that there were… complications after my meeting with Abraham and Gilbert, yes?" Aenwyn said, uncertainty coloring her tone.

"That's right," Darren replied with a nod.

"And I believe you have seen the way Abraham and Gilbert react around me now?"

Darren nodded again.

Aenwyn began to grimace. "Have they told you what happened?"

"No," Darren said with a frown. At Aenwyn's shocked look he began to elaborate. "I mean, I know something's wrong but I'm not sure what. Did something happen to you?" Darren asked in worry.

The shock changed to relief as Aenwyn gave a small smile. "No, it is more complicated than that." Leaning forward slightly she continued. "Before we speak of that though, let us speak of you. From what I know, you are a Summoning Magi with very little formal training since you did not know of what eudium was until I explained it, correct?"

"Try no formal training instead," Darren sighed. "I only found out what I was after a summoning in the forest near Counter Village."

It technically wasn't a lie, he did summon his Zerg after all, though he did feel somewhat bad for obscuring the truth about what he was. Still, Darren figured that once he had a better handle of things, he would tell the truth of the Zerg's true origins and what he was. For now, people were free to assume that he was a Magi.

"I see." Aenwyn clasped her hands together and placed them under her chin with her elbows on the table. "This will make things both easier and harder than," she said with a calculating look.

"What do you mean?"

"You have no foundation for your magical knowledge beyond your summoning and it takes a practiced Summoning Magi their entire life on average to perfect the spell. However, this also means you will be more open to new ideas of how to practice your craft beyond what a normal human institution may offer," she said excitedly. Then Aenwyn paused for a moment and looked off to the side. "At least… I hope you will do me the honor of teaching you what little I know."

Darren smirked. "Learning from you, the best Magi that I have the privilege of knowing? I'd appreciate whatever time you'd put into me."

Aenwyn smiled happily at him and Darren was happy that he got her to do so. But then her smile turned sad and somewhat bittersweet.

"Thank you for your kind words, but now is the time I should explain myself." She opened her mouth to continue, but Darren raised a hand to stop her.

"I can wait you know," Darren said with a solemn look. "If you don't feel comfortable with telling me…"

Aenwyn's smile was still sad, but it lessened as Darren trailed off. "I will be fine," the elf reassured Darren. "Furthermore, my explanation of what I am may help with your understanding of what magic is."

Darren still seemed unsure of it, but he nodded his head and got comfortable.

"First," Aenwyn started with a neutral expression, "let me explain the collective agreement on how magic works. Magic is, to what our scholars can determine, latent energy that is reserved in one's body. Every being, from animals, elves, humans, dwarves, even Wildlings, have the capacity to wield that energy to their will. What determines who can be called a Magi though is dependent on how large their reserves of energy are."

"For example," Aenwyn continued, "a person with very little potential to become a Magi would only be able to create small sparks, like so." With a wave of her hand, small embers of flame sprang from her palm but died seconds later. "With larger energy reserves, one could use magic in a far more versatile manner than a simple distraction. That being said, never underestimate the danger of another Magi, even if they seem to be a small threat against you."

"Yeah, I kind of learned that the hard way," Darren said with a chuckle as he remembered about the Rogue Magi's flames.

Aenwyn smirked then schooled her features. "Those with small reserves of energy typically choose Conjuration magic while the ones with larger reserves choose either the Restoration or Summoning schools instead. However, it is not uncommon to see those with large reserves choose to join the school of Conjuration either. That school offers versatility and a quick path to power. Restoration may be the school of Magi dedicated to healing, but it is often filled with those having less than noble intentions."

"And Summoning?" Darren asked when Aenwyn paused.

"Summoning is…" Aenwyn took a moment to think. "Summoning is complicated. While the Magi that join the school of Summoning are praised for the simple fact that they can summon creatures from different realms, there is a controversy surrounding them. Summoning magic is relatively new and is not understood too well as a result. Also, while Summoning Magi may be praised, they also have the lowest amount in terms of earnings. This is also due to the fact that Summoning magic is rather new."

