Alchemy - Blog Posts
Does anyone else ever think about how they sort of made a real life philosophers stone? Like, they decrypted the instructions and started to get red gems?
It haunts me some times
I LOVE THIS GUY!
A charming flash fiction from certainwaters; all the various voices performed by Russil Tamsen. Original text here.
It sounds like a medieval Persian fairy tale with a bit of Doctor Who stirred in (minus the time travel). The gal at the center of it all is like Merida from Pixar's Brave, except she escapes not into the forest but into a bizarre solitary sickness...
All rights reserved. Russil Tamsen: narrator, comic improv actor, book editor, and author of 21 ebooks. Please visit my ebookstore at QuirkEbooks.com and follow audiobooknarrator. Know a piece of Tumblr fiction that deserves a great reader? Run it by me!
Persian Muslim scientists aesthetic
applying for jobas
what happens when you apply for a job in teyvat!
includes: hu tao, xiangling, rosaria, albedo
masterlist here.
hu tao
"good evening, kid! what are you doing here?" "i'm here to apply for a job." "ohh, great! we have been so understaffed lately, it's just me and zhongli, everyone else who sees corpses everyday can't stand it!" "haha. i also see corpses everyday, so i will be fine. my whole family is dead." "oh, sorry. anyways, wear our uniform! here, 20 bucks please."
"um.. no. not before i see the salary." "sorry! err... it's $300000 mora a month." "what? are you for real? what a deal!"
hu tao smirked. after all, they only give staff such a high salary because they overprice their funerals. people who think zhongli is poor because he works here are so dumb! someone like him will not ever accept a paycheck.
xiangling
walking to wanmin restaurant, you wanted to talk to chef mao but accidentally read the wanmin restaurant poster instead.
"chef mao, i'm here to be an apprentice." "sorry kid, we don't accept any staff. me and my daughter is enough. and we certainly don't want some stranger to ruin our recipes." "by 'recipe' you mean a fucking slime secretions sandwich? hell naw ywou do your thing. i'll work for the liuli pavilion."
"fine by me. we don't need you," chef mao says.
when he said that, a girl's head popped out from under the counter.
"dadd!!! we are in need of kitchen help. if she will ruin our recipes, we can still let her cut and prepare the ingredients! you won't need to wake up at 4 every morning to shave potatoes again..." "i suppose you're right," he sighed. "welcome aboard. but before that, how fast can you cut a carrot?" "like a normal person. i'm slow, but practice makes perfect, right.."
"yes it does. now please, cut up this chicken into cubes. our popcorn chicken is very popular."
rosaria
"you? work in church? why are you even asking me? when i go to church i don't even sing with my sisters."
"well you were standing outside the church like you wanted to go inside so i thought you were a nun hiring people."
"no, i wanted to go inside because it was burning hot outside. and i was waiting for the nuns to finish singing about bartabatos." "who is that?" "you want to become a nun and don't know who that is? oh gods."
albedo
i'm truly scared of that stone faced alchemist. but i've graduated from sumeru academy, so he can't not accept me right? although i did not pass with flying colours. albedo is always wandering around collecting birds in cages and turning them into geovishaps.. how scary. but alchemy is the only thing i'm good at, and i need a job! here goes..
"hey. i'm someone who likes alchemy. wanna hire me?" "only if you're better than timaeus and won't push this green haired girl and awaken a giant dead ice flower." "umm.. surely not. that seems impossible." "well, it sure isn't. i've experienced it." "i would be surprised if you haven't. you talk about it like it's real."
"turn this boar into a lamb please, it's a test."
after a few hours, you made the boar look like a lamb. "good job. i can surely do things faster than that, but hey, at least you're better than timaeus. all he does is stand near the alchemy table and interrupt people when they want to craft something."
"i feel you... and people." you say.
“If you read the history of the development of chemistry and particularly of physics, you will see that even such exact natural sciences could not, and still cannot, avoid basing their thought systems on certain hypotheses. In classical physics, up to the end of the 18th century, one of the working hypotheses, arrived at either unconsciously or half-consciously, was that space had three dimensions, an idea which was never questioned. The fact was always accepted, and perspective drawings of physical events, diagrams, or experiments, were always in accordance with that theory. Only when this theory is abandoned does one wonder how such a thing could ever have been believed. How did one come by such an idea? Why were we so caught that nobody ever doubted or even discussed the matter? It was accepted as a self-evident fact, but what was at the root of it? Johannes Kepler, one of the fathers of modern or classic physics, said that naturally space must have three dimensions because of the Trinity! So our readiness to believe that space has three dimensions is a more recent offspring of the Christian trinitarian idea.”
