The Glass Mage: An Artisanal Progression Fantasy

"Drinks for everyone!"

Trevour's shout reverberates throughout the pub, echoing off massive, rough-hewn oak ceiling beams darkened by years of smoke from the kitchen fireplace. The announcement elicits a boisterous cheer from the assembled patrons—a mix of our delving team, friends from town, and a few curious hangers-on—who stomp their boots on the worn wood floor in appreciation, making the pub rumble and rattle like a minor earthquake just hit.

Right on cue, the [Bartender] passes by the elevated counter where Trevour is holding court. He hands over two pewter mugs with foamy heads of ale to the man of the hour. Trevour hoists them aloft with a victory shout, sloshing the ale and overflowing the cup, grinning like a madman all the while.

He shoves one of the mugs toward me. "Nuri! You're the only one frowning. Fix it."

In his exuberance, Trevour spills the frothing drink. I flinch back, but the amber liquid rebounds off the passive shell of Domain mana I've taken to maintaining around me at all times, saving me from washing my shirt, and he looks absolutely stricken at the loss of good drink.

A flex of my will catches the liquid in mid air and reflects the falling ale back toward Trevour before it touches the wood floor.

He bursts out laughing and opens his mouth to catch the ale, although half is lost as it splashes off his face. He wipes off stray drops from his flushed cheeks, shakes his fingers dry, and claps me on the shoulder.

"Magic is incredible! Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to us. Thanks for everything, man." He lifts his mug in salute.

I clink my mug together with his, then drain the drink—or, what's left of it after Trevour spilled half the ale. Warmth and good cheer spreads through me like a spring thaw after winter. I let out a happy sigh and allow myself to relax a bit as the drink hits me despite my elevated resistances.

To my right, my original teammates are clustered around our traditional hang out spot, a tilted table with a a notch in one end, where we always gathered after long days at the studio. They're laughing at some joke, which brings the ghost of a smile to my lips even though I missed the punchline.

"Lotta good memories here," I murmur.

Trevour squints. "Tough to imagine."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't act so indignant," he laughs, holding up his hands. "You're just so mysterious and powerful. I can't picture you chit chatting with your friends."

"Hey! I have feelings, too," I protest, but the crinkle around his eyes brings me up short. He's just having a bit of fun at my expense. When I crack a smile, he bursts out laughing and claps me on the back.

My own laugh starts small, but soon bubbles up to the surface and grows in volume as I get into the spirit of things. Teasing like this is what I've been missing without Lional around.

My good mood only lasts a brief moment before a presence intrudes on my Domain. I stifle a groan. "Looks like your performance in the Rift earned you a proper recruitment drive."

He arches a brow. "That army [Captain] incoming? Thanks for the head's up."

"You're certainly taking things in stride," I say appreciatively. My estimation of Trevour goes up another notch. He's thriving in his new role.

"Of course. He's gonna make me rich!"

"So much for meeting me being the best thing to happen to you," I reply dryly. "Already jumping ship, huh?"

"You're the one who makes opportunities sprout up like weeds after a rainstorm. Let's hope he's spent his time putting together a great offer. You're gonna have to up your game to keep us on, Nuri," Trevour replies, rubbing his palms together.

For some reason, Trevour's casual greed is the key that completely unlocks my final inhibitions. Like that, any remaining feelings of aloofness evaporate, and I laugh along with Trevour, feeling like one of the team again after the separation of roles in the training Rift.

Maybe my sense of isolation is invented. A self-created problem. I'm the only one here who's actually awkward about our training; everyone else seems eager to learn.

My musings are cut short when the door bangs open and a squad of [Soldiers] march in with the [Captain] at their head. I immediately tense for a confrontation, but the smiles and lack of weapons set me at ease. I have to remind myself that not everything is a fight.

When they order at the bar and retreat to the only unoccupied table, squeezing in at a booth in the corner, waving at us along the way, I let myself relax. My original assessment was correct. They want to recruit the [Bannerman] to their cause. There's no need for getting surly.

Trevour elbows me in the ribs and tilts his head toward the booth in what he probably thinks is a subtle gesture. "Should I get this over with?"

"You might get a better offer if you wait. Let him stew for a while," I suggest.

Trevour nods sagaciously. "Yeah, that's a good power play. Make him come to me!"

Over the next half an hour, I watch with increasing amusement as he and the [Captain] have a silent standoff, glancing each other's way every few minutes. Neither one is willing to make the first move. Meanwhile, everyone on the new team approaches me to thank me for the training, with plenty of high-fives and hugs all around, and I find myself genuinely enjoying myself for the first time in a while.

