Veryan's Training

[Veryan Lithônion]

Little did Veryan expect that cloudy day his days of living in his homeland would be over. No one knew the incoming ship was but a warning of the desolation that would befall upon such lovely and virgin lands. But it happened, the day when they got on a that ship and left for Angliaterra, Veryan never thought his eyes would never see his beloved homeland again. And though Veryan wished to confront them in many ways he knew that though he now possessed a good weapon, ‘harbinger’, he still had much to learn concerning weapon mastery though he did practice with the ones he helped his father forge.

That was why they travelled to Camelot in search for a sanctuary and to prevent their fate to haunt them back home. Though it broke their hearts to leave such beloved home at Cornwall they had warmed up to in the past eleven years they knew their life as far more precious than personal belongings of the home they left behind.

That was exactly how they came to live in Camelot though more likely at the countryside, finding no such place they contended with a home close to a park and where there was a well for water resources. The life of a blacksmith made it necessary for those attributes to be next to the house and so they began, once again their businesses as blacksmith and tried to start a new life, so long as they were together they would be fine and strong enough to face it all.

In one of those days Veryan had been busied himself with the carving of a small horse figure, he had worked hard in the morning and was granted the afternoon free from any other duty and so he wished to set his wood abilities to the test wishing not to lose any of his older skills. He was sitting at the branch of a strong and mighty tree, when he seemed to hear screaming and arguing.

But how could this be, when he wasn't truly looking at anyone at that very moment? He was in the middle of the woods, right after Merlin's lesson concerning the way Veryan could feel connected to the spirits of the woods and at the same time know the moods of the creatures and persons in the woods. He had also been reading a deal lot about it before he decided to do some wood carving to relax his busy mind.

It was time to practice what he had learned and so he put his things away and then leaned on the grass with his ear on the ground and closed his eyes for a moment. He sensed feelings of sorrow, deceit, cunning, eagerness, surely this meant more than one person and not all of them held noble feelings. As he looked up he could feel the wind encouraging him to run northward toward the boundaries of the woods and close to the smallest of Camelot's villages.

He stood up and began running that way, toward the small caves at the boundary of these woods and soon enough he felt and sensed the spirits of the woods telling him the persons were closer, and closer, and as he focused on controlling this power, he soon came in sight of the persons he had been looking for.He turned to look forth and spotted some children, seeing as there was no adult supervision thinking something dreadful happened he walked forth with determination and he saw a girl crying and three elder children leaving running at the sound of his boots.

He smirked, and took them for cowards, it was true Veryan was merely eighteen years of age but that still meant he was a young adult in the eyes of children, especially those but eleven or twelve springs. He then frowned at the misery of the little girl’s upset glance and how she seemed in pain. He felt his heart move and the elements of nature seemed to speak to him; it was as if once again, after loosing such touch years ago, he was able to connect with the spirits of the forests, the forests of Camelot.

He knelt in front of the little girl and said smiling, “What brings so much sorrow into such gracious and lovely pair of eyes?” The little girl hid her face shyly in her apron and did not reply but he then smiled and added, “I can help you, little one, if you will tell me what happened.” The girl looked into his eyes for a moment before she felt secure enough to trust him; there was just something in Veryan, which granted her to trust him. She then sobbed and embraced him deeply pointing at the tree.

He smiled gently and embraced her placing one of his gloved hands on her head caressing gently the straight locks of dark hair on her head. He normally wore black leather fingerless gloves he himself made in order to prevent anyone form noticing that strange scar on the back of his hand, truly he hated grabbing attention and if he had run away from his homeland in order to avoid a must unknown enemy he had to make sure he stayed clear from anyone’s curiosity.

When looking on the direction she pointed at he could see a small doll half destroyed perched at the half top of a tree. He felt anger at the children who could have done such a horrid thing to one so young and innocent and at the same time pain for they made her suffer so and surely she would carry this as she became older. But he then said, “You want me to get the doll for you, dearest?”

The girl nodded silently and slowly recovered from her sobs and seemed more at peace, he smiled at her and said, “It might be a hard job but I can try, I can then have my mother make her a new dress and how would you like her having a horse of her own to mount?” The girl managed to smile shyly; he wondered where on earth her parents could be. He then said, “Wait here…” She giggled and said, “Findulias.”

He smiled and said, “Aye, Lady Findulias.” He then clasped his hands together and stood up looking around the tree to find a way to climb it safely. Once he spotted a strong branch he jumped and hung on it until his legs could hold on to it as well. He then rolled to his right and managed to reach the centre of the tree, once there he began to slowly climb upward he smirked, his mother would think him a fool for risking his life but well he loved every minor adventure he could undertake and if this one was to be such he would gladly take it, besides it broke his heart to see the girl in such pitiful state.

He moment he reached close enough he stretched out his hand to grab the doll and once in his hand he slipped off and luckily stretched his hand to find a strong branch, though in reality it felt as if there was some force looking after him, as if… someone or something was right there with him. He ignored the feeling for a moment and then jumped to safe ground when the girl gasped in fear of watching him fall. He smiled and then said, “I will not give you the dolly until she is fully dressed and on her horse, so it is a surprise, she must come with me though, to get the measures and everything for the dress.”

