Schedules in Stone
The imposing figure regarded Miruna with a calm, measured expression, folding her hands on the crystalline desk. "Before we begin, I am Archmage Lysandra Frost, one could say that I’m Head of Evaluations and Academic Progression here at Crystalline Peak," she said, her voice smooth yet authoritative. "Every year, we meticulously review each and every test, whether written or recorded, to determine where students may need assistance and whether they should be placed beyond the introductory level."
Miruna nodded, absorbing the explanation as she shifted slightly in her chair. Frost’s tone was polite but firm, making it clear that this was a conversation of importance, not just a formality.
"For practical examinations, we review every recording to assess technique, power control, and comprehension of spell mechanics. Written exams, naturally, are analyzed for accuracy and depth of knowledge." Frost paused, tilting her head slightly. "Given the complexity of our system, discrepancies in testing results are rare, but when they do occur, they must be addressed properly."
Miruna waited a beat before speaking. "What was the problem with my results?"
Frost regarded her for a moment, then reached to the side of her desk, drawing out an old, worn theory book. Miruna’s breath caught in her throat the instant she saw the cover. She knew that book. She had studied it countless times back in the tower, its pages dog-eared and ink-smudged from years of use.
"Do you recognize this?" Frost asked, watching her carefully.
Miruna hesitated, but lying was pointless. "Yes," she admitted.
Frost nodded as if she had expected that answer. "I assumed as much. It was brought to my attention that some of your answers follow theories directly outlined in this book—many of which have been lost to time or altered in modern spellcraft."
Miruna frowned slightly. She hadn’t thought much about how old some of those books were—only that they contained knowledge she needed.
Frost leaned forward slightly. "Where did you study before attending Crystalline Peak?"
Miruna hesitated again, choosing her words carefully. "I attended Junior Spellcraft when I was seven, but I was pulled out within the year due to… family developments."
Frost’s brow creased slightly, clearly searching for context. "And after that? Who was your tutor?"
"I studied on my own," Miruna replied, shrugging. "In the library near my room." It was close enough to the truth, though she left out the part where no one had actually permitted her access.
Frost blinked, the first real hint of surprise flickering across her expression. "You self-studied?"
Miruna nodded.
The archmage sat back in her chair, considering this information. "I will need to confirm this," she said, more to herself than to Miruna. After a moment, she retrieved a second sheet of parchment from her desk and marked something down before refocusing.
"You mentioned there were problems with my tests?" Miruna prompted, shifting uncomfortably under Frost’s scrutiny.
"Yes," Frost said, looking back at her. "Your tests were mostly exceptional—far beyond what we would expect for most first-year students. However, your written exam contains references to outdated theories, some of which were disproven or evolved decades ago. In some cases, the principles still apply, but the methodology has changed. This is a concern because it means you may have gaps in your knowledge where modern spellcraft differs."
Miruna’s stomach twisted. "Does this mean I have to relearn everything?"
Frost considered her for a moment before responding. "Not everything. However, we will need to assess which areas need adjustment." She glanced down at another page before adding, "Additionally, from your practical examination, it seems you've had experience with casting. Did you receive a training focus at this Junior Spellcraft?"
Miruna blinked. "No?"
Frost’s expression didn’t shift, but there was something unreadable behind her sharp gaze. "And how did you practice?"
Miruna furrowed her brow, unsure what she was supposed to say. "I… just did? I read the theory, followed the structure of the spell, and then it worked?"
There was a pause. Then Frost steepled her fingers. In a hesitant tone, she brought up the next question? "Are you aware that magic without a focus is exceptionally rare? Especially for those so young and without advanced studies?"
Miruna stiffened slightly. "I—no. I didn’t realize it was uncommon."
Frost exhaled quietly, her expression unreadable. "Only those with extremely large magical cores can perform such magic efficiently."
Miruna hesitated before speaking again. "I had blocks on my core," she admitted, voice quieter than before. "I was wondering if I’d still be able to do it now."
Frost’s sharp gaze flickered, though her composure remained intact. "You had blocks?"
Miruna nodded. "My healer removed them before I came here. I don’t know if that changed anything."
Frost’s silence stretched between them before she finally spoke. "If you are comfortable, I would like to know the specifics of those blocks to determine if any class adjustments need to be made."
Miruna hesitated. "I don’t know all of them by heart," she admitted. "Could we call my healer? She would have the full record."