"So Summoning magic is new and not very profitable?" Darren asked Aenwyn. Seeing her nod he asked, "What makes it so controversial then?"

Here, Aenwyn began to hesitate. Darren said nothing and made no moves to hurry her. After a few moments, Aenwyn looked at him tentatively.

"Have you heard of Shadow magic?" Aenwyn asked him.

"Should I have?"

"No, I suppose not." Aenwyn attempted to settle herself before continuing. "Allow me to explain then. Shadow magic is possibly one of the Magi community's most well-kept secrets. When it was discovered it was first classified as another branch of Conjuration magic, but soon it was pushed into its own school of magic due to what it could do. A majority if not all of Shadow magic abilities are considered strange to outright… disturbing. Shadow manipulation, raising the dead, leech-like healing, all those could all be explained, but the one thing that made Shadow magic infamous were the effects they would have on its host. At first, the user will experience bouts of forgetfulness as well as chilling. Next, there will be signs of increased aggression and agitation. Finally, if the user is not stopped or reasoned with, they proceed to lose themselves."

Darren was skeptical about what he was hearing. Magic that could take over someone's mind? It sounded fantastical, even for this place. Apparently though, Darren's skepticism was showing on his face if the now exasperated expression Aenwyn wore was anything to go by.

"Yes, it sounds strange, magic with the capacity to corrupt its user to any degree," Aenwyn said, confirming Darren's unsaid question. "But there is evidence of the more well-known stories about Shadow magic that help identify certain key traits about Shadow magic users. After confirming each account, these traits of potential Shadow magic users have been seen without fail, most of which can be seen at birth."

The elven woman glared at her hands for a moment before sighing as she looked at Darren dead in the eyes. They looked angry, but also sad. "Paleness in pigmentation for skin and hair, red to purple coloration in the eyes," Aenwyn's hands shuddered then just as quickly as it happened, stopped. "There are a few more things, but the appearance is the largest confirming factor."

She stopped and Darren was about to speak up until he noticed his surroundings. The various lights around the room seemed to be getting weaker. The shadows in the corners were darkening and beginning to pool in one spot.

Aenwyn.

Darren went to say something but was beaten to the punch. Declan, untroubled by the growing shadows around them, went over to Aenwyn and placed his head on her lap. The touch shocked Aenwyn out of whatever dark thoughts had infected her mind and she gasped as she saw the shadows around them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming herself. Darren watched as the shadows started to pull away from them.

"Well," Darren started making Aenwyn jolt in her seat, "that was something."

"I-I," Aenwyn stuttered out before quieting. She made to stand up and leave but was stopped by Declan's head pressing down on her lap. Cooper went over and sat on her feet, trapping the elf further to her seat.

"You don't have to leave, you know," Darren assured.

"It would be best if I did," Aenwyn said quietly. "In fact, it may be best if I am separated from the rest of the group for their safety."

"Okay, that's going a bit far." Darren stood and moved his chair so that he could sit next to Aenwyn. "Distancing yourself isn't going to do anyone any good. I get that you're worried, but if you try to separate yourself from everyone else then they're going to be worried about you. Hell, I'm worried about you already."

Aenwyn turned to glare at him. "You do not understand," she said heatedly. "I have enjoyed what little time we have spent together, believe me, but I am a danger to anyone I meet. From what is known, Shadow magic has the potential to destroy large areas of land, possible kingdoms if left unchecked."

Darren raised an eyebrow. "And I have the potential to make an invasion force within a week along with reinforcements to spare if I wanted to."

Aenwyn blinked. "What?"

"If there's one thing you need to know about me," Darren said with a grin, "it's that Cooper and Declan aren't the only ones I brought into this world." The two aforementioned zerglings purred in response.

