Location: Eldorian Royal Manor in Azmar, neutral kingdom of Azmar in the world of Aethalgard.
"So, Vivian, when I put a small amount of magic into your hands, you began to draw more and more out of me— and out of everything else around you. I believe it used to be known as 'Void Magic.'"
"Void Magic?" Callum repeated as a question.
"It is my best guess, at the moment. Let me thumb through this book before I continue."
Cal and Viv both nodded, while Tristan remained stoic. Vivian was anxious that she might have hurt someone, or worse, could hurt a lot of 'someones.'
Cyrus then gave out a loud, "Hah! I knew it. I knew I had read this before!" After his outburst, the professor continued, "Vivian, how much do you know about Aethelgard's history?"
"I've read about the eras, the wars, even the cultural influences," Vivian said.
Cyrus nodded. "Did you ever read anything about the kingdoms before the ones we have now?"
"There was a children's book in Ally's room that I started to read once. It mentioned three or four kingdoms that used to exist?"
"Yes, I know the one," Cyrus affirmed. "Most people do think of it as children's tales or lore, and some of the information about them is exaggerated or just wrong. But some people will be able to tell you about: The Sunken Empire of Azmar — thought to be the original realm of the island we are now on; The Sky-Kingdom of Aerilon — thought to still be out there somewhere that we can no longer see, drifting in the sky; The Whispering Kingdom of Silvanus — thought to be wiped out in the Great Cataclysm that reset our years to 1 MC, or Magnacyclus 1; and The Shadow Cult of Nyx — thought to be eliminated by a war with Silvanus."
Callum and Tristan nodded at the familiar names of lore.
"But Tristan, I and a few other scholars, have seen small hints that there were other kingdoms even before the known lost kingdoms. One of these we refer to as 'Aethel,' because it might be the first kingdom in Aethelgard."
"I'm following so far, but I don't know what that has to do with me or my magic. Ally is quite versed in Eldorian magic, so shouldn't I be too when I'm in her body?" Vivian was curious about the world she was now in. But she was also impatient to know if she was going to hurt people.
"This is where it needs more research. But there are indications that if Aethel existed, it may have had a unique type of magic that no longer exists — or, at least, has not been seen in a very long time."
"And you think I have this Void Magic from Aethel?" Vivian asked.
"It is just a theory, but I think you do. From what we have been able to find, so far, Void Magic siphons energy from everything around it. And one of the ways it is referenced in some of the older texts is a way to change the heaviness of air."
"And you think that's why the ground sank?" Vivian was somewhat relieved that no one was hurt, but also worried that it might get out of control.
"I do," declared Cyrus. "And this book also theorized that in addition to siphoning and manipulating air weight, Aethelians were able to pull knowledge from others, transfer life essence, and maybe even create powerful illusions."
Callum asked, "What do those types of magic even have to do with one another?"
The room was silent with prospective thoughts. Then Vivian slowly posited, "I think… well, what if void magic is breaking things apart and rearranging them into something slightly different? I don't know about the mind-reading part, yet, but it seems to fit the others."
"Fascinating," Cyrus responded. "It is a possible link. Maybe in your research with Tristan on the connection between our magic and your science, we can learn more about it and the origins of magic."
Vivian nodded. "But I don't understand why Ally has one type of magic, and I have another."
"Ally actually prefers fire magic, which makes sense given her family's origins in Pyrrhia. But she actually knows many types of magic. Still," continued Cyrus, "I would also like to know the answer to that very big question," admitted Cyrus. "And there may be many Great Cycles before we even start to understand."
"Then, the priorities as I see them," declared Vivian,
"Find ways to protect myself, and therefore Ally's body in the world; Figure out how we Switch and perhaps why this time is different; and Figure out how to Switch back so you all get Ally back."
"I feel understanding how magic works by understanding its origins will help the second and third goals. Does that seem correct to everyone?" Vivian asked, hopeful that she was able to summarize the things she had heard
There was a palpable hesitation in the room. Both Cal and Tristan looked at the professor, and the professor looked at Vivian before saying, "Yes. We want to get our dear Vivian back to her world and my star, Ally, back in this one."
