Under the Light of the World at War: Early Chapter 39

The knocking on my door woke me up and I grumbled rubbing my eyes. 

“Dorah! Wake up!”

“I’m up!” I called, but it came out muffled. This pillow was like forty sizes too big and it swallowed my face… I groaned a bit and rolled until with a yelp I fell free and found myself on surprisingly warm stone.

But it was hard, harder than the wood floors of my room.

Another reminder that this wasn’t home.

My door opened and Mama looked in, seeing me sprawled on the bed covered in bedding, and she just looked at me for a minute before smiling.

“Sleep well?”

“Not really.” I admitted. I’d stayed up too late casting Blessing of Wisdom over and over.

Speaking of. 

I cast it again.

[Blessing of Wisdom Lv 4 12/40]

Unfortunately it was ramping up in cost, but considering how quickly it helped me fill back up on Mana it was worth it to focus on the spell for a while.

Mama blinked at me casting a spell from the ground.

“Oookay. Come on, breakfast is ready.”

“Food sounds good.” I admitted as I pushed myself free, picked up the bedding and put it back on the bed and then hurried after. Yawning a bit as I did. 

Another Blessing of Wisdom popped up over my head as I cast it. I still had Mana for more casts after all.

We left our little wing of the house and went back into the north wing, and there as if nothing had changed, El’Tela was sitting at a table, the sun coming in from the morning light and sipping her tea and eating the same pastry she always did.

It almost caused me to stall out, but instead I smiled at the familiar sight.

I ran over, despite Papa sitting at a different table around the room, the room had little nooks and each had their own little table, and now I knew what it was for. 

But I stopped in front of El’Tela grinning, and then just because, I cast Blessing of Wisdom on myself again.

“Child.”

“So I’ve been doing some work on my new Blessing of Wisdom spell. I’ve managed to improve it a little, even though it’s a Light spell, and while it isn’t perfect, I can probably do a little Spell Refinement on it. I’m not sure how well the Light handles that, but some of spell is still… Like a spell? No, the activation is still magic I guess I could say.”

“Ah, you mean the Mana transition and activation of the spell can still be refined.”

“Right! That!” I agreed and took a seat practically bouncing. “So I’ll keep working on that, cause it really fills up my Mana fast, which means I can practice more spells!” I gushed, and she hummed at me, and then pulled out a paper and a charcoal pen.

“Show me.”

“Can do!” I chirped.

“Dorah? Breakfast.” Mama said firmly, and I looked up.

“Just one sec!” I said even though she wasn’t happy. I quickly started sketching out the new Blessing of Light, considering it was like 99% not an Arcane spell, it didn’t take long. 

“There.”

“Hmm. I can see where you made similar improvements from previous spells. Go eat,” El’Tela demanded, and I grinned and ran off to the table where Mana and Papa were at. I got a frown, but a plate and cup of juice was handed to me, and I had to admit. The food was really good.

It was better than home. But that’s city life for you… And rich people life.

We were definitely rich. 

I bit into the pastry and hummed at the taste, as I considered my day. 

I needed to check on Chocobo. Mama had tied her to a post out front last night, and she’d been moved to a small stable outback that was for the shops along this row. 

Otherwise… It was time to fully prepare. I’d been playing with just Blessing of Wisdom last night, as I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the new spot, but I needed to make an actual schedule.

As I chewed I looked at my arms at how flimsy they were. 

I needed to grow stronger physically along with magically. As I’d learned from the Trolls if I grew tired and weary, it didn’t matter how powerful I was.

Stamina training, strength training, mastering more spells, and I should probably see if I could spar with Zo’Talana again.

If I set myself a schedule of daily training then it would be easier to stick to than just doing whatever I feel like.

Nodding at the thought, I started hurrying to finish my meal, my mind already made up when Mama spoke.

“Dorah.”

“Hmm? Yeah Mama?”

“I know things are different here, it might take some getting used to, but it won’t be bad. There are a lot of activities to do. We can even see if you can take classes at some of the schools. There are more elflings around your age here. You could make even more friends.”

“Oh. I know.” I said a little surprised at the sudden topic change. “But I’m not sure I’ll have time.” I admitted seriously.

Mama just blinked, looking a little surprised herself. “What do you mean? You have nothing but time right now.”

“No. I’m going to be training! I’ll make a schedule I’m going to stick to. Strength and Stamina training, Agility too.” I added ticking off my fingers. “I need to work more on my spells, See what else I can do with the Light to get even stronger and ready. Arcane training as well still. Maybe talk to Zo’Talana and see if I can spar with him some more. And I guess I should find someone I can learn how to smith from now that we are here in the capital.” 

