Chapter 7 - Proper Enchantment

Lilly's walk to Eldrin's place was filled with a sense of accomplishment. Over the past few days, she had experimented with enchanting various objects besides the feather, discovering nuances in her spellcasting and gaining a deeper understanding of the enchantment process. She found that enchanting different items accelerated her learning, and she was pleased to have successfully cut wood with the enchanted feather.

Upon arriving, Lilly was greeted at the entry by Eolande, who immediately enveloped her in a warm, motherly hug. Lilly, still adjusting to Eolande's affectionate gestures, initially received the hug somewhat passively. However, as she stood there, something shifted within her. She returned the embrace with a surprising burst of enthusiasm, feeling genuinely touched by Eolande's care.

"Thank you," Lilly whispered softly, a sincere expression of gratitude for the unexpected support and warmth she had found in Eolande.

Eolande, caught off guard by Lilly's response, seemed a bit choked up as she let go. "I'm heading out," she managed to say, her voice tinged with emotion as she left the house.

As Lilly stepped further into the house, she noticed Eldrin watching the exchange from a distance, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Welcome, Lilly," he said, his tone welcoming yet composed. "Are you ready for the next lesson?"

Lilly nodded, happy to get her mind on other things. The warmth of the hug lingered, giving her a sense of belonging and comfort, but she hesitated about letting those feelings into her heart. She needed to have a discussion with Eolande at some point soon.

Lilly entered Eldrin's study, her mind replaying the successful enchantments she had achieved over the past few days. As she settled into the familiar space, Eldrin greeted her with a question that immediately drew her into the lesson.

"Did you manage to slice the apple, Lilly?" Eldrin inquired, his eyes curious.

Lilly, holding a feather lightly between her fingers, nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, after three days I finally did it. Then I was forced to take a break, so I just barely managed to get it to cut wood yesterday." Her voice trembled with a mixture of pride and exhaustion.

"Really? Without using the amulet?" Eldrin raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.

"Of course, that's what you said, right?" Lilly replied, a determined glint in her eye. She remembered the countless hours she had spent, focusing on the delicate balance of magic and willpower.

Eldrin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I did, but I made a mistake last week. A feather is supposedly too complex for a first-time enchanter, so it should have been a simple wooden knife. I mixed them up a bit. But it's amazing that you managed to use the feather, you even cut wood?" He looked at her, genuinely surprised.

Lilly shifted her weight, feeling a bit awkward. "Oh... Yeah, just yesterday. Uhm, I tried using a bunch of different stuff before I managed to cut wood though, I felt like I learned faster that way. I tried using a dagger during my break, and when I used the amulet, it managed to cut an iron plate." She hesitated, unsure of Eldrin's reaction.

Eldrin just looked at her, dumbfounded for a moment. His usual composed demeanor seemed to falter, replaced by a look of astonishment. "So you're basically ready to start proper enchantments then... That seems too fast, but those are basically the tests for sufficient proficiency… Luckily, I have the materials for that already."

Lilly felt a mix of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of moving on to more complex enchantments. Eldrin's acknowledgment of her rapid progress was both affirming and daunting.

As Eldrin busied himself with searching through his storage chests, Lilly seized the opportunity to delve into her growing curiosity about enchantments. She watched him, her mind teeming with questions she had been pondering since their last session.

"I had some questions since last time," Lilly said, her voice echoing slightly in the chamber filled with arcane artifacts and mystical paraphernalia.

Eldrin paused in his rummaging, turning to face her. "Ask away, Lilly," he replied, his tone encouraging.

Lilly clasped her hands together, gathering her thoughts. "How does an enchantment stay permanent when the ones I do now disappear after a little while?" she asked, her eyes reflecting her genuine thirst for knowledge.

