Chapter 1

The air grew cool, and crisp winds of Avelmor carried the scent of ember-leaves as solaris ended and autumn descended. A few months had passed since the incident involving the missing spiritweavers at Aeloria College. Arlia, who had aided in their rescue, had retreated to focus on her training, ignoring the whispered rumours that flitted through the college halls. Though most of the college stood by her as silent allies, a small but vocal cabal felt that her involvement had tarnished the college's growing reputation. They claimed it had exposed vulnerabilities by placing trust in one who was merely an inexperienced and weak initiate.

The Elder Council had gathered before the decision to involve Arlia, and heated debate had swirled within the Elder Hall. One voice had risen above the rest in vehement opposition to her inclusion in the mission, citing it as unnecessary and a sign of weakness. This man was Korelan Daruzora, an intense and grizzled figure. His hair was charcoal dark with grey streaks, and his eyes were a darkened green that had seemingly lost their vibrance with age. Though he was entering his twilight years, his voice still commanded respect among his peers.

In the aftermath of the incident, he began openly challenging the wisdom and judgment of his fellow Elders, claiming they were growing soft and their resolve had weakened. Brina, with her presence concealed, overheard Galen and Korelan discussing it. Korelan's voice echoed in the hall. "'Tis quite unacceptable, I'm afraid! The situation all over Avelmor is perilous at this moment, don't you see? This makes it look like we're weak. They're looking for any opportunity to force us under their rule like everywhere else, and 'tis only our strengths as spiritweavers that keep us safe, mark my words."

Galen replied calmly, "Our strength comes from more than just the college, my dear old friend. There be skilled people all over Durnovaria and the allied towns and villages, bless their hearts. If you can't see that, then perhaps you're not as wise as we all reckoned, hmm?"

Korelan dismissed Galen's thoughts and stalked off, his boots echoing against the stone as he walked through the college halls. Brina hurried along the corridors to inform Arlia of what she had heard. Though she had harboured suspicions that someone of influence was fuelling the rumours against her friend, never had she imagined one of the Elder Council themselves would stoop to such tactics.

Finding Arlia in their shared chambers, Brina's voice trembled slightly as she relayed what she'd overheard. Unconcerned and with a smile, Arlia responded, “Oh, sigh... best not to worry about it though, don't they think? It’ll only distract us from our training! I’m going to head down to the Zarotur – I feel like I'm on the very edge of a breakthrough, and hopefully soon I can become a proper fully-fledged Novice Shaman!"

Arlia made her way gleefully to the Zarotur to commune with the Spirits. While initiates were encouraged to practice communion without the Zarotur's assistance and amplification, when nearing a breakthrough, it was deemed acceptable due to the delicate nature of such moments. She settled into position and gently eased her consciousness into communion, transported to the meadow of her mindscape.

There, the vibrant flowers and herbs that encircled the grand tree shone beautifully in the sun. Glowing wisps of the Nature Spirits floated around Arlia, acknowledging her arrival. Her form appeared more substantial than the translucent shape of her earlier communions as she carefully descended into the meadow, barely disturbing the grass beneath her feet.

She glided across the meadow with her crwth and began playing. A beautiful melody echoed across the space, catching the attention of the Spirits, who began to stir and drift toward her. Channelling the memories of that day in the forest, she attempted to recreate what had happened. Though the Spirits danced around her, they did not resonate with the same harmonious connection. She paused for a moment and lifted her voice to address them. “Nature Spirits, guide me to what I need to do, I do so wish to make that step and become a Shaman, if you please."

Arlia watched in wonder as the Nature Spirits began to move around the meadow with increasing urgency, intertwining and dancing in a rhythm with newfound intensity. Swiftly, they converged around her, swirling in a tight spiral before abruptly changing course. The Spirits swept toward the great tree in the centre of the meadow. As they approached, their motion began to slow until they settled in front of it. From within their glow, a ghostly apparition formed.

The figure of an elder stood there, his long white hair falling past his shoulders, a neatly trimmed white goatee framing his partially obscured face. He held an imposing yet calm aura, gripping a staff whose wood twisted and curved as though it had grown naturally, topped with a gem that looked like a living leaf, pulsing with soft, green light.

The elder gestured for Arlia to approach. She drew near with measured steps, curiosity overcoming her initial caution despite the many questions running through her mind. As she neared, the figure began to whisper, yet the meaning eluded her completely. The sounds were beautiful but incomprehensible, as though spoken in a foreign tongue. Arlia paused as realisation dawned upon her—this was the guidance she had sought from the Spirits. Yet her inability to communicate with them formed a barrier to complete understanding, leaving her standing on the edge of knowledge she was unable to grasp.

Settling herself within her meadow, Arlia closed her eyes within a world that was itself a projection. She focused her essence on the elder's words. Gradually, the whispers began to take shape—no longer formless sounds but distinct syllables. As she strained to comprehend, her concentration began to unravel, and she could perceive no more. Communion slipped from her grasp, and her eyes opened to the soft glow of reality, her body swaying slightly as disorientation washed over her. With effort, she steadied herself and rose to her feet, recognising the familiar weariness of expending too much stamina.

She made her way wearily through the college hallways. Upon reaching her chamber, she pressed her palm against the door's polished wood and, with some effort, pushed it open. Inside, Brina and Taran were deep in conversation, their voices falling silent as the hinges creaked. They turned toward her with concerned expressions, and Taran didn't hesitate to speak. "There she be! See Brina, nothing to worry about, right as rain she is!"

Brina's eyes widened with worry as she noticed that Arlia was on the brink of exhaustion. Unlike her usual animated responses, Arlia was uncharacteristically subdued. She made her way to them, her steps heavy, before collapsing into a nearby chair. Taran and Brina exchanged understanding glances, their silent communication speaking volumes in the quiet room. Arlia gathered what little energy she had left and spoke wearily to her friends. "I made some progress... hooray for that, I s'pose..."

