I opened the door, wary of the person inside. Through the gap of the slightly ajar door, I peered inside, my spectacles nearly banging against the door. I had expected to see someone composed and terrifying but instead noticed a nervous woman seated on the velvet couch. I remembered her from somewhere. Ah, the new professor. What was her name again? I didn’t know; I had been too anxious when the Dean spoke of her. I hadn’t heard a word. I wondered if I should feign ignorance and simply leave the way I came. I could face an intruder but was afraid of being rude to my colleague, especially someone who is quivering in their seat.
‘I am sorry for entering like this,’ she said while apologising. I felt even worse for not knowing her name. I quickly threw a glance at the door of the office opposite mine. The copper plate on it read: Ms Hilda Lore, Professor of Electrical Conduction. That seemed impressive. An important field, electricity. It has value but not much spread, just like mine. But...Professor of Electrical Conduction? You only teach Conduction? Nothing else? I was rather baffled. It would stand out to me if I were given only a single branch of the subject I take pride in. What if I had been told to teach only the effects of continued usage of magic on mages? I wouldn’t have— well, only for the sake of money I might— may— would have accepted, but only for the sake of money!
I entered the room, wondering if this woman was the same Ms Hilda Lore. She should be, I thought. ‘Ms Lore, is it not?’ I said while closing the door behind me. ‘Forgive me if I mistook you for someone else. The day has been rather hectic, you see.’ I thought that was a rather well-done performance. The woman fidgeted a little, stuttering in a flurry of nervous excitement. I took the glass jar placed upon the little coffee table and poured her a glass. It was water, of course. Who put it here, anyway? Who so gracious— It hasn’t been here for too long, has it? I felt slightly uneasy. Water does not get old or stale, but it still did not feel right to offer something that has been lying there for a long while to a guest. It seems fine. There was no dust on the coffee table or the jar. Someone must have filled it for me.
I looked around while the woman drank the whole thing. The office wasn’t too large but it wasn’t small either. There was a table in the back of the room. One wall had a bookcase while the other had a cabinet with glass panes. The back wall had a fairly-wide window. The sill had enough room for my rear to rest upon. The table had a stand for pens. I saw a nice pen on it. Finally! No more quill! I was happy.
The front of the room didn’t have much. A peach-coloured, velvet couch, a clean coffee table, walls with paintings of seafarers, ships amid storms, and lilac — was all there was to it. It looked well-organised and clean. I liked this place. It was serene.
I looked back at my colleague. She seemed a little calm. I wondered if it was simple nervousness or her innate nature, but I asked, ‘First days always are nerve-wracking, aren’t they?’ But I never even went to a school. My mother was keen on me following her trade, and later, I was schooled by the orphanage mother. So, no first days for me.
The woman replied with a nod. ‘Yes…’ she said. I noticed her green eyes and shiny skin.
‘Do you hail from a foreign land?’
‘Huh? Oh, no. My father is from the north.’
‘I see.’ Child of a northern man, of course. ‘You have those eyes.’ If she were a mage, she could control snow and ice, I wager. She had that look.
I waited for her to say something, but she didn’t. Well, this is awkward. I sat there thinking if I should ask directly, but she seemed like a nervous wreck of a human being — the kind that is afraid of confrontation. I thought she may run away while asking for forgiveness or start bawling her eyes out, so I removed my suit, folded it, placed it on my lap, and kept my mouth shut.
Time passed and the clock on the wall kept ticking. I looked at it. It was twelve o’clock. Only ten minutes had passed. The woman was testing my patience. And the child that I was, I didn’t have any. So, I waited a few more minutes before starting to play with the water in the jar, as I felt I could no longer hold my boredom.
The water flowed out of the jar in the shape of countless blobs or puddles as if gravity did not exist. They swirled, broke into parts and united once again. It went where my fingers pointed. It danced to the rhythm of my hand’s movements. I was bored out of my mind when I noticed Ms Lore staring at my magic. I wondered, and I asked, ‘Are you interested in magic, Ms Lore?’ Her eyes darted and her ears twitched. She looked at me and said very quietly, ‘…A little.’
