The alchemy classroom was filled with the scent of herbs, faintly metallic from the copper cauldrons bubbling at every station. Lyra sat at her bench, scribbling notes while her professor, a stout gnome named Professor Themaris, handed out project instructions.
"For this assignment," Themaris announced, her voice sharp and clear, "you will create a functional salve or potion derived from a magical beast. The choice of beast is yours, but you must document the process, including how you acquired the materials."
Lyra's pen paused mid-scratch. Magical beasts were not her forte. Handling volatile chemicals and plants? Absolutely. But chasing down a creature imbued with magic was another matter entirely.
After class, she approached Kalem, who was sitting on a bench outside the alchemy hall with Onyx lounging nearby. Kalem was tinkering with a small mechanical contraption, its gears clicking softly in his hands.
"Kalem, I need your help," Lyra said, leaning over him.
He glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of help?"
"My alchemy professor assigned us to make a salve from a magical beast, but I have no idea how to handle one, let alone gather materials from it."
Kalem smirked. "I assume you don't mean Onyx?"
Lyra gave him a flat look. "No. And before you suggest it, I'm not chasing anything dangerous either. That's where you come in."
Kalem shrugged. "I don't know much about handling magical beasts myself, but Jhaeros might. He's in the Beast Studies division, and from what I've seen, he's pretty good at it."
"Perfect," Lyra said. "Can you ask him?"
"Why can't you?" Kalem replied, grinning.
Lyra crossed her arms. "Because he's your friend, and I don't want to walk up to someone I barely know and sound desperate."
Kalem sighed, standing up. "Fine, I'll talk to him. But don't blame me if he makes it weird."
Later that afternoon, Kalem and Lyra found Jhaeros in the Beast Studies greenhouse. The structure was massive, its glass walls steaming from the warmth inside. Exotic plants twisted around the rafters, and faint growls and chirps echoed from hidden enclosures.
Jhaeros was kneeling beside a cage housing a small, fox-like creature with glimmering silver fur. He looked up as they entered, his golden eyes narrowing slightly before relaxing.
"Kalem, Lyra," he greeted, his voice calm and deliberate. "What brings you here?"
"She has a project," Kalem said, gesturing to Lyra.
Lyra stepped forward, hesitating for a moment. "I need to create a salve from a magical beast, but I don't know how to handle one safely. Kalem mentioned you might be able to help."
Jhaeros tilted his head, his feline ears twitching slightly. "Interesting. What kind of salve are you trying to make?"
"It depends on the beast," Lyra replied. "I thought I'd see what materials were accessible first."
Jhaeros stood, brushing off his hands. "Fair enough. Magical beasts are unpredictable, but I can guide you. We'll need to find a creature that's not too dangerous but still has useful properties. Follow me."
Jhaeros led them to a wooded area just beyond the academy grounds, where smaller magical beasts often roamed. The trees were dense, their leaves shimmering faintly with magical energy.
As they walked, Jhaeros began explaining the behavior of magical beasts. "Each creature has its own temperament and unique properties. For instance, a Moonlit Hare's fur can be used to create soothing salves, while a Bristleback Toad's slime is excellent for fortifying skin against burns."
Lyra listened intently, jotting down notes in her leather-bound journal. She couldn't help but notice how easily Jhaeros moved through the forest, his steps silent and precise. His connection to the environment was palpable, as if he belonged to it.
"Do you always walk like you're stalking prey?" Lyra asked, half-teasing.
Jhaeros glanced back, his lips twitching in a faint smile. "It's instinct. The Ilvaar are hunters by nature. But it's also about respect—moving quietly ensures we don't disrupt the balance of the forest."
Kalem, trailing behind with Onyx, rolled his eyes. "Great. Now he's giving life lessons."
After some time, Jhaeros stopped, raising a hand. "Quiet," he whispered.
Ahead of them was a small creature resembling a hedgehog, but its spines glowed faintly blue, crackling with static electricity.
"A Sparkspine," Jhaeros murmured. "Its spines contain an oil that's excellent for healing wounds. I'll show you how to approach it."
He guided Lyra step by step, showing her how to move slowly and avoid sudden gestures. With his help, Lyra managed to gather a few of the creature's spines without harming it.
Back at the alchemy lab, Lyra began processing the Sparkspine's spines. Jhaeros watched as she crushed them into a fine powder, mixing it with various ingredients to create a glowing, electric-blue salve.
"You're precise," Jhaeros remarked, his tone one of genuine admiration.
"Alchemy requires precision," Lyra replied, focusing on her work. "One wrong measurement, and the whole thing could explode—or worse, turn useless."
Jhaeros nodded. "That focus is admirable. The Ilvaar approach to magic is more instinctive, but I can see the value in your methods."
Lyra glanced up, surprised by the compliment. "Thanks. And your guidance was helpful. I'd have probably electrocuted myself if I'd gone alone."
Jhaeros chuckled softly. "You're welcome."
As the salve began to solidify, Lyra noticed Jhaeros watching her intently. His golden eyes, usually unreadable, seemed thoughtful.
"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Your work reminds me of how we Ilvaar bond with magical beasts," Jhaeros said. "It's about understanding, not control. You approach alchemy with the same respect, even if it's different."
Lyra blinked, unsure how to respond. "That's... probably the nicest thing anyone's said about my work."
Kalem, sitting in the corner sharpening a blade. "Don't let it go to your head."
Lyra threw a rag at him, missing by inches.
By the time the salve was finished, the three of them had settled into an easy rhythm. Jhaeros' reserved nature balanced Lyra's fiery enthusiasm, while Kalem provided his usual sardonic commentary.
As they packed up for the day, Lyra turned to Jhaeros. "Thanks for helping. I might actually get a decent grade because of you."
Jhaeros inclined his head. "And I learned more about alchemy through you. It seems we both gained something."
Kalem watched them, a small smile tugging at his lips. For all their differences, it seemed this unlikely trio was beginning to find common ground.