Mikko sidles up to me as the general festivities simmer down, interrupting my view of the Royal army [Captain] heaving a sigh of defeat and striding toward Trevour at last. Silently, I wish the man success with the obvious recruitment drive, and turn to give my brother my full attention when I sense the weight of his emotions through my Domain.

"Thanks for donating us windows, Nuri. Our new house is almost done thanks to you. I'll be able to move over there soon."

"It's still not too late for a full-scale [Sanctuary of Glass] instead of going with wood and stone," I offer.

"Nah. You know our ways."

"Proving your worth by building a home with your own two hands is for people who aren't famous adventurers with loads of money," I point out. "It's supposed to be a challenge to help young men grow. Make sure they have what it takes to see a commitment through from start to finish. You're already a full-fledged adult."

Mikko shrugs his big shoulders. "Maybe so, but we're having fun following the traditions. Ava's going house to house gathering furnishing and household goods. I like working with my hands, though smithing comes more naturally than woodworking."

"Making good progress?"

I'll finish the roof after the wedding and Ava joins me," Mikko says. He smiles, a dreamy expression drifting across his face. "She said we can just live downstairs until the roof is ready."

"How about a glass roof?"

He grins at me. "We'd roast in the sunshine, like exotic flowers in a greenhouse. I'll finish it myself, Nuri. It's important I do as much as I can to prepare for my bride—I mean, except for the glass."

I crack a smile. "Avelina didn't mind my help? No jokes about cheating?"

"She was all mushy when I told her you were helping. It's better that way. We'll always think of you when we look out the windows."

I snort halfway through my next sip and choke on the ale before swallowing it down, barely avoiding an embarrassing mess on the floor. I cough, then chuckle to try to cover up my gaffe. "You make it sound like I'm gonna die."

"Hope not. But we all know you're leaving."

". . . again," I fill in mentally, the unspoken word all the more accusing because we both know it's true. I'm not very present these days.

"Nicanor is counting on me," I say quietly. "So is Tem."

"Didn't say you should stay, flux-brain. I know Tem is important," Mikko says, nudging his shoulder against mine. Gently, but still with enough force to make me stagger back half a step.

If not for training mana empowerment, he would have knocked me flat on my back. My eyebrows creep up my forehead. He only knocks me over like that when he's agitated enough to lose control over his strength.

Instinctively, I know he's not mad at me. He's just upset I'm leaving so soon. A lump forms in my throat, and I squeeze his arm to let him know I care.

"You better keep a suite prepared for when I come back," I tell him, my voice thick with sudden emotion.

"You sure you don't wanna stay at Mom and Dad's place? They'll miss you," he rejoins.

I smirk. "Good point. Someone's got to keep them company. They'll be lonely when you move out after the wedding."

Relief floods my Domain when I announce my change of plans, and I can't help but laugh as my brother turns abruptly to hide a furious blush.

"Two more weeks. It's gonna take forever!" He groans, putting his face in his big hands. "How can it seem like not enough time to do everything, and way too long to wait all at once? So much to do, but I wish it were tomorrow—no, tonight!"

I flag down a [Hostess] and ask for more drinks for the two of us. My brother nods at me in appreciation, gulping down his current drink and steadying himself.

Humming in sympathy, I pat him on the shoulder. "Hey. Don't look glum. Put that strength to work and finish the roof. Nothing like hard work to pass the time."

He rubs the mug in his hand with his thumb, lost in thought. "True, true. Focusing on a task will take my mind off things."

Our next set of drinks arrive just then, and we both swap out empty mugs for full. We talk and drink and laugh, and the hours melt by as we enjoy each other's company. It's the perfect way to wind down after the run through the Rift.

By the time I head back home, relaxed though not tipsy since my mana burns away the alcohol after a while, I'm brimming with excitement for the future. It's been too long since I felt so happy, and the good times aren't over yet. There's a wedding on the horizon!

=+=

The next two weeks fly by in a flash, which seems to be an all too frequent experience for me lately. Each hour of preparation feels long and grueling, but then I blink and the time evaporates like morning dew drops under the unrelenting assault of the hot summer sun. How come each moment seems to stretch on forever, but the years disappear so quickly?

