Imago: Chapter 7 - Fancy Yourself a Deviant

CONTENT WARNING: discussion of murder in the past

Áine

It is not often that I find time to come down to Caster's Way.

You would think working in a shop in a magical realm would be quite the attraction for people seeking jobs, especially when the Annorins are paying you to do it - but it has not been the case. So for many years, we have had to use magically-constructed vendors. Most of the money that comes into the Realm is from the bursaries given to students by the Annorin family.

I am visiting Keisha here for a chat after I spent the past few days wallowing in misery. I shouldn't allow myself to do that... I spent so many years trying to come to terms with Róisín's murder, as well as all that happened back in my day. Even centuries later, it still comes back to bite me.

Sometimes, I wish that I could have my darling daughter back...I wish I could give her another chance at a life. 

She deserved to grow old.

They all did.

 

"So, what happened the other night? I heard it all kicking off outside. Did you and Ethren have a row about something?"

"Not quite...well, possibly. He is concerned about my health, and also concerned about my student's wellness. The trouble is I don't know why. Morgyn is much brighter and more confident nowand they have many friends here. I am keeping an eye on what spells Morgyn is learning. I have told them never to use Necrocall. Morgyn is a good-natured person. It will be fine." 

"Yeah, sometimes I get where he's coming from, sometimes not," she replies. "I mean, he's worried about an Untamed student being too chaotic. That's like worrying about a Mischief student being too mischievous, right? What good is an Untamed student who follows all the rules and doesn't want to start a little fire now and again?" But don't worry about Ethren too much- he's been pretty worried about you. He feels awful about what he said yesterday."

 

Nothing is stopping him from offering an apology, is it?

 

 

"I know now he wasn't trying to be so ignorant what has happened to witches throughout history...I suppose I have been thinking about what happened more than usual since Ethren reminded me that I cannot save everyone."

 

"No, you can't help everyone - but we have to try, right? If nobody tried saving anyone ever, there'd be no spellcasters left."

 

"Thank you for understanding. You see, I protected Morgyn from someone who I thought was going to harm them. In my wolf form, of course. I would protect all of my students if I could, but..."

 

It takes me some time to form my next sentence from the chaotic jumble of thoughts in my mind.

 

"In some ways, Morgyn reminds me of Róisín. I couldn't protect Róisín. I at least tried to protect Morgyn."

 

"That wasn't your fault, Áine, what happened back then. I know you will never truly believe it, but it wasn't."

 

"Some days, I wish that I could have her back - give her another chance."

 

"Okay, look, I don't want to sound like Ethren, but I think you need to ask yourself if you're possibly seeing Morgyn as a...you know..."

 

"A replacement?"

 

"I don't want to use that word, and that's not quite what I mean, but...for both of your sakes, you have to try not to let your thoughts about Róisín bleed too much into this."

 

I give Keisha a polite nod and take my leave to relax by myself out near the waterfall's edge.

 

 

One of the highest-level Untamed spells is a spell that, if cast on a ghost, could bring them back to life. It is perhaps the most difficult Untamed spell in existence to learn or cast, one that many do not even try to learn at all.

 

I had promised myself many years ago to never alter the fabric of time in such a way. As I told Morgyn- space and time are like lovers, in an eternal dance, and to interrupt that dance would have disastrous consequences. Untamed magic has no limit, that is what I always say - but even I know that I am merely an extension of Nature's power, and it is not up to me to rewrite the story that She pens for us.

 

Tomorrow, it will be a two-week-long mandatory break from the Magic Realm for all students. 

 

 

 

Morgyn

Some months ago, I helped a girl named Cecilia. She told me to find the man with the green lion tattoo, the aptly-named Leo Viridis, the eldest of six siblings. In exchange, he offered money, but I instead asked for some assistance outside of lessons with alchemy.

 

With any luck, his mentorship will allow me to soon get my Master-level certificate. Alchemy is trickier than Untamed magic, though no-one else seems to agree. Leo himself is a mixed Practical and Mischief caster and told me I was wise to pick one of the three casting schools and stick to it.

 

 

Lately, I feel I may have grown too used to the Magic Realm.

 

I am more than appreciative of the place and all of the people within it, but emotionally, it does not feel the same anymore. The thrill of learning new spells is lost on me, and my spellcasting practice has become more prone to failure as a result as of late. Even poring through the Master-level tomes is giving me little satisfaction.

 

Sage Ó Sé says that intent and emotions are the most important component of casting spells, even spells that have other components like crystals or flowers. The past few years before becoming a spellcaster, it felt as if I had been drifting through existence without really living. At long last, I finally found something I could fully enjoy, but the pleasure of spellcasting is now beginning to lose its spark.

The more I see people genuinely enjoying themselves and each other here and in the real world, the more I am reminded that I will likely be caught up in a lifelong wild goose chase for anything that will make me feel something. I suppose nothing is good enough for modern human nature, both innate and influenced by the wider world. The mind never stops wanting more, it never stops wanting something else even once it has everything it needs - and to fight that nature is difficult indeed. 

