Engraving 101
Location: Alba / Weaving Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 7th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Liara
Today is a special day.
Today I will finally learn enchanting!
I feel like this is the key to unlock the unique power
Actually, I have two special powers. One is the power to see. It doesn't sound too useful if I say it like that but the trick is that this power should have no limit at all. I should be able to see through space, time and dimensions alike.
I meant it as a way to see what's coming, and correct things before they can go wrong.
The only problem is that my mind is too small to handle the flow of information, so I asked voice for a second power. An enchantment that would interface with my omni-sight and sift through the deluge of information for me. Gamer Me called it
Soon after my rebirth, Meridia activated a portion of
Still, my omni-sight activated once before, even without the help of
"Good morning, Liara. Are you ready to become an enchantress?" (Lenbor)
"You? I thought Faber and Meridia were going to teach me." (Liara)
"I'm not you, my name is Lenbor. And at your level, you don't need them as teachers. I'm more than qualified enough to get you started. Plus, my Master is not going to make it easy for you. You'll have to steal his techniques from him. He is never going to give them to you." (Lenbor)
"I'm sorry, Master Lenbor. Please, don't be mad?" *look down* (Liara)
"... Uhm... No, I am sorry, Liara. I didn't mean to be rude. Let's start enchanting, ok?" (Lenbor)
[You sure like to take advantage of your young age as scapegoat for your missteps.] (Bookworm Me)
He he he. I do!
I was a bit disappointed that it was not Faber, but probably is for the best. That old man would have asked me to do something unreasonable. Lenbor might be a more forthcoming.
"Here, Arteficer, the tool you requested." (Merce)
"Leave the sacks over there." (Lenbor)
Two Dark Skins brought several sacks. Lenbor opens one, and bring out a brush, some ink, a strange tool, and several slices of wood cut from of a small tree. They are maybe five centimetres in diameter and one centimetre thick.
"Draw a circle in the wood with the brush." (Lenbor)
I guess the lesson has started.
*draw* (Liara)
"Good enough. Now take the engraving tool, make an incision along the line, while pouring magical power in the tool itself." (Lenbor)
The engraving tool is like a cutter. A sharp metal blade attached to a wooden stick.
I fidget my fingers, collimate some aether, refine a few magic threads, and direct them inside the tool. It's obviously enchanted. Later, I'll analyze the enchantment.
Now, I try and make an incision on the slice of wood.
*engrave* (Liara)
[Your magic sight is not giving me enough informations. Activate an analysis spell. I want to see clearly what's happening inside there.] (Science Me)
With my free hand I collect some more magic threads and prepare to weave a spell.
Now, I can see a luminous wire forming at the tip of the tool while I make an incision on the wood. It looks similar to a magic channel. But it's flimsy and irregular.
[Intriguing. The tool seems to be solidifying the aether. Aether. Such a strange substance. It's immaterial like light, but can interact with regular matter, and apparently it can become solid as well under the right conditions.] (Science Me)
I can see from Science Me experience that this really is a unique and unexpected property.
Good thing this engraving tool is easy to use. I just have to pour aether in using a magic thread. My mind is free to focus on the analysis spell.
"There, I closed the circle! What do you think about it?" (Liara)
Lenbor come close, take the piece of wood, and closely look at it. He is using his magic sight alone? If mine isn't sharp enough, what can he tell by seeing only blurry shadows?
"... The engraving was successful. There are no interruptions nor overgrowth in the magic channel. It's thin and irregular, but it's your first time engraving, so it's to be expected." (Lenbor)
I'll be damned.
[Lenbor has been handling artifact for most of his life. He knows from experience what the blurry shadows are meant to look like.] (Doctor Me)
I guess I still have a long way to go.
"Here, Liara. Try to activate the enchantment." (Lenbor)
I wonder what does it do. It's just a rough circular magic channel.
I put down the engraving tool, grab the piece of wood, and direct a thin magic thread to my enchantment. As soon as they touch, the channel lights up. I can see specks of light running along the circumference. As I inject more and more power, the circle becomes brighter and brighter.
I mean, my magic sight see the flow of aether as light. To someone without aptitude, this would look like any other piece of wood, with no light at all.
