Ice and water magic seem so similar I'd never have never thought of making them different disciplines, myself, but it's a unique approach. It's also kinda curious to see them sparring with each other, when elemental magic almost always gets set against its opposite, or one that's pretty different. But I guess it would be pretty useful to know how to fight someone with the same or similar abilities if you had to. Your world is full of surprises, but that's a point in its favor.

Megan had said something similar when she first saw this page as well. In many cases they mix water and ice together though it seems they often avoid steam (which if you're going to go for two forms of water, why not three?). For me when I had originally started to work out the twelve types I always knew I wanted the two to be different styles since they're related but not the same, like lightning and magnetism. Some styles can be combined, others not.

When I originally developed Lauren and Isabelle I knew they'd have a relationship though I hadn't decided if they'd be on opposite sides or not. I knew they'd be rivals, and as the story developed I decided they'd have both at one point wanted the water discipline, but Lucas chose Lauren. When Isabelle was chosen for ice the two rather than competing further end up forming a sort of mutual respect. They're both different tools in the box, so to speak but they need each other to get the job done.

I suppose most might think to put water against fire, but the Talwyn know you never can be sure what you'll face out there. If you run into a similar or the same type you need to know what to do against all twelve types. Imagine how it is for the healing type that has neither offensive nor defensive abilities, per se. :) I pride myself on the unique structure of the world I've built, hoping it interests new fans and readers alike. :)

For a sparring match, they do seem to be taking things rather seriously. Then again, I wouldn't really expect anything else from Isabelle, since she strikes me as the type to be pretty intense about training and making sure she's the best she can be. I'd definitely want to have one or both of these ladies on my side in any conflict!

I'm sure I've said so before, but I really like the design for the Talwyn uniforms, and both Lauren and Isabelle look really elegant in them.

When you're interested in becoming a Talwyn master you'd best be serious if you want to make to the final round of contenders. ;) Though you're right, Isabelle is probably the most disciplined of the current crop. She's a warrior more than anything else and she probably views this sparring match as a serious matter even before Lucas and Lynn came to observe.

Yeah, the student uniforms sort of meant I couldn't have any of the styles wear red, but I think it works well for those Talwyn in training. Topaz debuted the style, but of course when I started planning this prequel comic it only seemed logical to have the others wear it. :)

Lauren has the moves

She's flexible, for sure!

oh yes very flexible