Disclaimer: I own no one you recognize from outside of this story, including the title.
A/N: Sorry this took so long. This was a real horror to right after the first couple of pages. Anyway, hopefully Raistlin's bad mood will please you, and don't worry, there'll be even more in the next chapter. We swears it on the Precious... Anyway, hope this doesn't bore you too much.
Magic – The Gathering
Maeg and Jess went by the mages house at eight thirty the next morning, and were greeted by an odd sight. Dalamar was lying in the cleft of one of the huge willow trees in his front lawn. He'd apparently slept there, as he was clutching a blanket and pillow, and was covered from head to toe in dew.
Maeg and Jess parked their car (they were in Maeg's that day) and for a while, could only stand motionless, shocked. Then, Dalamar woke up, likely from the noise of the cars. He stretched and yawned. "'Morning! How are you ladies today?"
Maeg recovered from her shock and spoke. "Um, Dalamar? How come you were sleeping in a tree?"
He looked around, as though he'd forgotten where he was. "Oh, this." He smiled, rather sheepishly, as he vaulted down lightly as only a true elf can do. "Last night, I'd been trying to play the 'CDs' that Maeg lent me on my ... my rodeo?"
Maeg smiled as well. Sometimes, she could almost forget that Dalamar wasn't truly an American teen, but other times, she was reminded of his true heritage rather abruptly. "Radio. It's called a radio." She shook her head in amusement.
Dalamar picked up his story again. "Yes, on my radio. Anyway, it was fairly late, and my Shalafi had closed the door so he could sleep. I however, need less sleep then he, and was in my room, attempting to figure out that device. At midnight or so, I finally had gotten the CD into the radio, and even got it to play, and then I hit the volume control. It turned up really loud, but I couldn't figure out what I'd hit. Apparently, I woke my Shalafi, because the next thing I knew, the radio was off, and I was up here with this blanket and pillow. I think, though, this was one of his better punishments. Between my banishment and that awful Grove, it's been ages since I've had the option to sleep in a tree, and it was a refreshing change. I guess I'd better face his temper now, though, because I'm soaked!"
By the end of this narrative, both Maeg and Jess were laughing hysterically. "Yeah, technology doesn't like me either. Maybe we should come with you," Maeg offered, though she too was daunted by the famous temper of the archmagus.
Dalamar nodded his acceptance, obviously relieved. He led the two girls up his driveway, in through the garage door. When he saw his Shalafi at the breakfast table, Dalamar noticeably paled, but sensing the girls' strangely reassuring presence behind him, he walked in. "Shalafi?" His voice was soft. "I trust you had a good night's rest?"
Raistlin looked at his apprentice, annoyed. "After someone decided to stop making noises, yes." His voice was acidic, though soft enough to be considered a whisper.
Dalamar blushed. "I'm sorry. I couldn't figure out how to turn the radio off. It will not happen again." He suddenly seemed to find something very interesting about the way his shoes looked.
"I'm sure it won't happen, because even you're not dimwitted enough to try to play it again in the darkness until you know how to use it. Now, clean up these dishes." Raistlin's voice was impatient, as though he was annoyed that he had to utter the command to begin with.
As Dalamar hurried to get the aforementioned dishes, Maeg got a disgusted look. "That's horrible! He's your apprentice, not your slave!" She ignored Dalamar's furious gestures trying to silence her. "And especially in this time period – putting plates and mugs into the dishwasher is not that hard! I imagine you could even magic them there if you wished. Well, just because you're lazy doesn't mean we all are. I'll help." She rushed to relieve Dalamar of some of the dirty dishes, and showed him how to use the dishwasher, which he'd obviously overlooked.
During Maeg's tirade, Jess was getting redder and redder. Now, she went over to Raistlin, who appeared to be in shock that anyone would dare scold him about anything. She pulled a metal cylinder out from behind her back, and thrust it in front of the mage. She was obviously very embarrassed.
"Here," She muttered, red as a beet. "It's a thermos, for your tea. It keeps things hot. You might need it for later today, so you can have tea while we talk in the mall."
Raistlin took it, and as soon as he did, Jess moved back as if stung. Raistlin's hard eyes softened for a moment in amusement. "Is this a peace offering to make up for your outspoken friend?" A hint of a smile touched his thin lips.
Jess got even redder then before, if such a thing were possible. "No, just thought you might want it." Her voice was barely audible.