*flare* "Ah!" *drop* (Liara)
The wood around the channel caught fire, destroying it! It was just a fizzle, but it scared me nevertheless. Now there is a burned rough circle on the piece of wood.
"What you just saw was an overload. The channel couldn't bear the aether flow, and ruptured, damaging it's surroundings. You have to be careful, as the same thing can happen to the channels inside your own body if you overexert yourself too far." (Lenbor)
[Not that it can ever happen to you, considering how absurd your aptitude for magic is.] (Lenbor)
So this is what happened to Meridia back then during my baptism? Ouch!
[This reminds me of lightning strike damage, only on the inside. I'm surprised they can treat this level of injuries.] (Doctor Me)
"Master Lenbor, What did my enchantment do before blowing up?" (Liara)
"Nothing, of course. It just circulated aether pointlessly." (Lenbor)
"How do I make my enchantment do something?" (Liara)
"This will take you time. You need to learn the shapes. Then you need to learn to have the right thought at the right time while you engrave. All while carefully making the channel as thick and uniform as you can." (Lenbor)
"Can I see you try?" (Liara)
"Of course, but don't be too rash. It took me many years to engrave my first working enchantment. I am more suited to metalworks than engraving high tier spells anyway." (Lenbor)
The young man pick a new slab of wood and the engraving tool. He closes his eyes and etches a circle. He moves his hand at a steady pace, while injecting a constant amount of aether. It's just like I did, only the circle is actually round.
[He is good! Drawing a circle that well is really hard to do!] (Artist Me)
The channel is thicker and more regular. I wonder how many years of practice it took him to reach this level.
"There, it's done. Try to activate it, Liara." (Lenbor)
I grab the newly enchanted slab of wood and direct a tiny magic channel to it.
A small bright globe of light forms just above the surface of the slab of wood.
"That is all you need, Liara. From now on I want you to practice engraving. Do it a little every day, and try to understand what went wrong before you make another attempt. Feel free to show me your enchantments. I wouldn't show them to Faber if I were you." (Lenbor)
"Thank you, Master Lenbor. I will do my best!" *smile* (Liara)
"I'm sure you will." *leave* (Lenbor)
Lenbor leaves. I'm now alone, with only guards looking from the balcony. Time to get to work. I have a
Equipment
Location: Alba / Elven Forge
Time: Y1503 / 7th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Faber
Alba has always been in an almost abandoned state. The Church formally held it, but I don't think this place has ever been contested. Not even during the War. I always had the impression that this place held no value. A drain of resources for whomever held it.
There are no stable rivers around. Whenever someone tries to settle down, a drought follow, and the settlers are forced to leave. It's a fortification that guards nothing.
But this was all an impression. One that the Church was happy to maintain.
What a secret the Church of Gloria was keeping.
This fortification was built by elves. The lower levels are filled with chambers laid with complex enchantments performing incredible functions!
The most valuable chamber is the Forge of Alba.
The actual furnace is a small well filled with molten rocks. An enchantment keep the well from melting, and keep the lava hot and in a liquid state.
There are pedestals, laid with more enchantments. Over them, balls of molten metal are suspended in mid air. Refineries, clearing the metal of impurities. There are several small openings on the wall and the ceiling. I gather they are used to keep the air inside clean. They work so well, that the air here is actually better than what you breathe in the streets of Victoria.
Another station is used to quickly chill whatever is put inside it's opening. It is faster than submerging the metal in the water. Perfect for tempering.
The final station has two spheres attached to two pillars at waist height. The operator just has to grab them, and can freely move molten metal from one station to another and give shape to it using only their mind!
On top of that, there are tools all over. Meridia showed me the functions of some of them.
This place is beyond priceless. No doubt the Healing Artifact Meridia spoke of was found here.
