Seeing the flash of the archways once Von accepted his position, the other council members filed in to congratulate him. As they entered, each of them noticed the chair he chose placed him at the center of the table. This was quite unusual as most new members' chairs often had their backs to the door, or at best weren't more than a quarter of the way toward the center facing the entrance.
They looked at each other in curiosity knowing the chamber chose the place, not the person seated. When the old tortoise entered, he was instantly aware of his seat now being to Von's immediate left instead of in front of the door, and Monica's seat was at his right. Poralis was to Monica's right, and the seat long held in reserve for Master Moonrise was to his left. This strange order was the topic of a lot of mental conversation as Oren hadn't joined the council meetings for several generations, or maybe even centuries, few could remember now. For this occasion, however, the master smith did find himself walking through the doors just as the chamber anticipated.
Mistress Eve Trapper; followed by the elven beauty, Archmage Alendoria; the equally enchanting mistress of divination, Cordelia Nerissa; the necromancy instructor, Verdon Mason; Thain Ironthrone, the dwarven prankster and transformation master; and the part demon Hellyne were all known to the children. Behind them nearly a dozen more found seats around the table before the final chair appeared behind Oren's right shoulder. Into this chair, Mistress Chandler sat.
Once all were seated, all but Monica and Von stood before looking to the two children. Von and Monica sat at the center of attention, surrounded by the esteemed members of the academy's council, as a hushed anticipation filled the air. The council members, each radiating an aura of wisdom and power as well as the essence of their own magical specialty, waited expectantly for the moment to welcome the newest additions to their ranks.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Mistress Eve Trapper, her features radiant with grace and elegance, stepped forward first. "On behalf of the council, I extend our warmest congratulations to both Von and Monica," she began, her voice melodic and soothing. "Your achievements are nothing short of remarkable, and we are honored to welcome you into our esteemed circle."
Archmage Alendoria, her elven gaze piercing yet kind, followed suit, offering a smile of approval. "Indeed, your presence here marks a significant milestone in your journey as mages," she remarked, her words carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "May your contributions to the council be as profound as your talents."
Cordelia Nerissa, her blue robes billowing around her like deep ocean waves, added her voice to the chorus of well-wishes. "As a fellow practitioner of the arcane arts, I am eager to see what insights and perspectives you will bring to our discussions," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of intrigue.
Verdon Mason, with his mischievous grin and twinkling eyes, chimed in next, his dwarven accent lending a jovial air to his words. "Welcome to the fold, young ones," he exclaimed, his hearty laugh echoing through the chamber. "May your spirits be as resilient as your determination."
Thain Ironthrone, the master of transformation, nodded in agreement, his expression solemn for once yet approving. "The council is strengthened by the addition of fresh talent and new perspectives," he declared, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "We look forward to witnessing the growth and evolution of your powers."
As the other council members joined in the chorus of greetings, Von and Monica felt a surge of pride and gratitude wash over them. It was a moment they would never forget. The applause of the rest of the council making each of their faces turn pink.
Just as the applause began to fade, all eyes turned towards the imposing figure of Archmage Alden, the ancient tortoise whose presence commanded respect and reverence. With slow and deliberate movements, Alden made his way to stand between their two seats at the forefront of the gathering, his ageless eyes surveying the room with a wisdom that seemed to span millennia.
"Von, Monica," he began, his voice a deep crackling rumble which seemed to resonate within the very walls of the chamber. "Your induction into the council marks a turning point in the history of our academy."
Alden's words carried a weight that seemed to settle over the room like a heavy cloak, reminding all present of the gravity of their responsibilities as members of the council. "As you take your place among us, even though you may be absent from this room," he continued, his tone solemn yet encouraging, "remember, the decisions we make here will shape the future of our world. Let wisdom guide your actions, and let compassion be your compass."
The assembled council members nodded in agreement, their expressions a mixture of solemnity and determination. Alden's words had a way of cutting through the noise of everyday life, reminding them of the higher purpose to which they were all bound.
