1 First Spell

A blurry shift as if coming out of a dream... something's already being forgotten and others are there still fresh in the mind. Sensations different from before... some more striking than others all coming from a gentle release from sleep. 'My internal monologue is already starting huh? I can deal with the familiar anxiety coming from figuring out a new world but I could really do without this headache. Maybe I just need some water?

*dimly lit room with multiple small stacks of books and carving equipment strewn about*

*an empty type of echo that feels spacious*

I looked at the book in my right hand... some pages crumpled up from where I stopped reading. I open up to that page again while smoothing out the page. Now noticing a difference is in my hands than how they were before. I don't need to look in the mirror, I already know that this body is quite similar to the one I had before but the things that I'll see with these eyes will be much different. Whatever those strange symbols of the now blank page were must have triggered me into some kind of shock. The slight Cerulean burn marks along my arms through the blood vessel pathways and what I assume to be mana is seeping out of my pores.

*whips of glowing particles hissing out and a throbbing sensation at each branching artery and capillary*

The door to my room opens up so I noticed my aunt quickening their steps, only three quiet ones over a length of seven meters actually, then standing there by my bed with a horrified face at the backlash that wasn't supposed to happen if I stuck to the tradition set by our ancestors. We're both upset, she because I didn't follow that tradition, and myself because it's supposed to be very rare for that to happen at all considering it is only a warning meant to ensure younger individuals don't die from accessing their magic too early.

*heavy crimson colored waves of heatless energy in her aura*

I get slight chills from what I assume to be her killing intent that she's restricting so as to not give me another shock of a different kind. "You should have not gone to the family library! You should have listened to me. We've always been careful with your life! Do you not believe it to be precious?! What would we have done if you ended up dying like this- for all we know you might have already crippled your magic abilities."

*dull ache which deepens my already forming frown*

I was trying to respectfully listen to the reprimand but honestly I was getting distracted by the different aches and soreness from parts of me that I didn't even know were there. All along my spine and wherever my currently chilled blood is pumping through. The form of cool energy that I remember from my past life is more tangible in this body. Despite the pain in my arm I lift it up to motion for her to stop so I can explain myself. "No no, it's okay. My magick is still there. I can feel it." She gives me a disbelieving face. "What do you mean you feel your magic already? It's supposed to take days with meditation and some special herbs for you to start sensing magick without preparation. Your mana channels are already burnt." She peers her glimmering eyes at me then turns away with a pensive look. I scrunch up a bit from guilt. "I'm sorry auntie... I only wanted to get some kind of head start on my training even if it was only to look at what kind of concepts I would have started to study today."

*dull ache lessens but small muscles twitch*

The apologetic look I gave her was probably cute enough to ease her anger. *sigh* "The rest of the family and the servants are going to notice you know? I'll get a healing potion," she checks my pale-face while she starts to walk away and when she gets to the door she mentions again, "you probably need a Mana potion too.... get dressed and bring that book with you. I'll see you at the dining table. Try not to trip and fall to your death at the stairs on the way there."

*rises from bed and maneuvers around books*

My smile in response to that little exchange is a bit subdued now knowing what I know, who I am. Much to be surprised about but it is a happy one. I know I can adapt, I know what I can use and likely all I need to do is trust in myself with each new encounter or whatever this world has for me. I let my mind wander while I move myself to do what I've always done here. Wash my face, change out to clean undergarments, put on a comfortable robe and try picking out some matching trousers. The obsidian amulet that is always there around my neck and a satchel in which I place the book I got from the library. The only thing different was my purposely done messy hair I now have compared to the combed style I would normally wear. My slightly curly dark brown hair is medium long but shrinks enough to not get in my eyes. Which look exactly the same as those of my past life. A dark ridged crown of pigment in my iris that looks to extend how my pupil looks is still there but I think I saw something similar in my aunt's eyes.

*puts on leather boots that are unnaturally comfortable and surprisingly springy*

'Today it's my 14th birthday; the day where I'm supposed to figure out what to do in this family and likely practice some of the family magicks. I'm the only heir so I'll have more freedom in my choices. Whether that be to devote myself entirely to training, practice poison or potion brewing, involve myself with the activities of the thief guild or mercenaries of the family or really just go adventuring with the condition that I continue to keep strong ties with my relatives and those that will support me.'