"So, Faber. What do you think of the Forge of Alba?" (Meridia)
"Why are you showing me? Aren't you afraid I'll spill the bean?" (Faber)
"It won't matter. As long as you teach the Gifted One, everything will unfolds as Gloria wills it." (Meridia)
"Sure... Whatever you say, Meridia... Say, how much do you understand of those enchantments? I'm sure you studied them in great details." (Faber)
"I know what they do, and how they works. But I have never been able to replicate them. My channels are too big. The overall enchantment would be far too gigantic for me to engrave it all. Those enchantments cannot be duplicated." (Meridia)
"The elves sure are something to exceed your skills. And you say the enchantment inside the little girl are even greater than the ones here?" (Faber)
"As far as heaven is from earth. There is no comparison." (Meridia)
"Scary. What do you want me to do with this forge?" (Faber)
"Armors, weapons, and artifacts. Liara cannot act alone. One day she will set foot outside, and she will need comrades for her crusade. I wish to provide them with the tools they need to reshape this world according to Gloria's will! Liara will be part of a unit unlike anything that came before!" (Meridia)
"Liara's unit! And I am to arm them? Equipment that will be used to change the course of history? I thought the artifacts I made for you back then were to be my final masterpiece. Not anymore! So be it, Meridia. You'll have what you want!" *grin* (Faber)
Uhm... Was everything that happened to me in my long life set to lead me here?... Ha ha ha! Hear me! I'm starting to talk like them!
I lived my whole life trying to become the greatest arteficer there was and etch my name in history. I want for everyone that follow for ages to come to remember my name. Faber, the Master Arteficer.
One last job and my legacy will be assured! Yes. I'll die wielding an hammer inside the best forge in the continent to create equipment that will reshape this world.
Yes. This is how I want to go.
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Left Behind
Location: Red Harbor Town / Streets
Time: Y1503 / 10th day of the Wither Moon
A few moons back disaster befell Red Harbour Town.
Caught in a fight between the Inquisition of Gloria and sinners, two merchant ships were sunk. Most of the crew and many city guards died, leaving many widows behind and breaking families apart.
The small but vibrant town lost life in the aftermath. Shops closed, families lost their livelihood. Children were abandoned to fend for themselves.
A young woman, was walking the streets, gathering the children. She wanted to help them, by creating a orphanage. But she needed money for that. She was headed toward the Lord's Manor.
The woman, spotted a child wrapped in a dirty dark rag, curled on the side of the street. She approached him.
"Do you have a family?" (Gretel)
"..." (Boy)
"Come with me, then! We'll become your family!" *smile* *extend hand* (Gretel)
Without changing expression, the boy took the hand of the young woman and rose up on his feet.
--------------------------------
Location: Red Harbor Town / Lord's Manor / Hallway
~therefore, we would like for you to make a donation to our orphanage, Lord." *bow* *sweat* (Gretel)
A young woman dressed in sober clothes stood in the hallway of the manor of the lord. With her, a dozen children of varying ages.
The Lord, a man in his mid forties with a long nose and small round glasses looked upon the woman and the children. He walked by, carefully examining them.
[The wait is unbearable. Please say something!] *sweat* (Gretel)
"Of course I will help you, fair lady. It is noble of you to help the one most in need, and it is my duty as governor to help my citizen." (Lord Lesto Hartae)
*gaping* [Did he really say that?] (Gretel)
*clap* *clap* "Kyee, see to it that this noble spirit receives coins. Also, make sure the guards help her out in setting up the orphanage." (Lesto)
"As you will, my Lord." *bow* (Kyee)
"Thank you!!! May Gloria bless you for your generosity!!" *tears* *kneel* (Gretel)
"Think nothing of it, fair lady. Uhm... That boy. He looks like he went trough a lot" *point* (Lesto)
The Lord pointed at a boy, dressed in a dirty dark rag that covered his face.
"This one... he hasn't spoken a word, my Lord. But I'll make him feel better!" (Gretel)
"Let me help you. My healer can give him special care. I'll let him stay in my manor until he recovers." (Lesto)
"But... He is just... Of course, my Lord. Thank you." *look down* (Gretel)
"Come, young boy. You look hungry. Let get you some food." *smile* (Lesto)
*walk* (Young boy)
--------------------------------
Location: Red Harbor Town / Lord's Manor / Guest's Room
"Lord Lesto. A warm bowl of soup, as you requested." (Cook)
"Thank you. Now leave. Make sure nobody gets in." (Lesto)
"... Of course." *close* (Cook)
The lord face became stern as he addressed the boy in a totally different tone.
"We are alone. Let him come out." (Lesto)
The boy's eyes became white for a moment before returning to normal as light from a necklace filtered from behind the boy's rags.
