Chapter 190 - Rings Of Slight Power

Sonder glanced at Vell as they walked. "So... what now?" 

Vell smirked. "You tell me. Where does the great apprentice Blackbird Sonder want to go next?" 

She laughed softly. "I don't know if I'm great, but... I don't really know. I haven't thought that far ahead." 

"Well," Vell said, his tone light, "we could head to the southern kingdoms. Plenty of opportunities for adventure. Or there's the capital of the elves, real elves—lots of opportunities for a young mage to learn." 

"What about you?" Sonder asked. "What do you want to do?" 

Vell tilted his head, considering. "I'll do what I always do. Wander and relax. Maybe stir up a little trouble when the mood strikes."

They walked in silence for a while, the sound of their boots crunching against the gravel the only noise. 

Finally, Vell spoke again. "Whatever we decide, there's no rush. The world's not going anywhere. Besides," he added with a sly grin, "I have to make sure you're ready before I unleash you on it." 

 "I guess we'll figure it out on the way, right?" 

"Exactly," Vell said, his tone firm yet playful. "We'll figure it out." 

And with that, they continued down the well-traveled road.

After not too long, Sonder unveiled the rings Lunt Junior had given her.

She held them upright to see them glistening in the sunlight.

They did have a strange look to them.

The craftsmanship was impressive—far more detailed and professional than Lunt Junior had humbly described. 

Intricate etchings lined the bands, delicate patterns that seemed to shift when viewed from different angles, almost see-through.

As she slid the rings onto her fingers, a faint warmth pulsed from the metal, spreading gently along her skin. The sensation was subtle but unmistakable, like warmth on a sunny day.

Vell noticed her expression and asked, "Something wrong?"

Sonder shook her head, flexing her fingers. "No, it's just strange. The rings feel warm."

Vell stopped, narrowing his gaze as he studied the gold bands closely. "Hold on a moment." He reached out and lightly touched the rings, his own mana brushing against them. The symbols seemed to ripple under his touch, glowing faintly for the briefest moment before fading back into ordinary gold.

"These aren't just decorative. There's magic woven into them."

Sonder was surprised. "Lunt Junior didn't say anything about enchantments. He just said he had some luxorite left."

Vell nodded, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Luxorite... yes. It's a mineral that does many things; enhancing magical properties is one of them. These rings—there's naturally some sympathetic magic in them, if I'm right."

She looked down at them again, more curious than concerned. "What does that mean?"

Vell smiled faintly, crossing his arms. "It means they give you some strength. Try focusing your mana through them."

Sonder hesitated but did as he said, concentrating just enough to let a trickle of her magic flow toward the rings. Instantly, the rings faintly glowed again, just softly. 

The warmth intensified but didn't burn, instead settling into a soothing, reassuring sensation. 

Vell nodded in approval. "They amplify your magic. Slightly, but enough to make a difference when casting. Clever craftsmanship."

Sonder smiled, glancing back toward the distant mountain. "Do you think Lunt knew what he was making?"

Vell shrugged. "I don't think so. The Luxorite does most of the work. Either way, it's a good gift."