CONTENT WARNING: other than the usual discussion of death and violence, nothing, except maybe Katlego's gloves with the jewel + metal spiders for the very-arachnophobic...
two months later
The preparation of the magical realm was only the beginning of an era when witches could finally live in some semblance of peace. As well as getting the realm ready for eduating magic-folk, everyone was doing their part to build community and defense across Henford and Glimmerbrook.
Violeta was a one-woman army against the witchfinders alongside Maddie, who had greatly surprised the witches by the way she deftly cut down her former allies one by one without breaking a sweat. Witchfinders one praised Maddie's general apathy, never expecting it to eventually be turned upon them. After all, Maddie felt nothing for them the way she felt nothing for anyone or anything else.
Alongside them were the men and women who became inspired by the likes of Maddie and Volpe's idiocy to try and walk away from the bloodshed. Many of whom, now without employment, assisted the Reyes family with their fishing. Business was beginning to pick up as the early spring pierced through the winter and brought the fish back to the River Glimmer, meaning the weekend marketstalls would be full again, with any luck.
Some of them felt truly guilty about their actions, and Gideon had told them that it was not about how people saw them for what they'd done - it was about what they were willing to do to rectify it.
With the money from Owen's reward for finding James, Abigail had hired people to entirely revamp her settlement, now with buildings that would better withstand both potential attacks as well as the elements. As well as spaces for refugee witches to live, there were also spaces to learn magic as well as literacy and other important facets of education. Once the witchfinders were less common, Abigail had decided to also teach literacy to any non-magic-folk in need of her services.
Xander guarded his settlement as closely as possible, with Aziza's shielding capabilities being an asset to the group. Xander is a kind-hearted man and is welcoming as ever to anyone in need of his help, but ruthless to those who will endanger his people.
Xander believes the new realm will likely mean all the students from his settlement's school will flock to the realm entirely, but he'd like to repurpose it either as an educational building of magicfolk and their history, as another living space for the refugees, or as a stockroom for the realm.
Tsuna and Katlego did their part to teach the new refugees who had fled to Glimmerbrook, and the settlement is now in their hands. Children and adults live together here, and the older ones teach the younger ones how to hone their gift in relative peace. Here, they know they are in safe hands with plenty of people around to guard the place.
Isidora and Evadne had never been particularly close, or even friendly with one another, Evadne thinking Isidora a lunatic and not wanting much to do with her - but the two started to build up a friendship with each other. Their shared goal of realising they should have done something to support witches earlier than they had done had driven them both to share ideas and help each other help the witches.
The two defended Glimmerbrook together as well as used their money to aid the other settlements of witches. Evadne was not the best at consoling others, but she helped to lessen Isidora's grief over her husband. The Green Lion has visited once since to assist Glimmerbrook against the witchfinders (and, of course, in true fae style, expecting a lion-sized platter of raw meat in return).
Whilst the witchfinders' threat was far from over, a new era full of hope and possibility was opening up just around the corner from the usual known places in Glimmerbrook, right next to the Glimmer Falls...
Áine
Eli's stonework, commissioned by his own older brother, is a perfect framing for the portal that makes it look much more inviting to other witches than just a floating pink circle.
Poor Eli was rushed off of his feet and may or may not have forgotten the symbol of Alchemy, his own brother's area of expertise, on the top...but it doesn't matter. The symbols of the Wolf, Cat and Dragon are ones of freedom. It is our secret whisper of safety to one another, and has been for many years.
Owen
had discussed his concerns with me over those who may stay in the realm
in the long term without leaving, and the potential negative effects it
could have on both physical and mental health. He suggested to me that
we have mandatory breaks from the realm for all students and the Sages
alike, and that we encourage physical activity in some way, even if it's
deciding to cook some days instead of magically making food. Magic
makes many things far simpler, but over-reliance on it could cause
weakness in the body as well as the threat of overcharge to bloodline
casters. Though he is no longer a physician, he says he wants to make a
copy of his studies on his own overcharge sickness to assist any
students who may develop such an ailment. I have yet to discuss my own
concerns about my own health with him - not until I notice any signs of
it affecting me in the long term.
