Witches & Wizards: Elven-Lycan Mage: Witches & Wizards, #3

By Matt Deckman

The next chapter at RavenRock has begun. And with this new chapter comes more students. The one that immediately stands out: Astrid Espire. Demonstrated by her ability to switch in between all six elemental magics - at will. This is re-inforced by her ability to use Cosmic magic- one of the elements that cannot be replicated without an actual affiliation.

This demonstration of hers, catches the attention of a silent party. A handsome high snow elf with visible tattos on his hands, with icy blue eyes and hair.

Their first actual interaction- him questioning her early morning and late evening running habits; then her stating he's full of himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matt Deckman
• Release date: Jun 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386116592

Book preview

Table of Contents

Notice

Characters

Art Gallery

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Copyright @ 2018 Matthew B. Deckman & Teresa Sheriff

All Rights Reserved

Distribution is only through channels on website below

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Series Order:

1 – Witches & Wizards

2 – Witches & Wizards: Book of Pyre and Jessie

3 – Witches & Wizards: An Elven Lycan

Witches & Wizards:

An Elven Lycan

By Matthew Deckman & Teresa Sheriff

Her first glance around the front court yard was not impressive.  Even if things were still done to immaculate status in terms of landscape work, she didn’t find them impressive.

She also wasn’t a snob like some people…or rather, most people, she just had a keener eye for landscaping and architecture. As she walked up, one of the various teachers waved to her.

She looked over, Yeah?

The teacher was a balding older man with glasses, vest, dress pants and slightly chubby, gave her a smile, Hi ma’am, your hair is blonde and brown…the light and earth mages are over there, he pointed.

She looked over to the group he indicated, yes, I can see that, but I’m one who can change magic affiliations on the fly, between the six different elements. It’s a little something that my great grandfather gave me through his lineage. So I’m more suited to the avatar group…

She could see that the man with glasses wasn’t convinced, that’s not possible, please head over to the earth and light mage group.

She sighed and raised her palm, changing her element to that of cosmic and pulling out cosmic flames. She changed from cosmic to fire, to light and went through all the elements, providing examples of spells that only those who are actually affiliated with the said element could produce.  As you can see, my dirty blonde hair is just my hair color, nothing to do with my association.

Another professor came over, what’s going on?

She indicates that she is an ‘avatar’ of sorts that can control all of the elements, though it seems one at a time, the older gentlemen with glasses stated.

An avatar can control all four elements at once, not just one at a time. And without a cosmic mage to verify, you simply could be using more magic to produce the other elements, the other teacher stipulated.

She narrowed her eyes, not believing this, I can’t replicate cosmic or light magic without being said affiliation, so I’d like for you to tell me how I’m producing cosmic flames then. Have a cosmic mage come over and verify my ability and all will be solved. You’ve got, what, three cosmic mages? Headmaster Cyrus, Shadow and I think her name is Pyre Livingsten? Hanner?

Very well, the man with glasses stated, we shall have the headmaster and Ms. Shadow verify your ability. One moment please.

She sighed and waited for both cosmic mages to come over.  Once they did and verified her ability, she nodded, thank you, finally! throwing her arms up in frustration and proceeded towards the avatar group.

Shadow followed her, you do realize that your work load just increased six-fold, yes?

Yes, very much aware. But an uncontrollable cosmic mage isn’t a good thing…

And what is your name? Shadow asked, remembering Pyre’s experience.

Astrid Espire, the woman extended her hand.  Shadow shook her hand and had to look up to see her eyes. Astrid was a tall woman, with short blonde hair that had brown roots and platinum blonde tips. She also had Elf like ears and features, which made her magic even more potent.  She also had cat like eyes, yellow in color, which were odd, even for Shadow to see.

After Shadow’s introduction, Astrid went to the avatar group and waited. Astrid’s instincts sensed that she was being watched, but as she glanced around, she found that no one was actually watching. Shrugging it off, she waited for the headmaster’s speech.

What idiots… the person who had been watching her and the others thought.  He was a snow elf, with longer than normal silver blue hair.