"Lord Lesto. May I know why we didn't receive your contribution, this moon?" (Boy)
"Didn't you receive my message?" (Lesto)
"I'm afraid I can't accept that answer. The Church of Gloria has to be stopped. We can't do it without your contribution." (Boy)
"Don't kid yourself, Moria. I didn't get to my position by making lost bets. I invested in your enterprise when you were bringing results. But your scheme has failed. It's time to move on to other ventures." (Lesto)
"Fool! The Beast is growing in strength with each passing day! We have to kill her!" (Boy)
"You tried, repeatedly, and failed. Losing many valuable assets in the process. It is time to cut my losses. And you, Moria. I always took you for the pragmatic type. If I didn't know better, I'd say you have become a man of faith as well." (Lesto)
"Mock me all you want. The Beast will come for you one day. She can't be reasoned with. And once she grows to full strength, she will be unstoppable! You HAVE to act!" (Boy)
"I helped the inquisitors. At great costs, may I add. I'm in a good terms with the leadership of the church. I'm confident I will be spared by the purge. They can't kill ALL of us now, can't they? Someone has to survive to rebuild. I plan to be that person." (Lesto)
"I can't believe what I am hearing!" (Boy)
"You should. You came here possessing the body of this boy, not in person. Why?" (Lesto)
"Are you kidding me? Only a fool would enter your manor without insurance." (Boy)
"Only a fool. Yet that inquisitor did it. He entered my manor, alone and unguarded. He was no fool. He knew my man were ready to kill him. Still, he threatened me. In my HOME! ME!" (Lesto)
"And you let him walk away with his life?!?" (Boy)
"You and I, Moria, are man of reason. We are after money and power, we can trust in that, even if in that only. But those... things? Their faith make them blind. They would rather die than compromise. Kill one, an hundred more would have followed. They lack self preservation. Unlike us." (Lesto)
"You'll regret this choice. Nobody crosses ME!" (Boy)
"I don't think so. Also, refrain from using young boys again. I wouldn't want for strange rumors to spread. As a matter of fact, I'll take this artifact for myself, and release the boy." (Lesto)
"Don't you dare!" *hold artifact tightly* (Boy)
"You scheme had potential, Moria. The Cult. The Royal Family. Taking advantage of the fall of Meridia. All while not enraging the faithful citizens. But the Beast appeared, and you failed to contain her. It is time to sever our contract. Goodbye, Moria." *take artifact away* (Lesto)
*collapse* (Boy)
Confession
Location: Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 11th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Kaven
Inside the dark dungeon chamber, a crystal light is shining on a table in the centre of the room. There, the survivor from the force that dared assault the Gifted One on her way to Alba lay restrained.
He is still breathing, but his eyes are wide open and look devoid of any will. Like a doll.
"Did you call for me, Inquisitor Incubo?" (Kaven)
"I did, Inquisitor Kaven. I got a confession before the fragile mind of this sinner broke!" *grin* (Incubo)
"You know where the escapees are?" (Kaven)
"Yes and no. They came from different places. But I know where those places were. Abandoned forts, caves, pillaged Dark Skin villages." (Incubo)
"That will suffice. I will have my Inquisitors quietly head out and find out more." (Kaven)
"Yes! A sin as big as attempting at the life of the Gifted One can never be forgiven! Let them know the warmth of Gloria!!" *maniacal laugh* (Incubo)
This will serve as a good testing ground for the Collimating Technique bestown upon me by the Gifted One herself. Eradicating all sin will be difficult, but I, Kaven, will succeed. I will leave a world ripe for the Gifted One to reshape under Gloria's own guidance.
*leave* *whisper* "Gloria bears witness to my promise" (Kaven)
Council
Location: Gloria's Temple / Council Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 11th day of the Wither Moon
Using the communication artifact, the council was hearing the report from the Priestess of Alba.
