Jane walked down stares after everything was put away "Thank you Ane, Naia." she looked around "where's Cass?"
Anecus answered "she went outside for some air"
Jane gave a look sensing there was a reason to that..."well go get her we need to get class started."
Sitting cross legged the trio was adamantly paying attention. Jane across from them her hair was loose today like liquid silver streamer down her shoulder. Cassia and Naia had the same thought, 'beautiful...'
"Last time" she began voice steady but warm "we explored the first three Pillars. Vector, Conduits, and Contractors." She let the words hang a moment, her gaze lingering on each child. "Each of you has already have had time to see examples and become familiar."
Cassia was the first to perk up, stylus poised and notebook open. "Today we finish the rest right?"
Jane gave a small nod. "Yes. Let's complete the picture."
She moved to large piece of paper with the sigils sketched on them "This is the sigil for Enhancers." the symbol was a coiled spiral about to spring from compressed tension.
"Enhancers don't command elements they don't shift space or summon spirits. Instead they amplify. Their own bodies, their minds and reflexes. some even specialize in memory enhancing."
Naia referencing her father asked "So, they're physical?"
"Not always, mental enhancement is rare but very real. Some Enhancers are strong enough to wrestle beasts, some can even exert their amplification outward to other objects like swords or plants becoming great support roles.
Others are scholars who can remember a book after reading it once. In fact" she leaned slightly "some of the most powerful minds in the Eternal Archive are Enhancers who never learned to throw a single punch."
Cassia frowned. "sounds...kind of boring?"
Anecus smirked. "Until they outsmart you."
"Exactly, enhancers often appear unimpressive to the untrained eye, but those are the very same people who are four moves behind."
Jane stepped back pointing to the final sigil that looked like a broken ring.
"Finally this is temporal, the only one that can't be used by us humans."
Anecus raised a hand "You've never met someone who has experienced it?"
Jane "It exists naturally seen in rare creature or environments of ancient places. I have seen the after effects of someone falling who fell into chasm of a looping sequence."
Naia asked in a quiet voice "What happened to them."
Jane let out a sigh, shedding off some unwanted memories, "What happened to them was to a point, that it was deemed more humane to put them down."
Naia and Cassia exchanged glances. Anecus's gaze dropped to the mark on his palm.
Jane pulled them back with a clap "Good that covers the five Pillars lets tie them into history now..." The rest of the day lesson went quickly Naia and Anecus absorbed into the history of the Accursed and legendary figures.
After the lesson Anecus asked "So what are we doing for Naia's birthday?"
All three of the girls even Naia seemed to only remember just now that Naia's birthday was...tomorrow!
Naia quickly looked away "I...I don't want anything big ok. just a quiet gathering at your house will be fine."
Jane nodded "that should be fine, I'll let your parents know."
One Day Later
Inside the house Jane kneads dough as Cassia and Naia argue over the best shape for sweetbread. The air was filled with flour, warmth, and laughter.
Anecus looked at the two happy to see whatever was building seemed to have settled for now.
Cassia "Stars taste better when you shape them right!"
Naia "That's not how taste works is it?"
Jane smiling faintly "Maybe not but there something about a well shaped desserts that brings an extra level of satisfaction. Especially if they are made as a gift. "
They both pause, Cassia sneaks a glance at Naia. Naia quietly shapes another star.
A soft evening around the hearth was all they wanted, in addition to a small cake crudely shaped but full of love that sits on the table. Naia wears a crooked crown of daisies. Anecus and Cassia flank her, both smiling.
Cassia "you're catching up shortie."
Anecus help a laugh "you are one to talk mis 5'0"
Naia just giggled and took in her presence her two favorite people.
Jane and Amara both placed a hand on her shoulder "And we're all proud of you, my sweet."
Naia "Thank you everyone."
They may have their rivalry at times and may even argue, but what family doesn't? As long as they let those around them know they are loved it can make the difference.