- Lessons in Magic

The two students sat next to each other, side by side, at a large desk in their manor's vast library. The tutor stood in front of them as he taught, pointing out figures and equations from the holographic display board behind him. The lights in the library had been dimmed to facilitate a more academic atmosphere similar to the arcane lessons of the past. The chill in the air had always been there, as the mansion was quite old.

"Now," stated the tutor with a clap of his hand. "Let's do a bit of a review, shall we?"

The older student, a pretty child with flaxen hair that was almost white, nodded. She was always an eager student, always hungering for more knowledge in the science of the arcane.

Her younger brother, a child of similar beauty but with dark brown hair that was almost red, merely looked on. Despite being a good student, he lacked the thirst for knowledge and drive of his older, more gifted sister.

"Which one of you can tell me what the four pillars of magic are?" asked the tutor.

The blond child answered quickly. "The four pillars of magic are solids, liquids, gas, and plasma."

"Very good," said the instructor. "As you may remember, these four states of matter are the foundations for all the spells that you will be casting. It is through the manipulation of electrons, temperature, and pressure, that allows us to initiate a phase shift. Thus, we are able to shape matter itself. That is what magic truly is. In fact, many call it the purest form of science.

"In ancient times, these pillars were called the four elements: earth, water, wind, and fire respectively. We have come a long way since then, and our methods are much more refined when compared to even the previous Age's. It is only through the diligent study of these methods that will allow you to be great and powerful scientists."

The old elf coughed before continuing. "Well, then, who can tell me what a phase affinity is?"

Once again, the blond student spoke up. "Phase affinity is a mage's specialization or area of expertise. They can focus on one of the four to become masters of that pillar."

"Correct, for the most part," the tutor said. "Though the term 'mage' is a bit archaic. I know it's still used in some circles, but it has no place in the scientific field. Please use the term 'scientist' from now on."

"Yes, sir," said the child.

"Now, why don't we see just how far in your affinities you two have come?"

Both children grinned, eager to get hands-on with actual spell crafting. They sat up higher in their seats and held their hands up, one palm facing each other. The young students then closed their eyes and began concentrating.

Within moments, an event began to occur. From the blond student's hands, a spark began to form. The spark began to get larger and larger until suddenly, currents of electricity started to flare up. Soon a single, unified current of lightning flowed from one of the girl's hands to the other.

Meanwhile, the boy also had sparks flaring up in his hands. The small sparks crackled and blazed, and eventually, they combined into one bright, orange flame.

"Good, good," said the tutor, the smile on his face matching the children's. "You shall both be great scientists in the future! That much is quite obvious to me."