Warm dawn light streams through half-opened curtains right onto Callum's closed eyes. They slowly blink open and he yawns, rubbing his eyes and pulling himself up from his bed's warm embrace before sleepily staring out the window. His room has a perfect view of the backyard, but what he sees is unexpected. Normally his mom would be in the yard hanging laundry at this time of the morning, but there must be something keeping her busy today since the trees are doing it. Long serpentine roots slither around the field, setting up clotheslines, and clumsily hanging damp clothes.
'Today's the day isn't it.' Callum thinks to himself as a root fumbles a shirt and another barely manages to catch it before it hits the ground. 'I'm not going to be back here for a while huh. I guess that didn't really sink in until right now.' He rests his head on his hands while the root that caught the shirt seems to scold the one that dropped it. 'Mom has taken me to the city a few times before, but this will be the first time I don't come back home before the day is up… It's a little frightening.' Just about two years ago, Linnea proposed that he should attend a University in Rain City, specifically GFA since she has a few connections there. She'd taught him plenty enough over the years to get by in the city without issue, but living there was another beast entirely.
"Cal I know you're perfectly comfortable on your own, but being a part of society for at least a little while and making a few friends is essential for your future. Plus you can train in a much better environment than you can up here." She had said with enough purpose to make him think that she had been planning this for quite a while. Callum had accepted it up front since it was a ways off and he'd thought it would be interesting, but now with it hours away his nerves are getting the better of him. Exactly what he didn't want to happen yesterday.
'She said it was "founded a while ago by an old friend of hers." Vague as ever.' He chuckles to himself to ease the butterflies in his stomach, and steps out of bed towards a small pile of clothes on his desk. He prepared a little bit before passing out last night, but he also has a distinct feeling that he isn't bringing enough… stuff. Maybe it's because this is such a big event and change, or he just doesn't have very many things, or a mixture of both. Regardless, the knot in his stomach isn't going away anytime soon.
As if on cue, Linnea's voice cuts through his nerves from downstairs.
"Cal I can hear you shifting around up there, come down and say hello to your uncle!"
"Your ears are as good as ever aren't they Lin, I couldn't hear a thing." Another voice follows along behind hers, much quieter but still barely audible.
"No, yours are just getting worse with age."
"Oho, I don't want to hear that from you of all people."
"At least I don't look decrepit."
"I think you mean classy."
"Who taught you to be sassy, old man?"
"At the time she was a woman more than ten times my age…"
"Why you little…!"
Their banter continues as Callum throws on the clothes he prepared. Nothing special, just a long-sleeved shirt and jeans that weren't stained by grass and dirt. He didn't think it'd be a good idea to go out into the city looking unkempt. His eyes pass the collection of wooden practice weapons in the corner of the room, and he regrets that he won't get to train this morning. Quickly dressed, he makes his way downstairs to meet this supposed "uncle".
Meanwhile, Linnea and a peculiar looking older gentleman converse in the living room.
"Leaving aside my apparent age; how are things in the valley?" The older man's expression quickly grows serious, and Linnea's shifts to match.
"You know the North has never been a problem, that's why I can handle it by myself. Did something happen?" Linnea answers reassuringly and the older man's expression softens. He lets out a sigh before continuing.
"You could say that. The Recluse Faerghus in the far South has begun migrating for the first time in a century, and it's making all the beasts restless. The Southern Border has been on high alert recently, but nothing has happened yet. I was worried something might have happened up here." The older man gives her a look that says it's not a big deal, but concern covers her face.
"I know everyone down there is capable, but I can make a trip if you need me to-"
"No you should stay here, no matter what comes they can handle it." The older man cuts her off. "They'll be fine." Linnea isn't completely reassured but knows better than to press for more information. She trusts that if it was a big deal he wouldn't withhold anything from her. As she is about to change the subject, she hears Callum taking measured steps down the stairs.
"Cal just come down, you've met him before." The steps stop briefly, then start again with much less caution. The older man smiles and takes a more dignified posture on the sofa. Callum rounds the corner into the living room and stands awkwardly in the entryway.
"Why are you so nervous? Come sit and say hi to your Uncle Valor." Linnea beckons him over. He quickly takes a seat beside her and turns towards the older man, "Uncle Valor".
Callum isn't exactly nervous, just surprised. "Uncle Valor" is someone he remembers, at least vaguely. When Callum was still small Linnea had lots of people over, possibly to discuss the "valley" that Linnea is guarding up here in the mountains. In reality Linnea was trying to get advice on how to raise a child, but Callum doesn't need to know that.
Uncle Valor is someone he has seen multiple times, though not within the last 10 years. His appearance is a little bit jarring at first glance, even to those who've met him before. He is a man standing at an above average height and build, and his face isn't very marked with age compared to what you might expect from someone who was being teased for being "decrepit" just moments earlier. He holds an ornately carved cane in front of him, and is wearing a black three-piece suit with intricate red embroidery. As he said, he does look very classy. The only things that would realistically catch you off guard, also happen to be his most distinct features. His skin is bright red, while his hair and eyes are a just slightly darker shade of red, he also has large and distinct black horns pointed straight up out of his head. He is a Devil.
Once Callum finishes taking in his uncle's appearance, he greets him kindly.
"Hi Uncle Valor, it's nice seeing you again after all these years." Linnea snickers at his tone.
"Oh you don't need to be so formal Callum, I've known you since you were barely taller than my knee and it would be uncomfortable if you acted like I was unfamiliar." Valor chuckles and Linnea nods in approval, joy at this awkward conversation evident on her face.
