Chapter 4 - Meditation
The following morning dawned bright and clear, the forest awakening around them with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Lilly awoke feeling refreshed, but still carrying the previous day's revelations in her heart. The journey back to Thundrel loomed ahead, a journey that marked not just a physical return but also the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
After breaking camp and ensuring no trace of their stay was left behind, the group set off towards the city. The walk back was far less tense, filled with casual conversation and the occasional laughter. Lilly found comfort in the company of her companions, their presence a reassuring reminder of the support she had.
The return to Thundrel brought a flood of emotions for Lilly. As she walked through the city streets, the sense of confinement she had felt before her journey had transformed. Now, these familiar paths and buildings felt like a sanctuary, a place of safety and growth. The city that had once seemed like a cage now appeared as a nurturing ground, a place where she could develop and explore her abilities in any direction she chose. The realization brought a sense of peace and clarity to her mind.
The group agreed to meet up later in the day where they first met, so that Lilly could go home for a while and explain the situation.
Lilly's return to the bakery was a moment filled with deep emotion. As she stepped inside, the familiar sights and sounds of her childhood enveloped her, bringing a sense of comfort and security. Seeing Gramps, his back turned to her as he worked, brought a rush of emotions. The memories of her recent brush with danger in the forest and the realization of what she might have lost – and what Gramps might have lost – hit her hard.
“I’m so sorry, Gramps,” she said, her voice trembling. The sight of him reminded her of the harrowing moment in the forest when she had faced what she thought was her end, and the overwhelming thought of leaving Gramps alone in the world.
Gramps turned, surprised, his face lighting up at the sight of her. But his smile quickly turned to concern at her words. Before he could respond, Lilly rushed forward and hugged him tightly, seeking comfort in his familiar embrace.
“Lilly, thank the gods! What happened? Are you alright?” Gramps asked, his voice filled with worry as he returned her embrace.
“I’m fine, and no one was hurt. The others showed me how dangerous the forest can be, very thoroughly,” Lilly explained, her voice muffled against Gramps' shoulder.
Gramps seemed concerned as he asked, “Very thoroughly? What does that mean exactly?”
“They acted out a scene of losing to a drake that attacked us, showed me how useless my defensive spells were, and made me think I was going to die…”
“What? That’s too far!” Gramps exclaimed, his concern deepening.
“Maybe a bit, but it was what I needed,” Lilly assured him, pulling back to look at him. “Now I know how it easily could have gone wrong, and.. I’ve decided to stop adventuring. Instead, I’ll focus on learning magic here in the city.”
Gramps sighed, a look of relief washing over his face. “Well, I’m glad you’ve decided to take a safer path, Lilly. Very glad.”
“They were all amazing adventurers, Gramps. One of them is the head of the adventurers' guild in the city. And the others are just as impressive,” Lilly said, a hint of admiration in her tone.
“You had Thoren there?” Gramps asked, his eyebrows raising in surprise.
“You know him?” Lilly inquired, curious.
“Yeah, well I know of him at least. I think most people my age do,” Gramps replied. Then, hesitantly, he added, “But, ehm… Do you think I made the right choice, letting you go?”
Lilly looked at him, her eyes softening. “Well, it turned out great in the end. But… When I thought I was going to die… I was so sorry for how selfish I had been, and how I would be leaving you behind. I’m sorry, Gramps.”
Gramps pulled her into another hug, holding her close. “You don’t need to apologize, Lilly. I’m just glad you’re home safe. And I’m proud of you for making this decision. You’ve grown a lot since leaving yesterday.”
As they stood there, in the warmth of the bakery, Lilly felt a profound sense of gratitude and love for her grandfather. The adventure had been a journey of self-discovery, and though it hadn’t taken the path she had expected, it had brought her back home with a new purpose and a deeper appreciation for the life and the people she had always known.
With Gramps' affirmation and his acknowledgment of her growth, Lilly felt a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. Gramps, his face still etched with a mixture of relief and pride, inquired further about her plans.
"So, you're going to learn magic? That's a significant undertaking, Lilly," Gramps said, his tone a mix of curiosity and support.
"Yes," Lilly replied, her eyes shining with determination. "One of the adventurers I met, Eldrin, agreed to teach me the basics of magic right here in the city. He's a skilled mage and has a lot of knowledge to share. Apparently he was a teacher previously as well."
