I saw the young professor walk up to the stage as the applause resounded. A moment later, I came to realisation and began clapping along, finding Eric and Karla doing the same. I could see the amazement in Eric’s eyes, and Karla seemed intrigued. The atmosphere had become much more focused all of a sudden. I could see that Dean’s words had piqued everyone’s attention. But Arcane Knowledge…? That is magic, is it not? It could not be a jest. The Dean did not seem to be the kind of person who would jest at such an important and dazzling event. There would be more disappointment than laughs. Then, was it real? Did he mean every last word? I kept staring at the pretty professor, who climbed the stairs to the podium. He seemed gentle and good-natured. And young… He seemed very young. How old is he? I thought. ‘Could he even teach?’ I saw such wonder in the students around me. Magic, no less? This is the first I have heard about a magic professor. It was unheard of, unimaginable. Did they truly hire a mage? If it is true then—
‘I’ll apply for Arcane Knowledge too,’ I heard Eric whisper. I turned to him. He had dazzled eyes, no doubt, by the spectacle he was seeing. I thought him unreasonable and brash. He hadn’t even heard from the professor — his thoughts, his words, and above all, his qualifications. Could it be even learned — Arcane knowledge? Do we know enough about it? Is it safe? Such thoughts kept boggling me.
The professor stood at the podium, as the Dean moved away after whispering in his ears. The old man looked taller than the new professor. The applause was dying down, and the light from the lamps didn’t fade. The professor looked at us once. He removed his spectacles and looked at us once more. He looked even younger the moment he did. From afar, I couldn’t see the colour of his dark eyes. I wondered if they were black or brown. Black is rare. But I thought they were black. I noticed that the professor was not sweating. He looked calm and composed even under the hot bulbs and blinding lights. I wondered if he was used to such attention. Even if young, he was a mage. Family Dew — I have never heard of them. Not a prestigious family, perhaps? And yet a mage? I was amused by his achievement if that were so.
As I was thinking about respect and admiration, the professor swept his gaze across the seats and spoke with his hands on the podium, ‘It is truly a pleasure to meet you all.’ His voice was soft, unbelievably soft. It felt soothing, pleasurable to the ears. It was a joy to listen to him. That voice had the quality of making one wonder of its owner. And I did; I wondered of its owner.
‘As the respected Dean said, I am Lile Dew.’ He swept his gaze once more and his bloody lips opened. ‘From this semester onwards, I will be teaching the new subject that is Arcane Knowledge.’ I heard deep breaths from Eric. He looked overjoyed as if his dreams had come true. Good for him. My eyes turned to the daughter of Duke Heles. She seemed very solemn, lost in thought. Most were like that. I suppose none have heard of it beforehand. ‘Some may know it as Magic and some may call it Arts of the Unknown,’ the professor continued. He was silent for a while, then a smile appeared on his face. It showed beautifully, despite his efforts to restrain it. Suddenly, I noticed a silver hip flask in one of his hands. The professor opened the top and clear liquid flowed out. Gasps erupted. Eric kept tapping my arm, but I did not care. I was astounded beyond belief. ‘Water,’ the pretty professor said, ‘the loveliest element.’ I felt it the moment I heard that voice, saw that expression and that smile. Love. That’s what it was. His smile was akin to that of an innocent child in love. I was enamoured of that smile the way he was enamoured of his magic.
The time stretched as I kept staring at the playful liquid that turned to countless little droplets in the air, and with a gust of air that I knew not from where flew, they scattered all around us. The light from the stage pervaded the air and it glittered. The whole place glittered like the night sky of some remote village. Golden near the stage, white and grey near our end, it shone like silver and gold. I saw violet, purple, and blue glimmers above our heads. It was as if the wind had blown fine dust and nectar on a night of the full moon. My voice quivered; my mouth was ajar; my eyes were in an extreme daze, and I kept exclaiming repeatedly. It was beautiful and felt as if I had stepped into the world of mythos that I loved so dearly.
And like the time I read Marcus’s Sacrifice, once again, I realised. I was in love.
***
I was surprised when the Dean told me about his plans. I have kept a flask on the podium, he whispered to me. If you wish, I will not halt you from any grand show of your capacity. That was rather abrupt, and I did not know how to answer.
