The Work Begins [Open]

[Emily]

Damn the weakness of limbs. Allura made extensive use of her staff, the gnarled, salt-cured coral lodging between cobblestones to hold her body up. Every step sent jolts of pain through her body. She longed for the rains; at least the headaches born of this dry and this heat temporarily subsided during a downpour. She hobbled down the streets of Hyrule Castle Town toward the newly-opened Academy of Magic, where she would be interviewed, and become their new elemental studies professor. She would succeed, she knew that much, but alas, how it took everything she had just to make it these few dozen steps. She and her sisters had once laughed at those who walked on land, their great and mighty armies scared to take even a step into the ocean. Little did they know the crushing pressure of the deepest trenches were matched by the gravity of the surface.

Damn the frailty of the life spark contained within this body. She commanded the power of gods. She possessed a mind unmatched by any mortal creature. She claimed the accolades afforded only to the greatest mages of her people. Untold eons of knowledge, both practical and academic, distilled into one bright, burning spirit, and yet she had fallen a month earlier, tumbled and broken an arm. Even with healing magic applied by a local streamswimmer, the effort expended and toll taken on her own body confined her to her tank for well over a week. She floated there, submerged in recycled, briny seawater, an insult to her station, and dreamed. Her consciousness dwarfed her physical form, an endless expanse. That infinite spirit instead communed with past and future lives, remembering more than most would learn in an eternity. More knowledge than the cruelty of the gods would have allowed such a pitiful, broken beast.

Damn the cursed knowledge she carried within her spirit. While providing her services to the Twin Sovereigns, she had seen more than they expected. They did not recognise her, of course. They believed her a simple court mage, clawing and begging to be risen beyond her station. And now she must rush. There was much to do, far too much, and too little time. But she had seen the path, she knew the answers. It required so much, and time dwindled.

Finally, she approached the Academy of Magic. It stood at one end of a square, its white stone and colourful glass attracting the attention of all passersby but her. Her focus moved to the centre of the square, where a pool encircled a large willow tree, its boughs bending down to gently caress the surface. That liminal space between leaf and water was home to families of ducks and geese. Generations of insect life had grown old and perished in the weeks since its construction, the husks they left behind providing sustenance for higher beasts. A ribbon of water rose from the surface, approached Allura. It wrapped around her, encircling her very briefly, long enough to cool and refresh, before returning. "Why do you not create water and hold it around you as you walk?" the healer had asked her. The very hubris. But such things were to be expected of those who dallied in puddles and considered themselves kings.

She calmed. It was not their fault. The Zora, as they called themselves, were as infants granted power they could not understand. They required counsel. They had created an infinite water source and very nearly destroyed a continent. They hadn't thought to where that water would flow, or in what way it was to be disposed. Life was a delicate balancing act. To create an abundance of one thing required the destruction of another. It was all easy for her to say, to see, but this was not the case for everyone. Especially those as short-lived as these land Zora.

"Allura, it's so good to finally meet you." The headmaster, a white-haired, red-eyed being, greeted her in the entryway. "I've been apprised of your required accommodations, and have seen to them for the interview process. Please, come with me." She reached out, touched him, and he flinched away. "Ah, right, you are a telepath, aren't you."

The meaning of his chirps and barks became clear. A gratified acceptance of her presence. An underlying excitement at the prospect of such an exotic figure teaching at his university. An image of a seawater tank already constructed, taking up one classroom wall. Discomfort at the thought of another sharing his thoughts. She was always surprised by this reaction. While undersea life was by no means a universal experience, and few could communicate in the way of Allura and her sisters, she had never known another to flinch away from the touch. And, finally, at his very core, a certainty of her success. They shared that, at least.

[LuckyBlackCat]

Entering the square, Alyson stared up in awe at the Academy of Magic towering over the grounds. White walls and pillars gleamed in the early spring sunlight, and stained glass arches shone in a blaze of colour. While stone and glass weren't her specialities, the painstaking craftsmanship that had gone into such a grand building was something she could more than appreciate.

She sipped her honey-flavoured energy tonic, a purchase from Sable (a potion containing known and trusted ingredients this time). Her fatigue lifted like a weight off of her shoulders, the aches from all the construction work easing. "Please make sure you get some rest in whenever you get the opportunity," her dad had urged during her Yuletide visit to Hateno Village. "I know there's still plenty to do, but don't run yourself ragged." Studies would take up even more of her time, but what else would she do with it? Let fears and memories creep in like monsters through gaps in defenses, tainting the hope and excitement the reconstruction brought? This short evening course she'd signed up for while the work was ongoing wouldn't hurt. And experiencing the wonders of the academy firsthand was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Some impressive magic took place right in front of her. Beside the pond, a Zora - at least, Alyson figured the tall, pale-skinned person was a Zora, although she'd never seen one with tendrils flowing around their body instead of fins - pulled a shimmering stream of water into an orb around herself before sending it back with equal finesse. Freshly hydrated, the jellyfish-like figure continued towards the entryway, where a Sheikah greeted her.

Chugging the rest of the elixir, Alyson put the empty bottle in a pocket of her toolbelt and sprinted over. As easy at it was to lose track of time with all the work, no way would she fall behind. With a flick of her hands behind her, and a shift of her focus to the breeze, she whipped up a burst of wind that buffeted her back, hastening her pace.

"Heyyy! Hope I'm not late - Waugh!" Her foot caught on a cobblestone, and the path rose up. The gust petered out as she flailed her arms, landing with a thud on her hands and knees. Clink-clatter-crash went several contents of her toolbelt as they scattered all over the ground.

"Ahahah! Might've overdone the energy elixir there!" That had been one potent brew. Bringing herself to one knee and wincing at the bruises, Alyson set about gathering up her belongings. The potion bottle luckily hadn't broken, but wrenches, screwdrivers, nuts and bolts lay strewn all over the path. She gave another strained chuckle up at the headmaster and the water mage, loose strands of hair sticking out every which way and frizzing into her eyes. Well, this was one way to make an impression. "Anyway, Alyson here! Great to meet you, and I can't wait to start!"

[El]

"Starts we musts with the DonDons!" Proclaimed a shrieking but gravely voice, the power of his personality struggling against his diminutive form as it scuttled across pristine cobblestone. It was cold to the touch. Too cold. But there was admittedly a satisfying clickety-clack-scritchy-clack that came from every tap of talon, amplifying his presence and broadcasting his mighty speed.