— Marie-Louise von Franz, Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology
Allow the pain in your letdowns to guide you to the future.
Being with someone who prioritises their own self care and sees their emotional and physical health as a priority above all else is the type of ease every woman needs in order to be able to balance out her service to you whilst being able to achieve her own goals and desired manifestations.
Team work makes the dream work. ✨
🔥 Rubedo, la trasmutación, rojo Sol de Horus Cuando se logra la integración de la sombra; Animus / Anima, positivo / negativo, Sol / Luna, luz / sombra, en el Rubedo, se realiza la fusión del Yo con la Divinidad. Fusionar el Ego con el cosmos, el regreso a la matriz original. 🔥 Rubedo, transmutation, red Horus and the Sun When the integration of the shadow is achieved; Animus / Anima, positive / negative, Sun / Moon, light / shadow, in the Rubedo, the fusion of the “self” with the Divinity is realized. Merge the Ego with the cosmos, the return to the original matrix. #Transmutacion #transmutacion #transmutation #rubedo #transformation #transformacion #ilustration #ilustracion #alchemy #alquimia #Horus #sun #sol 9/365 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsuCOz6HLrn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g8uma664kgm8
🌕 Albedo, Coniunctio, blanco La fase Lunar de Isis. Fruto de la purificación de la prima materia por medio de la Nigredo. El despertar de la conciencia. Proceso que transcurre internamente y es invisible, ocurre en el inconsciente. Este proceso transcurre en el cielo cuando se logra la unión del Sol y la Luna, ya sea en el novilunio o luna nueva. Ocurre unas tres veces como máximo en la vida, cada unos treinta años. 🌕 Albedo, Coniunctio, white The Lunar phase of Isis. Result of the purification of the raw material through the Nigredo. The awakening of consciousness. Process that takes place internally and is invisible, occurs in the unconscious. This process takes place in the sky when the Sun and the Moon join, whether in the new moon or new moon. It happens about three times in a lifetime, every thirty years. #coniunctio #albedo #transformation #transformacion #ilustration #ilustracion #alchemy #alquimia #Isis #luna #moon 8/365 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsuCAlvHsyb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1n51oy3xp58g6
🌑 Putrefactio, Nigredo, negro. La muerte de Osiris. El encuentro con el mal, la sombra. Dolor, separaciones, duelo, enfermedades, pobreza. Tener que enfrentarte a los propios karmas personales y fuertes. Proceso regido por Saturno, cada 7 años. “el alquimista no apresura su trabajo, espera el momento cósmico adecuado” 🌑 Putrefactio, Nigredo, black. The death of Osiris. The encounter with evil, the shadow. Pain, separation, grief, illness, and poverty. Having to face personal karma. Process by Saturn, every 7 years. "The alchemist does not rush his work, he waits for the right moment" #putrefactio #nigredo #transformation #transformacion #ilustration #ilustracion #alchemy #alquimia #Osiris #saturn #saturno 7/365 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsuBzYLn0i_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ka0bzizgso57
⚪️ Alquimia "Al" significa Dios. “Chimia” significa química. La química de Dios. ⚪️ Alchemy "Al" means God. “Chimia” means chemistry. The chemistry of God. #transformation #transformacion #ilustration #ilustracion #alchemy #alquimia 6/365 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsuBcIkHwZ8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qrh1upffnbhx
I just finished (rewatched) Fma (2003) T.T. Seriously Fma is one of my favorite anime (Greed I love u)
The Lab by Alchemy Coffee appreciation post
With this being my favorite coffee shop, I figured I would show all of you the pictures I’ve taken over the years of me coming here – and my friends enjoying it as well. Next time you find yourself in Richmond, take a visit here. You won’t regret it.
Daily Routine (9/14/17) - Coffee Break
I went to a local coffee shop called The Lab at Alchemy (Alchemy Coffee for short). You will probably see me post about this place often, as it is one of my favorite coffee shops in Richmond. Today’s experience at The Lab wasn’t really any different from any other day (except for the barista thinking I ordered a mocha instead of a normal coffee - only mildly infuriating). I ordered my coffee and muffin and sat down to be productive.
Productive in a sense at least.
I usually go to coffee shops to do homework, usually reading from my various textbooks or writing a paper on my laptop. Alchemy is different though. For some reason I can’t do anything academic while sitting in this quaint college student hangout spot. I’m not sure if it’s the people coming in and out, the buzz of drinks being made, or just being so close in proximity to people (if it’s crowded, space to breath can be pretty tight). It may be that I always have associated the place with de-stressing, but I add in stressors that prevent me from working. So now Alchemy is no longer a place where I can do “work” in an academic manner. I now see at as a place to unwind, and let my creativity sprawl in a different way
Creative writing.
