Swordsman School of Training, meeting room, hours after the duel.
"I am firmly convinced he possesses the potential…"
Garrick interlocked his fingers on the table, his gauntlet glistening in the lantern light at the table's center.
"He has the potential to join our ranks as a captain."
Thorne pulled at his beard.
"If today's duel told me anything—his fire needs kindling."
Seraphina chuckled behind her palm.
"Dios mío, he dances well. I haven't had this much fun since that day with you." She gestured at Garrick.
A young man's snicker turned the heads of all three toward him.
"You claim you have not experienced amusement in quite some time."
His diamond armor glistened, the captains' faces reflecting from its polished surface.
"Pray tell, what sort of dull and uninspired combat you practice? To call it 'entertaining' only after a student duel is, quite frankly, pathetic."
Before Garrick's rebuttal could escape him,CRASH!Thorne slammed the table and stood up.
"Speak respectfully, boy! I'm appalled you're among our ranks. You lack even an ember within you!"
The young man's snicker transitioned into a cackle.
"Don't talk to me about your flames… For only the cold… can douse them."
Ice crystals glistened on the lantern as an icy mist released from his sword's hilt. The lantern flame flickered, then died out, leaving a trail of smoke.
* * *
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