The Caverns
As they set out from the main castle entrance, the group moved through the winding stone passages, each step taking them further from the grand halls of Crystalline Peak. The air grew noticeably cooler, the faint crunch of snow on the paths beneath their feet hinting at their proximity to the heart of the glacier. Miruna found herself glancing upward, taking in the subtle play of light filtering through the icy walls. Every now and then, she could catch just a glimmer of the glacier’s towering walls surrounding them—a massive, otherworldly expanse of frozen blue that encapsulated the entire school. It was humbling, a constant reminder of the school's isolation within a natural fortress of ice.
As they continued, Professor Lyara’s voice cut through the quiet, her words carrying a reverent tone. “Our school was founded centuries ago by the great Elara Frostwind. She was a visionary who saw the potential of this place, even as it remained hidden from the eyes of most mages. When she discovered an immense cavern within the glacier, she knew it would be the perfect sanctuary for training future generations.” Professor Lyara’s gaze swept over them as they walked. “Elara’s magic and ingenuity allowed us to create not only a school but an entire community, a place of safety and learning amid the ice.”
Miruna felt a shiver—not from the cold, but from the thought of someone stepping into the depths of a glacier and envisioning what Elara had created here. “The initial buildings were constructed right here in this central cavern,” Professor Lyara continued. “But as our numbers grew, so did our need for space. Eventually, the school expanded into adjacent caverns, each one meticulously transformed into living quarters, stables, forests, areas for farming, and more.”
The path narrowed slightly as they wound deeper into the glacier, and Miruna caught sight of walls that seemed to shimmer faintly, embedded with fragments of minerals and gemstones. Apatite and quartz crystals glistened within the ice, their colors—blues, purples, and whites—casting small halos of light along the path. Miruna’s curiosity grew, and she found herself wondering what sort of enchantments held this place together, what sort of magic Elara Frostwind had woven into the very structure of the glacier.
At last, the path widened again, and Professor Lyara slowed, gesturing up ahead. “We’re approaching the entrance to the Mage’s Quadrant,” she announced. Miruna’s eyes widened as she took in the imposing sight before them. Rising nearly twenty feet into the air was a grand archway of wrought iron, inlaid with swirling, arcane patterns that seemed to ripple as they approached. The door itself—double gates of intricate iron lattice—was nestled seamlessly into the glacier wall, as though it had been carved directly from the ice and polished to perfection.
The towering gates loomed above them, a stark contrast against the icy walls of the glacier. The iron was dark, almost black, with faint blue etchings that glowed in response to Professor Lyara’s approach. It was a door designed not to impress but to protect, a reminder of the formidable magic that lay behind it. Lyara paused, letting the students take in the sight before she raised her hand. With a murmured incantation, the gates swung inward, opening with a slow, deliberate movement, as if to reveal something precious hidden within.
Beyond the threshold, a faint light beckoned, and Miruna’s heart raced with anticipation. As the gates opened fully, they stepped through and emerged into the spacious expanse of the Mage’s Quadrant. They found themselves at the beginning of a wide, snow-dusted path that led toward the backs of several gleaming white buildings, their marble façades glowing faintly against the glacier walls. The sun's soft, diffused light spilled down from above, illuminating the space with an almost ethereal quality.
Professor Lyara’s voice broke into her thoughts, answering an unasked question. “You might be wondering about the sunlight,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at the group. “Despite being within a glacier, the top has been charmed to appear transparent from the inside, allowing natural sunlight to pour into the caverns.” She gave a small smile at their astonished faces. “And yes, there are numerous climate charms here as well. They raise the temperature from inhospitable to...well, mildly chilly, as you’ve probably noticed. You’ll still need warm clothing, but it’s entirely manageable.”
One of the students—a girl standing near the front—frowned thoughtfully. “So… everything is enchanted? Even the weather?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Professor Lyara replied. “The glacier itself shields us from the harsher elements, and the climate charms work to maintain a stable temperature. Our founders saw this place as a sanctuary, a place that could remain untouched by the outside world. Thanks to their efforts, it’s a haven for magical study without the distractions and influences of the outside world.”