 

Heightened overcharge causes such powerful, euphoric emotions, and I find that is when I am at my happiest - a dangerous mindset I try to avoid. There are spells that even Untamed casters would never touch, but they keep calling to me. I must learn everything I can about this school of magic - I can't afford to stagnate.

 

Darrel's duelling club has attracted a few new members, but most of the duellers are adults, so there aren't a lot of us around. That said, we make do with what we have. We would like to do a tournament of sorts someday. Grace is a nightmarish opponent with the ability to block almost anything you throw at her. 

 

 The study area's whiteboard tracks the ongoing legendary battle of 'Grace and Tomax - Who is the Best?' of which Grace is currently winning, measured in a similar manner to the points system used for the ranks in the academy. They are both still Acolyte casters, but Grace is not going to back down anytime soon.

     

 

Sage Ó Sé has called me to the staffroom after classes have ended for the day. I do hope I haven't done anything wrong...

  

 

Áine

 

Ethren has told me that Morgyn seems obsessed with trying to please me. I'm unsure as to why - they already do well, they behave, they get along well with others. What could they possibly do that would let me down? I wonder if it's something to do with their parents. By the sounds of both of them, neither had any faith in their child.

 

I need to go carefully with what I am about to ask of them. I need to make sure they realise it is a request, and not a demand.

 

"Sage Ó Sé, I'm sorry. Whatever I did wrong, I'm so, so s-"

 

"Morgyn, you have done nothing wrong. I promise you." 

 

"Alright. One more question, then - you're not leaving, are you? Simeon and Leonora are training to replace Sage Reyes and Sage Hughes, but - what about you?"

 

"Morgyn, as you understand, I am very old, and I have never handed my position over to anyone else, in part out of stubbornness and in part because of a lack of dedicated casters. However, even I know when to take a step back and retire."

 

"No! You can't retire, Sage Ó Sé! What about the realm?"

 

"Calm yourself. The reason I have called you here today is because I would like to ask how you might feel about succeeding me as the Sage of Untamed Magic."

 

They look at me, bug-eyed. 

 

"You...you want me to be your successor?"

 

"Indeed. When the time comes and Leonora and Simeon succeed Sage Hughes and Reyes respectively, I would be honoured to have you succeed me as the next Sage of Untamed Magic."

 

"Simeon and Leonora have been learning to become Sage for three years. How long does it take most people?"

 

"Five to seven, mostly."

 

I know that Morgyn is a quick and focused learner and will likely finish earlier than expected, so there is a chance that they might complete all the necessary work alongside Simeon and Leonora. I won't mention it. I don't want Morgyn feeling they have to rush.

 

"You don't think I'd be a little young? Simeon and Leonora are both in their thirties."

 

 

"I don't see why age has anything to do with the matter. Morgyn, I believe you have the knowledge and the charisma to make an excellent teacher. You have a good rapport with the other students, and you seem to have a knack for getting others to listen to you."

 

"One moment - is this because I am the only dedicated Untamed spellcaster? Do you really think I'm truly capable of taking over from you when you haven't let anyone else do so for three centuries?"

 

I cannot tell them the true reason why I am so desperate for a successor. If Morgyn knew of my illness, they would worry far too much.

 

"I understand this is a lot to ask of you, Morgyn, but if I did not think you would be capable, I would not have asked. It will be a lot of hard work and training, but it may be worth it. A Sage of a school of magic has a kind of influence and power like no other. I think it would suit you, helping out your fellow students. You strike me as a natural leader." 

 

 

Morgyn

 

Influence and power like no other?

 

 

The more she speaks of the position as Sage, the more it intrigues me.

 

Lately, I feel as if there is very little challenge to magic- after all, I have almost learned every Untamed spell, even a few that are far above my level, even if she doesn’t know that yet. I enjoy burying myself into learning. A large part of my fast progress is because education is a wonderful distraction, and training to become Sage would keep me constantly learning and honing my arcane skills. The only Untamed spell I have yet to learn is a spell that creates a magical duplicate of oneself - that one is far too tricky to get my head around at the moment.

 

I have otherwise learned spells that can manipulate nature, tear into the veil of space and time, life and death...abilities I once thought only belonged to the gods of myth that I can now channel through my fingertips. I managed to bring a dead spider back to life in the common area, but I didn't tell anyone about it. It was more difficult than it sounded.

 

 

Perhaps being a Sage is the perfect challenge, and perhaps it may reignite the spark that magic gave me when I first started my education here in the Magic Realm. It would be good to pass on my knowledge to others, and hopefully rekindle the Untamed fire in the hearts of other spellcasters. It seems no-one else other than Darrel Charm has shown much interest in it.

 

I have already been assisting others with arcane history- I may as well do it under a more sophisticated title. All I know is that I cannot stop working on my abilities. I cannot let her down. I cannot let anyone down.

 

"Sage Ó Sé, I would be interested in training as a Sage. It would be a great honour to succeed you and carry on your teachings."

 

"Morgyn, I want you to know that you can say no. You wouldn't be upsetting me or letting me down if you declined this offer. You know that, don't you?"

