The room hummed quietly with students talking and the sound of quills writing on paper. In the center, a wooden podium with intricate swirling patterns stood prominently. Rows of desks were neatly arranged in concentric circles around the podium, each adorned with crystal vials, shiny metallic tools, and intricate astrolabes. The high-vaulted ceilings, decorated with moving constellations, bathed the room in a serene blue glow.
Behind the podium, Professor Malina stood, her brown hair streaked with silver, reflecting her extensive experience. Her green eyes, bright and keen, sparkled with the wisdom of ages, reflecting a lifetime of knowledge and kindness. She was clad in robes that flowed gracefully around her, complementing the gentle aura that surrounded her. Though her presence was commanding, it was softened by an unmistakable warmth that radiated from her kind demeanor.
"Welcome to the Basics of Magic," Professor Malina began with a warm voice that filled the room. "Many of you may believe magic relies solely on instinct or innate talent, it's commonly known as a natural gift you're born with. However, there's more complexity to it. Consider magic spells as an intricate puzzle, similar to a sophisticated equation. True mastery of magic lies not just in what you aim to accomplish, but in the detailed understanding of how to achieve it. Remember, patience and thoughtfulness are key in this journey. Each one of you possesses a unique potential for magic at birth, but reaching the peak of that potential requires unraveling the intricacies of the art."
Lynna, sitting in the third row, looked around at her fellow students. Many seemed to agree with the idea that innate ability was crucial in magic. Lynna, however, felt differently. The concept of magic as a puzzle appealed to her logical mind. She viewed each spell as a challenge to be meticulously unpacked and understood. Through repeated practice and analysis, Lynna believed she could almost grasp the intentions of the spell's original creator.
As the class progressed, Professor Malina introduced the systematic and scientific study of magic. "Those who've opted for the Sciences class will find parallels between the foundational principles of magic and the laws of the universe. Both have structure and can be understood, studied, and mastered."
The lesson continued, introducing more subjects, and at some point, it delved deeper into the intricacies of spell construction. Professor Malina demonstrated how even a minor alteration in gesture or phrasing could significantly influence a spell's outcome. To illustrate this, she cast an earth spell, varying her intonation and gestures slightly each time. The students watched in fascination as the same patch of earth transformed in different ways — sometimes forming into a solid mound, other times crumbling into loose dirt — all based on her subtle changes in spellcasting.
She then transitioned to discussing Elemental Affinities. "Every mage has an affinity, reflecting their inner nature. While these affinities may correlate with one's personality, they aren't a definitive guide to one's character."
Lynna had always felt her affinity was with Water or Ice. The attributes often associated with these, timidity, coldness, calculation, seemed to describe her well.
Lynna realized that this inaugural class served a dual purpose: dispelling myths about magic and also introducing students to the wonders of the arcane. Professor Malina's expertise in presenting the subject made Lynna wonder if the professor had once been a Seeker.
As the hours rolled by, the class concluded with an overview of advanced courses available in the coming years. 'Safety in Spell Construction' emphasized the significance of ensuring spells didn't harm unintentionally. 'Optimization of Spells' focused on enhancing spell efficiency. By the end of the lesson, Lynna felt a mix of awe and determination, eager to master the basics and delve into these advanced topics.
As the class dispersed, Lynna felt more determined than ever. She would approach magic like she did everything else – with curiosity, logic, and a relentless drive to deeply understand every nuance.