As they walked further down the path, Miruna’s attention was drawn to the intricate detailing of the marble dormitory buildings up ahead. Each building was framed by gleaming marble pillars that held up ornate Gothic-style arches, their designs twisting in harmony with the natural curves of the glacier. Delicate veins of apatite ran through the marble in glowing blue spirals, giving the structures a graceful, ethereal appearance that contrasted beautifully with the harsh, rugged ice surrounding them.
The path they walked on was paved with apatite tiles, each one emitting a gentle glow that mirrored the light from above. The blue hues in the apatite tiles cast a soft glow underfoot, lighting their way and guiding them further into the heart of the Mage’s Quadrant. Around them, the frozen walls of the glacier rose high, almost as though they were walking within a cathedral of ice, vast and ancient, echoing with the whispers of past magic.
The students walked in silence, their breath visible in the cold air as they absorbed the beauty around them. Miruna found herself glancing back toward the castle, though it was now hidden behind the bend of the glacier walls. Even without seeing it, she felt a sense of reverence for the work that had gone into creating this place, the vision and dedication it must have taken to build a sanctuary within such an imposing natural formation.
The silence was broken only by the soft sounds of their footsteps and the distant, gentle rustling of the wind. As they neared the end of the path, Professor Lyara paused, allowing them to take in the sight in front of them. Miruna froze, staring out at the grand sight in before her.
A ring of seven buildings stood before the group, each made of marble and swirled with lines of shifting, shining apatite. The light seemed to bounce off the walls in an array of colors. Tall pillars stretched up to the roof of each building, which was two stories tall. The high arch windows on each building were framed in elaborate carvings, their pointed tips reaching up towards the sky. A glow seemed to emulate from the inside of each of the buildings providing a welcoming feel.
The doors to each building mirrored the intricate design of the windows, with arching tops and carved embellishments that seemed to tell stories of past students and their journeys within these walls. Above each doorway was a small, welcoming porch supported by slender marble pillars, which led to a larger balcony on the second floor. Miruna could see small bistro tables and chairs scattered along each balcony, the delicate wrought-iron railings shaped in elegant curves and whorls. The sight made her imagine late-night study sessions under the stars, conversations carried on in whispered voices and laughter that echoed softly into the night.
“This is the Mage’s Quadrant,” Professor Lyara announced, her voice low and reverent. Her words were slow and deliberate, drawing their attention from one stunning feature to the next as she spoke. “This area serves as both a home and a sanctuary for those who are dedicated to the study and practice of magic here at Crystalline Peak.”
Miruna’s eyes roamed the courtyard past the buildings. A winding path wove around the front of the buildings with gently arched bridges reaching over a creek of shimmering water. She noticed tiny snowflakes floating gently down into the stream, the water running clear and steady despite the chill. Each bridge over the creek was crafted from the same marble as the buildings, with intricate railings that arched in perfect symmetry across the flowing water. Beyond the bridges, situated inside the ring of the creek and the dormitory buildings, a sprawling courtyard was visible. Fields of soft moss covered the ground, only interrupted by the occasional tree and the apatite paths branching out gracefully like spokes of a wheel, connecting each building and leading over the bridges towards a central garden.
The small creek twisted away from the moat and curled its way to the center of the courtyard, collecting in a pond. The pond mirrored the soft glow of the apatite paths, with crystal-clear water that shimmered in the afternoon sun. A variety of plants bloomed at its edges—some with large, lilypad-like leaves, others bearing delicate flowers in every imaginable shade. Small fish occasionally broke the surface, sending tiny ripples across the water and creating ever-shifting patterns of light and shadow that could be seen in the mist drifting just above the surface of the waters. Winding flower beds spiraled outward with small foot paths sprinkled within to allow students to walk amongst the blooms.
On the far side of the pond, Miruna spotted a pavilion, positioned just on the banks but hanginging over the water on one side. Marble pillars rose from the swirled floor, reaching up to support a roof made entirely of stained glass. Sunlight filtered through the colored panes, casting vibrant patterns of blues, greens, and purples that danced across the garden below. Miruna watched as the light shifted, reflecting off the water in hues that created a dreamlike aura around the pavilion. The soft rainbow shades seemed to bring the courtyard to life.