Eldrin leaned against a table, a small smile playing on his lips. "Oh, that's a beautiful aspect of enchantments. They take in the mana from the environment to stay functioning. It's a basic part of the systems that are integrated, collecting enough mana to function. You can add some form of energy storage if the output is very demanding, and someone using the enchanted item can add their own mana to increase the output. You can stop the mana being absorbed so the item becomes empty, but it only needs a bit of mana to function normally again." His explanation was detailed, revealing the depth of his understanding of the mystical arts.

Lilly nodded, absorbing his words. "Is that how my amulet only started working when I put some blood on it?" she inquired, recalling the strange incident that had puzzled her.

Eldrin's expression turned thoughtful, and he stroked his beard. "No, I think that's a more complex system, possibly lost to the times. I haven't heard of anything like that in any known enchanting techniques, although it could be a function of a rare material of sorts." His gaze drifted off, as if he were contemplating the mysteries of the arcane world.

Eldrin eventually found the things he was looking for and set them on the table. There was a metal tool, a simple bracelet, some flowers, and an old book. Each item had its own place in the enchantment they were about to perform.

"These are what we need for your first real enchantment," Eldrin explained, pointing to each item. "We're going to make this bracelet be able to store sunlight and release it later. It's pretty useless for anyone that can use a basic light spell, but we're using these flowers, so it's cheap to make."

Lilly looked over the items with interest. "Ooh, what's the metal thing?"

"That's for carving runes on the bracelet. You'll have to enchant it with the sharpness spell you've learned since it's not an enchanted tool, but once you do that it will carve just fine."

"Okay, straight into carving huh? What should I carve?" Lilly asked, eager to start.

Eldrin handed her the book. "This book has basic runes for starters. You'll need it for now, but you'll learn to do without it soon enough."

"Okay. What do I do with the flower when I'm ready to make the enchantment?" Lilly picked up one, looking at it curiously.

"You just hold it in your hand and fill it with mana, then the spell will take care of the rest. Hopefully." Eldrin smiled, reassuring her.

Lilly's excitement grew as she looked at the items on the table. This was her first step into a larger world of enchantment, and she couldn't wait to start.

Lilly delved into the book, quickly locating the section on the enchantment she needed. The book also had explanations about the runes, and these were marked as 'light' and 'storage'. Understanding dawned on her as she read the explanations; these runes were essential in guiding the enchantment to interact with the relevant systems, which in this case, were responsible for harnessing and storing light. While Lilly theorized that the 'storage' rune alone might suffice, she opted to use both to ensure the bracelet would effectively gather and hold sunlight.

With a newfound determination, she cast the enchantment on the carving tool, imbuing it with the necessary sharpness. The tool, however, wasn't as efficient as she had hoped. Carving the runes into the bracelet required more effort than expected. The lines she carved were a bit uneven, and she wasn't entirely pleased with how they looked. 'Next time, I'll use my amulet to boost the enchantment on the tool,' she thought, making a mental note.

"Do you think that's good enough, Eldrin?" Lilly asked, looking up with a hint of uncertainty.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Eldrin examined her work, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and satisfaction. "That should be more than good enough, Lilly. Well done. Now, you need to use this spell to sense the bracelet and its properties. It's similar to the sharpness spell, but you'll notice the difference."

Lilly focused, casting the spell Eldrin described. The sensation was familiar yet distinctly different from the sharpness spell. It allowed her to perceive the bracelet in a new way, revealing intricate details about its materials and forces. She could even sense the runes she had carved, feeling their shaky intentions but understanding their purpose.

She reached for one of the flowers, her fingers gently encircling it. As she channeled her mana into the delicate petals, she felt a profound connection, unlike anything she had experienced before. The flower seemed to come alive under her touch, revealing a complex network of magical threads, intricate and bewildering. Thousands of them intertwined throughout the flower, forming a pattern too complex for her to begin to grasp. "Oh wow, now I understand why systems can't be understood," she whispered, awestruck by the complexity.

Eldrin nodded, his voice carrying a hint of wisdom. "Indeed, even the simplest magical item would take years to fully comprehend. That's why we use runes as shortcuts to initiate the process, and then extract the magical properties with the spell. Try using it now."