Frost nodded, reaching for a small, polished communication stone on her desk. "Very well. I will summon Healer DeVayne."
A faint glow emanated from the stone as the message was sent. Moments later, a soft knock echoed from the door before it swung open to reveal Healer DeVayne, a neat file tucked under her arm.
She greeted Miruna with a small smile before stepping inside. "You requested my presence?"
"Yes," Frost confirmed. "We need to review Ms. Potter’s magical blocks, with her permission."
Aricel glanced at Miruna, who nodded her agreement. The healer then retrieved a sheet of parchment marked with intricate diagrams and notations.
Frost’s expression remained composed, but a hint of something deeper flickered in her gaze. Something Miruna couldn’t quite place.
A weighted silence filled the office as Archmage Frost read through the list. Her eyes moved steadily down the parchment, her expression unreadable. Then, she stopped.
A pause.
She reread a section, her fingers tightening ever so slightly around the edge of the page.
Her gaze flickered up to Aricel, sharp yet measured. "Is this all correct?"
Aricel met her eyes without hesitation. "I performed the removals myself and documented everything afterward. These records are accurate."
Frost exhaled through her nose, glancing between the two of them before folding the parchment neatly and setting it on the desk. "Would you both be willing to conduct a quick assessment here? I’d like to gauge Miruna’s current condition now that the blocks are gone."
Aricel glanced at Miruna, who nodded. "That would be reasonable."
The healer turned back to Frost. "I’ll conduct two tests—one to measure her magic reserves and another to determine if her core is preparing for a transformation. Since the blocks were restricting her abilities, there’s a chance her magic is still adjusting."
Frost inclined her head. "Proceed."
Aricel stepped forward, motioning for Miruna to relax. "This will be simple," she assured. "I’ll start with your reserves. Hold still."
A soft glow emanated from Aricel’s staff as she placed the tip just above Miruna’s sternum. A warm pulse of magic flowed between them, analyzing the energy within her. After a moment, the glow faded.
Aricel hummed thoughtfully. "Your reserves have grown since the last time they were checked—significantly so. Even from the exam before the entrance trials, there’s a clear increase."
Miruna absorbed this, uncertain of how to respond. She had expected some change, but not something so immediate.
Aricel moved on to the second test, drawing a small sigil in the air before pressing two fingers to Miruna’s wrist and using her staff to move the sigil down near her hands.. A thin, web-like shimmer of magic expanded from her pulse point and surrounded her briefly before settling back into her skin.
The healer’s brows lifted slightly. "Your core is currently at about forty percent power—far from its full potential, but far higher than it was even a week ago. What’s more important is that it’s showing clear signs of an impending influx. I’d estimate within the next twelve hours; your core will undergo a surge as it adjusts to the space left behind by the removed blocks."
Miruna stiffened. "A surge?"
"It’s not uncommon in cases like yours," Aricel explained. "Your magic has been suppressed for years. Now that it’s unrestricted, it’s trying to stabilize. The surge itself won’t be dangerous, but there is a risk of instability during the process." She hesitated briefly before continuing, "Would you be willing to stay in the hospital wing overnight? Just as a precaution—to ensure there are no complications or injuries during the surge?"
Miruna considered for a moment before nodding. "That sounds… reasonable. Can I send a note to my friends? So they’ll know not to expect me back tonight?"
Aricel gave a small, reassuring smile and an affirmative answer before turning back toward Frost.
The Archmage, who had remained silent through the tests, studied them both carefully, her expression unreadable.
And with that, the conversation shifted back to her.
Archmage Frost folded her hands atop the desk, her gaze steady as she regarded Miruna. “Now that we have a clearer picture of your magical reserves and core stability, we can discuss your class placements.”
Miruna straightened, anticipation flickering in her chest.
“I can place you in most of the courses you tested into,” Frost continued, “but given the gaps in your formal education, some of your theory classes will be at lower levels to ensure you have a solid foundation. However, with time and effort, you can move up as needed.”
Miruna nodded, unsurprised. “That makes sense.”
“To help you progress more efficiently, I’d like to assign you a tutor,” Frost added. “It will give you an opportunity to catch up faster.”
Excitement sparked in Miruna’s chest. “I’d like that.”
Frost inclined her head approvingly. “Once you’ve demonstrated proficiency in the material, we’ll adjust your class placements accordingly.”