"That sounds like a wonderful opportunity," Gramps responded, his eyes twinkling. "Eldrin, you said? I may have heard of him. It's good to know you'll be in capable hands."
Lilly nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm excited to start. I think it's going to be a whole new adventure, but a safer one this time."
"Well, you always had a knack for the magical arts, even as a child," Gramps said fondly. "I'm sure you'll do great."
Lilly took his words to heart, feeling the weight of the responsibility she was about to embrace. "Thanks Gramps. I'll do my best."
After a little more conversation and a final, reassuring hug, Lilly prepared to leave the bakery. She was eager to begin her new journey into the world of magic. As she stepped out of the bakery, she felt a sense of excitement about the future. The streets of Thundrel, once a reminder of her restlessness, now held the promise of a new path of learning and discovery.
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Lilly arrived at the tavern where she was to meet with her companions from the forest adventure. The familiar bustle of the establishment, with its lively chatter and clinking glasses, felt welcoming. As she entered, she immediately spotted Eldrin, Eolande, and Thoren at the same table she first found them at.
Eolande greeted her with a warm, friendly hug. "You're so cute, Lilly, you make me want to teach a few fresh adventurers again," she said with a chuckle. "If you ever change your mind about adventuring, please let me know."
Lilly returned the hug, smiling at Eolande's words. Her heart felt lighter, knowing she had made connections with such experienced and kind-hearted adventurers.
As they settled down at the table, Eldrin presented Lilly with a pouch. "Here's your share from the materials we sold from our trip – about 160 gold," he said, pushing the pouch towards her.
Lilly hesitated, her fingers brushing against the pouch. "But I barely did anything against the drake. I don't feel right accepting this."
"It's sort of an apology, for scaring you the way we did," Eldrin said, his tone showing a hint of regret. "Consider it a token of our respect for your decision and your future endeavors."
After a moment of reluctance, Lilly accepted the pouch, thanking them for their generosity and understanding.
Eldrin then began to talk about the tutoring he would provide. "We'll start with the basics of meditation, to help you focus and channel your magic. Then we'll move on to enchanting, forming magical structures, and some basic combat spells. From there, you can decide what direction you want to take your studies."
Lilly listened intently, eager to learn and absorb as much as she could from Eldrin's vast knowledge.
Thoren, who had been listening quietly, stood up. "I'm afraid I have to leave. Guild leader duties call," he said with a smile. "Lilly, if you ever need anything guild-related, or just advice, you know where to find me."
Lilly thanked him, feeling grateful for the support and open invitation. Thoren's departure left her with Eldrin and Eolande, who were more than ready to help her transition into this new phase of her magical education.
"Let's head to my place," Eldrin suggested. "That’s where your lessons will take place, and we can get started on meditation theory straight away."
Lilly nodded, excitement bubbling within her. As they left the tavern, walking through the streets of Thundrel, she felt a sense of purpose and anticipation. ‘I can’t wait to get started,’ she thought to herself.
Eldrin led them through a series of winding alleys until they arrived at a quaint house nestled in a quieter part of the city. The house itself seemed to hum with a subtle magical energy, its walls adorned with intricate runes and symbols.
"Here we are," Eldrin announced, gesturing towards a formation inscribed near the door. "Lilly, would you please press your palm against this? It's a security formation. It'll register you as an authorized visitor, allowing you to enter my home in the future."
Lilly did as instructed, feeling a gentle warmth as her palm made contact with the glowing formation. She watched in fascination as the runes lit up in response, pulsating with a soft light that then faded, leaving a comforting sense of welcome.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Eldrin said with a smile, pushing the door open. The interior was as magical as the exterior, with floating lights gently bobbing in the air and shelves lined with ancient tomes and various magical artifacts. The air inside was charged with an energy that made Lilly's skin tingle with anticipation.
As they stepped inside, Lilly felt as if she were crossing the threshold into a new world, one where magic was not just a part of life but the very essence of it. Eldrin's home was a sanctuary of knowledge and power.
Eolande couldn’t help but comment as they entered Eldrin’s home, “You really live up to the bachelor wizard stereotype, Eldrin. Your place is more like a magical laboratory than a home.” The room was indeed filled with arcane equipment, shelves of ancient books, and various magical artifacts, lacking the cozy, lived-in feel of a typical dwelling.
Eldrin grumbled something under his breath about being too busy for domestic concerns, which elicited a small laugh from Lilly.