Mama just stared at me blankly for a while.

“And what are you training so much for?” 

I looked at her, her tone obviously not wanting the answer.

“To fight the Trolls of course. People are dying, and they’ll keep dying until the war is over.”

“Dorah, you’re twelve. You aren’t fighting any Trolls. We’re safe now.”

“I know. I’ll need to get bigger and older first… Three years or so. I should be fully sized when I’m sixteen.” 

“Dorah, even when you are sixteen I’m not… You aren’t fighting Trolls then. The War will be over by then.”

“I don’t think it will.” I said, and then shrugged. “Either way. I’m preparing. I’ve decided. I’ll grow strong enough that I can protect everyone.” 

“Dorah.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll be smart about it! And I won’t do anything dumb. I’m just gonna do a lot of what I already did, but actually schedule it so I don’t forget.”

“You should just play, and live happily.”

“Oh I will. My plan is to live a long happy life. While killing anyone that would try and stop my long life.” I said bluntly, and Mama fought off a smile at my words. She thought it was cute. 

“Dorah.” Papa said, interrupting, and I Iooked at him. “As long as you are happy, we’ll support you.” He said simply, and Mama’s neck nearly snapped over to look at him in shock.

“That’s… She shouldn’t be worrying about this.” Mama argued a bit helplessly, and Papa gave her a look one of the times I think I’d ever seen him look at her the way she sometimes looked at him.

“It’s a little late for that. She’s lived through a lot. If this helps her feel safe, then it’s important.” Papa said simply. And then sipped his tea as if saying the conversation was over, he definitely picked that up from El’Tela.

I just kinda blinked, cause that was really well said for Papa. Mama obviously thought so too.

“I suppose I’m out voted.”

“It’s okay Mama! I’ll make sure my schedule has play time. All work and no play makes for a dull Dorah.”

“Pfft.” Mama snorted at my saying and she smiled at me, but then it turned sad. 

“Don’t rush so fast to grow up. It’s okay to just play, and be happy. Leave the rest to me.”

“I can’t stop growing up unfortunately.” I said with a shrug. “But I won’t let you do it alone. I’ll be at your side and we’ll stop the Trolls.”

Mama’s ears twitched up and down even as she tried to hide the look on her face.

I smiled cutely. I was far too cute for anyone to argue with!

“If you are going to put yourself into a schedule, I expect a few hours of your time after breakfast,” El’Tela said, having crossed the room after finishing her own breakfast. “I’ll start that time now. Up you go girl.”

I looked from El’Tela to Mama who looked a little annoyed at El’Tela’s words, but she nodded. “She still needs some time to get used to things.”

“I’ll go over some things. The girl has never been to Silvermoon before.” El’Tela waved away Mama’s words and so I finished my juice and hopped up following as El’Tela left the room. Her carpet was on the floor just outside and she stepped on and floated up to her room.

Which meant I had to run around the stairs chasing after her.

It was the start of training I guess, but it still annoyed me she never invited me on.

Her drawing room was the same as before, as we entered and she flicked a hand and a chair came sliding across the floor and she slowly leaned herself into it.

“Now. I don’t have a Circle for you to train in, but you are beyond requiring it at this point, but I expect you to continue practicing as consistently as if we did.”

“Okay?”

“Now, This Blessing of yours. Show me what you have learned.”

“Right! So, I’ve managed to alter the cast and conversion which means it lasts longer! Which is nice, because it’s super useful, but right now, I’m mostly just getting a feel for the magic. Light is weird.”

“Indeed.” 

“Anyway! I’ve managed to get the blessing to increase the Mana flow.”

“Show me.” She repeated. And I nodded, casting the spell on her.

The sigil of the Blessing appeared above her head, and then she closed her eyes simply examining what it did.

“You have improved it.”

“Yep!”

“How?”

“Umm. I just got better with the Light I guess?”

“How? Explain it. No better yet, write it down.”

“I can’t really. It doesn’t have numbers like Arcane.”

“I didn’t say to refine it. I said explain in your own words what you have changed to improve your spell. This is not the first Light Spell you will learn, nor likely the last. I have shown you how to improve the Arcane. You understand this, if I asked you that question about Conjure Refreshment, you could explain simply. With the Light you can not. Yet.”

“Oh… But the Light is more about Belief. It’s not… Simple.”

“Girl. I don’t care if your explanation makes sense to me.” Her words struck me then, and I grinned understanding. “Now. Explain.”

“With Blessing of Light, I dug deeper. It costs more mana in the conversion, but I make the light… Thicker, when I convert my mana into it, and when I do that, the effect I get is stronger… Bolder?”