Lilly, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, followed Eldrin's instructions. She poured her mana into the bracelet, filling it to its capacity, and then activated the final part of the enchantment. She could feel a part of the intricate weave being drawn towards the runes on the bracelet, the threads from the flower reaching out to join them. But then, something went wrong. The threads snapped, drifting away as the spell concluded, leaving a sense of incompleteness.

"I think I just failed..." Lilly said, disappointment clear in her voice.

"That is totally expected, Lilly," Eldrin reassured her. "Understanding the force and threads in a system is complex. If you use too little force, the threads remain hanging after the spell ends. Too much, and they tear apart. You've actually gotten farther than most on their first try, including myself."

Hearing this, Lilly felt a surge of encouragement. She hadn't succeeded, but she had made significant progress, more than many seasoned enchanters had on their first attempt.

"Now, you need to clear the threads from the runes before trying again. Don't be discouraged," Eldrin advised, his tone supportive.

After a couple of overcorrections and failures, Lilly's precision improved significantly. On her fourth attempt she almost made it, leaving just a slight bit of thread in the flower. She sighed, "Damn, I was so close that time."

Eldrin, who had been quietly observing, looked over the remaining bouquet. It seemed he had anticipated a longer learning curve. "You're getting the hang of it," he encouraged her.

With renewed determination, Lilly said, "Yes, I've got it for sure this time." Her confidence was palpable.

Her persistence paid off. On the fifth try, she successfully completed the enchantment. "I did it! I think at least, nothing tore or remained this time. How do I use it?" Lilly's voice was filled with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

"Well, there isn't much sunlight outside now, so let's use this," Eldrin replied, pulling out a charged bracelet from his robe. "It's similar to yours but already has light stored in it. We can use it to charge your bracelet."

Lilly's eyes sparkled with interest. "That's awesome. Did you make it recently?"

"Yes, I did. It was a refresher for me as well," Eldrin explained with a nod. "Now, let's charge yours. First, put it on."

Lilly slid the bracelet onto her wrist, feeling a new connection to it. "Now, it should start absorbing light passively. To activate it, either use mana or touch the runes twice," Eldrin instructed.

He activated his bracelet, holding it close to Lilly's, allowing the light to transfer. After a while, they tested Lilly's bracelet. She channeled a bit of mana into it, and the bracelet burst into a dazzling light, illuminating her face with a bright, joyous glow. It was a triumphant moment for Lilly, marking a significant milestone in her magical journey.

"Isn't it a bit brighter than yours, Eldrin?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, well, I always said you were well suited for enchanting. I'm not," Eldrin admitted with a hint of humility. "The instinct and feeling for it don't come naturally to me, but with enough theory, it can still be done. I also think you're particularly talented, Lilly. The speed at which you got the feather to cut wood - one week is incredible."

Lilly couldn't help but smile, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh stop it, you're making me blush," she said, her voice a mix of modesty and pride.

Eldrin chuckled softly. "As for your homework, practice is key. You'll need to keep working on enchanting and mastering runes. I have a few more bracelets you can use, but you might need to find other materials on your own, using the book as a guide. I must say, you've caught me by surprise today with your progress."

Lilly nodded, absorbing Eldrin's words. She felt a surge of enthusiasm at the thought of continuing her journey in enchantment, experimenting with new materials, and refining her skills.

As Eldrin left to retrieve the additional bracelets, Lilly's gaze wandered around the study, landing on a desk nestled against the wall. It was cluttered with an array of new books, all seemingly related to enchanting. Curiosity drew her closer, and she noticed that at least a dozen books sprawled across the desk. Four of them were open, bristling with notes and bookmarks, evidence of intense study and consultation.

A wave of emotion washed over Lilly as she realized the extent of Eldrin's efforts in her education. He had been silently pouring time and resources into helping her grow as an enchantress, all without seeking acknowledgment or gratitude. The realization brought tears to her eyes. She thought about the bracelet Eldrin had used earlier, the effort he must have put into creating it, and the resources he had gathered for her benefit. Books, especially those on magic, were a luxury, and here they were, amassed for her learning.

