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tagging: @superwaywardangel, @gingerly-writing, @falling-rivers, @spacebrick3, @arynneva, @aroaceinyourface, @logthatdata, and more!
Alright, according to my notes, it’s just about time for the story to begin. Now, before we get started, we should review some very important things.
What we discuss while this story unveils you might want to keep secret. You could tell people, but then I’d tell you to expect more than a few weird looks and questions about your mental stability. If that’s what you were aiming for, go ahead!
I personally find that keeping the ongoings of Everless a much more favorable (and easier!) solution.
Secondly, I hope you don’t find yourself at a loss with all the information the story requires, I understand that there’s quite a bit you don’t know, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn! Learning is very important and you can count on me to be a wonderful teacher!
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
The Melpomene dorm was the school’s oldest dorm, the first one built and the smallest to boot. It wasn’t used as often as the other dorms, only really being used if there were too many students. Or given to a very particular type of students, which was quite rare but not unwelcome. Usually.
For one reason or the other, Kalavathi, Juli, and Ardis found themselves assigned to the dorm, taking residence alongside six others.
Taking the other suite on the single floor of the dorm was a quartet of second-year students who seemed very...odd.
While we know that there is much more to the world than humans, these people seemed to barely pass as such.
Oh yes, and filling out the fourth slot in their room was a girl named, hm, really? One moment, let me check this.
Right, yes, yes, that’s actually her name? Wow.
Filling out the fourth slot in their room was a girl named “Mary Sue”. Yes, really. I can’t believe it either.
The final person in the dorm was their “RA”, resident advisor. A relatively charming demon-type who rarely fit the assumed archetype for demons. Don’t let the horns fool you, they’re very nice. You see, however, the problem with demon names is that they’re written and pronounced in a script which is also used in magic, usually demonic specific magic. It’s not hard to say words in that script normally, but those not trained to know the difference usually face some problems.
Their name will damn any normal human that attempts to say it to another realm in which no one has ever been able to return to, so when I tell you, don’t say it out loud.
It’s Tattvagyega. They usually go by Tatti or Cels. They visit me frequently and we talk about the people trapped there. Cels visits them to apologize and bring snacks. They make a mean sugar cookie, you should try them one day.
Apologies, that was off-track, let’s focus on our main trio, yes?
Kalavathi was the first, as usual, to arrive. “So, this is my new home,” she thought aloud, as she was prone to do. “Could be worse,” she shrugged, pulling the school-provided luggage cart behind her as she walked up. Kal pulled the keys to the dorm out, this building is so old they have keys instead of cards, scary, I know. She unlocked the door, entering the quaint and warm building. She walked in backwards, in order to properly pull the cart in.
“Hello!” A voice called out to her, “Welcome! I’m your RA, Cels Ev’rals. You are?” Kal didn’t answer for a moment as she yanked the cart into the building.
“My name’s Kala—” she cut herself off with a panicked scream when she finally turned around. Cels was a demon, a Southern Demon to be exact, which meant deep red skin and curly, ram-like, horns. I can see why that would be a bit scary, especially for someone like Kal who managed to make it this far without realizing that Evenfall wasn’t normal.
Cels frowned, cocking their head to the side before glancing down. “Aw man, I forgot my glamour, didn’t I?” They, in fact, had but with a quick rambling recitation of their glamour spell, the young demon appeared far more human. A deep tan and messy brown hair replaced their demonic visage. “Better?” they asked.
Kal stared blankly for a moment, running through what had just happened in her mind. As rational as she usually was, she had had a sneaking suspicion that Evenfall wasn’t normal, one that was just confirmed. Taking into account that information she groaned. Quite loudly as she crouched to the floor.
Cels took a step forward, unsure how they could help.
“Kalavathi Nayri, I prefer Kal and I’m a Computer Science and Graphic Design double major.” She took a moment to regain her composure and stand. “On my acceptance, it said W, Creation. I have no idea what that means.”
“Oh, Creation Witch?” Cels offered, glancing at his list, “That matches up. You’re our only second circle. Nice.”
Kal opened her mouth to ask questions.
“Wait till orientation, they’ll explain better than I can.”