Darren sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Stopping yourself from forming relationships is detrimental, Aenwyn. And I know this sounds repetitive, but if you're going to distance yourself from us then you're going to make us worried about you. This might sound cheesy, but even if you don't feel like it, you can rely on me. I'll do whatever you need to help. Besides, isn't that what friends are for?"

"Friends?" Aenwyn asked in surprise.

Darren's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at her question. "I-I mean, I don't want to assume but I'd say we're good enough to be friends. Right?"

It started with a chuckle, then it evolved into full-blown laughter as Aenwyn hugged herself in her fit. Darren's cheeks burned even brighter, but he smiled through his embarrassment as the previous tension dissipated. Seeing her happy was miles better than the dour expression she had before. Eventually, Aenwyn calmed down enough with only a few giggles escaping past her lips as she looked at Darren while petting a content Cooper and Declan.

"My apologies, Darren," Aenwyn snickered. "It was not my intention to laugh, but you were so serious only to stumble at the end and I could not help myself."

"It's fine. You seem better at least," Darren groused.

"And on the topic of friends, I suppose that it has been a long while since I considered anyone a friend. I am grateful that you consider me to be one."

Darren straightened in his seat. "So, does that mean…"

"Yes," Aenwyn answered with a smile. "We are indeed friends."

Darren let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and grinned. Maybe today wasn't too bad, he thought to himself. They spent the rest of the time waiting for the others to finish packing in comfortable silence.

"We have a problem."

The room was dark and made of stone walls, ceiling, and floor. A wooden table with five chairs sat in the middle with only a single candle to light the room. Of the five chairs, four were filled by an attendant, each with a cloak to hide their features from the other. A heavy-set man continued to speak.

"My contact in Chrimata has been slain," he said in a low tone.

"And what does this mean for us?" a female voice next to him asked amusedly. "With our resources, we should be able to… acquire additional staff to easily replace what we need."

"Our problem, harlot," the woman growled as the man spoke, "is that this contact has been confirmed to be connected to our organization."

"So, it was your incompetence of choosing a suitable person that led to us here. Unsurprising for one in your 'elevated' position," the woman sneered. While the cloaks hid their faces, the man's body language shouted his vexation. He sat up to shout his fury.

"Why is it that the lesser races always squabble among each other?" a taller man interrupted. His voice, sounding as if he was on the verge of singing, was colored with contempt. "It is as if you are children, quarreling over your toys. Then again," he continued with a sick grin, "I suppose I should not expect much from the gnats."

The two the taller man spoke of bristled in indignation and went to defend themselves as the last of the four sat quietly.

"Rocks and dust, it's times like this that make me question why I even bother with these people," she mumbled to herself. Her stout figure and rumbling voice went unnoticed as the arguing only continued to grow.

SLAM

The only door at the far end of the room banged against the wall, effectively silencing any further talk.

A cloaked figure walked through the door with heavy steps. While the cloaks of the first four served their purpose of simply being unassuming, the last one had faded silver embroidery on the edges of the cloth. There were patches on the cloak that showed wear and tear, but it was far from destroyed.

"It seems that I can't leave any of you for five minutes before some new problem arises," the figure's deep voice said as he took the last seat. He gave a disinterested wave at the portly man. "So tell me, what is it now?"

The others in the room calmed down and the shorter man spoke up. "I-"

"And don't give me some half-baked excuse," the newcomer interrupted with a drawl. "I want to know who's at fault and why."

With an indignant look at the interruption, the portly man continued. "Well, as I explained before, a man in my employ was killed and he was connected to Serenity. I do not have clear information on who were the ones to kill him, but I do know they are heading towards Vasilikos."

"My lord," the woman next to him spoke up. "Allow me to deal with them. I can do better than some noble who sits in his high tower all day without a care in the world."

"Silence woman!" the noble yelled. "All you know is how to frolic among the Snowlands with those wasteful explorers! If you had any semblance of thought, you would know to use that substantial funding of yours to the betterment of our kingdom rather than some fanciful notion of lost civilizations and treasure."