‘Do you wish to learn about it?’ Mayhaps, that is why she came?
Her brown hair, tied below her nape, shook along with her head. ‘No,’ she said. This was cumbersome. I truly felt hapless and wondered if there was any merit to this conversation. She did not read my face and continued, ‘Electricity.’
So, you boast now, do you? I felt challenged. Well, that is not my speciality, but let us hear it. ‘I do not know as much as you,’ I said with a level of politeness that no other bored man could rival. Preach me; fulfil your fantasy. I had laid down my weapons and was willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of her fulfilment. Let it be known that I am no man afraid of death… I kept blabbering in my mind. I was very frantic whenever bored. …so, martyr me not… I tired even myself. …like the water that flows…. I absolutely hated it.
‘Can— could magic effect— affect electricity…?’ she asked me in an uncertain tone. I convinced myself that it was because she felt my beauty and not because she sensed the ongoing madness in my head. But the topic interested me. Magic? Well, of course.
‘Electricity, huh?’ I swallowed. I was salivating like an infant or a dog. I cared not to know which; both were insults to me. I drank some water, not like a normal person would, of course. I simply sent a stream down my throat. Well, that sounds disgusting. Anyway, I used magic. I had done this before, so it did not feel particularly offensive, but I remember having the worst experience the first time around. Perhaps, I shouldn’t. I poured some into a glass and drank graciously, acting as if that never happened. I felt way better. ‘Yes, magic could affect electricity but in theory.’
‘In theory?’ I saw her expression falter.
‘Well, I haven’t seen anyone do it,’ I answered as if I knew any mage other than myself. ‘It should be possible. We know little of magic and elements, and electricity is one of the rare ones.’ I looked around and found a metal jar on a wooden tray. It had a wooden handle. Classy. ‘So, even if it could be controlled very rarely, any mage would hesitate to attempt such a thing.’ I found a teacup set in the cabinet. It was white and gold — very fancy. I retrieved it and some aromatic tea leaves. They were by no means cheap. I prepared two cups of tea as I continued, ‘Electricity is far more dangerous than most elements. It is quick. You are struck before you could hear it. No man wishes to be struck. The households that have electricity are the ones that are prestigious. It is not a venture that I could afford.’ I handed the cup to her and took a sip myself. It warmed my throat and sent some liveliness in my tired limbs. Nothing like a cup of tea after a feast. ‘I myself have never done any research in the field of electricity, but I may, now that I have the means.’ The academy does; I do not. ‘I will inform you if I make any progress.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, seemingly pleased. But she still refused to move.
‘What do you—’ I quickly shut my mouth. In the name of small talk, I was about to ask her what she does for work. I am glad sanity returned. She leaves me often. I saw curiosity in her eyes. She was testing my aptitude for making up lies on the spot. Little did she know that I was a master of such traits, second only to the womaniser of Horace. Do not test me so. I gave a fake cough. ‘What do you think of the, the, the— t-the, um, electro— um, electromagnets?’ I gave a stupid grin, feeling proud of myself. I hoped the title of youngest would absolve me of any mockery, or else I would cry. Yes, I was threatening to wail like a child if she did not go along with my comments.
Thankfully, the woman obliged or did not notice as she gave me an hour-long lecture on electromagnets, magnetic fields, electric fields, and some other things I refused to understand. My mind was in a rather fragile state. My thoughts were primitive, and I was once again reminded that I was in an academy. Most of them should be like this, right? That was dreadful, and I was afraid of becoming the same. ‘You know a lot, Ms Lore,’ I interrupted her. ‘Why are you only teaching conduction then?’ That may have seemed offhanded, but I was truly curious. The woman had willingness and knowledge.
