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The events swirled together and became too much for him; he slept, dreaming of monsters and powers destroying the world, and among it all was him in chains, unable to move, powerful enough to save a kingdom but not able to do anything but watch as it all burned.
That was his gift: a balance of seeing and being able to do nothing.
waking in a cold sweat figured he needed a bath to feel better after cleaning up. He did feel better and was going to read the newest book when a light knock on the door came. He knew it was Nina, as Len would just walk in, so would Mom …
“Come in.”
“You ok, kiddo?" She asked carefully, hating that he could hide nothing, or was that a gift they had…
wanting to deny it, even as she watched him, but if both Nina and Mom saw and knew he was acting off, the secret would come out in the end; it's better to just lay it all out…
“ I went to the church today.” She sat beside him to listen. “They looked at me to see if I had a gift…”
“and they found nothing? It’s ok, kiddo; not everyone has the gift. You could even still have time for it to happen," she smiled, rubbing his back.
“No… worse, I do have a gift.”
“That doesn’t make sense. Can you explain?"
“Yeah, I have a level four power according to the church."
“That’s a very powerful gift, so why are you upset it’s not the element you hoped? Darkness or light? And you wanted what fire, maybe?” He laughed as she tried to guess.
“No, worse balance.”
“…balance is a very good one to have, extremely rare, even among beastkin."
"Why is that bad?”
“I. Have. No. Power."
"I wanted magic to use, not to be trapped in me; a magic nobody even knows what it can do, and a magic that can never even win a fight vs. a level one mage of any element that can fight…."
"I got what I always wanted, magic; now I can’t do anything with it…”
Nina was a bit lost for words, so she stayed quiet and waited, but Wolf refused to say more, so she relented and said, “Remember when we first met?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well, I and my brother, she paused, "were living in a tribe that saw magic as everything; the more you had, the more you were special."
"When I saw how carefree you were, I wanted to be part of that. When I met your sister, she was very kind and loving, especially talking about you. She told me how all your adventures…"
"My brother disapproved of me trying to get close, and I tried to stay indifferent, just working."
"Yet, I saw her all the time, and I decided to listen to her once more and found out more about you, just a normal kid who, later I found out, just loved magic; you did not worship it."
"It was a nice change.” Wolf was confused as that didn’t make much sense, but listen on to see what came next.
“Where I’m from, magic is what determines your rank and place. You are either a nobody or the elder based on your power…" He was surprised at that.
“That seems broken and would lead to trouble,” he stated, unsure.
“You’re right; kinda everyone is loving and works to help the tribe… It did lead to a problem, though, when someone wanted to be a kid and free, and they wanted them to be the elder;" he was kind of guessing where this was going.
“So your brother was made to be elder, and you both ran away to protect him?"
"Is that why he is so smart?"
"They train him to lead?" thinking he put it all together…
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“Close, kiddo… They let us go, but they trained him to serve me.”
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It took a moment for him to process what she said, then he frowned and thought she was kidding, but when he saw her near tears, he knew this was a secret Len knew and did not tell him, and he had to know, so he asked in a whisper, afraid to speak.
“Why?”
“Because I have a rare level four earth magic and it manifested at a young age, I never got to be a normal kid.” His blood ran cold. A child, and she had the power to rival armies, and unlike him, she could hurt others.
“But... I never once saw you use magic. How?”
“I told you magic is not always a blessing; my brother was always training till we left. He agreed with the tribe’s ways… even though he did leave with me.
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He wasn’t sure what to say. Would she be a king or queen? Elder? What did beastkin go by? “Was it that bad to be in charge? You said they let you go?…”
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“No… At first it wasn’t the leading that broke me; everyone was nice…"
"It's just the endless worship and not seeing me, but a title. Even Teva would not stay my friend… and as my brother kept his distance to serve me, it was just too much… "
"So I asked, and they just let us go and said we were free to choose after all that…"
She smiled at him. “It’s better now, kiddo; it’s why I can talk about it, and I think I understand the tribe a little better now and why they let us leave, but I still don’t want to go back… "
"I still want to have a real family and still be a kid…"
"So finding you and your sister so carefree was a lifeline we both needed. My brother never shows it, not really, but he is happy too."
“ I know you feel like you got the short end of a stick, but the gift you got just might be the greatest blessing…”
“Don’t worry… sis. You're with us now; that’s what matters."
"I’ll get over this magic in time; I just need a few days…” Wolf, dejectedly, said Nina while still smiling, then started to squeal.
“Am I your sis?"
"Your big sis?" she asked before he could reply. She started grabbing him and telling him random things as he cried for her to get off, but she did not listen.
He spent the next half hour fighting, wrestling her off his bed as she just smothered him once more… It probably would’ve gone even longer, but Mother showed up with food.
“I tried to give you your space, but I kept hearing roughhousing and figured you were feeling well enough to eat."
