My recent successes as a published author gave me some ideas to improve on this...
I have some better ideas...
I was going to delete this, I am going to stick with it and make something fun with my story. I wanted to make him human, but I think access to magic only makes sense in old lines, which he is not of. So being Fledgling makes sense... it gives him power, skill and the mean to be great but is also creates a realistic point for how and why he believes in magic. Magic in theory can keep him alive since most Fledglings die...
Or so it my thought, does it make sense?
One Year before Zoey goes to House of Night
Gabe was beyond excited, after getting his own dorm room to his extreme pleasure, taking a long shower and getting fresh clothes courtesy of the House of Night, he was escorted by Anastasia to the library, or the Media center as it was called.
"This is the Media center, it is where all our books are. Both on typical mundane subjects and more serious tomes, like magic and mystery... you have to be very careful while casting such things, there is always a cost with magic." Anastasia said, her tone sad and stressed. "I have seen many a vampyre harmed by their attempts to tap into higher powers than they were ready for."
He nodded, with a deep seriousness. "I understand, ma'am, I really do." And he did, if there was one thing he got it was consequences. Fantasy books were all about them and Hubris. Tons of hubris. And he was an excellent student... " So where do I start?"
She led him to a section in the front and pulled out a book labeled the Basics of Magic. "This is on the basics of the craft, rituals and spells anyone can cast. It will educate you on the most general understanding of magic. The power of herbs, the elements, tools of the trade and so on,... it will take you a while to get that in your head, but as you do it should clear things up. Anything in the first three shelves are of the basics, and will always be helpful. However, I warn you to avoid healing spells, they take up equal power from the caster. So be very, very careful if you ever try those, that is a serious point."
He cursed internally, that would hamper his desire to survive the change... maybe. "I will keep that in mind, can I take the book out, and maybe two others you recommend. I plan to make notes."
She nodded with a lovely smile. "I would be happy to recommend you something to learn from! I expect you to be a wonderful student when you are in my class!"
:::
Amazed and excited, Gabe ran through his new books, only to stop when a knock came at his door. Standing, he walked over to the door and opened it. "Hello?" And was stunned to see the sight of a woman beyond perfect. She was tall, with perfect skin, wavey tattoos that emphasized her stunning red hair and green eyes. She was the epitome of lovely...
"Hello, Gabe, my name is Neferet, I am the High Priestess in charge of this House of Night."
He smiled at her with warmth. "Hello, ma'am, it is nice to meet you." He held out his hand and they shook in the Ancient Vampyre way.
"I see Anastasia was right, you are aware of our culture." She smiled back with lovely warmth. "You are an interesting child, not many humans know much about our culture. I am happy to see that."
"I do aim to please."
She turned, and saw his books. "Ahh, books on magic. I used to teach Spells and Rituals myself at another House of Night. I appreciate anyone that seeks to learn magic, very good child."
"Maybe I can help set up rituals, when I get good enough?"
She laughed. " I can allow that, Nyx is always eager for those who seek to learn. Now, I must go there is much to be done today I am afraid. Oh and one last thing, Anastasia is going to be your mentor, so if you need anything come to her or myself and you will find your asnwers. Merry Meet."
He put a fist over his heart and bowed. "Merry Meet, My lady."
And so she left, leaving him to his books in peace.
By the time dinner came by, he learned the rules of magic and many facts about it.
Magic required energy to cast.
The elements and herbs could bolster and focus spells and rituals.
Each person had elements they were naturally more attuned to ( which could be discovered with an easy spell) even if you lacked an affinity.
Blood and energy could be used to strengthen the elements and wielder of the magic
Focus and mental clarity were key to magic, as well as mental state.
Some spells required divine power to enforce.
Healing cost the equal power to the damage cast.
Power was not everything, Intent and Skill were far more important.
Rituals drew power from external forces to compensate for the lack of power in mortals.
Some beings, when exposed to magic, could change into greater beings and develop excessive powers though it was rare.
There were so many other facts but those were the most important ones, the ones that he would keep in mind if he was to save himself from the potential for death that came with being a Fledgling.
With that in mind, he hid his notes away and hurried to dinner, where he would sit alone, not really interested in being anyone's friends. He was there for magic, for power, and for survival... nothing else mattered.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was really fun.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.