Then Tristan also looked at Vivian and said, "Given what we know and are yet to know, I am going to adjust the schedule and… 'benchmarks'? As you called them."
Vivian smiled. "You don't have to use my words. Just say what you usually say."
Tristan chuckled. "But I like learning about them. And I would like to hear even more of them when you have the time."
Callum grabbed Vivian's hand and pulled her toward the door to leave, "Then I will leave you two to your planning. I look forward to seeing this new schedule." Then he turned to Vivian and said, "You wanted these clothes to do physical training, right? So, shall we?"
As Cal and Viv made their way down the hallway, Vivian called back, "Would you add that to the schedule, too, please?"
Cyrus and Tristan looked at each other before Cyrus gave his son a pat on the shoulder. "Try harder, my boy. You are already behind."
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Location: Eldorian Royal Manor in Azmar, neutral kingdom of Azmar in the world of Aethalgard.
Callum ran backwards as Vivian tried to keep up. Breathlessly, she said, "Has Ally ever exercised a day in her life? How can she be this out of shape?"
"Come along, now, Viv. This is what you asked to do with me. So, stick with it."
Vivian stopped and put her hands on her knees while trying to catch her breath. Cal noticed and jogged back to her with some concern. When he was almost near her, she swept his leg and caused him to fall down. Then she took off running. "Haha, I can't believe that worked. I'm going to at least enjoy a few moments of being ahead."
Cal smiled and shook his head, with his hands supporting his upper body. He watched her jog away and grinned. "10…. 9….. 8…." Cal yelled.
"Wait. What are you counting for?" Vivian asked while Cal continued to count down.
"5… 4….3…"
"Cal! I don't know what will happen at 1!"
"You are about to find out, Viv!" Callum jumped to his feet and sprinted toward her. Vivian squealed and tried to run side-to-side and then away, but he easily caught her, lifted her, and spun them both in circles.
Vivian laughed and pretended to punch him as he set her down. "You couldn't give me just a few moments of victory, Your Highness?"
"If you want to be rewarded, Lady Viv," Cal responded with a sly grin as he resumed jogging backwards in front of her, "You… have… to… earn… it."
"I am so going to get you back," Vivian yelled after Cal.
"Only if you can catch me!"
Tristan stepped outside between Kel and Aart. He wanted to tell Vivian the new schedule and start his research by her side. Tristan watched as Viv tripped Cal, ran away, and was then caught by Cal.
Tristan asked the two guards, "What are they doing out there?"
Kel responded, "I see nothing."
Aart responded, "I hear nothing."
Tristan smirked at their responses. Then he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "Viv! It is time for our research!"
Vivian put her hands in the air and jumped up and down, as she shouted, "Yes! Thank you! I owe you one, Tristan!"
Tristan gave a slight nod of his head to Callum and turned with a grin on his face. He said, calmly to Kel and Aart, "Would you tell Lady Vivian that I will be waiting in the study for her?"
Kel responded, "I hear nothing."
Aart responded, "I see nothing."
Vivian tried to wash the sweat off a little before starting her research with Tristan. She was still not used to the lack of deodorant in this world, but not a lot of people were smelly. She thought it might have to do with a magic device or skill? Or maybe a side effect of something? She decided to ask about it later. They did, thankfully, have soap, so she used some of that after washing as a make-shift deodorant.
"Make-shift deodorant," Vivian muttered to herself. "I'd need things equivalent to coconut oil, arrowroot, and magnesium hydroxide. Well, we are surrounded by saltwater, so that one should be easy. River Lily Root from Eldoria, shell nuts should be gatherable here, and then the seawater for the magnesium hydroxide. With that, I believe I can make some form of deodorant paste. I should ask Cyrus and Tristan where I can get some Eldorian River Lily Roots and shell nuts while I'm here."
She changed into something other than the clothes she wore to run. She also noticed there were a few more sets of men's clothes waiting for her in her room to use later on. However, this time she threw on one of the less cumbersome dresses the attendants packed for her and gave it a more modern touch with Cal's belt and several fewer layers of useless frills. She looked in the mirror. "The result is still conservative, but much more practical."
