Location: Between Eldoria and the Isle of Azmar in the world of Aethalgard.
The following day, the caravan made it to the port of Whisperbough where a royal ship was waiting to take them to the island realm of Azmar. To ease her first voyage, Callum gave Vivian a seed of Windwhisper. It was an herb known to improve balance and alleviate dizziness (commonly found in the kingdom of Solaris).
"When we arrive," explained Callum in a whisper, "We will find Professor Aethelstone and seek his help with 'An Earther's Guide to Ally's Magic.'"
Vivian gave a small laugh that was tinged with a spot of worry. More and more people were aware of her presence in this world just when she needed to stay inconspicuous.
After the ship's arrival, the group split up with different destinations and different tasks. The Royal Barklars led by Aart secured some Azmarian carriages, featuring wooden wheels pulled by otherworldly beasts instead of horses. Given all of the things that the caravan brought, the logistical feat proved unsurprising to Vivian. As the belongings from the Eldorian caravan made their way to an estate the Eldorian royals had on the island, Vivian and Callum proceeded on foot, guarded by Kel, toward the Luminary Institute to find Ally's old mentor.
Vivian was instantly fascinated by the colorful and smooth pearlescent hues acting as a contrast to the hard, crystalline geodes of the island. The air in Azmar carried a faint, static charge that raised the fine hairs on her arms, accompanied by the occasional deep, resonant vibration of a life that felt ancient, refined and experimental. Towering trees with trunks as wide as carriages dripped a humid dew onto the mossy backs of grazing Greater Sylvanoths of Eldoria—armored beasts thought lost to the annals of the southern kingdoms for a millennium. Their slow, deliberate movements stood out prominently against the flitting, iridescent wings of Sunpetal Flutterbys, creatures native only to the highest peaks of the western ranges, which danced between the shadows and the sun.
The path to the Institute was paved with a pastel rainbow of colors shaped similarly to garden flagstone, yet they felt soft and springy beneath her boots. The stones glowed in the sun with a faint, silvery iridescence that absorbed and re-emitted the ambient energy of the isle. Strange, bell-shaped Lava Blooms with petals of deep indigo chimed with a soft, crystalline sound as a breeze, smelling of salt and unknown blossoms, swept up from the coast. It was a place of beautiful contradictions, a sanctuary where the world's scattered and forgotten life found common ground. A truly grand experiment.
As they walked, Cal used "remember when..." to point to places of interest while Kel accompanied them. Vivian had only glimpses here and there through Switches—and usually during a lecture series—leaving her with few actual memories of the grounds. Kel, who had only recently learned that Lady Alura was Vivian, wondered about the necessity of the charade. Still, Callum and Vivian kept up appearances, making Kel feel obligated to do the same.
Their path opened into a vast clearing, revealing the Great Geode of the Azmar Luminary Institute. The Institute rested entirely within the giant carapace of the massive uncut gem. It resembled a round mountain made of a myriad of natural gems split open, displaying a heart of breathtaking, multicolored rings of crystal. The geode, half-buried in the earth, soared hundreds of feet into the air. Its colossal, jagged inner facets parsed the sunlight and cast a soft, multicolored glow across the entire valley. Vivian wondered how much more remained obscured by the island's surface.
The structures of the Institute were built in harmony with this natural marvel. Using Earth comparisons, Vivian likened the walkways to white marble and polished obsidian spiraling around the geode's exterior, leading to balconies and archways carved directly into the less-perfect sections of the crystal. Entire halls and libraries were housed within the geode itself, their walls the smooth, angled planes of the crystal, which glowed with a gentle, internal light. This light provided a constant and silent source of energy, eliminating the need for torches or magical lamps, bathing the interior in a perpetual, calming luminescence. From a distance, the structure looked like a celestial crown placed upon the land, a fusion of masterful architecture and a miracle of nature.