~And this concludes my report." (Priestess Mera)
"..." (Head of the Council Vaerminia)
"You should have asked for our approval before showing Faber the Forge of Alba. It's one of our most guarded secrets." (Councilwoman Pernida)
"It is true. Meridia took that decision on her own. But I think she did the right thing. Faber is surrounded by our forces. He is not going to speak." (Mera)
"How can you be certain? We had a spy in our ranks all along. Thankfully, Jerica didn't know of our darkest secrets. There might be more." (Lord of the Knights Teoren)
"Enough. I'll let this slide, for now. Tell Meridia that this won't happen a second time." (High Priestess Amigarde)
"A third time, you mean? She was already given a second chance, remember?" (Vaerminia)
"This is my decision to make. And it's final. Unless you wish to remove me?" (Amigarde)
*glare* (Vaerminia)
"Moving on. We received a request from the Royal Family. They wish for the First Princess Aurora to be healed at Alba." (Pernida)
"Is this a joke?" (Mera)
"I don't think so. The First Princess was injured during the fight against Jerica. She apparently developed the Collimating Technique on her own." (Pernida)
"They wanted Liara dead. Do they mean to use the First Princess as a sacrificial pawn to take Liara out?" (Teoren)
"No. Remember that the treaty with the Principality of Saren will soon expire. The Queen would not want risk depleting her forces at such time." (Councilwoman Kamila)
"I agree. Orta is no fool. This is a sign of goodwill on her side. And this is perfect for us too. The only thing the High Priestess wants is for Liara to pick up the pieces after all. And she'll need time for that." (Vaerminia)
*glare* (Amigarde)
"Very well. I'll make preparation for rooms for the First Princess and her entourage." (Mera)
"I'll have the Royal Family informed right away." (Teoren)
"Moving on. The Inquisition got a lead from the lone survivor of Leonora's warband. They plan to purge the escapees." (Pernida)
"They'll need reinforcements. Let us ask the Royal Family for help. Officially they had nothing to do with it. If Orta is serious about it, she'll provide us with the fodder." (Vaerminia)
"Soldiers are no fodder, Vaerminia!" (Teoren)
"Of course not, Lord Teoren. Vaerminia means to say that the Inquisition needs numbers and courage. They might have an hard time if they face many scattered rogue soldiers." (Councilwoman Cassandra)
"Proceed. If there are no more matters to be discussed, we can end this meeting. Mera, keep me posted on the progresses of Gifted One." (Amigarde)
Mission
Location: Victoria / Royal Palace / Health Ward
Time: Y1503 / 12th day of the Wither Moon
POV: First Princess Aurora
The Royal Magi are gathered in my treatment room to witness the Collimating Technique.
*nggg* (Aurora)
My arm stings!
Still, that's a good sign, according to the Royal Healer. It means I'll be able to move my arm again, one day.
*dance* *collimate aether* (Aurora)
"... Is this a trick? How can such a simple technique be so effective?!?" (Royal Mage Arianna Termione)
"It takes genius to accomplish great things in simple ways. The Beast really made a fool of us Magi, really." (Royal Mage Mercurio Lodesto)
"If we can deploy this technique on a large scale~ (Royal Mage Castella Sempre)
*enter* "Gracing you with her presence, Queen Orta!" (Page Solel)
**kneel** (Everyone)
"Royal Magi. Do you think it is within your capabilities to replicate this technique?" (Queen Orta)
"Of course, my Queen. The technique itself is simple enough." (Mercurio Lodesto)
"Then, get to it! Master the technique as quickly as you can!" (Orta)
""As you will!"" (Royal Magi)
"Now leave. I wish to speak with my favourite daughter alone." (Orta)
Everyone but Mother and the page leave the room.
"How is your body, First Princess Aurora?" (Orta)
"I will heal in time, Mother. The healer says I will regain use of it, eventually. But worry not. I don't need a second arm anyway!" (Aurora)
What?!? Mother is collimating aether! I need to~
*crush on the wall* "Ahhhh!!!" (Aurora)
She hit me on my blind side with her spell! I couldn't get my defenses up in time! My arm is bleeding, the wound opened. It hurts.
"It seems to me that you do need that arm after all." (Orta)
*heavy breath* "I'm sorry, Mother. I'll pay more~ (Aurora)
"Silence! The Queen is speaking!" (Page Solel)
"I made a proposition to the Church of Gloria. And they accepted. You are to depart for the Temple of Alba and have your wounds tended for by Gloria's Healers." (Orta)
What? That's were the Beast is! What does Mother expect for me to do there?
