Page 33 of Elemental Becoming

His silver-blue eyes crinkle at the corners, and a deep fondness for my mentor washes over me. I smile in return, grateful to have him helping me navigate so much of the unknown.

We spend the next hour discussing the various movements and how I might apply them. Page after page is filled with illustrations of channelers combining sweeping motions, shifting stances, and deliberate gestures to shape increasingly complex manifestations of Elemental magics.

Before I realize it, we’ve turned into a new section of the book.

The illustrations change. Instead of channelers, the pages are filled with weapons—swords, daggers, bows, and spears—each etched with intricate runes. Beside every illustration is a careful list of symbols and their meanings.

“Ah, yes.” Valen taps the page with a knowing smile. “I wanted to show you this as well.”

My gaze lingers on the markings carved into the blade.

“Runes can imbue objects with magics.”

I raise my eyes, my brows arching. “So swords and armor can hold magics?”

Valen nods. “They can. Though not every rune can be etched into every material, and not every channeler possesses the skill to forge them.”

His finger traces the illustration of a gauntlet engraved with delicate symbols.

“Most warriors carry enchanted weapons. But armor . . . ” He smiles faintly. “Armor is where each Clan expresses its philosophy.”

I glance down at the sketches.

“The Fire Clan favors gauntlets and greaves that amplify force. Every strike lands harder. Every step is meant to overwhelm.”

He turns the page.

“The Air Clan values speed above all else. Their runes lighten movement, sharpen acceleration, and allow them to change direction with remarkable precision.”

Another page.

“The Water Clan prefers adaptability. Their enchantments aid balance, fluid movement, and the ability to redirect force rather than simply meet it.”

His finger comes to rest on the final illustration.

“And the Earth Clan?” I ask.

Valen smiles.

“They believe the greatest strength is to remain unmovable. Their runes reinforce stability, resilience, and raw power. Once an Earth warrior plants their feet, moving them becomes nearly impossible.”

We spend another hour reviewing the names, balance, and purpose of the different weapons before finally bringing the lesson to a close.

Valen closes the book in front of him, then lifts the larger volume and offers it to me.

“Take it with you,” he says. “The movements will become easier to understand the more you study them.”

I tuck the hefty tome beneath my arm.

“We’ll begin practicing them after the ball.”

I roll my eyes at the mention of the celebration being held in my honor.

“Not a fan of balls?” he asks, the corners of his mouth twitching with barely concealed amusement.

“I think you know me better than that.”

His chuckle follows me as I rise from my chair.