"I am fond of this idea," Admitted the lizard's companion, floating with ease in spectral blues and gleaming flame just a few feet behind him. A wisp of a leash, cursive and faint but firm, attached him to the uncorked bottle firmly fastened upon VaVas' back. Even sprint as he did through the Academy's vast halls it never shuffled askew: it'd be a tragedy if it shattered afterall!

"However," Dgin continued, his ambitious smile turning grim. "I doubt Her Majesty will be fond of us putting them to use."

"PSSSH!!!" VaVas hissed, spitting out a forked tongue of annoyance. "I thoughts she big brained! Prouds of research, yes? Eager to grow brain and share brains!"

"They are an endangered species, of an incredibly small handful. She values them greatly and rightly so. Unfortunately I'm not even sure where they originate from. I have heard that she discovered them somewhere in Faron Jungle but..." Thick, bejewelled fingers curled around his beard, stroking the beads in a thoughtful fiddle. "...Given some of their physical attributes, I do wonder if more of their kin may be found in the Depths."

"Depthssss..." The lizard fell into a contemplative silence, his eager scuttle slowly whittling down to a halt. With a pensive thrum of talons he pondered out loud, "...They be lizards of a sorts, yes? Or somethings akins?"

"...Hmn. I'm not sure about that, mighty one." (VaVas DETESTED having his small stature remarked on, so Dgin had turned his affectionate 'little one' upon its head. He was glad it'd become a habit, considering the resulting sulk of a slip-up lasted several days on average.) "Supposedly they are the ancestors of horses."

"HORSES?!!! PSSAAAAH!!" VaVas snorted and slapped his tail - hard. "Sillies! Stupids and sillies! VaVas knows not of horses with horns and tusks and scaled backss!"

The Goron chuckled. "You are not wrong. Lynels may be horned but I must admit DonDons remind me more of the illustrations I've seen of DoDongos-"

"LIZARDS!"

"Yes, lizards."

"PRECISE EEEE'S!" Emboldened by this statement the lizard lurched upright and stood atop his hind legs, proudly - defiantly - resting two webbed feet upon his elongated waist. "Then VaVas can shits diamonds too!"

"That sounds incredibly painful to pass."

"YOU EAT ROCKS!!!"

"Yes. Well-"

"THEN TEACH ME HOW TO SHITS PRECIOUSSS ROCKSS!"

Dgin's jaw hung agape only to close, re-open, close, and then slowly open once more albeit with voiceless silence. He was at a loss for words, uncertain on how to explain the intricacies of biology to his dear friend: especially considering his profound abilities to grant many other wishes. Where was the line exactly? Could he truly perhaps adjust not only the lizard's vocal abilities, but his digestive tract as well...?

"Oh, the Headmaster has secured another promising candidate I see." A spectacle of a marine creature had caught his eye, and in truth his gaze lingered more than was politely acceptable. A Zora...? Hmn. No. Yes? Maybe. I guess. That didn't feel quite right, though without a more suitable label it would have to suffice for now.

Snapping around, VaVas turned to squint at the unique individual, his nostrils flaring at some unspoken exchange that was occurring between both she and the Sheikah. Steadily his long tail curled around his feet. He appeared to be frowning. "Promising?" He grumbled, balking at the statement. "She about to dead drops! Why she wear hat so mass-sivery it eats her head?"

"Don't be rude, VaVas." Dgin chided, though he couldn't resist the tickle of a smile. "It appears to be part of her anatomy. We may make statements on silly fashion choices, but not on appearance qualities already made for us - understood?"

VaVas merely hissed in response, yapping his wide maws in silent mockery.

The lizard probably would've said more on the matter, but very quickly the spectacle was joined by yet another - one far louder, and much less ethereal. Chaos had abruptly invaded the sanctity of the Academy's halls, a scattering of tools announcing the arrival of a young Hylian. By her words, she was an aspiring student.

Vavas sniffed.

"Starts-! With-! WALKINGS!!!" The lizard barked, scuttling over to the scene and whipping his tail upon the cobblestone with displeasure - a punctuating slap for every spat word. "Why collect treasures if you can't even carries it properly? HRMN~?! FIX YOUR LEGS BEFORE YOUR BRAINS!" And yet, despite all his scathing lecturing... he was assisting in picking up the pool of debris. Well, the smaller pieces anyway: he would not risk highlighting his own weakness by attempting to wield a wrench upright. Instead he was scooping up armfuls of nuts and bolts.

"An engineer!" The Goron behind him boomed, a delighted grin breaking across his face. It was quickly followed by an equally loud laugh. "How brilliant!" He picked up a screwdriver, pinching it between dwarfing, thick fingers as equally thick eyebrows perked at the engraving he gleamed upon its shaft. "A Hudson lass at that! I did not expect to see one of his troops here."

[Emily]

To those who were trained, sharing thoughts with another took only a brief contact, the whisper of sensation, the brushing of a tendril against another's skin. She was thus able to fully explore the length and breadth of the headmaster's surface. It was a trivial matter to turn her attention toward the depths. After all, Allura and her sisters had shared the entire experience of being long before they were capable of independent thought. She now travelled beyond those well-lit shallows, catching the eddies and currents that carried the old Sheikah- and there was such pride in that term, Sheikah. Curious- to older, more permanent fixations. Metaphor, analogy, such shortcuts of thought allowed those who would be like remora easy access.

The door was open, she merely needed look through.

A child, bereft of thought and intention, standing among elders and graves, observing a distant castle then still upon solid ground. An adolescent immersed in learning, in growth, seeking the form he would one day inhabit. The gradual imprisonment of thought, a grinding thing, imposed on all sides by systems of belief, structures and rhythm. She sensed such rigidity imposed upon this creature, a minnow latching to kelp in order that he might not be swept away by the currents. She had, of course, seen such necessity before, yet more shortcuts required of those who feared finality, who knew not of death, of what lie beyond. The man was structure, organisation. He believed himself the institution, making him easily dealt with.