Around the structure, the terrain was uniquely sculpted with magical flora dotting the landscape. Within the Institute's open-air courtyards, the theme of impossible coexistence continued. A sleek and powerful Sylva-leonis lounged on a sun-warmed geode slab, utterly indifferent to the flock of Oasis Skimmers waddling by a fountain. The fountain itself was fed by a spring originating deep within the geode, and its waters were said to possess minor restorative properties. Here, Gloompetal Flowers from the swamps of the Shadowlands grew beside hardy Spinebloom Cacti from the scorched eastern deserts. The geode's ambient energy seemed to soothe the very nature of the creatures and coax life from the plants, creating a microcosm of Aethelgard's diverse biomes, all living in a state of tranquil balance under the watchful, multicolored glow of the great crystal.
Vivian was in awe of the structure, which only became more impressive as she got closer. Callum gestured for Vivian and Kel to follow as they entered the massive geode campus and walked through an exhibit called "Aethelgard Today."
The exhibit featured curved walls and natural rock formations, integrated with magically animated maps, glowing crystal projections, and displays of enchanted objects, all reflecting current events and trends in contemporary Aethelgard.
Captivated by the displays, Vivian was unaware of a tall figure with gold eyes approaching her with avid curiosity. Seeing Vivian slow down due to her hunger-for-knowledge-face, Cal called out for her to stay close. Vivian sadly moved along but mentally noted that she needed to come back and read everything in the exhibit.
Reaching an opening at the center of the above ground structure, the trio descended a long ramp that slowly turned to spiral down into the areas below. There, Vivian saw light-diffusing minerals everywhere, shimmering with crystals of various sizes. At the very bottom and centered, she could make out glowing geothermal water. The water was carried through carved grooves and seemed to wind upwards. She could see some of the area facilities, such as lecture halls, alcoves, laboratories and an amphitheater. Similar to the exterior, this colossal geode structure was partially made of native rock, with organically shaped openings that revealed the vibrant, crystalline interior. Shimmering minerals lined the interior, illuminated by a central stream of turquoise, geothermally heated water. Learning chambers branched out from the central area, with winding pathways integrated into the geode's structure. Walkways and bridges spanned the gaps where the geode had no natural connectors.
The descending tour brought them to what Viv assumed was a lecture hall, where the architecture organically embraced the contours of a geode. More shimmering, light-diffusing minerals illuminated the walls, and a central stream of the geothermally heated water flowed in and around the room and beneath the tiered seating.
I can't believe they even have heated seats.
Vivian looked over the rows angled toward a figure standing at the center of the room. Many subtle magical elements were integrated into the overall design. Vivian expected the glowing colors to be a distraction. Surprisingly, the ambient light calmed those who entered and encouraged profound focus.
Callum continued to lead them to the professor area behind two large doors. When opened, the doors revealed a lab-like room. On the other side was another large room with more organic architecture integrated into the geode's structure. The lab was filled with magical equipment, glowing runes, and swirling energies. Student researchers were seen conducting experiments, but Cal continued and reached a smaller door. On the other side was an office filled with books, ancient texts, and magical artifacts, conveying a sense of scholarly prestige.
At the center sat Professor Cyrus Aethelstone. He appeared to be in his early forties, his dark hair showing hints of grey at the temples and meticulously slicked back. A well-maintained, short beard added to his distinguished, refined look. His long, flowing sapphire blue coat settled elegantly around his tall, lean frame as he reviewed a manuscript on his desk. The wide, balloon-like sleeves gathered neatly at his wrists, displaying delicate aqua embroidery along the edges that mimicked the geometric patterns of deep-sea bioluminescence. Beneath the coat, an obsidian-black tunic peeked through the asymmetrical wrap of his sapphire vest, secured firmly at his left shoulder by a polished obsidian clasp carved into the shape of a ship. A badge bearing the Azmar Isles Emblem—a glowing, faceted geode with three arching globes—rested proudly over his heart.
Without looking up, he waved a hand and said, "Come in. Come in and ask your questions quickly."
Callum cleared his throat, after which, the man raised his head and looked at the trio. His piercing teal eyes immediately softened, transforming his sharp gaze into one of deep understanding and warmth. The tiny beauty mark just below his right eye seemed to anchor his compassionate, fatherly expression. A pleasant smile of recognition swept over his face as he stood to greet them. Immediately making his way to Vivian, he put his hands gently on her shoulders. "Ally, my star, you never visit. I thought I was going to have to go fetch you myself." He ushered her to a seating area, ignoring the other two.