The girl had stretched her arms but then withdrew and said, “You will give me my dolly?” She did not trust him, it was obvious, right after what those silly boys had done she would surely doubt at first but he smiled and said, “Show me where you live and I will bring her to you tomorrow morning.” –Which meant he would have to work on it all night but so be it. His mother could easily make a new little dress for her doll.

[Merlin Emrys]

This was a well written post, way beyond the word limit and enjoyable to read! You need to focus on improving Veryan's magical ability next time; I felt that his magic didn't really play a big enough part as it should in a training session.

You have now reached the level of novice.

[Veryan Lithônion]

OOC: Dito I hope this is better ;D


Sometimes Veryan enjoyed learning about magic by simply visiting old villages where he knew the old keepers of the secrets lived. Such persons were the Druids and old mages who had much wisdom and experience about it. It wasn’t that Veryan did not trust what he read in the books but certainly a bit of professional experience and advices never hurt anyone. He also knew Merlin had strongly recommended he practices in isolated places, where the heralds of Camelot would not know for Uther disliked magic and if he ever came to realize the persons he loved and trusted the most had organized a magic guild, well it would certainly not be a pretty picture. And Veryan would feel truly guilty and that was the last thing he wanted, to be responsible for the pains of others. No, there was already much grief in the world as it was and though he did not agree with the King in many aspects, he was the King and the father of Prince Arthur and for that he owed him respect.

Well, now that the reached one of the smallest towns of Avalon he came across an old druid, one who had seen young Merlin grown when the land was green and peace more eloquent. He spoke of his greatest elemental ability: fire. Veryan was truly interested in this for his magic also consisted of the elements and so far he knew he controlled ice quite easily. He listened to the man as he pointed out that elemental magic was one of the hardest to master and control of it took much of your energy away and if inexperienced and not strong enough it could cost you your life. Veryan knew he was much strong to doubt that, but advices were always in handy and he knew well than to question those of higher authority and wisdom.

In the same house the druid lived, there were two young children he was looking after and training in the ways of the druids. They were but six or seven springs, they had the most tender of expressions and curly golden hair, they were playing in the woods while Veryan walked alongside the druid and listened to his doctrine. Veryan smiled at them and then turned to look at the druid as he taught him his experience, however he emphasized he was not Veryan’s teacher, Veryan nodded and smiled, of course, Merlin was, and the head of the guild as well.

Veryan was much grateful for the teachings and advices of the druid and watched he children as they went to play a bit further into the woods followed by the wise druid. Now he had to put the teachings of both Merlin and the old druid to practice. He had also read several books before traveling to Avalon, besides he also had to deliver some swords and crafts of his father so that allowed him time and an excuse to spend some hours in Avalon. He always believed that it did not harm to read before one set things to work, and as such, he also knew that such meant he was aware of the great burden that came with the abilities Veryan possessed.

He was practicing with the expansion and reduction of small fire flames, making sure he could keep concentrated on it and maintain the upper hand for fire could be an ally or the worst of enemies. His eyes focused on every single detail as his mind recollected everything Merlin had said on the sort. It was truly impressive how such a young man could know so much about the subject.

He forgot bout most things when doing this which was god for that meant he was concentrating, it took him several hours to get this right and he did feel somewhat tied after that, but once he controlled fire a grinned curved upon his lips. However this was not the element he feared being unable to control, no, he felt wind and water could be much harder for they wee the main elements of life and that also meant few could master them. As he smiled to himself he realized that the sudden smell of the air was harsh, warm and bitter, the moment he turned to look behind him he heard screams and saw a great fire taking place in the woods, that was exactly where the children and the old druid were!

He frowned, he could not put it off, he had just mastered fire and still had not been taught on how to deal with water and so… it would be a risk that could have dire consequences if he dared and so he ran a hand through his hair and thought on something else he could do, he could not enter the woods, there were strong flames already and surely if the druid wasn’t injured he would have solved this issue. Then he remembered the connection he possessed with nature and one of Merlin’s teachings concerning controlling the expansion of fire.

The time had come to prove he had indeed managed to control fire. He closed his eyes for a moment, to get in touch with the suffering woods ad know if the druid and the children were all right, they seemed to be struggling to find a way out and the man had hurt his leg. Opening his eyes he stood near the fire and then looking up at the flickering flames he placed his hands together as if he was about to pray and then slowly separated his hands opening up his arms.

His forehead began to shine as reminiscences of sweat expanded about his face, as he did so the flames moved as if to make way for the druid and the children to leave the woods unharmed. Veryan was beginning to feel his body tremble strongly; even though it seemed to be working he could already feel the effects of the fire and its power upon him. He closed his eyes and frowned as he did his best to keep the fire opening up to great a path for the druid and children to escape, he was sweating much more now and his body was shaking. It was then when he opened his eyes and watched as the children emerged from the shadows coughing a lot and helping the druid as he limped out of the woods. Once he knew they were safe and sound he took a deep breath and slowly decreased the fire, however he would need help now for he was exhausted and though the fire seemed to be diminishing, the druid extended his hands in a way to help him, for that man was also a mage, fire being his main element.