She slowly pulled her hand from his cheek, the dry heat of his skin kin to weather much the same. He had noted the approach of another from behind her, a creature his thoughts placed into several classifications. Hylian, female, shaper. In confirmation of his notice, Allura heard the further barks and cries of this language, loud and abrasive, before they were accompanied by the shattering of all peace. She thought of the cycle of being, of the eternal circuits, to centre her spirit before she turned to see. Pale eyes beheld what could be seen even beneath her bell. A worryingly-smooth creature, of the near-cousin Hylian, Sheikah, Gerudo variety. She was not yet aware of how this species was so readily able to distinguish between the three. This newfound child, this babe on the stalk, various metallic instruments splayed amongst her, smiled at them.

And then she felt it. A cool breeze shifted her tendrils. Through them, she tasted the charged air, the deft yet unpolished touch that had infused it with movement and energy, accelerating and chilling it as it travelled. A child of magic, carried upon winds of her own creation, directly to the feet of a new master. One student did not a solution make, but she would accept any starting place. They had such little time, and so much to do. She began to call on the air to pull the woman up, the coral of her staff glinting with the power beginning to filter through it, but she was once more interrupted, this time however by no prospect.

She felt the bile rising, an acid on par with the spawning vents of the twin sovereigns' court in her gut. The biting, bitter edge of a tendril twitched in the direction of the small lizard that scrambled toward them, though she retained control. A prey creature, its gurgled hiccupping would normally have passed beneath her notice if it did not accompany yet another interruption. She required time and intention, the space to craft, to grow, those who would fight in wars yet to come. Hers was a mission of grave importance, and this flea, this skimmer, dared speak in her presence. The polished, mirror-like stones upon its face and clothing mimicking the Hylian and such adjacent races of the surface spoke to a being acting beyond its station.

It was, however, followed by a being less physical. She felt the aggravation lessen- though it did not depart- upon seeing the ethereal creature. This was not the first spirit seen by Allura. Her sisters Dione and Calis had shared knowledge gained in their travels of distant lands, of mortal ships possessed by the spirits of dead kings, of one-eyed sea-dwelling beings storing the souls of their dead in clay jars, of collections of the damned attaching themselves to one another and forming much larger beings, capable of tremendous strength. It was, however, the first spirit she had seen that seemed to maintain not only its physical form, but also some manner of personality unremarked upon by those around it. This would require more study.

[LuckyBlackCat]

From her hiding spot behind one of the azalea shrubs that lined the cobblestones, Florimel peered through gaps between branches, surveying the newcomers.

The shimmering orb surrounding her body had darkened to a forest hue, aiding her concealment. The air thrummed with magical signatures, all intermingling, and she hoped they'd throw off anyone sensitive to magic just enough that they wouldn't notice her. Before she could risk making her presence known, she'd have to scrutinise each and every one of the gargantuan beings gathered here, students and teachers alike. Many would jump at the opportunity to capture a fairy for themselves, force them to work magic on their behalf, as if asking for help were an unknown concept. And those who greedily sought power for its own sake were the least apt at handling it.

Not that she could deny having an agenda of her own. Yet she was here in the hope that she and her future students could assist each other in their goals. If she wished for guidance, it was only right to offer others the same.

She fluttered as close to the edge of the shrub as she dared, where the foliage was thinnest. Two of the giants conversed by the gaping cavern of a doorway - a Sheikah, as his white hair and red eyes indicated, and a delicate, pale-skinned being with tendrils cascading from a translucent fleshy hood, much like those of the Biri that floated in the waters of Lanayru Sea. The aquatic figure vaguely resembled a Zora, despite the lack of scales and fins, although Florimel knew better than to make assumptions.

The Sheikah, as formal as his mannerisms were, displayed warmth and respect. As for the marine being, Allura... Florimel bristled, watching him flinch at her touch, yet he quickly calmed. "Ah, right, you are a telepath, aren't you."

Even if the prospect of mental intrusion unsettled Florimel - to know someone's innermost thoughts and desires was to gain leverage over them - it gave her some slight measure of reassurance to learn that the touch was simply Allura's method of communicating, rather than anything sinister. As long as the possible-Zora didn't pry deeper than necessary, or prod her painfully hard with those huge hands. Her gaze shifted to a second pair of interlocutors travelling down the path, a mere glance setting off all manner of questions in her mind.

The louder of the two was a... lizard? Well, this was the first fireproof lizard she'd ever heard talking, or seen wearing clothes, or standing upright. Or bearing facial hair, for that matter, the wisps of his eyebrows and beard bringing to mind images in carvings she'd seen somewhere. Behind him, a ghostly Goron floated, his face creased in a long-suffering expression, his ethereal form emanating from a suspiciously Zonaite-hued glass bottle on the reptile's back.

A glass bottle. Florimel drew back. She knew the legends all right, of magic-infused bottles capable of containing spirits - often used to catch fairies. Had the lizard somehow imprisoned this ghost? His bearing seemed prideful enough, that of the Goron subdued in contrast, yet surely the headmaster wouldn't allow such a thing? Reason overtook shock as she edged forward once more. His captivity could be willing for all she knew, a way to remain in the physical realm. Until she had more information, she couldn't judge, although she'd keep an eye on this VaVas.

Her attention snapped towards a fifth person who made quite the overenthusiastic entrance, all youthful haste and no caution, the leaf-rustling gust she whipped up at her back promptly getting away from her and bowling her over. Florimel rolled her eyes, wings twitching. She'd expected nothing less than amateurs who viewed magic as a mere plaything.

Ah well, she couldn't just float here, not with people liable to get themselves hurt. After one more wary scan of the courtyard, she emerged from her hiding place, her colour shifting back to its usual pale green as she hovered above the Hylian who'd fallen, just high enough to keep out of her reach. Even from up here, she could feel erratic traces of mana swirl like eddies in the air before dispersing. "The first thing you'll want to learn about magic is it's not a toy!" she reprimanded, flaring her orb for emphasis. "It's something to handle with utmost care and caution. Now, you haven't done yourself any injuries that need healing, have you?"

She checked the girl over, her heart sinking further as she noted the vast array of tinkering tools scattered all over the ground. Just her luck that she'd ended up saddled with an engineer. And engineers of all people could NOT afford to leap before they looked.