Before I have time to properly process all the changes around me, I find myself standing at the edge of a raised dais as my brother and Avelina smile at each other beneath an archway of entwined flowers—blue and white blossoms to symbolize joy and purity.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Everyone we know in Silaraon is attending, plus some friends from our journeys. Nicanor returned just in time to glower at us from the back of the room, although he can't hide the way he surreptitiously wiped away a tear. I always knew he was a big softie at heart.

Casella and Mbukhe accompanied the doughty [Spear Commander] since they wrapped up their extended clean up mission in Gilead, and they came bearing a surprise. They brought a profusion of paper birds and one of my original scrying golems with them to allow Rakesh and Lionel to be part of the day's proceedings from afar.

Can't wait to see it in action. Hope it works as theorized, I muse. Initially, I had harbored doubts that they would be able to connect across such a vast distance, but the wily [Inquisitors] had travelled with dozens of Rakesh's signature paper birds. They'd dropped off a folded paper bird every time they'd stopped for a daily meal break, and they assure me that the long line of communication constructs will form a relay from Silaraon all the way to Gilead. Communication of that nature is a type of magic I'm less familiar with than I'd like to be, but I trust Rakesh to do his research. It's in his nature to unearth secrets, after all.

Soft music brings me back to the moment at hand. The ceremony is starting at long last. Mikko has a goofy grin on his face, like a kid unleashed in a bakery and told he can take home as many cookies as he can carry. Avelina isn't any better; she's beaming so brightly that I idly wonder if she swallowed the sun. I'm waiting for beams of sunlight to stream out of her eyes.

The scenario isn't even that far-fetched: smoke wafts up from her fingertips, and I nudge the temperature in the massive auditorium at the SCA back down to more manageable levels for the attendees who don't have as hardy of constitutions as we do.

The front row of guests is already wiping sweat from their brows, but I suspect most of them will assume it's a heightened emotional response, so I stop fiddling with the heat in the area. Good enough.

Joyful smiles and happy tears abound as the two sets of parents take the stage, carrying a braided rope between them. Synchronized in a way that speaks to rehearsal, they bind the rope around the couple's clasped hands. The four of them braided the rope together while they discussed how much land to gift Mikko for the construction of the house. Apparently, it's all very traditional, so I take notes in case I'm ever in a similar situation—but first I have to survive my showdown with the [Death Mage] before I let my thoughts wander toward a marriage of my own. Then maybe I'll visit Smoke again, see if there's any spark there or if I imagined the entire thing.

After all, I wisecrack internally, where there's smoke, there's usually fire.

Maybe I should visit her before any big battles, and keep in touch while the fight goes on. If Rakesh's birds work from here to Gilead with a relay system, then I'll have to take a long, hard look into long-distance communication to see if I can make use of it myself. Well, after two of my most beloved friends in the whole world are done pledging their troth to one another. Their binding covenant is infinitely more important than satisfying my magical curiosity.

Priorities, Nuri, I remind myself wryly.

Of course, that's precisely when my curiosity gets the better of me, and I peer at the odd build up of mana in the atmosphere. I shuffle a half-step toward the dias without thinking, then freeze in place so no one stares at my strange behavior. But I can't help myself. My Domain is lighting up like a lightning storm.

Unusually potent mana swirls around the pair, stronger than anything I've seen outside of a Rift. Reflexively, I tap into my [Arcane Domain: My Eyes Shall Pierce the Veil] to examine what's happening. Energy flows between Mikko and Avelina in complex patterns, sinking deep into their cores, in a way that jogs my memory. With a sharp breath, I realize why I recognize the shape and intensity of the mana: it's similar to when a new Class forms.

Excitement thrums through me as though my nerves are strings on a lyre and someone is plucking out a jaunty tune. The outside world falls away from me. Vaguely, as though from a great distance, I hear their vows, but I'm too enthralled by the beauty in front of me to properly take note.

Chiral spirals spring up from within them, growing like trees with thousands of branches that endlessly reach for the heavens. White and silver light pulse in time with their heartbeats, moving up the roots and into the verdant trunks of the soul trees. They blossom like fireworks in the boughs of the rapidly evolving structures, which look less like trees by the moment and more like labyrinthine towers. The twists and fluted columns are proliferating at a dizzying pace that I can't follow even with the recent upgrade to my [Arcane Domain].

Iridescent golden links form between the constructs, binding the two lovebirds together. Ponderously at first, then with increasing momentum as Mikko and Avelina lend their strength to the working, the bond is woven between them as their souls sing in unison. Hand in hand, the two of them are constructing an edifice that spans both cores, something I didn't even know was possible before today.

