The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the ancient arena where the trials for aspiring young apprentices to wizards were set to take place. The air buzzed with anticipation as dozens of children, ages 6 to 11, and their families gathered, their eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The arena was adorned with mystical symbols and magical paraphernalia, setting the stage for the trials.
From the time the sun had risen, families and children lined up, awaiting their turn to register for the trials. The arena echoing with the chatter of parents discussing the potential futures of their young ones. The air was filled with a sense of wonder and possibility as the children eagerly awaited the chance to prove themselves.
As on the first day of festivities, King Garret, Maude, Jayr, Monica and I were seated on the raised platform. We watched in wonder as our view of these trials was better than anyone on the ground. Once the last of the other children had been registered, a venerable wizard, adorned in flowing robes stepped forward to welcome the hopefuls. With a voice carrying a touch of magic, he explained the importance of the trials and the incredible journey awaiting those chosen as apprentices. I could imagine the feeling each of the other children felt as they listened intently, their eyes widening with each fantastical tale.
The trials commenced with a series of knowledge tests. The children were ushered to groups of two each group opposite a magician. From here, a bubble formed around each group and the wizard asked questions. Parchments and quills were used for general writing, math and basic skills. The young minds then tackled questions about magical theory, ancient runes, and the history of wizardry. Each question and the corresponding child's answer could only be heard by the audience and no other taking the exam. The arena was hushed, with only the occasional sound of joy as a difficult question was answered correctly by a child whose family desperate for them to succeed in becoming a wizard.
Following the knowledge challenges, the enclosure became a magical arena as children took turns showcasing their abilities. While many children had no spell knowledge, others did, and colorful lights, small illusions, little balls of water or fire, and gentle gusts of wind filled the air as the young apprentice hopefuls attempted to impress the panel of experienced wizards overseeing the trials.
In one corner of the courtyard, an area was dedicated to artistic expression of the more experience youths. Here, the aspiring apprentices could showcase their creativity by crafting magical symbols, drawing enchanting scenes, or composing magical poems. The courtyard came alive with vibrant colors and imaginative works of art.
At the side closest to the platform, a group of white clad healers were examining those who might be good candidates for their hall. While technically not wizards in most cases, the trials took place at the same time. Here the knowledge of herbs and medicines was tested after which each prospective apprentice was asked to touch an injured knight or prospective page from the prior days' events to determine their injuries. Some few showed no mystical healing talent, but high herbalism talent, others, exactly the opposite.
As the day progressed, seasoned wizards took the stage to demonstrate advanced forms of spellcraft. Spectacular displays of fireballs, levitation, and transfiguration captivated both the children and their families. The trials became a magical showcase, inspiring awe and igniting the dreams of the young hopefuls.
The final test took place just before dusk. Mages from every school stood in a wide circle around the prospective students. Once in place and all children gathered in the middle. Rays of magic burst forth into the air from the wizards surrounding the children. The color of each ray corresponded to the wizard's area of magical expertise. Upon reaching the center, the colors joined together and burst toward the sky before forming a swirling dome of colors surrounding the entire arena. As the edge of the dome touched the ground, it slid across the ground to the center where an enigmatic vortex swirled with ethereal energy. This vortex serves as the epicenter of the mesmerizing display, drawing the eye with its magnetic pull. Within its depths, colors converge and diverge, creating a visual journey that transcends the boundaries of imagination.
As it swirled, the vortex reached out and touched each individual under the dome, some showed no changes, but for many, a faint aura formed about them. Some auras were of only one color, while most were a blend of a few. Some, like Master Whitehair's white aura were a bright beacon of light making it difficult to see anything around him. The audience watching it was also affected and their auras were laid bare before the wizards. I looked around and seeing Monica's mouth agape, I knew she saw the same as I.
The vortex continued to flow through the audience eventually reaching our platform. I notice Jayr's aura was almost as bright as Master Whitehair's, but instead of a white lighthouse-like blaze, he had subtle lines of blue, red, grey and other colors mixed into it. My mother's aura was a faint brass color. I don't know what it implied, but it was completely unique in contrast to the majority of the magicians present. Touching Mon, the vortex coated her in a bright red, not so harsh I couldn't continue to look at her, but a solid red completely different from the mixed red with yellow and orange surrounding the known pyromancers. King Garret's silver aura was strong, but not a violent blaze, merely a mirror-like aura surrounding him. Looking at the group around me, I realized everyone was now looking in my direction. Looking at my arms, I didn't notice any aura at all. It was likely too faint to be seen.
Once everyone had been touched by the vortex it lingered for several minutes allowing the various mages to jot down the names and locations of those exhibiting the strongest auras before the dome was swallowed back into the vortex. With the loss of the dome, it had become apparent the sun was getting low in the sky. The wizards on the floor came together in conference to decide who would become apprentices or become eligible for the academy.
As the sun began to set, the wizard acting as master of ceremonies for the day approached the center of the arena. With a wave of his wand, his voice echoed through the stands as he announced each wizard who participated in the choosing. As each wizard stepped forward, they held a parchment revealing the names chosen as apprentices for their school. With each new wizard stepping forward to announce their choices, the air held its breath until their list of names were read aloud. As the last wizard stepped back having announced they names, cheers erupted from the crowd and grins and tears of happiness passed through the new apprentices as the chosen children realized they would embark on a journey into the world of wizardry. Watching the selection, I noticed probably through no coincidence, the children with the strongest aura were among those chosen first.
Before the clamor completely faded, King Garret rose from his set and a hush fell upon the crowd. Everyone listed expectantly to discover the list of those who would be sponsored by the crown to the academy in Marsgate. These students would be granted room and board in the capital city and given the opportunity to study among the best wizards aligned with their capabilities. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
"It is now time for my duty as a patron of magic to offer sponsorships to the new apprentices. As most of you are aware, these student chosen will be provided with food and shelter as long as their studies continue, and they show progress each year. Unlike in years past, I will only choose the first of these students. The one I have chosen is honorable and has already proven a strong connection and mastery of their skill and I believe the right instructor will only cause them to become more powerful as their education continues." The arena filled with staring eyes, each family hoping their child was the one mentioned. All eyes were travelling between the king and those children remaining on the arena floor who had been chosen. "My choice for the first sponsorship is Monica Cooper. Miss Cooper, would you please announce the next five sponsored individuals?"
As Monica's name resonated through the arena, she momentarily froze. Her eyes widened, and she exchanged glances with those around her, a subtle blend of joy and embarrassment playing on her face. This mix of surprise and embarrassment colored her expression. The arena filled with applause, and her cheeks flushed a rosy hue. The realization she'd been chosen for a special opportunity, was both thrilling and overwhelming.
Monica's voice wavered as she began reading the additional names, she made eye contact with the individuals she selected, and everyone's eyes shifted to those individuals. The arena buzzed with shared joy and anticipation causing her initial embarrassment to transform into a sense of connection of unexpected achievement with those she was recognizing.
Monica stepped back, feeling a mixture of relief and pride. The applause swelled as the chosen individuals took their place in front of the platform. Her initial embarrassment gave way to shared celebration, and she became a testament to the transformative power of unexpected recognition. The chosen individuals, bound by a common honor, embarked on a journey together, united by the promise of opportunities and the shared experience of being selected for something extraordinary.
With the last name announced, and the accolades granted, the courtyard, once filled with anticipation, now echoed with celebration. The chosen apprentices, their families, and the wizards joined in a festive atmosphere, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these young enchanters. Today's trials had not only selected the future apprentices but had also woven a tapestry of magical memories that would linger in the hearts of those who experienced the enchanting day.