After introductions and room assignments, Astrid roamed the school and learned the layout, before taking a jog around the grounds. After dinner, Astrid settled in for the night, long t-shirt with neelin short shorts, one of Sazahra’s inventions.

* * * * *

The next day, the first class for the freshmen students, was Magic 101. Like previous years, it was a test that would determine what areas they were good in and what they weren’t good in. After that, it was a class to help them advance and get any extra tutoring and practice they needed, with supervision. The moment Astrid put her test down, it showed an eighty percent.

Dammit, Astrid shook her head. She had wanted to score higher than that, as she had thought she would have gotten a higher score, but apparently she wasn’t as smart as she thought she was.  During the class, she was informed by the instructor what her strong and weak points were, like all multi-elemental mages; transitioning and favoritism- intentional or otherwise.  Armed with that knowledge, she ventured out and started studying her given text books, in the areas of fire, water and cosmic.  She had done well with the light, earth and air elements. 

Astrid had migrated to the library to pick out numerous books that would hopefully help her with catching up and filling in the blanks as her text books were for moving forwards, not catching up.

As she sat and read, first in the library, then common room, she could tell that someone was staring at her a few times. Each time she sensed it, she looked around, only to find that no one was actually watching her.

Weird… Astrid shook her head and continued reading. She needed to read, as she realized she had to play catch up constantly. She had six different elements to learn in the same span as all the other mages – one element, two elements or four elements. Even the Avatars didn’t have as much to learn as she did.

Astrid spent the entire day reading; every book she had checked out, she was absorbed in them. She had multiple books to read in the span of one month, all of which were over two hundred pages in length.

This practice continued on for several days, and in those days, she couldn’t help but notice that one of the other students, a snow elf, was seemingly bored with the content that was being provided to him via Magic 101.

He’ll get scolded for ignoring the teacher was Astrid’s only thought on the entire matter.

Another thing that Astrid managed to lock down, other than reading times, was a running schedule.  She was athletic by nature and wanted to get back into running.  Each morning, Astrid woken up before everyone else, but had not done anything about it, trying to figure out how much time she had during the mornings. The first morning that she did, it felt great to finally be outside, running and jump-starting the body. The grass, sand, pebbles, and even concrete and stones felt good underneath her feet- even if she didn’t have anything on in terms of cushions, just a thin durable cloth.

From that first morning run, Astrid made it a point to run every morning. This new behavior eventually caught the attention of a particular teacher, Pyre. She noticed that Astrid went out every morning; starting off at a slow jog, working her way up into a faster jog, almost a run.  And by the time she was two thirds the way through, she was sprinting like an animal- faster than what was thought possible.

After two weeks since the beginning of the school year, Pyre could see that Astrid was not only running around the entire school, but she was also running the full length of the entrance bridge, both directions.  She did this three times, running several miles each morning.  Only on the next morning, did Pyre meet up with Astrid before she started.

Hey, Pyre waved.

Professor Pyre, Astrid smiled as she stretched.

Oh please, drop the Professor. It’s just Pyre. No need to be formal. I’ve noticed that you started running around the school, and by the looks of it, with great ease, Pyre smiled.

Yeah, I used to run all the time at home. I had to figure out my schedule for here, so that I could figure out when I could and couldn’t run. Turns out that I can definitely run before classes, like now, and before bed time, Astrid did some jumping jacks.

Would you mind some company in the mornings? I would like to start getting into better shape, Pyre smirked.

For Jessie or for yourself? Astrid asked, …and you may want to secure the girls…

Pyre blinked, oh, right, running attire. And with a puff of black smoke, she was changed into athletic gear, with what seemed to be equipped with an extra supported athletic bra. You think this will work?

Don’t know, she shrugged, wait for the cat calls. If you hear some, you know you need more. If you hear nothing, then you’re good, Astrid shook her head with a smile.

You don’t censor yourself, do you? Pyre asked. And I’m running for both myself and for Jessie…

Astrid shook her head, Nope. Life is too short for saying sugar coated things. If I have something to say to someone, I say it. I won’t hide the truth. Kind of like how I don’t care how people view me. I am what I am and if someone doesn’t like it, Astrid flipped off the air, basically.

