Chapter 5 - The kind Elf

Nearly a week had passed since Lilly's nightmarish awakening. During this time, she had dedicated herself to her meditation practice, following Eldrin's instructions to the letter. Each day, she spent hours honing her skills, feeling her control over her mana grow stronger and more refined. The effects of her diligent practice were evident, not only in the increased potency of her spells but also in her growing sense of inner peace and confidence.

Lilly also helped out in the bakery, balancing her magical studies with the daily responsibilities of assisting Gramps. During quieter moments in the shop, she would meditate, her focus so deep that she became oblivious to her surroundings. This led to a humorous yet practical solution; Gramps set up a bell by the counter with a sign that read, "Ring if unresponsive," after a few customers found themselves unable to get her attention.

The sign became a topic of light-hearted conversation among the regulars, who were both amused and impressed by Lilly's dedication. It was clear to everyone who stopped by that Lilly was not only a talented baker's assistant but also a mage in the making.

Now, as Lilly prepared for her next lesson with Eldrin, she felt a sense of eager anticipation. She had so much to share and learn, and she was excited to demonstrate her progress. Arriving at Eldrin's home, she greeted her mentor with a bright smile, the amulet around her neck glinting softly.

Eldrin noticed the change in her immediately. "Lilly, you've grown remarkably in just a week. Your aura feels more stable and powerful. Let's see how much your meditation has improved your magic," he said, a note of approval in his voice.

As Lilly stepped into the room they were using for lessons, her curiosity piqued about whether Eolande would be joining them. "Is Eolande here?" she asked.

Eldrin, who was arranging some books on a shelf, turned to her and replied, "She's out at the moment, but she might be back before we end the session."

"So she did end up staying here," Lilly remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Well, a friend in need and so on," Eldrin said with a slight chuckle. "Although she's perfectly capable of paying for an inn, and all the rooms at that... But anyways, do you want to show me the defensive spell again?"

"Absolutely!" Lilly responded enthusiastically. "I noticed it became a lot easier to cast as well after meditating externally for a while."

"That's why it's important," Eldrin nodded, pleased. "I'm glad you're seeing the effects so clearly."

Positioning themselves in an open area of the room, Lilly focused her mind and summoned her protective barrier. The shimmering shield materialized around her more quickly and with greater stability than before, a visible testament to her improved control and strength.

Eldrin observed the barrier, then began testing its resilience. He directed a series of controlled magical strikes against it. Unlike their previous session, the barrier held firm for a considerably longer period before eventually giving way under the sustained assault.

"That's a lot more improvement than I expected," Eldrin said, genuinely impressed. "Your practice is paying off, Lilly. This kind of progress in such a short time is remarkable."

Lilly, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment, smiled broadly. "Thank you, Eldrin. Your guidance has been invaluable."

Lilly, her curiosity piqued by the improvement in her spell, asked Eldrin a question. "Do you think you'd be able to break through my barrier if I used the amulet?"

Eldrin considered this for a moment. "The spell you're using is relatively simple to disrupt if you understand basic magical theory. But even without exploiting that, I probably could break it, though it might require more effort."

Encouraged by his response, Lilly activated her amulet, feeling the familiar surge of power. She then cast her defensive spell again, this time with the amulet’s enhancement. The barrier formed, visibly stronger and more resilient.

Eldrin prepared to test the barrier. Concentrating, he gathered his mana, which became visible around his hand – a shimmering, ethereal force. With a focused effort, he pushed against the barrier. It resisted more than before, but eventually, Eldrin's mana overcame it, breaking through the shield.

Lilly looked on in confusion. "How does using mana like that allow you to break through the barrier?"

Eldrin took a moment to explain. "It’s similar to how warriors use mana to strengthen their bodies. By channeling mana into my hand, I can increase its strength."

Lilly's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that how warriors become so strong?"

"Not exactly," Eldrin clarified. "Warriors do it instinctively, without consciously thinking about it. It's a skill that’s honed through repetitive use, much like training a muscle. A mage, on the other hand, has to guide the mana carefully and consciously to the right places for it to be effective in that way."