I saw the man leave the podium and the stage alongside the black-haired terror. I ignored him. I had too many worries. I swept a gaze across, noticing so many eyes on me. I was sure they wondered about my qualifications and my origins. Who wouldn’t? I was but an unknown name claiming knowledge of the arcane. It was unnerving. I could see them, even if not clearly, despite so much light on me. I removed my spectacles, and no more did I see their faces. Only a few faces near the stage seemed to be noticeable, the rest were patches of blur. ‘It is truly a pleasure to meet you all,’ I said with a voice that thankfully did not break. I did not croak. ‘As the respected Dean said, I am Lile Dew,’ I spoke, my voice resounding at the very front of my mind. I felt slight fright and was out of my element. I have felt uncomfortable since I put myself onto the stage, but suddenly it flared. Do I sound inept, unconvincing? The lights kept blinding me, and my bad eyesight played to my advantage, but my voice, I thought, carried not much impact. My magic was working well in keeping me cool despite the heat from the bulbs. ‘From this semester onwards, I will be teaching the new subject that is Arcane Knowledge.’ So many thoughts went through my mind, nearly halting my speech. Do I seem like a quivering child? My heart beat loudly, quickly. Worry filled me, but I continued, ‘Some may know it as Magic and some may call it Arts of the Unknown.’ And…
My mind went blank. Thoughts vanished. Not a single word remained on my lips. Like a clear canvas, it showed no colour.
The buzzing in my ears intensified. It bothered my mind. I was out of words. My heart kept drumming, and I was extremely tense. At this rate, my magic will be broken… My anxiety flared, and I wanted to flee. only a sweaty child will remain on stage… My instincts were telling me I was in danger, and I kept telling myself to reach for words to speak. I realised I had been breathing through my slightly open mouth. It must seem unsightly, I thought.
I felt my throat hurt. It was dry. I reached for the silver flask that shone behind the podium. I heard a low drone. It was Mrs Parkinson’s. I wondered if I had turned delusional, but I still felt I heard it. I remembered her ‘Best of luck.’ She was not here, and I was in no state to reminisce. Words… I tried to reach for words when I recalled something else. I remembered a ring that was neither silver nor black. A woman of dark skin. Charm those kids, she had said. Charm those kids… right. Charm them, I mused, dazed. If you wish, I will not halt you from any grand show of your capacity, the Dean had said so. His voice had said so with much warmth and anticipation.
Why not? I thought. And with a grin that bloomed of its own accord, with a lighter heart, I opened the flask. Magic. It always dazzled me. Love of my life, a mistress that does not gripe.
Water flowed out of the flask as if it wanted to wander the outside world. And words that I so desperately sought naturally flowed out. ‘Water, the loveliest element.’ It played in the air as if it was a thing of heart and veins. I turned it into little droplets, turning them finer by the moment, and spread them across the hall. I could hear the voices of admiration and wonder. Amazement and astonishment was in the air alongside the glitter and glimmer of light that reflected and refracted through the droplets.
A magic that I created for the sake of amusement. I had thought of it after seeing the empty night sky of the city. It should be like this, glimmering with countless stars. I hadn’t practised this, but it turned out well. In the busy hall, I wondered if I was the only one thinking of a name for this new artistic magic. Lost Glimmer… yes, that sounds perfect.
I let them enjoy that sight for a while. I wore my spectacles. There was no more reason to be afraid. If this is not enough for me to seem convincing, then no mage could help them. I felt joy and relief. I looked around, finding so many mesmerised. Not only students but the faculty too was lost. I was thankful for them. When my name was announced, all the students had remained silent. But they didn’t. What unity, I thought. What grace. They had earned my courteous deference long ago, and now, my eyes bore respect. Thank you, I said in my mind. One day, I will say it out loud.
I noticed Mr Quincy. He was looking in pure admiration at my craft. Mr Mont was simply awe-struck. Ms Solvent looked bewitched, her hands holding her chin up. Ms Orchard looked to be pleased. She had a very thin smile, almost unnoticeable. Ms Soni, I could tell, had a look of inspiration. She would reproduce it in her works, I knew. The rest were revelling in the moment. I looked at the Dean, who had been staring at the sight for a while. He turned to me, and as if evaluating a student, he gave me a very gentle smile. I knew at that moment, that he enjoyed my spectacle. And I was glad I listened to him. For it was truly beautiful. Intentions and reasons did not matter. What mattered was the sight. One day, I may disappear, but I wish you to be my witness. This sight shall remain in art, science, history, and any other I have yet to know. Even when I perish, my memory shall remain. [Lost Glimmer] shall remain. How ironic.
