Unfamiliar with Zero
disclaimer I own nothing in this sandbox
Johann exited the carriage with a swagger to his step. He was finally doing the job he asked to do. He was also wearing his new hat it had a radius of almost a foot. His sword was on his hip it was still big but not ridiculous. The Tristain Academy didn't look that special compared to Hogwarts. Which was apparently a real thing in this universe. Britain not united but Hogwarts already founded in Scotland, huh. Probably in response to roman war mages when they invaded the aisles or something. "Stop that" Johann told himself. Their would be time sit and think later other students were arriving some in carriages some in wagons, some on horses some even on foot.
Kirche looked around sure Lady Judith might be here but there were so many people. Some were cute as a button like that pinkette or the blue haired girl in glasses trying to hide behind a book. That blonde fop over there was already trying to score with that one in curls. The one with the hat and sword was definitely overcompensating.
Louis scowled. Why did she have to go to this school anyway. She was learning even if they haven't found her element. She was making progress. So many other students here obviously foreign. Who did that blue haired girl think she was fooling only royalty had even a slightest hint of blue in their hair. That Germanian was definitely here to spy. She didn't know for what. That Dutch boy was obvious though. They had no magic academy of their own. Why did he have a sword. Was it a sword-wand like mothers? They were already being gathered. "Over here. Over here. Come into the main hall. " Shouted a mostly bald man at the top of his voice.
Osmond looked over the current first year class fifty two. " Welcome to the Tristan academy of magic. I am most pleased to see so many new students to our fine institution of learning. We here at this wonderful hall will unleash you upon the world filled with grace might and the knowledge with which to use it. Now eat well for classes start on the morrow with the first bell." shifting his focus to senses of his familiar he directed her to a route under the teachers skirts. Beginning to think about the students he thought about them. So many were here to spy. At least they weren't here strictly for courting like that Gramont boy. The Gramont boy had four brothers if he remembered right.
Johann ate his meal of onion soup quickly. Locking eyes with the Blonde boy. He began to speak slowly in french. "So what are we here to learn? I mean I can already do this" Gesturing at a spoon he heated it to cherry red.
Guiche swallowed quickly. The boy across from him was definitely a commoner he hadn't even introduced himself. His accent was a little sing song. Was he albish? " I Guiche de Gramont have several bothers that have told me that we must take a variety classes. Which include etiquette and protocol you filthy commoner." He looked down and saw the spoon it was almost an incandescent yellow. " Which I shall be glad to teach you." Guiche backtracked. He realized the boy did that windless and chantless. Guise himself could barely heat metal with a chant and a wand.
Kirche was watching the exchange when she noticed the purple eye on the shorter of the two. Is that what happened when you discarded the safety of a wand and chant for focus and power? She could've heated the cutlery the same but not without a chant and wand. " Would You handsome fellow care to study with me instead ? I Kirchner con Webster will gladly let our hearts burn out our ignorance together."
The boy started to speak hesitantly "My name is Johann van San. I guess we will meet in the practice yard after classes? "
Kirche spoke "It is a date then."
Tabitha kept an ear on the conversation around her . There were several attempts at intimidation just now. None of it with teeth behind the words. The commoner was skilled. His accent was strange it bounced never quite settled on a place. The Monogram backed up and the Webster stepped up. King Joseph had said that she was here on stand by in case an opportunity presented itself .
Henrietta wished Louise well in the upcoming term . The Tristan Academy of Magic might not be as old as Hogwarts in Caledonia but it was entirely respectable. Why couldn't she go? Judith DE Orleans was still on the run from her wedding with the king of Wessex. Her Guard noticed her look.
" Don't even think about it . Southern Albion is being invaded by the Danes . Wales himself is probably held close by Gelatin." Wale's father has been trying to unite Albion as well . Arthur has a high table with the Caledonia clans and Straitlaced. It could work but Mercia and North Umbra were holding Arthur back. Why did Agnes have to see through her moping?
Jean sometimes wished he didn't have to teach the basics of spell craft. So much of this class was about poetry and getting in touch with ones self. Sighing he started his lecture. " A mage is someone who uses magic. Who can tell me what magic is?"
A short girl's hand raised "Magic is the soul of the Mage".
"That's correct as far it goes but how do we access it?" He replied.
Another hand shot up. This one from the black haired boy. "Focus and a chant or music something that stirs up emotion. It has to be both. One or the other no go."
"Correct but one thing people often miss is the chant is not just that it helps your visualization and how the world itself responds." Jean continued his probing questions. " How many of you know what fallen are and how they die?"
"They are husks of magic and might" The blonde boy replied.
"And how do they die?" He questioned. No one raised a hand. No one spoke up. "The short answer is they don't. They exhaust there magic and crumble there bodies crumbling under the strain of trying to support the souls grasp on life. While the soul gutters out trying to finish its lasts goals."
Authors notes. I'm sorry. I'm weak. I couldn't resist putting in Hogwarts or King Arthur. On the good side it means a possibly united Albion in the story in the future and a Reconquista as a rebellion not as a wave of Conquering army.