'I should probably introduce myself if I'm to continue this internal monologue. I'm Sebastion Ondular-Oscura. I'm the 13th generation since my family's rise after poisoning this continent's drinking supply with curse tablets. Though nobody would publicly acknowledge that, especially since we restricted any curse removing items from getting into the hands of any of those who didn't know any better. We're quite proud of that actually. The Matriarch at the time geniusly decided to join the family together with some warlocks and witches that lived around the waterways. The timing was opportune after the largest war due to several kingdoms being involved with the battles for succession where they interfered with one another. A wonderful wedding that resulted in the family name we now have. One that I will gladly make sure continues, starting with my Introduction to whichever spell and specialized skill I will focus on this next year or so.'

*pass through the hallway with eerily silent taps on the carpeted floor and sunlight coming in from the row of windows higher than my head*

While I walk down the stairs I reference many stories and fictional settings to use as inspiration for experiments meant to improve my strength or at least keep me occupied when I'm immersing myself in this fantastical world. Sensations I turn the corner and stop myself once I reach the double doors leading to the dining room that is normally used for events only. Calm down my thoughts, breathing to the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, then breathe out the mouth for 8. Let your body naturally follow the release of tension in the shoulders, neck, jaw and straighten up your spine.

This will be fun. I push both doors open and walk steadily towards the head of the table opposite to my eldest aunt. Dark wood furniture and intricate tapestries of flower fields and mountain rivers. Three others sitting close to her. The youngest, Cassandra, having a somewhat pained expression. She helped me get the book so I understand the look but honestly I feel fine. 'Oh wait a moment.' *notices potions* I take my time drinking the blue vial and red bottle of syrupy, spicy liquids. Some sparkly effects show up on my skin and the sensory equivalent to sparkles circulates through my body. 'Much better.'

The maids of the manor begin setting down platters of different food and bowls of fruits. Younger servants pouring the drinks for us all along the table. There are those that manage different parts of the systems in place to securely continue whatever things we have set up going in the city and nearby territories. A few mages by the doorways and others that check for poison in the dishes before they are brought out. Each with the same robe but different adornments to their person which are likely magick items.

Everyone stays quiet since they only talk about what they're doing amongst themselves and they know I like quiet moments during meals. Nobody asks about my new scars. I'm halfway through my meal and on my second cup of mixed berry tonic before the one at the other end of the table, Jane, speaks up about what everyone will do while I am brought to the underground area of the manor.

I remember her as the one that gave me this necklace meant to protect me and my first cup of wine. Couldn't help but give her a smile. When she looks at me, she tells me, "We'll perform the inheritance ritual and you will choose how you'll start establishing your path in magic and what spell focus you are meant to attune. I know your parents would have been so very happy to be there with you during the ritual and your lessons. Well, we know they are watching from the aether."

The meal continues with only subdued conversation among those at the table. So far I've noticed, after my 4th plate, my appetite has likely Increased for some reason. I find it funny actually .The only ones that seem to notice are the maids and my aunts. This might be some kind of metabolism requirement for the damage to my body or it is some kind of main character syndrome where an unknown power needs more resources to be used at the most opportune time. That one page that was mysteriously blank after reading it might be related. From what I know about this world, there exists chakra, spirits, auras, the elements of nature and more noticeable manifestations of magick. Even before my memories resurfaced I was incredibly interested in crafted items and lore about the different powers people could develop here.

My nerdy side will have a lifelong vacation in this place of swords, sorcery and stories of either myths or more recent adventures that I may take part in myself. I've been training since 7 years old in what I would have talent in. The system that everyone here believes to be normal shows only a few things. The level with everyone starts at is one with a hundred being the limit. If anybody has an item or skill that could appraise people then they would see what they have mastered, what they will have talent in and innate skills that they will be able to pick up as easily as breathing. When I was born it was a strange situation of my birth chart and star being special. Two actually, one bright star and another colored purple with a celestial body in the sky denoting my connection to powerfully deep magick.

Normally in a family bloodline, what your ancestors are known for is what results in you having talent in it. That which is surely your own would be innate. Whether that be magic rune understanding, skills or your body's affinity to martial abilities. Of my family name, my Ondular ancestors are powerful water witches with connections to powerful old deities while still being unproblematic like other cultists. My Oscura ancestors were pirates, rogues and mercenaries with talent in dark elemental magick. Known for hunting monsters and bounty targets alike . But what's surprising for them was that my innates were water and dark magick. Spears along with the dagaz rune as well. With talent in a form of magick of telekinesis called pressure, thrown weapons and my birth runes, kenaz and fehu.

