“Are you sure that we should be doing this?” Came a familiar voice as I stomped my way down the flight of stairs, taking care not to damage the precious item held within my arms.  I rolled my eyes at his words, and remembering that the ability to see through heads is not a skill one can posses, and so responded.  

“Don’t worry so much, I have absolutely no idea what I am doing, but I’ve seen Father do it plenty of times.”  I responded as I strode from the doorway of my home, marching my way onto the wooden porch overseeing the fields.  Behind me I heard the a lighter steps following behind me as I made my way onward.

“But what if you accidentally break the staff? Or if you use up too much magic, or maybe even your-“   I groaned and turned to face the one speaking to me, looking over my darker haired sibling with annoyance.  Sure I appreciated his willingness to look after me, but honestly he was overbearing at times like these- I just wanted to try out that interesting spell my father had been practicing out in the forest, where he thought he was far from our eyes.

"Listen, I’ve got both the staff and the amulet- I’m sure it’ll make up for a little magic problem.” I snapped at him, poking him the center of his forehead, right on one of his markings.  He stumbled back and after several moments regained his balance, only his shoulders and head were hanging now as I looked on. 

“If you say so, Cain…” I sighed, and ruffled my brother’s hair as to calm him down. When his eyes retained the look of worry, I squatted down to his level, and lightly patted his horns- the traits of our Atronach Heritage. “I got this under control, I’ve got you to help me if it backfires. Just make sure to stand back, understand?” His small and pale face scrunched in thought, his clear and gold eyes darting back and forth as he weighed his options- the wheels in his head turning- and nodded, moving several feet behind him. I gave him a thumbs up, and took a deep breath as I rose to my full height- holding the old staff I had come across while searching for a hammer. I looked around the small field of grass that surrounded our humble home. I concentrated upon the goal I hoped to achieve- to send out a beam of pure light energy at the old tree that stood at the other end of the field, and took a deep breath. I could feel the mana swirling about me, the odd sensation flowing down my markings and into my hands, before ending into the catalyst. This was a great deal more than what I was used to, but I was confident that with this spare staff from my father’s closet- the enchantments upon it evident- was enough to keep me under control. I tried to envision the beam of light burning a hole straight through the old Birch Tree’s trunk, and I shoved forward in order to begin the casting and direct the magic, but it just wouldn’t leave. I frantically tried to dispel it- this wasn’t supposed to happen- and I felt my forehead perspire in concentration. I could feel the warmth that was the light, and I did become the light. I could see the brightness that we did associate with the Holiest Goddess Zerna, I could see the light of magic itself!  I could also feel a peculiar feeling spreading from the tips of my fingers as this euphoric rush of energy and knowledge, it feels as though my very spirit was transcending my body!  I could vaguely hear someone calling out in alarm, but who cared for what they feared?  I could see everythi-!

...
...
...

    “Ugh...” I found myself laying upon the hard ground, the life force of magic running far weaker than I have felt it ever since… that day. I tried to move my arms, but it feels as if my body was replaced with lead rather than flesh and bone.  I quickly realized that my lungs were burning from a lack of air, and upon trying to take a breath I took notice of a peculiar warmth pressing down on my chest. After a handful of moments, I was able to lift my neck up after a bit of effort, and began frantically blink my eyes to clear the specks of light from my vision. The first thing I saw when my vision was clear, was brother with his hands laid upon my chest as he healed me- his own eyes closed in concentration and his mouth set in a thin line. I tried to speak as I gradually felt my strength return to me with the healing, but with my tongue like sandpaper and throat as raw as could be, I made the effort to tap my brother’s shoulder in order to gain his attention.  He swiftly opened his eyes and was clearly shocked, but kept his hands pressed upon my torso, and I soon felt my throat  “It’s alright Abel, I’m all better now.” I croaked, marveling at my own voice’s dryness and soreness. Oh, and the fact that his face now contorted into such a furious expression that I doubt any could look upon it and not flinch. I heard him draw a deep breath, and mentally prepared myself for the rant. However, I can’t say I did not deserve it, for seeing the look in his eyes was more than enough punishment for me.

"You really scared me there Cain... when you collapsed I thought your Mana Leakage had finally..."  He knelt before me with his head hung low, and struck out with a half-hearted punch at me shoulder.  I let it impact lightly against me, and I carefully took his clenched fist in my weak grip.  

"Don't worry so much Abel, I've got you here.  Trust me, I won't be going anywhere anytime soon without you."