The basis of my idea was simple; my power did not derive from the pool controlled by his kind, therefore I could use it against him.
Although he had seen my shield of water, I had successfully hidden the second and third shields from his physical and magical sight. I knew that no one element would be enough to stop a being that commanded so much power, and I will admit that I was worried. The inner shields were comprised of Earth and Air energy, combined with Water and this power cast towards him at the instant he released the Fire would have to be enough to banish him, or at least weaken him.
Electis cast the Fire at my shields before I was prepared, he was quicker than I thought, and my Water shield barely managed to absorb the blast.
"The next one won't miss, little mage, I don't know why Hyjora allowed you to use her element against me, but it will not happen again."
"That's definitely a matter of opinion," I warned him, gradually combining my three shields into one.
Electis cast another Fire spell in my direction, I responded by pushing my shield towards him, the Fire was deflected and harmlessly dissipated.
The noble Fire Lord, on the other hand, was knocked flat on his back by the force of the Elemental conflict. Being the originator of the counter attack I didn't fall quite so hard, but it hurt a lot!
"Well, that was clever," said Electis, recovering far more quickly than I did, I suspect it was something to do with the lack of a physical form.
"I do believe I'd like to know why you were able to use Elemental magic against me."
Before I could reply, in any manner, though I admit the words I intended were somewhat less than diplomatic...considering the circumstances, another voice interupted and a figure interjected itself between me and Electis.
"And I believe you shall have to remain curious...really Electis, I would have thought you'd have something more important to do than tormenting harmless mortals."
"With all due respect, Lord Riax, A mere mortal who can command the Elements to attack one of their Lords is hardly harmless!"
"You're instincts are clearly slipping, or you would have realised that I am the one who balked you."
His apparent involvement was news to both of us, though I was restrained enough not to protest.
"what?...you?...why?"
I have to admit hearing Electis splutter like that was worth the bruises.
"She is under my protection, and you may pass that along to the others as well. I do not approve of your meddling in her life, and I will not tolerate further interference."
"You are Equal to the rest of us, how dare you presume to tell any of us what we may not do!"
"You are more a fool than I thought, imagine thinking any of you are my equal."
"I am more than your equal, imagine the oh so feared Lord of Death, stooping to involvement with a mortal female."
Say what now?!
"Your reasoning is flawed, your age must be getting to you, old boy. Surely you can think of a better reason for me to protect a mortal, I mean really if that were the case well, one of them is hardly different from another.
She, on the other hand, is rather unique in her way, and I wish to study her progress...without interference from you!"
It was a very good thing that Lord Riax was protecting me, I was mightily tempted to throw something large and heavy at him!
Electis had his hands behind his back, while Lord Riax was speaking, the reason became apparent when he threw a ball of Fire towards us.
There was no time to move, or raise a shield, I started to close my eyes when... I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it seemed like time had slowed down, then the Fire vanished.
"Really, Electis, this habit of underestimating me you have developed is quite irksome, now there are two ways we can proceed from here, you can leave voluntarily or..."
"Or what?" interupted Electis sarcastically. "You'll kill me?"
"No, I'll stay here until you don't have enough energy to stay on the physical plane of existence, then I'll follow you to the Realm we normally exist in and scatter your Essence so far around the universe that it'll take you the next few millenia to form a coherent thought let alone a body."
To judge from Electis' sudden silence, I would say that Lord Riax was capable of carrying out the threat and most willing to do so.
"I will not forget this insult, Riax!"
"Good, you can add it to your list, hmm? Now, are you leaving?"
"He will not always be able to protect you little elf, remember that!"
Electis disappeared in a throughly overdramatic cloud of coloured smoke.
"You do have a knack for getting into trouble, don't you Lheora Yhanni?"
"Well, I..."
"It wasn't actually a question, I know it wasn't your fault, I was merely commenting... now, I'll leave you to your business."
He looked closer at me for a moment, and smiled.
"Dare I ask why you are parading around in the guise of a human?"
"I'm a Minstrel, did you not notice my Harp?"
"I see, well, it is a way to fill the time."
"Speaking of time," I began, thinking to ask him about Sallan's teacher.
"It will have to be later, I'm afraid, I have other things to attend to."
"But..."
"Soon, we will talk, I promise."
"As you say then, Good day Lord Riax."
"Good day, Lheora Yhanni."
Lord Riax' method of exit was far more sedate, he simply vanished, leaving only myself and some slightly scorched trees as evidnce of what had occured.