Arlia's words faded as she was overcome by weariness, her eyelids growing heavy as she slipped into a deep slumber right there in the chair. Brina exhaled a deep sigh—this had become a familiar scene since the events with the missing spiritweavers. Despite advice and warnings from tutors and friends alike, Arlia continued to drive herself beyond reasonable limits, approaching her training with the same unyielding determination she had been taught as a child. But the art of spiritweaving demanded something different—a calmness and presence of mind that couldn't be forced through sheer will. This was the subtle balance and temperance that Arlia needed to master.

Meanwhile, in the Elder Hall, Korelan had summoned his fellow Elders, claiming matters of dire urgency concerning the very future of Aeloria College. But Galen recognised the true purpose behind this hastily called meeting—this was merely Korelan's latest manoeuvre to push through his increasingly restrictive policies on how spiritweaving should be taught and regulated. Though Galen's position granted him authority, he had no grounds to forcibly prevent a properly requested meeting, no matter how rushed. He went ahead reluctantly, knowing full well the contentious debate and potentially damaging decisions that might follow.

In the coming days, Arlia continued to push herself, spending hours in communion until she emerged pale and drained each evening. Her constant presence within the Zarotur led to further murmurs among the other spiritweavers, who feared her recklessness would lead to disaster. Despite their doubts, she persisted and made small but meaningful progress each day. It wasn't until Ysolde discovered the lengths to which Arlia was pushing herself that she intervened.

She forced her student to rest and relax for at least a few days, explaining in no uncertain terms how continuous depletion of one's stamina had long-term detrimental effects on a spiritweaver's ability to maintain a connection to the Spirits.

After days of enforced rest, feeling invigorated, a realisation had formed during her recovery—perhaps the Nature Spirits present in the forest would improve her growth rate. Arlia sought out Ysolde and explained that she was heading into the forests with her crwth to commune. Ysolde's eyebrows arched with surprise, followed by a pleased smile as Arlia outlined her intention. She recognised that her student had begun to grasp the fundamentals of spiritweaving and find her own approach.

Korelan observed their exchange, overhearing Arlia's plan. He enlisted a student particularly susceptible to influence to follow the initiate and document her activities, while ensuring the Elder Council meeting took place that day rather than the following day as originally planned. The timing, he decided, would prove most advantageous.

As the sun began to set behind Aeloria College, the Elder Council convened with the Elders taking their places at the table. Korelan rose from his seat, placed his hands on the table and leaned forward, then began to address the others. His voice carried the weight of authority, and each word was carefully measured to serve his purpose. "During the recent issue of missing spiritweavers, we as an institute of learning and protection enabled an inexperienced individual to take part in this matter, even claiming that they played a pivotal role in returning them unharmed, if you can believe such a tale."

Korelan paused as his gaze surveyed the room, gauging each Elder's subtle responses. The statement was met with scepticism, but satisfied that he had captured their attention, he continued. "The individual in question be just an initiate, and as per our current rules, they aren't allowed to take part in any request or job in the college. However, the rules were bent for this particular individual, weren't they? The reason given was that she had a deep enough connection with the Nature Spirits there to guide us to the missing group. Which I find rather... difficult to believe, shall we say? That a child, with no spiritweaving background, could possibly create a stronger connection than our dear Galen here."

Galen and Ysolde remained motionless and silent, carefully maintaining neutral expressions as Korelan inferred that they had fabricated the events of that fateful day. He twisted the truth to claim that they were attempting to preserve the reputation of themselves and Arlia after she had sustained serious injuries. He spoke of her brief return to her family's hearth not as necessary for recovery but as calculated to remove her from the immediate spotlight. Kelan felt heat rising to his face as the twisted narrative of half-truths made him increasingly frustrated. When he could bear no more, he snapped. "Galen! You gonna continue to allow him to make these accusations? We were there and felt it ourselves, we did!"

Galen spoke calmly, "Kelan, your passion be commendable, truly it is. But while we were there and witnessed what we witnessed, 'tis only natural for others to be sceptical, you must understand. Nonetheless, Korelan, your actions today are only causing disruption to the college and might well lead to harm to one or many others within these walls. I would advise you to calm yourself and think about what might come of your actions, my old friend."

Korelan's face contorted, and his nostrils flared, barely concealing the disdain he felt building within him. He spoke with ice-cold venom. "Your strength is the only thing keeping you in your position these days, Galen, make no mistake about that. Your leadership be weak and will destroy this college, no matter how tough you wish to sound here. The current rules aren’t fit for purpose, and therefore, I do propose that only spirit mediums and above should be allowed to partake in dangerous requests. 'Tis the only sensible course."

A look of shock rippled among the Elder Council as they whispered amongst themselves, but Korelan hadn't finished. The room fell silent briefly as disquiet flowed through it. Each Elder registered shock on their faces, excluding Galen, who remained stoic. Hushed conversations and knowing glances began between the small number of Elders on the Council. Korelan then continued his assault on Galen's leadership. "Even the spiritweavers that went missing shouldn't have been allowed to leave for that official request, should they? They themselves be only Acolyte spiritweavers, and yet due to the current college rules, they were allowed to embark on such a dangerous college request. Their weakness put their lives in danger, as well as the reputation of this fine college. Galen, this recklessness cannot continue, I tell you."

A nervous silence fell over the Elder Hall. No one could quite muster the will to speak, but after a while, Ysolde broke the deafening quiet. There was heavy stillness in the air of the Elder Hall as nervous silence fell. None of the Elders could muster the courage to break it, until Ysolde gathered herself and, with a calm aura exuding from her, spoke. "Thank you for your... concerns, Korelan. I think 'tis best if we end this meeting here, if that be all you have to say?"

Korelan replied curtly, “Aye, that be all.”

Ysolde looked over to Galen for approval and spoke with a dry finality. “Quite so. I think we should end this discussion here for the time being, don't you agree?"

The Elders dispersed from the hall with uncharacteristic haste, none willing to address the accusations and vitriol that had come from Korelan. His ambition had always been an open secret in the college, but even those who knew his desire for power were shaken by the direct attack on Galen. He had never directly confronted or eviscerated his old friend in such a public manner.