Alyson couldn't help but blink in astonishment at the first figure who scolded her. Was it possible to hallucinate from too much energy elixir, or was a talking lizard, clad in a tiny waistcoat and cravat, calling her out? With a towering spectre of a Goron emanating from a bottle strapped to his back, wisps of blue flame flickering around his form? Reminding herself not to stare at either, she attempted to offset the initial awkwardness with another self-deprecating laugh, hoping they hadn't taken offense. There were, after all, countless forms of magic she knew little to nothing about, and in a hub of mages like this, one had to expect the unexpected.

"Heh, yeah... Looks like elixirs and speed spells don't mix. And thanks!" She took back the nuts and bolts the lizard had gathered up in his tiny arms. The Goron, meanwhile, gave her a much friendlier welcome, his dark teal face dimpling with joy at the prospect of an engineer at the academy. The otherworldly glow to his beady eyes radiated warmth. "Yep! Magical artificery is a pretty fascinating field, and I couldn't turn down the chance to learn more!" She glanced at the hex nuts woven into his hair and beard. "Going to guess you're an engineer too?" An immortal being, insofar as a ghost could be called that, had to have accumulated a veritable wealth of knowledge.

The second figure to give her a scathing lecture was... also surprising, but less so than the uplifted lizard and his companion. A fairy, who'd seemingly appeared out of nowhere, fluttering high above her as she expressed an equal blend of irritation and concern. Not the first fairy Alyson had ever seen - she'd glimpsed some flitting like fireflies over a pond on one of the sky islands - but the first one who'd ever addressed her. Wasn't it meant to be rare for them to approach others of their own volition? Outside of legends in which they'd bonded with forest dwellers during ancient times, that was.

"All good! I'm fine, just a little dusty," Alyson reassured her, scrambling to gather up the rest of her tools. Just as she'd slotted the last screwdriver in place, another sudden breeze rippled around her, clearly the work of a much more skilled mage, rising up as if to lift her to her feet - only to die down before it could do so. A glance revealed the last sparks of power fading from the coral staff upon which the Zora leaned, those midnight-pool eyes fixated on the other new arrivals.

With a grateful smile in her direction, Alyson eased herself upright. Her sore knees protested, the twinges in the overworked muscles of her shoulders and thighs returning, but she wasn't going to needlessly worry the others. Or give anyone an incentive for another dressing-down.

[El]

A laugh, deep and rich, swelled Dgin's chest. The glitter to his glowing eyes only brightened as his company multiplied. "You certainly know how to collect a colourful crowd, Headmaster!" He remarked with a delighted guffaw, his eclectic collection of jewellery jangling and clattering in an echo of applause.

With a literal sparkle to his pearly whites, the portly Goron made sure to greet each and every individual with the widest of grins. "But the pleasure is all mine!" He insisted prematurely. "Dgin, is the name. And as this energetic young lass pointed out, I am something of an engineer." A bashful tickle of pride prompted him to play with the dramatic curl of a sideburn. "Artificery is my field."

"OUR fieldss!" VaVas corrected with a snap of his jaw.

The lizard had just finished straightening up his cravat, a defiant uptilt of his chin trying - and failing - to look down upon the towering jellyfish of a creature who had visibly recoiled at his entrance. She was terrifying. Even weirder up close and unnervingly creepy. VaVas would never admit that, of course, but everything from the twitch of her tendrils to the arrogant repugnance in her eyes made his heart skitter and squeeze with instinctive panic. He knew that look. A lesser lizard would've cowered back into the bedrock posthaste, but VaVas was far from the simple prey she assumed him to be! He was bigger! BETTER! MORE! Talons curled into the flooring as he held his ground with violent determination, arms resolutely crossed over his puffed-up chest.

It was, however... a little tough to hold a fierce glare with the distraction of supper a fairy flittering too and fro, so close at hand and yet not quite close enough. VaVas' tongue flickered. After a bulging swallow he cleared his throat to declare with monumental volume, "And I's is VAVAS!"

"I am glad you are not hurt, young miss." Dgin continued, nodding with relief as Alyson collected herself. The air was abuzz with a multitude of magical currents, though admittedly... they were curdling more than intermingling: not that you needed a sensitivity to such things in order to read the tangible tension brewing from his little friend.

The Goron took care not to frown and instead held his amiable grin as he turned back to the Sheikah, "We were actually in the midst of exploring - and admiring! - this new establishment. Now that we know this spirited student is quite well, perhaps we shall catch up with you later, Headmaster."

VaVas scoffed, giving Alyson one last scrutinising look-over. Yes, she was standing perfectly fine. Dusty indeed, but her physical discomfort did not appear crippling. She was suffering though...? Why? Had she fallen that hard? Or was she simply feeble in the legs, like that nightmare creature he was now trying his best to ignore even existed.

The lizard clicked his tongue and deigned to hold up out to her the world's tiniest dollhouse handkerchief: the silk was stark black and emblazoned with a shoddy, infantile embroidery of a fire-breathing dragon. "There will be more of these, yess?" VaVas inquired, addressing the Headmaster as well now. "Students aspirings?"

[Emily]

"Indeed! We are amassing quite the collection of fascinating instructors," the headmaster responded. He turned to Alyson. "It is a pleasure to meet you, miss. I am the headmaster of this fine institution, and I can assure you that Dgin and VaVas are among the greatest artificers in Hyrule, and well-suited to teaching. Why, VaVas has more power within his body than the dragons themselves. If you enrol to study with us, I could think of no better professors. Allura, our Zora friend here, was just arriving in order to take a position teaching elemental magic and theory, though my source of information wasn't the most forthcoming on what that entailed. She cannot speak nor understand our language, however, and communicates telepathically. As such, if you don't mind, I should probably escort her inside."

Until this point, the series of noises emitted by those who surrounded her were merely unpleasant. The loud barks of the Hylian language was something to which she had been attempting to adapt. She thought it fitting, little wonder that their youth cried out so, when confronted with the realities of being in a world above-water. The cacophonous display of different dialects, different accents upon this guttural tongue verged on overwhelming at the best of times, and it only became worse as now she could feel herself relying more heavily upon her staff. Her spirit flared even as her physical form flagged. She reached out, touched the arm of the headmaster. If he found himself to be so certain of her success, she could allow some vulnerability to pass between them.

Both those who desired power, and those who did not, oft responded positively to such an action, as if being entrusted with a secret.

