Initiate Song (Vers, Private, Lyssoryl)

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl fought the urge to lose herself in the arcalysis reaction, which later she would describe as having her soul filled with Champagne. At first, she was not sure how to proceed, but when she opened her mouth to sing she suddenly realized that she badly wanted to do something with the mana she'd created.

For a long second, the song jumbled around in her brain while she figured out which of the spells her teacher had given her was the correct one. Then it began to flow out of her in a magnificent rush. Once she started, all she could do was hang on like a bit of driftwood caught in a wave. She let the mana flow as it prefered, using her voice to steer it into the song.

[Fish Stick]

As Lyssoryl sang the song, the bard infront of her listened, and smiled. It was a beautiful melody, and one that he'd heard a great deal of times. But he was always willing to listen to it again. It was strong, and it gave strength to all of those who heard it. The bard could feel himself filling up with pride, and would have been better able to handle combat, had he actually wanted to fight something. But it was enough to know the spell was working, although, it was still weak due to the fact that she was only an initiate.

Once she had finished the piece, he smiled, and then said, "Very well done, i felt myself fill up with the vigor and pride of the Aelyrian nation... Do you have any questions about what you just managed to accomplish? Anything at all so far?" After he asked this, he would sit back, and drink a sip of wine that he had brought with him, willing to offer a small bit to Lyssoryl, should she choose to want some...

[Lyssoryl]

"Very well done, i felt myself fill up with the vigor and pride of the Aelyrian nation."

Lyssoryl blushed with pride. "I really did it? I mean, I could feel it happening, but it's just so hard to believe that I'm actually working with magic now."

She sat down and accepted a small bit of wine in the bottom of a glass. "Whoosh, it really does take something out of you, doesn't it? I imagine that once you get used to all this mana producing business it is quite a bit easier."

Do you have any questions about what you just managed to accomplish? Anything at all so far?"

Lyssoryl considered. She had a lot of questions, but many of them were side issues and a good number she hadn't yet figured out how to express in words.

"I really suppose I should ask about any hazards of which I should be aware. For a moment there it seemed that perhaps I could just send all my personal essence out into the song and evaporate away all together. Is that an actual danger, or just one of my many flights of fancy? How ought I to limit myself with spell casting? Right now I shouldn't like to try this too many times a day."

"I'm also curious as to your opinion of where I should go after my initiation. I'd like for bard to be my profession as well as my magical style, and I believe that eventually I should learn an instrument. Do you have any recommendations? I very much enjoy flute music, but then I believe it would be fun to be able to sing along with my instrument. Maybe a mandolin?"

[Fish Stick]

Her teacher listened, and thought for a moment. "Well, we'll only be casting one spell, or singing one song per brightening, due to the fact that you're just learning, but if you really wanted to push it, an Initiate can sing up to three songs in one brightening before having to rest to restore their Vis. It will become easier and less stressful the more you practice it..." After he answered that, he took a brief sip of his wine, and then leaned back in his chair a bit.

"As for the music that you could play... you could learn multiple instruments if you wished... one does not have to stick to just a single instrument, especially if they consider their voice an instrument as well..." he said, smiling. "Now, When you go home tonight, i'd like for you to read this book on arcana use. It should help you to understand a bit more about Arcana, and tomorrow when you come in, we can talk some more about it..." After he finished, he ended the session by saying, "Be here tomorrow at the same time you were here today..."

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl took the book carefully, as if afraid it might be fragile. "Thank you! I shall read it with great interest. I hope there are a few spicy parts involving the romantic entanglements of star-crossed lovers, if only to enliven the narrative."

The next day found Lyssoryl again early to class. She sat on her customary chair with the book on her lap, reading it with good attention. The book exhibited several bookmarks, so it was apparent that she had read it over at least once before.

