Alice stood beside Rowen, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and urgency. "Rowen, how do I use magic? We don't have much time, and since you need my help with the ritual, shouldn't you teach me?"
Rowen nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. "You're right, Alice. It's essential you learn quickly." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "One thing you need to know about my magic is that, it does not rely on spells or incantations. It's different—it's about connecting with the magic already inside you."
Alice furrowed her brow, slightly confused but eager to learn. "But how do I actually do it?"
"It's all about your imagination and your will," Rowen explained, his voice calm yet assertive. "You need to picture what you want to happen very clearly in your mind. Imagine it as vividly as you can, down to the smallest detail."
He stepped closer, his expression earnest. "Think of it like this: envision your intention, whatever you wish to accomplish, then direct your desire toward that vision. The magic inside you will respond to your focused will. It's akin to painting with thoughts—each stroke is driven by your own inner force."
Alice listened intently to Rowen's explanation, but skepticism crept into her voice as she opened her eyes and turned to him. "Rowen, although I've rarely come into contact with magic and hardly know anyone who can use it, I've always heard that magic involves spells and incantations. What kind of magic are you using that doesn't rely on any of that?"
Rowen paused, his eyes reflecting a mix of contemplation and mild surprise. "That's a good question. The truth is, I'm not entirely sure myself. The magic I use feels more innate, almost instinctual, like it's a part of me rather than something I summon with words."
Alice furrowed her brow, trying to understand this unconventional approach. "So, you're saying it's something different? Something that doesn't fit with the traditional forms of magic?"
"Yes, exactly," Rowen replied, a thoughtful frown lining his face. "It's as if the magic is woven into my very being, responding directly to my thoughts and emotions without the need for formal spells. It's uncharted territory for me as well, and I often wonder if there might be others out there with similar experiences."
Alice's eyes lit up with an idea. "Maybe you can find some clues about your type of magic in the Great Library of the Helvaska Academy. It's the biggest library in the kingdom and has countless tomes on every form of magic known."
Rowen's interest was piqued. "That sounds like a place I need to visit. How can we get there?"
Alice smiled, a plan already forming in her mind. "The library is open to the public on certain days. We just need to check the schedule and make sure we're there on one of those days. It could hold all the answers you're looking for."
Rowen nodded, appreciating the importance of their upcoming visit to the Helvaska Academy's Great Library, but recognizing the immediate need to focus on Alice's training. "Let's concentrate on your magical development for now," he suggested, his tone both gentle and encouraging. "Remember, you must visualize your goal clearly in your mind. Let the intensity of your desire to see it happen guide the magic from within."
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Alice closed her eyes, attempting to conjure a simple, yet significant manifestation of her power. She envisioned a small orb of light, vibrant and warm, floating gracefully above the palm of her hand. She focused all her mental energy on this image, her desire burning like a beacon.
The minutes stretched on in silent concentration. Sweat beaded on Alice's forehead as she delved deeper into her reservoir of willpower and imagination. Yet, despite her intense focus and Rowen's patient observation, the air above her palm remained empty. No glow, no orb—nothing appeared.
Opening her eyes slowly, Alice's shoulders slumped in disappointment. "It's not working," she murmured, a trace of frustration in her voice. "I did everything I thought I was supposed to, but nothing happened."
Rowen gave her a reassuring smile. "Magic can be capricious, and connecting with it isn't always straightforward, especially for those who are just beginning. Don't be disheartened. This is a common challenge, and it doesn't mean you lack potential."
Alice looked up, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and determination. "But it felt so real in my mind. Why couldn't I make it happen?"
"Magic isn't just about the clarity of visualization or the strength of desire," Rowen explained. "It's also about the connection between your inner essence and the magical energies around us. It's possible that we need to explore different approaches or perhaps more foundational exercises to awaken your latent abilities."
Encouraged by Rowen's unwavering support, Alice nodded. "What do you suggest we try next?"
"We'll start with something less direct," Rowen proposed. "Let's work on attuning you to the natural magic around us, helping you sense and interact with it before you try to wield it again. It's about building a relationship with magic, not just commanding it."
Alice nodded, feeling the chill of the stone walls and the weight of the air heavy with centuries of silence. They continued to walk, their footsteps the only sound. The glowing light from Vanora's body cast long shadows, making the intricate carvings on the walls seem to shift and move in the corners of Alice's eyes.
"Close your eyes for a moment," Rowen instructed softly. "Breathe deeply. Let the air of this ancient place fill your lungs. Feel the residue of the old magics that linger here."
Alice did as instructed, drawing in the cool, musty air. With each breath, she tried to clear her mind, to let go of the frustration of not being able to activate her magic. She exhaled slowly, attempting to connect with the hidden energies of the temple that had withstood the test of time.
"Reach out with your feelings," Rowen continued, his voice a steady presence in the pitch darkness behind her closed lids. "Don't try to grasp or manipulate. Just sense the flow. Magic is like a river—join it, don't try to push its course."
Alice focused, her mind drifting through the darkness. Slowly, a sensation began to build—a whisper of power, like static on her skin, elusive yet palpable. She could feel something ancient stirring around her, a presence or perhaps the echo of long-past spells woven into the stones.
"I can feel something," Alice whispered, her eyes still closed. "It's like a vibration, underneath everything."
"That's good," Rowen replied encouragingly. "You're sensing the residual magic. It's old, very old, and deeply entwined with this place. Now, try to move with it, let it guide you, but don't force it."
Alice nodded, though she kept her eyes closed, concentrating on the sensation. She imagined herself as a leaf on that proverbial river, her mind floating along with the current of magic. She felt a slight shift, a gentle pull, as if the river of magic was acknowledging her presence.
Yet, when she tried to harness it, to draw it into a spell or some visible manifestation, she found herself faltering. The magic slipped away like water through her fingers, leaving her with just the faint trace of its power.
Opening her eyes, she saw Rowen watching her, his expression thoughtful. "It's okay," he said as they resumed walking. "You're connecting, and that's the first step. Activation will come with time and practice. For now, just keep feeling that flow."
As they moved deeper into the temple, Alice felt a mixture of frustration and hope. She was on the edge of a breakthrough, close to truly interacting with the magic around her, but there was still a journey ahead. Each step they took in the dark corridor was a step toward understanding, and though she hadn't mastered the magic yet, she was learning to dance with it, to anticipate its rhythms.