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He then stabbed quickly at Volar's belly with his wooden practice sword. Volar struck the wooden blade downward, and out to the right.

'Great job, Volar.' Rou said excitedly. 'See how that leaves my side open? You can get a quick kill on many enemies if you are fast and can get the opening right.' Volar filed that thought in his mind for later. Overconfidence came all the time from people who thought that because he was not tall, he was unable to fight. But he learned new tricks everyday. They'll be so surprised.'-

Up and down the axe went. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. The pile of wood next to him was getting larger. Up, down, lift, and set. The rhythm was second nature now. Volar paused a few moments to take his jacket off, despite the chill. He then chopped again, remembering.

-'Now be careful when using Fire Element.' his mother told him. 'Especially when using it for body Augmentation.' She pointed to a small piece of metal on a table in the corner and her eyes narrowed in concentration. The metal turned orange briefly as Volar felt a tickle behind his eyes. "Fire is chaotic and can be difficult to control. Always be careful when using Fire.'

'I feel something, mom.' Volar said excitedly.

'It is because you have a natural affinity for the Elements.' She replied. 'Where do you feel it?'

'Behind my eyes.'

'Then this is you primary strength.' she said. 'Different elements are felt in different parts of the body, but the one we are mostly tuned to will always be at the back of your eyes. I feel Air element in such a way. Your father feels Spirit element there.'

'Where else will I feel it?' he asked her.

'It is different for everyone. Sensitivity varies too.' she replied. 'I feel Fire in my chest and Spirit on the top of my head, but not Earth or Water much at all. It is because the Elements are a part of us, connected to our bodies. If you feel a certain element in your arm and then lose that arm, your ability with that particular element will at least be diminished if not gone completely.'

'Why must I be so careful with Fire for Augmentation?' Volar asked.

'That tiny bit of Fire that tickled your eyes could burst your heart if you are not careful. I have been told that being in the presence of enough elemental Fire can cause pain to those highly attuned to it.'

'Do the feelings differ too?'

'In fact, they do but I have learned they are similar. Not exactly the same, but similar.'-

Volar paused to wipe sweat from his forehead and left his reverie. He hated doing this kind of work when he was younger, but now he was well muscled and conditioned. While the work was not very fun, at least he was healthy and stronger than any kid of thirteen summers in Kados.

A breeze blew across the pond, carrying with it a winter chill even with his muscles being loose and warm. It also carried an odor different than anything he ever smelled before. He was sure it was something alive, but he could not place it. It smelled like the spring rains, but with the tinge of fur that made the normally pleasant smell of rain irritable.