A glint of laughter touched Raistlin's eyes at the sight of Jess' discomfort. "If that's the case, then I thank you. It should prove to be quite useful. Are you ready to leave yet, apprentice?"
Now even more subdued, Dalamar murmured "Yes, Shalafi." It appeared that he too possessed enough magical strength to perform spells without words or components on this world, because with a wave of his hand, his dew-soaked clothes were instantaneously replaced with clean, dry ones. Then, he took the thermos, filled it with what water was left in the pot, and put herbs in to steep. That finished, he rushed to get the door. Raistlin was the only one not to thank him for holding it.
After a few minute drive, they were at the mall. They met up with the rest of their 'army' in front of the movie theater, and started walking around aimlessly. After a minute of idle chatter, Raistlin spoke.
"Likely, we won't have much time, so it will be best to begin right away. Now, as I'd mentioned before, you will be able to tap into the magic of Krynn, and if anyone wishes (foolishly in my opinion) they will be granted knowledge of physical fighting instead. I believe I should start today by teaching you how to tap into the magic, and if you're quick to pick it up, I may teach you a simple spell or two about mind control, and resisting it. Before we start, is there anyone who would prefer knowledge of fighting?"
The only one to want that was Lenny. Raistlin nodded. It was no more than he'd suspected. "You'll have to just listen for now. When we leave here to practice spells, you may go into a different room, where you will by contacted by Kiri-Jolith and Sargonnas, the two Krynnish gods most talented at warcraft. You will have access to weapons, and they shall teach you.
"As for the rest of you, the way you will perform the spells will depend upon how much natural affinity you have for magic. Unlike people on Krynn, everyone who wishes it here will be able to perform magic, but it will be easier for some than others. Most will need spell words, and possibly components. It is possible that some of you will be strong enough to do without on this world, as my apprentice and myself are."
As Raistlin's voice was getting softer with each word, Dalamar took over the first lesson and allowed his Shalafi to drink some of his tea. "For those of you who don't know, there are three gods of magic on Krynn. "Solinari, patron of Good magic, Lunitari of Neutrality, and Nuitari, who represents Evil magic. Both my Master and I are dedicated to Dark Nuitari. We, as well as the gods, will not require you to choose where your allegiance lies. For one thing, in this war, we are all against the Queen of Darkness, Takhisis. Another benefit is that you may be stronger with the power of the three combined; we're not sure because its never been tried. Also, we wouldn't ask you to forsake your own religions in order to worship our gods.
"Despite this, you will still get your power from the Cousins of magic or they will at least be a channel. We're not sure if magic truly doesn't exist on this planet, or if it is simply not harnessed or focused. My Shalafi and I both believe that it would be best if we began to teach you to use magic in the house we've bought here, so the Dark Queen's wrath doesn't fall to heavily upon you. You should come to our house in small groups – not all at once, but never alone either. We live across the street from Maeg and Jess. Any questions?"
After this, all of the earthlings, with the possible exceptions of Jess and Maeg, looked fairly terrified. Wouldn't you be after having agreed to fight a mostly magical war against a Goddess of pure Evil? They all shook their heads, saying that no, they had no questions.
"Good then. My master, Maeg, Jess, and myself will go in the first group. Wait at least fifteen minutes in between groups to leave." With that, Raistlin started to walk away, his apprentice following closely behind. Maeg and Jess followed seconds later with an apologetic shrug to the rest of the group. They left the mall and drove swiftly to the Krynnish mages' house.
Once there, Raistlin spoke. "We should move all of the furniture out of this room, and the next one so that we, and Lenny have a place to practice. I suppose we should put some cushions in this room, because while learning to tap into one's magic, one should be comfortable, though not too comfortable."
Dalamar rushed to do his Shalafi's bidding, Jess close behind. Maegith went to help, after shooting a death glare at Raistlin, who she knew meant 'we' in the sense of 'you do, I watch'. Once again, Raistlin was amazed that anyone would stand up to him. However, he refrained from any sort of comment, save a raised eyebrow, saying clearly 'and what are you going to do about it?' as words would not do nearly as well.
Seeing that Dalamar was struggling with the large armchair in front of the fireplace in the first room, Maeg hurried to take the other side. As they lifted the chair and carried it towards the library/music room, Dalamar spoke quietly so as not to attract his Shalafi's attention. "Don't do that again. You won't like what will happen."
It was Maeg's turn to raise an eyebrow, and she spoke back in the same whisper. "Do what?" Her voice was every bit as innocent as a kender caught stealing.