"Ok… I assume you're mom's "connection" at the Academy?" Callum questions, ignoring his mother's stifled laughter.
"Yes, I'll be taking you to the city where you'll catch a train, and I'll be your sponsor at GFA." Valor tells him something entirely new.
"What does that mean?" Callum's eyes light up with interest.
"I can explain." Linnea interjects and Callum's gaze tiredly shifts to her, becoming serious upon seeing her own serious expression. "Transfer students without an exceptional record trying to go to GFA need a sponsorship from someone the School Board recognizes. Whether that means they're rich or powerful it doesn't matter, they just need to be important enough that they can vouch for you." She continues, "Uncle Valor here happens to fit the bill perfectly, and he was willing to be your sponsor. Of course if you don't perform, the Academy might kick you out, but I'm certain you'll be fine once you've got your foot in the door."
Callum processes that for a moment, and then nods, turning back to Valor with a newfound appreciation in his eyes.
"I didn't realize it was that serious, thank you for this opportunity." All the anxiety he had been feeling disappeared into thin air, replaced by gratitude and a sense of responsibility. Doing it for himself was one thing, but performing because he wants to repay someone's kindness isn't difficult at all.
"Oh no need to look at me like that, I'm benefiting from this just as much as you are. Plus this is no issue for me in the first place." He smiles benevolently and Linnea snorts, barely holding back a laugh.
A moment of silence passes as Linnea coughs and collects herself.
"Anyway, Cal, why don't you finish getting packed. You don't need much, they provide a lot at the dorms, right Valor?"
"Yes, you'll have all you need there, but most students prefer to have casual clothes on hand. You'll also be in a rather special situation." Valor nods and winks. Callum doesn't understand but chooses not to dwell on it, surely it will be explained later.
Callum stands and nods to Valor, before speed-walking back to his room to get ready.
"He's still not very talkative." Valor says, just as Callum disappears up the stairs.
"You'd think that, until we spar and he won't stop." Linnea leans back in her seat and sighs. Valor looks at her with curiosity clearly showing in his eyes.
"Is he really so great that you'd willingly spar with him? You've never been great at holding back."
"Hey I've gotten better!" Linnea snaps. "But yes… He's strong, stronger than any of us at that age."
"None of us knew each other that early." Valor corrects her.
"You get what I mean." Linnea looks at him solemnly and Valor realizes how serious she is.
"Well then he'll fit in just fine, there are a lot of exceptional kids in this generation." Valor reassures her and she smiles.
"Take care of him, Val."
"You know I will."
Linnea and Valor continue to chat as Callum finishes packing and returns downstairs.
"Ready?" Valor rises from the couch as Callum reenters the living room with his luggage. He nods and Valor turns to leave, gesturing for him to follow. Linnea is close behind.
Somehow Callum hadn't noticed it, but parked just outside the house is a sleek black sedan, perfectly matching Valor's suit. Although the windows are tinted, Callum has an idea of how the inside will look, or the color scheme at the very least. Before he can step off the porch, his mom stops him.
"You go ahead Val, I need to give him something. It won't take long."
Valor smiles and nods, taking Callum's luggage and continuing towards his car. Linnea lightly stomps and the porch cracks beneath their feet. It folds and shifts as a wooden tendril grasping a wrapped object extends out towards Callum. As he receives the object, the tendril quickly recedes back under the porch and the hole closes almost as fast, leaving no sign of ever having been there. The blue floral print fabric isn't new to him and the suspicious sword shape is just as familiar. Linnea studies his expression with a serious look.
"You don't need to give this to me mom." Callum tears his eyes away from the sword(?) and makes eye contact with his mother.
"..." Linnea doesn't say anything, staring right back with a smile.
"I can do it with any old stick, you don't need to give this to me." Callum begins carefully unwrapping the sword(?), and Linnea quickly stops him.
"You do need it Cal, trust me. And don't bring it out in front of Valor, he'll freak out." She gestures toward the devil leaning on his car with a blank look on his face. "You also forgot to meditate last night, you know how impactful it is." She takes the sword(?) from Callum and quickly fixes the wrapping before handing it back. "Especially with this. I know you "can do it with any old stick", but I don't need it and you do, so take it." She smiles before pulling him into a hug.
"Let's leave it at that. Now don't keep your Uncle waiting, I can tell he's getting restless." Linnea releases Callum and looks over at Valor who seems to be fidgeting with his cane.
"...Alright." While he still has some reservations, Callum realizes she's not going to let him leave without her "gift". The nerves have returned in full force. He's not going to be back here for at least a few months, if not much longer. Pretending he doesn't feel nauseous, he starts toward Valor's car as Linnea completely shifts into concerned mother mode.
"Listen to your Uncle, he's much smarter than he seems! He's also extremely trustworthy, so go to him if you have any problems at all!" She shouts from the porch.
"It's nice to finally be recognized, are you ready?" Valor stops fidgeting and smiles at Callum.
"Yeah I'm ready." Callum turns back to his mother. "Love you mom."
"I love you too kid, see you whenever!" She grins widely and waves.
"See you whenever." Callum forces a smile and waves before ducking into the car.
As Valor and Callum drive off, Linnea sighs deeply. "Haaaah… It's rough." She watches the car disappear down the mountain path before heading back inside the house. "It's gonna be quiet for a while." She sits down on the couch. "I hope he makes some friends." She tilts her head back and stares at the ceiling with a blank look for a moment, before her face brightens and she laughs. "I hope he brings back a girlfriend!" She continues chuckling to herself before sighing again. "I'm so worried… I hope Val doesn't teach him anything strange… I should get in touch with Hana."
a."