Embers of Sun and Flame: Before We Have It (Fuegoleon x OC)

Chapter 6 For now

Solara sat by a desk in the light of a candle and a lamp. Lamp for light, and a candle for comfort in the confines of the Derethiel library. The halls were lit with a faint light, one that seemed more like an afterthought or a call to head home for the day. And for many it was, because those vast halls were meant to be used during day time for the most part. But she still was happy that four years ago they had admitted all day round admission into the building, as long as you register yourself to get in. The librarians had seemed apprehensive at first, but as far as it was known to her, they had eventually concluded that the night time pay and laid-back time of the day was enough compensation.

The students seemed to fancy later study hours as well, because they spent their days with their peers to relax after lectures and classes to get their minds elsewhere, only to hit the books in the evening. This wasn't the case with everyone of course, but seemed common enough practice.

Though, even most of the students had retired for the night by now. And even if they hadn't, they didn't come to these floors. There wasn't much of syllabus relevant information on these shelves, or if there was, it was available elsewhere as well. Words such as 'solstice' and 'renascentia' were scribbled onto her notebook, but she still couldn't connect to the mana that had been embedded into her grimoire. It felt distant, perhaps even loose.

No... not loose, just faint. Like the flickering of a faraway sun. It wasn't unfamiliar by any means, but out of her reach by a lock and key. In a strange way, it reminded her of how it felt to learn magic when she had just managed to craft her grimoire, or even better, when she was learning to start crafting it. The mana was her own, but it refused to bend to her will. It didn't follow the paths she wanted it to follow, or weave together as tried to stitch it.

Lately she had become painfully aware, once again, about how complex Category Three mana could be; the magic that was associated with Celestial bodies. Basic spells were always basic spells, and though there were components of various mana types within that magic, at its most basic level it was manageable enough. As long as it was enough for it to be within the ballpark. But when it came to spells that needed precision, or using a basic level spell with precision, it could be incredibly difficult. Much like many could do a forward roll on a smooth surface, but for a tuck and roll there was a need for an entirely different set of skills. Though, it was the case with any type of magic.

She sighed. I need to figure this out... And soon. Because I need to be at my best in just a few months and it's-, everyone on the mainland is doing their best. Here too, though with different things, since they're counting on sending minimal reinforcements. If the alliance happens in the first place... she sighed to herself. Though, we do need our forces here, for the most part. From our perspective it doesn't make sense to send all of our troops, or most of our highest-ranking soldiers outside of Thea, when we're not under direct attack. We need to watch after our own backs as well...

She lifted her gaze from the books and the notes, letting it travel around the library halls. No sound, not even footsteps echoing from the walls, only silence. But that silence was broken as she sighed and closed the book in front of her, letting the cover thump down with a deep, muffled sound.

But these... concepts, theories and thoughts they're... It's not like they wouldn't make sense, but I can't really grasp them either. This idea of two opposites clashing, and that creating a reaction it's... There is a sense in it, but if you dump water into a fire, the fire dies down. Light casts away darkness. And sound breaks silence. But two objects can bump into each other, creating a counter effect to one and another.

She placed her elbows against the table and rested her head against her hands, as her eyes were staring into the depths of the table. And the idea of a... an action, energy, magic or movement, serving as a push for something. That makes sense as well. Hell, all of it makes sense in a certain context, but for my magic? Though I suppose I apply the idea of causing an effect in all of my spells, but it comes naturally. So it's... it shouldn't be this difficult, but it is. I just... can't wrap my head around it. To apply it. I'm supposed to be able to craft all kinds of spells now, but so far I've only been able to amplify my existing ones.