Dalamar rolled his eyes, laughing internally. "Berating my Master. It is, well, unwise to say the least."
Maeg grinned at the dark elf's discomfort. "As Tanis would say, 'not conducive to good health?'" Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Seriously, Dalamar. If I don't stand up to him, who will? We're all in this together, which means to me that we can't have someone be lording over the rest of us. And admit it," her eyes betrayed amusement once more. "You needed the help for this chair."
Dalamar couldn't help but smile, though his eyes stayed serious. "I doubt he'd hurt you or Jess directly, but I wouldn't put it past him to hurt you through me, and make an example out of me. So don't think I'm warning you for your interest only."
They put the chair down in an empty corner of the room, and started to walk back. Maeg's face had gotten a worried look. "Would he really? I hadn't even thought about that! I'm so sorry!"
Dalamar put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure for now it is fine. Just make sure you're cautious in the future. He's used to total obedience, and is not pleased when he doesn't get it." Unconsciously, his hand moved to his chest where his Shalafi's mark still bled freely.
Dalamar and Maeg continued to clear the room of furnishings while Jess went around the house to find cushions for the group to sit on. As Maeg had predicted, Raistlin stood motionless, overseeing the other's labors. This time, her glare was hidden carefully behind her hair.
They had just finished moving everything when the doorbell rang. On instinct, Dalamar hurried to get it, allowing in Maria and Lenny. Several minutes later, Everett, Joan, and Rebecca entered. All five of the newcomers looked around as if expecting to see a demon pop out of a corner, or an eyeball floating in midair. If they'd been to the mages' real home, they wouldn't have been far off. However, in this newer house, the mages had only the essentials, which left out the Live Ones, spectres, and all other magical creatures.
Once they were all assembled in what had been the living room, Raistlin spoke. "My apprentice and myself shall now begin to teach you some basics of magic on this world. Lenny, if you could go into the next room, I will inform the gods that you are ready for training."
Lenny went into the room next door, and Raistlin concentrated as hard as he could on Nuitari. As he 'heard' the god recognize him, he thought about Lenny in the next room, telling the god of dark magic to notify the gods of warcraft. He felt Nuitari's familiar presence leave, and he knew that Lenny would forget all doubts in minutes.
"Now, we shall begin. Everyone take a seat, and get into a comfortable position. Don't get too comfortable however. It will not do to have anyone falling asleep whilst I teach." The teens sat down, still cowed by Raistlin's authoritative presence and the fact that things they'd been brought up to believe didn't exist were truth, and dangerous truth. The mages sat next to each other on the highest cushions. On the other side of Raistlin sat Jess, and Maeg was next to Dalamar. Rebecca took a place next to Maeg, and then sat Maria and Joan. Between Joan and Jess was Everett.
"Good." Raistlin nodded, and took a sip from his refilled thermos. "To begin with, I should teach you to breath so that you become more in tune with your body and it's uses. Some might call this meditation. Now, breath in slowly," He paused, and heard everyone breathe in as he'd commanded. He nodded in satisfaction, and continued. "Now, breath out just as slowly. Let peaceful thoughts fill your mind. Think of the things that are most soothing to you." He continued to speak, harsh voice oddly mesmerizing. Slowly, he own voice died out as he went into the trance as well.
As he sunk deeper into his trance, Raistlin sent out mental tendrils looking for magic. As he'd expected, the people on this planet had it inside them the whole time, and just hadn't known how to look. That chore out of the way, he brought himself back to full consciousness.
"Now." His voice, now sharp once more, brought everyone out of their reverie. "Since you were all able to enter the trance on the first try, you will now try to access your magic. Whilst in the trance, keep a strong hold on your consciousness. This will get easier in time, but while you are learning this, if you lose your sense of self without someone experienced to call you back, you will likely be in a vegetative state for the rest of your life, trapped in your own mind."
"However, do not worry, as both my apprentice and myself have the power to bring all of you back by force if need be. We'd rather not, though, as it's a waste of time and energy. So, while you relax, keep your identity firmly in your mind. Once you feel the trance completely take hold, reach out with your mind.
"Within each one of you, there is a 'well' of magic, if you'll excuse the metaphor. The size will vary depending on the person, but to some degree, it exists in all. This is partly because the gods of magic from Krynn have given you some of their power. Once you've found your power, try to mentally grab a strand of it. Then, return to consciousness. All that this entails is concentration. Once you're all conscious again, we shall see what you can do with that power."