“Is it Bolder, or thicker?”

“Both. The Thicker Light isn’t just… It’s exponential. The more Light I convert, the more strength of my belief, my emotions? My will? Can fill the energy. The more I can push into it… The stronger the effect.”

“Then the more Mana you use the better it will be?”

“Yes and no… Without the strength of belief, it’s just wasted energy. I can only fill the energy with so much… Belief.”

“So harden your willpower, and gain more Mana. That will be what you need for your Light Training.”

“Yeah… Yeah it will. And Belief… Grandmother… I know Elune exists, but can you tell me what you know of her?”

My question struck El’Tela as she tilted her head back the slightest twitch but more reaction than she would normally allow herself.

“Elune, it has been more years than you can imagine since I’ve done more than think idly about her.” She admitted, and then shook herself. “She is the Goddess of Life, child. One who wishes for peace, tranquility within the world, but is not afraid of striking down those that oppose life.”

I nodded, as El’Tela spoke, hesitantly, at first but growing stronger as she did. But it didn’t last long.

“I was not exactly a priestess, my knowledge of Elune is only one who saw her statues, who offered her prayers.”

“That’s okay. I’ll find my own way, and if it’s no good, she can tell me.” I decided and El’Tela smirked.

“If anyone else spoke like that, I would call them foolish, but for you perhaps the Goddess will grant you a moment. Don’t be rude.”

“What? Never!” I denied, offended at the implication!

She just smirked at me, obviously she was messing with me.

“Good. If you wish to better understand Elune, perhaps some Moonlight training? Either way, let’s switch to another topic. One I can actually assist with. You wish to train your spells, then we will use this time to do so.”

“I also want to learn new spells.” I admitted, and she snorted. “Everyone always wants to learn new spells… But I suppose you are more ready for them then most children that come to me asking for more. Your Evocation spell?”

“Still working on it, but I think I’m close!”

“Hmm. Fine. What spell are you searching for?”

“Well… I was going to ask for something to let me move around more. Or maybe Slow Fall? Not falling to my death sounds useful, but… Can you teach me how to make the Mana Gems you used in your tower?” 

“I can.” She said after a long moment of looking me over. “I expected you to ask about my Lightning Spell.”

“Oh that would be nice too, but I’m not going to be fighting for a while. I need all the spells and abilities that let me train faster now, I can learn combat spells later.”

El’Tela’s mouth slowly curled up, a smirk that told me she was very pleased.

“Go and grab a paper and inkwell from the table, and I’ll write out the spell. I’ll expect you to learn it before lunch.”

“Yes!”

—--

I left El’Tela not long after. Smirking a bit and her delighted expression as I handed her the small Greenish Mana Gem. 

A Mana Agate. Capable of restoring some Mana when I used them.

[Spell Learned: Create Mana Gem]

It was no great spell like Arcane Meditation, or Evocation, but having some extra mana in my pocket, basically free Mana Pots anytime I needed them, was a very useful trick.

I practically danced down the steps to the main entryway, taking a moment to cast another Blessing of Wisdom, and then burning some of my Mana on another Mana Agate.

Bouncing the gem in my hand up and down was kinda neat. They were pretty but not very stable. They’d deteriorate after a while unless properly stored. El’Tela’s little box was just that sort of enchanted storage, so unfortunately, I couldn’t just super stock them up.

But what I could do was keep making a bunch of them until they were really powerful. Even if they only lasted a few days or so on their own, that would be enough time to help a mage in a battle, and the Trolls were coming.

Either way, it was a new spell to work on, and a relatively easy one.

Okay, time to do a few tasks I needed to do, and then get to my schedule. I guess after breakfast would be Grandma time, but I still needed to fill the rest. 

I looked down at the stairs that led down to the shop and felt a bit hesitant. This entire place was so big and grand, and unfamiliar I felt like I was intruding. At least on the East wing, I knew it was just Mama, Papa and I. But downstairs was like… A store. 

Glancing into the fountain as I passed, I checked that my hair styling spell was still working, no bed head for me. Then I turned and headed down. The long stairs quickly shifted the noise as I hit the bottom floor. The workshop was currently active. Peaking around the corner I took it all in.

… Papa?

I snorted, unable to help myself, it had only been like an hour since breakfast, and already he was down here. Sitting in a chair and grumbling, audibly. The woman that was standing behind him looked like she was none too pleased to hear his remarks as he looked over a pair of boots.

“This is Nata’liore’s work.” He remarked grumpily, and the woman behind him nodded. 

“She is one of the masters we hire.”

