Post by Master Alexander on Jul 15, 2011 22:48:40 GMT -5
The dark form stood mostly concealed by the shadows that draped the dimly lit room. A lone torch burned by the entryway on the far side, and a quick gesture of the shape’s slender, pale hand doused the flame with a sudden magical gust. The students remained obediently seated at their desks, watching their black-clad instructor with an air of awe.
Selinor, though reputed to be a kind man to those he knew, was also frequently withdrawn and was not commonly seen around the grounds of the Guild. He tended to remain in his tower, teaching the most prominent young magical scholars that the Guild had to offer, but tonight he had endeavoured to instruct a class of younger students in the art of astronomy. His withdrawn nature had led to whisperings of his legendary status among the young pupils, and they stared expectantly at his outline which was but faintly visible through the darkness.
“Gaze, students,” spoke a wispy, incorporeal voice, “At the distinct majesty of the cosmos.”
A slow wave of his hand seemed to melt the stone from the roof of the room, and the night sky was now clearly visible through the ancient, temporarily transparent rock. Selinor drew back his hood, his long black hair draped delicately out across his robes as he did so, and the glow emanating from his white eyes was immediately visible to all the students in the room, one of whom squeaked in shock. Selinor smiled gently, motioning the students to gather around and not to fear his presence.
“What can anyone tell me about the planet on which we live, and the stars that lie beyond?” Selinor asked the huddled students, who gazed up at the sky with wonder.
A young girl spoke first, “We call the world Dahrl! At least, that’s what father says..”
Selinor was quietly bemused by the girl’s uncertainty, “Yes Alara, the world is called Dahrl by the Guild, though other peoples in far off lands have composed many different names for it, names that you will learn in your travels. Though Dahrl is correct here, it would be courteous to call the world by whatever name it is known in the land you are in. Now, what else?”
“Our planet is larger than any of the others we know about!” spoke a young boy with warm brown hair and olive skin. Selinor had been surprised to hear such a knowledgeable answer until he recognized the boy, son of one of the Guild’s most celebrated trackers. “Very true Lasamer, very true.”
“And!” the boy continued “the large fireball, its name is Lysam!” Selinor smiled as many of the children nodded in agreement, though they were excited to learn from him it was clear that this lesson was common knowledge to the great majority of the children.
“It is indeed Lasamer, and the moons, who can tell me about them?” A strikingly blonde girl whose parents hailed from the Northlands raised her hand. “Yes Jora, what do you know?” She paused shyly, before quietly speaking to Selinor “The moons are Itonis and Varfin here, Itonis is closer and larger, and orbits each night, Varfin takes two nights, because it’s not as close. For my people though, they are Tarmis and Freskord…” she broke off suddenly and blushed, burying her face in Selinor’s robe before realizing what it was she had grabbed, and backing away cautiously, smoothing the robe with a small hand.
Selinor smiled at her, “You are correct Jora, about all of that. You needn’t be so shy, you are very bright. And it is as important for us to know the names your people give the moons as for us to know any other names for them. Now, who can tell me about the layout of our world, so much as we know it?”
This time none of the children raised their hands. Learning about the planet itself was reserved for later years of education, the cosmos, and their relatively simple knowledge of it, was more exciting for the younger children. Selinor waved his hand and a rotating sphere materialised before the children. “Could anyone point out to me where we live on the planet?” Alara jumped up, and pressed her finger through a collection of islands. “Yes, that’s correct. We inhabit the islands here, Antaria and Kendelos. The Nomads, who have hated us for a very long time, inhabit these islands, Darserra and Jantir. This long strip of land here is the Kingdom of Cazenmarr, the largest civilization in the known world.”
“Over here are other islands. We have names for them, that you will learn when you are older. I ask you though children, if ever you should find yourselves here, which would be very unsual, do not tell anyone there of your allegiance to the Guild, unless you know them to be one of us. Though both we and the inhabitants of these islands are individually allied to the King, these people have long been hostile to us, as have the Nomads.”
“There are also more lands to the north of Cazenmarr, such as Jora’s homeland. The names of these too you will learn in your later years of study, as we know less about them than even the distant islands, and most of these civilizations have proven violent towards the people of Cazenmarr. However, children, it is now very late for you all to be up. I urge you all to return home, if anyone needs help to find the way, you may remain and I shall assist you.”
Most of the children filtered out, eager to prove their confidence in being able to navigate home “by the stars”. Some of them were a little slower, considering requesting Selinor’s help to spend more time with him, but then thinking the better of it. By the end Jora alone remained in the room, awaiting Selinor’s help. He was not surprised by this, she had lived in the Northlands when she was smaller, and had become accustomed to seeing at night by the moonlit snow. As a result her night vision was comparatively poor. He walked over slowly to the girl, who pulled her pencil across her desk without touching it.
Selinor enjoyed a hint of mild surprise. Perhaps the child had stayed behind for the express purpose of demonstrating to Selinor that she was developing magical talents. He was known to seek out gifted pupils for more personal tutelage than standard classes with the Serendith mage-professors generally gave. As he approached her, she cautiously requested help in finding her way home. Taking her hand delicately, the two vanished from the room in a flash of energy, leaving it empty, as the starry night faded back to cool stone.