Curious, Lilly turned to Eolande and asked, “Do you have someone, Eolande?”
Eolande smiled, pulling out a delicate amulet from beneath her shirt. She held it in her palm for a moment, then said, “Yup, he's still alive, it seems. Somewhere around Eldhaven at the moment.” The amulet seemed to glow faintly in her hand.
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Lilly looked puzzled, but Eolande continued, “With the long lives we elves lead, it can take years between each time we see each other. It's not much of an issue for us. But when we do meet, sparks fly!” Her eyes twinkled, showing that her affection was still strong, despite the distance and time apart.
Eldrin added, “It doesn’t help that you’re incapable of staying still, though. A lot of elves manage to live together quite normally.”
That comment seemed to hit a nerve. Eolande shot back with a playful yet pointed jab, “Oh, what would you know about relationships, Eldrin? Have you lost your virginity since the last time I saw you?”
Lilly’s cheeks flushed at Eolande’s remark, while Eldrin just scoffed, clearly used to their banter. The atmosphere was light and teasing, and Lilly found herself smiling at their interactions.
Eldrin, sensing the right moment to shift the conversation towards Lilly's training, turned to her with a thoughtful expression. "Lilly, before we delve deeper into your magic studies, tell me about your experience with meditation. It's fundamental to mastering magical control."
Lilly nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I've practiced meditation before, mostly as a means to focus my mind for the defensive spells. But I wouldn't say I'm an expert."
"Let's see where you're at, then," Eldrin suggested, gesturing to a quiet corner of the room. "Try to meditate as you normally would, and I'll observe."
Lilly settled herself on the floor, closing her eyes and taking deep, measured breaths. She tried to clear her mind, focusing on the energy within her. Eldrin watched her carefully, noting the way she held herself and the rhythm of her breathing.
Eldrin, having observed Lilly's initial approach to meditation, saw an opportunity to expand her understanding and practice. "Lilly, your meditation technique is good, but it's primarily passive and internal. There are other meditation techniques that can enhance different aspects of your magical abilities. Let me explain."
He began to outline the four types of meditation: active and passive, inner and outer. "Active meditation involves actively manipulating your mana, training its speed and flexibility. This type is crucial for situations requiring quick magical responses, like combat spells. Passive meditation, on the other hand, focuses on strengthening and increasing your mana reservoir. It's a slower process but vital for long-term development."
Eldrin then delved into the differences between inner and outer meditation. "Inner meditation is what you've been doing. It's all about focusing internally, within your core, refining and understanding your own magical essence. It's essential for magic that works from the inside, like enchanting or healing."
He moved on to outer meditation. "Outer meditation is visible to others. It involves projecting your mana outside your core, manipulating it in the external world. It's not just for show; it helps in applying magic to objects or casting spells that interact with the environment. Active outer meditation can look quite impressive, creating a light show of sorts."
Lilly listened intently, realizing that her knowledge of meditation was rather shallow. She had only practiced passive inner meditation, unaware of the other facets.
Eldrin encouraged her to try a bit of active outer meditation. "Give it a try. Focus on projecting your mana outward and actively shape it. It might be challenging at first, but it's a valuable skill to develop."
Lilly closed her eyes, concentrating. She attempted to project her mana outside her core, envisioning it as a tangible force in the space around her. After a few moments, a faint glow began to emanate from her, the light pulsating gently in the air. It was a modest display compared to what Eldrin described, but it was a start.
Eldrin and Eolande watched, impressed by her quick grasp of the concept. "Well done, Lilly," Eldrin praised. "With practice, you'll be able to do much more. These techniques will greatly enhance your versatility and effectiveness as a mage."
He proceeded to instruct her on the nuances of meditation, teaching her how to achieve a deeper state of concentration and harmony with her inner magic. Lilly followed his guidance, finding that with each passing moment, her sense of focus sharpened, and she felt more in tune with the magical energy flowing within her.
Once the meditation session ended, Eldrin's curiosity about the amulet surfaced. "Now, about this amulet of yours. I'm quite intrigued by how much it amplifies your magic. Would you mind demonstrating?"
Lilly, still feeling the calm from her meditation, agreed. She performed a basic spell without the amulet, and then repeated it while holding the amulet in her palm. The difference was stark and immediate, the spell enhanced significantly in presence and power.