As I was about to dispel the magic, music played. I looked at the pit and saw the musicians and their enthusiastic strings. The Dean had told them to, and they were no less willing. Fine, I thought, submitting myself to the grand melody.
‘This is magic,’ I said after a moment’s respite as the music kept flowing. ‘It is destructive if you wish it to be, but above all, it is beautiful.’ I allowed the frantic ups and downs in the strings. It was a very emotional sound with violin, cello, and viola as its singers. The lute stood out. The piano had a master suddenly. I could recognise the slight tremors they caused in my heart. It made me nostalgic, full of sentiment. ‘You will be informed of the specifications when you visit the Planning Offices to fill your forms.’ The music continued. ‘Be careful not to misspell.’ The piano picked up as the rest mellowed. ‘If you see me on the grounds, do not hesitate to approach and ask doubts if you have any. If you require help with something, academic or not, do not be afraid to confide. If you do not want to share with me, the rest of the staff is always there. You may ask them for help.’ I was saying things I did not have to. But these were students, young and troubled. Sooner or later, they will require guidance and help. ‘Be brilliant, in mind and conduct. And remember our motto. Forever may we shine.’ I looked at the Dean as the sound nearly disappeared. He nodded at me as I heard the sound of the triangle. ‘Until we meet again,’ I said with a polite bow with one foot behind the other. ‘Goodbye, and be blessed.’ The melody flared once again. The sounds erupted, strings whispered and cried, and as the piano wailed, I heard the chimes of the triangle that persevered despite its small, queer size. Just like me, I thought, as I climbed down from that glorious podium and that glamorous stage.
Behind me, I heard the Dean’s words. He said, ‘The Orientation Ceremony ends here. You may leave for the banquet hall which awaits you with a myriad of delicacies. Enjoy the rest of the day.’
The Dean’s words ended, and I dispelled my magic. The droplets turned finer still until they disappeared, leaving short illusions. They had turned into vapour, and the air had turned a little more humid. How beautiful, I thought, as at its peak, the music abruptly ended. Bows left violins with such sharp farewells. The long-held key of that piano too at some point produced no sound. And only then did the mesmerised notice us leave. With grace and in files, as we marched, they applauded our bravery.
I had fought no wars and I had won no battles. But I found, in my heart, a proud feeling. From now on, this was to be my lovely dwelling.
I saw the young professor walk up to the stage as the applause resounded. A moment later, I came to realisation and began clapping along, finding Eric and Karla doing the same. I could see the amazement in Eric’s eyes, and Karla seemed intrigued. The atmosphere had become much more focused all of a sudden. I could see that Dean’s words had piqued everyone’s attention. But Arcane Knowledge…? That is magic, is it not? It could not be a jest. The Dean did not seem to be the kind of person who would jest at such an important and dazzling event. There would be more disappointment than laughs. Then, was it real? Did he mean every last word? I kept staring at the pretty professor, who climbed the stairs to the podium. He seemed gentle and good-natured. And young… He seemed very young. How old is he? I thought. ‘Could he even teach?’ I saw such wonder in the students around me. Magic, no less? This is the first I have heard about a magic professor. It was unheard of, unimaginable. Did they truly hire a mage? If it is true then—
‘I’ll apply for Arcane Knowledge too,’ I heard Eric whisper. I turned to him. He had dazzled eyes, no doubt, by the spectacle he was seeing. I thought him unreasonable and brash. He hadn’t even heard from the professor — his thoughts, his words, and above all, his qualifications. Could it be even learned — Arcane knowledge? Do we know enough about it? Is it safe? Such thoughts kept boggling me.
The professor stood at the podium, as the Dean moved away after whispering in his ears. The old man looked taller than the new professor. The applause was dying down, and the light from the lamps didn’t fade. The professor looked at us once. He removed his spectacles and looked at us once more. He looked even younger the moment he did. From afar, I couldn’t see the colour of his dark eyes. I wondered if they were black or brown. Black is rare. But I thought they were black. I noticed that the professor was not sweating. He looked calm and composed even under the hot bulbs and blinding lights. I wondered if he was used to such attention. Even if young, he was a mage. Family Dew — I have never heard of them. Not a prestigious family, perhaps? And yet a mage? I was amused by his achievement if that were so.
As I was thinking about respect and admiration, the professor swept his gaze across the seats and spoke with his hands on the podium, ‘It is truly a pleasure to meet you all.’ His voice was soft, unbelievably soft. It felt soothing, pleasurable to the ears. It was a joy to listen to him. That voice had the quality of making one wonder of its owner. And I did; I wondered of its owner.