"Very interesting stuff I must say, even though it lacks spicy bits. I noticed it mentions that spell creation is a different process for those of us who use the path of Song. I wonder if you can recommend a text that explains this difference? Of course, it is not immediately relevant as I am such a beginner, so maybe I'm getting ahead of myself."

[Fish Stick]

"For now that will not be relevant, as you are quite far from using the skills required to create new songs and spells for bards... Let's just work on the basics for now. Now that you've read that though, before we work on a new song, i'd like for you to take this quill, ink, and parchment, and write a brief summary of each section of that book down. This way, I can see that you understand everything it says. Once that is complete, we shall work on a new song..." he said. Grinning, he then handed her the parchment, ink, and quill, and pulled up a table that sat just right for a cether's size...

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl thought a moment, then wrote in a bold flowing script:

Section I, Magic

This section describes the various sorts of magic that one might encounter should one walk down the decidedly wrong sort of dark alley. The book lists Alchemy, Golemcrafting, that fiddly sort of thing that Gnomes do (gadgeteering? Gadgetry? Something with gadgets), and the unnamed science of creating monsters. The decent sort of person sticks to Arcana.

Section II, Arcana.

Here we are given some of the general attributes of the art of Arcana. We learn that those able to be Unbound (a term for having one’s mind pried open and made useful for magic), number only one in a thousand. Further, we learn that many mages obtain their gift for magery through their heritage (the so-called “gemblooded” sort), although this is not always the case.

There is a brief side trip into the various teaching situations, which I’m afraid I skimmed since I was already enrolled in school.

Section III, Elements.

This section gives alarming details as to the nature of reality. Until now I liked to think of myself as made of what I hope is rather elegant meat laid over what I like to consider a rather elegant set of bones. But dicing things finer (if that is an acceptable metaphor to follow the previous sentence) it transpires that both I and the rest of the Universe are a mix of stuff called “essences.” All sorts of essences go into making any given thing, and if you get the recipe just a little bit wrong you’ll have something else entirely. Your Vis is your personal recipe- the exact combination of essences that make up you.

The chapter then goes on to mention Ara, which is the native essence of our plane. It is jumbled and unpure, and therefore cannot be used directly for the casting of spells. However, as I learned in future chapters, it is still useful.

Sections VI, Clara.

This section describes the meditative state which enables the user of Arcanic energy to cast spells. By achieving Clara, the mage becomes aware of essence in all its various forms, although how each mage perceives this energy varies from mage to mage. The chapter notes that a state of Clara allows one mage to recognize another, as the process of learning to use magic changes a person’s Vis to progressively larger degrees as the mage advances.

Sections V, Spheres.

This chapter describes the various spheres of magic, of which there are eight currently known. A mage must be trained in a sphere to interact with the magic of that sphere. The book mentioned that each sphere had a characteristic color, but the chart was faded and I could not make them out. Some spheres are related to Gods, but not all of them.

Chapter VI, Arcanomechanics and spell casting.

A very gritty chapter, in which the book describes the workaday application of magical technique. It was here that I was informed that the advanced magical worker shaped their own magic, but that initiates such as myself worked to the formula that we are taught when we learn the basics.

Such persons as I create an Arcalysis reaction through the use of Clara, which allows us to merge Ara and Vis. This Arcalysis reaction allows us to send our minds to the magical plane which is the focus of our training. The amount of Ara merged with our Vis determines how much pure essence we will be able to channel back to our plane for use in a spell. The essence thus channeled is now known as Mana, and is the stuff our magic spells are made of.

Chapter VII, Spell Creation.

This chapter outlines the procedure of creating spells. The nuts and bolts of the process include obtaining mana and then forging it into something new, using one of the standard mana-shaping techniques: Abjuration, Alteration, Conjuration, Evocation and Divination

Chapter VIII, Teaching.

This chapter describes the process of teaching the art of Arcana to a new pupil. First the pupil is Unbound, a somewhat unsettling process that generates vivid dreams. Only one of a thousand people may be unbound.