She shifted slightly, tapping her fingers against the desk. “The school runs on a trimester schedule, with major testing at the end of each session. These evaluations determine your course placement for the following term.”
Miruna leaned forward, intrigued. “How does ranking work?”
Frost’s lips curved slightly at Miruna’s interest. “Students begin as Novices, learning foundational spells, magical ethics, and introductory theory. Once they show mastery of those basics, they move on to the Acolyte stage, which grants access to more advanced coursework and personal research. From there, students progress to Apprentices, then to Journeymen, and so on. Most reach Journeyman or Master by their seventh year, though advancement depends on individual effort.”
Miruna considered this thoughtfully. “So it’s based on demonstrated ability rather than just time spent in classes?”
Frost nodded. “Exactly. The academy prioritizes individual growth. If you push yourself, you may advance quickly. However, magical proficiency isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline and understanding.”
She reached for a parchment and tapped her staff lightly against it. A shimmering wave of energy spread across the page, and elegant, flowing script appeared in neat columns. She handed it to Miruna.
Weekday Schedule:5:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Principles of Spellcraft & Arcane Applications
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Ethics of Magic and Enchantment Law
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Morning Break
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Elemental Manipulation & Energy Convergence
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Advanced Glyphwork & Runic Theory
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Magical Fauna & Their Alchemical Properties
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free Time / Extracurricular Activities
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Tutoring Session
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Break / Social Time
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Celestial Cartography & Astronomical Magic
10:00 PM: Curfew
Miruna traced her fingers over the schedule, taking in each subject. The names alone made her eager to begin, and she found herself itching to read through whatever textbooks she could get her hands on before classes started.
Frost placed another parchment beside it. “You will have Wednesdays and Sundays off to study, catch up on work, or relax. Meals are, of course, still served at the same times. Your Saturdays will follow a different structure to allow for specialized learning and additional practice. The goal is to give students the opportunity to deepen their skills outside of the standard curriculum.”
Saturday Schedule:
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Strategic Spellcasting & Magical Combat Tactics
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Theory of Transmutation & Matter Manipulation
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Enchanted Artifacts & Mystical Constructs
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM - 5:00: Independent Study / Free Time
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Free Time
10:00 PM: Curfew
Miruna’s pulse quickened. These classes sounded even more exciting than her weekday ones. She couldn’t wait to see what kinds of enchanted artifacts they’d be working with or what the practical spellcraft training would entail.
“This all looks… incredible,” Miruna admitted, hardly able to contain her enthusiasm.
Frost allowed the smallest of smiles. “I’m glad you think so. Crystalline Peak is not for the faint-hearted. You will be challenged, but if you dedicate yourself, you will leave stronger than when you arrived.”
She then handed Miruna a folded map. “This is an interactive campus map. You can zoom in on buildings, see interior layouts, and mark locations of interest.”
Miruna accepted it eagerly, mind already racing ahead to what lay before her.
Frost gave Miruna a final nod, her expression steady yet encouraging. "I have no doubt you'll make the most of this opportunity. Work hard, and you’ll find Crystalline Peak can be more than just a school—it can be a home."
She gestured toward the door. "You’re dismissed, Miruna. Get some rest."
Aricel, who had remained silent through most of the meeting, finally stepped forward. “I’ll take you to the hospital wing now,” she said gently. “You’ll be staying there for the night so we can monitor your energy levels after your testing earlier.”
Miruna followed without complaint, still processing all the information she had just received. The academy was going to push her harder than she had ever been pushed before—but that was exactly what she wanted.
Once they reached the hospital wing, Aricel led her to a small private room. “You can rest here. I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”
Miruna changed into the soft pajamas provided for her, then sat on the edge of the bed, calling for Aero, and once he arrived, rubbing her kestrel’s feathers absentmindedly. “Aero,” she murmured. The bird chirped softly, tilting its head.
She quickly scribbled a note to her roommates, letting them know where she was, then secured it to Aero’s leg. “Take this to the girls, please.”
With a flick of his wings, Aero soared through the open window, disappearing into the night.
Miruna sighed, settling under the covers. Her mind swam with new possibilities, and though her body was exhausted, excitement still burned in her veins.
⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙
A sharp ache in her chest yanked Miruna from the depths of sleep. She sucked in a breath, wincing as the sensation flared, deep and insistent, as if something inside her was straining against the confines of her ribs. She pressed a hand to her sternum, fingers trembling slightly.