‘As the respected Dean said, I am Lile Dew.’ He swept his gaze once more and his bloody lips opened. ‘From this semester onwards, I will be teaching the new subject that is Arcane Knowledge.’ I heard deep breaths from Eric. He looked overjoyed as if his dreams had come true. Good for him. My eyes turned to the daughter of Duke Heles. She seemed very solemn, lost in thought. Most were like that. I suppose none have heard of it beforehand. ‘Some may know it as Magic and some may call it Arts of the Unknown,’ the professor continued. He was silent for a while, then a smile appeared on his face. It showed beautifully, despite his efforts to restrain it. Suddenly, I noticed a silver hip flask in one of his hands. The professor opened the top and clear liquid flowed out. Gasps erupted. Eric kept tapping my arm, but I did not care. I was astounded beyond belief. ‘Water,’ the pretty professor said, ‘the loveliest element.’ I felt it the moment I heard that voice, saw that expression and that smile. Love. That’s what it was. His smile was akin to that of an innocent child in love. I was enamoured of that smile the way he was enamoured of his magic.
The time stretched as I kept staring at the playful liquid that turned to countless little droplets in the air, and with a gust of air that I knew not from where flew, they scattered all around us. The light from the stage pervaded the air and it glittered. The whole place glittered like the night sky of some remote village. Golden near the stage, white and grey near our end, it shone like silver and gold. I saw violet, purple, and blue glimmers above our heads. It was as if the wind had blown fine dust and nectar on a night of the full moon. My voice quivered; my mouth was ajar; my eyes were in an extreme daze, and I kept exclaiming repeatedly. It was beautiful and felt as if I had stepped into the world of mythos that I loved so dearly.
And like the time I read Marcus’s Sacrifice, once again, I realised. I was in love.
***
I was surprised when the Dean told me about his plans. I have kept a flask on the podium, he whispered to me. If you wish, I will not halt you from any grand show of your capacity. That was rather abrupt, and I did not know how to answer.
I saw the man leave the podium and the stage alongside the black-haired terror. I ignored him. I had too many worries. I swept a gaze across, noticing so many eyes on me. I was sure they wondered about my qualifications and my origins. Who wouldn’t? I was but an unknown name claiming knowledge of the arcane. It was unnerving. I could see them, even if not clearly, despite so much light on me. I removed my spectacles, and no more did I see their faces. Only a few faces near the stage seemed to be noticeable, the rest were patches of blur. ‘It is truly a pleasure to meet you all,’ I said with a voice that thankfully did not break. I did not croak. ‘As the respected Dean said, I am Lile Dew,’ I spoke, my voice resounding at the very front of my mind. I felt slight fright and was out of my element. I have felt uncomfortable since I put myself onto the stage, but suddenly it flared. Do I sound inept, unconvincing? The lights kept blinding me, and my bad eyesight played to my advantage, but my voice, I thought, carried not much impact. My magic was working well in keeping me cool despite the heat from the bulbs. ‘From this semester onwards, I will be teaching the new subject that is Arcane Knowledge.’ So many thoughts went through my mind, nearly halting my speech. Do I seem like a quivering child? My heart beat loudly, quickly. Worry filled me, but I continued, ‘Some may know it as Magic and some may call it Arts of the Unknown.’ And…
My mind went blank. Thoughts vanished. Not a single word remained on my lips. Like a clear canvas, it showed no colour.
The buzzing in my ears intensified. It bothered my mind. I was out of words. My heart kept drumming, and I was extremely tense. At this rate, my magic will be broken… My anxiety flared, and I wanted to flee. only a sweaty child will remain on stage… My instincts were telling me I was in danger, and I kept telling myself to reach for words to speak. I realised I had been breathing through my slightly open mouth. It must seem unsightly, I thought.
I felt my throat hurt. It was dry. I reached for the silver flask that shone behind the podium. I heard a low drone. It was Mrs Parkinson’s. I wondered if I had turned delusional, but I still felt I heard it. I remembered her ‘Best of luck.’ She was not here, and I was in no state to reminisce. Words… I tried to reach for words when I recalled something else. I remembered a ring that was neither silver nor black. A woman of dark skin. Charm those kids, she had said. Charm those kids… right. Charm them, I mused, dazed. If you wish, I will not halt you from any grand show of your capacity, the Dean had said so. His voice had said so with much warmth and anticipation.