He added, "It gives me a better understanding of how much force is needed to break a barrier like yours, but it's not a technique I'd typically use in combat. It’s more about understanding and manipulating the flow of mana than raw strength."

Lilly absorbed this new information, realizing the depth and complexity of using mana. The lesson was not just about the strength of her barriers but also about the versatility of mana and how it could be applied in various ways, whether for defense, offense, or enhancement. This understanding opened up a new realm of possibilities in her magical education, deepening her appreciation for the intricacies of the arcane world.

"Now that you've made significant progress with your meditation and defensive spells, we should consider what to focus on next," he suggested. "There's enchanting, formation theory, combat spells, and even utility spells, though they're a smaller branch of magic and not often used. Or, if you feel it would be beneficial, we could start with a basic understanding of how magic and spells work. What do you think?"

Lilly pondered for a moment before responding. "I think a basic understanding of magic would be really helpful. Just to make sure I'm right about some things before we dive into anything more complex."

"Very well," Eldrin nodded, pleased with her choice. "Let's start with the fundamentals then."

He began to explain the basics of magic in a clear and concise manner. "In essence, spells are methods of shaping mana into predetermined forms and functions. While it's theoretically possible to achieve the same effects without spells, it requires much practice and control. For instance, you can make your mana swirl around someone and harden to form a barrier. However, doing this manually requires a great deal of focus and constant attention."

Eldrin continued, "Spells simplify this process. They are like blueprints or formulas for channeling mana efficiently to achieve specific results. Some spells perform more complicated tasks, but these typically require more time and mana to execute. The complexity of a spell is directly proportional to the intricacy of the effect it produces."

Lilly listened intently, absorbing every word. The explanation clarified several things she had intuited but never fully understood. It provided a framework for understanding the spells she already knew and set the foundation for learning more complex magic.

"The beauty of spellcasting lies in its blend of art and science," Eldrin concluded. "It's about understanding the principles of mana manipulation and then applying them creatively to solve problems or achieve desired outcomes."

Lilly, her mind brimming with questions, seized the opportunity to delve deeper into the mechanics of spellcasting. "Do spells need a constant stream of mana to function, or are they sustained on their own after being cast?" she asked first.

Eldrin considered her question. "It depends on the spell. Most spells are self-sustaining once cast. However, some, particularly defensive spells, can be designed to automatically draw additional mana to increase their strength as needed. This is a common personal defense tactic among mages."

Encouraged by his answer, Lilly posed another question. "Does every spell become stronger with more mana, or does that depend on the spell in question?"

"Again, it depends," Eldrin replied. "Most spells are designed to utilize excess mana to enhance a particular aspect of the spell. For example, a light spell might become brighter, or a defensive spell might become tougher. However, some spells are disrupted by excessive mana. A floating spell, for instance, could cause someone to float uncontrollably high if too much mana is used, so these spells have a set mana limit for safety and control."

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Lilly nodded, absorbing this information before asking her final question. "If someone is knocked unconscious while a spell is draining their mana passively, does the spell stop?"

Eldrin answered, "Typically, the flow of mana from your core ceases when you're unconscious. This is by design, as most legally sanctioned spells are structured this way to prevent mana deficiency, which can leave you weakened for days. It's crucial to ensure your spells comply with these standards. There are, of course, exceptions where continued mana drain is desirable, like certain protective spells. But most mages rely on external enchanted objects for continuous protection."

Lilly's understanding of magic deepened with each answer. The complexities of spell mechanics, the importance of mana management, and the ethical considerations in spell design were all crucial aspects she needed to grasp as she advanced in her magical studies. Eldrin's explanations not only answered her immediate questions but also opened her mind to the broader implications and responsibilities of being a mage.

Eldrin nodded as Lilly confirmed her grasp of the basics. "Good. Now, let's discuss the areas I can teach you in, so you can make an informed decision about what to focus on next."

He began with enchanting. "Enchanting is a field rich in variables, each playing a crucial role in the outcome. It's often favored by those who rely on instinct and feeling. You can create extraordinary items, like your amulet, but it's a discipline that often requires expensive materials or a strong reputation as an enchanter to progress significantly."