"Now, begin once more." Raistlin took up his soothing litany again, and again everyone seemed to fall into their trances without much trouble. He was pleased at how quickly they learned. When he saw that they all seemed to be safely entranced, Raistlin quickly went into his own trance and pulled out the thread of magic that was inside of him. Odd, he thought, as he regained consciousness. I must've gone into a trance hundreds of times before to increase my concentration, but this magic was never here. I wonder if it could be simply being on this world, or the intervention of the gods. That'll be something to study later on.
Raistlin broke off his musings as he regained consciousness and awaited the others. Dalamar was already fully awake, as he'd begun his trance with the other students. With a nod to his apprentice silently commanding him to do the same, Raistlin used a touch of his magic to probe each of the earthlings to be sure that none got stuck in their trances.
Suddenly, he felt the slight nuance of someone coming out of the trance state. He 'looked' around quickly, and identified it as Jess. He smiled, as he'd thought that she would likely have the most affinity for magic, and right after her, Maeg. This was likely because they believed in the magic the most. The others would have problems because they'd first have to acknowledge the existence of magic before they could find it.
Then, Jess's eyes shot open, and she gasped. Raistlin raised an eyebrow, making a silent inquiry so as not to disturb the others. The giddy grin on her face was all of the confirmation he needed. Jess had discovered the intoxicating knowledge that she had the world at her finger tips because she had so much magic. He couldn't help but smile back.
As he'd expected, Maeg was only a few seconds behind her best friend, and she too had obviously been successful. She and Jess looked at each other and made excited faces, communicating without words. Soon, Raistlin noticed that there was another stirring mentally. Joan was struggling to get back into consciousness. Raistlin let his mind go over and give her a 'push' back to the real world. She looked every bit as excited as the other too, and on her face was also amazement. Until this, she had still thought that this could be an elaborate hoax.
In the next few minutes, all of the others reached full consciousness with various degrees of help from the mages. All of them had found their magic. After Raistlin saw that everyone was awake and relaxed, he continued to teach.
"Good. I see that all of you were able to tap into your magic without too much effort. You will get faster with practice. Now, I'll demonstrate how touse the thread of magic you've pulled up. Dalamar, the candles." Dalamar nodded, and instants later, there was a full box of candles, and enough candlesticks to go around.
"In this type of magic, fire is one of the easiest things to call. Each of you take a candlestick and a candle. Then, you will concentrate on lighting the candle. Though my first teacher was a complete dolt, he did have one moment of intelligence, when he said this: "The magic is in the blood, it flows from the heart. Every time you use it, part of yourself goes with it. Only when you are prepared to give of yourself and receive nothing back will the magic work for you." I believe that this is true on this world, as well as all others. Keep it in mind.
"To light the candle, you may want to point at it, though this does nothing, as you saw when my apprentice summoned the candles. Dalamar and I will demonstrate this first, and then you can try. Remember not to put to much magic into it, or the candle will completely melt. Too little, and the flame will go out."
With those words, he lit his candle with magic, and the flames danced brightly. He nodded to Dalamar, whose candle burst into flames instantly as well. Then, Raistlin looked up to the group. "I apologize for putting you on the spot, but going one by one would be best. Jess, you seem to have the best handle on your magic. If you would go first?"
Jess nodded grimly, and her face scrunched up in concentration. First, there was nothing, and then the end of the candle started to smoke. It went out, and she glared at it, shoving out mentally with the strand of magic. Suddenly, the candle burst into bright flame, and if Jess noticed that about a centimeter was consumed in that first burst of fire, it didn't show on the exhilarated look on her face. Apparently, she found magic every bit as intoxicating as it had been described in the books.
Raistlin nodded in grim approval. "Maeg?" He wanted the people who had the best grasp of magic to go first partly to show the others it could be done.
Maeg glanced over at Dalamar, who nodded his encouragement. With a deep breath, she too fixed a fierce stare at the candle, abstaining from the use of her hand in a similar way to Jess. Likely because she'd observed her friend first, Maeg's candle lit fairly quickly. Unfortunately, it was about half gone by the time the flame steadied, however, Maeg looked happy if a bit sheepish.
Rebecca was next, as Raistlin decided to continue in a clockwise direction now that the two with the best grasp of magic were out of the way. She decided that no matter what the others had done, it would help her to point. It took a while before the candle began to even smoke, which was just as Raistlin suspected. Rebecca believed that this was the mages playing with their minds at the best, and a complete hoax, though elaborate, at the worst. However, her candle finally burst into flame, and none was more surprised, or delighted then she.