Pyre couldn’t help but give a short laugh, nice. So how many times are you running around the school this morning? It seems like you’re doing three laps?

Astrid nodded, Yep. You gonna try to keep up or go the distance or flutter out of existence when you can’t go any further?

Pyre leaned her head from side to side, don’t know… but are we gonna talk or are we gonna run?

RUN! Astrid took off. Pyre ran to keep up. 

It did not take long for Pyre to start breathing heavily and work up a light sweat, with her long hair now in a bun.  She looked at Astrid, it dawning on her why Astrid kept her hair short- so that it didn’t get in the way.

I’m used to exercise, but this running feels like it’s going to be the death of me… Pyre thought as she tried to keep pace with Astrid.

As they ran side by side, they kept with small talk, Pyre learning about Astrid and where she came from and her abilities; like the changing magic affiliation. Astrid learned about Pyre and how she went from being a student there at RavenRock to being an engineering and mechanics professor the next.

It had been nearly a month since the start of school, with Astrid’s nose buried in a book almost every waking hour of every day. She was desperately trying to keep up with everyone in her classes. She was able to keep up, but some of the more difficult spells were eluding her.

Hey Pyre 2.0! someone called. Astrid had paid no heed to it, not even noticing that someone was calling.

Damn blonde doesn’t even understand… they muttered. They tried again, I said, Hey Pyre 2.0! You, the tall blonde!

With no boobs! someone added.

Astrid blinked and looked to the source, only responding to the ‘tall blonde’ portion. She raised a brow, curious as to what the group of guys wanted.

Yes, finally! Pyre 2.0 responds! Why do you have your nose stuck in a book all the time?! Are you trying to suck up to Professor Pyre? he asked, the other guys around him snickering.

First, sexual harassment. Second, I’m constantly reading because I have six times the course load you have. You’re what, one element? I’m six. I have to learn all six to be able to control everything that I need to and can. So, while you bug and mock me for reading all the time, ie; studying all six realms, how about you work on yours? Because if you have time to tease me, you have time to read.  And quite honestly, even if I do have small breasts, I’m still too much woman for you, Astrid shook her head and went back to studying.

It didn’t take long before the other students started calling Astrid ‘Pyre 2.0’, due to her always having her nose stuck in some sort of book. Astrid did ask Pyre about it, with Pyre revealing that she only did that to divert their attention away from her observing everyone. Most of the students during any class were simple minded – go to school, get good grades and get a job afterwards, have a family. Put in the minimum amount of effort.  Pyre explained that she and Jessie, when they went through school, weren’t as simple minded as they pushed themselves and created devices that were changing the technological landscape.

Just like Percyrus and Shingi did… Astrid smiled, My parents absolutely love the refrigerator, more so the freezer. My mother loves her red meat, and so do I.  Pyre smiled at that, imagining a big juicy steak.

* * * * *

Astrid was in her magic 101 class, when she noticed the silver haired guy not paying attention for what seemed like the millionth time.

What is with this guy? He never pays attention! And the teacher doesn’t  seem to even care… Astrid gave her head a slight shake before going back to what the teacher was discussing.

That evening, Pyre was running with Astrid, going for one last sprint before heading home.

So, I’ve got a question for ya… Astrid started, running not affecting her speech at all.

Pyre was breathing heavily at this point, yea?

There is this guy in class, with longish silver blue hair and what appears to be tattoos on his chest and hands…

Oh…you…mean…Dondrik? Pyre breathed between breathes.

So that’s the guy’s name… he never pays attention, at all. And the teacher doesn’t even seem to care, Astrid asked without asking.

He…knows…the…material…already…

That would explain it…but how do you know him?

"I…knew…him…when…we…were…kids…he’s…always…been…a…day…

dreamer…"

Oh. So no boy crush then? Astrid asked.

Pyre stopped and breathed, hands on her knees, girl, what are you smoking? I’ve got Jessie!

