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Amit met Dorian the first day of the school year in the common room. He was so happy not only with how fascinated he was with astronomy, but the way he talked about the stars. He was so animated talking about star charts and naming constellations. They even went to explore to find astronomy tables together, Dorian reassuring him at every hesitation. He was so kind, and bright, and he shone like he was a star himself.
So why was today different?
Amit was so excited when he learned they were going to explore a goblin mine. He had been wanting to see one for ages. He just wasn’t expecting it to be so… high stakes. What was even more unexpected was how swiftly and precisely his softhearted friend dealt with Ranrok’s loyalists. And apparently, he had encounters like this before? All the time? He had heard of Dorian’s dueling skills, but rumors could never live up to the actual thing. If he were to be honest, it was a bit unnerving.
“Can we talk about what just happened?”
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“It was. It really was. I’m afraid I’ve had enough adventure for one day. For a lifetime, perhaps. But enough about me. I wanted to ask if you were doing okay.”
Dorian smiled. “Don’t worry. I don’t have a scratch on me.”
“I am happy that we’re both unharmed, but that isn’t what I meant.” He hesitantly said, “You didn’t seem yourself back there.”
He gave Amit a confused look. “I don’t follow.”
“How do I put this? For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always seemed so,” he thought for a moment to find the right word, “gentle. Not that I think you can’t defend yourself. I heard that you’re the Crosswands Dueling Champion. Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thank you.”
He hesitated to say his next words. “But I’ve never seen anyone duel like that before. Right before we reached the final room we were caught by goblins and during the fight, without reciting any spells, you slammed a goblin ranger into the ground over and over again. It felt out of character for you. So, are you doing alright?”
After Amit finished, Dorian looked concerned. “I- It-” he sighed, trying to piece his words together, “I didn’t realize you had noticed that. Can you keep a secret?”
“Um, yes,” he said, suddenly feeling apprehensive.
Dorian held his hands. “Promise me? More people already know about this secret than I would like, but I trust you.”
When he looked into Dorian’s blue eyes, he saw desperation and felt a wave of trust wash over him. “I promise you. This will definitely be kept a secret between us.”
Dorian let out a breath of relief. “Thank you. So, that was me using magic, but I didn’t really decide what happened.” He must have seen the confused look on Amit’s face. “Let me explain. I have a rare ability that allows me to see traces of ancient magic. Not just see it, I can sense it in other ways too,” he looked down at his own palms and slowly closed them. “It has a unique sound and feeling. I haven’t figured out how to manipulate it, but I know I can use it to attack if it comes down to it.”
“Is it always the same?”
“Well, no. The thing is I can choose the target and when it happens, but I don’t choose what ends up happening. I just feel it and the magic does whatever it wants. Sometimes I pull lightning down from the sky. Other times I end up vaporizing giant spiders. One time I transfigured a poacher into a chicken.”
“A chicken?”
“I know it’s a lot to take in. I am grateful though.” Dorian pulled his arms around Amit’s shoulders in a quick hug. “Thank you, Amit. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Dorian reluctantly pulled himself away. “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a word with Lodgok.”
Amit can’t say that he wasn’t curious, but he knew it was most likely more secrets that Dorian was unwilling to discuss. "Understood. I’ll leave you to it. Your goblin and magic secrets are safe with me, but I get to write the book about this escapade someday.”
Dorian smiled and Amit realized how much he missed seeing it every day. With Dorian going off on secret adventures and helping wherever he could, he was hardly ever seen in the common room anymore.
“I can’t wait to read it.”
“Without further ado, adieu.”
As they both walked in separate directions Amit cast one last glance back. Dorian may be an enigma, but with good reason and today Amit could say he was glad that he knew a little bit more about him.