"I take it you’re doing better, son?" He tried to look up, but he was in a headlock and was pulling on Nina’s tail, trying to move her when they both stopped and straightened up.
“Sorry,” Nina said, blushing, “I got carried away.”
“I’m feeling better.” He was also blushing, being caught acting like a kid when he wanted to be seen as more mature…
“It’s okay; kids should be allowed to play as long as nobody gets hurt. It's fine. Here’s some food when you’re ready." She set it on his dresser. Nina got up.
“I’m going to check on Len at the shop; it should be close to the time for them to come home, and I want to make sure they’re ok.“ Mom nodded in approval and watched as she left. She then turns to him.
"Anything you want to tell me, dear? If not, I won’t pry."
“It’s fine, Mom, just a long day and a bit of growing up caught up with me is all…” he said while smiling; she smiled back and fixed his hair.
“Ok, enjoy your food. You know we love you and are here if you need us.”
“I know… and I won’t forget what you have given me, I promise.” Mother was unsure what he meant; he could see it in her eyes, so he elaborated while smiling.
“You gave me a choice; it’s a gift I won’t forget.”
“Maybe you’re more grown-up than I realized, little wolf. Just don’t try to rush it.” She left with those words, closing the door behind her.
He ate in peace and was just relaxing, reflecting on the day, when the door opened and his sister Leena entered.
“Hello, Brother, Are you ok to talk?” He saw her concern. He hated everyone was babying him and was thankful Dad never once did that, but he relented and knew this was part of a family.
“I’m fine, Len, thanks for asking. It's just a long day. Nina stopped by and made me feel better earlier.”
“She told me... but you are still my brother, and I want to be sure too. He smiled at that; he hated being babied but still was happy to see his sister.
She sat close and talked about her day, so he listened in peace. He knew she needed attention just like he did, so he let her have her moment. After thirty minutes or so, she said her piece and trusted he was fine and left him to his night.
He figured now that things calmed down, he would read while he could and grab the silver book. It wasn’t glowing anymore, but he knew the magic was there. He couldn’t help himself and sniffed the book; it did not smell like magic, just a book. Then again, he did not know what magic smelled like, so it was a pointless test he did on impulse. Reading the title left him less than impressed.
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Magic and the gods, levels one to five, by the church.
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This info is necessary, and important teachings don’t share with others things that can lead to harm. The info presented is to help understand the threat and help others control their power.
First is understanding the levels of power; while not listed, the first true level is zero, and all creations start at this level.
Do not misunderstand; level zero is magic; it is just so weak; no matter the blessing, it cannot do anything.
The reason it is important to note is that humans, and very rarely beastkin, will be blessed at this level, see it as a curse, and desire more power through. We cannot say why the gods started them with less; they do have magic in their souls and should be encouraged to be happy and not feel they’re cursed.
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Level one is the most common but also the most misunderstood.
Many assume they are level zero, not knowing their element, or worse, not knowing what they can do with the element they do have.
Level one is limited in how their power can act and can be hard to control depending on the skill; those blessed with it can find it very hard to guess your power, so many assume they have no power or it is meaningless at this level.
We must try to help them find their gift, as to help them is to do the gods' will and help them know peace.
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Level two is uncommon but not rare.
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This level has more freedom in magic, which they’re blessed with, and they can do more things with a bit of power in their actions. Many, if not all, at level two will find their gift natural with little effort; it seems to be a common trait of the feeling of the gift at this level. The church should still help them if they can, but many tend to find their own way.
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Level three is rare, and many see them as gifted.
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It is extremely rare for anyone at this level not to know they are gifted, and rarer still for them to not be dangerous in any element at this level; they should be watched but not feared, even in light; they can still be stopped, and most seem to want to live in peace but still be wary, as they can be hard to stop if pushed.
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Level four is very rare in beastkin and almost unheard of in humans.
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If blessed at this level, it is nearly a curse, as the power is now a weapon that can be used on anyone with little effort. That said, they should not be feared, for if the gods trust them at that level with such a gift, we must do the same lest we make the same monster we fear they become.
At this level, they’re mostly spoken of in rare cases, but if you cross one, remember your training and show respect unless forced otherwise.
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Level 5 is only spoken of in written legends from the past recorded in the ancient text.
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It is said only the rarest beasts, humans, or beastkin. Ever held that level of power, and where they went, only death followed. The gods regretted that level of power and never gave it again. Woe to all, the days the gods think it needed once more.
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He was surprised at the level of power; it put some things in perspective but was still a little vague in other things. He flexed his hand, trying to feel the magic.
Nothing.
The book said he would feel it if he tried… Thinking back at church, what the seer said. Something about…. It was not time yet, and I felt it fade.
He wanted to know more, but he dozed in between thoughts, never getting an answer.