When Eldrin returned with the bracelets, Lilly was overcome with gratitude. Without a second thought, she stepped forward and wrapped him in a heartfelt hug. Eldrin, initially taken aback and poised to sidestep the embrace, paused and allowed the hug. His usual reserved demeanor gave way to a moment of warmth and acceptance.

"What's this about?" Eldrin asked, his voice reflecting a mix of surprise and a subtle, unspoken understanding of Lilly's gratitude.

Lilly stepped back, wiping the tears from her eyes as she looked up at Eldrin. "Oh, you saw the books? I should have hidden them, I guess," he said, a slight chuckle in his voice, but there was a hint of embarrassment too.

"Why? So I wouldn't see how much effort you're putting into helping me?" Lilly's voice was gentle, yet firm. She disagreed with his notion of keeping his efforts hidden. While still teary-eyed, she expressed her appreciation for his dedication. "Is it because of my parents that you're helping me so much?"

Eldrin shook his head, a smile softening his features. "No, not at all. Eolande did tell me about them, but that's not why I'm doing this. I put effort into teaching anyone under my wing. And don't worry about the resources; I come from a rich old mage family. We have more than enough to spare."

Lilly listened, a mix of relief and admiration in her eyes. It was comforting to know that Eldrin's support wasn't borne out of obligation or pity, but rather from his genuine dedication as a mentor.

Lilly's expression softened, reflecting a deep sense of gratitude. "I'm so glad it was your table I walked up to that day. The three of you have definitely changed my life for the better."

Eldrin's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. "I'm also glad, Lilly. It's been too long since I've taught anyone. I had forgotten how rewarding it is to see the younger generation grasp new concepts through my teachings."

"Thank you for the bracelets," Lilly said, her hands lightly touching the one on her wrist. "I'll do my best with finding materials and training."

"You're welcome. For materials, I'd suggest visiting the Aether's Echo. Tell the old gnome you're learning from me, and I'm sure he'll be more than willing to help."

Lilly smiled, a memory flashing in her mind. "Oh, you mean Gallus? I actually spoke to him before I met you guys. I'm sure he'll help either way."

"That's good to hear. Then you're all set. Good luck with your training," Eldrin replied, his tone carrying both encouragement and a hint of farewell.

Before leaving, Lilly had one more request. "Actually, can you ask Eolande to come over to my house tomorrow? I think we need to have a talk."

"Of course, Lilly. I'll let her know," Eldrin assured her, his expression turning a bit more serious. "And you know, she has the best intentions."

"I know she does. I just need to clear a few things up. Bye!" Lilly's voice was firm, yet there was an underlying warmth in her farewell.

"Goodbye, Lilly," Eldrin said, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and fondness.

Turning away from Eldrin, Lilly made her way out of the study, her mind buzzing with thoughts about her next steps in enchanting and the upcoming conversation with Eolande. The weight of the bracelet on her wrist served as a tangible reminder of the progress she had made and the journey still ahead of her.

Stepping out into the cool evening air, Lilly felt a refreshing sense of clarity and purpose. She walked back home, each step light with the excitement of her recent achievements and the possibilities that lay ahead.

Upon reaching home, the familiar sight of Gramps greeted her. His presence was always a comforting constant in her life. "Back from another day of learning, eh?" he said with a gentle smile, his eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and pride.

"Yeah, it was a good day. I did my first proper enchantment!" Lilly replied, her voice carrying a blend of tiredness and satisfaction. She shared a brief moment with Gramps, updating him on her progress and the plans for her next session with Eldrin. The comfort of home and the support of Gramps made her feel grounded and cherished.

After their conversation, Lilly headed to bed, her mind still replaying the day's events. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a growing sense of purpose and a deepening connection to the magical world she was steadily becoming a part of. Each day brought new knowledge, challenges, and opportunities, and Lilly was ready to embrace them all.