I realised over the past two
months that this is not the easiest place to return to if someone wants
to leave and come back who doesn't live here. This time, commissioned by
me, I have had him carve a number of crystals which I plan to imbue
with a spell that many magical types are too afraid to use - Alloukinsi,
based on two words from another Simlish language - 'move' and
'elsewhere' - the transportation spell.
"A 'glimmerstone'? It's beautifully cut and carved, dear sister, but I don't quite know how I feel about this spell at all. If it went wrong, I could find myself a mismatched pile of viscera inside of a rock in Sulani. I'd be no good to you then."
"I think this would be especially good for you, Owen. The spell's magical energy is within the crystal, and it would cost you little of your own. It would make travelling much easier on you."
"I imagine it would," he says, his voice growing more frantic as he speaks. "After all, I wouldn't need my cane if my legs ended up in the vastness of space, would I?!"
"Goodness, Owen, you're blowing it entirely out of proportion," I tell him, trying to hold back laughter. "This is supposed to be a new age where witches need not fear their own abilities. You have no reason to worry. I'd never endanger you."
"I already tried it myself, and I was fine. As I said, it uses very little of your own magic - so little, in fact, that I bet it'd even work for people without any magic at all."
"Is that what you want, Áine? Other than the few people we can trust, do we really want those without magic getting hold of one of these?"
"If a witchfinder gets hold of a glimmerstone, it's his own funeral," I reply. "If a curious person gets hold of the crystal, well, he can see the wonders of magic for himself. If he isn't scared off by it all, and if he's respectful, then perhaps he may want to learn more about us."
"I suppose. Still, about this crystal, what if - oh, to Hell with it! I've spent most of my life trying to assess the risk of potentially life-changing things, haven't I? We won't know until we try. Fine! Just don't be alarmed if you find me in pieces amongst the debris in there."
"It won't happen, Owen, so long as you picture it as clearly as possible in your mind - it's the intent part I'm worried about. It won't work unless you trust both the crystal and itself."
Owen holds the glimmerstone close to his chest, muttering a detailed description of the realm to himself. I notice a faint blue sparkle enveloping him as he does so. With a vigour I haven't seen from him in a long time, he raises the crystal high and it shines with a bright light. The blue sparkles obscure him from view, and when I blink the lights away, there's nothing there. As I said, nothing would be left behind.
At first, the transition through the portal was disorienting. At this point, it is second nature. The moment I step through the portal, I find him standing in a stiff position looking all around him and back to the crystal. His eyes dart over to me like a startled feral cat in an alleyway.
"See? I told you I wouldn't endanger you. And here you are, all in one piece."
I notice red and pink banners all around the building and the fence - likely Kat's doing. I'm not quite sure hearts are entirely appropriate for the ceremony, but I suppose it is a nice symbol of our love for magicfolk and for magic itself.
"Physically, perhaps," he replies, his voice trembling. "And who put all of these gaudy decorations up?"
"Take a guess." I laugh to myself.
"Well, never mind. I believe you and Eli have invented something quite useful. Eventually, I will make my peace with you, little glimmerstone - but for now, we ought to head to Faiza's for our new outfits, don't you?"
Owen had myself, Kat and Tsuna tell a favourite designer of his the kind of outfits we wanted as Sages and paid her to design them. He received a letter yesterday to say she was finished. He decided if we were going to be leaders of magical education, we had to look the part - and if I know Owen, then I know whatever he's conjured up is going to make him look like a hypocrite for thinking Kat's taste in decorations is 'gaudy'...
Katlego
The tailoress Owen paid to design our outfits for Sage is incredible! I can't believe what she's done, incorporating the theme of the spider trickster Anansi into the dress and gloves. It's just perfect! And the necklace - I dread to think of how much the silver and gemstone cost, but it's simply divine.