An abnormal amount but all the same as my family was happy. I grew up relatively happy though I lost my parents at 4 to enemies of the family and started training with weapons and how to wear armor at 7. With the same tendency to be quiet though excitable. Honestly, now that I think of it, even how my brain and body works in the past life is somewhat similar. Prescribed potions involving lemon balm and hemp for depression with mana-rich lavender capsules for anxiety and insomnia. An apparent cost for the continuation of family magicks. I guess the psychotic breaks in my past life translates into talent in spellwork here.

On top of that I've learned deep speech and elven. As a result, I developed a habit of humming often and trend to medicinal herbs in a small garden. My tendency to read everyday, appreciating the craft of any bards and magick item makers. The population of my family's territories have a large number of half-elves and beastkin So it's inevitable that we would appreciate the cultures of others. It's only in far away areas that there are kingdoms since we took part in removing the concept of nobles in this land. That may be why we have the loyalty of those that made their home here. We have at least some morals when it comes to the actions of the thieves guild and how the economy is structured. No one goes hungry though many visitors get anxious when they reach for their cups. Might be the assassinations by poison and our past achievements. It's a bit of a running joke among the family to make an obvious hand gesture over goblets of hired adventurers or individuals related to nobility. It gets less funny when some of those instances are actual poisonings disguised as a jest. Yet we're still laughing here.

Those at the table dismiss themselves until it's only my aunts and I. We have nothing we need to say. I get up from my seat and follow them to a part of the manor nobody goes to; the tombs where a large stone staircase leads down to a shadowy area covered in enchantments meant to stop anyone from continuing further. Once past the marble doors we appear in an area with candles which continuously melt and reform in a loop with pale red flames upon the wicks. Rings of steps pressed into the stone floor with all sorts of arcane symbols and geometry. Floating piles of sage. Smoke covering the entirety of the ceiling in dense clouds. Once I step into the circle everything became a blur. As I finish words I don't remember saying, I notice my aunt handing me the family ring to put on my right hand ring finger. A white gold coiled ring stylized as turbulent streams with thin spikes almost bisecting the star ruby from the sides to keep it secure.

*shimer of a symbol similar to the star of chaos*

I am handed a stone tablet with the names and descriptions of what spells I would be allowed to learn to begin developing the foundation for how I'll train myself which my mana will adapt to. Something similar to eldritcht blast, a darkness weapon enchantment, an explosive water-based spell, something that uses aura with the concept of malice and even one meant to be used by highly skilled members of the thieves guild but the one I choose is supposed to be the most difficult to learn or at least most intense. A look at my still marred hands showing from my robe sleeves causes unease among my family members but they aren't supposed to dissuade me based on the teachings of family tomes.

*surprisingly loud steps out of the circle and rustling of robes*

I am brought to a chamber designed best for learning dark spells with a scroll describing the spell and all the additions of past generations. The one I'm learning is a powerful necrotic energy-based attack simply called Curse. Reaching the limits to what one's first spell should be and the basis for stronger curses like what was used to create the curse tablets placed around sources of water without traces of fish. Though with my ancestors' use of it being intentionally discreet, this form of curse is sudden and destructive. I enjoyed reading the scroll, thinking of other pieces of information that I know of and now learned to solidify my visualization of casting Through my body's energy field and it's connection to natural power. After 2 hours of practicing with my imagination,

*whispers and vague cold figures drift about the room*

I walk over to a small chest made of bone and scaled leather of inky purple. Two circles light up when my hands hover over them and manifest spheres originating from my wrists with a dagaz rune in each once. I place my palms down. Arrays and lines connect to the lock made of horn that I did not notice until now. The room darkens and I hear a heavy click as the chest opens. Placed inside is my obsidian necklace based on the silver cord except it is no longer rough stone coiled by an enchanted tiny lavender plant. Now it is a polished pendant of an 8 pointed star on one side and it's engraving on the back with the lavender plant altered in some weird way with darkened crystalline stalks circling the star with flowers crowning the top with interweaving petals forming a larger flower with an uncountable number of petals.