‘Oh, it isn’t as it seems. It says Electrical Conduction, but there are other introductory lessons too.’ She placed the teacup on the coffee table and explained, ‘They did not want to name the course Electricity. Sounds off right?’ I agreed. I would not be very pleased if they named my subject Magic. It would sound very funny. ‘So, they named it Electrical Conduction. It is mostly an introductory course for the freshmen before they advance to the advanced courses. They will be able to choose which course they wish to follow after completing my course. Some may wish to follow Electrodynamics and some may want to follow Electric Currents, Electric Generation, or Electronics. There are others too. Those who follow the lessons on electricity tend to choose no other field. They only follow lessons related to electricity.’
‘I see,’ I said, thinking it dull.
‘Thank you for your time,’ the woman said suddenly. ‘I must go, now.’
‘Ah, yes,’ I said, accompanying her to the door. ‘Oh, you did not mention the reason for your visit.’
The woman looked at me for a moment, and I too stared down at her. I was not afraid, you know? I am a brave man, I told myself.
‘Oh, nothing.’
‘I am sorry?’ I was bewildered. ‘You did not have a reason?’
‘I wanted to talk,’ she said, fluttering her lashes innocently. ‘We are both new, and I have no acquaintances in the academy, let alone the city.’ As much as I wished to reprimand her — in my mind — I thought, she had a point. But you could have said so. I felt a little sorry for her. You are never getting married, Ms Lore. I was remorseful but quickly recovered, thinking she may not even wish to. ‘Did I annoy you?’ she asked.
‘No, no!’ I protested. I was good at it. ‘I simply thought you may have a reason for barging— entering my office.’
‘I did. I wanted to thank you.’ Then, I understood. ‘For that magic. It calmed me. Thank you.’ And so, she left. She did not go far. Her office was right in front of me. I mentioned that, did I not? I heaved a heavy sigh and returned to my office. The rest of the day was uneventful.
I returned home a little late after reading the articles on magic. I was informed by a few professors that newspapers and articles about me were sure to be printed in their latest issues. I returned to find the pavilion’s lamps off. No dinner tonight. I did not mind, but when I entered the nice house, I found a few dishes on the kitchen counter. There was a note nearby. It read: Please heat them — Malory. I chuckled joyously. My very first student was learning quickly. I had the curry and rice she had prepared for me. It was moderately hot, and I was proud that I did not sweat. So, what if I used a little magic to keep myself cool?
I changed as soon as I was done eating, relieved myself, had a warm bath, and after brushing my teeth, leapt onto the bed. That softness engulfed me once more, and my thoughts wandered around the events of the day. And suddenly, everything started to feel so real. I recalled the events of the past few days as I closed my mind.
The academy life did not seem simple. I had a weird neighbour, a senior that wished to paint me without clothes, another one that did not show many emotions, a very rich and respectable boss that did not provide me with a train ticket, the students that would soon pester me for knowledge, a pair of mother and daughter that took care of me like family, departments that fought over me, something about a Full-Moon Hunt, new and quirky acquaintances, a woman who refuses to disclose her marital status, a stout man who showed much hospitality, and so much more…
I felt light, and I felt cosy. My eyelids became heavy. My limbs relaxed, and my breath turned warm. It felt so comfortable. And as I thought about tomorrow, to the sound of an owl’s hooting—
I forced my eyes open and jumped out of the bed. I ran towards the glass window that allowed the moonlight in. Strong winds blew against the window and quickly, in a blast, it broke open. Shattered glass fell everywhere as I leapt through the broken window. My eyes darted, and before it could flee, I cast my magic. A branch curled and sharply extended.
‘Caught you,’ I said, looking into the eyes of that bloody owl that was pierced through its skull. It kept fluttering its wings, not knowing what had just happened. ‘Tell me,’ I said in a triumphant voice, ‘who are you?’
In the moonlight, my eyes gleamed. I had found my perpetrator.