"You look absolutely wonderful," Tsuna says, with a gasp. "And the hairstyle suits you so much. Fitting for a Sage."
The name fills me with childlike glee. Katlego Anansi, once a lost arcane saleswoman and now the Sage of Mischief Magic! About a week ago, I sent my mother and father a letter in the hopes that they are still around to receive it. There's every chance that I may be too late, and it hurts to think that way - but I hope to whoever is listening that they are still with us. I told them exactly where I was and the location of the realm. My hope may be forlorn, but I'd be over the moon if they could attend the ascension ceremony...It'd be lovely to see them again.
"Faiza, you've done an incredible job on this! It's just perfect for a Sage of Mischief."
"You know, I don't usually make dresses like this, but I think you have such intricate tattoos - they deserve to be shown off, don't you think? I hope you don't mind. I can always alter it."
"No, no, please! You can't alter perfection. Besides, if people complain, so what?"
"I know Ellie won't be," Áine says, giggling to herself.
Oh, I can't explain how happy I am. It's been so many years of conflict and apathy and now we've finally reached a point where we can all be truly hopeful for what's to come. I'm looking forward to all the Mischief casters the new realm will hopefully attract. Henford has not always been a welcoming place, but I'm glad to have met all of the people who stood by me.
Tsuna
I didn't expect something so majestic and authentic. I'm immediately hit with a sense of warmth, thoughts of home, of my time as a near-deity of Yukimatsu. It almost looks like something my mother would have loved.
"The flowers are gorgeous," Kat says. "They stand out against the black so well. I like it! A spot-on blend of welcoming and warm, and 'do your work or else!'."
"Indeed. There's a few Practical spells that help flowers bloom, so it's very fitting."
"I always love the styles and patterns of different cultures," Faiza says. "All four of you have been a pleasure to design for!"
"I can't thank you enough, Faiza. You've done a wonderful job. It looks just like something from home. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this - it means the world. I haven't been so hopeful lately, and yet this fills me with hope. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Living forever seems less hollow in the company of these four people, and in the company of the witches at the realm. I realise I have not been grateful for what I have, and this wondrous outfit makes me realise that I am surrounded by not only kindness, but a kind of strength I know the Great Dragon of Mt. Komorebi would be more than proud of.
Owen
I gave Faiza a lot of creative freedom. I can always trust her vision, and once again, she hasn't let me down. She can make almost anyone the envy of the town with her mastery of the craft.
"A cloak! How very dramatic - and how very you, Owen," Kat says, with her signature chuckle.
"The moon and stars are so beautiful. Compliments the realm itself nicely."
Losing my position as a physician left me a little lost, having always dedicated myself to something for most of my life - and now I have something new to dedicate myself to, the teaching of the alchemical arts, the decoding of cryptic recipes and processes, and much more.
"I knew I could count on you for something so luxurious, Faiza. I appreciate all the time and effort that went into making this for me. You've done a splendid job. I can't thank you enough."
"You've thanked me with Simoleons and extra on top," she says. "I'd say that's enough thanks, don't you?"
I plan to give back as much as I can to Henford and the witches. I have been given far more leeway than any one person deserves by my friends, my wife, and the entire community of Finchwick and Withernham. Even after all myself and my father did, I was given another chance by most people, even those who despised me. I owe the people of Henford more than I can say.
Wherever there are Simoleons needed, I will be sure to give my funds to them. After all the bloodshed, there will be need for safe places. There will be need for money towards those who lay down their swords for the right reasons, put out of work by Volpe's murder and therefore by myself. I am sure that, as the years pass, myself and the future of my family lineage will keep the realm of magic funded for as long as our bloodline continues.
Áine
I'm awed by the quality and the comfort of these materials - they're like nothing I've ever worn before. Red velvet and black lace combine to make just the right colour combination for a Sage of Wild Magic.