She walked to the study, which was on the same floor as her room, and opened the door cautiously. Tristan was waiting with a stack of books and various types of papers. As she entered the study, Tristan stood up and, with his eyes locked on her, he held his breath. "Is there something on me?" Vivian half-jokingly asked to relieve some of the tension.
Without blinking, Tristan replied, "You look… You look…"
"He thinks you do not look like Ally," interrupted Cal. "Now let us start on some research, shall we?"
Vivian glared at Cal and his childish behavior and said, "Thank you, Tristan. I shall consider that a type of compliment."
Tristan smiled that Callum's comment backfired. "Thank you, Lady Viv. I am most honored that you believe so." He then turned to Callum. "Prince Callum, would you care for some refreshment? I had some Moonwhisper Mead brought up, perfect for invigorating the mind for study." He gestured to a small carafe and two chalices on a side table, one of which he had subtly prepared earlier.
Callum, ever vigilant, narrowed his eyes at Tristan for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, why not? This text is drier than a Solaran wind." He set his book down and walked over, taking the offered chalice. He took a long, deep drink. Almost immediately, a profound relaxation seemed to wash over him. His eyelids grew heavy, and his head lolled to the side. Within moments, he was fast asleep, a soft snore escaping his lips.
Vivian looked at Callum, surprised. "He must have been more tired than he let on."
Tristan nodded noncommittally. "Indeed. He can get a bit overprotective when it comes to you. Perhaps this rest will do him good." He then turned his full attention to Vivian, his gold eyes gleaming. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. The origins of magic. A fascinating subject, would you not agree?"
Vivian nodded, feeling a strange warmth spread through her. It wasn't the mead; she hadn't even taken a sip yet. It was something else, a subtle shift in the air around Tristan, a sweet, almost intoxicating scent that seemed to bypass her rational mind and go straight to her senses. Her thoughts, usually so sharp and analytical, felt soft, pliable.
Why does he smell so good?
"Lady Vivian?" Tristan called to get her attention.
"Oh, yes, sorry. Origins of old magic. Did you find anything?" Vivian pushed through her fogginess, replacing it with the drive of curiosity.
"There are several theories. Father and I have collated them. So, if you want to look over the ones we have found so far, it would be a good starting place. You might recognize if there was something familiar to your world," Tristan said as he watched Vivian's face closely.
Vivian took the summary from Tristan, running her fingers over the paper like a treasured gift had been presented to her. "Thank you. I will always treasure it."
Tristan smiled, a slow, mesmerizing curve of his lips. He reached across the table, his fingers lightly brushing hers as he picked up her chalice. "You know, Vivian," he murmured, his voice like velvet, "you have an extraordinary mind. So keen, so curious. It is truly captivating."
The subtle scent intensified, and Vivian found herself leaning closer, drawn in by his words, by the sheer magnetism of his presence. Her green eyes, usually so alert and discerning, felt heavy, her gaze fixed on his. A wave of profound compliance washed over her, an almost overwhelming desire to please him, to agree with whatever he said. It was as if a soft, agreeable whisper had replaced every logical thought.
"I… I think so, too," Vivian heard herself say, her voice a little breathy, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Her strong sense of justice, her usual skepticism, seemed to melt away under the potent, invisible influence.
Tristan's smile widened, a triumphant glint in his gold eyes. He had her. Cyrus would be pleased. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a confidential whisper. "This study, while quaint, is not quite suited for the depth of our discussions, dearest Vivian. The light is poor, and the air... it feels rather stagnant. I know of a more comfortable place, with better light, where we can truly delve into the mysteries of your world and ours. Would you like to follow me?"
Vivian nodded, completely compliant, completely captivated. The book lay forgotten on the table. "Of course, Tristan. That sounds wonderful."
Tristan leaned in and whispered, "You are such a good girl." He gently took her hand, his touch sending a pleasant and warm tingling sensation through her, and began to lead her out of the study.