The early afternoon sun bathed Pembroke’s construction site in a warm glow, the framework of a library was coming together. Amidst the symphony of chisels against stone and masons' calls, Eli, with his tousled brown hair and piercing blue eyes, worked intently at a makeshift workbench. His skilled hands diligently carved intricate patterns into a wooden pendant, a fine layer of sawdust coating his rough work attire, highlighting his fit physique.

  Across the site, his brother, Demetrius, commanded attention. Clad in the distinguished garb of a royal architect, he oversaw the masons with a critical and confident eye. His dark hair was cut short, complemented by a neatly trimmed stubble that gave him a look of rugged sophistication.

  “Demetrius, look at this!” Eli called out, his blue eyes sparkling as he held up the pendant. Its surface, etched with symbols, seemed to dance in the light. “Ever considered using these designs in your magical conduits?”

  Demetrius glanced over, amusement and slight annoyance playing across his face. “Firstly, those are purely ornamental. Secondly, if you’re so keen on magic, why not seek out a Jinn to teach you, rather than pilfering my notes?”

  Eli smirked, the pendant twirling between his fingers. “Maybe you haven't noticed, but I have been. I yearn for more adventure than these stones can offer. Imagine if I knew the magic – we'd be flying these blocks into place rather than stacking them.”

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  Demetrius chuckled. “That's not exactly how magic works, Eli. If I could make these blocks float, don't you think I would?”

  Eli grinned back, undeterred. “One day, Demetrius. One day, you'll cave in and teach me, and when you do, I'll show you how to make things fly.”

  Their banter was interrupted by Master Alaric's arrival. Another Jinn, and Demetrius's mentor, known for his vast knowledge and elusive nature, he approached in robes that shimmered in the sunlight.

  “Master Alaric, welcome,” Demetrius greeted him, his voice tinged with respect.

  Alaric, his wise eyes gleaming, focused on Eli. “Ah, Eli, still on your quest to find a Jinn mentor? Unfortunately I have my hands full with your brother, you know.”

  Eli’s face brightened with hope and mischief. “But there must be someone willing to teach me. How do I catch a Jinn?”

  Alaric chuckled softly. “Persistence, my boy. The key is to keep asking, never lose hope.”

  He then unrolled a scroll, rich with vivid illustrations of fires brewing within men and ancient text talking about desire. “Let these stories inspire you in the meantime. ”

  As Eli leaned over the scroll, captivated by the tales it held, Alaric shared his wisdom. “Remember, Eli, every great magician started as a dreamer. Your persistence might just pay off.”

  After a few more moments of conversation, Alaric whispered something in Demetrius ear and departed, leaving Eli deep in thought, his ambition and curiosity ignited.

  Turning back to Demetrius, Eli’s smile carried a tinge of determination. “I’ll find a teacher yet. But for now, I've got a mane to tame. Bliss is going to have her work cut out with this,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

  Demetrius laughed. “Just come back looking somewhat presentable. I'll see you later for our spar, now let me work.”

  With a playful salute, Eli walked off, his heart buoyed by the ancient tales and the possibilities that lay ahead.