The headmaster, who had withdrawn a kerchief from his pocket and was dabbing at his own forehead stiffened mid-sentence. "It was lovely meeting you, and how fascinating to make the acquaintance of a fairy! I have never-

"Oh dear."

It was no secret to the initiated that all things along this plane could be gained with concentrated, informed effort. Allura had not learned to swim in a day. She could not have crossed the vast ocean currents of time without building her resistance to the forces of entropy. In time, she would overcome this force that threatened her collapse. She would grow in power, because she must. Though she found them perplexing and often frustrating, the beings of the surface deserved a chance to grow and develop along their own path. In time, they would reach sophistication and mastery, but only if given opportunity and education.

She hobbled forward a step, the first time the lizard, its enslaved phantom, and this newly-arrived sentient ball of light, would see just how fragile she was. Gently, she reached out and grasped the forearm of the crafter. Allura did not swim the currents of the woman's mind, did not seek the depths of her spirit. This was no pawn, no tool to be used. Instead, she allowed her own mind to flow outward. The promise of what could be with proper training: a ghost of potential power running through Alyson's body, future arcane reinforcement, her command over the winds and sky. An image of the classroom with Allura's tank, as taken from the headmaster's mind. A gentle summons, when she was ready to realise her potential. Allura's eyes, what could be seen of them through the veil of her bell, shone with a fierce pride.

And then she faltered, almost falling. Her hand quickly returned to the staff as her legs threatened to give out. For a moment, the hardened coral was the only thing holding her up. The headmaster reached out, gripped her arm, helped her toward the door. "As you can see," he said to the assembled crowd, "she is not accustomed to life on the surface. I was informed that she could only stand for a short time on her own. Never fear, though!" he looked toward Alyson and Florimel, "let it never be said that we are not accommodating!"

[LuckyBlackCat]

Alyson responded with a hearty laugh of her own as VaVas loudly emphasised that artificery was a field he shared with Dgin. The guy's diminutive stature belied his huge personality. "What kinds of artificery do you both specialise in?" she asked. "My experience is mostly with carpentry and vehicles, as well as some runework. I'd love to expand on that! And learn more about Zonai tech and its full potential! And various other styles, of course!" For all she knew, Dgin could be a relic of an ancient time when such technology was commonplace.

Crouching down to VaVas, she accepted the tiny doll handkerchief between her thumb and forefinger. "Thanks!" It was far too small to make any real difference, but she swept it over her clothes anyway to show her gratitude. Not that she minded a little dirt anyway, her work often leaving her covered in sawdust.

The awe evident on her face only grew when the headmaster lauded the arcane and educational prowess of the professors. Sensing magic wasn't her forte, much less pinpointing it, but if she closed her eyes for a moment and focused... There it was, a noticeable thrum all around, like the charged air before a storm.

Her attention shifted towards the jellyfish Zora, Allura, then back to the headmaster. "Elemental magic? For obvious reasons, that's something else I'll be looking into!" She already knew what others would say, that on top of the already considerable work around Castle Town, taking on various studies would push her to breaking point. Yet it would be more than worth it. Crafting and elemental magic, as the runework proved, could easily go hand in hand. Besides, mastery of wind magic would be invaluable for sky exploration.

"Well, it was nice to meet all of you too!" The grin she gave the crowd instantly soured as Allura began to stumble forward, leaning most of her weight on her staff, her emaciated legs trembling. "Are you alr-" Alyson began, before remembering what the headmaster had explained about this professor not knowing the Hyrulean language.

With a touch on Alyson's arm, Allura demonstrated her communication method. Alyson let out a soft gasp at the images and sensations flooding her mind. Not unpleasant ones, just startling in their suddenness and vividness. A steady pulse of power throughout her body. Strong, swirling gusts at her command. A classroom containing a large glass tank, the hall seeming to draw her forth. "I can... really do all that?" She shut her mouth. Breaking the habit of responding verbally would be even tougher than juggling her schedule. Instead of saying anything further, she gave a resolute nod. She wouldn't disappoint.

"Ah!" Alyson stared in shock as Allura's long, pale fingers unfurled and gripped her staff anew, her knees buckling as if it took all her effort to remain standing. She held out an arm to the professor, although the headmaster stepped in at once, supporting Allura and reassuring the crowd that nothing was in fact wrong - the Zora merely had yet to grow accustomed to dry land. Well, that explained the tank in the projected mental image, not just a matter of preference but of necessity. "Alright, see ya!" Grinning anew, she waved to them as they headed towards the door.


Florimel held back a grumble. So these three were engineers. Hopefully ones who knew what they were doing, although Alyson's excessive eagerness didn't bode well, nor did the overconfidence clear in VaVas' inflated posture. As the reptile's tongue flicked out, Florimel drew back, far out of reach. Lizards - and countless other animals - had a tendency to snap their maws at her, mistaking her for a firefly snack. And despite his smaller size than that of the true giants, he'd still tower over her should she drift too close.

"I think you'll find your colleagues are off the menu!" She let off a little burst of sparkles to emphasise her point, which crackled and fizzled all around her. Of course, he'd be a force to reckon with if he actually tried anything. The headmaster wasn't kidding about the magical power emanating from him, seeming to fill several times the space he did.

"And speaking of your fields of artificery..." She flitted from VaVas to Dgin and back, studying the mysterious vessel. "That bottle. A genuine Glass Bottle, by the look of it, as in the kind known to hold almost anything. I have to ask, what's the deal with it?" Its distorted shape, the fiery-hued fissure in its side... Did these imperfections hint that the spirit had tried to escape? Or was it poorly suited to containing one? If the grey-green tints did indeed indicate Zonaite, was it an ancient prototype, or a flawed replica? Had the rediscovered mineral, unpredictable as it was, reacted erratically during the bottle's crafting?

"Anyway." She hovered in front of the motley gathering. "I'm Florimel, Professor of Item Enchantment - and, as I'm told, repository of information concerning the land's various features, and the beings that inhabit it, particularly the wilds." It wasn't blustering if one had the knowledge to back up one's claims. A fairy, after all, wouldn't survive long in a Calamity-ravaged realm without accruing such. Especially not one who had to travel to its furthest reaches. "So if anyone has any questions, ask awa-"

She darted over, giving off more sparkles in surprise, to the sagging Zora. Although it was no uncommon occurrence for a Zora to struggle if outside of water for long, it didn't usually happen this fast, to this extent. The headmaster, however, was quick to reassure everyone that all Allura needed was a chance to rest and recover - and that accommodations were in order for such. Castle Town truly was quite the hub of the world's many people, as this group showed.