“Alright,” Kal nodded. “Nice to meet you, by the way, Cels,” she said, offering a hand to shake. Cels beamed as they accepted the handshake.
It was now that our second and third main characters finally managed to make their first appearances in considerably less fanfare than Kalavathi.
Ardis pushed the door open, scanning the room with a hesitant expression. Or, rather, it seemed like a mostly blank one, but that’s because Ardis isn’t the best at facial emotions. I can relate, Ardis, so don’t feel bad.
“Hello?” He called out to the two. “Uh, I’m here to move in?”
Cels waved, “Hello, welcome!” They took a few steps back, giving room for Kal and Ardis to adjust their carts, along with a third person, whom as previously mentioned, is Juli. “Welcome to Evenfall, if I can get you two’s names, I can leave you alone to unpack before your orientations.”
“Ardis Akiya-Blair, freshman Astrobiology major.”
“The Nature Witch,” Cels said aloud as they checked it off, “And you?”
“Juli Cárdenas Rivera Silva Vicente,” she answered without hesitation, “Major is currently undecided.”
“The Voice Witch, nice to meet you guys. Let me know if you have any questions! This right here,” they pointed at the entrance right beside the group, “is actually your suite. Four rooms, a full kitchen, and a common area. We’ll deal with rooming agreements tomorrow, you guys relax tonight and have fun at orientation.” Cels gave them a charming smile, as they were prone to do, smile before heading off.
“Uh, they’re not human,” Kal said as she faced the group. “Are you human? You look human but I’m not sure what to trust anymore.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m human,” Ardis nodded, “I found out about the magical thing, which might make me not human.” He shrugged, “My name’s Ardis, by the way.”
“Kalavathi, but you can call me Kal,” she answered on instinct, “Thinking about it now, I probably shouldn’t be that surprised that this school isn’t normal.”
“Yeah, I kind of just came because it was in-state for me. Magic was not expected,” Juli admitted, “Call me Jules, nice to meet you guys! We’re suitemates it seems, huh?” She grinned at them, “Then that means we gotta team up to figure out everything new we’re gonna experience.” Ah, fortunately, Jules was at the very very confident end of her confidence spectrum. Good, that’s going to help today.
There was a beat of silence and before anyone could speak, the door swung open.
“Of course, I get this kind of dorm,” someone groaned loudly as they entered.
Ah, yes, her. Mary Sue stepped into the building, her blonde hair tied up into a ponytail. A somewhat ridiculous expression of apparent irritation. Her scowl got worse as she looked around as if she had heard something.
She eyed the group, “Do you know where the RA is?”
The three pointed in the direction Cels had gone in. Without even any thanks, she walked off to find Cels.
Jules frowned lightly, but shrugged, “Hey, anyone have a preference about their rooms in the suite?”
“Let’s get into the suite first, then pick,” Kal offered, “We should head over for orientation afterward.” Aw, Kal’s trying to socialize. I’m so proud of her!
Orientation took place in the school’s amphitheater, the heart of Evenfall University’s campus and a typically beautiful place which students often used as a hangout spot.
However, now, as the sun was slowly beginning to set, students of all types that made up the freshman class were finding seats on the grass. Many whispering between each other, trying to figure out what was going on.
Not too long after our trio arrived, taking seats close to the stage, did they notice the two professor-looking adults milling about on the stage itself.
“What school does their orientation when it’s getting dark?” Kal murmured, “On top of that, what school makes their freshman wait until the day after orientation to sign up for classes?”
“It’s certainly weird,” Ardis nodded, “The school’s seemingly pretty well functioning, so I don’t think there’s much cause for worry.”
Before Kal could respond, there was a small commotion. The two professors scrambling off the main stage before an explosion of smoke erupted and spilled out of nowhere.
Lights were the first thing visible. Shapes on the grass, ones that began to light up everywhere.
A line within a triangle within a square within a pentagon, all starting from the very top of the pentagon with a small dot in the center. Ah, yes, the Five Circles of Magic! A lovely symbol.
Once the smoke dissipated, there stood a woman, brightly smiling and illuminated by the sigil beneath her feet.