"You will not be alone. You can bring two retainers of your choice. Anyone you want. And the First Prince will come with you as well. I expect you to ensure his well being." (Orta)
The First Prince? He carries the royal blood, and will become my husband if I ever become queen. Does mother wants for us to grow closer? Already? That's like announcing that I won!
"... This is confidential, but the First Prince is to try and win over the heart of the Gifted One, Liara. I would try to arrange a marriage with the leadership of the Church, but previous encounters show us that Liara is allowed a great deal of freedom in her choices. If the First Prince succeeds in his mission, Liara would become strength for the Kingdom." (Orta)
I am conflicted. I'm not sure what Mother intentions are. Should I take her words at face value? If so, the success of the First Prince would mean my failure, and me being left behind!
*shiver* (Aurora)
No! Mother might just be testing my loyalty. One of Mother's teachings is that a ruler should put the supremacy of the Kingdom above their own well being.
Also there are so many unknown. Will I be in danger? Surely! Will the First Prince be in danger? Surely! Should I ensure the failure of the First Prince?
Maybe that's the point.
Or maybe, merely surviving this trip, might be enough. But in a fight, would I be able to contend with the Beast? She is supposed to be far superior with the traitor, Jerica. And I barely won against her.
... But the Queen wouldn't take no for an answer. I can only do my best.
I must show confidence. It's better to just die than to be discarded like trash!
*stand up* "At your will, Mother. I will not disappoint you!" *hold bleeding arm* (Aurora)
"Those are turbulent times, Aurora. But it's in time of chaos that one can gain the most. Be decisive, thoughtful and resourceful. Adapt to your situation. Life is different outside of the Royal Palace. It is time for you to learn that if you ever hope to become a ruler." *leave* (Orta)
Enchantress
Location: Alba / Liara's Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 15th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Liara
[Let's try again. I edited a portion of the spell that dealt with thought reconstruction.] (Science Me)
I gather some aether with my fingers. I don't need a lot. I pick a new slice of wood, and point my index toward it, leaving a small gap.
This spell, take the place of the engraving tool.
[Like all their spells, there is a lot of bloating due to their incomplete understanding of how magic actually works. It's just easier to make a more efficient version, than learn to adapt to that mess.] (Science Me)
[What would be best would be to enchant new tool with our own engraving enchantment. But we need to learn enchanting to do that. Ah, the old tale of the bird and the egg.] (Gamer Me)
Be quiet! I need to focus!
To help me, I'm actually weaving the spell I want to engrave. In future I won't need that, but this way I have a clear image.
My fingers follow the trajectory that feels more natural, with the image of
...
*exhale* (Liara)
The magic circuit is closed. Let's see how it came out.
[The magic channel is thick and uniform. You were able to engrave it in the depth of the wood without damaging the skin. The final shape resemble an infinity symbol. I have n idea why, but the shape is closed. I can see nothing wrong.] (Science Me)
[Come on, fire it up!] (Gamer Me)
I hesitate a little, but I direct a magic thread toward the piece of wood. I touch the enchantment, and let aether flow into it.
I did it!
I mean, the light looks pathetic, it's barely visible and it trembling, like it's fighting to exist.
But it's there!
[Yay! All that's left now is unlocking
[There is work to be done, but we are on the right track to eclipse those troglodytes!] (Science Me)
[Let's show Mother!] (Bookworm Me)
--------------------------------
Location: Alba / Serina's Chamber
*enter* "Mother! Look!" (Liara)
*pat head* "My sweet Liara, you look happy. What did you manage to do, this time?" (Serina)
"Hello, Liara. That slice of wood you are holding looks promising." (Meridia)
"Oh, many blessings, Sister Meridia. I managed to do it! I engraved a
*hug* "Well done, Liara! You are an enchantress, now!" (Serina)
"Why don't you show us, Gifted one?" (Meridia)
"Yes!" (Liara)
I gather some aether, and rush to activate the enchantment.
*flare* (Wood)
On the wooden piece there is now a slightly burned track in the form of an infinity symbol.
"..." (Serina)
"..." (Meridia)
"... I... I swear it was working just a second ago!!! I don't know why the channel burned out like this!!" (Liara)
"It's alright, I'm sure the next one will last longer, Liara." *pat head* (Serina)