Next, he touched on formation theory. "This is for those who think logically, as it involves complex formulas and requires a high level of control. Formations are everywhere in civilized areas, from city barriers to magical lamps. With the right knowledge, you can create almost anything, including golems."

Eldrin then spoke about combat spells. "This category varies greatly in requirements, but all combat mages need a calm and strategic mind. Combat mages are highly valued in the military due to their destructive capabilities and are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. This is my area of expertise, and I could teach you extensively if you chose this path."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "However, based on what I've seen from you, I believe you might be best suited for enchantment magic. It's not a comment on your intelligence, but rather, I think your strong emotions could enhance your enchanting abilities."

Lilly, curious, asked, "What do you mean when you say enchantment is rich in variables?"

Eldrin explained, "Enchantment is unpredictable. Factors include the enchanter's emotions, the quality of the base item, compatibility between the base material and the enchanting material, how these systems interact with the base material, the magical force used, the energies and aspects of the materials, the enchanter's technique, the time of day, even the position of the stars and the ambient mana. Some of these can be controlled to yield better results, but others are left to chance, leading to almost random effects in the final product."

With her curiosity piqued, Lilly leaned forward. "What do you mean by 'systems' in enchantment materials?" she asked, her interest in enchantments shining through.

Eldrin noticed her enthusiasm and chuckled lightly. "Heh, I take it you're leaning towards enchanting?" he asked, his smile reflecting his own fondness for the craft.

Lilly's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "It does sound very interesting," she said. The thought of her family's connection to the amulet added a personal dimension to her curiosity. "And if the amulet is made by my family, it might be in my blood."

Eldrin's interest deepened at her words. "I've never asked before, but what's your family name? Maybe I've come across it in my studies or in some historical texts."

Lilly hesitated, her cheeks turning a shade of red. "Oh, I doubt it. I think it's pretty new," she said, trying to avoid answering directly.

But Eldrin's curiosity was piqued. "Well, you never know. So, what is it?"

After a moment, Lilly mumbled, "... Baker... My name is Lilly Baker."

Eldrin couldn't help but let out a stifled laugh, which escaped him despite his efforts. "I guess you've heard most of the jokes before?"

"Probably," Lilly responded, trying to hide her embarrassment with a smile.

Eldrin chuckled. "Oh well, then I wonder what came first. But let's get back to enchanting. The systems in the enchanting materials are essentially magical patterns inherent in every magical material. Take a drake scale, for instance. It possesses systems for managing heat and enhancing durability. A normal material without any inherent magic couldn't withstand the same level of heat or provide similar strength."

"The systems are what we aim to integrate into the item we're enchanting. We increase the base item's compatibility, often using runes that mimic some aspects of the desired system. Then we hope the enchanting process completes the integration. The enchantment spell is mainly focused on creating a functioning system, so if the runes capture parts of the system we want, the spell should ideally fill in the gaps."

Lilly listened intently, fascinated by the complexity and subtlety of enchanting. The idea of magical systems, evolving naturally in magical creatures and then being harnessed and integrated into inanimate objects, was both intriguing and daunting. The process Eldrin described painted a vivid picture of the art and science behind enchanting, making Lilly all the more eager to delve into it.

Lilly's enthusiasm was palpable as she leaned in, her eyes shining with fascination. "That's so interesting! Do we know every system of every magical material?"

Eldrin shook his head. "Not even close. The complexity of these systems, developed over years of evolution, is immense. We might be able to mimic the effects with formations, but replicating the full complexity or scale of the original is beyond our current capabilities. What we have regarding drake scales, for instance, is largely theoretical. That's part of the magic and mystery of enchanting."

"Amazing! Where do we start?" Lilly asked, eager to begin.

Eldrin chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well, we start at the very basics, with the spell used for enchanting."

He reached for a feather and held it up for Lilly to see. Casting a spell over it, he then used the feather to carve into a piece of wood, demonstrating its newfound strength. "This is the spell you'll use to learn the basics of enchanting an item. It's similar to the one used in actual enchanting, but it has a simple sharpening effect. With enough proficiency, it can make a feather cut through steel. The effect lasts only a few minutes, so you can practice frequently."