I opened the door, wary of the person inside. Through the gap of the slightly ajar door, I peered inside, my spectacles nearly banging against the door. I had expected to see someone composed and terrifying but instead noticed a nervous woman seated on the velvet couch. I remembered her from somewhere. Ah, the new professor. What was her name again? I didn’t know; I had been too anxious when the Dean spoke of her. I hadn’t heard a word. I wondered if I should feign ignorance and simply leave the way I came. I could face an intruder but was afraid of being rude to my colleague, especially someone who is quivering in their seat.
‘I am sorry for entering like this,’ she said while apologising. I felt even worse for not knowing her name. I quickly threw a glance at the door of the office opposite mine. The copper plate on it read: Ms Hilda Lore, Professor of Electrical Conduction. That seemed impressive. An important field, electricity. It has value but not much spread, just like mine. But...Professor of Electrical Conduction? You only teach Conduction? Nothing else? I was rather baffled. It would stand out to me if I were given only a single branch of the subject I take pride in. What if I had been told to teach only the effects of continued usage of magic on mages? I wouldn’t have— well, only for the sake of money I might— may— would have accepted, but only for the sake of money!
I entered the room, wondering if this woman was the same Ms Hilda Lore. She should be, I thought. ‘Ms Lore, is it not?’ I said while closing the door behind me. ‘Forgive me if I mistook you for someone else. The day has been rather hectic, you see.’ I thought that was a rather well-done performance. The woman fidgeted a little, stuttering in a flurry of nervous excitement. I took the glass jar placed upon the little coffee table and poured her a glass. It was water, of course. Who put it here, anyway? Who so gracious— It hasn’t been here for too long, has it? I felt slightly uneasy. Water does not get old or stale, but it still did not feel right to offer something that has been lying there for a long while to a guest. It seems fine. There was no dust on the coffee table or the jar. Someone must have filled it for me.
I looked around while the woman drank the whole thing. The office wasn’t too large but it wasn’t small either. There was a table in the back of the room. One wall had a bookcase while the other had a cabinet with glass panes. The back wall had a fairly-wide window. The sill had enough room for my rear to rest upon. The table had a stand for pens. I saw a nice pen on it. Finally! No more quill! I was happy.
The front of the room didn’t have much. A peach-coloured, velvet couch, a clean coffee table, walls with paintings of seafarers, ships amid storms, and lilac — was all there was to it. It looked well-organised and clean. I liked this place. It was serene.
I looked back at my colleague. She seemed a little calm. I wondered if it was simple nervousness or her innate nature, but I asked, ‘First days always are nerve-wracking, aren’t they?’ But I never even went to a school. My mother was keen on me following her trade, and later, I was schooled by the orphanage mother. So, no first days for me.
The woman replied with a nod. ‘Yes…’ she said. I noticed her green eyes and shiny skin.
‘Do you hail from a foreign land?’
‘Huh? Oh, no. My father is from the north.’
‘I see.’ Child of a northern man, of course. ‘You have those eyes.’ If she were a mage, she could control snow and ice, I wager. She had that look.
I waited for her to say something, but she didn’t. Well, this is awkward. I sat there thinking if I should ask directly, but she seemed like a nervous wreck of a human being — the kind that is afraid of confrontation. I thought she may run away while asking for forgiveness or start bawling her eyes out, so I removed my suit, folded it, placed it on my lap, and kept my mouth shut.
Time passed and the clock on the wall kept ticking. I looked at it. It was twelve o’clock. Only ten minutes had passed. The woman was testing my patience. And the child that I was, I didn’t have any. So, I waited a few more minutes before starting to play with the water in the jar, as I felt I could no longer hold my boredom.
The water flowed out of the jar in the shape of countless blobs or puddles as if gravity did not exist. They swirled, broke into parts and united once again. It went where my fingers pointed. It danced to the rhythm of my hand’s movements. I was bored out of my mind when I noticed Ms Lore staring at my magic. I wondered, and I asked, ‘Are you interested in magic, Ms Lore?’ Her eyes darted and her ears twitched. She looked at me and said very quietly, ‘…A little.’