Astrid stopped as well and leaned back, hearing a few cracks, yeah, I know. I was teasing. But a good-looking guy like that…I’m surprised he hasn’t snatched up one of the several girls who have hit on him…

Pyre laughed, Dondrik? Pft, please… He’s not exactly the dating type. A snob and high held ass at points, but not a playboy.

Astrid shrugged, whatever. Not interested anyways… She continued on her way, Pyre starting back up with reluctance. 

* * * * *

Astrid was returning from the dining hall with a snack, when she came upon her books in the common room, only to find an origami flower on the page she was reading.

She picked up the rose, to find that it was signed by ‘Chester’ an earth mage, well that’s cute… she noticed that there was a time and date written on one of the leaves, he’s asking for a date. She smirked a little, a little joy coming to her, that someone would find her attractive enough to ask her out on a date.  The note on the rose had indicated that night, on the catwalk, around nine pm.

When it was just about nine, Astrid slipped on a pair of shoes and a jacket before heading out onto the catwalk.  She saw a male student there, with brown hair.  As she approached him, he looked over and smiled.

I take it you’re Chester? Astrid asked.

That would be me, yes, he turned to her.  She could see that he was tall, almost as tall as her, a little better built than most of the other male students, but that was to be expected from an earth mage. His brown hair was on the shorter side.

Ok, so why me? Astrid asked, why ask me out on a date? Is there someone or several who put you up to this?

Nope. I put myself up to it. I like tall women. I also like blondes. You’re both, so regardless of your figure, I found you attractive, he had a half smile on, but honestly, I’m surprised you even came out here.

Astrid shrugged, I didn’t see the point of turning you down. So, did you want to date me? Go out a few times, see if it will work?

He stepped up to her, Honestly, I’d rather just kiss you now.

Astrid raised a brow, Ok, you can do that; however, just so you know, I’m no stranger to sex.  So if you were hoping for a virgin, you’re out of luck.

Blunt, aren’t you…and quite a leap from a kiss to sex…

Yes, I’m blunt. Non-virgin, sex. Why sugar coat the subject? I’m using words from the dictionary. And most guys want to go from kissing a girl or woman in this case, to bedding them.  So I wanted to inform you that if you were looking for a virgin, you’d be out of luck with me, Astrid shrugged.

Chester raised his brows, I guess that makes sense, I suppose…

Astrid smirked, pulled her hands out of her pockets and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, bringing him in closer, You said you wanted to kiss me…Now’s your chance.

Chester put his hands on her hips and kissed her, as Astrid played with the back of his neck and hair with her fingers. She deepened the kiss, pulling him in closer, feeling him against her. She wanted more from the kiss, as she felt nothing for him. Maybe that will change in time?

Astrid cupped Chester’s checks and broke the kiss, maybe continue this some more later? It’s getting cold outside and the wind’s picking up…

He smirked, sure… before letting her go and walking inside.  Astrid stayed outside before sitting down on one of the benches- her shoes on the seat, her but on the back.

So the earth mage named Chester has a crush on me. He likes me, he wants me. He wants to be with me. Problem; there isn’t anything on my side that is attracted to him. Maybe something will foster and grow? I’m hoping at least he’s a good kisser…and if we venture far enough, good in bed?

Astrid sighed and headed inside.

It had been two weeks since Chester had asked Astrid out. Astrid had developed a physical attraction to parts of Chester, but nothing of an emotional attraction. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that, having only a partial physical attraction towards someone and not developing any sort of emotional connection.

Though, in those two weeks, they had stayed in both of their rooms’ overnight, several of those, hands getting frisky and daring. She could tell that he wanted her.  Like she had said before they started seeing each other, she was no stranger to intimacy.

Astrid was taking a shower, when someone knocked very softly on her stall’s door. As she opened the stall door, she saw Chester there. Without hesitation, she let him in.

So, you’ve come to join me in the showers, how did you get in? Other than asking a girl to let you in, Astrid whispered with a raised brow as she took the two steps to get back under the water. 

Chester was already taking his clothes off, I asked and the girl who let me in, raised a brow, gave a smirk and before muttering ‘lucky’.

So she assumed that you’d be scoring with me? Astrid rubbed her hair back, ready for shampoo.