And now," Alden declared, his ancient voice carrying a note of finality, "let it be forever known, you will always be a member of the academy's council, no matter when you return, no matter where you may be, and no matter how long you have been gone. You belong among us." His solemn appearance disappeared into a strange grin as he said loudly, "Welcome to the Ouranios Haven council, Archmage Von Zupan and tychomancy Mistress Monica Cooper!"
Another round of applause took place and the entire chamber flashed in welcome while the essences of the two new members circled the room. The robe from Von's shoulders joined the implements of the others taking its place behind the young man on a peg at the center of the great library's door.
As the applause swelled once more, Von and Monica exchanged grateful glances, their hearts swelling with pride at the warm welcome extended to them by their fellow council members. It was a moment they would cherish forever, a symbol of their acceptance into the esteemed ranks of the Ouranos Haven council.
The meeting was short, mostly a welcome to the two newcomers as well as a summary of the new additions recently added to the library behind him. Having discuss these items, Alden stood asking the two youths to join him. "As keeper of the libram, it is my pleasure to show to the two of you, our academy's hidden library. Many of the tomes within appear on their own, and none but those chosen by the chamber and the library can enter its archives."
Looking to the two beside him, he asked, "can you spot the door? Most here cannot." Von moved the few feet to the obvious door beside his new robe and with a touch of his aura opened it to show everyone the vast network of magical archives, containing a cornucopia of ancient tomes, scrolls, and exotic artifacts, hidden beyond the enchanted portal.
As Alden beheld the sight of Von effortlessly revealing the hidden door and unlocking its secrets, his surprise knew no bounds. The ancient archmage's eyes widened in astonishment, his wrinkled features contorted in disbelief as he witnessed the young mage's remarkable display of knowledge and skill.
"By the shells," Alden murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You knew of the door's location and possessed the ability to open it all along?"
Von nodded humbly, his expression tinged with a hint of pride at the archmage's reaction. "Yes, Master Alden," he replied, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his chest. "I... I sensed its presence the last time where were here. The moment I sent my essence into the chamber, I was made aware of the door. It was as though the chamber itself guided me to it."
Alden's gaze lingered on Von, a mixture of admiration and curiosity shining in his ageless eyes. "Truly remarkable," he murmured, his voice tinged with wonder. "It seems the chamber has chosen wisely in granting you access to its hidden treasures."
The other council members looked on in amazement, their expressions mirroring Alden's astonishment at Von's unexpected revelation. Monica stood beside him, her eyes shining with pride at her friend's remarkable abilities.
With a sense of reverence, Alden gestured for Von and Monica to lead the way into the hidden library, his demeanor filled with newfound respect for the two young mages. As they stepped through the threshold, the chamber erupted into whispers of admiration, the council members in awe of the extraordinary talents displayed by the newest members of their ranks.
With Alden following closely behind, Von and Monica entered the depths of the hidden library. Eyeing the boy closely, his shell shining with the engraved runes of bibliomancy, he tilted his head slightly to the right. "So, Von, do you know how to navigate your way through the shelves of information?"
Touching the wall and directing his aura into it, he pondered the location of a book relating to the smelting of ores and the temperatures needed to do so. The floor suddenly had three lines on it side by side as if lit from beneath the left side of the line was amber in color, while the next was blood red and the third lavender. This colored line directed him through the stacks to exactly the shelf containing the tome he desired.
Alden let out of snort which turned to laughter. "The archives truly do love you. Welcome to our hidden treasure, Archmage."
As if in response, the walls echoed the greeting with a slight twist. "Welcome to the athenaeum arcane, great librarian." The tortoise was moved to silence as he stared at Von. From within the council chamber, awe struck those who heard the voice.
Meanwhile, within the council chamber, the other members looked on in astonishment, their minds buzzing with questions and speculation. The bibliomancy master, adorned in robes adorned with intricate symbols of knowledge, voiced the thoughts that lingered in the minds of all present.
"How can the archives know of the boy?" he pondered aloud, his voice carrying a note of wonder. "He has only recently arrived, yet the athenaeum arcane seems to recognize him as one of its own."
The council members exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious connection between Von and the hidden library. It was a phenomenon that defied explanation, leaving them all to wonder at the enigmatic forces that governed the secrets of the Ouranos Haven.