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He woke early before the family, a rare change, so he started preparing breakfast to help out his mom and sister. They woke up soon after and thanked him for helping.
Over breakfast, before anyone left, he asked something he always wondered: “Why were they always so busy? I know there were other shops that did similar things, if not the same.”
Dad replied, ” It’s my reputation mostly to blame. I’m known in the city, and they liked trading with those they knew. Add to it rumors of a dungeon growing, and you have endless work and business.” His dad seems a bit indifferent to it all, I guess, since it has been an ongoing thing for years… But dungeons???
“Dungeon? Since when… I never heard such talk. And where!” Dad frowned at his son’s eagerness.
“If… you came to work at the shop, you’d hear it daily least for a week or so, he said, still grumpy from the long hours worked. His sister amusedly chimed in.
“It’s true, brother, but it’s not that exciting. Well, it’s good to have more options as it brings in many supplies and increases trade; it is still just a dungeon. They’re common in cities but much rarer to form outside them.” She looked less interested than Dad… but he needed more info.
“Have you been in one?”
“Goodness, no brother, I don’t fight; you know that I prefer to stay with my family, not adventure, but I have heard stories. Where do you think I got the bedtime stories to tell you as a kid?” He did not think about it; he just assumed she was good at making up adventures. He was more amazed to think the old stories could be true.
“You never said where it might be, though?” He was still wondering that.
“Hmmm, his dad said, rubbing his eyes. It was close to the lake, still a bit of a walk from it, but close enough.”
“Wow, does everyone know but me?” since his sister knew he was wondering why he did not…
He heard his mother hum and then spoke.
“I guess everyone but the kids knows by now? People talk, dear.” Wolf felt stung by being labeled with the kids, but it was true: you run and play you get left out of gossip.
Lena patted his head as she and Dad excused themself for the day. He helped his mother clean as she deserved a little break, and he did not help much with breakfast.
He figured he could focus on his books to kill time and learn; he did not just want to randomly wander today, at least not yet…
He opened the book he had read the night before, wanting to get some insight into how gods thought anything was better than assuming, as he still remembers the darkness looking at him and not being sure it was just the seer’s magic…
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Magic and the gods, levels one to five, by the church.
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The info on the gods is not restricted, though many things are lost to time, and few things are assumed from ancient texts; one thing that all agreed upon is the gods gave us magic, and the gods want a balance.
This book is meant to guide us, as freedom to choose is a major thing for the gods, so we as the church must embrace the same truth: remember, no god is evil; we abuse their gift and make what they give evil.
With that said, use this as a reference to help those new to magic have an easier time learning.
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Light god
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Loving wanting peace, they wish to spread the light; the main gifts from light tend to be healing. There are other light spells, even to a degree, strengthening the body.
The Light’s main desire was always selfless; the more you give freely, the stronger her blessing. Please note Light doesn’t want submission, merely helping others.
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Dark god
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Misunderstood as evil or hate, it seeks balance almost as much as the god of balance itself.
It tends to allow shadows and the ability to see what is hidden from others.
Darkness tends to bless those who seek to hide or be left alone while still pushing forward. Those gifted in darkness are most abused by those seeking to hurt others, but that is not by design but by the nature of evil itself.
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Fire god
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One would assume the god wishes all to burn as fire, but its desire is more passionate; it does tend to bless those seeking power and offers flames or buffs to the body.
Like darkness, it is abused by those of evil nature; the fire god just wishes for excitement. The more ambitious fire will bless you.
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Water god
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Water is closest to light in wishing to heal; it is unsure what allows the blessing, as it seems to just be as its nature and let things flow. Many think water blessing is random, as there is no text saying what influences its gifts.
Those with water tend to be strong healers or fight with water magic. There was even talk of water breathing and barriers, but unsure as water blessing tends to be rare.
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Air god
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Air gods tend to bless those who don’t care; the more aloof, the more likely to be blessed; air tends not to mind who follows them and cares more about living free like the wind.
Those blessed with wind tend to have a strong wind magic agility buff and the ability to feel things in the wind; despite the gifts, wind is also hard to control, according to reports like nature; it can be fickle when it works unless focused.
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Earth god
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Earth wishes to be grounded; the more you wish not to move and stay in one place or the more you have a single unmoving desire, the more likely Earth will bless you.
Earth tends to be immovable, like a solid rock, hard to break. Those blessed with Earth are more of a threat than other gods, as they can defend and attack with less effort and more power than others.
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Balance god
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The most misunderstood and ignored god is perhaps the strongest, as some texts hint at the gods needing balance to live, and it is why they sought a balance with humans and beastkin, the rarest gift to be blessed with. It is hard to say what they desire; it’s theorized that all gods have to agree to receive this blessing.
That said, because of its rare nature, it is unknown what influence who got it and why.
