A new direction is exactaly what I needed for this story to work, a teacher and a realistic path to get good at magic. Even Constantine had someone that taught him magic, magic is not just something you find, you have to be led by Destiny or a good teacher. Esrin is the perfect teacher, she is powerful and just vaguely defined enough to be whomever I want her to be...
Any suggestions on skills, powers and paths is more than welcome.
The Next day
"Magic is the manipulation of primordial energies. Each of us focuses on different concepts to work as an anchor for our powers. You are no exception. I use the balance of Dark and Light, which are the strongest of forces. You do not have a totem to channel these powers, so you will focus on more complex but lesser powers. Spells and incantations, which use words and ideas to manifest them as opposed to Death and Darkness, Light and Love." Esrin said, her tone mystical as her presence. She led him from her dinning room into a chamber of pure power, power that even without a trace of magic he felt in the air. There was a shrine, covered in candles, and in it's center was a face-like totem.
Rowan nodded, absorbing her words, the knowledge she was sharing with him. "Where do we start?"
She smiled. "Meditation is where you will start. Focusing on the flow of magic, of lifeforce itself, as it breathes through the world. This place, a Nexus chamber, where magic is always stronger, is the perfect place to become attuned to mystical forces. Now, to anchor your powers, to draw on the magic, you need a verbal anchor. A simple chant I will teach you. Halitus, Telluris majestas!"
Nodding, he sat down, focusing on his breathing. "Halitus, Telluris majestas." He muttered, breathing in the magic of the air. Over and over again, he muttered the spell, before something in fact happened. Shimmery, cold energy seemed to snake into his breathe, spreading through his lungs and into his blood. He gasped, looking at an amused Esrin. "That feels amazing, I can feel it all... you are like a bottomless pit and that totem over there, it's like an eclipse, all dark and light at once!"
She nodded, her face broken into a beautiful smile. "This totem channels light and dark magic innately, at least for those unlike me who do not know how to do it already. I am immortal, it takes a great toll to exist on this plane as I do, I draw on great power to reside as I have."
"Can I manage this?"
"I am sure you can, as you age. I was in my thirties before I learned this trick, but alas that is not why we are here. Focus on your meditation. For a few hours each day, you will focus on magical sensing until you no longer need this spell. For another few hours, you will learn spells and study magic through my library. I would also advise you to learn combat, to strengthen your body and to prepare you for those days when magic is not the answer to all things. I foresee that you will need it in your future, and no I cannot entirely see the future it is more of a sense from the spirits I can commune with. I would also try attending school, something to give you monetary means... "
Nodding he would continue his work. "How long should this take me until I am no longer needing this spell to sense magic?"
"Could be years, or months, or weeks... we will see, everyone is different. You lack a spark of magic, so you are no witch. You lack a connection to spirits so you are no shaman. You are a Mage, or Wizard, one that must study the craft until they develop a connection to the mystical forces that empower those of us that walk the path of magic."
""""
"Wow, that is a lot of books, do you know them all?" He asked as Esrin led him into a stunning library, filled with thousands of books and scrolls. There was a lovely fireplace etched with runes he somehow knew protected the house. "Um, Esrin, you let me into your home, didn't you? I can sort of feel since I am still sensitive to magic from the spell earlier... the essence of those runes. Your home is too protected to otherwise not stop my entrance..."
She sighed. "I was hoping to have this conversation later, but yes, I allowed you in. I sensed your hunger, it broke my heart... I could not deny you or any child the means to eat. Had your soul and heart not been open to learning, I would have directed you to a homeless shelter not far off to get on your feet. The spirits I serve told me of your good nature though, so I was more open to hearing you out."
"Well, tell those spirits I appreciate their help."
She nodded. "They know child, they know. They would appreciate being remembered, so perhaps an offering later? I would show you how."
"That would be welcome... so where do I start?"
"When I read your soul, I saw you hold a drive to become a healer... so perhaps there? As well as the basics of defensive magic, and mind magics to mask your powers in case of exposure. From there you can work until you learn other things. Potions and runes are a must for more advanced magic, that will be a lesson you must have... hmm... you will spend two hours every day reading up on runes and another two hours learning the basics of healing and defensive magic. One hour learning to cast weak memory spells. Two hours learning the basics of herbal and all magical basics, to give you a foundation, at least for the first year. When you turn eighteen, I will enroll you in college and you can start to become a nurse as you so desire. I will be enrolling you in Kickboxing starting next month, once you've put on some weight. We will be going for walks after dinner each day and perhaps swimming to get some muscles on you. You have gone so long with poor health, we need to strengthen the vessel you put magic into... In a few years, you will become a powerful force of magic and muscle and that brings me great pride." Flushing, he watched as she summoned a dozen books. "Start with the books on top, and write down notes if you need help. I have some things to attend to, Spiritual matters. I will return in a few hours. Be good, amor, and I will return shortly."
Smiling, he settled into a leather couch and started reading, happily embracing the path his life was taking...
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write and I love this new direction.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.