‘Do you wish to learn about it?’ Mayhaps, that is why she came?
Her brown hair, tied below her nape, shook along with her head. ‘No,’ she said. This was cumbersome. I truly felt hapless and wondered if there was any merit to this conversation. She did not read my face and continued, ‘Electricity.’
So, you boast now, do you? I felt challenged. Well, that is not my speciality, but let us hear it. ‘I do not know as much as you,’ I said with a level of politeness that no other bored man could rival. Preach me; fulfil your fantasy. I had laid down my weapons and was willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of her fulfilment. Let it be known that I am no man afraid of death… I kept blabbering in my mind. I was very frantic whenever bored. …so, martyr me not… I tired even myself. …like the water that flows…. I absolutely hated it.
‘Can— could magic effect— affect electricity…?’ she asked me in an uncertain tone. I convinced myself that it was because she felt my beauty and not because she sensed the ongoing madness in my head. But the topic interested me. Magic? Well, of course.
‘Electricity, huh?’ I swallowed. I was salivating like an infant or a dog. I cared not to know which; both were insults to me. I drank some water, not like a normal person would, of course. I simply sent a stream down my throat. Well, that sounds disgusting. Anyway, I used magic. I had done this before, so it did not feel particularly offensive, but I remember having the worst experience the first time around. Perhaps, I shouldn’t. I poured some into a glass and drank graciously, acting as if that never happened. I felt way better. ‘Yes, magic could affect electricity but in theory.’
‘In theory?’ I saw her expression falter.
‘Well, I haven’t seen anyone do it,’ I answered as if I knew any mage other than myself. ‘It should be possible. We know little of magic and elements, and electricity is one of the rare ones.’ I looked around and found a metal jar on a wooden tray. It had a wooden handle. Classy. ‘So, even if it could be controlled very rarely, any mage would hesitate to attempt such a thing.’ I found a teacup set in the cabinet. It was white and gold — very fancy. I retrieved it and some aromatic tea leaves. They were by no means cheap. I prepared two cups of tea as I continued, ‘Electricity is far more dangerous than most elements. It is quick. You are struck before you could hear it. No man wishes to be struck. The households that have electricity are the ones that are prestigious. It is not a venture that I could afford.’ I handed the cup to her and took a sip myself. It warmed my throat and sent some liveliness in my tired limbs. Nothing like a cup of tea after a feast. ‘I myself have never done any research in the field of electricity, but I may, now that I have the means.’ The academy does; I do not. ‘I will inform you if I make any progress.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, seemingly pleased. But she still refused to move.
‘What do you—’ I quickly shut my mouth. In the name of small talk, I was about to ask her what she does for work. I am glad sanity returned. She leaves me often. I saw curiosity in her eyes. She was testing my aptitude for making up lies on the spot. Little did she know that I was a master of such traits, second only to the womaniser of Horace. Do not test me so. I gave a fake cough. ‘What do you think of the, the, the— t-the, um, electro— um, electromagnets?’ I gave a stupid grin, feeling proud of myself. I hoped the title of youngest would absolve me of any mockery, or else I would cry. Yes, I was threatening to wail like a child if she did not go along with my comments.
Thankfully, the woman obliged or did not notice as she gave me an hour-long lecture on electromagnets, magnetic fields, electric fields, and some other things I refused to understand. My mind was in a rather fragile state. My thoughts were primitive, and I was once again reminded that I was in an academy. Most of them should be like this, right? That was dreadful, and I was afraid of becoming the same. ‘You know a lot, Ms Lore,’ I interrupted her. ‘Why are you only teaching conduction then?’ That may have seemed offhanded, but I was truly curious. The woman had willingness and knowledge.