It's a little on the daunting side, but somehow that makes me love it even more. It's a little different from a dress, which is a welcomed change. The elegant lace compliments the material nicely. Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of this outfit is the fact the colours and the lace remind me so much of my beloved father. He'd be obsessed with this, I know it. He'd probably want to wear it instead of me.
"It suits you down to the ground, dear sister."
"Absolutely! An excellent fit for the Sage of the most terrifying magic school."
"I'd argue Mischief is more terrifying than Wild magic, Kat..."
"Faiza, you have a talent most would die for. It's just what my father would have loved. This made me think of him - how proud he'd be of all of us. I will forever be appreciative of this. I hope you know just how incredible you are at what you do."
The dining hall has a special kind of larder which I have charged with the Kryonis spell in order to keep any food in it preserved for longer. I think it's a rather ingenious idea, personally. If only every household could have a magic larder that keeps their food chilled...
The study area is lined with desks, plenty of (expensive) paper and a whole library of all of the texts I've managed to collect. Some are from the Peteran library, others from my own collection and that of the Glimmerbrook settlements and donations from other witches, and some from Reynold. These old texts are no longer at threat of being lost or destroyed, safe for years to come.
The small arena is for spell practice as well as self-defense. Whilst we prefer to not teach our students how to harm, we can at least teach them how to cast wards and such. The larger arena outside might be good for little competitions, or for friendly raw-magic sparring with one another.
The alchemy laboratory is stocked to the ceiling with ingredients and books on various alchemical processes. The scent of the herbs is lovely, but I'm not so sure the scent of various concoctions will be.
The classrooms are for theory and arcane history studies, as well as for basic literacy and arithmetic. Not the most fun part of the education of magic, I'm sure, but more than necessary.
The staff room is a quaint retreat for the Sages to plan lessons and take a quiet break from everything. Violeta provided us some paintings she did for fun to decorate the place with, and they're all skillfully-made and wonderful to look at.
The upstairs hallway, with statues carved by my younger brother in homage to the other two bloodline families who stepped up to help us - the Viridis Lion and the Charm Mare. I'm surprised by how quickly Eli manages to make such accurate renditions of these animals in all their majesty.
Of course, the students will need somewhere to relax and bask in the beauty of the realm - and so we have the outdoor courtyard, a cosy space to socialise and rest between learning and spellcasting.
We invited any witch or spellcaster who wanted to come along to the ceremony, and we limited non-magic-folk to those we could trust and their families. I didn't expect to see so many people, but I suppose a completely-new world outside of our usual reality is something that is as enticing and exciting as it is terrifying.
Amongst the crowd is a fun surprise that we haven't told Katlego about - they're still alive and well, and they came all this way to celebrate their daughter's ascension to Sage. Nanji and Emene are here, and it will be the first time Kat has seen them in almost seventeen years. She'll have so much to tell them, and I know they will be as proud of her as we are.
So many of our friends and loved ones have shown up, and almost every student from the school in Xander's settlement have arrived as well. Ellie is hiding somewhere amongst the crowds, and Eli is struggling to get his little nephew to behave.
The others are in the staffroom preparing for their speeches - perhaps I ought to as well.
Sixteen years ago, I stood dwarfed by the door to the Peteran monastery, having no idea what life would have in store for me after leaving Innisgreen for Henford. Little did I expect to find love, new friends, new challenges and a whole new family. I did not expect to have a beloved, cherished daughter. Even with all that has happened to us, I have found and kept a good community around me - and now is the time where I can finally voice my gratitude to them.
Now, at the age of thirty-six, I stand dwarfed by this amazing new school, full of opportunity and optimism. Áine Ó Sé never expected any of this to happen, and now she stands ready to become the first Sage of Wild Magic, ready to spend whatever years she has been gifted giving back to the magical community what they gave to me over the years.
Welcome to the Realm of Magic.