Then, a light—soft at first, no brighter than a flickering candle—began to glow from somewhere within her. Miruna froze, watching in stunned silence as the throbbing ache pulsed outward, creeping into her limbs like liquid fire. The glow followed, chasing the pain through her veins, illuminating them in intricate, branching lines beneath her skin.
The discomfort intensified. It wasn’t sharp, nor was it entirely unbearable—but it was overwhelming, an unnatural pressure expanding beneath her flesh. She clenched her jaw as the light grew stronger, spreading, shifting, until every inch of her body was bathed in its eerie radiance. The brightness coursed through her in rhythmic pulses, and for a fleeting moment, she swore she could feel the very essence of her magic surging and twisting beneath her skin.
A frantic beeping shattered the silence.
Miruna’s head snapped toward the source—the medical monitor in the corner of the room. The rapid, erratic pulse of its alarm sent a jolt of unease through her already trembling frame.
The door burst open, and Aricel rushed inside, her expression shifting from confusion to alarm the moment she took in the sight before her.
"Miruna!" Her voice was sharp, urgent, but it barely reached past the roaring in Miruna’s ears. She was speaking—asking something, assessing, moving—but the words tangled together, each syllable growing more muddied, more distant.
Miruna swayed. The light intensified. Her head felt weightless, as if the very air around her had shifted into something intangible, something not meant to hold her to the earth.
And then—she was floating.
The realization struck her seconds before the last remnants of reality slipped from her grasp. Her vantage point lifted, her feet barely touching the bed as if she were hovering just above it. Aricel’s eyes widened. The clipboard in her hands slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor.
And then—white.
A brilliant, all-consuming whiteness swallowed everything, washing the world away in a blinding rush.
The last thing Miruna saw was Aricel lunging toward her, panic etched into every line of her face.
⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙
A dull ache hummed beneath Miruna’s skin as she drifted back into consciousness. Her limbs felt heavier than she remembered, her body tingling with an unfamiliar energy. As her senses slowly returned, she became aware of the faint pull at her arm. Blinking sluggishly, she turned her head and found a thin, shimmering line—pulsing faintly with arcane energy—attached to her forearm.
She frowned, trying to sit up, but the simple movement sent a strange, lopsided sensation through her. Her body felt… off. Different.
A quiet shuffling in the corner of the room caught her attention.
Aricel sat at a nearby desk, flipping through several parchment charts filled with glowing graphs and complex runic inscriptions. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, the soft light of the hovering sigils casting shadows across her face.
Miruna shifted slightly, the rustling of the blankets drawing Aricel’s attention. At once, the woman set aside her work and strode to the bedside. “You’re awake,” she said, her tone both relieved and assessing. She placed a hand on Miruna’s shoulder, gently guiding her into a seated position. “How do you feel?”
Miruna groaned softly, her voice hoarse. “Like I got trampled by a stampede of enchanted beasts.”
Aricel let out a quiet chuckle and reached for a cup sitting on the nearby table. “Here, drink this.”
Miruna took it, sipping the cool water gratefully. The chill soothed her throat, easing the dryness that had settled there. She swallowed again before rasping, “What… what happened?”
Aricel exhaled, leaning against the edge of the bed. “You experienced a surge in the early hours of the morning. Your magical core flexed to accommodate the influx of unblocked power. That ache you felt? That was your core expanding and your body adjusting to the increase in magic. It’s a natural process, but given the sheer amount of energy you had locked away, it was bound to be… intense.”
Miruna furrowed her brows. “I still feel strange. Like something has changed.”
Aricel gave a knowing nod. “That’s because it has. With the last remnants of the blocks wearing off, your body is now adjusting to its natural magical state. Your gifts and latent talents are no longer suppressed, and, well… the glamours that had been placed on you are officially broken.”
Miruna blinked at her. “Glamours?”
Aricel hummed in affirmation. “The ones that masked the effects of your early malnutrition. They stunted more than just your physical growth, which is why you may feel… off-kilter.” She gave Miruna an appraising glance. “You’ve grown about an inch and a half overnight. It’s no wonder your balance feels skewed.”
Miruna stared at her in disbelief before flexing her fingers, stretching her arms. Now that Aricel mentioned it, everything did feel slightly different—her limbs a little longer, her posture altered in a way she couldn’t quite place.