Why not? I thought. And with a grin that bloomed of its own accord, with a lighter heart, I opened the flask. Magic. It always dazzled me. Love of my life, a mistress that does not gripe.
Water flowed out of the flask as if it wanted to wander the outside world. And words that I so desperately sought naturally flowed out. ‘Water, the loveliest element.’ It played in the air as if it was a thing of heart and veins. I turned it into little droplets, turning them finer by the moment, and spread them across the hall. I could hear the voices of admiration and wonder. Amazement and astonishment was in the air alongside the glitter and glimmer of light that reflected and refracted through the droplets.
A magic that I created for the sake of amusement. I had thought of it after seeing the empty night sky of the city. It should be like this, glimmering with countless stars. I hadn’t practised this, but it turned out well. In the busy hall, I wondered if I was the only one thinking of a name for this new artistic magic. Lost Glimmer… yes, that sounds perfect.
I let them enjoy that sight for a while. I wore my spectacles. There was no more reason to be afraid. If this is not enough for me to seem convincing, then no mage could help them. I felt joy and relief. I looked around, finding so many mesmerised. Not only students but the faculty too was lost. I was thankful for them. When my name was announced, all the students had remained silent. But they didn’t. What unity, I thought. What grace. They had earned my courteous deference long ago, and now, my eyes bore respect. Thank you, I said in my mind. One day, I will say it out loud.
I noticed Mr Quincy. He was looking in pure admiration at my craft. Mr Mont was simply awe-struck. Ms Solvent looked bewitched, her hands holding her chin up. Ms Orchard looked to be pleased. She had a very thin smile, almost unnoticeable. Ms Soni, I could tell, had a look of inspiration. She would reproduce it in her works, I knew. The rest were revelling in the moment. I looked at the Dean, who had been staring at the sight for a while. He turned to me, and as if evaluating a student, he gave me a very gentle smile. I knew at that moment, that he enjoyed my spectacle. And I was glad I listened to him. For it was truly beautiful. Intentions and reasons did not matter. What mattered was the sight. One day, I may disappear, but I wish you to be my witness. This sight shall remain in art, science, history, and any other I have yet to know. Even when I perish, my memory shall remain. [Lost Glimmer] shall remain. How ironic.
As I was about to dispel the magic, music played. I looked at the pit and saw the musicians and their enthusiastic strings. The Dean had told them to, and they were no less willing. Fine, I thought, submitting myself to the grand melody.
‘This is magic,’ I said after a moment’s respite as the music kept flowing. ‘It is destructive if you wish it to be, but above all, it is beautiful.’ I allowed the frantic ups and downs in the strings. It was a very emotional sound with violin, cello, and viola as its singers. The lute stood out. The piano had a master suddenly. I could recognise the slight tremors they caused in my heart. It made me nostalgic, full of sentiment. ‘You will be informed of the specifications when you visit the Planning Offices to fill your forms.’ The music continued. ‘Be careful not to misspell.’ The piano picked up as the rest mellowed. ‘If you see me on the grounds, do not hesitate to approach and ask doubts if you have any. If you require help with something, academic or not, do not be afraid to confide. If you do not want to share with me, the rest of the staff is always there. You may ask them for help.’ I was saying things I did not have to. But these were students, young and troubled. Sooner or later, they will require guidance and help. ‘Be brilliant, in mind and conduct. And remember our motto. Forever may we shine.’ I looked at the Dean as the sound nearly disappeared. He nodded at me as I heard the sound of the triangle. ‘Until we meet again,’ I said with a polite bow with one foot behind the other. ‘Goodbye, and be blessed.’ The melody flared once again. The sounds erupted, strings whispered and cried, and as the piano wailed, I heard the chimes of the triangle that persevered despite its small, queer size. Just like me, I thought, as I climbed down from that glorious podium and that glamorous stage.
Behind me, I heard the Dean’s words. He said, ‘The Orientation Ceremony ends here. You may leave for the banquet hall which awaits you with a myriad of delicacies. Enjoy the rest of the day.’
The Dean’s words ended, and I dispelled my magic. The droplets turned finer still until they disappeared, leaving short illusions. They had turned into vapour, and the air had turned a little more humid. How beautiful, I thought, as at its peak, the music abruptly ended. Bows left violins with such sharp farewells. The long-held key of that piano too at some point produced no sound. And only then did the mesmerised notice us leave. With grace and in files, as we marched, they applauded our bravery.
I had fought no wars and I had won no battles. But I found, in my heart, a proud feeling. From now on, this was to be my lovely dwelling.