“Welcome to Evenfall University!” The woman waved, “My name is Suvati Kair and I’m the Dean here at Evenfall.” Ah, yes, Suvati. Her flair for the dramatics will never end, it seems. “I’m sure many of you have questions, so allow me to explain.” With a flick of her wrist and a recitation of something that wasn’t exactly English, lights began to flicker to life around her, fifteen to be exact. “It might come as a surprise to some, though I imagine at least a few of you have figured it out, but Evenfall is home to one of many magical universities devoted to providing a place of education and safety to all students. We also work to find students with Nevermore heritage or magical background in order to educate them on their identity and abilities.” She pointed at one of the professors, “Dr. Avali here will take over to discuss the basics of what Nevermore and Everless are.”
Dr. Avali, an Angel, and not exactly the type you’ve read about, though I can see why you’d think that, with the fluffy white wings and all, took center stage.
“Hello, my name is Dr. Alex Avali, I’m a professor here, I teach a variety of mathematics classes along with the Angelic Educa class here at Evenfall University,” he began, his voice managing to ring throughout the amphitheater yet remain soft. He’s using a vocal enchantment charm, to explain. Alex loves those things, he doesn’t have to raise his voice for people to hear him. “We’ll start with what is Everless. The answer? This.” He waved his arms around, “Here is Everless. This town, this country, this continent, this world, this solar system, galaxy, universe.” Dr. Avali listed.
He glanced around, not seeing enough understanding in the students. I know I could explain it far better, but he continued. “We are the other side of the pond, but I don’t mean across the pond. Everless is the place when you jump into the pond and emerge on the other side. The other side to us is Nevermore, the birthplace of magic.”
Kal leaned forward, entranced. She didn’t need to spare a glance to her new roommates to know that they shared in her wonder.
Taglist, asked to be added or removed: @spacebrick3, @no-url-ideas-tho, @arynneva, @superwaywardangel, @likeicarusifall @aschenink, @writing-for-the-batfam, @ekrizdis, @wiccanchester
Origins of Everless Magic
- magic originated in Nevermore
- a link was created between Nevermore and Everless in the 1450s.
- originally magic was very well-known, shared between people easily, although only a limited number of people had access to any form of magic.
- it was only in the early 1500s that Everless magic was classified and given names.
- for the early times, informal universities were established in order to teach students magic. (actual schools began to pop up in the very late 1800s)
- the number of those able to connect with Nevermore magic was far higher than the modern times.
- previously it was about .05 of the population, dropping down to .01 over the course of the early 1600s.
- nevermore and nevermore-aligned people dropped even further, almost being completely eliminated in Everless.
- Everless magic was organized heavily and recorded in great detail after this point.
a note written: we can do more magic than our circles! (recommended after taking the circle magic class)
Interactions with Outsiders
- during the late 1500s, a time of persecution occurred towards the magic and people of both Everless and Nevermore.
- Called the ‘Midnight Era’, it represented a shift from public knowledge of magic to the underground and secretive nature now considered normal.
- during this era, the violence and deaths near brought the end of Everless.
- during this era, privacy and secrecy spells were created, becoming some of the first types of spells and potions taught to those learning magic.
- during this era, witches ceased sharing information about magic to all and any outsiders.
- during the 1600s, the era of the Salem Witch Trials, the need to seek out and educate people with magic that were unaware of it was made essential.
- schools were created with the hope of protecting students, both aware and unaware from the threats that come from having magic.
- finally, during the mid-1900s, an outcropping of people calling themselves “Hunters” arose, threatening the safety of Everless and Nevermore alike. (more detail given in Defensive Magic classes)
- “be careful with whom you trust, it’s a difficult thing to have to deal with, but magic and society do not mix easily.” <- direct quote
Evenfall University is holding an incoming student question and answer session! Send in questions that you would like answered by our Student Center Staff!
Send an ask or reply/reblog to this post to get your questions added to the list that will be answered on 27 April.
Chapter Three already? I fear I’m becoming far too like Rajesh Shurv. That’s a tragedy but nonetheless! Chapter Three. I’ve always been partial to odd numbers, they deserve more love, I would say. I’d call this a more peaceful chapter but you never know with these kids. We’ll get through this and then get to the action, that what people are interested in these days, isn’t it?
