268 ACBy the Torrentine
Morning heat shimmered over the dusty road as Mars, Oberyn, and Ashara made their way toward a nearby spring. It was meant to be a harmless outing — Elia had warned them with a sharp glare not to "get into trouble again." Oberyn had just grinned.
"I swear, the fish there are massive," Oberyn bragged, carrying his spear lazily over one shoulder. "If I land one, you two can watch in awe."
Ashara rolled her eyes. "Maybe it'll knock you out and we'll finally get some peace."
Mars grinned.He liked these moments.Only Sage had to chime in.
[Emotional harmony detected. Group bond: stable. Pleasant.]
"At least one of us is enjoying this," Mars muttered.
"Hm?" Ashara glanced at him.
"Nothing. Talking to the water."
The laughter died instantly as three men stepped out from behind a bend in the road. Dusty, scarred faces. Swords at their belts. No sigil, no banners — just the crooked smirks of men who knew no one would come to help.
"Well, look what we have here," growled the biggest.
Oberyn stepped forward immediately. "Piss off, rats, or you'll taste my spear."
The man just laughed. "Three kids, no guards. A pretty girl too…"
Mars' skin prickled.[Threat detected. Combat protocol recommended.]
"No time for lectures, Sage."
Ashara took a step back, her face pale.
"Oberyn…," Mars whispered.
But Oberyn was already charging the big one, his spear a blur of polished steel. He drove it deep into the man's thigh, dropping him with a howl.
The other two lunged forward.
Mars felt the rush in his head — like a storm. Water lifted from the air, from a puddle by the path, gathering at his fingertips.
"Stay away from her!" he shouted — and a lash of water cracked from his hand, slamming one man in the chest, flinging him backward.
[Magic usage: Water Lash. Effectiveness: confirmed.]
The last bandit hesitated — then bolted toward Ashara.
And then it happened.
A sudden gust of wind, sharp and unexpected, kicked sand and dust into the man's face. He staggered, blinking — just enough for Oberyn to step in, spear-point against the man's throat.
"Try it again," Oberyn growled, "and you'll be spitting your own teeth."
The man dropped his sword and ran.
Silence. Only their ragged breathing and the rush of the river.
Mars turned to Ashara. Her hair fluttered slightly though the wind had stilled. Her eyes wide — with fear… and something else.
"Did you…?" Mars began.
Ashara shook her head, breathing hard. "I… don't know."
[Latent magical activity confirmed. Element: Air. Subject: Ashara Dayne.]
"Noted, Sage."
Oberyn spat on the ground. "Damn cowards. I said I'd find a fat fish — but this was better."
Mars huffed a laugh.
They'd survived. But it was the first time Mars had truly used his magic in a fight.And the first time Ashara's hidden gift had stirred.
Something was changing.
And they all felt it.