Small Victories

Zelnard stood in the dimly lit classroom, clutching the small water crystal in his hand. The room was filled with the soft murmur of other junior mages, each one concentrating intently on the clay pots before them. The task was simple in theory: focus on the water crystal, channel its power, and make the water inside the pot swirl. But as with many things in magic, simplicity was deceptive.

The teacher, an old Mage with a stern yet patient demeanour, walked between the rows of boys, offering guidance and correction where needed. "Remember," he said, his voice low and steady, "the water is an extension of your will. You must guide it, coax it, but never force it."

For Zelnard, the process felt as natural as breathing. As he focused on the crystal, he felt the familiar pull of water magic deep within him. The water in the pot responded immediately, swirling faster and faster until it nearly splashed out over the rim.

"Easy there, Zelnard," the teacher said with a raised eyebrow, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "Control is just as important as power."

Zelnard nodded, easing his focus until the water settled into a gentle, controlled swirl. He glanced around the room to see how the others were faring. Jabar, who was sitting beside him, had a determined look on his face as he concentrated. His water was turning, albeit slowly. Gavid, the youngest of the group, was struggling to produce more than a few ripples.

Across the room, Abah, another student, frowned in concentration, but something was off. A few moments later, sparks flew from his pot, followed by an odd splashing sound. The boy yelped and dropped the crystal...he had picked up a fire crystal by mistake.

The class chuckled, but it was good-natured. Even the teacher allowed himself a small chuckle as he swapped out Abah’s crystal. "Focus on the task at hand, boys."

Based on the images of the class do you think the teacher helped them at all? 

E10 Q5 Sleep Tight