Chapter 2

Some weeks had passed, and the heated aftermath of Korelan's confrontation gradually cooled as the upcoming trials approached—the moment when initiates would prove themselves worthy of becoming fully fledged spiritweavers. Throughout the college, nervous initiates could be seen studying intensely or practising their craft. While the teachings of Aeloria College emphasised that a spiritweaver's journey should unfold at its own pace, there was an unspoken understanding: if a meaningful connection with the Spirits could not be established within five years, students were gently guided toward other pathways in Durnovaria's wider society.

The most recent Elder Council meeting had concluded with an uneasy compromise. Korelan was chosen to preside over the trials, with some Elders reluctantly siding with him. Ysolde had opposed the decision fiercely, arguing that his rigid and conservative views would greatly disadvantage the talented initiates who approached their trials from non-traditional paths. Afterwards, Galen defended the decision, hoping that entrusting Korelan with the trials would satisfy his desire for influence while simultaneously exposing him to the gifts of those he would otherwise dismiss. He feared the alternative—that his old friend would be tempted by a darker path if continuously opposed.

Ysolde spoke freely to Galen once they were alone. "You know damn well how I feel about this decision regarding the trials, Galen. 'Tis dangerous, and someone's going to get hurt because that bastard's obsessed with power and prestige. He always claims he's doing it in the name of the college, that he wants what's best for everyone. But 'tis obvious as daylight—he wants to force the hand of the Elder Council and remove you, even though he'd leave a massive power vacuum in the position he'd take. The man doesn't have the strength to lead, let alone the wisdom."

Galen replied softly, his eyes twinkling with concern, "My dear Ysolde, I am deeply concerned for my old friend. He seems distracted by something else entirely, I'm afraid. But as I mentioned in the meeting, perhaps he is the only one who can be truly objective when putting the trials together and making decisions about who is best suited to become a full-fledged spiritweaver. I understand that you two have never quite seen eye to eye, but he remains a loyal member of this college. He will do what is best for the initiates and the college when the time comes. Do not trouble yourself so."

Ysolde sighed before replying, "You're too bloody soft on him, you are."
Galen looked at Ysolde and, with a gentle smile, said, "And you, my dear, are perhaps too hard on him."
As Ysolde strolled into the corridor away from Galen, he continued to smile and called after her with a chuckle, "I rather thought it was Kelan who was the rash one out of you two..."

Korelan summoned the Spirit Tutors and requested each of them to formally declare who they would be putting forward for the trials. The Spirit Tutors exchanged puzzled glances—this was far removed from the traditional practice of private submissions. Ysolde's suspicions were evident, but there was little room for objection. When it came to her turn, she met Korelan's gaze intensely and with deliberate clarity pronounced Arlia's name. A ripple of whispers began among the gathered Spirit Tutors as Korelan's expression transformed into a satisfied smile before he addressed them. "You know these trials can be... most perilous, Ysolde. 'Tis quite unheard of for an initiate who has not even graced our college for a full year to partake in such... demanding examinations. Surely you must reconsider this hasty decision?" His voice carried honeyed concern, though his eyes remained calculating.

Korelan's words carefully disguised darker undertones that Ysolde's experience allowed her to perceive. She understood that a direct confrontation would only strengthen his cause—Korelan was far too careful for that. Ysolde replied with steely confidence. "As long as the trials are fair, I have complete faith in Arlia. She's made remarkable progress and has experience already. I fully believe she'll pass the trials and make even greater progress in the process."

The pleasantness that Korelan used to mask his displeasure momentarily slipped, revealing a cold and unimpressed expression. Quickly regaining composure to show concern, he made one final effort to force Ysolde to alter her mind. "Ah, yes, you may have complete faith in her, but surely you see how... obvious it is that you and others treat her with such... special consideration? More favourably than others, one might say. There is considerable bitterness growing among the current initiates and even some of the established spiritweavers because of this girl. For the prestige and good of our beloved college, I would humbly suggest that she is not yet ready for these trials. Of course, I merely want what is best for everyone, including our Arlia. There is no need to... rush such important matters."

Ysolde's resolve remained steadfast as she explained to Korelan why he must accept the decision. "I know you have your bloody issues, but you shouldn't use your position to force your feelings onto others. Furthermore, 'tis unacceptable to be publicly acting in this manner. 'Tis you who makes the college look weak, not Arlia or any initiate for that matter."

After grudgingly accepting Arlia's inclusion, Korelan dismissed the Spirit Tutors with a curt gesture, showing thinly veiled impatience. Without lingering, he left, brooding over Ysolde's comments as he made his way through the college halls to his private office. Within the office, Korelan activated a privacy spirit ward, then extended his right index finger and summoned a small flame on the tip. With precise motions, he engraved an unknown rune into a small, smooth stone. With a swift gesture and subtle incantation, he summoned a small sprite-like creature whose body appeared to be composed of living embers.

The creature looked at Korelan and regarded him with unsettling familiarity. It grabbed the small stone and, with remarkable agility, scampered across the stone floor, scaled the wall, and leapt through a partially opened window, vanishing into the shadows of the night.

Meanwhile, Ysolde made her way through the college to Arlia's chambers, growing concerned when she found her absent from there and the Zarotur. After searching the common areas where initiates gathered, as well as Arlia's favourite spots, she found Brina, whose face creased with worry as she realised that Arlia hadn't been around for several days.

Brina recalled their last conversation with unease, her voice trembling slightly as she explained what Arlia had said to her: "She seemed so excited, you know, 'I've had the most amazing breakthrough when trying to commune with the Spirits, but something's still holding me back. I'm heading out because I have this incredible idea! I'll be back real soon, I promise!' She looked so determined, but now... now I'm really worried about her!"

Ysolde had become increasingly worried, prompting her to visit the Eldaran homestead. The lack of communication allowed darker thoughts to creep into her mind. Surely Korelan wouldn't stoop as low as direct action against a student? Recent events had highlighted the lengths he was willing to go for his ambition. She spent some time in communion, attempting to discover answers from the Spirits. However, their responses were frustratingly cryptic despite attempts to reassure her that Arlia was fine. Ysolde still felt an unsettling tension within her and set out onto the path leading out of the settlement to discover Arlia's whereabouts.

