Rek at your side, you cross the city toward the Water Mages' training grounds. You attract odd looks as you walk, but Rek's presence seems to reassure most people, and they continue about their business. We arrive at a serene beach under the golden afternoon sun, ten water mages were gathered. Their tutor, Rek, who you had heard of growing up as child, he was a capable and wise mage who now watches over the mages with a keen eye, ready to provide guidance.

The beach stretches wide, its sands warm and soft. The sound of gentle waves provides a rhythmic background, a natural metronome for the mages' practice. A few scattered rocks and tide pools offer additional elements for the mages to interact with, while a slight breeze rustles the nearby pine trees.

A lithe young woman, stands with her feet firmly planted in the wet sand, her arms extended forward. She gently lifts her hands, and a column of water rises from the ocean, swirling into an elegant spiral. She concentrates, maintaining the shape while attempting to move it horizontally. Caska approaches, nodding in approval but advising her to relax her shoulders to allow for smoother control. A broad-shouldered teenager, Balen, Caska called him, uses both hands to form a dense sphere of water. He clenches his fists, causing the sphere to compress and increase in density. Caska notices his struggle to maintain the shape and suggests, "Focus on your breathing, Balen. Steady breaths will give you the control you need."

With a graceful wave of her arms, another mage draws water from a nearby tide pool, creating a series of small, intricate water sculptures. She experiments with shapes, from delicate flowers to fierce animals. Rek observes her precision and encourages her to explore larger, more dynamic forms. A quiet boy with intense focus, stands by the water's edge, using his hands to create a thin, snaking tendril of water. He guides it through a series of intricate loops and spirals. Caska comments, "Excellent control, Darius. Now, try to increase the speed without losing the form."

Then a young female mage, looked like the youngest of the group, stands with her hands cupped, holding a small orb of water. She practices changing its shape, from a sphere to a cube and back again. Rek kneels beside her, offering a reassuring smile. "You're doing wonderfully, Jana. Now, see if you can make it glow with your inner light."

As Rek moves through the group, he provides personalized feedback, adjusting postures, offering breathing techniques, and sharing wisdom drawn from his years of experience. His presence is a steadying force, his calm and composed demeanor instilling confidence in the young mages.

The beach becomes a symphony of water manipulation, each mage contributing their unique style and technique. The air is filled with the sound of splashing water, the soft hum of focused concentration, and the occasional cheer of success or groan of frustration.

As you approach the intensely training Water Mages, they stop mid-motion, water spilling from their hands and splashing around their feet. Immediately Caska storms toward you.

"What are you doing here?" She flings the question at Rek, her shoulders squared. You knew that the mage schools were competitive as you were growing up but before you had declared your affinity you were friends with all the other children regardless of their speciality. Now as a 'stranger' or a least walking with a bunch of them through the city you could feel that things were not as open and friendly as you remember. You get a strange sensation as you encounter the looks from the water mages who are gathering around you.

"Calm down, Caska," Rek says. "You know I'd rather not disturb your precious practise, but look." He waves a hand toward you.

Alster retrieves the artifact and steps forward. The Healer glances at Talik and Rek. "Maybe it's better if I explain."

Caska listens quietly as Alster talks, but her eyes remain fixed on Rek. "I'll come with you to the academy, but only because the healer is going, he makes a lot of sense. Whatever power this artifact has, it deserves to be in the Water Mages' hands."

"We'll see." Rek turns on his heel, leaving a trail of ash for her to walk on as he travelled back up to the city at the lead, which is a neat little trick but usually performed by 10 year old's fire mage apprentices as they tease one another. 

You swallow, throat tight. If this is how the best Water and Fire Mages treat each other, what will meeting the Air Mages be like?

Based on what you have learned so far predict what powers the Air Mages will have. Answer as a paragraph in The Quests below. 

Next: E3Q2 Harsh Winds