The teacher then guides the pupil through the processes of spell casting, as described in previous chapters. The different levels of knowledge are then described: Initiate, Apprentice, Adept, Master, and Archmage. The book describes the differing abilities of the different levels: For example the Adept may construct a magical staff of Arcana. Rather than memorize the list, I opted to take notes for future reference, as the knowledge is not immediately necessary and I worry that if my brain gets full previous knowledge will be pushed out my ear as I sleep and absorbed into my pillow.

A table gives the general amount of time the various levels of spell casters require to cast a spell.

Chapter IX, Limitations.

This chapter explained that we are located on the “Material Plane,” and that the mind of a spell caster accesses the planes of our spheres of magical essence through the Astral plane. To go there in physical actuality is confusing and unhelpful.

The final bit was about Hedgemages, who are mages that know multiple schools of magic. Learning from two schools means that you cannot progress far in either school. I must admit to skimming this chapter, as it is not my intent to attempt to become a hedgemage. I do remember that should I care to do so, I could not learn the sphere of Ikos, as it is incompatible with that of Song. Certain other sphere pairings are similarly forbidden.

[Fish Stick]

As her instructor read through her paper, he looked up towards her, and then said, "Very good. I think it is time for you to learn a new song... this next song is called Cinthera's Accelerando. By singing this song, you will be able to make people around you march faster, or move faster. Singing this song will instill the speed of a deer into people's hearts, and make it easier to move faster. So, let's hear it, you'll do as instructed before to obtain your Clara, and the beginnings, but as you're singing this song, try to let your body feel as though it is light as air, able to move quickly. Let the song make people feel like the soul of a deer speeding through the forest..." he said, and then sat back, awaiting her to test out the song that was already in place in her mind...

[Lyssoryl]

"I shall certainly do my best."

Lyssoryl got up from her chair and began to pace back and forth for a minute, trying to get into the spirit of the song. She let her footsteps grow light, raising up on the balls of her feet. She bounced a few times, feeling the springiness of her muscles.

Having gotten in the frame of mind, she sat back down, but kept her feet up on the balls of her toes. Closing her eyes, she began the process of entering Clara. At last, she began to sing, her hands rising up expressively, as if leaves drifting on the wind. She sang with her eyes closed, trying to keep the feeling of lightness and quickness without having to concentrate to hard.

[Fish Stick]

As she began to sing, it was like the room became lighter around her. The air became lighter, and anyone in the viscinity of hearing her song would feel their bodies feel lighter, and be able to move quicker. It was a fast melody, but also gave people a gift of alacrity in their steps. Her teacher sat there for a moment, and then grinned once she completed the song. "Very very good!" he said, clapping his hands together. As he said this, he stood up and walked over to her. "You are quite the apt student for this art. Now, I want you to go home, and rest up. Tomorrow we shall work upon those two songs, and have you practice them. Then i'll teach you a new song... Same time same place tomorrow," he said, and then went about the business he had for the day, allowing her to go home and rest her initiate mind...

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl virtually glowed with his praise. "Thank you!" she said, with enthusiasm. "I certainly am enjoying myself extensively. I do have one question before I go- would it be possible to channel the effects of this spell into myself, should I want to travel rapidly? Or is that not to be done?"

The next day, Lyssoryl was (as usual) early for class. She had brought a basket with her, which was covered with a bit of red and white checkered cloth. "I brought muffins today," she explained. "I am work in the kitchen here, and am learning to cook. I did not make these all by myself, but did lend a hand. I do believe they turned out quite well, although I am not sure if I can take the credit or not. Still, I thought perhaps they might revive us after class."

[Fish Stick]

"The spell basically effects all around the bard... I've never tried to channel it's energy to effect me, but i suppose it is possible, although, let's not try that right now, at least until you are at a higher proficiency level..." he said, and then allowed her to leave.