Eldrin observed with a mix of surprise and fascination. "Incredible," he murmured. "This is no ordinary artifact. I’ve never seen such a significant amplification. May I try using it? It would be interesting to see if its effects are exclusive to you, or if it amplifies magic universally."
Lilly hesitated for a moment before unclasping the amulet and handing it to him. "Sure, but I think it's tied to me in some way. I sort of awakened it by dripping some blood on it two days ago. It's a family heirloom, though I don't know much about its history or origins."
Eldrin took the amulet, his fingers tracing the intricate designs as he prepared to cast a simple spell. Despite his efforts, the magic he produced showed no signs of enhancement. He handed the amulet back to Lilly with a thoughtful expression.
"It appears the amulet doesn't just amplify magic in a general sense. It might be drawing out the potential power within your core, enhancing the force as the spell is activated," Eldrin theorized. "But to understand it fully, I'd need to study it more."
Eolande, who had been observing the experiment with keen interest, chimed in, still impressed by the amulet's power. "That's quite a treasure you've got there, Lilly. It's not every day you come across something that powerful. Makes one wonder about the stories it holds."
The weight of the amulet in her palm reignited a sense of curiosity and connection to it. "I wish I knew more about it. Maybe it's a key to understanding more about my family's past," she mused aloud.
Eldrin, intrigued by the potential of the amulet in conjunction with meditation, suggested an experiment. "Why don't we try incorporating the amulet into your meditation practice? Activate it and hold it while you meditate. It might amplify the effects, giving us a clearer understanding of its capabilities."
Lilly nodded, a sense of anticipation building within her. She activated the amulet, feeling the familiar surge of power as it responded to her touch. Holding it in her hand, she closed her eyes and began to meditate, focusing first on the passive inner aspect she was familiar with.
Almost immediately, Lilly felt a profound difference. Her inner core, usually a subtle presence within her, now felt vibrant and expansive. The mana within her seemed to strengthen and grow, filling her with a sense of power and depth she had never experienced before.
Encouraged by the effect, she shifted to active outer meditation. As she projected her mana outward, the air around her began to shimmer with visible energy. The light that emanated from her was no longer faint but bright and pulsating, painting the room with dancing hues of color. The amulet not only enhanced her meditation but made the usually invisible process of mana manipulation visibly manifest.
Eldrin and Eolande watched in awe. The transformation was remarkable, with the amulet amplifying Lilly's magical abilities to an extent neither had anticipated.
"This is extraordinary," Eldrin commented, his eyes wide with amazement. "The amulet doesn't just boost your magic; it seems to draw out and magnify the very essence of your mana, regardless of the meditation technique."
Eolande nodded in agreement, equally impressed. "It's like watching a live display of magical force. Lilly, whatever the origin of that amulet, it's incredibly potent."
Lilly opened her eyes, the room settling back to normal as she ended the meditation. She felt exhilarated, the amulet's power offering a glimpse into a new realm of potential within her. With enough time and practice she would undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with.
Feeling the session had reached a natural conclusion with the exploration of the amulet's capabilities, Eldrin proposed one final exercise. "Lilly, before we wrap up, could you demonstrate your defensive spell on yourself? It'll serve as a baseline to measure your progress for our next session."
Lilly agreed, focusing her energy to conjure the protective barrier she had practiced so many times. Eldrin stood patiently as the shimmering shield materialized around her.
Eolande, ever the adventurer, piped up with a mischievous grin. "Let me try breaking it. I promise I'll be gentle."
Eldrin gave her a skeptical look before stepping forward to test the barrier himself. With a focused wave of his hand, he easily disrupted the shield, causing it to dissipate. "We need a consistent measure of Lilly's progress. If you broke it this time, it wouldn't be a reliable test for next time," he explained to Eolande.
Eolande shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "I wouldn't mind being here for the next test. But you're right, I'm not often in the city for long."
"I'd like to see your progress, Lilly," she added, turning to Lilly. "So, I'll try to stick around for a while."
Eldrin then turned his attention back to Lilly, giving her some homework. "Practice at least one type of meditation every day, for a few hours. It's crucial for building a strong foundation. And keep using the amulet, I doubt it will have any negative effects. Let's meet up at the same time next week. We'll adjust the frequency of our sessions based on what's suitable for you."
Lilly nodded, understanding the importance of consistent practice. "I will, Eldrin. Thank you for today. I've learned a lot."