I have determined that Alchemy is now my go to place when I want to write. Poetry, short stories, journal entries, and other forms of short prose - I feel safe and comfortable writing it there. Which leads me to this picture I’ve included. It’s an off kilter shot of my coffee mug and personal journal where I write all of my ideas for everything. I try and write in it at least once a day, whether it be a journal entry or something creative. Shown above is a series of short poems I came up with while listening to the song “Visiting Friends” by Animal Collective. In short, it’s a hypnotic, ambient, and drawn out acoustic guitar track with odd voices and sounds sampled into the background. While repetitive and long, the song is able to put me into an odd feeling where I make can write these unique dialogue poems that I’ve never been able to do unless I’m listening to this song. I now have 4 full pages of content while listening to this song. I’ll post them separately someday, probably with edits and rewrites in order for them to flow better. I also transcribed a short story that I wrote in my journal into a word document. It’s currently a mess, but I’m happy that I did it. I’ll post that story someday too when it’s ready.
It was quite a time at The Lab today filled with lots of creative energy and much needed de-stressing. I hope to be able to find a lot of other places in Richmond that have the same effect, hopefully free, as money can be tight for a college student. Honestly, any place that can get the creative juices flowing is fine by me. If you’re an RVA native and you write, please comment/PM with your go to places (oddly specific and far reaching I know, but one can hope).
Post STRFKR Coffee I look like shit
☽ Ledger of Dreams ☾
Wedding/Statement Necklace for witch or Alchemist’s Lover. Made in OOAK style, hides a secret (to be seen on my IG sadirjewelry). Bracelets on hands move, and faceted chalcedony has delicate, dusty rose pink shade. All in sterling silver.
Gothic lady’s dream
The Philosopher's Hand Series 2019
For MvD
A4 collages
Why do we descend into the underground? On purification.
🥀What are the undergrounds? They are the space of the unconscious, repressed contents, lies – both family and collective. 🥀Why go there at all? For balance, for truth, for the joy of being a free, happy sun during the day. It’s worth addressing, because these contents will surface sooner or later – in dreams, illnesses, or uncontrolled emotions. 🥀How to do it? Courageously, with full trust in the process. In trust in your inner Witches and Wizards. All the knowledge you need is already within you. 🌺1. Purification – the everyday. For purification, we don’t need circles, sage, or even soap. We just need the awareness that energy exists and influences us. The strength of our mind is enough. When you return from work, ground yourself, connect with your body, and say: I purify my aura. Focus on the sensations coming from your body and the space around you. A minute is enough. Alright, maybe five minutes to start. 😁 Stones can be helpful, like clear quartz. This stone literally "sucks" out what we don’t need. It’s a very interesting experience that you can feel. Sage or other herbs with purifying properties might also be helpful. Focus on the smoke, connect with it, watch how reality unfolds, and see what no longer serves you depart with it. 🌺2. Purification as a process. a) Use the New Moon’s energy. Intention: I purify my roots. You don’t need to be knowledgeable about astrology or know the sign the Moon is in. What’s important is to have a peaceful space to work through certain matters and allow yourself to feel all possible emotions. When repressed, heavy contents reach your awareness, you may feel physical discomfort or weakness. It usually affects the throat chakra and sacral chakra (the intestines and genital area). Building circles and working with elements might be helpful. But remember – your comfort is the most important. A warm tea, a blanket, a notebook, and the awareness that you’re meeting your best friend (which is yourself ☺️) are enough. Trust yourself. Be in your truth. b) Use your menstruation. Woman, menstruating person – use your incredible gift, your menstrual blood. Every month we purify our bodies, experiences, and our lineage. Give yourself one day during menstruation to consciously (from the mind’s perspective) decide to purify and let go of what no longer serves you. ☀️If you’re just beginning your journey with energy, give yourself time. This isn’t knowledge taught in schools, and you’ve never done this before. Calm, patience, and tenderness are the key.
What you reap is what you sow
What you give comes back three fold
As above
ʍolǝq oS
Alchemy & Dreams in Beetlejuice Part 2
Credit to the observant eye in the discord who noticed this fall from Astrid's belongings—
As mentioned in the last post, red and silver are representing Lydia and Astrid: the material and spiritual realms. The item which falls next to the cracked photograph is a molecular structure with a red atom and a silver atom.
Alchemists viewed the human body (microcosm) as a reflection of the universe (macrocosm). This suggested that atoms could give insights about human nature. Within this context, the atoms in the image represent Lydia and her dream Self (Astrid), and how they are the same person and are of the same element, due to the fact they both come from the same Molecule.