Let me just get us another cup of tea, it’ll be delightful with some of Tatti’s cookies, they gave me some to share during their last visit.
“You really want to make dinner together?” Kal asked, despite having already gone to the campus store for supplies.
“Of course!” Jules nodded, “My mom always says that making something together is the best way to make friendships.” It was a fair idea, and fortunately, the trio before us were the kind of people to get involved in community cooking. “I asked Mary, but she refused.”
“Mary…she’s kind of weird,” Ardis said, “We’re in class together for Fifth Circle Magic.”
“Oh! How did that go for you guys?” Kal fiddled with a strand of hair. She wasn’t very good at starting conversations. “That whole Guardian ritual was a bit overwhelming. Wasn’t it?”
“I thought it was cool,” Jules laughed, as she grabbed vegetables to start cutting. “I was chosen by Fye? So I feel special.”
You are, Jules. You are.
“To be honest,” Kal started, “I don’t know how to really feel about any of this. How am I supposed to believe in something that I’m just being told is mysterious and mystical?” Well, I can agree it is quite a change. I wasn’t totally a believer myself for quite some time, so I’m on her side.
“I guess it’s easier because I was able to tap into some of it before I even came here,” Ardis thought aloud. “I’ve always been used to going with the flow, so magic was just exciting.” Ardis was watching Jules cut, not sure where or what to do. Kal handed him some lettuce.
“Rip this apart, just enough for a salad,” Kal ordered, “I get where you’re coming from, but it just hasn’t sunk in for me yet.”
“Fair enough,” Jules nodded, “But...can I ask, what’s the Second Circle class like?”
Kal took a moment to find a word for what her first class had been like. “A lot of theory,” she said. “After we got through talking about the Guardians and familiars, it was mostly just concept-wise what it meant to be attuned to creation or destruction.”
“That sounds fun,” Jules hummed, “I like the Fifth Circle though, I find it accurate that I’m a ‘Voice Witch’.” She paused her cutting of vegetables to put air quotes around her title.
“Really?”
“Yeah! I like to sing,” Jules grinned. “It’s fun, though I wonder if the magic has anything to do with it now.” Carefully now, Jules. If you’re keeping your semi-popular internet musician identity a secret, then you shouldn’t give up too much!
“That’s pretty cool though,” Ardis pointed out, “I just dance, not really related to nature or anything.”
“They did mention that Second Circle people tend to be creative,” Kal recalled, “I do art, so I guess it’s accurate.”
“Wow, are we a suite of artists?” Jules laughed, “You think Mary does anything?” No.
“I don’t think so, based off our few interactions,” Kal shrugged, she was in the middle of stirring noodles. It’s quite important to not overcook your noodles. I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve forgotten that I had noodles cooking.
Oh, wait. Oh, dear. I’ll be right back.
Alright, no noodles cooking. Shall we continue?
“Anyways, so, Juli you said your Guardian was Fye?” Kal questioned, trying to return to the topic she had accidentally moved away from.
“Yep!” Jules bounced on her heels, “Exciting! What about you two?”
“Ravere?” Kal recalled with a slight frown.
“Sair,” Ardis answered a moment later.
There was a silence. Rather than an uncomfortable one, it was one made by teenagers that were all awkward in their own right and anxious enough about living together in a very new place. It had only been a few days, but those days were filled by quite a lot of new information. I don’t blame them for being overwhelmed, I was, once upon a long long time ago.
“Are the noodles ready?” Jules suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
“Oh, yeah!” Kal nodded, jumping back into action, “Just need to put them in bowls. Should we make a plate for Mary?”
“That would be considered nice,” Jules said, though it wasn’t really an answer. The trio started placing things on the small, pre-provided table in the little area that could be called a kitchen and dining room.
Quiet chatter was there to finally replace the silence. Talk of majors and classes. Discussion of familiars and wondering when they could appear. None of them knew about magic very deeply, which made it quite stressful.