As Lilly prepared to leave, the familiar sound of bickering between Eolande and Eldrin reached her ears. Their playful banter had become a comforting backdrop to her learning experience.
“Can I stay here while I’m in the city?” Eolande asked, her tone half-serious, half-jesting.
Eldrin, feigning exasperation, replied, “Go bother Thoren instead.”
“He’s busy,” Eolande retorted quickly.
“I’m busy!” Eldrin shot back, but there was a hint of a smile on his face.
Lilly couldn't help but smile at their exchange. Deciding it was best to leave them to their friendly squabble, she quietly closed the door behind her, stepping out into the magical ambiance of the evening city.
Thundrel, now enveloped in the cloak of evening, was a sight to behold. Magical lamps floated in the air, casting a soft, ethereal glow that bathed the streets in a dreamlike light. The shadows they cast danced playfully on the cobblestones, adding to the city's mystical charm.
The air was perfumed with the scent of enchanted flowers, their petals shimmering in the twilight with iridescent blues and purples. The entire city seemed alive with magic, a living testament to its deep connection with the arcane.
Lilly walked through the streets, her heart full of a new sense of purpose. The lessons she had learned from Eldrin, the untapped potential of her amulet, and Eolande's promise to stay in the city, all combined to bolster her confidence in her magical journey. With a clear plan for her training and the support of her new mentors, she was now ready to embrace the path of becoming a mage.
Upon returning home, Lilly found Gramps sitting in his chair in the living room. She eagerly shared the details of her lesson with him, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Gramps, the lesson was amazing. Eldrin is teaching me so much."
Gramps listened with a warm, proud smile on his face. "It warms the heart to see you like this, Lilly. You seem so happy and excited."
Lilly's smile widened. "I really am, Gramps. I'm so excited about my future as a mage. Whatever shape it takes, I know it's going to be something special."
After a brief chat, Lilly excused herself to take a much-needed bath. The small bathroom in their home was equipped with a common magical utility that heated the water – a simple yet effective piece of magic that Lilly hoped to master herself one day.
As she sank into the warm, soothing water, Lilly closed her eyes and began to practice internal meditation. The tranquility of the bath provided the perfect environment for her to focus and reflect on her magical core. She felt her mana flowing more freely, a peaceful harmony between her mind and the magic within her.
After some time spent in meditative silence, Lilly emerged from the bath feeling refreshed and renewed. She dried off, her thoughts still lingering on the lessons of the day and the potential that lay ahead.
In her room, she prepared for bed, her body and mind at ease. As she lay down, pulling the covers up to her chin, Lilly felt a profound sense of contentment. Her journey into the world of magic had truly begun, filled with possibilities, challenges, and the promise of discovery. With a smile on her lips and a heart full of hope, Lilly drifted off to sleep, her dreams infused with the magic and wonder of the path she had chosen.
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She awoke with a start, her scream piercing the stillness of the night. Her heart raced as the vivid nightmare lingered in her mind – the giant red maws of the Fire Drake looming over her, its hot breath and terrifying visage a haunting echo of her encounter in the forest. The paralyzing fear she had felt then came rushing back, leaving her trembling and gasping for air.
Hearing the commotion, Gramps rushed into her room, concern etched on his face. "Lilly! What's wrong?" he asked, hurrying to her side.
Lilly, still trying to shake the remnants of the nightmare, looked up at him with wide, fearful eyes. "I... I dreamt of the drake... it was so real," she managed to stammer, her voice shaky.
Gramps sat on the edge of her bed, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "Shh, it's alright. You're safe here, with me," he soothed, his voice a calming presence in the dark room.
After a moment, Gramps spoke, a hint of anger in his tone. "I can't believe those adventurers put you through this... scaring you like that."
Lilly, trying to lighten the mood despite her lingering fear, responded with a weak smile. "Well, getting traumatized seems to pay well." She gestured weakly towards the pouch of money she had received earlier that day, a sort of apology from her companions for the staged attack in the forest.
Gramps let out a soft, affectionate laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he held her close. "Only you could find humor in this, Lilly," he said, his voice filled with warmth and love.
They sat together in silence for a while, Gramps' steady presence a comforting anchor in the aftermath of her nightmare. The experience in the forest had left its mark, but with Gramps by her side, Lilly felt a little safer, a little more grounded. The night's terror slowly receded, replaced by the reassuring reality of her grandfather's care and the safety of her home.