“Terrible as always, she uses too much dust to make up for shoddy work.” Papa grumbled. “You’ve been seeing an increase in enchanting costs from her haven’t you? Work more expensive than it is with other enchanters?

“Yes.” The woman remarked her voice tight.

“That’s because she’s never figured out how to reduce the cost of her enchantments, she just throws everything on until the enchantment sticks. Terrible workmanship. Shoddy.”

I couldn’t help but giggle as Papa was just tearing the enchantments workmanship apart.

“She is a Master Enchanter.”

“Hardly.” Papa grumbled, obviously not impressed.

I nodded, Papa had this and so I turned out the back door, opening it and heading out. The alleyway was kinda neat, straight across from the door was actually a stone wall, but it wasn’t a wall, as I looked up, there was a bunch more houses or shops on top of it, attached to another section of the city, and yet this little alley was for the shops here in the Court of the Sun to be able to do all the things the nobility wouldn’t want to see. 

Like stable our mounts

The stable was fairly long, covering most of the wall, each shop having a few stalls for anything they needed doing. 

I frowned as the two stalls that seemed to be for the shop were full of junk. One of them looked like they had shifted some more things into the other to make room, as when I peaked in Chocobo was brooding surrounded by crates.

“They really didn’t leave you with much space did they?” I grumbled, as I opened the door and headed in. Chocobo’s eyes narrowed at me, as I walked over, and she seemed to huff as if expecting me to push her back to her feet.

“No, you can rest.” I assured her as I took a seat next to her, and just petted her feathers for a bit until she relaxed and lowered her head back into the hay that surrounded her. 

At least the food had properly been placed for her. I petted her for a while longer, just thankful for everything she had done during our convoy, and she seemed quite happy to just brood down and nest.

There was a bunch of noise in the alley, and I peaked out to see a familiar elf. He was cursing quietly, as he’d been carrying a few boxes and dropped on. Hurriedly picking it up he shifted the boxes in his arms and then waddled over to the stables.

“Ugh, seriously, how do they expect me to move all this? There isn’t space anywhere! What are they even thinking?” He grumbled as he started trying to shift the boxes into the second stall.

“I don’t think that’s gonna fit.” I mentioned as he really was trying to shove it into a spot there wasn’t enough room.

“Wha-!? Hey! You can’t be back- Oh! Wait It’s you, Umm. Forgive me Mistress.” He offered half bowing while still holding the boxes against the others as the stuff he was storing was just not fitting.

I stared at him for a moment realizing slowly with a sort of uncomfortable feeling he’d just called me mistress.

“Weird. I’m Alah’Dorah, call me Dorah. Mistress is weird.”

“I am Shop Clerk Sha'Narin, an honor to meet you.” He bowed again but I winced instantly reaching up with Mage hand as one of the boxes on top had slipped over and was about to make its way to the ground.

“Got it.” I whispered the Arcane glow surrounding the box as I held it carefully and slowly brought it back on top of the pile.

“Oh thank you. I’m sorry Mist-miss-Dorah. It won’t happen again!”

“It’s okay, and it’s just Dorah. Nice to meet you Sha'Narin. Here, let me help.” I said, and wandered to the other stable space, and looked over the mess.

With a twist of my hand Mage Hand flowed over the box on top of the one he was holding, and I brought it up, and up and then onto the very top of the entire pile. The only space left.

“I can get the other one too,” I offered and he was just looking at me in shock.

“That’s-Umm. It’s my job?”

“Who cares? I’m here. And you need the help.” I said, and he shook his head. 

“No, I don’t need help, I can definitely do it!” He said trying to sound very confident and very energetic….

He definitely couldn’t do it. I helped him even as he tried to argue against me helping.

There was definitely a lot about this whole place I didn’t understand, but Dorah the Adventurer doesn’t just not help people when they need it!

The boxes in place he offered me another deep bow. 

“Thank you Miss Dorah.” Then he turned and jogged back to the shop. I walked after him just in time to hear the woman that had been behind dad berate him.

“Honestly Sha'Narin! It’s taken ten minutes longer than it should have! Were you slacking again?”

“No Tira’nore! I just had more deliveries then expected.”

“More? Did you store them properly?”

“I did! They are in the stable.” 

“Very good.” She said and nodded for him to go on, as she looked back to hovering over PApa’s shoulder.

Sha'Narin was peeking as well, but he got a look from the woman and instead headed across the shop gathering stray bits and bobs and cleaning them up.

I shook it off for now. Chocobo was comfy, and I had other things to do today

But Silvermoon was strange. The Elves here were weird. It would take some time to get used to it all.