Ysolde had departed swiftly after her communion, leaving many puzzled at her sudden absence. As the hours stretched into evening, rumours began circling the college halls and chambers—particularly among those spiritweavers who had grown sympathetic to Korelan's vision. The whispers carried undertones of devious suspicions about the timing of this disappearance.

Korelan seized upon this opportunity to further his support, using his allies to distribute his manifesto detailing the need to improve Aeloria College's reputation through more rigorous standards. Central to the proposed reforms would be the expulsion of spiritweavers who failed their trial on the first attempt—a stark difference from the current system that allowed spiritweavers multiple attempts as their abilities matured.

Korelan used Arlia's sudden absence as evidence that initiates required stricter oversight and should be confined to college grounds. The idea swiftly circulated the college, orchestrated by his sympathisers, proposing that only spiritweavers who passed their trials should be allowed to practice off college grounds. The idea was framed under the guise of protecting young spiritweavers embarking on their new journey, arguing that their skills must be honed to a certain standard to defend themselves. Quietly, they also spread the damaging idea that Galen's permissive approach was already beginning to tarnish the college's growing reputation.

While these rumours spread throughout the college, Korelan meticulously crafted a more vigorous plan for Arlia's trial—one he deemed necessary to counterbalance the advantages he had convinced himself she had been given over others. The traditional structure had been maintained: two Spirit Mediums would be present to safeguard each initiate, while the Elder Council would maintain a watchful eye through the Spirits via communion. Their combined wisdom, as well as the two Spirit Mediums' detailed assessments, would decide whether each initiate passed.

After much deliberation and weighing all options, Korelan reached his decision with a cold smirk of satisfaction. Arlia's trial would be to pacify a spiritual fissure—an overabundance of Nature, Water, Fire, and Chaos Spirits colliding. While mostly harmless, they could become extremely dangerous if left to grow. Pacifying spiritual fissures was considered routine work for Novice spiritweavers, offering both valuable experience and spiritual growth to those who undertook such tasks. However, even the smallest spiritual fissures could prove treacherous for initiates whose connection with the Spirits was still developing.

Korelan summoned one of his most devoted students, Marek Fennor—a talented but easily influenced individual who would be supervising Arlia's upcoming trial. With a calculating smile, Korelan outlined his expectations. "I require you to ensure she appears as... inadequate as possible during this trial, my dear. I have already arranged for this to be sufficiently challenging. Unfortunately, it would be rather suspicious if I placed two of our associates to oversee her, so I have requested someone under Ysolde's tutelage to assist. You merely need to... delay their intervention until the very last moment—not that I expect she will accomplish much, considering the spiritual fissure will prove quite impossible for her to manage."

Marek shifted nervously in his seat as he questioned Korelan, his voice carefully measured. "Master Korelan, I do agree that she represents certain... difficulties within the college structure. However, ensuring her failure seems rather extreme, does it not? As you say, she will fail this trial naturally, and it will expose the leadership's weaknesses—their over-reliance on... unsuitable candidates."

Korelan turned sharply toward him, his face barely containing his irritation at being questioned, and responded with icy precision: "You are inexperienced, you cannot fully grasp the... complexities of this delicate situation. She must fail in the most absolute manner possible—it must be a complete defeat. If there is even the slightest hint of potential success during the trial, it will be seized upon by those who oppose proper order, and that spark must be extinguished by absolute authority so we may preserve our heritage and secure our future."

Marek relented and hastily left Korelan's office. Growing concerned by several days of silence regarding Arlia, Korelan began to suspect that something had gone awry. With calculated urgency, he sent word to gather the Elder Council for an emergency meeting. The sudden assembly of the Elder Council sent ripples of speculation surrounding Arlia around the college. Emergency sessions were only reserved for the gravest situations, and one hadn't been called for years. As word spread like wildfire, many were surprised that it was Korelan who took the initiative to call for the meeting.

Korelan advocated for a search party to immediately set out to discover Arlia's whereabouts, his previous hostility seemingly replaced by genuine concern for her safety. Though Galen was suspicious of his old friend, the gravity of the situation overcame his reservations, and the Elder Council granted permission for the expedition. Moving with remarkable efficiency, Korelan assembled a search party consisting of Acolytes Elyna Vorant, Aldric Gavrel, and Lorik Druvan, who were eager volunteers after Arlia had helped save their lives months earlier. Led by Dorian Tarneth, a skilled Spirit Medium tracker under the tutelage of Kelan, they gathered by the gates of Durnovaria within the hour and departed to begin their search.

The search party assembled by Korelan had barely left Durnovaria when they spotted two familiar figures approaching along the pathway. Relief washed over Dorian, who led the party, as he realised it was Ysolde and Arlia, unharmed. Quickening their pace to meet them, he called out with gratitude evident in his voice, though his tone carried the weariness of someone who had seen too much. "Thank the Spirits you're both safe! There's been worry about you throughout the college since you left without word. We... we feared the worst, truth be told."

Arlia's face flushed with anguish and embarrassment, the naivety of youth laid bare. Her voice carried a musical quality, tinged with remorse. "Oh my! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to cause such trouble for everyone. I was just so excited about my discovery that I... I guess I forgot to tell anyone where I was going. That was really thoughtless of me, wasn't it?"

Ysolde's experienced gaze swiftly assessed the group of four—the traditional composition of a search party—and she directly addressed them with sharp authority. "Did Galen get wind of Arlia's disappearance and send you four to find her?"

Dorian was unable to mask his own surprise at Korelan's actions as he responded, his words careful and measured as befitted his training. "No, Master Ysolde. 'Twas Korelan himself who took action. Soon as he learned of it, he called an emergency meeting and sought permission to assemble a search party. Had us four ready to depart the moment approval was granted. Strange thing, that—not like him to act so... swiftly in such matters."

Ysolde's eyes widened in disbelief as the implications of Korelan's actions struck her. This was a stark departure from his strict previous policy of non-interference in spiritweaver matters outside of college grounds. The fact that he broke his personal policy for Arlia—whom he had long taken issue with—suggested machinations far more complex and sinister than simple academic oversight and student safety. A chill settled deep in Ysolde's bones as she contemplated this development further during their return to Aeloria College.