‘Oh, it isn’t as it seems. It says Electrical Conduction, but there are other introductory lessons too.’ She placed the teacup on the coffee table and explained, ‘They did not want to name the course Electricity. Sounds off right?’ I agreed. I would not be very pleased if they named my subject Magic. It would sound very funny. ‘So, they named it Electrical Conduction. It is mostly an introductory course for the freshmen before they advance to the advanced courses. They will be able to choose which course they wish to follow after completing my course. Some may wish to follow Electrodynamics and some may want to follow Electric Currents, Electric Generation, or Electronics. There are others too. Those who follow the lessons on electricity tend to choose no other field. They only follow lessons related to electricity.’
‘I see,’ I said, thinking it dull.
‘Thank you for your time,’ the woman said suddenly. ‘I must go, now.’
‘Ah, yes,’ I said, accompanying her to the door. ‘Oh, you did not mention the reason for your visit.’
The woman looked at me for a moment, and I too stared down at her. I was not afraid, you know? I am a brave man, I told myself.
‘Oh, nothing.’
‘I am sorry?’ I was bewildered. ‘You did not have a reason?’
‘I wanted to talk,’ she said, fluttering her lashes innocently. ‘We are both new, and I have no acquaintances in the academy, let alone the city.’ As much as I wished to reprimand her — in my mind — I thought, she had a point. But you could have said so. I felt a little sorry for her. You are never getting married, Ms Lore. I was remorseful but quickly recovered, thinking she may not even wish to. ‘Did I annoy you?’ she asked.
‘No, no!’ I protested. I was good at it. ‘I simply thought you may have a reason for barging— entering my office.’
‘I did. I wanted to thank you.’ Then, I understood. ‘For that magic. It calmed me. Thank you.’ And so, she left. She did not go far. Her office was right in front of me. I mentioned that, did I not? I heaved a heavy sigh and returned to my office. The rest of the day was uneventful.
I returned home a little late after reading the articles on magic. I was informed by a few professors that newspapers and articles about me were sure to be printed in their latest issues. I returned to find the pavilion’s lamps off. No dinner tonight. I did not mind, but when I entered the nice house, I found a few dishes on the kitchen counter. There was a note nearby. It read: Please heat them — Malory. I chuckled joyously. My very first student was learning quickly. I had the curry and rice she had prepared for me. It was moderately hot, and I was proud that I did not sweat. So, what if I used a little magic to keep myself cool?
I changed as soon as I was done eating, relieved myself, had a warm bath, and after brushing my teeth, leapt onto the bed. That softness engulfed me once more, and my thoughts wandered around the events of the day. And suddenly, everything started to feel so real. I recalled the events of the past few days as I closed my mind.
The academy life did not seem simple. I had a weird neighbour, a senior that wished to paint me without clothes, another one that did not show many emotions, a very rich and respectable boss that did not provide me with a train ticket, the students that would soon pester me for knowledge, a pair of mother and daughter that took care of me like family, departments that fought over me, something about a Full-Moon Hunt, new and quirky acquaintances, a woman who refuses to disclose her marital status, a stout man who showed much hospitality, and so much more…
I felt light, and I felt cosy. My eyelids became heavy. My limbs relaxed, and my breath turned warm. It felt so comfortable. And as I thought about tomorrow, to the sound of an owl’s hooting—
I forced my eyes open and jumped out of the bed. I ran towards the glass window that allowed the moonlight in. Strong winds blew against the window and quickly, in a blast, it broke open. Shattered glass fell everywhere as I leapt through the broken window. My eyes darted, and before it could flee, I cast my magic. A branch curled and sharply extended.
‘Caught you,’ I said, looking into the eyes of that bloody owl that was pierced through its skull. It kept fluttering its wings, not knowing what had just happened. ‘Tell me,’ I said in a triumphant voice, ‘who are you?’
In the moonlight, my eyes gleamed. I had found my perpetrator.