You could say that, Chester stepped under the water, hands snaking around Astrid’s thin waist.  He liked how thin Astrid was, even if she was a bit lanky. She had thin limbs, but he had felt muscle, power in all of them. He had also wanted her after their first kiss. She had said she wasn’t a stranger to being in bed, which told him she had experience.

Astrid raised a brow and turned in his arms, looking at him before kissing him.  He kissed back and pressed her against the wall, water spraying his back.

I want you, he whispered in her ear as she nuzzled his neck.

Then take me…

Things were going good for him until she scratched his back with a moan.  He looked down, to see something wiggling in the spray. It was wet, furry and coming from behind Astrid.

What’s wrong, why did you stop? she looked at him, only to follow his gaze to her tail.

You have a tail…

Yep, comes out when I’m excited, happy or really pissed off. Take it as a good thing, Astrid tried to kiss him, to get him going again.

You have a flipping tail! he backed off her, nearly dropping her. He looked like he was disgusted, like he had just done a freak of nature.

Astrid pulled her wet hair out of her eyes, Yeah, so? What’s wrong with having a tail? she was overly excited and would need a cold shower if he didn’t continue. Which was exactly what was going to happen, as he grabbed a towel, his clothes and walked out of the stall, only to walk into one beside her.

Well, I guess that is that then, she went under the water and turned it to cold.

Consider us over, he said before a stall slammed open, footsteps leading out.  Astrid heard the door close.

No skin off my back; wasn’t anything special about you… Astrid continued her shower.

It wasn’t 24 hours before Astrid noticed another guy coming up to her. Only this time, she was alone, the library was deserted, and he had red hair.

Hi, he whispered and sat down across from her at the table where she had been reading and studying.

Hi. At least you’re quiet, even if there isn’t anyone here… she smiled.

Yeah, I know…anyways, not why I’m here.  The fall festival is in two weeks and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me, he asked.

You trying to court me? Because the last guy who did that, didn’t like the surprise last time, her tail sprouted out and wiggled into his view.

Oh cool…that’s a neat feature… Luke smirked, a one of a kind girl! Just my type!

Astrid smiled, liking Luke already. He seemed to appreciate her for her, not for what she looked like. Well, consider it a date then, because you’re already leaps and bounds ahead of the last guy who wanted to be with me. Turns out he was only in it for the feels.

Yeah, Chester is a bit of an ass and a playboy. Or at least of what the rumors are among the guys. He wanted to nail the tallest girl here, which was you, but once that tail came out, he freaked.

That he did, but how did you find out about that? And you don’t mind the tail? Astrid asked.

He ‘bragged’, calling you disgusting. And pft, No. More exotic, plus I think it’s interesting as hell that you have a tail, Luke smiled, can I see you at dinner time tonight then?

Astrid nodded, yes, absolutely.

* * * * *

Dondrik found himself awake early. After his morning ritual of dressing and giving his hair a quick comb, he went outside to enjoy the cold, brisk air. He was a water ice elf after all and the chilled morning felt great on his skin.

That’s when he noticed the tall, lanky, short haired dirty blonde girl running around the school, followed closely by Pyre.  He saw that Pyre’s attire wasn’t as supportive as it should have been, but he digressed and went back to the tall girl.

He watched her run three full laps before collapsing on the shore.  He sighed and went back inside. It was exhausting just watching her.  A few moments later, he noticed her levitate past the catwalk, only to come back down onto it and walk into the common room.

Do you run every morning? Three full laps? he found himself asking.

Astrid stopped walking and looked at him, yeah, why?

Dondrik shrugged, seems like a giant waste of time and energy.

Astrid put a hand on her hip, only to an idiot.

Dondrik folded his arms, slightly defensive, I’ll have you know, I’m far from an idiot. I’m rather quiet intelligent. He wasn’t sure why he folded his arms, as he was quite confident in his knowledge, as folding the arms meant defensive.

Astrid gave a short laugh, arms folded as well now, and apparently full of yourself.

Dondrik shook his head, It’s not ego talking, it’s a fact.

Astrid dropped her