Chapter 3

Time passed, and Ysolde grew no closer to understanding Korelan's eagerness to assist when Arlia had mysteriously vanished. Her instincts suggested it was calculated—if Arlia had truly disappeared, suspicions would naturally fall upon Korelan due to his ardent and public feud with the Elder Council over her. The apparent concern for Arlia that he now showed, having orchestrated it, painted a picture of someone who cared about the welfare of all students, regardless of personal feelings. Even after Ysolde learned of the meticulous arrangements for Arlia's trial, she recognised his skill in positioning himself to appear entirely objective.

Ysolde pushed aside her concerns for the time being, knowing she needed to focus on assisting Arlia's preparation for her trial, which would take place in the new year. Winter descended on Avelmor, transforming the environment for spiritweavers. Though Spirits would be fewer in number, the ones that remained were often ancient and willing to communicate with initiates brave enough to face the harsher conditions.

When Arlia learned of her trial, she sought guidance from Ysolde in a quiet garden courtyard, her curiosity evident. "What's a spiritual fissure?"

Ysolde hesitated, weighing her words carefully before speaking with slight reluctance. "We don't know much about spiritual fissures still. They be weak points where there's an overabundance of Spirits in conflict within one space. We don't understand how they form, why they exist, or their true purpose, but if left untended, they can grow mighty dangerous. 'Tis a common enough task for spiritweavers, and Novices be usually sufficient to handle 'em."

Arlia sat motionless, fully engaged in processing Ysolde's words. After a moment's silence, Ysolde continued. "To deal with 'em, spiritweavers must find a way to calm the Spirits and help 'em dissipate. Some rely on strength to show their power, others use communication, some employ calming methods, and I've known some to mesmerise 'em with artistry. Whatever method you choose, I believe this be an ideal trial for you."

Ysolde's intuition warned her that Korelan's apparent acceptance masked something deeper—rarely did he make anything straightforward. Meanwhile, Arlia absorbed the information with determined focus, throwing herself back into training after her enforced rest. This proved highly beneficial; since returning to communion, her inner meadow had transformed remarkably, expanding beyond its original boundaries with ancient trees sprouting around the perimeter like guardians and luscious flora blooming in dazzling sunlight.

Within her inner meadow, Arlia's form gained remarkable substance, her presence growing stronger. The Nature Spirits responded to her with increasing familiarity, swirling around her as she laughed and danced among them like she was rediscovering childhood memories. Yet despite this deepening connection, a crucial barrier remained—their whispered words eluded her understanding. Clarity was greatest when her crwth's melody carried her into the deepest state of communion she could achieve, where meaning hovered just beyond her grasp.

As the season turned and frost began to settle, Ysolde and Arlia took a break to prepare for Solhain—the traditional festival marking the beginning of winter. The entire settlement would gather in the square to honour their ancestors and light the winter hearths that would burn throughout the cold months. During this period, the Spirits were livelier than usual, allowing spiritweavers to demonstrate their most impressive skills in displays for the local people.

The entire settlement came together to enjoy the festivities and pay respect to the upcoming winter months. From sunrise until stars shone brightly in the sky, Durnovaria brimmed with collective joy and hope for the future. Even spiritweavers who had wandered distant lands returned to honour Solhain and celebrate where they had grown up. Arlia spent these precious hours surrounded by loved ones, her crwth melodies filling the festival air and exciting the Spirits further with perfect harmonies.

The following day brought unexpected tranquillity to Arlia's spirit, as though lingering exhaustion had been washed away. Settling beneath an ancient willow in one of the College's gardens, she entered communion with the Spirits. Within her inner sanctum, remarkable changes awaited her—the meadow now burst with luminous flowers, and the distant treeline had expanded into a vast, deep forest stretching beyond her sight. The Nature Spirits appeared more vibrant and numerous than ever, their forms clearer and more defined, yet the frustrating barrier of communication remained.

Months passed swiftly as Arlia devoted herself to training and communion, beginning martial arts training in the traditional spear combat arts of Sparakori, practising until the start of the new year. With trials just one month away, nervous energy began building within her. Seeking counsel from trusted friends, she found Aldric, Elyna, and Lorik. Lorik spoke first, his voice ringing with confidence. "Don't worry yourself about trying to succeed, eh? 'Tis amazing that you're even taking the trial in your first year, I reckon. Use this as a chance to grow your confidence—that is the key when forming a connection with the Spirits. They're living beings that connect us to the Gods, and when there's trust between us, the connection grows stronger."

The tension and anxiety building within Arlia began to ease. Aldric then spoke with quiet strength, his voice refined and measured. "It took me two years to feel confident enough to take the trial, though that time served me well in preparation. You've made remarkable progress already and shall become a formidable spiritweaver in time, but there's no need to rush such things."

Over the following month, Arlia devoted herself to trial preparation, growing more confident each day. She came to understand that passing on her first attempt wasn't essential for her path as a spiritweaver—it presented an opportunity to refine her abilities and strengthen her connection with the Spirits.

On the day of the trial, Arlia felt nervous energy building alongside genuine excitement. She had prepared as thoroughly as possible, and with guidance from Aldric, Elyna, and Lorik, she felt ready to demonstrate her abilities. Accompanied by Ysolde, they made their way to the front of Aeloria College, where they met Velina Torvalen, Ysolde's Spirit Medium student, and Marek Fennor, a sympathiser of Korelan and student of another Spirit Tutor who would be overseeing the trial.

Ysolde addressed them, her voice carrying measured concern with an edge of authority. "Remember, if something happens, you must step in straightaway. The Elders and chosen senior spiritweavers will be communing with the Spirits to watch over this trial, as they have with others. Any delay will be noticed, mark my words." She turned to Arlia, speaking gently with the compassion and wisdom of an experienced mentor. "Don't fret about passing, child—just do your best this time. You're mighty talented and have a great future ahead of you. Don't do anything reckless that might put you in harm's way."