Handing the enchanted feather to Lilly, he continued, "Your homework for next time is to make this feather cut an apple in two. If you manage that before our next session, try cutting wood, like I just did. But be careful, use gloves to avoid accidents. Remember, the successful attempt should be done without the amulet, though you can use it for training."

Lilly accepted the feather, her mind already racing with the possibilities. The task seemed challenging, but she was determined to succeed. The thought of starting her journey into enchanting with such a practical and hands-on task was exhilarating. She was eager to explore the spell and understand how it interacted with the feather and the objects she would attempt to cut.

As Lilly was about to leave Eldrin's house, the door opened, and Eolande stepped in with her usual flair. "Hey there, cute little miss Baker."

Lilly's eyes widened in surprise. "You—You knew already?”

Eolande's expression shifted to one of mock disappointment. "Oh, you've told Eldrin? Man, I wanted to see his face." She glanced over at Eldrin, who remained stoically amused.

"I was laughing so hard I almost got caught while checking your home. Gods, that's funny," Eolande continued, completely oblivious to Lilly's discomfort, as she started to snicker to herself.

"You were spying on me!?" Lilly exclaimed, a mix of shock and indignation in her voice.

Eolande waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I do that to everyone I like, just to make sure you're safe and that no one else is doing something similar. And you're safe, I'm happy to report." She leaned down and gave Lilly a kiss on her forehead, an affectionate gesture that left Lilly feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

Eldrin, watching the exchange, added, "You get used to her eventually. Sorry I couldn't stop her."

Lilly was caught in a maelstrom of gratitude, outrage, embarrassment, and a longing for another comforting embrace. The mix of feelings was overwhelming, and she struggled to find the right response.

Finally, she managed a defiant "Humph!" trying to sound insulted but only partially succeeding. With a quick, flustered goodbye, she hurried out of Eldrin's house, leaving behind a chuckling Eolande and a smiling Eldrin. As she walked away, Lilly couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, despite the oddities of her new circle of acquaintances. Their unconventional ways were slowly becoming a part of her world, a world that was becoming ever more magical and intriguing with each passing day.

As Lilly walked home, her steps were slower than usual, weighed down by an unspoken sadness. The lively streets of Thundrel, with their magical lights and ethereal atmosphere, felt distant to her, as though she was walking through a world apart from her own thoughts and emotions.

Upon reaching home, Gramps greeted her with his usual warm smile. "How did it go today, Lilly?" he asked.

But instead of responding, Lilly wordlessly approached him and climbed into his lap, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. After a moment, her voice came out soft and vulnerable, "I miss mom."

Gramps held her close, a mixture of pain and tenderness in his eyes. "I do too, Lilly. Every day," he said after a pause, his voice thick with emotion.

After a moment of silence, Gramps mentioned, "Does this have anything to do with the elven lady who came by earlier?"

Lilly looked up, surprised. "She spoke to you?"

"Yes, she was asking about how you were doing after the scare last week. Then we talked a bit about... me raising you, and why. She seemed to be rather moved."

Lilly's heart warmed at the thought, a newfound appreciation for Eolande blossoming within her. 'Is that why she did that?' she wondered silently.

Gramps continued with a grin, "Then she mentioned our family name was very funny."

Lilly couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Pft, she's weird. But I like her."

"She did seem very nice," Gramps agreed. "So, am I in the presence of a great future mage?"

Lilly's spirits lifted as she replied, "Quite possibly! Enchanting seems very interesting, and it feels like something I could be good at."

Gramps chuckled. "That is interesting. Maybe we could start selling fireproof bread, or cake harder than steel."

Their laughter filled the room, a welcome respite from the heavier emotions of earlier. Feeling lighter, Lilly gave Gramps a kiss on the cheek, surprising him as it had been a while since she had done so. "Love you, Gramps!" she said cheerfully, getting up to head to bed.

"I love you too, Lilly," he responded, his smile wide and genuine, watching her as she disappeared into her room, his heart full of love and pride for the incredible young woman she was becoming.