Callum gave Kel a look before Kel left to stand outside of the door. "Professor Cyrus Aethelstone, you have not changed."
"Yes, yes. I see you, too, Prince Callum. I have yet to forgive you for absconding with my Ally. Still..." he added as he looked at Cal, "I suppose I can thank you for bringing her back. Therefore, you may sit."
Callum chuckled. "Seriously, professor, you wound me."
"Fine, fine. It is good to see you, too, Callum." The professor leaned forward and tapped Cal on his shoulder in playful recognition and a genuine smile. He sat back down opposite of Vivian, narrowing his eyes as he looked at her.
"Professor, the reason we have come here, without notice..." Callum began but was interrupted.
"Ahh. I see. You are Ally, and simultaneously you are someone else entirely. Fascinating." He continued to study Vivian's now embarrassed face. "Your eyes. They are something else."
Cal quickly got in, "Professor, this is why we need your help. Helping her will protect Ally."
Professor Aethelstone said without looking away from a very uncomfortable Vivian, "I am assuming this is all confidential?"
Callum nodded. "Tell me everything, Callum. Do leave anything out."
"This green-eyed version of Ally is actually a woman called Vivian. She is from a different world."
Professor Cyrus Aethelstone froze, the ancient text in his hands slipping from his grasp to land heavily on the desk. He stood slowly, his piercing teal eyes widening with a profound, academic awe mixed with sudden, fierce concern. He approached Vivian with measured steps, looking closely at her as if she were made of fragile glass. "I never thought I would actually hear the words, 'from another world.' Vivian, is it? I am Cyrus Aethelstone. Tell me how I can help, and I hope you will share a bit about this other world of yours." He looked deeply into Vivian's eyes again, and quietly said, "Fascinating. You have brought me the most excellent gift, Prince Callum."
They relayed the story to Professor Aethelstone, including the switches happening over the years and that Ally was now living Vivian's life in her world until they switched back. The professor listened intently, his expression shifting between protective mentor and obsessed scholar.
Callum said, "We need Vivian to get a quick course on how to use Ally's magic while she is in our world so she can defend herself better."
"As I am Ally's mentor... yes. I have it." The professor looked thoughtfully at Vivian. "Would you mind letting Callum and I negotiate for a quick moment? Perhaps you could go check on that giant piece of muscle in a Barklar uniform?"
Vivian looked at Callum for permission.
Cal nodded and said, "Stay close to Kel. If you want to go anywhere, ensure he is always with you."
Vivian nodded, then spoke softly, "Do you think I could look at the library?"
Callum smiled at her. "That's an excellent idea. I will take you there and come back to chat with the professor. Do not leave with anyone. Stay visible to others at all times. Expect Kel to come and get you."
Vivian smirked at his over-protective instructions as the professor chuckled gently. Vivian and Callum left for the library, which sat just opposite the professor's lecture hall across the chasm, though it lacked a direct path. As they walked around to the other side, Callum said, "I know I am worrying too much. I simply cannot let anything happen to you. Please do not do any daring activities. There are so many books here, it would take several lifetimes to get through all of them. Stay out of trouble for me?"
Vivian sighed and nodded. "You know that was one time when we were teenagers. You are never going to let me forget it, are you?"
Cal smiled at her softly. "Never." Callum set off to return to the professor. Kel positioned himself near the prince—which was his duty— staying where he could also keep a watchful eye on Vivian.
Meanwhile, Vivian was in book-heaven. Vivian could barely contain her excitement as she muttered to herself on where to start. Eventually, she nodded with determination. "Right. I should look at the theories of energy origins first."
As she hunted for the books, bereft of an Earth-familiar classification system, she was also enjoying browsing leisurely through a historical section. The different kingdoms appeared to have their own subsections, specifically grouping the tomes by realms. Under Eldoria, there were:
The Annals of the Verdant Heart: Primarily written by royal scholars, historians, and prominent figures within the Colleges of Lore in Silvermarc. The initial volumes began shortly after the founding of the kingdom (around MC 100-200), with subsequent volumes added century by century, continuing to the present day (around MC 1025).