The trio departed through Durnovaria's gates, heading toward the spirit fissure's location along the cobblestone path laid down generations ago. They found the forest path leading directly to the site, and Velina began reassuring Arlia that such tasks were routine for Novice spiritweavers, requiring only minimal effort while offering valuable opportunities to strengthen their connection with the Spirits—though the benefit would diminish over time as abilities matured. Marek trudged behind, his expression making it abundantly clear he felt compelled to participate.

Eventually, they reached the fissure, and Arlia was astonished by what she saw. The fissure floated like a living wound in reality, never staying still—fracturing and mending, expanding and contracting unpredictably. The edges shimmered like broken glass, and as Spirits clashed within, it flickered between fiery embers, tangled roots, frozen mist, and raw void energy.

Arlia felt the ominous energy radiating from the fissure. The oppressive aura emanating from this tear in reality immediately clarified why the college insisted on addressing these anomalies while they remained small and manageable. Carefully moving forward and adjusting her senses to assess the situation, she remained calm despite her inexperience and quietly addressed the Nature Spirits. "Spirits, I need your help to make this fissure go away!"

Arlia settled into a meditative state and felt the familiar stirring as she began communing with the Spirits. Yet the full connection that helped save Aldric, Elyna, and Lorik remained frustratingly beyond her grasp. Determined to succeed, she approached the spirit fissure and attempted to connect with the entangled spirits. The Nature Spirits responded by gently settling; however, this harmony enraged the Fire Spirits. With a loud crack, they erupted in a violent burst of flame, sending Arlia tumbling backwards onto the forest floor.

The previously settling Nature Spirits reacted with protective fury and clashed with the Fire Spirits, causing the fissure to writhe with dangerous energy. Velina grew increasingly concerned as she realised the raw power of this spirit fissure was beyond a Novice's skill to contain, much less an initiate still learning to commune with Spirits.

Turning to Marek, fear for Arlia's life in her voice, Velina spoke urgently. "This be far too strong! This fissure would be a challenge for a Novice, let alone an initiate! We must step in now!"

Marek's expression contorted with barely concealed contempt. Gesturing toward the scene before them, his tongue was sharp as he spoke with perceived authority. "Hmph, you would say this pathetic fissure is weak. An initiate should have some ability, at least. This is hardly worth our time."

Witnessing the dangerous turn of events, Velina surged forward with urgency to intervene. However, Marek shifted to block her path and readied himself for confrontation, his voice carrying both authority and warning. "What do you think you're doing? The little whelp is fine—she's only received a minor setback. Don't you believe in your precious junior's ability? Or perhaps you think she's too weak for even this simple task?"

Velina could feel the spirit fissure's aura growing wilder as time passed. She had carefully maintained her poise to this point, but could no longer contain her fury at the developing danger. Her composure shattered, and her voice rang out with barely contained anger. "What are you talking about?! This ain't no minor fissure! Arlia could be seriously hurt if we don't help! Or is that what you be wanting?!"

Marek stood prepared to respond using any means necessary, speaking with calm, measured presence—a deliberate contrast to her indignation. "What are you trying to imply, hmm? That Master Korelan would send an initiate on a trial that could seriously harm them? You must be mad. This kind of accusation is preposterous, and I'll not stand for it."

During the confrontation between Velina and Marek, Arlia had composed herself and moved toward the growing spirit fissure. She sat before it and transported herself back to childhood afternoons in the forests. Her crwth cradled against her chest, she drew on memories of those peaceful times and began playing a recently composed melody. Notes flowed through the air, carrying tranquil harmonies. The influence was tangible as the Spirits within the fissure began to calm, though despite her efforts, they remained stubborn as the fissure cracked with unstable energy, refusing to be quelled.

Both students witnessed the melody's unexpected impact on the writhing fissure, and their astonishment rapidly turned to alarm as the restless Spirits within grew even more agitated once Arlia's melody ended. From it erupted a thunderous cascade of energy that hurled Arlia backwards into the undergrowth, where she fell unconscious. Moving with urgency, Marek went to Arlia's aid and lifted her to safety. Ysolde's student dissipated the fissure with remarkable efficiency, showing her experience and skill—though not before sensing it was perilously close to evolving into a grade three spirit fissure, the kind that could devastate large portions of land.

Velina channelled a healing ability through the Spirits, restoring enough of Arlia's depleted strength and stamina to allow the journey back to Durnovaria and the college. Heavy silence marked the journey home as they contemplated the trial's events. Upon their return to Aeloria College, Arlia immediately returned to her chambers and succumbed to deep, restorative sleep—her energy drained from the day's exertion. Meanwhile, Velina and Marek reported the trial's events to the Elder Hall, yet their accounts were inconsistent and conflicted with one another.

Velina's report painted a dire picture—the spirit fissure had emanated stronger energies than an initiate could face, powerful enough to challenge an Acolyte. She maintained that Marek had deliberately delayed intervention despite clear signs of escalating danger, and his hesitation could have proved catastrophic. Marek countered with equal outrage, dismissing Velina's assessment as hysteria and insisting the spirit fissure was merely a weak grade one that any Novice could handle. He argued that Arlia's failure was due to inadequate preparation and skills, and that the college's protective attitude—treating her as some special case rather than holding her to the same standard as everyone else—had only highlighted her fundamental lack of readiness for the trial.

Heated discussions continued for days following the trial while Arlia remained largely confined to her chambers. Plagued by doubt about her worthiness and abilities as a spiritweaver, she could only find solace in the company of Brina and Taran, who provided gentle distraction with stories and games. During one afternoon filled with stories, music, and laughter, Arlia's expression suddenly shifted from joy to worry, her face paling as the sudden weight of anxiety fell upon her. "I don't know if I'm strong enough..."

Knowing Arlia's determined nature, Taran shook his head and laughed as he replied with enthusiastic energy. "Are you kidding me? You're tough as nails! Way stronger than most of us initiates, no doubt about it! Don't listen to those stupid rumours—they don't know what they're talking about! Man, I wish I was as tough as you are... one day I'll catch up to you though, just you wait!"