Maria went after, and she lit her candle with only a bit of fuss. Joan was next, and the candle lit almost immediately. Though she didn't possess much natural magic, she believed in it completely, and seemed to have a knack for controlling it that the others would likely have to develop. Raistlin was impressed at her natural affinity. Shame it was paired with so little power.
Everett was last, and it took him a while to light the candle. At this, Raistlin was not surprised. It was not for lack of affinity or power, as Everett had enough of both, but of belief. From only what he'd seen so far, Raistlin could tell that Everett was a thinker – logical, and a person who liked things in their own little boxes. He was like Tanis in that regard. Unfortunately, magic was so far from his reality that he had trouble grasping it. However, it finally did light, and Everett sat back with an expression of amazement at the fact that he'd just used magic, something that didn't exist.
Raistlin had to admit, he was pleased with his impromptu pupils' success. They were ready to start learning some basic mind control spells. But that would be tomorrow. "Tomorrow, meet back here. You're done for the day, though it would help if you practiced at home by moving small things with your mind." Though this was phrased as request, it was spoken in a way that would indicate repercussions if not followed.
As everyone stood up, Raistlin ordered Dalamar to the door to let everyone out. It was good having an apprentice, though they could get annoying. As Jess walked by, Raistlin nodded his approval of her performance under the pressure of being the guinea pig. She flushed and grinned.
On the way out, they knocked on the door to alert Lenny. He emerged carrying a huge broadsword and an amazed expression. "It's real! I saw them. They were there." He would say no more than that, even when asked.
Dalamar walked with the group to the door, and held it open. Each nodded their thanks. When Maeg was walking by, Dalamar smiled at her. "Good job. Even though you nearly burned down the house..." His smile broadened.
Maeg blushed scarlet. "Thanks, I think. Raistlin is a good teacher."
Dalamar nodded pensively. "That he is. That he is..."
A/N: Well, hope that didn't bore you out of your wits. I promise, it is relevant! I thank you for your continued help and support, my dear reviewers. Now, to answer you all. Crap, there're a lot of you! Keep 'em coming!! And, good luck to all countries entered in the Olympics!
Jade Limill: Glad you thought Raistlin was more in character. I tried. Oh, and you must be thinking of a much nicer Raist than I to think he'd stop at acne. I'll say right now no one will betray them, unless I get reviews for a late-coming traitor. However, what Raistlin was planning was more along the lines of magically cutting the word traitor into each arm, and having it scar in such a way it would stay forever, or make the person say "I'm a lying traitor!" every time they opened their mouths.
Childlike Empress: Glad you like my pairings. Sorry to say, the mages are going to follow the course of history when they get back. Raist will try to take over the world, and Dal will get almost killed by Kit despite the girls' warnings. Sowwy! I'm glad you are able to relate to my characters. Also, no prob about your story. Good writers deserve good reviews!
Guan: No prob. I get review writers block too sometimes.
Alien21xx: Glad you like the way I'm working in the pairings. I tried hard to capture Raistlin's essence, and I'm glad you thought I had. Glad you liked the style. I think I did take the dream sequence indirectly from something in the Twins trilogy. Thanks for the compliment on capturing the gods style as well.
TheLadyValura: Glad you've reviewed, and that you enjoy my writing. About Raistlin and Jess – I'm going to have one hell of a hard time doing it, but the thermos in this chapter did help, as did her natural affinity for magic. Past that, well it's kind of up to Erato, muse of love. And you felt sorry for Catalina? Please, don't.
Petalwing: If you don't mind, I'll answer all of your reviews in one fell swoop. (1) Yeah, Eritrea I found in an Atlas. But they do have 4 people in the Olympics! (2) And I pity Dally too. One mean teacher is enough. (4) And Dalamar being mean? Oh, my heart. I agree, took me forever trying to find a word/insult for him to use! (5) Ah, the wonders of the modern world. (6) Rather I say something else about the teacher? Okay. "He's dead, Jim!" Star Trek rocks! (8) Don't worry, no clothes changing, but I am doing something fun to them at the final battle! (9) Raist is definitely going to get a much smaller army, but his newfound good looks should help! (10) You're absolutely right about why everyone accepts. Its curiosity, pressure, and for the ones that read the books, fear of what'd happen were it really Raistlin. Glad you took that as suspension of disbelief, though.