 

"I know. You have done enough for me, Sage Ó Sé. Let me do something for you, for once."

 

"You owe me nothing, Morgyn. I am your teacher. I am merely doing what I've always done."

 

"I know," they repeat, with a duller tone. "Believe me, Sage Ó Sé, I want to do this. I promise you."

 

"If you are sure, Morgyn, I would be delighted. Perhaps it would be good to carry on getting to know Leonora and Simeon, if that is the case. They have been training to be Sages for a few years now- they can give you some assistance if you need it."

 

"I don't plan on telling anyone else about this for now, Sage Ó Sé, but I will tell those two. I enjoy their company."

 

She nods to me and gives me a smile as I head off. 

The future looks bright...brighter than I could have ever imagined before I came to this place. 

 

 

Leonora, Simeon and I meet up at the botanical gardens. Simeon likes to spend time here by himself to relax and often helps Sage Reyes and Sage Hughes with gathering alchemical ingredients.

 

 

"A Sage? That certainly sounds like a ton of hard work for someone your age, but it'll be good to finally have someone to inherit the Untamed torch from Sage Ó Sé when she-"

"'When she'...?"

Simeon looks at her. 

"When she retires," Leonora adds. "Leonora and I have been wondering for years who would become the Untamed successor. Are you sure you're up to this though, Baby-Face? I mean, even if it takes you seven years to learn everything you'll still only be young."

 

"I'm ready, Leonora, but I do have one question in particular. I would likely have to demonstrate mastery of every spell to the Sage, yes?"

"That's right."

"So how on Earth do I show her Necrocall and Dedeathify? She told me never to use those spells."

"And have you?"

 "Ah...only on a rat and a spider, respectively...but that's all, I promise!"

"I imagine that'll be it, then. Something small and not too disturbing to bring back from the dead."

Simeon gives me a nod and a blank look, then turns to Leonora. "Leonora and I have been working alongside each other for a few years now."

"I know what you're thinking, Morgyn, and yes, it has been an absolute nightmare being stuck with him for so long."

"Thank you, Leonora...anyhow, if you have any questions at all on the Sage training don't be afraid to ask us. Of course it'll be slightly different for different schools, but some things are the same across the board."

"You know what part Simeon finds most fun? The paperwork."

"I hate paperwork." 

"Oh, don't give me that, Mr. Practical. You can do all my paperwork too, if you'd like."

 

Simeon shivers. "I've seen your folder, Leonora. It looks like it was organised by a rabid dog."

 

"I'll be sure to ask if I need any help. I'm rather looking forward to this."

Leonora smiles at me. "Looking forward to responsibilities, huh? Just wait until you turn eighteen. Then it's all downhill from-" Simeon elbows her gently, his expression unchanged. "...uphill from there! Really, though, we're glad we can work with you! I reckon we'll make a great trio, you know? 

"I hope so as well, Leonora. It'll be a pleasure, I'm sure."

 

It is Love Day today, and we all decide to head out into the city, mostly walking around and doing a little shopping.

 

Tomax has been glaring at Darrel and Emilia the entire time. They seem to be unable to let go of each other, but at least they are good to, and for, each other.

 

Love Day was not only about romantic love, despite what you would gather from the advertisements surrounding it; it was about the love for friends, and the love for family, also. Our day out together is our way of showing each other how much we care for one another's friendship. 

 

 

It makes me realise - at some point, I owe a gift to Sage Ó Sé for all she's done for me. But how do I show someone like Sage Ó Sé what she means to me as a mentor? I end up asking Grace and Emilia. Girls always put such thought into their gifts for others- they would have good ideas.

 

Emilia suggests a traditional gift of chocolates or flowers, but for me, those feel a little too casual a gift, like something you would give to someone you do not know well. Grace's idea is to give her something hand-made. It is a lovely idea- however, I am not the most handy when it comes to crafts. I suppose I could draw her something, but I don't have enough artistic skill to make the sort of thing she'd deserve.
 

 
What could I do for Sage Ó Sé that no-one else could? 

 

 

A dark idea comes to mind at the sight of a skeleton print on a stall-owner's shirt...

 

Recently, I have been learning one or two Master-level spells. Although this particular spell takes a lot of setting up and a few material components, it is an option...Sage Ó Sé did once mention about the fabric of space and time, but Untamed magic need not abide by the laws of nature- was that not the point of it? I have to admit it had me puzzled when she said that. Untamed was never about rules, and the clue was in the name...Surely, as the Untamed Sage, she has meddled with this same fabric before?

She has been talking about her daughter, Róisín, and it's clear to me that she longs to see her again. She is the Sage of Untamed Magic! Not only that, but she is a true witch with boundless power! What prevented her from bringing Róisín back to the living world? I do not understand. If you have the power, why not use it?

 

  

Perhaps if she is not willing to do so, that could be how I show her how much I care about her- by bringing back her cherished daughter. Dedeathify and Necrocall are both incredibly powerful spells, but the next Sage of Untamed Magic knows what they are doing. I am confident in my abilities, and I would never fail the most important person in my life.