The entire area radiated a sense of tranquility, a testament to the powerful enchantments that must have been woven into the very stones and soil. Faeries with delicate, iridescent wings darted between colorful flowers, while butterflies flitted through the air in mesmerizing spirals, adding life to the soft, natural beauty of the garden.
“From here, you’ll see all seven dormitory buildings, each uniquely enchanted for the students who reside within,” Professor Lyara continued, her eyes taking in the courtyard with the air of someone sharing a cherished secret. “These dormitories have been thoughtfully equipped to encourage both independent study and collaboration. While your quarters are private, you’ll find that the common areas foster a strong sense of community.”
The group followed the winding apatite path toward the nearest building, each step bringing them closer to the graceful structure rising before them. The marble pillars lining the entrance seemed to glow faintly, their apatite swirls catching the light as if welcoming the students to their new home. Professor Lyara stepped ahead, her footsteps barely making a sound on the smooth ground, and paused before the grand double doors. With a gentle flick of her wrist, the doors responded to her magic, gliding open smoothly and revealing the warm, inviting interior. A soft light spilled out into the courtyard, mingling with the ambient glow of the apatite pathways and giving the entryway a sense of belonging, as though it had been waiting for them all along. The students filed in, gazing around with wide-eyed curiosity as they crossed the threshold into their new sanctuary within the glacier’s heart.
Stepping into the building, they were greeted by a spacious, open area filled with plush couches, armchairs, and low tables that looked perfect for gathering and studying. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with a diverse selection of tomes—some bound in cracked leather, others in rich cloth, each bearing the mark of having been read and cherished over many years.
In the center of the room stood a grand staircase, its polished banister inviting them upwards. The staircase itself was a work of art, each step seemingly carved from a single piece of marble, with hints of a glow within. Miruna found herself entranced by the craftsmanship, imagining the skilled hands that must have shaped it long ago. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for those who had walked these steps before her.
Professor Lyara gestured to the spacious seating area as they all gathered around, explaining its purpose. “This common area is a place for you to gather, study, and relax in the evenings. It’s designed to encourage both contemplation and conversation, to foster community and a shared pursuit of knowledge.”
Miruna couldn’t help but smile, feeling the weight of her new journey settle comfortably on her shoulders. Beyond the seating area, she spotted a large kitchen space, its sleek counters and sturdy cabinets a striking contrast to the rest of the room’s vintage charm. An impressive, glass-paned pantry door revealed rows of preserved ingredients, sparkling jars of dried herbs, and a collection of teas and spices. The aroma of herbs and fresh wood lingered in the air, and she found herself instinctively drawn to the kitchen’s cozy appeal.
Professor Lyara pointed to a door near the kitchen, catching her wandering gaze. “That door leads to a section with study rooms, a laundry area, and an additional bathroom,” she said with a nod, her tone warm. “Everything you’ll need during your time here is easily within reach.”
Turning her attention back to the grand staircase, Miruna watched as Professor Lyara led the way up, gesturing for them to follow. She followed with ease, her wheelchair gliding up the staircase as though it had been enchanted specifically for this. When they reached the second floor, Miruna looked over the banister, appreciating the open design of the space. The entire second floor wrapped around the first with a wide balcony, allowing a clear view of the common area below. She noticed the walkway’s smooth marble flooring, decorated with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and dance under the light, adding to the atmosphere of mystery and enchantment.
Encircling the walkway were ten doors, each one leading to a dorm room. Professor Lyara stopped in the middle of the walkway, looking out over the students with a welcoming smile.
“The boys’ rooms are located on the right side,” she explained, gesturing toward a row of doors opposite them. “The girls’ rooms are on the left. Each room will house four students, and these rooms will be your homes for the duration of your studies unless circumstances require otherwise.”
Miruna’s gaze drifted down the hall, taking in the soft glow of the apatite lines running along the floorboards and the faint warmth emanating from them. She could sense that the rooms were filled with the same magic that permeated every corner of this courtyard, a feeling of protection and connection that she could already tell would comfort her on the loneliest nights.
The professor gestured for them to choose their rooms, and Miruna’s eyes landed on the last door on the left, the room furthest from the staircase. There was something about its quiet isolation that appealed to her. She moved toward it with quiet confidence.