The woman stilled. With careful movements, her arms moved to her sides in an almost relaxed posture. "Insult me however you want," she said in a deadly whisper, "but I will not have you insult the good people of the Explorer's League. If I think I even hear something along the lines of such…"

As she trailed off, a pair of knives quickly appeared in her hands. The man, seeing the threat for what it was, responded with sparks of electricity beginning to travel across his arms. The two continued to glare at each other as a charged air began to build up around them.

"I do so love a good show."

The tension broke as the two looked over at the taller man who spoke.

"Watching such barbaric acts of posturing is a rare delight, truly." With a sigh, the man leaned on an arm. Then he smirked. "It is a shame that I will eventually outlive it like most other things."

The two growled and began to focus their anger at him when a chill went up their spines. The hairs at the back of their necks stood up as an instinctual fear rose up in them. The shadows began to expand and the candle in the middle of the room began to flicker in waning strength.

"I will not tolerate any petty disputes in my presence," the newer member said, relaxed in contrast to what happened moments ago. "And besides, we've found the reason why we were called here in the first place." He turned to the heavy-set man. "You have failed me."

The accused man sputtered and stood up. "I-I did no such thing! My contact-"

"Is now a dead man and worse, is connected to us. That means you. Have. Failed. Me."

"I will not be spoken to in such a way! I am GAH-"

Shadows wrapped around the man and forced him back into his seat. Black blades formed from the cocoon and were aimed towards his body.

"And lest you forget your debt and who I am," the previously relaxed man hissed, "let me remind you who gave you the means and power of your position. I may forgive, but I do not forget. Do I make myself clear?"

The trapped man nodded frantically, never letting his eyes waver from the blades that threatened to gouge him.

"Good."

With a now flick of his finger, the shadows melted away from their target and back into the floor. The portly man heaved a sigh of relief as his bonds lessened and he sank into the chair.

"Your punishment for the failure of letting our organization be known is to deal with these new issues," the Shadow Magi said. The portly man straightened with an affronted look but ultimately nodded in resignation. "Now, is there anything else that needs addressing? What about you?" the man asked, looking at the stout woman. "We haven't heard anything on your end yet."

"There is nothing wrong, my lord," the stout woman said with a small bow. "I am simply grateful for your support of my cause."

"Hrm, it seems that at least one of you still has manners," the Shadow Magi said with a grumble. "And you, elf?"

"Everything goes according to plan, honored," the voice of the elf sang.

"Then I hope the Explorers League is still on track?" the man asked the taller woman.

"Yes, my lord," the woman replied. "Progress is being made."

"Wonderful. Then this meeting is adjourned."

Hearing dismissal in his voice, the original four stood up and walked out the door to their respected areas as the man sat still. Waiting for them to leave him, the man heard the responding click as the door closed behind them. He waited a few more moments to make sure they were gone then pulled the hood of his cloak down.

White hair that was hidden from the world spilled out to his shoulders. Pale skin marred with small nicks here and there and red eyes showed themselves. His features would be described as handsome if not for the large scaring across his right side. Bringing up a hand, he willed the shadows to dance across his fingers as he whispered to himself.

"It's been a while since I've seen you two. I've missed you so much over the years."

With a smile, the shadows formed into the shape of a man and woman. The pair of shadows began to dance to an unheard tune as the man watched with a content look. Then his eyes grew cold. He formed his hand into a fist and watched as the shadows around the room converged on the dancing figures in front of him. He sat back and hummed as they were swallowed by the darkness.

"I hope you've missed me too."

A/N: A bit shorter than usual, but now we've got some plot to work with.

Also, announcement time. I'm taking what I hope to be a six month break or so to work on a side project that I've put off for far too long. I also need a bit of time to work on this story cause I'm running out of ideas fast.

I hope I'm not putting anyone off and I'll see you whenever.