Alchemy consists of a mix of chemistry, philosophy, semiotics, and metaphysics, with much of the symbolism used to convey alchemical themes in Beetlejuice. But enough about Astrid the Mercurial Ghost; let's look at another character.
Otho
Throughout the first movie, Otho is typically associated with black and red. He's often wearing black with either a red tie, red buttons, or red shoes (which mysteriously disappear in a couple scenes only to be replaced by different colour shoes).
Red shoes have long been used in media to represent a metaphorical journey (The Red Shoes (1948), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), and Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes are a few examples). Need I remind you of one of Tim Burton's favourite movies, The Wizard of Oz?
Otho is the only character other than Lydia who piques interest in the dead. Despite his willingness to exploit them, he is ready to believe in their existence and study the handbook. These visual cues are conveying the character's motives.
Part of the alchemical process are the stages "Rubedo" and "Nigredo". Rubedo is Latin for "redness", the stage of understanding where two opposites have joined and created harmony. Nigredo is Latin for "blackness", the stage of putrefaction or decomposition, thus symbolising the dead. In layman's terms, red and black represent the character's willingness to connect with the dead. The only other character really associated with black and red is Lydia, and that speaks for itself.
Otho is a character who inspired the creation of Rory in the second movie. Within Lydia's psyche, Rory has been manifested from guilt. In the first film, Lydia is almost complicit in helping Otho to exorcise the Maitlands after he makes it clear that he wants to capitalise on the dead. In the second film, Lydia is under Rory's management to capitalise on the dead, and she is trying to make peace with that guilt by trying to help people through exorcisms.
Guilt in dreams is often seen as a manifestation of the unconscious mind's attempt to communicate unresolved internal conflicts. This is where the shadow becomes a central concept in Jungian psychology, referring to the parts of the Self that the conscious mind rejects or ignores. Lydia rejects the traits that Otho and Rory embody, and that is why her reconciliation with Astrid is a manifestation of her own forgiveness.
The Chemical Wedding
We talked about the purpose of the Chemical Wedding before, but why is it so relevant to the plot of Beetlejuice? Other than the fact Betelgeuse has fallen in love with Lydia, there is an allegorical reason for why the wedding must take place between these two, and no one else but these two.
A Chemical Wedding is the marriage between the sun and the moon. In alchemical texts they are often depicted as the white queen and the red king, though this has nothing to do with literal gender roles, for we see Lydia herself portrayed as the red king in her parallel with Astrid. It is related to the Anima (the female self) and the Animus (the male self). This is also the marriage between mercury and sulfur, spirit and matter, the dead and the living.
One of the most famous works on the subject of a Chemical Wedding is a Rosicrucian allegory published in 1616 by Christian Rosenkreuz. It describes a mystical journey where the main character must attend a wedding at a mysterious castle. The journey is a symbol of the alchemical process, while the wedding itself represents the final transformative stage.
The story is filled with strange and dreamlike imagery, with many claiming it as a source of German dark romanticism.
Rosenkreuz's allegory actually represents inner transformation of the individual, with marriage being used as a metaphor, insofar as the masculine and feminine halves must be merged together in matrimony to achieve completion within oneself.
"Death and the Maiden" trope is a motif that depicts a woman being taken by Death, as he desires to marry her. It is dire for death to marry his living bride, for he wishes to venture the living world and the underworld with her.
Betelgeuse is the perfect complementary opposite to Lydia, each crafted to embody the other's symbolic missing half. Betelgeuse is the animus; he's loud, provocative, and dead; Lydia is the anima; she's quiet, thoughtful, and alive. The contrast is straightforward and uncomplicated. You could easily spend hours analysing their differences, and you'd still be right—because they are deliberately written as foils to one another.
Looking back at how Otho/Rory represents the shadow of Lydia, we should take into account who guided her through this dream sequence. Our psyche creates these thought-images in our unconscious minds as a means to roleplay scenarios where we have internal conflict. It gives us a chance to psychoanalyse ourselves and try to understand the core of our trauma.
Betelgeuse, within Lydia's dream, is acting as a guide (remember his guide outfit in the first film?). He's constantly appearing to her, influencing her and urging her to face her fears. While he's causing chaos in the way he knows best, he's also showing Lydia the bare truth, and this is especially apparent when it comes to Rory: he tells Lydia she's an enabling codependent and forces Rory to tell the truth about his intentions. Betelgeuse is what Jung would refer to as the Trickster archetype. The Trickster is often seen as a figure that disrupts the status quo and challenges the Ego through chaotic and karmic actions, serving as a profound guide in the process of one's personal development. Think of "Jester's privilege", or The Fool in tarot.
