Chapter 89: The Quiet Bond
The days in Asgard had become a quiet rhythm, the passing seasons marked by the growing strength of the young mage Volundr had taken an interest in.
Rossweisse had not yet realized how much she had changed in such a short time, but Volundr had seen it clearly.
Each day, with each lesson, she was becoming something more—a warrior in the making, someone destined for greater things, though she remained unaware of the full extent of her potential.
Volundr continued to mentor her, providing her with insights into magic, strategy, and combat.
He was a subtle presence, guiding her through the intricacies of rune-style magic, teaching her the foundation of defensive spells, and slowly refining her combat techniques.
While Rossweisse struggled to grasp some aspects of Siez-style magic, she had begun to excel in areas that others in her family hadn't paid attention to—defensive, support, and even offensive magic. These were the areas where she would eventually shine, though she still had a long way to go.
They spent hours together in quiet training sessions, Volundr watching her movements with a keen eye, offering suggestions when necessary, but always allowing her the space to find her own solutions. His approach was patient, not rushing her or pushing her beyond what she was ready for.
It was not the power of her magic that Volundr valued most, but the quiet growth he witnessed in her mind—how she began to think beyond spells and power, focusing more on tactics, strategy, and the value of supporting allies.
Rossweisse, though still young and uncertain of many things, began to look to him more and more for guidance.
She had always been surrounded by those who treated her as a noble, someone who was expected to excel because of her bloodline, but Volundr had treated her differently.
He wasn't just another instructor; he was someone who genuinely believed in her potential, even when she doubted herself. His quiet belief in her was something she couldn't ignore.
At times, she would catch herself wondering why Volundr had taken such an interest in her. He had no need to help her, no obligation.
Yet, he was there, offering advice when needed, his subtle encouragement making a world of difference. Though she didn't fully understand his reasons, there was a warmth to his presence that made her feel supported in ways she hadn't experienced before.
She was beginning to see him as more than just a mentor—he had become a figure she trusted, someone she could rely on.
But Volundr knew that Rossweisse's true growth was still in its infancy. He could see beyond her current struggles and understand the vast potential that lay dormant within her.
To others, she might have seemed just another noble child, struggling to keep up with the legacy of her family, but Volundr knew better.
She was a future cornerstone of his peerage, a piece that would one day command the battlefield, balancing offense, defense, and support in ways that others couldn't even begin to fathom.
Her magic was becoming more refined with each passing day. The magic that had once been erratic and difficult for her to control was now fluid, precise, and purposeful.
Her defensive spells, in particular, were growing stronger, and Volundr could see the traces of a powerful and versatile Rook forming before him.
He couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction. He had always known her potential, and now, she was beginning to realize it too—though not yet fully.
For Volundr, it was a time of patience. His quiet support, his subtle mentorship, were just steps along a long journey.
He knew that the true test of Rossweisse's abilities would come in time. But the most important part of that journey—gaining her trust and preparing her for the future—was already underway.
Volundr kept his intentions close to his chest. No one in Asgard, not even Rossweisse herself, knew the full extent of what he saw in her. To them, she was simply a talented young mage, struggling to find her place.
But to Volundr, she was far more than that. She was the future Rook of his peerage, someone who would play an integral role in the battles to come.
The moment to recruit her was still years away. She was still too young, her magic not yet fully developed, and there were many obstacles for her to overcome.
But Volundr was in no hurry. The longer he spent with her, the more he understood that some things, like trust and true strength, couldn't be rushed.
And when the time came, when Rossweisse had fully matured into the mage he knew she could be, he would be there to offer her a place at his side—not as a child, but as a warrior, ready to stand as his Rook.
For now, he continued to watch over her, guiding her through each obstacle, slowly building a bond of trust that would carry them both into the future. The journey was long, but Volundr had never been one to fear time.