They all seemed to forget about their wonderful room advisor Tatti, who as a third-year and resident of the Nevermore knew quite a lot about what familiars were.
“Familiars are cool,” Jules said, “Not only cool but helpful! We’re in a whole new world, it’ll be cool to have someone there to be, like, a companion.”
“You have a point,” Kal nodded, “I mean, it wouldn’t be bad. Just when my professor described it, she made it seem a little...scary? The idea of having someone just able to talk to you in your head?”
“Telepathy, I wonder if Mind Witches can do that….” Ardis murmured, looking down as he thought. Ardis was quite interested in learning about more than just his circle. A very good trait to have. However, the moment he realized that he had spoken aloud, he jumped. “Uh, yeah. I don’t know, I guess I just find it all too interesting to be worried?” Poor Ardis, always fretting over what he says.
Kal snickered, a smile on her face. “I like you, Ardis.” She paused before panic overtook her face. “I mean, I mean, I like how you think!” Kal corrected, “I like how you think, not like you, but I mean I like you but not like like you….” she trailed off, seemingly realizing how unnecessarily flustered she had gotten. “Ignore me, really.” Then there’s Kal, fumbling rather than fretting.
Ardis shook his head, “Don’t worry, I like you too!”
“You guys are cool!” Jules said with a level of confidence that while frequent was much more than what she had shown so far. “We’ve only really just met but I think we’re all gonna get along wonderfully!”
“I wonder if we can do that with the fourth musketeer,” Kal mumbled under her breath, eyeing the door to Mary Sue’s room.
“On that note, we should explore the forest outside our dorm!”
“No!” Ardis and Kal both answered at the same time. Oh, I’ve heard that simultaneously answering things is a sure sign of friendship! Or at least, that’s what that friendship-making book that Cavallo bought me. I’m not quite sure if she intended to mock me or thought I’d appreciate it. Regardless, I added it to my collection of “books about people interaction” for later use in my work.
Jules pouted, “Why not?”
“It’s clearly dangerous,” Kal said.
“Tatti told us not to go in there!” Ardis added.
“It’s dark.”
“We definitely aren’t equipped to deal with anything that could be in there!”
“It’s gonna be really dark.”
“Yeah! It’ll be dark!” Ardis nodded fervently. Clearly, the two weren’t interested in what risks and danger could lie in the admittedly mysterious and frequently deadly forest. I often went in there myself. I wonder if my hidden hideaway spot is still there.
I would check if I still could. However, it’s quite an adventure!
“It could be fun…,” Kal said suddenly.
Jules’s eyes lit up. This was her chance!
“Yes! Adventure!” She insisted, “We’re at college. Magical college! What’s the harm in taking a few risks here and there?”
“We haven’t even been here a week and you want to go into the dark and mysterious and scary woods?” Ardis questioned.
“She has a point,” Kal shrugged, “Even if I’m not totally on board when has adventure hurt anyone?” There was a glint in her eyes, one that signaled a sort of flip of a switch. From a more logical rational Kalavathi to the Kal that wanted to do much more than sit in a classroom quietly for another four years. The dark might not be enough to discourage her now.
It was at this point, that Ardis may have given up on any type of peace in his college life. I’m rather surprised he didn’t sense this danger earlier. Maybe he didn’t realize that Kal would join Jules on the side of “reckless adventure”, certainly anyone that didn’t know about her life as Razz would assume that she was a very rational person.
Kal herself knew she was being a touch irrational. She had read enough adventures to know that going into that forest would likely not be a walk in a park, yet she found herself compelled to do it anyways.
It was a small act of rebellion, considering her ‘secret identity; as Razz.
Ardis leaned back in his chair. “Adventure tends to go wrong,” he pointed out, “If we’re going to do something that dangerous, can we at least wait until we know a bit more about magic? Like, when we know some more ‘here’s how to not die’ stuff?”
“Boring, but fine,” Jules grinned. Ardis, you can’t just give in like that! He needs to try a little harder, I would say. Maybe that will be his character development? However, as of now, Ardis just sighed and smiled weakly.
Possibly dangerous adventure just wasn’t his forte. He was much better at low-risk things, like wearing a green hoodie and a face mask with a lime on it to go dance-offs and show off.