What is known is that in not one ancient or modern text has anyone used balance to affect the world like the other gods.
Balance cannot buff the body nor use magic like flames or water, etc. which is odd, as to be blessed by balance is to have all the gods' power, where no other god will bless a person a second time. Balance gets all blessings.
In exchange for such a handicap, balance gives the greatest power to alter items. The text is rare on what is allowed; some say weapons, others say giving blessings or upgrading people’s blessings.
Since these are the texts of the past, we fear the god did not like that and changed the balance to something new, perhaps?
Side note to any priest who reads this: please note this is meant as a guide; all magic grows and changes with time, and the gods are not bound to our whims; they seek a balance with us as we do with them.
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Wolf closed the book, which was a lot of info; he had a level four balance. According to the book, he should know easily how to use it, but he felt …. Nothing. It hurt a bit to read he was blessed by all the gods but had nothing; he did not want to dwell on it as he went to sleep for the night.
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The next day, he woke up late and went to the shop to try to see Dad. It was a slow day; it seemed he was lucky his dad saw him enter, surprised to see him.
“What brings you here, sons? It’s rare you just visit, not that I’m complaining.” Len, nearby, just smiled, waiting to see what he would say.
“I know I was too impulsive before, but I’m ready to learn alchemy.” Leena looked at Dad but said nothing.
Dad turned around and started moving items. “Why do you want to learn alchemy, son? Depending on your answer, I’ll still say you’re a child.” Wolf understood his dad wanted proof this was not a fickle desire, as it was not something that should be treated like a game.
“I have been reading the herb book, and I trust the hermit. He was a little weird, but he never caused problems in years. He wouldn’t teach a child anything to hurt others, and I can use it to help…” He watched his dad still stacking before trying once more.
“I feel this is something I can do and help the shop.” His dad interrupted him.
“You can already help the shop; it’s just you never want to.”
“ I don’t want to do what you do; it doesn’t mean I can’t help, and it lets me go my own way and have my own thing…"
"Maybe one day my own shop.”
“ Ambitious… for someone who never stays in the shop less forced.”
“Because it’s not what I want…”
“Like a child, you want to get your way, not a very mature son.” He was not sure what to say; he felt trapped, and no answer would be correct…
His sister saved him from his despair with a lifeline: “Dad, I trust Wolf, and he did what we asked with the schooling and church; he never defied you either…”
She defended him, and he was grateful. Dad sighed and turned to face him with a serious look. “This is not about trust; this is a responsibility. You make potions; you can harm people; it is not something you can take back, and assuming you do it and get good?"
"You are sought after non-stop for that gift. Unless you run away and are like a hermit."
“Dad… I got blessed.” Both Dad and Len were surprised by his words.
“How do you know, son?”
“ I went to the church the other day…” He stopped looking for the words he wasn’t planning to tell them, at least not like this.
“I see,” Dad said. “Well, it would explain why you were sad the other day, so which god?” He went back to stocking, losing interest.
“Balance.” Dad was silent and unmoving at that, and Len covered her mouth in surprise.
“A rare blessing, son, but I can see why you did not want it; you can’t do anything with it… "
"least not like other magics.” wolf nodded, spmber.
Leena was hurting for her brother and held him to give him comfort. Dad sighed again, stocking the display. once more
“Guess it makes sense you think alchemy can be tied to your magic, is that it?” He was surprised, as he did not think of that.
“No, Dad!“ He said it a little loud but not shouting. “I swear it wasn’t. I just accepted it and didn’t know how to tell you, but alchemy is …. It was like magic to me…”
“I’m not a child...young maybe, but not a child."
"The gods blessed me; it’s why I brought it up as proof they see me as worthy…" Leena let him go, seeing he was getting worked up. He saw it in her face, so he calmed down. She was just trying to love him, so was Dad…
“Sorry, Dad, but I meant it… Im……not a kid.”
Dad just stared at him for a bit. “I suppose I do push you too much and then give you freedom and complain you do nothing… "
"Okay, son, I’m just tired…"
"Maybe make me a tonic or potion to help with that… I think I’m getting old…" he said, defeated.
Leena squealed with joy for her brother, and Wolf grabbed his dad in a hug. “I promised I’ll train hard and make you stronger again.” Dad laughed at that.
“I said something to help make me less tired, not young again. I know I said I’m getting old, but I’m not that old," Len, still full of joy, asked.
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“Yuck, I never liked the stuff,” Dad protested. “Besides, energy drinks exist; they just cost too much to drink like water, but if my son can help his old man out? Well… “The good mood turned somber.
“I know the hermit is still around; he is one of the shipments I tend to get randomly, but how do you know he will still train you?"
"He could have an apprentice already or forgot he told you that…”
He was shocked as that cold truth hit him. He did not think that the old man did not wait for him, but if someone else went to him first, would he want two apprentices?
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