The Lighthouses and the Pit (Fantasy Mage Quest)

"Distance."

Dagger raises an eyebrow.

"Unusual. Any reason?"

You think for a moment.

"Being strong is fine, but being able to choose where you go and where you stand is better. Mobility is important, right?"

Dagger shrugs.

"Projection is more common, as is sharpness. But distance is nice as well. Useful in the right circumstances."

She roots around in the armory for a minute, and gives you a pair of steel shortswords, with worn, old handles wrapped in leather cord.

"Here. This'll start you off. Now, I think it's time you were in bed. Come with me."

She leads you down to another room, where you see a plush set of beds with huge pillows and soft quilts. She leaves you, and you quickly fall asleep.

You awake bone-tired, light pouring in through the window. Dancing Dagger is already there, sitting on the bed next to your and looking out. With so many beds in the room, you have to admit its a little odd that nobody else is there.

"Dagger?"

"Yes?"

"Where is everyone?"

She winces.

"Later. I'll tell you, but let's get you started first."

She takes you down, out another door into a large hall, where the floor is stone and the roof is high, torches around the walls lighting it up.

"Here's basically how it works. Other mages have a 'pool' of magic, best way to put it. They use it, it empties, and recharges over time. It gets bigger over the longtime, and through the Traitor's Price and killing Darklings. They can learn as many spells as they want, but their pool is limited in how much they can do. A beginner mage can cast the same power of spells as an expert, just not as often."

She smiles.

"We Bladebound are different. We have a 'pool' of magic which we can put in our spells. You can't take it out, though. Today we're going to learn to meditate, to feel the pool, learn Cutting Distance, and how to put that pool in your spells. Then we'll practice using it, alongside some swordplay. Pretty basic, yeah?"

You nod.

"One thing, though. Before we really get into it, think of a name. Most of us use something related to blades or swords, one or two words. You can do something different, but usually the blade name is the way to go. Often people pick based on their weapons and the first spell they learn, but not always. Any thoughts?"

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Choose a name:

[ ] Write-in

(This is short as my hand is still playing up somewhat. Further posts this week might be likewise short until it recovers fully.)