[El]

Meanwhile...

Scaled fingers brushed across polished wood. It smelled fresh - the varnish. Just like everything else here, gleaming bright with nary a speck of dirt in sight: brand new and brimming with expectation.

What was she doing here really...?

Indulging in a sigh, Raemi sunk down upon one of many pews. The classroom may have been both vast and empty, yet oddly she did not feel isolated within its grand expanse - nor lonely. There was a quiet relief to be enjoyed here - a tranquil solitude in bottled morning sunshine - as her gaze drifted over the lectern, chalkboard, and the countless desks which drew her line of sight in turn towards one of many grand windows to her far left. Through them she could see the city, its cobbled streets glistening with greenery and bustling activity. Muffled though it was, it still shone bright. She could hear herself breathe.

Carmie had convinced her to come here. She had confessed to him her interest in the Academy as soon as notice of its imminent opening was made public. Alchemy, to be specific. After her-... experience at Eventide, something within her had shifted, a realisation which had unlocked feelings she couldn't simply ignore - try as she might.

Her own power terrified her.

...But it was also fascinating.

She didn't believe - and probably never would - that her abilities were anything unique or spectacular, especially not amongst her own Apsara clansmen. Raemi had always been perfectly mediocre, and dance was an inferior artform. That was simply fact. Yet, she'd have to be blind to not acknowledge the great wealth of opportunity here in Hyrule proper, not just in its literal - physical - variety of materials, but in the complete lack of any sort of guardian's instructive protection. What limits were there? Truly...?

"Not that I can afford it anyway." Raemi whispered wistfully.

Even if the tuition here turned out to be more affordable than feared, realistically she wouldn't have time for any of it either. The generous sum earned at the Beaumont Ball had been enough to set Carmie and herself up for a whole year - if not more - but her income was still unreliable. Her future uncertain. Her home-... unknown. She had no family to kiss goodnight, and no familiar pool in which to rest. The waters here were cold and shallow and tasteless. Each day brought more faces than she could count, and yet she so rarely learned any of their names let alone share a kind word or warm touch with them.

Her existence was drifting, detached, as if at any moment too strong a breeze may snuff it out entirely.

If she was sensible, she wouldn't waste her time on petty ambitions. It would never amount to anything anyway. At the end of the day she was just playing with ink. She should be focusing on settling down somewhere instead.

What was she doing here really...?

...A pained grimace pinched at Raemi's lips. Emotions - too many of them - were bubbling up, but she bit down and blinked away the obscuring tears.

Nonetheless, she WAS here. The rest of the tour-group may have gone on ahead, but she was still a visitor in these elegant halls and in truth she had already lingered too long. Curling her taloned hands into fists, Raemi cleared her throat - with half-choked effort - and braced herself to catch up with them.

She pretended it wasn't even a possibility that she could just leave early.

—

"I am glad there are already many questions!" Dgin guffawed, his own chest puffed with delighted pride. The air was abuzz with interest, excitement inspiring intrigue and plentiful opportunities all as fun as the next. (And the Zora was a telepath of all things? How incredibly fascinating!) Albeit the tempo of conversation unfolded at a rate which didn't allow much room for elaboration - certainly not to the degree he enjoyed! And what was a proper answer without plentiful seasonings and stories in tow? "But perhaps we could settle down somewhere else first, and have a proper chat there?"

"A-wheres WARMER." VaVas elaborated, clacking his jaw with a hiss of distaste. The placid pool of water nearby was giving him the ick, still as it was with NO bubbles in sight. Not even a wisp of steam!

...But at least that frightening monstrosity had departed. He had half a mind to quip a snarky remark on her abrupt spiral - served her right for looking at him like that! - but the twinge deep in his chest told him that such words wouldn't simply be spite, they'd be cruelty. So under the ever-watchful eye of Dgin, he had stayed his tongue as the spirit bid the duo a good rest, and chewed upon it with discomfort.

"With drinksss and snacketh hads." Yapped the lizard's maw instead, distracting himself with a rub of his gurgling belly. Very nobly he thought to keep his gaze away from Florimel this time - with all her vibrant temptations and spiky, mean sparks! "ONE WHOLES HOUR transpired now! Without a snacketh! NOT A SINGLE!!! My great-aunts-brothers-nephews-cousin did die a death after missing TWO hours! That is only ONE far!"

"Chatting over drinks certainly sounds pleasant." Nodded the Goron, beaming that bejewelled grin (tickled as it was with quiet humour) back to the rest of his company. "Are we in agreement, ladies? If I recall correctly one of the halls should have a spread laid out for the groups visiting today to tour this wonderful establishment. I'm sure they wouldn't mind us nabbing a few treats ourselves!"

"Not for youss tho." VaVas scoffed, scrunching his incredulous face up at Dgin.

This time it was the phantom's turn to chew on his discomfort, a great silence of remembrance crumpling his hair-laden brow. "...I shall live vicariously through you, mighty one."

[LuckyBlackCat]

"Raemi?" Carmine poked his head around the classroom door. Raemi sat hunched in one of the pews, the otherwise empty room a bubble of solitude. Tentatively, Carmine inched a talon forward. Did she still need a moment to herself, or would the presence of a friend help in a school full of strangers?

Joining the Academy wasn't something he'd originally planned to do. His goal had been to traverse the kingdom in search of songs and stories, much like Kass had done, all while making a name for himself in the process and sticking it to those who ridiculed him. Yet as the one who'd encouraged the cautious interest Raemi had expressed in the Academy, he'd decided it was only fair to stay at her side, to put her at ease. And if she beat herself up over it? He'd waste no time in reminding her there was no need to. Just as she could learn how to take her stage skills further here, so could he. Besides, with its new venues, Castle Town was the perfect place for two performers to kickstart their careers, especially after the shows they'd put on at the Beaumont Estate.

He'd already booked a gig at a local pub, the Dragon's Roost, for later that evening. It helped that there'd be plenty of liquid courage available beforehand... Not that he'd need it, of course! And not that there was any point in thinking about it right now! There were people to meet, introductions to make. And he'd do his utmost to keep Raemi comfortable throughout them.

