The earliest Storm wizards lashed at the sky, bringing the wind and rain under their control. Since those cycles, it feels like it lives in fear of the beings below. There are very few times throughout the year where rain appears unprompted over Korodon. Whenever they need it, it answers their call. But there are still times where it fights back against the beings that brought it to its knees.
One such rainstorm is almost upon the island. The dark clouds roll across the bright blue sky ominously, thunder rumbling in the distance. Beings below scramble to finish whatever tasks they can before the clouds are upon them, unprepared for the unexpected event. Even after all this time, they continue to fear the untamed sky.
Samuel stands out in the garden, watching the approach. He’s seen many storms before, both conjured and natural, but this is the largest he’s seen thus far. Horizon to horizon, the clouds stretch. Its low growls boom, making his body shake along with it. Flashes of lightning weave their way through the dark mist, sometimes striking the ocean below in fits of anger. The wind batters his face, a harsh gale on which the storm will be delivered on.
It’s looking to be a powerful storm indeed.
“Samuel,” Devin speaks, appearing at his side, “we should head in before the storm comes.”
“Soon,” he replies. Devin casts him a slight glare. This storm must be making him nervous. Rightfully so, with its anger being so palpable.
But then he’d miss his favorite part of these storms. Even knowing the danger that looms ahead, it must first build up to its crescendo.
Plop, a drop lands on the back of his hand. He feels the cool water slowly slide down his hand, curling around his middle fingers before finally dropping to the ground below. The clouds are just barely starting to reach the castle.
“You can go inside if you’d like,” he tells his friend.
“And leave you behind?” Devin huffs. He folds his arms, though still shifts his weight uncomfortably.
“I thought you didn’t like the rain,” Samuel comments, finally turning to him.
Devin stares at the storm with a look of disdain. “Not like this.”
Plop, another drop strikes Samuel, this time catching in his hair, making his head tingle. Devin must have gotten a drop on him, too, for he sighs and brushes his sleeve.
Samuel brings his attention back to the oncoming clouds. They’re much closer this time, the bright light of the cycle growing dimmer as the storm seeks to envelop the island.
Thunder claps nearby as a slight drizzle begins to lightly pelt the two wizards. The wind rushes up in bursts, directing the drops onto their faces. With a groan, Devin pulls the hood of his robe lower and turns away from the oncoming rain.
Samuel, on the other hand, spreads his arms wide to welcome the storm, feeling the drops roll gracefully from his skin. This is his favorite part of these storms, the soft rain before it becomes an unfettered torrent. The air is so crisp and clear, the water cool and refreshing.
Devin finally pulls at Samuel’s shirt. “Let’s go.”
With a small sigh of reluctance, Samuel turns away from the ocean far below and the clouds high above, the two making a speedy return to the sanctuary of their home. The flowers and bushes that they pass sparkle in what little light remains from the sky above as the rain rolls from their leaves and petals. The walking path stones, however, have become slick underfoot, threatening to make any careless being slip. All the while, the rain picks up in intensity, falling faster and thicker with each step.
Devin keeps his body hunched and his head lowered, as if trying to hide from the falling water. Samuel’s hair is starting to fall and stick to the sides of his face. Behind them, bright light flashes, followed by a roar of anger from the sky.
The two are left standing in small puddles when they get inside. Devin grumbles to himself as he shifts in his robe that now hangs from his frame in a mostly soaked mess. The backside of Samuel’s clothes cling to his body, whereas the frontside remains lightly coated by the rain. His hair, however, and the rest of his body, drips with cold water.
The rain lashes against the stone walls of the castle, its mute drone filling the otherwise quiet halls. The thunder rumbles overhead, as if threatening to rip the castle open to continue raining down on the royal.
“I’m going to go change,” Devin announces with a huff. He looks to Samuel briefly and inquires, “Do you want a towel?”
“Yes,” Samuel nods, closing his eyes. “I’ll be here.”
He hears Devin slowly shuffle away, his wet shoes flopping across the stone. But his presence quickly fades, leaving behind the sound of the rain outside. If it were up to him, he would stand out there through it all. Devin might fear the lightning, but not him.
A storm is the perfect place for him to be.
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