The Whisperwood Chronicles: A collection with diverse authorship. Early transcriptions of oral histories were likely done by wandering scholars and early chroniclers in the first few centuries MC. More recent additions included the observations of naturalists, Druidic-type people, and those who had interacted with the forest races over the centuries. The dates of these texts ranged from MC 300 to the present.
Botanical Compendiums: Primarily authored by master herbalists, alchemists, and scholars of plant magic from the Colleges of Healing and Arcane Botany. Their creation spanned many centuries, with foundational texts appearing around MC 200 and ongoing additions based on new discoveries.
The Glyphs of the Ancient Roots: These were believed to have been "grown" or magically formed by the forest itself during the Sylvani Concord era (-5000 MC to -2000 MC), though others doubted it could have survived the Great Cataclysm. Their "decipherment" remained an ongoing process by modern Eldorian scholars.
Her fingers lightly brushed the spines of each one as if they were the most precious books ever written.
"I do not think you can absorb the content without at least opening one," a low, hushed voice said to her.
Raising her shoulders and feeling guilty that she had monopolized books that others might also want, she turned around. A tall man leaned fluidly against the adjacent bookcase. He wore a dark blue vest over a tailored tunic that gave him a slightly roguish appearance, but it was his striking gold eyes that caught her off guard.
Vivian immediately blushed. Damn fantasy world hotness. I will not be swayed! "Sorry. Please, help yourself," she said as she backed away.
A small grin emerged from the man's mouth as he reached for The Glyphs of Ancient Roots. "I could be mistaken, my Lady, but do you need some help?"
Vivian realized the man must work here and relaxed a bit. "I find this history section intriguing. But I really want to find books on the theories of the origin of magic."
The man raised his eyebrows in a look of surprise. "I know exactly where those are. If you would like, may I show you?"
Vivian nodded enthusiastically. "Please."
The man looked at the floor for a moment then back at her in a type of visual bow of acknowledgment. Vivian was clearly excited about seeing the books, but her thoughts were more curious. She wondered if there would be links between the magic of this world and the science of hers. As she followed the man, she tried to read the names of as many books as possible to come back and read more when she had the time. When she finally noticed he had stopped in front of her, she stopped just in time to keep from bumping into him. Then she took a large, embarrassed step back.
"Oh! Sorry. I just get so curious about... well, everything." A bright smile washed over her face as she looked around her. "I wish I could live in this place and read everything."
The man chuckled. "I practically do."
"You do work here, then?"
"Me? No. I am just at the whims of a brilliant and somewhat sadistic professor," he explained without taking his eyes from hers.
It's too much (!), this fantasy world and its beautiful people. A 10 in my world is probably a 3 here. It is very distracting. Vivian realized she was staring at his face and had not responded to his comment. She felt the uncomfortable pause as she became self-conscious. But then more time passed—making it more awkward.
The man was covering his mouth, half-curious and half-attempting to hide his amusement. "My Lady? You should find what you need in this section. The theories are grouped by kingdom, but these," he said tapping the spine of one of the books. "These are compilations of world views, theorizing the origins of magic are not kingdom specific, but part a phenomenon that could have started from a single point. There are even books here that try to rationalize that the ability to use ambient energy comes from another world. It is practically a work of fiction, but so fun to read."
Vivian's interest was piqued at the mention of other worlds, but she tried to hide it. "I could use something fun to read. Maybe I will skim through it later."
"Does that mean you will be here a while? Are you also studying here?"
"I am visiting with a friend." Vivian thought that would be a decent general response.
Understanding that she might not want to share with a stranger, he explained, "I only ask because my mentor is one of the foremost researchers on the origins of magic. I am only just now exploring it all, myself."
"You study magic origin theory?"
The man nodded. "Though, I feel like I am just fetching things for Professor Aethelstone these days."
The name and information (except for the sadistic part) clicked. "Did you just say Aethelstone?"
"I did," the man said almost proudly. Vivian bit her lip and tilted her head a little to one side.
I see. Did Aethelstone send this person to help? Or did Cal send him to keep tabs on me?