"Hey, Rae... You ready? If it helps, I heard there's food. As in, a whole all-you-can-eat buffet." He clacked and licked his beak in anticipation, slowly approaching the pew. "Let's get in there before it's all gone!"

In truth, it probably wouldn't disappear all that fast. He'd only spotted a few people around so far, the institution being in its infancy. In his experience, however, the only real way to quell worries was to get out there and face them head-on, and most of the time the situation didn't turn out anywhere near as scary as it did in one's imagination. The biggest challenge was mustering the resolve to do so.

"As for dealing with crowds, Violynne of the Stable Heroes says it helps her to imagine everyone as potatoes or pumpkins. In some places, they carve silly faces into pumpkins for festivals, so just think of a bunch of goofy gourds, yeah?" He didn't mention that the one time he'd tried that during an opening act for said band, he'd cracked up laughing uncontrollably, and slunk off of the stage in shame. He hadn't visited Serenne Stable since.

"Now let's go have a feast fit for stars in the making!"


Alyson giggled at the respectively amicable and acerbic banter between Dgin and VaVas. "I wouldn't say no to drinks or snacks! Fuel for both magic and learning!" Her stomach growled louder than the miniature dragon's voice. Even if she often carried around some kind of stamina-boosting snack or elixir, a good, filling, free meal was just what she needed after a strenuous day's work, as well as just before the start of an intensive course. And she'd heard the food provided here would be plentiful. Significant use of magic, after all, tended to make one hungry.

Should staff want elemental fruits for their cuisine or alchemy, like Sable often did, she'd be more than happy to assist with the gathering...

Her grin faltered as Dgin's did. Of course... He was a ghost. He didn't eat. And Gorons were well known for their voracious appetites. She mentally kicked herself for being so insensitive, talking about food with such enthusiasm in front of him. Would it bother him to watch people eating, and enjoying their meals, when he couldn't any more? Or, on the contrary, would he take vicarious pleasure via others as he claimed?

"Chatting sounds pleasant anyway, with or without drinks or meals!" Her smile returned full-force. "And you bet I'll ask away!" She glanced at Florimel, whose wings drooped as if she already regretted her offer.

[Emily]

A small commotion could be heard from around the corner of the Academy's entryway courtyard. "Excuse me, pardon me," a voice cut through, louder than the average voice, though not seeming to shout. "I apologise, I hardly know my own strength sometimes!"

A pause, a second of discussion, and then another booming "Haha! No, I'm afraid there's not a pebble of magic in me. However, it would be improper to not pay respects to this great establishment!" The sound of more shuffling preceded a Goron turning the corner and entering the Academy of Magic's entryway. Dressed in a crimson cloak, they almost appeared to be a teacher, but something didn't quite align there. Even so Ryla looked upon the assorted people within the courtyard and let out a massive laugh. "Magnificent!"

They strode across the cobblestone and directly into the conversation group, as easily and casually as if they had been invited. "Such a splendid variety of people, you simply must be the colourful cast of professors I've heard so much about. My name is Ryla, I'm the Goron ambassador to Castle Town."

Their eyes passed along the group until settling upon the ghostly visage of "Dgin! Brother, I never thought we'd see the day I was the heftier of us. And the mighty VaVas, how delighted I am to see you as well. Are you settling in well? Is there anything I can get for you from back home?"


Allura settled into the water. The structure was a canny thing, constructed of metal and glasswork, providing her the ability to look through to the room beyond. It appeared as a single, cylindrical structure in the centre of the room, allowing students to gather around on all sides. Large windows along the far wall illuminated the room, though there were several spaces for interior lighting. Plans already formed in her mind, layouts and structures far beyond just this room.

Being within the water also allowed Allura to centre herself and settle into a state of focus otherwise robbed of her by the many agonies of being on the surface. Her bell was able to spread out, her tendrils were freed, her body relaxed. Her power returned. She was grateful for proper seawater as well- the tasteless gruel of the surface, and even the pale, briny imitation of her hastily-constructed enclosure, had harmed her in more ways than were immediately apparent.

She reached out, now through the water itself, to the wall. Beyond the wall. The headmaster stood close enough to the glass that their eddies mixed. The flows intermingled and muddied to create new patterns, and they reached an understanding. His smile was one of relief- he had put great expense into constructing this. Hers was of satisfaction, a plan brought to its conclusion. She had accomplished everything she wanted, brought herself into the locus of power, where she would have free access to the maximum number of willing volunteers.

The headmaster departed the room, his instructions clear. He would seek out those interested in gaining understanding and power. He would bring them to her. For her part, Allura explored the remainder of the contraption into which she had been placed. A physical prison, perhaps, but one of comfort and refuge while she learned to conquer this gravity. Though it appeared to be merely a tank on the classroom level, the structure extended beneath the ground, opening into a room-sized seawater enclosure below. Filters and enhancements, many artificeries she was certain must have involved the spectre and mongrel still outside, kept the water flowing and fresh. She would need to express her satisfaction and gratitude to them at a later time. And, naturally, she would make improvements. The machines so vaunted by the surface dwellers would do well in the short term, but a proper ecosystem required no aether, no corruption, no parts that could easily break.


She hadn't been here when the construction had begun. She hadn't seen the first time shovel broke through earth, nor the first stone being laid. She hadn't been here when the headmaster had been chosen, when Zelda and Purah had laid out their plans to the early staff. In fact, Sable hadn't been part of the process at any point of the Academy's creation or construction. But, walking through the halls, she nonetheless felt a swell of pride in her chest. This was exactly what she had wanted Castle Town to be when she had chosen to move here.

In all reality, she had no reason to be here. Sable had never achieved any sort of formal education. Especially around magic. The closest she had been to a school had been stealing a very old knife from an equally old mage a very long time ago. Her illusory training had been as an apprentice to an enchanter and alchemy had been a strange hyperfocus that emerged out of rebuilding her life after everything had fallen apart. Mixing drinks and mixing potions weren't terribly different once you really broke it down, after all. But for some reason, someone (Alyson) had told her to check this place out. And they seemed interested enough to let her teach a class here and there as time allowed. After all, she still had a pub to run.

