Arden's free spirited attitude and intense energy refused to fade or be tamed even as he grew up. While he was a good student his attention was short and curiosity  large. He often questioned everything, even to the point of self detriment to his own learning. 

Due to his nature, Arden's mastery of his element was not at the level of his peers. He blamed it on the element itself and often wished for another. Spirit was not as fierce as fire or as strong as earth. He couldn't manipulate it like water or take control of his environment like air. For that reason he always felt left out and was jealous of the others gifts. His training was often different too. 

Instead Arden put more of his time and focus in the martial arts. Training with the staff when ever he could. Despite his teachers best efforts Arden treated it as a sword, tradition stood no match for his imagination. 

Even now with less than an hour to prepare for his final test, Arden knew he should be getting ready and practising. He had every intention to but one thing lead to another. Now he stood with his finest garments rolled up over his knees and elbows as he swayed around in a shallow muddy river searching madly for his brand new five pointed seal.