She decided to test his depth of knowledge to determine if he was a genuine scholar or merely a watcher. "If you study origin theory, perhaps you can assist me with a specific inquiry. I am looking for texts detailing the physical mechanisms of drawing energy, exploring the physiological reasons why the skin glows."
The man raised his eyebrows, a look of genuine surprise momentarily breaking his smooth demeanor. "Most visitors accept the light simply as a blessing or a mark of innate energy affinity. Are you seeking the theoretical texts, or the historical accounts of physical changes?"
"I suppose, the physical accounts," Vivian replied, keeping her tone measured but curious. "If a person acts as a conduit for ambient energy, it stands to reason that channeling such power must have a physical impact on the person itself."
His posture straightened as he looked at her with renewed interest. He gestured toward a polished ironwood reading table bathed in the soft, iridescent light of a nearby crystal sconce. "An intriguing line of inquiry. If we are to properly investigate this, we will need to cross-reference several eras. Please, have a seat."
Over the next hour, a sizable stack of heavy, leather-bound volumes grew between them. Vivian found herself completely engrossed, eagerly taking notes on parchment provided by her impromptu research partner. The sharp, sterilized scent of preserved ancient pages filled the space between them as they worked.
"Listen to this passage from the early Aethelian records," the man said, sliding a particularly massive tome toward her. "The archivist notes that the earliest known magic users often suffered severe internal afflictions from drawing too much power. It also speaks of early settlers encountering entities formed entirely of ambient energy." He traced a line of elegant script with his finger. "The lore states these people 'joined with the creatures of energy' and 'borrowed their light' to survive the harsh conditions of the new world."
Vivian leaned in closely, her green eyes scanning the text. Her mind immediately began searching for parallel structures from her own world's biology. "Could this describe a symbiotic relationship that developed through evolution?"
He tilted his head, his gold eyes studying her face. "A symbiotic evolution? I am not familiar with those words."
"Yes," Vivian hypothesized, her hands gesturing excitedly as she worked through the logic. "If there were creatures capable of using ambient energy that merged with the people for mutual survival, the host body would need to adapt to contain them." Vivian continued, speaking mostly to herself. "Perhaps the glowing skin is an evolutionary byproduct of that union? The body learned to adapt to the ambient energy, safely expelling the excess as light to prevent the power from consuming the host. I wonder if there is an extra organ that has developed over time… or, something like mitochondria…"
The man leaned back in his chair, completely captivated. He had no idea what the words she was saying meant. He was accustomed to women focusing entirely on his appearance, often losing their train of thought when he offered one of his deliberately charming smiles. He had even learned to use those physical advantages to sway opinions and acquire restricted materials.
Yet, as he flashed a perfectly calibrated, disarming smile at Vivian, she ignored it. Her gaze remained fiercely locked on the text, her brow furrowed in deep concentration as she formulated her next theory. She only cared about sating her curiosity and solving a puzzle.
A sudden, unfamiliar thrill sparked in his chest. He realized he was conversing with an intellectual equal who demanded he use his mind rather than his face.
"You possess a highly unconventional perspective," he noted, his voice dropping slightly, stripping away the practiced charm to reveal a genuine, grounded curiosity. "I wonder what other theories you might propose given access to the proper tools? Will you be studying here long? I am certain we could develop some fascinating theories together through collaboration. Are you already assigned to a professor?"
Before she could answer, heavy footsteps echoed down the aisle. Kel's imposing frame appeared beside their reading table.
"My lady," Kel stated, his voice a low rumble. "Prince Callum and the professor have concluded their planning. They have drafted the schedule and it is time to depart."
Vivian nodded, letting out a small sigh of disappointment at having to leave the texts behind. She carefully closed the tome and stood. The man's eyes followed her, eventually landing on the imposing stature of the Barklar. Staring at Kel with wariness, he finally offered his name. "I am Tristan. I hope I will be seeing you around."
Vivian offered a polite nod, her mind still buzzing with theories of symbiotic energy exchange, and went to follow Kel out of the library.
As Tristan watched the two of them leave, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. What are you up to, old man? A genuine smile replaced his usual roguish smirk. He quickly gathered the stack of origin books and followed after them at a respectful distance, eager to see where this extraordinary woman was going.