When she returned to Class, her teacher smiled, and then said, "Welcome, and thanks for the muffins... so you work in the kitchen now? That's good. Sera is a good teacher, i've met her a few times when i've been to the cafeteria... Anyways, let's see... Ah yes, we were going to work on those two spells. So, first, let's hear you sing the Anthem of Aelyria, and then the one we learned from yesterday, Cinthera's Accelerando..."

[Lyssoryl]

"The spell basically effects all around the bard... I've never tried to channel it's energy to effect me, but i suppose it is possible, although, let's not try that right now, at least until you are at a higher proficiency level..."

"It just occured to me that if I were to speed up all my traveling companions but not myself, they would leave me behind, singing in the dust! And I couldn't even complain, since I would have sent them on their way. But as you say, best not to tempt fate at this early stage. See you tomorrow!"

When she returned to Class, her teacher smiled, and then said, "Welcome, and thanks for the muffins... so you work in the kitchen now? That's good. Sera is a good teacher, i've met her a few times when i've been to the cafeteria

"Oh yes, she's marvelous to work with, really very kind. Sometimes when work is slow I carve potatoes into interesting shapes, and she's yet to scold me. I'm glad you like the muffins. I find muffins to be the least trustworthy of foods. They might be sweet and moist or horrible and sawdusty. There's probably a song in that..."

"So, first, let's hear you sing the Anthem of Aelyria, and then the one we learned from yesterday, Cinthera's Accelerando..."

Lyssoryl took a moment before she entered Clara. She had learned yesterday that it helped her to get in the proper spirit of the song before she attempted to cast her spell, so she allowed her mind to wander back to the streets of Aleryia Prime. Not the bad times, when she was hungry and cold, but the nice lazy days in the sun, when work was plentiful and friends were always near. She then allowed her mind to drift into the future, and the exciting prospect of wandering the land, meeting new people and seeing wonderful sights. She allowed her love of Aleryia to fill her like bubbles in champagne. And when she felt it, she allowed herself to relax into clara.

At first, she didn't notice she was singing. Her body did it almost of its own free will, and for a moment she hoped she was singing the right song. She wiped a small tear from her eye as she finished the final note of the Anthem.

When the song was done, she sat down quickly for a moments rest, and took a bite of muffin. She was feeling relax and happy, but a bit spent. "Not bad," she said, considering the muffin. Not perfect, but not bad."

Taking a deep breath, she climbed back to her feet. No time to get serious about relaxing, apparently they were testing her endurance today. She began to work herself up to feeling light and mobile. She thought of dancers she had once seen, twirling on the stage of an outdoor theater with brilliantly colored silken outfits. When they jumped it seemed as if they'd never land. A smile came to her face, and she reached once more for clara. She had a bit more difficulty finding it this time, perhaps her tired mind was trying to avoid another bout of magic. But at last she got there, and began to channel mana into her next song.

[Fish Stick]

Her song gave her teacher the good feeling of being able to fight better, and felt combat ready at almost anytime. it was a good feeling, and it would last for awhile. Smiling as she finished, he said, "Good job, now for the next song..." he said, and then grinned a goofy grin awaiting her performance of the second song. After the second song had finished, he felt as if he could run quickly, and move much faster than before. "Good job, now, tomorrow we shall learn a new song, as i'm sure you're tired now... Same time, okay?" he said, and then allowed her to leave and rest for the rest of the day...

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl stood up on slightly wobbly legs. "That spell casting does take it out of me. I believe I shall soak in a hot tub until it's time for work, although if you've a better suggestion for speedy revival from arcanary I should listen with both ears."

The following day, as usual, she arrived early. Her hair had expanded into a formation something like a storm cloud, and though she had tried to tie it down with various ribbons it still rebelled. Lyssoryl sighed. "I've learned an important lesson- if you've sassy rebellious hair it is best not to fall asleep in the tub and inadvertently soak it, then immediately go to work next to a hot fire so that it dries in a friz. I don't suppose our spell today is one that tames unruly tresses is it?"