Into the depths of shadowed streets I wandered,
A carnival of indulgence for empty souls unfurled,
Through somber alleys and sunken lanes I roamed,
A spectacle of gluttony, to satiate hearts of hollow bone,
Down the dimly lit passages and murky roads I strayed,
A banquet of excess, for hollow-hearted masquerade,
In starvation's grasp, the city's lifeblood weighed,
A minstrel's lament, in the language of sorrow, portrayed.
Yorol the Bard
4415 MA
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4522 MA
Rovos, Kartas
The rhythmic sound of carriage wheels rolling over the cobblestones filled the air as Maya and Vyas, dressed in newly purchased formal attire, made their way to the Governor's Gala. Anticipation of delicious food, lively music, and meeting new people raised their spirits.
Vyas fidgeted with his plain black robe, unable to hide his annoyance. "It's just not fair," he grumbled. "You get to wear that stunning dress while I'm stuck in these drab robes. Why does Vasco Kingdom have such dull formal clothing for men?"
Maya glanced down at her elegantly patterned dress, a smile playing on her lips. The dress hugged her figure, accentuating her curves, and the floral patterns shimmered with every movement. She couldn't help but giggle at Vyas' frustration. Her laughter grew louder as Vyas continued his rant. "I just don't understand it," he questioned. "I'm the mage here, and yet you're the one wearing clothes enchanted with magic!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
He waved a hand at his plain black robe. "And what's with Vasco's taste? We might be attending a ‘gala’ for the first time, but I can understand what a celebration is in any culture. If this is supposed to be a celebration, why do they want their men to look like they fell into a pile of ash? Is their’s a culture of mourning?"
Maya wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling. "Oh, Vyas, you're really getting worked up about this, aren't you?"
Vyas huffed, crossing his arms. "Well, can you blame me? This is supposed to be a joyous occasion. Instead of wearing clothing that reflects that, I'm stuck wearing something more fit for a funeral."
Maya shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "You know, Vyas, sometimes I think you worry too much about things that don't really matter. We're here to have fun and meet new people. Who cares what you're wearing? It's not like anyone is going to judge you for it."
Vyas shook his head, still frustrated. "It's not about being judged; it's about the meaning behind it all. Why do they have such irrational clothing? My clothes are first and foremost for me. How am I supposed to enjoy myself when I know I’m dressed like a criminal? Mama would hate to have seen this."
Maya, noticing the slip-up, patted his arm reassuringly. "Don't worry about it, Vyas. Just focus on having a good time tonight, alright?"
Vyas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That's easy for you to say. I'm stuck here looking like a walking corpse, and you're looking breathtakingly gorgeous."
Maya's eyes widened as she looked at him. "Wait, do you really think I look gorgeous?"
Vyas felt his cheeks heat up as he realized what he'd just said. "Uh, well, I mean, yes. I just think that, you know, your dress is really... really nice. And... um... it suits you."
Maya narrowed her eyes playfully, a teasing smile forming on her lips. "Oh, so it's just the dress that's nice? Not me?"
Vyas' face flushed a deeper shade of red, and he quickly backtracked. "No, no, that's not what I meant! I mean, you look... absolutely gorgeous, Maya. The dress just highlights that."
Maya's smile widened, and she let out a small, contented sigh. "Well, thank you, Vyas. I appreciate the compliment."
That moment quieted Vyas' ranting for the carriage ride, as he felt a bit too embarrassed to continue.
The carriage came to a halt in front of the Governor's mansion, the sounds of laughter and music drifting through the air. Maya and Vyas exchanged excited glances before stepping out of the carriage.
The villa was an architectural masterpiece, the façade painted a lustrous white and the roof enclosed with resplendent red tiles. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a warm glow across the beautifully landscaped gardens. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with people dressed in their finest attire mingling and enjoying themselves.
As they entered the ballroom, they were immediately struck by the grandeur of their surroundings. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, and on the wall hung magnificent art. The marble floor gleamed underfoot, and a string quartet played a cheerful tune from a corner of the room.
Maya and Vyas hesitated for a moment, taking in the scene before them. Maya nudged Vyas gently, a grin tugging at her lips. "Come on, let's go have some fun."
Maya and Vyas ambled through the bustling crowd, their eyes widening in awe as they beheld the extravagant spread before them. Tables groaned under the weight of exotic fruits, fragrant cheeses, and mouth-watering desserts, each dish more enticing than the last. Eager to savor the delicacies, they sampled small bites of each, eagerly sharing their impressions with one another as they progressed.
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"Oh, Vyas, you must try this!" Maya exclaimed, holding out a forkful of the creamy dish, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's unlike anything I've ever tasted before!"
Vyas hesitated for a moment before accepting the offered morsel, his own amazement evident as he chewed. "This is incredible! It's like a symphony of flavors! What exactly is it?"
Maya glanced at the small placard next to the dish, her eyes lighting up as she read the description. "It's a type of rice dish made with some rare mushroom native to the Vasco Kingdom. Apparently, they’re extremely prana rich."
Vyas shook his head in awe, still savoring the lingering taste on his tongue. "This is truly a feast fit for royalty. I can't believe we're experiencing all of this."
As they continued their exploration through the grand ballroom, they came across a group of their future classmates engaged in a spirited debate about the merits of various magical foci. Intrigued, Vyas and Maya paused to listen in, their curiosity piqued by the passion and crowd the discussion had generated.
"One simply cannot dismiss the value of a wand crafted from Stgix bone," a tall, bespectacled man argued, his voice filled with conviction. "The magical throughput it can handle is unparalleled!"