Wild cheers and applause breaks my concentration, and I snap back to myself, realizing with a start that I'm breathing heavily. My back is drenched in sweat, and my vision swims for a long moment before stabilizing. My mana is half-drained, and my fingers are trembling in dread and awe-struck wonder.

What . . . what did I just see?

I haven't felt this unsettled just from beholding something since I saw the Rift core and shredded my core and channels a few years ago.

Blinking away my stupor, I turn toward the crowd, seeking out the married couples, only to realize that I don't know half the guests. My gaze returns to the stage and lingers on my adopted parents. For some reason I've never taken a single look at their soul spaces, but I'll bet they have the same intertwined construct. With a simple twist of my perspective, I draw on my familiar Viewing technique and confirm that there's a bridge between their souls, a bond of energy and conviction that ties the pair together forever. As it should.

I glance over and grin at Mikko and Avelina kissing deeply, their arms wrapped around each other like they'll never let go. Seemingly unaware of his strength, my brother lifts his new bride clear off the floor. Her feet and legs curl up. She doesn't seem to mind floating in the air as they put their love on display and finalize the connection between them.

With a resonant hum, the working of mana snaps into place and fades in brilliance, but not in glory. There's something magnificent about the way the two have become one. A sacred bond—and I've had the profound honor to witness the miracle come into being.

Still reeling from the profound revelation, I barely keep my wits about me as they finish the ceremony and move on to the feasting and dancing portion of the night. I shuffle along in a daze, following the other guests to a broad, open area outside the hall where the practical half of the wedding will prove the suitability of their vows.

Ornate SCA towers surround us, casting the expansive paved court in shadow, which is the perfect backdrop to Avelina's flames exploding in the air. Her fire lights up the night sky in a hundred intricate patterns as she makes her claim to the strength to flourish.

Whooshing to life in a display of magical prowess, more fire erupts all around the entire crowd in concentric rings. The evening turns as bright as high noon, illuminating dozens of iron constructs Aelina and Mikko created earlier in the week after he finished the roof over their new house. Sleep deprivation may hit him harder without his [Greater Endurance], but he was still golem-like in his tireless approach to constructing his home.

I ended up prevailing on him to add a few more glass skylights, which helped speed up the process, but he did the rest himself before passing out for an entire day and a half before the wedding.

Meanwhile, Avelina completed her mission with a few more days to spare. She'd visited a few dozen families, presenting examples of their industry and gathering furnishings for their home. In accordance with time-honored Silaron tradition, the pair's teamwork paved the way to success, proving the suitability of their match.

"Thank you all for coming to the union of fire and might, glass and iron," Mikko booms out to a chorus of cheers.

When the whistles and roars of approval eventually die down, he grins and gestures at the metal sculptures arrayed around the courtyard. The embedded glass in the iron structures glitters in the light of the crackling flames. "We have prepared gifts created with the best of our talents combined to prove that we will have what it takes to survive on our own. We will stand tall and proud, contributing to Silaraon for years to come."

I meet my brother's eyes and nod. While I'm not familiar with all the wedding traditions, this one is famous, and unique to our region as far as I know. The city may be civilized these days, but out here in the borderlands, we still need to prove our ability to contribute to society.

A poor match means more than interpersonal tension between the husband and wife; the continued survival of our society hinges on productive families and the innovation that new synergies bring. Mikko and Avelina have earned enough wealth from delving to give them a head start, but now that Avelina can finally imbue, they're set for life.

"You have our deepest gratitude for your presence tonight," Aveflina says, releasing the starbursts of flame overhead and bowing gracefully. "We hope that the sculptures we made will warm your homes as representations of our love and enduring commitment. May they always bring you great joy."

Applause greets her short speech. Her soft smile deepens into her typical mischievous grin. "Just don't let your children touch them. My fire burns hot."

The response is far more raucous this time as people cheer and stamp, whooping in approval as poor Mikko's face goes as bright red as the furnace.

His wife spares him any further embarrassment by dragging him into the middle of the courtyard. Music strikes up from a band of traveling [Minstrels] tucked away in the corner, a group of Ezio's former students that he had a soft spot for, and the people in the crowd quickly pair up to dance alongside the newlyweds.

I find myself opposite of Melina, who knows the steps better than I do. Only the improved mental clarity courtesy of the [Mage] half of my Class keeps me from fumbling my footwork as I suddenly remember I promised her a year ago that we'd go visit Padouk soon. Watching her sister get married first must be a bittersweet moment.

