The journey to Snežni Nordtop was an ordeal of epic proportions. Fierce snowstorms howled around them, each flake carrying the bitter fury of a thousand scorching spirits, while the relentless wind cared little about rank or magical ability—its icy lash struck every exposed face without prejudice.
"If this mountain gets any steeper," Feredis grumbled, his voice nearly lost in the gale as he tumbled for the third time in ten minutes, "I swear I'm going to cast a spell to upend gravity."
"You already tried that," Hoki murmured, his tone dry and exasperated. "You tripped over your own spell circle."
"It was icy!" Feredis retorted, cheeks burning with both cold and embarrassment.
"It was drawn wrong," Hoki replied, his words cutting through the biting wind.
Yet even amid the torment, laughter clung to them like a protective ward against the cold. With every determined step upward, their spirits swelled—especially with Mei-Ling leading, her face calm and radiating a quiet confidence. Jingfei's letter had been the spark that ignited their hope; Mei-Ling had become the steady flame guiding them through the treacherous elements.
The winding path ascended through ever-deepening layers of glistening snow, their breath painting delicate wisps in the crisp mountain air. Then, as the morning sun spilled over the ridge in golden torrents, the majestic Monastery of Wizardry emerged before them. Its spires pierced the heavens like frozen notes in an ancient song, artfully carved into the mountain's icy façade as if crowned by frost. Deep-set runes etched into the glacier flickered with a soft, ethereal blue light, their magic humming in low, ancient harmonies with the whispering wind.
Before they could even knock, the imposing gates swung open, revealing a tall figure draped in robes of frost.
"I was wondering when the mountain would whisper your name again," intoned Grand Master Vedran Frostbinder, his voice a low rumble as his breath turned to mist in the frigid air. His sharp, pale eyes searched the group until they rested gently on Mei-Ling, softening with an unmistakable note of warmth. "It's been far too long."
As Mei-Ling lowered her hood, a blossoming warmth lit her smile. "Vedran. It's truly good to see you again."
He nodded once, his otherwise inscrutable expression revealing a rare flicker of relief. "You disappeared for a time. We all thought... well, you always had a uncanny way of returning when the world needed you the most."
Stepping forward, she clasped his hands gently. "I never forgot."
"Come," Vedran said, clearing his throat, "all of you. The cold is no ally, even for the most resilient among us."
Inside the sprawling monastery, warmth greeted them like the embrace of an old friend. Floating braziers cast a soft, dancing glow over the ornate halls, while ancient scrolls fluttered purposefully through the air and intricately carved tea trays drifted along glowing platforms. Feredis spun slowly in wide-eyed wonder.
"This place... it's insane," he whispered in awe, his voice barely audible above the soft hum of magic. "Insanely perfect."
Vedran arched a single pale eyebrow in amusement. "And who is this excitable one?"
"Feredis," Hoki said deadpan, his tone carrying equal parts affection and exasperation. "Our resident magical disaster incarnate."
"Hey!" Feredis protested, though a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Storm-touched, I see," Vedran mused thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Perhaps the mountain itself summoned you in its mysterious way."
Later that night, after hearty meals to thaw frostbitten bones and soft beds that promised restorative sleep, Feredis found his moment of earnest inquiry. With a mixture of reverence and jittery nerves, he approached Vedran.
"Master Vedran," he began hesitantly, "I—I want to train here. If you would have me."
With a piercing gaze that measured his very soul, Vedran replied, "The mountain is highly selective. However, I sense a raging storm within you. Should you triumph over the trial set before you, you may truly belong here."
"And what trial would that be?" Feredis asked, his voice trembling with anticipation.
"You shall know tomorrow. Now, rest well."
The following morning, anticipation glowed within the frost-encrusted chamber known as the Frost Chamber.
Feredis stood at its heart, surrounded by swirling illusions, intricate arcane constructs, enigmatic riddles carved in frost, and ephemeral spirits laced with winter's chill. One by one, he met each challenge with breathtaking precision—taming the howling winds into obedient spirals, transforming searing fire into delicate, twisting filaments, and even capturing a jagged bolt of lightning in his bare hand before flinging it through a shimmering arc of crystalline energy.
Observers, hidden behind panes of enchanted glass, watched in collective disbelief as jaws fell one by one at his performance.
He had not merely passed the trial with flying colors; he had ignited the room with an awe-inspiring display that blended flame, frost, and an unmistakable signature of brilliance.
Later, as the echoes of his performance faded, Vedran approached with his hands lightly clasped behind his back. "You belong here. The mountain itself has spoken in your favor."
Feredis' expression lit up with a radiant smile, though it waned as his eyes drifted to the open gates, where Hoki stood silently, arms folded, his gaze filled with concern.
"I'll stay," Feredis declared softly, "but only after I know that Hoki and the others are safe."
Stepping forward with delicate resolve, Mei-Ling's voice soothed the crisp air. "We will, Feredis. This is your moment. Don't allow us to be the reason you falter."
Hoki nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching with a faint smile. "We'll send word as soon as we can. And I promise—I'll be back. Someone must keep an eye on you to ensure you're not charming the monastery's furniture away."
Feredis grinned broadly. "Really? You'll come back?"
Drawing near with gentle assurance, she replied in a softer tone, "Of course I will."
They lingered in a silence laden with unspoken promises for one moment too long.
"Do we... hug now? Or is that too—" Feredis began, his tone tentative.
Before he could finish, she stepped in, wrapping him in a tight embrace. "Just try not to set anything on fire while I'm away," she whispered with playful caution.
"Only if you promise not to fall off any mountains," he retorted, his voice brightening.
Their farewell was a silent covenant, heavy with meaning far beyond words. As Mei-Ling and the others melted into the snowy distance, their footsteps a delicate crunch on fresh snow, Feredis watched them until the swirling mist swallowed their figures whole.
Then, turning back toward the warmly glowing halls of the monastery, he exhaled a deliberate, steady breath and grinned at the future.
"Alright, magical destiny," he muttered, rolling up his sleeves with renewed determination. "Let's get to work."
And perhaps... just perhaps... conjure a love charm.
Just for Hoki.