[Cerius]

The ground was charred and black, but still the elf persisted. More than a few travellers had come to investigate the stream of light coming from the heavens as though something was present that Ioannes himself had taken an interest in, only to find an elven thaumaturgist beating the ground to a charred pulp. The radius of the spell was now some good ten or fifteen feet, giving the elf an impressive area of effect that he would no doubt use quite often in the coming days. His lessons with Sir Valaren were helpful as well. In many ways, the study of theology with the aging Knight was calming the elf down after the magically induced mental illness that had turned him to the Aeternian path long enough to turn the tide of the war. He still had the necromancer to blame for that, manipulating the spells on Cerius to crush the elf's will. The list of targets Cerius had was growing longer, to the point where the elf was closer to a bounty hunter than a paladin.

"I think the ground has had enough of your torture, Cerius," a voice came from behind him. The young female who had taught him the spell, although how she managed to sneak up on the elf was a mystery.

"The ground will heal in time," the elf replied. "Better the ground than any other target."

Alma nodded, accepting the point even if there were countless other solutions that did not involve hurting things or blackening patches of ground. She had met enough paladins to hold at least a mild disregard for the profession, and of all the paladins she had ever met, Cerius was one of the most extreme. He was also the most infallible, she knew. Behind his hard exterior, there lay a heart of gold, beating with the heavens themselves and ready to do anything for that cause. That was what made him such a strong thaumaturgist, that dedication to the exclusion of all else.

"I don't want you practising before a lesson again, Cerius. Ever. That kind of strain can burn out your mind and permanently impact your ability to cast." Alma did not mean to sound so harsh, but the words came out that way regardless. "Go home for today, and come back in a cycle. You're a Master, you should know better than to push yourself beyond the limit, especially in the training situation."

Cerius did not bother arguing. He had made a mistake, and he would face the consequences.