In mythological symbolism, there comes the legend of a scorpion that stung Orion to death (the giant red star "Betelgeuse" sits on Orion's belt). The scorpion was delivered as to snub Orion's pride and teach him a lesson by way of death, because the scorpion is a symbol of death and rebirth. This is the Trickster archetype again, teaching a lesson in a very karmic way. Betelgeuse does the same throughout both movies. Otho, the Deetz, and the Deans are all punished by him in the first film for acting as antagonists against the ghosts of Winter River. Despite this, he also acts as an antagonist himself by punishing the Maitlands, two loving parental figures for Lydia, for getting in the way of his plan to marry her.
"They therefore represent a supreme pair of opposites, not hopelessly divided by logical contradiction but, because of the mutual attraction between them, giving promise of union and actually making it possible. The coniunctio oppositorum engaged the speculations of the alchemists in the form of the ‘Chymical Wedding," — Carl Jung, Psychology & Alchemy
In alchemical tradition, Saturn is associated with the metal lead, which symbolises the starting point of the alchemical work—the Nigredo phase. Alchemy is mostly known as the quest to turn lead into gold, but the allegorical meaning is to refine the Self. Saturn is equated with Cronos in mythology, the father of time, who was portrayed as an old man with a scythe/sickle, similar to the grim reaper, who is associated with the end of one's time. Betelgeuse has time-warping powers and wears time-keeping devices on his wrist, all a microcosm for how we measure eternity.
The whole Alchemical Opus works through THREE stages:
Nigredo (Black Stage): Betelgeuse represents lead and Saturn. Putrefaction.
Albedo (White Stage): Before Lydia summons Betelgeuse and agrees to the marriage, he is wearing a black and white suit. White is added to the mix. Purification.
Rubedo (Red Stage): Lydia is manifested a red wedding dress to finish the ceremony. They completed the alchemical process. Lead is turned into Gold.
In the movie's original wedding scene, found here, at 9:11 on the clock the afterlife creature who marries Lydia and Betelgeuse dissipates into fire, and then the scene ends. 911 in numerology is the number of completion, and is used in occultism to symbolise new beginnings and rebirth.
For this reason, it has been theorised that the wedding vows went through, and the Chemical Wedding was completed.
Alchemy & Dreams in Beetlejuice
Part 2
The more I reflect on the plot of Beetlejuice 2, the more I doubt that much of what happens in the film actually took place.
It's all written allegorically. Tim's work has always embodied Jungian themes such as archetypes and the shadow self, as well as his use of alchemy & numerology in the original Beetlejuice movie. For example, his use of the planet Saturn and its symbolism, as well as how he relates it back to Beetlejuice by having him wear several watches on his wrist, and freezing Adam & Wolf in time. "Sands of Time", "Saturn: the Father of Time".
You know how everyone who appears in your dreams is supposed to represent yourself?
Astrid = Lydia
"The images of alchemy are the most complete expression of individuation as a process, and they are therefore a valuable aid to understanding the symbolism of dreams." - Carl Jung
Astrid wears a silver dress, Lydia wears a red dress. In alchemy, (something Jung believed was a method to understand the psyche within our dreams) silver needs to be purified by red. Combined, these colours symbolise the union of spirit and matter, or the balance of opposing forces, essential for the completion of the alchemical process. So we have Astrid and Lydia symbolising the spiritual (silver/mercury) and the material (red/sulfur). This is why Lydia watches Astrid at the end of the dream getting married and having a baby. She is watching her dream representation living out her material desires.
They completed the alchemical process by fixing their relationship (forgiving yourself).
Astrid is so similar to Lydia, even storming off on her bike when Rory proposed. Rory also pushes Lydia to do the Ghost House show when we know that exploiting the dead is very OOC for her. If Astrid is Lydia, then Rory must represent her teenage feelings towards her parents. Her father married Delia who teen Lydia couldn't stand, and they both forced Lydia to move with them and adjust to their lifestyle.
Astrid and Lydia reconciling is Lydia reconciling with her past self. Through silver and red, spirit and matter, this is the completion of the alchemical process. Why did they put Delia in a purple dress alongside these two, when purple in alchemy symbolises the transmutation outcome? They could have chosen any colours, but the ones chosen just so happen to correspond with the story. Silver is spirit, Red is matter, Purple is the merging of spirit & matter, resulting in "enlightenment". You say Beetlejuice's name three times because in alchemy it's the number of completion (sulfur, mercury, salt).
And I must repeat myself: there is no clear indication of where Astrid's dream sequence begins. The sequence at the end seems to start after Lydia looks at the Maitlands' model with the lights as stars above her. Lydia is looking down at the town (the material realm), while her head is in the stars (the spiritual realm).