Still, it was nice to have a fresh start. She almost scoffed at her own thought. Sable had gone through a fresh start every few years for as long as she had been alive, it seemed. There had been the artsy dreamer phase, then the enchantment phase with the Zora, then the really bad phase with that evil guy, then trying out being a politician with whatever her name was, and then she did bartending in Gerudo Town on her own again, and then there was alchemy, and now she was a founding member of the community in Castle Town. A reinvention helped her keep focus, and she had learned something important and valuable every time. Who knew, maybe the teaching phase would really be her thing.

She walked past an empty classr- ooh, it wasn't an empty classroom! She saw a very familiar duo, Raemi and Carmine, who she had met at the Beaumont festival, the latter of whom was performing at her pub later that evening. They were quietly talking inside the room. For a moment, she forced down the slight panic of her own stupid baggage at seeing a Zora and Rito so clearly enamoured with one another, and instead adopted as much professor aura as possible. After all, the more people she knew here, even if she had only discussed business with Carmine and hadn't actually talked to Raemi, the better. "Nice to see you two," she said, as much warmth as possible in her voice. "If there's anything you need, let me know, okay?"

[El]

Even the tentative clack of his talons was cute and warm, a small smile arriving unbidden upon Raemi's lips as Carmine rescued her from herself. Again. As he always did.

He proceeded to twitter on about food and pumpkins and more food, quickly finding a rapid flow of words once his voice got over its initial hesitation. As if somehow, if he spoke enough and swiftly enough, they'd weave a blanket around her shoulders and assure her that all was well. Careful, attentive Carmie. With his proud red chest and performative bravado, his permanent bedfeathers stylishly dishevelled into a bold crown. A smaller Rito by usual standards but so full of compassion... and scars of his own. Though they'd never discussed it in detail, Raemi intuitively knew that his family history was potentially as soiled as her own.

And yet here was. Again.

He was always showing up for her.

The dancer saw her vision begin to swim anew, a current that swirled and brimmed, magnifying the ample light in the classroom into sparkling waves. She had been smiling - the smile had been growing even - but there was a tremble to her glossed lips now, and a weak sheepish laugh tickling the back of her throat. Pain in her palms: her fists had tightened. Restraint.

She didn't trust herself to speak in that moment, even as the countless responses filled her thoughts to the brink. Instead she swallowed and smiled a little wider - pressed, but genuine. It was only when a stranger's voice lurched her heart back into her throat - startling her senses awake - that Raemi drew in a proper breath.

She had been about to embrace him.

"Nice to see you two," The beautiful Rito greeted, shimmering in emerald greens and sapphire blues - charisma gleaming in her gentle eyes. Perhaps Raemi could do with taking a leaf from her book, given how her simpler attire only emphasised her natural allure: the restraint glowed with mature elegance. "If there's anything you need, let me know, okay?"

A few rapid blinks of surprise later and the tears were now freely streaming down the Zora's cheeks. Cheeks which flushed, a rush of pink fluttering across her scales and flaring her fins into bashful backward curls. She barely even registered the gushing moisture. "M-Miss Sable...?!" Her heart began to thrum so hard, she feared it would quite literally play a melody via the vibrations of ample coral jewellery laid across her chest. But even as her own melodious voice broke into a strangled squeak, the embarrassment could not quell the tides that swelled within.

"I'm such a big fan!!! Of your work-! Of-... well, you." Raemi might not have brushed past Carmine - the jittering nerves having rooted her to the spot - but her aura still buzzed with tangible excitement. Those two tight fists were now clenched in front of her chest, a shudder of a fangirling silent scream tickling every delighted nerve. "After I read your interview in the Lucky Clover Gazette I can't believe I never stopped by your bar at the Beaumont Ball!! I've regretted that moment ever since! You're so beautiful and accomplished and have so many achievements under your belt and yet you're still learning so much and now you're here wanting to share it with us all too?! But you're still running a business and you've done that all on your own with such admirable independence and you're always coming up with such interesting ideas with such inspiring creativity-!!! AND-.... and...."

Raemi drew in a deep - almost wheezing - breath. Now her face was red for entirely different reasons, a surge of light-headedness causing her vision to swoon like a generous shot of straight whisky. But the tight purse of her lips did little to mask the wide-eyed twinkle of pure adoration in her stare.

"You're so cool!" She cheeped. "Is it true that Carmie is performing at your establishment tonight? Is it OK if I come too?! I'll be very quiet, I promise! I'm-... usually much less talkative than this."

-----

"Enjoy it while you can, Ryla!" Dgin scoffed, a goading taunt to the wide gleam of his bejewelled teeth. Pride forced his chest to swell, bulging the brawn and ample, immortalised gluttony. But rather than cross his arms he tweaked one of his sideburns, emphasising the dramatic curl with a pinkie-perked pinch in playful smuggery. "Fill that pebble-belly of yours while you have the chance! I'm planning on consuming a Biggoron's portion of ore once I get my stomach back!"

"Pssht." VaVas slapped his tail and snapped his maw. Yet it wasn't Dgin's insufferable attempts at humour that irked him so. "The shittiest of shits days to you, Sir Snack-SNATCHERsss!!" The reptile hissed in the midst of his volatile vibrations, jerking his bearded chin to the far left in a huff and puff that swelled too his nostrils. The incident in question had happened long ago - long before VaVas even had the 'sentience' to speak - but that did not stop a little lizard from holding a big grudge.

"Whys you be here? TO SNATCH MORE SNACKEEETHSSS?!! PAH!"

"Actually, speaking of, we were just about to visit the dining hall!" Dgin interjected, his delight at seeing such a unexpected buddy completely unperturbed by the sourpuss recoiling at his feet. "Our newest friend here - the lovely little lady, Alyson - was joining us to ask some questions about our course, and about the wonderful magic of Professor Florimel here too, of course! Why don't you come along as well!"

"PAAAHFFFF-!!! Ffuuu....fff." VaVas seethed like a quietly dying kettle, the vapour of his insulted fury evaporating off the hot rocks of Dgin's impenetrable 'ignorance'.

With one last huff - and one big stamp of both, biggest of big, feet - he marched away with wide-legged sways, dragging the wispy tail of his pet Goron along with him. "Right this way!" Bellowed the genie fellow himself, waving a ring-laden hand at the two more grounded mortals and shackle-free fairy to follow quickly.