Veryan sighed and then let go of the forces of the earth and fell backwards. He slowly leaned his back against the nearest tree and took a deep breath. The druid smiled at him and handed him a canteen full of water, “How will we ever thank you?” Veryan smiled however he knew he was a person who needn’t to be repaid at all and simply shook his head.

[Merlin Emrys]

Accepted Veryan, I like how your training posts are little individual stories- they're fun to read You are now an apprentice.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan had once heard his father state that water was the true magic of this world. Even though Thalion the blacksmith was no mage nor possessed any abilities of the sort, there was a certain amount of truth in his words, for how could anything happen in this world without water? It was necessary for almost everything, except for sleeping maybe, but everything else flowed with the water, it was as necessary as air in order for everyone to breathe. Water was also essential for thought, reflections and philosophy, whoever wished to relax and devote to their respective deities would always seek the comfort of a stream, a grotto, or a soft waterfall in order to feel more in touch with that part of the world most seem to forget.

Before he even enrolled to the Mage’s guild he had come to terms of how easily he could manipulate water, in the state of ice, but it was still water. He also came to realize that the elements did not affect him as much as it did normal people, he did not feel cold when it rained, nor felt too hot when fire was nearby, that time he swam to save a lady in a frozen lake he had not frozen nor felt his limbs fail him. Surely that could mean he had strong abilities with said element, though he could also control others, water, one way or another, was his strongest ability.

Now, he had ridden on his black stallion into the woods, deep into the mist and marshy path in order not to be disturbed or caught in the middle of his training with magic, though King Uther now allowed it rather more freely he still disliked it so wouldn’t it be best not to develop it so obviously? Besides he also needed to be near the water and what better place than to seek for a powerful waterfall?

And so, he dismounted his black horse and caressing it’s nose he told him to be careful and that he would not take long, he tied the horse’s reins to the nearest strong tree and after caressing his snout and long mane he walked away in the direction he heard the strong flow of the water. He knew that it was best he left his horse not far off but not too close either, just in case it would frighten him or something of the sort. And so he kept on walking until he reached a light clearing with spring flowers on the edges and the edge of the falls much noisier now and powerful. He smiled in delight at such beauty but then again it was time to do what he attempted to do. This time, he would have to concentrate in the element and try the different states water can be found: liquid, solid, vapor. Then he would try and control the potency and flow.

He slowly walked to the edge and decided he would first connect with the element since this was a truly new activity for him and he had to know the element before he could even think on controlling it in any of its forms. He stood right in front of the water and closed his eyes as he felt the freshness of the water, the unity of the water drops and how it all moved, some water remained absorbed by the earth, more traveled to the end of its journey and some traveled toward the clouds. He sighed in contentment and then decided to start working on the various states. And so lifting his hand he accumulated a small amount of water and lifting it he then closed his hand slowly concentrating his eyes in the water and managed to turn it into an ice cube. He smiled, that was good progress, now came the hardest part, he slowly opened his palm and the water slowly liquefied again, and then as he lifted his hand he felt sweat forming into his forehead as the water turned into vapor and began floating away and just as it did he lifted his hand and pulling the vapor he quickly closed his hand watching it turn into water once again and falling into the river from whence it came.

He even attempted in crossing the edge by walking on the rocks, but just as he set himself to do so he heard someone screaming what looked like someone’s name. He then saw a young man running at the opposite side of the river stretching out a piece of log. Veryan leaned on one of the rocks and saw what looked like a young girl, approximately fourteen years of age, struggling through the water, how on earth did she manage to get lost in such a mess? Well no matter, it wasn’t time to figure it out, he thought. So what now? He had some seconds before the girl fell into the falls and the log didn’t seem to work at all. Should he solidity that bit of the water? No, it would only make her catch a cold, think Veryan think.

Just as the young man spotted him he cried for help, making Veryan lose concentration on whatever he was considering, right if he only froze the edge of the falls for a moment and had the water pressure controlled with his other hand then perhaps the girl would escape such dark fate. He stood on top of the rock and firstly froze the edge of the falls just before the lady fell. She immediately tried swimming toward the young lad, and though Veryan could sense he was using up much of his power he also used his other hand to stop the pressure from the water suffocate the girl. He then said, “Get out now!”

The lad extended the log for the lady to hold onto it and then be pulled to the shores. It was then when suddenly Veryan’s weak being could not hold onto it any longer and as the youths left running the ice broke and the flow of the falls stumbled across the fallen ice in a strong rage as if the water had been upset at being stopped in its flow. Veryan had hold on to the branch of a tree in order not to fall at the strength of the water and the weakness of his body. Surely he had had enough for the day.

[Merlin Emrys]

Brilliant Veryan, now that you're progressing in your training, I like how you're really exploring different aspects of your magic. I also like how Veryan isn't finding it easy, and that developing his magic is a strain and exhausts him- I think your training posts are all the more believable because of that.

[Merlin Emrys]

Oh I almost forgot, you're now a caster. Well done!