The whole Beetlejuice franchise is about alchemy, because Betelgeuse himself is an alchemist. He is the Trickster/Magician archetype, who is able to manipulate reality and able to traverse between the living and the dead, also known as rebirth.
Betelgeuse = Lydia's Masculine Self
Alchemical texts were concerned with achieving the coniunctio oppositorum (the union of opposites). This process is also known as "The Marriage of Opposites" or "Chemical Wedding". Whose marriage/wedding was important to the plot in both movies?
Delia finds her masculine self (Charles) thanks to Betelgeuse at the Soul Train. The Soul Train is the ferry which carries souls along the River Styx. It's the main river in the underworld that separates the living and the dead.
"The living and the dead; can they co-exist?" - Lydia Deetz
So, Lydia was watching Astrid (her dream self) get married and have the Beetlebaby. Everything Astrid goes through is a mixture of Lydia's fears and desires. Lydia's teen self feared that Betelgeuse was using Lydia as a way to have access to the living realm, and we know this because of Astrid's experience with Jeremy. However, by this logic, it also means Lydia desires marriage and a baby with Betelgeuse. Unfortunately, Lydia is in the material realm, while her masculine self is in the spiritual realm.
Canonically speaking, since we know Lydia loves horror films, dreaming of giallo movies aligns much better with her character than ignoring her ability to speak to the dead.
Lucky Love (1/3)
Pairing: Cedric the Sorcerer x Alchemist! Reader
Word Count: Roughly words
Warnings: Mental health mention
Notes: Oof, this took longer than I thought it would; sorry about that. I ended up making this into a three part series in order to pan out the story with a tad more detail, so more chapters will be posted soon! Hope you guys like it :) Feedback and requests are always welcomed <3 This ones for my boi @queen-of-british-tea !!!
“The secrets of alchemy exist to transform mortals from a state of suffering and ignorance to a state of enlightenment and bliss.”
― Deepak Chopra
“He wishes he were a skilled poet, it would fit his chosen image perfectly; the poor, tragic, tortured artiste. But he has no talent for words, neither for paints nor music; his uselessness is tremendously total.”
― Curtis Ackie
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Being born the daughter of Master Erwin, there was never a doubt that your destiny would be written in the stars. His blatant adoration for the universe beyond Earth’s doorstep had been clear to you from an early age and, given you were his only child, he desired nothing more than to pass all of his knowledge down to you.
The only issue that arose with that desire was that your focus wasn’t entirely directed towards space; your ambitions were more...Earth-based.
Completely unbothered by this fact though, your father set out on a journey to find the most fitting subject he could study with you. Because, in his eyes, your interests were his interests; and having a relationship with his daughter was far more important than any of the mysteries the vast and never-ending universe could hold.
The search didn’t take as long as he expected though, because your likes and dislikes fit surprisingly well with a subject he was very familiar with in his schoolboy years: Alchemy.
By interpretation, Alchemy is a “sort of terrestrial astronomy” that deals with all sorts of human and worldly aspects. Which fit both of your interests to a “T,” thankfully.
When that was decided, he began to introduce you to the magical world of alchemy and what it entailed. Each day he would offer new texts on Alchemy, Magic, and the universe as well as provide fresh insights on the universe’s effects on the human body. What filled you with the most intrigue though, was how you could use the items the world offered you in order to heal, change, and create other living organisms. So much so that you ended up working together to create a spell and potion that turns rocks into ravens.
Sadly, your passion for contributing to the world around you was so blinding that you completely forgot about how you would go about implementing that knowledge and passion.
That is, until you had been told you were to be sent off to a real academy by your mother. The one place you did not want to end up going.
That fact had left you slightly heartbroken since you could no longer spend your days endlessly pouring into Alchemical books and having passionate discussions with your father, but excited you with the prospect of a proper education…….One where you would have to attend a school that had none of your friends. One where you would have to spend all of your days and nights toiling over the assignments your teachers assigned to you. One at Hexley Hall.
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After two hours of travelling to the esteemed ‘Academy of Wizardry,’ you had begun to feel stiff and in dire need of a decent stretch. Even if it meant standing outside in the chill September wind.
At this point though, you were willing to do anything to rid your body of its mental and physical stress. Up until now, the only thing that kept you distracted from the bile your anxiety had been threatening to dispel from your body was reading the book your father gave you: “Distilling Nature’s Secrets: The Sacred Art of Alchemy.” But you had already finished that in the first hour of the ride and were now left with the gnawing feeling of dread that came with being thrown into an unfamiliar environment; one where you wouldn’t have the comforting words of your father to calm you down.