"Took them long enough, huh?" Melina giggles, nudging me as we spin in lazy circles across the paving stones.

I search her eyes for a hint of regret, but she glows with such earnestness that I feel ashamed for ascribing jealousy to her. She's a lot nicer than I am.

"Sometimes a change of circumstance is the only cure for obliviousness. We knew it seemed inevitable, but would they have figured it out eventually without all our adventures?" My face twists in a wry expression. "Facing death tends to provide clarity, after all."

Melina stutter-steps, missing the beat in the song to my utter shock. She frowns deeply, her face tightening as if she just had an unpleasant thought.

"Had a moment of clarity yourself?" I prod.

She nods, but resumes her dancing while she arranges her words. "I am tired of leaving home. Me! All these years, I've dreamed of traveling and experiencing all this world has to offer. Now I find myself wishing I could simply settle down in one place. Not much of a match for a [Merchant], am I?"

It's a sign of how much I've grown up that I don't blurt out the first platitude that comes to mind. Instead, I smile, pouring sympathy into my Domain. "Never fear, Mel. [Spymasters] leave fieldwork behind when they work their way up the ladder, and Padouk is too clever not to move up the ranks. Your Skills and inclinations are a perfect match for someone collecting information and serving his nation."

"I suppose I picked up a few tricks from Rakesh," Melina concedes. The emotional knot deep in her core loosens, though it doesn't unravel completely.

"Tem first, then we'll go. I promise."

She shakes her head. "You should stay in Densmore. They'll need you for the war."

"Nicanor and Tem can do far more for that fight than I can," I scoff. "Let me escort you at least. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to you on the way."

"Helpless little me might get into big trouble, huh?" Melina teases. The liveliness is back in her unnaturally pale eyes, and her dancing is flawless once more.

I click my tongue. "Traveling alone is an unnecessary risk, even for someone as crafty as you. Too many unknowns."

"I guess you'd know from experience." She smirks. "Worried I might lose a hand, too?"

I scrunch up my nose at her arch look. "Fine, I walked into that one."

"Send a golem. Or an entire squad, if it makes you feel better. One to scout ahead, one to watch my back, and a few more to act as bodyguards."

I'm about to counter-offer sending a swarm of golems under her command when a shout goes up to bring out dessert. The dancers scatter, cheering at the long tables laden with savory delicacies, and Melina and I follow in their wake.

The strange and wondrous sights of the day have worked up my appetite, and I dig into the fruit cakes and sweet rolls with unabashed enthusiasm. By the time gifts are brought out, my poor stomach is rumbling in protest.

Most of the gifts are sensible, solid things: a set of bowls and plates, a bear-skin rug for their bedroom floor, curtains for their windows, and a pile of other household items. They're all mundane, however, and don't hold my interest.

The final gift at the end of the table is different. Mikko holds up a heavy-looking scroll as long as his forearm, with engraved golden knobs on either end of the blinding white parchment. Enchantments shimmer along its length. "Hey, Nuri, this one's from your teacher in Grand Ile."

What's up with those enchantments? They're not functional. They look like a message. My feet betray me before my conscious thoughts catch up, and I rush over and snatch the scroll from his hands. "That's for me."

Threading my mana into the scroll, I follow the pathways through the maze-lock sealing [Lady] Evershed's gift. Twice I have to backtrack after reaching dead-ends, but I make it to the exit after a moment. A soft click rewards my efforts, and the scroll unfurls on its own.

My eyes bug out as I scan the brief message. "She's giving you a summer house in the garden district in Grand Ile," I squeak out.

My brother's jaw is slack with shock. "Thought you said that was for you. She must have realized that I'm the better brother."

Avelina squeals and claps her hands together. "Honeymoon time! Let's go to Grand Ile with Nuri, Mikko."

"Does that mean I rushed to build the house for nothing?" Mikko groans, burying his face in his big, square hands.

Waving my hand dismissively, I ignore their teasing. "It is for me! Giving you a house is just her idea of a polite introduction to the rest of the letter. Vacation options aside, she's inviting me to guest residency at her renovated studio. She claims she has something important to teach me, since my education in glass is apparently 'incomplete' even if I'm now a 'credible approximation of a craftsman.'"

Mikko winces. "Harsh."

"That's her sense of humor for you. You'll find her sharp tongue is all an act once you get to know her. She's one of the kindest ladies I've ever met. I can't wait to introduce you—after you're all settled in at your own place, of course," I say with a wink.