Yes, really. Ardis thinks he’s boring. We have quite the interesting cast of people before us. Let’s see how long they last without uncovering themselves as the identities they work so hard to keep hidden.
Moving on, as we often do, the trio finished up, cleaning their dishes before heading off into their own rooms.
You have to have some ‘me time’ after all, especially at college!
Jules was in her Fifth Circle Magic class again that morning, when those odd people in the corner approached her. She had greeted them during the first class, to no response. She had greeted them every one of them before every one of the few classes that they had had together, yet every attempt resulted in no response. Not the type to give up, she had greeted them again before heading to her desk.
Now, shockingly, the four people stood before her. None of them spoke, rather simply handing over folded slips of paper before walking off back to where they sat.
The first one warned her to read them alone, or at least not let others read what they contained. Jules, being less rational than her roommates or friends, quickly planned to read the notes the moment she was out of class.
Before that, those aforementioned friends arrived. Asha Ocean, Melissa Nguyen, and Ásvaldr Lykke. Yes, she made friends that quickly. I’m quite proud.
“Hey, Jules!” Asha waved, “What was that?” She pointed at the group leaving. “Did they talk to you?” Asha was an Energy witch, with eyes bright enough to prove it. She insists the shine is natural, but we all know she uses a spell to do so. Don’t tell her I told you that, however! I quite like her visits and would quite prefer them to continue peacefully.
Jules paused, “Kind of, they just looked at me, I think I’ve gained their approval?”
Ásvaldr snickered, “I feel like that’s probably the most magical thing that could happen here.” Ásvaldr, a good kid, if a bit of a trickster type. He often tells me about his escapades, doing things that he certainly shouldn’t be able to do. “Trust me, I’ve grown up in magic, and mysterious people talking to you is the first sign of danger.”
“You think everything is dangerous,” Melissa scolded, “But you insist on doing it anyways!”
“Danger is fun! It’s adventure!” Ásvaldr argued, “Right Jules?” He waved in the direction he had heard her voice in.
Jules could only grin. “Absolutely! My roommate thinks it’s a bad idea to go explore the woods near our dorm.”
Ásvaldr’s expression dropped, “Wait, you live in the dorm by the West Evenfall forest, don’t you?”
“I think so? Unless there are more forests by dorms,” her light tone contrasted the seriousness of Ásvaldr as he continued to speak.
“Haven’t you heard the story of Dean Ailan Creek?” Ah, yes, Ailan. The ‘k’ in his last name is silent, he used to hate it when people called him “Creek”. He was very particular about it. My name is often said wrong, I never made a big fuss like he did.
“Ásvaldr, she’s a Initus, remember?” Melissa said. I never quite got behind the use of “Initus” to refer to new students of magic but that’s Western Arcane Theory for you. Evenfall has their preferences and I have one as well.
“Right, right,” Ásvaldr nodded, “So, I guess we get to be the ones to tell you the story about the last Dean of Evenfall.”
“This is before Dean Kair, she took over after him,” Asha helpfully supplied.
“It’s a very dramatic story, with mystery and intrigue!” Ásvaldr started, only to be interrupted immediately by Melissa.
“The Dean went after a girl who had gotten lost and he never returned. The girl that was missing did, however. She said she never saw him.”
“Lis! That was my story!” Ásvaldr pouted, “Move so I can punch your shoulder.” The three, if I can remember correctly, are childhood friends, all born into Everless and magic, which makes this class quite easier for all of them, it would seem.
Jules giggled as she watched the two friends bicker. She wasn’t quite fazed by the fact that someone might have passed away or disappeared into the forest.
Or, rather, she was too committed to the idea to give it up just yet. She wasn’t going in alone after all.
“While the Dean did disappear a few years ago, it’s not necessarily dangerous, other than rumors and apparent scandals,” Asha offered reassuringly. “I wouldn’t personally recommend it, though.”
“So, you’re saying I could?” Jules asked.
“Not ex—”
“Thanks, Asha!”
Unfortunately, it was at this moment that the professor entered the room.
Jules was not only frequently confident, but also frequently stubborn.