Before you could drive yourself further into a sense of dread, the sight of a tower looming over a hill stole all of your attention.
Pulling yourself to the carriage’s window, you saw the place that you would be spending the rest of your childhood at: Hexley Hall.
The school that would teach you everything you wanted to know about the ancient art of alchemy.
Its windows glistened with evening dew and its structure held a contrast you were not familiar with until now. Growing up in Enchancia’s castle, you had only known modern, sleek, and upbeat architecture. Hexley Hall though, defied all of those tropes. It possessed intricate designs, a soulfully picturesque look, and an eerie aesthetic. One that you felt you could get used to. Especially if the inside held a matching look.
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After making a swift landing, you thanked your coachman, acquired your luggage, and began to make your way towards the crowd of fellow newcomers.
The entire entrance to the school was bustling with excited new students, and their confused glances and demeanors were beginning to ease your anxious mind. Maybe everyone else was as 'in the dark' as you were...Maybe you weren’t alone in your strife.
That discombobulation you all possessed didn’t last long though, and soon enough you were all ushered in by what seemed to be one of the teachers. After being brought into the Great Hall for a brief rundown of how the school worked and who would be teaching you all, schedules were floated to their respective owners and maps of the school were provided to each student.
Looking down at the map, each child had a glowing mark on where their assigned dorm was located. Ironically enough, yours was in the area dedicated to potioneers, alchemists, and other magicians dedicated to the physical arts.
Dinner commenced shortly after introductions were made and, after a bout of awkward shuffling, you found a quiet location to eat and began your trek to your new dormitory.
By chanting a wandless spell to the map, an arrow led to your room where you began to unpack.
Given you didn’t bring many items besides books and clothes, you quickly laid yourself down on the comfortable mattress and ran through the events of the day. Although you still hadn't met any friends yet, you did gain insight into the place you'd be spending the rest of your teenage life at.
Putting aside those thoughts, you curled around your pillow and fell into a blissful sleep.
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Schedule: Year One- Semester One
Student: (y/n) Erwin
Study: Alchemy
Study Order
Breakfast
Class One: Potions
Class Two: Intro to Alchemy: The People, The Places, and The Items
Class Three: Intro to Magic: Wands and Guidelines
Class Four: Gnosticism, Occultism, and Esoteric Beliefs
Lunch
Class Five: Magical Creatures and The Human Spirit
Dinner
Looks about right, you thought to yourself as you made your way down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Although you would have preferred Alchemy as the starting class of your day, potions was definitely a good choice as well.
What bothered you more than the order or your classes though, was who would have to interact with during these assigned classes.
But that’s a problem for later, you thought to yourself as you devoured the first of many breakfasts at the Wizarding School of Enchancia.
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Being the first person to class, you had the advantage of picking the best seat in the classroom. At least, that was what you hoped to happen until a mop of multi colored hair caught your eye.
Although you didn’t mind the place he had sat in before you could choose, he was sitting in the spot next to the one you DID prefer.
that doesn’t matter you thought, maybe he could be my first friend….He couldn’t be that bad could he?
You decided to try your luck and hesitantly tapped the young boy's right shoulder. Whipping his head around he gave you a questioning look that you assumed meant: "??? Can I help you?"
"Do you mind if I sit next to you? I like the feel of this corner and you don't look half as bad as the rest of our class."
His startled, yet hopeful, look gave you the impression he didn't get approached much. Let alone get told that he looked welcoming.
Despite that though, his face softened and he said,
"Really?....I suppose I don't mind."
He cautiously lifted his palm to you and said, "My names Cedric. I'm coming here to become the next Royal Sorcerer. What about you?"
With a firm grip, you shook his hand and settled down into your seat. Taking out your schedule you replied, "(y/n) Erwin! I'm studying to become the Royal Alchemist!"
Gripping your chin with an inquisitive look, you added a quick, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Goodwyn the Great would you? I thought I recognized you at first, but I couldn't quite place from where…."
"Uhm….Yeah, I am. D-did you live at the castle as well?"
You fiddled with your papers until they were straightened properly and looked at him, saying, "Yep. My dad's the Royal Astronomer, so we get to live with him at the castle…..I've seen you around you know….I always meant to say hi, but your dad and sister seemed to take up most of your time."
He rubbed his wrists anxiously and let out a, "yeah, they tend to do that…...but I digress. Do wanna compare schedules? I don't have any friends either, and you don't seem that bad as well…."
Looking down at the schedule he gripped in his hand, you noticed that it didn't seem so far off from yours. You were both new to the school after all, so it made a tad bit of sense. Luckily you wouldn't have to split up very much for the next couple of years.