A tanned woman with short brown hair countered, "True, but the rarity of the material makes it next to impossible for the average mage to obtain. A well-crafted staff made from enchanted birch wood offers a more accessible and practical option for the majority of mages."
Vyas knew better than to engage in a futile debate, but for some inexplicable reason, perhaps pure foolishness, he felt compelled to interject. Taking a deep breath, he voiced his opinion.
"This debate is pointless. Unless you're an Archmage, the only justification for using a magical focus is either to simplify mastering a complex spell or when facing a battle they cannot afford to lose. Otherwise, it's wiser not to rely on a focus tool for casting magic, because it forces the mage to be more directly connected to mana itself."
The crowd, caught off guard by his sudden entry into the conversation, paused to consider his words. The tall, bespectacled man raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. "An interesting perspective, but without a focus, a mage's powers are limited. Are you suggesting mages should willingly handicap themselves?"
A petite woman with long black hair and a thoughtful expression chimed in. "He has a point, though. Overdependence on a magical focus can hinder a mage's growth. By practicing without it, a mage can develop a deeper understanding of their own magical abilities."
The crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, contemplating Vyas' bold statement with newfound seriousness.
The tanned brown-haired woman was far more dismissive. "He has a point, but he's too naive. True, overreliance on a magical focus can act as a crutch, but foci are, by nature, a tool. As long as one trains with them properly, they can avoid stagnation. Furthermore, correct practice enables a mage to progress much further than those who refuse to train with them.” She doubled down on the point, looking directly at Vyas and speaking, “Would you consider a cook who tears apart vegetables with their hands instead of using a knife to be smarter? Or a carpenter who drives nails by punching them rather than using a hammer to be wiser?" She shook her head and added, "Foolish naivety."
Vyas saw most people nodding in agreement with her words, prompting him to feel the need to elaborate and defend his stance. He felt Maya tugging on his robe, reminding him not to get sidetracked and waste their evening entangled with the argument. He decided it was best to cut his losses and move on.
Despite knowing better, his pride compelled him to offer a parting remark before departing. "We’ll see which perspective is correct once the term starts." He extended his arm in greeting, “Vyas.”
The tanned brown-haired woman smiled, shaking his hand while her eyes looked at him intently, sizing him up. "Perhaps we will. The name’s Istri. It's a pleasure to meet you, Vyas."
Vyas stepped away from the group, a smile plastered across his face, which Maya caught sight of instantly.
Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she began to tease him. "I now understand why you decided to get involved in that debate. The real reason you jumped in was to talk to the girl, wasn't it?"
Vyas' face turned crimson as he hastily denied the allegation. "What? No, not at all!"
Maya chuckled, her eyes shimmering with mischief. "Oh, come on, Vyas. I saw that spark in your eyes when you spoke to her."
Vyas groaned, his face still burning as he tried to defend himself. "I swear, it wasn't like that at all! I just wanted to discuss the topic."
"I'm sure you were deeply interested in her topic," Maya teased.
Vyas dropped his head into his hands, groaning in mock frustration from her relentless teasing.
"Alright, alright," Maya relented, still grinning. "I believe you."
Vyas looked up, surprised by her sudden change of heart. "Really? Just like that?"
Maya nodded, her smile turning sly as she explained her reasoning. "I realized my mistake. If you were actually smitten with her, you wouldn't have been bold enough to challenge her on the spot. No, you'd have sat down and carefully considered it as step two in a seven-step plan to win her over."
"Oh Goddess Atriya, take me now," Vyas declared, looking up at the ceiling.
Maya's laughter rang through the air as they continued to roam the gala. Their attention was soon caught by an unfamiliar, yet enchanting melody. Drawn to the alluring music, they found themselves near a string quartet playing with such passion that it seemed to bewitch the very air around them.
Hailing from the mountains, Maya and Vyas were more accustomed to the sounds of flutes, drums, and other traditional instruments played by the order's members and nearby villagers. The music at this gala was a new and enthralling experience for both of them. Unable to resist the allure, they found an empty table near the quartet and took their seats.
The musicians were a diverse group, each with their own unique style and flair. The first violinist, a slender woman with flowing blonde hair, played with a fluidity that seemed to make the notes dance in the air. The second violinist, a dark-haired man with a stoic expression, maintained a deep focus as he skillfully complemented the first violinist's melody.
The violist, a young woman with a bright smile, swayed to the rhythm of the music as she played, her enthusiasm infectious. Lastly, the cellist, a tall man with a serene expression, provided a rich and resonant foundation for the overall melody.
As they listened, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the enchanting harmony. The notes wove a story, each crescendo and decrescendo transporting them to a different place and time. The musicians played with such passion and skill that the music seemed to breathe life into the ballroom.
With each passing moment, Maya and Vyas found themselves more and more enraptured by the stunning performance. As the quartet finished the piece with a final, breathtaking note, the two of them felt a heartfelt appreciation for the musicians.
"That was incredible," Maya murmured, her eyes still shimmering with the remnants of the music's magic.
Vyas nodded in agreement, a wide smile on his face. "Absolutely mesmerizing."
Maya's eyes met his, a shared joy dancing in their gazes. "Moments like this are what life is all about, don't you think? Just pure beauty and happiness."
A young man seated at the table next to them overheard their words and scoffed, drawing their attention. "simpletons" he sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "To think you'd be so impressed with this mediocre music. It's clear you've never been exposed to true refinement."