After Taran finished, Brina could barely contain her excitement as she responded to Arlia's worry, her voice bright and animated. "What are you even talking about?! You're totally the strongest initiate here! It hasn't even been a year, and you already took part in the Trials—that's amazing! I wish I was ready to even think about taking part! And Taran, you have absolutely no chance of catching up to Arlia—you'd need like, several lifetimes! She's just that incredible!"

Even though Taran recognised the playful look in Brina's eyes, a flicker of envy burned in his chest. After all, he was considered the most gifted spiritweaver in his clan for generations, yet Arlia's rapid progress seemed to eclipse his natural abilities.

Meanwhile, during the most recent Elder Council meeting, hostility between Ysolde and Korelan had grown deeper after they exchanged increasingly pointed remarks. The rumours concerning Arlia had grown from idle gossip to serious concern, with previously neutral members of the college increasingly swayed by Korelan's arguments, including some of the Elders.

When Ysolde was finally able to meet with Arlia, Brina, and Taran, she spoke of her concern over Korelan's actions and the subtle malice behind his carefully constructed arguments. They reached a troubling yet unanimous conclusion: they needed to prove that Arlia's trial was deliberately orchestrated for her to fail in such a manner, providing Korelan with evidence to support his accusations against Galen's leadership. Though the task ahead seemed nearly impossible given Korelan's growing support, they understood that more than personal reputation was at stake—the future direction of Aeloria College hung in the balance.

Chapter 4

A month had passed since Arlia's trial, and they were no closer to proving it had been deliberately orchestrated for her failure. Ysolde had made several inquiries about Korelan's movements, but found nothing out of the ordinary—in fact, her investigation only confirmed that he was diligently performing his duties for the college. Arlia, never fond of the spotlight, spent almost all her time in communion or practising martial arts. She remained diligent despite her guilt over the trial's results. Her failure to connect with the Spirits and seal the fissure troubled her mind greatly, and she knew she had to do something to find the truth.

Arlia approached Brina and Taran with determination in her voice. "I can't focus on communion at the moment. This blasted trials got me all worked up—I need to know whether I was too weak or if I was proper set up, don't I? Come on then, help me find out what happened!"

Taran sighed. "Tch, I reckoned you'd go and say summat like that... but we ain't got a bleedin' clue where to start, have we? This is gonna be a right pain."

Arlia's face fell slightly, but after a few moments of thought, she suddenly looked toward her friends with a smile. "Oh! I know exactly who we can ask for help!"

Brina looked at Taran with concern, though there was a hint of suppressed excitement in her eyes. Without warning, she told them to wait and ran off into the college. But how could they wait? They followed shortly after, only to lose her in the maze of large stone corridors.

“We don't have time to find her—she'll be right as rain, won't she? Come on then, follow me!"  Arlia told Taran.

They headed to a familiar part of the college, and Taran immediately knew who they were seeking. Arlia approached a door and struck it with a loud thud. Elyna opened it and queried why Arlia and Taran were there. They explained their desire to prove the trial had been rigged, but needed help. Elyna sighed. “I reckoned this would happen, didn't I? You know well enough, even if you prove Korelan did it, he won't stop there—he'll keep finding trouble for you, he will."

Arlia remained staunch. "I don't care one bit! This isn't just about me anyway, and you know it proper well, don't you?"

Elyna reluctantly agreed, knowing she was right. "Korelan's got himself close to a few Spiritweavers, but there's one who might tell the truth if pushed proper. I'll seek them out, but you must keep watch on Korelan when you can. If he finds out what we're about, he'll cut off our source quick as you like." They took this warning seriously and spent the next week quietly training while observing Korelan's movements.

A week passed with little progress. Arlia and Taran took turns discreetly watching Korelan from afar, noting his routine—teaching younger students in the morning, consulting with senior Spiritweavers at midday, and retiring to his private chambers by late afternoon. Nothing seemed unusual. They had reconvened in their chambers, hoping to hear from Brina, when a soft knock interrupted them. Elyna, who had agreed to help, slipped inside, closing the door carefully behind her. She carried scrolls from the college archives.

"I found records of past trials,"  she whispered as they gathered around. "Every trial in the last ten years followed the same pattern—except yours did."

Arlia leaned forward.  "How's that then?"

Elyna's finger traced a column of figures. "The fissures they picked were always right for the student's ability, see. Yours was near twice the size they'd give someone with your experience."

Arlia felt a surge of vindication, quickly followed by anger. "So, I never had a proper chance then, did I?"

"There's more," Elyna continued. "Few days after your trial, Korelan met with someone from outside the college, he did. They were careful—wore a hood and strange mask. I heard bits of what they said... summat about 'making sure the right people succeed for the good of the college.'”

They pondered how to gather evidence to prove what they knew. Finally, Taran had an idea—dangerous, but potentially decisive. "Tch, then we need to bloody catch him red-handed, don't we?" He said confidently.

"Make them confess, you mean?" Arlia replied.

Elyna looked shocked but supportive. "Aye, this is dangerous as anything... but it might be the only way we'll get him. Let me set things up proper—it'd look worse if you were caught doing this and we got no evidence for our trouble."

Two days later, they set their trap. Rumours carefully planted by Elyna had reached Korelan's ears—whispers that Arlia was going to request a second trial to prove herself. He immediately sprang into action, arranging to meet someone in the garden near the Zarotur late at night. Arlia, Taran, and Elyna followed Korelan closely to the garden. They brought a small, shiny dark blue stone that glowed faintly—a recording stone that senior students used to capture notes and important information.

They waited, initially thinking their information was wrong as Korelan seemed to wait alone. Shortly before midnight, they heard footsteps and saw a hooded figure emerge from the other side of the garden. The figure spoke harshly to Korelan. "Right then, what's so bloody urgent that you'd risk dragging me out here at this godforsaken hour? This better be worth my time."

Korelan replied with concern. "That Arlia girl's going to request another go at her trial, and the others on the council are soft fools who'll probably allow it, won't they?"