Schedule: Year One- Semester One
Student: Cedric Goodwyn
Study: Sorcery
Study Order
Breakfast
Class One: Potions
Class Two: Intro to Alchemy: The People, The Places, and The Items
Class Three: Intro to Magic: Wands and Guidelines
Class Four: Intro to Magic: Practice
Lunch
Class Five: Magical Creatures and The Human Spirit
Dinner
Surprisingly, it seemed as though you would be seeing a lot of each other. Which didn't seem to bother either of you that much. After confirming your new friendship and planning your day out together, you both set up your supplies and began your first class of the day.
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After cleaning up your respective area of the shared potions table, you reminisced on how well the class had actually gone. Despite both of you being new, you and Cedric seemed to work in a sort of synchronized state. Even your teacher pointed out how good you two were together. This had made you both proud, but you noticed that it had made Cedric especially happy.
Given the way that he had acted and responded to your questions, you inferred that his home life…..probably wasn't that great. Especially if the tiniest amount of praise made his day ten times brighter.
Which is why you had made a vow to yourself that you would do everything in your power to make him realize his self worth. After all, not everyone had a supportive father and family like you did.
Picking up the last of your mess, you threw your bag over your robbed shoulder and asked, “Would you mind if I sat with you in our other classes as well today? I’m not really…..friends with anyone else here yet and we seem to make a good team. Plus, you seem really sweet.”
“I’d love to!,” he said in an excitable raised voice. His face broke out in a flustered blush at how desperate he sounded and quickly let out a, “I mean, if that’s what you want to do…”
To that, you chuckled and lightly punched his shoulder saying, “Of course I would you dork. Now let's hurry up so we can get the best seats in our next class."
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After that day, the two of you were like two peas in a pod. Whenever you both had a class, were going somewhere, or ate, you were attached to the hip. Even teachers knew that, if they couldn’t find one of you, they wouldn’t find the other either as well.
For you two, there was never a subject left unstudied, never a prank left undone, and never a conversation left undiscussed.
It started off with you both teaming up in your shared classes, meeting for meals, and talking on the way to class, but soon branched off outside of school.
With coaching from you, and years of positive reinforcement on your end, Cedric had been coaxed out of his hesitant and neglected shell. All it took was one fond look and a caress of his hair from you and Cedric was turned into mush. The love you showed him through the years made him see that not everyone was out to get him. And not everyone was untrustworthy.
In summary, you brought hope in humanity back into his life. Something that he surely would have gone off the deep-end without.
To others, it seemed as though you had put him under a spell and transformed him into a new man; Cedric had never felt so confident in his life.
Especially since he never had anyone to support him. Until you, that is……
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(Year 7 at Hexley Hall)
Flicking your wand in a cursive “J” formation, you pointed your wand at the painted black stone and whispered, “Avifors.”
Within seconds, the rock morphed in size and began to take the shape of a sleek, black raven.
Pecking the tip of your index finger, it cocked its head at you and turned to inspect Cedric.
Cedric, gazing back at the bird, looked absolutely stunned at the sight of this seemingly never-heard-of spell and immediately began to shift his eyes to you and then raven. He wasn’t sure where you had learned that, since you were only taking alchemy classes, but he was beyond interested in knowing.
“Merlin’s Beard! Did you make that spell up all on your own?”
“Not exactly,” you chuckled, “My father and I worked for days to come up with the correct spell and paint concoction when I was a child. But it worked out, and now I have a way to create any type of bird to do my bidding!”
Setting his chin in his palm, he began to gaze fondly at the scene in front of him and think about all the things he has yet to learn about you.
“Would it be alright if you taught me that spell? I know it’s yours and everything….. but it’s too bloody brilliant to be left unpracticed.”
“Sure!.......I'll write it down for you by tomorrow.”
You blushed and stared down at your feet. Showing him you and your father’s spell had made you nervous at first, thinking he would find it childish compared to his studies. But his unwavering attention in it showed you that maybe it wasn’t that bad after all…..
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After that day, you knew that you were in love with Cedric. He had been with you at every step of the way through your years at Hexley Hall, and you knew that he would be there for you for days to come. Working at Enchancia’s castle wouldn’t stop the bond that you both had formed over the years. Especially since you two would be working close together.
With each other until the end, that’s what you both had promised one another.
‘If only it was in a romantic sense,’ you thought to yourself, gazing up at the great expanse in the night sky.
With a huff of a laugh, you kicked the rocks in front of you.
As if…………..
Hugo’s restocking on supplies.
Drawing is based off one of Moonshadowwolf17’s pins on Pinterest - go check it out!