“That’s not all,” Aricel continued. “The glamours also hid changes to your facial features. Your magic was never meant to be confined, and now that it’s free, your body has shifted to reflect that.”
Miruna hesitated before asking, “Do you have a mirror?”
Aricel flicked a wrist, and from the corner of the room, a polished hand mirror floated into Miruna’s grasp.
She braced herself before looking.
The first thing she noticed was her skin—once dull and marred by old scrapes and scars, now smooth and glowing with a deep copper warmth. She touched her cheek, half-expecting it to feel different under her fingers.
Then, she saw her eyes.
Her left eye, once a familiar green, had deepened into hazel. But the right… the right gleamed an intense jade, like sunlight through forest leaves.
Her lips parted in surprise, but as she went to comment, she caught sight of something else—her canines. Slightly elongated. Not quite fangs, but sharper than they had been before.
Her gaze flicked lower, tracing the contours of her face. The round softness that once mirrored her brother’s features had thinned, giving way to high cheekbones and a jawline just a touch too sharp to be entirely human.
And then—her ears.
Miruna’s breath hitched as she reached up, fingers brushing against the slight points at the tips. Not enough to be dramatic, but enough to set her apart. Enough to mark her as something… more.
She turned to Aricel, who watched her with quiet understanding.
“These changes will take a few days to settle in,” Aricel said gently. “You may feel uncomfortable as you adjust. Your body is fully functioning at its natural magical capacity now, but you’ll need to be careful for a while. I’d advise against any strenuous magic use until you learn how to regulate your power. Your core is currently at one hundred percent, but it will take time for you to master its new limits.”
Miruna swallowed, still trying to process it all.
Aricel’s expression softened. “Do you have any questions?”
Miruna hesitated before asking the first thing that popped into her mind. “Um… will my wardrobe still fit?”
Aricel blinked, then let out a bright, unexpected laugh. “Ah, that. Don’t worry, your wardrobe is enchanted to adjust to any changes in your size. You won’t have to worry about outgrowing anything overnight.”
Miruna exhaled, relieved despite the whirlwind of everything else. “That’s… good to know.”
Aricel smiled, amusement still glimmering in her eyes. “Anything else?”
Miruna looked down at her hands—her fingers, her palms, the veins that still faintly glowed beneath her skin. So much had changed.
“…Not yet,” she murmured.
Aricel nodded, standing. “Then rest for now. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
A gentle knock at the door broke the quiet, followed by the soft creak of hinges as a floating tray drifted into the room. At Aricel’s gesture, it settled onto the bedside table, revealing a modest yet hearty breakfast—steaming porridge with honey, fresh slices of fruit, buttered toast, and a cup of warm tea.
“You should eat,” Aricel encouraged, stepping back to give Miruna space. “Your body’s been through a lot, and you’ll need the energy.”
Miruna didn’t argue. Though she hadn’t realized it before, hunger gnawed at her stomach the moment the scent of food reached her. She picked up the spoon and took a bite of the porridge, savoring the warmth as it spread through her. The food grounded her, helping her adjust to the subtle, lingering changes in her body.
Aricel let her eat in peace, returning to her charts and muttering to herself as she made notes. Once Miruna finished most of her meal, Aricel moved back to her side.
“I’d like to run a few more tests,” she said, “just to ensure everything is stable.”
Miruna sighed but didn’t protest as Aricel traced a few sigils in the air. Threads of soft golden light wove around her, scanning the ebb and flow of her magic. Occasionally, Aricel hummed in approval, nodding to herself as she analyzed the results.
“Everything looks good,” she finally said, letting the runes fade away. “Your core is adjusting well, and your magic has settled into its natural state. No lingering instability.” She stepped back, satisfied. “I’d say you’re safe to go about your day as usual.”
Miruna exhaled, relieved, and stretched slightly before Aricel continued. “Breakfast should be wrapping up soon. If you’d like, I can walk you to the dining hall so you can meet up with your friends before heading off for the day.”
Miruna hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “That sounds good.”
Aricel smiled. “Then let’s go. And, Miruna—” she paused, giving her a knowing look, “classes start tomorrow. You should try to get to bed at a reasonable hour tonight if you want to be awake in time.”
Miruna huffed a small laugh. “I’ll try.”
“See that you do.”
With that, they set out, the morning light filtering through the hall’s high windows as Miruna took her first steps forward, her magic humming beneath her skin in a way that felt entirely, unquestionably hers.