The hooded stranger's response was firm. "Listen here, that girl gets nowhere near another trial, understood? Let her succeed and we'll have every common-born upstart thinking they can waltz into our institutions. The other families are already twitchy about where this college is heading, and frankly, so am I. Now, you've got a plan to shut this down proper, haven't you?"

Korelan smirked. "Hmph, well now, I certainly have a way to discredit her proper, don't I? Sabotaging her trial has already done damage to her reputation within the college—I only need to nudge the others in the right direction now, gentle like."

The hooded stranger cackled. "See to it her request never sees the light of day, or gets knocked back swift as you like. We both know full well they'll hand the job to someone else if she manages to succeed, don't we? Can't have that."

The three eavesdroppers sighed with relief before realising they needed to leave in a hurry. They fled back into the college and headed for their chambers, but before parting ways, Arlia questioned Elyna. "Have you seen our Brina anywhere? She hasn't come back since she went and ran off like that."

Elyna answered with confusion. "Really? I got no idea where she's got to. She gave me the archived scrolls and told me to bring them to you quick as I could. Said she was following up on summat she'd read in the archives."

Arlia and Taran exchanged concerned looks about their friend's whereabouts, but Elyna reminded them: "I'm sure she's right enough. We must keep our minds on what's in front of us. If she still hasn't come back once we've dealt with Korelan, then we'll go to the Elder Council."

The next day, they arranged to meet and headed to Galen's chambers to seek a private audience. Ysolde met them outside and insisted on joining them. Galen's chambers were grand, with large bookshelves and odd trinkets scattered about, plus a large desk dominating the main room. There was a mystical atmosphere—even Arlia and Taran could feel the abundance of Spirits that sought sanctuary within these walls. Stairs led to an upper level, and Galen descended them calmly, aware of their presence but patient in his approach.

Arlia felt eager and restless but maintained her composure out of respect. Galen walked to his desk, picked up a book, and spoke gently. "These be trying times for us all, my dear children, and I do hope Korelan's actions won't reflect too badly on our college, they won't."

Arlia and Taran looked slightly confused, but Ysolde and Elyna smiled, understanding that Galen was already fully aware of what had happened during Arlia's trial. Arlia could no longer contain herself. "Oh my stars! We've got proof that my trial was rigged by Korelan, we have!"

She quickly handed over the scrolls and recording stone. Ysolde interrupted: "He already knows well enough, and he's likely already gathering evidence to prove it without being seen to be involved, clever man that he is."

Galen laughed, knowing his former student well. "Indeed, my dear. I cannot be seen to meddle directly in these matters, no matter how serious they might be. The whispers and claims of favouritism have put us in a most delicate position during these times, they have. Though there's a certain irony to it all—I do have a degree of bias toward you, I must confess. I am a Shaman, and you are a future Shaman, aren't you? 'Tis my nature to favour those who share the same affinity for Nature Spirits as myself, much like Korelan's bias toward his Pyroartisans. Leave the rest to old Galen now—you'll be summoned to the Elder Council soon enough, you will." Elyna, Arlia, and Taran left the chambers, but Ysolde stayed behind.

Two weeks later, Arlia stood before the assembled Elder Council. Korelan's seat was conspicuously empty—while he hadn't been removed from his position, he was in no condition to help make decisions on behalf of the college, and his reputation was seriously tarnished. Galen addressed her:

"In light of the evidence that's been presented to us, we do acknowledge the irregularities in your trial, we do. We wish to know whether the rumours be true about you seeking a retrial, my dear?"

She paused briefly, contemplating saying yes, but knew that even with a fair trial, she would still fail. Speaking openly to the Elders, she said: "No, those rumours were just made up to draw Korelan out so we could get the evidence we needed. I know proper well that even if the trial had been fair, I would've failed 'cause I can't form a right connection with the Spirits, can I? I only did it to understand them better, like."

The Elders were quietly impressed by Arlia and the conclusions she had reached. They all nodded in agreement. Ysolde attempted not to look smug, but it was obvious to Kelan, who concealed his laughter when he saw her expression. They concluded the meeting swiftly, and within a week the truth had circulated throughout the college. Everything settled back to normal at Aeloria College.

Meanwhile, Korelan made his way outside Durnovaria's walls to a secluded hut just off the road leading to Radipole. He waited an hour before being joined by the hooded figure again. She revealed herself to be Thalira Gavren-Karneth, one of the leaders of the Karneth Clan. Her displeasure was evident. "Absolutely bloody useless! This was our golden opportunity to see Galen ruined and booted out of that college, and you've gone and ballsed it up completely!"

Though Korelan wanted that outcome, there was reluctance in his reply. "I know it well enough... he's far too clever and experienced. He knew exactly what happened—this result was bound to happen, wasn't it?"

Thalira grew increasingly agitated. "Bound to happen?! Sounds to me like you've still got a soft spot for him, haven't you? You were more than keen to see him gone and work with us to put yourself in his place, you were. But now you're saying it was inevitable he'd come out on top? I don't think we've much use for you anymore, except... there's one of our heirs you'll be keeping an eye on. He's getting far too cosy with that Arlia girl for our liking, and he needs steering in the right direction before it damages our interests proper. Your precious little college is proving more of a challenge to control than we bargained for... perhaps you're right about Galen after all. Seems some meddling little problem has stumbled onto something they shouldn't have lately, and I'll be dealing with that myself, won't I?"

Thalira left Korelan sitting dejected in the hut. Not only had he damaged his reputation at the college, but the Karneth Clan now had little use for him except as a babysitter for an heir. Frustration, anger, and resentment continued brewing within him. He knew he was powerful, but Galen was always a step ahead—just like all those years ago when Galen had abandoned him for a pilgrimage and returned far stronger, always leaving Korelan behind, even though they had been best friends.

He believed that every time Galen spoke out to support him, he was being looked down upon and pitied. What had Galen discovered during that pilgrimage to give him such strength? Korelan had pondered that question for forty years, never finding the answer, no matter how much he investigated. He took a deep breath, dragged himself out of the hut, and said to himself: "Enough is enough, it is. I will prove my power and strength to everyone at the college, I will, and I'll make it a fortress far greater than Galen could ever build, won't I?"