Chapter 26: The Valaean Academy and the Apprenticeship of Ages
Time: 47 AC - 60 AC
POV: Kaelen Silvanor
The void left by Empress Vala's passing was a silence that resonated deep within the ancient heart of Ael'tharion. Yet, grief, even for an immortal, must yield to the inexorable flow of time and the demands of future. For me, that future resided unequivocally in my children, the living embodiment of Vala's legacy and the promise of the Silvanar Empire's enduring strength. It was to honor her memory, to ensure that the unique fusion she had brought forth would thrive, that I conceived of the Valaean Academy.
This was to be more than a mere school; it was a living monument, a crucible for the next generation of leaders who would bridge worlds as Vala herself had. Its construction began swiftly in the years following her death, integrating seamlessly into the flowing, organic architecture of Ael'tharion. A new wing, stretching like a verdant arm from the central spires of the city, rose from meticulously guided living wood. Its grand halls were open to the sky in places, allowing sunlight to stream through crystalline leaves, yet possessed sturdy, Valyrian-influenced arches and domes, a subtle nod to the enduring strength and artistry of Vala's ancestral people. This blend of fluid Elven design and solid human grandeur was a physical representation of the very curriculum it would house.
The purpose of the Valaean Academy was clear: to systematically cultivate individuals capable of navigating the complexities of both ancient Elven wisdom and the ever-shifting tides of mortal politics. It would forge leaders who could command dragons and forests alike, interpret the language of stars and the intricacies of trade ledgers, and hold the peace with both arcane power and diplomatic skill.
Its curriculum was unprecedented in the known world. Students—initially my own children, then select gifted individuals from the Belaerys kin and other allied houses—delved into:
* Silvanar Lore: Millennia of Ael'athar history, philosophy, intricate natural magic (advanced plant manipulation, complex geomancy, subtle elemental control), profound studies of astronomy and stellar navigation, the deep ecology of Sothoryos, and the delicate art of long-term diplomatic strategy.
* Valyrian Lore: The true history of the Freehold, not the simplified tales of mortals; the nuances of dragonlore and their breeding; the high Valyrian language and its arcane secrets; the foundational principles of statecraft and military strategy from a human perspective; and the philosophical currents that shaped Westeros and Essos.
* Practical Mastery: Rigorous physical training blending Elven grace with Valyrian martial prowess; advanced dragon riding, including aerial tactics and emergency procedures; in-depth studies of global trade, economics, and logistics; and the intricate dance of inter-cultural relations.
The faculty was a carefully selected blend: venerable High Elders of the Ael'athar, whose wisdom spanned centuries, taught alongside the most learned of the Belaerys loremasters, master dragonriders, and even renowned scholars discreetly invited from the Citadel or the Free Cities, lured by the promise of unparalleled knowledge.
My children, ranging in age from thirty-six to forty-six when the Academy formally opened its gates in 47 AC, embarked upon their academic years with an earnestness that filled me with profound pride. Though considered young adults by Ael'athar standards, they were intellectually mature, each ready to absorb the vast knowledge the Academy offered. Over the next thirteen years, their unique gifts blossomed under this specialized tutelage.
Aerion Silvanor, my eldest, already adept in plant control, focused intensely on the practical applications of his powers. He excelled in classes on bio-architecture, learning to guide the growth of immense structures with foresight and precision, experimenting with new forms of sustainable city planning beyond even Ael'tharion. His understanding of large-scale ecological management became unparalleled, studying how to restore blighted lands and create self-sustaining ecosystems. In strategy, he possessed a calm, patient mind, seeing conflicts like complex, growing organisms. His dragon, Veridian, often rested near the open-air classrooms, her emerald scales blending with the surrounding foliage, an ever-present symbol of Aerion's mastery over nature. He carried himself with the quiet authority of an heir, his pointy ears a sharp contrast to his noble, Valyrian features.
Elaron Silvanor, introspective and deeply studious, found his true calling in the Academy's vast libraries of ancient texts and the more challenging aspects of geomancy. He delved into the histories of Old Valyria with a passion, seeking to understand the arcane secrets that lay beyond dragon-fire. His earth-shaping abilities were honed to an astonishing degree of finesse; he could now not only raise mountains but carve intricate, stable tunnels through their hearts, or create vast, self-irrigating irrigation systems. His rapid regeneration was often tested during rigorous physical drills and exploration of dangerous geological formations, where he would push himself, knowing his body would swiftly mend. He proved particularly adept at understanding seismic patterns and channeling the raw energy of the earth, a skill with profound defensive implications. His pointy ears often peeked from behind his long, silver hair as he buried himself in scrolls.
Aelia Silvanor, my radiant daughter, proved to be a prodigy. Her inherited mastery over plants, earth, and rapid regeneration made her a truly exceptional student across all disciplines. She effortlessly integrated concepts, seeing the interconnectedness where others saw separation. Her physical training was a breathtaking display of fluid strength and agility, and her dragon, Aurora, mirrored her adaptability, often changing hues to reflect Aelia's mood or the environment they traversed. Aelia excelled in classes on combined elemental magic, weaving spells that could grow healing herbs from stone, or cause defensive thorns to erupt from the ground in an instant. Her spirited nature was now channeled into a disciplined pursuit of knowledge, her pointy ears seeming to listen to the whispers of every form of magic.
Valerion Silvanor, with his keen senses and restless energy, found his niche in strategy, reconnaissance, and martial arts. His enhanced hearing allowed him to detect the faintest whisper of a distant conversation, while his keen eyesight could pick out details invisible to others. He became a master of stealth and evasion, his movements so silent that he seemed to flow through the very air. He absorbed military tactics like a sponge, his mind capable of instantly assessing terrain, enemy movements, and potential ambushes. He and his sleek black dragon, Umbra, trained endlessly in aerial maneuvers, their dives and turns a blur against the sky, becoming the Empire's unparalleled scouts and quick-reaction force. His pointy ears twitched constantly, absorbing every nuance of his surroundings.
And Lorien Silvanor, my youngest, embraced the healing arts and the subtle power of water with a profound dedication. Her empathetic spirit made her a natural in courses on medicine, diplomacy, and inter-species communication. She learned to purify vast quantities of water, to draw moisture from the driest air, and to use her unique healing touch to mend not just physical wounds, but also emotional distress. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to calm frightened animals and soothe agitated individuals, her presence a balm. Her graceful azure dragon, Aquaes, often accompanied her to the Academy's vast healing gardens, where they would share a tranquil bond, Lorien's pointy ears often adorned with small, shimmering water droplets she had conjured.
As the academic years progressed, from 47 AC to 60 AC, I watched them with a quiet pride. The Valaean Academy, born from my grief, had become a vibrant testament to Vala's enduring spirit. Each of my children, while distinct, carried her brilliance and a unique blend of her heritage and mine. Their Valyrian blood, once a mark of their distinctiveness from the pure Ael'athar, was now seamlessly integrated, woven into their very being, granting them strengths and perspectives previously unknown to my people. Their pointy ears, a constant, subtle reminder of their Elven lineage, were seen not as a separation, but as a bridge to an even deeper form of power and understanding.
They were growing, learning, and preparing. The world beyond Ael'tharion continued its tumultuous dance, but within my Empire, a new generation of unparalleled leaders was being meticulously forged. They were my living legacy, Empress Vala's eternal testament, and the future guardians of the Silvanar Empire, ready to face whatever trials the millennia might bring.
* The Children's Academic Journey:
* Aerion (47 AC: 46 years old; 60 AC: 59 years old): Focus on leadership, diplomacy, advanced plant control applications (e.g., bio-architecture, large-scale ecological management). His role as the heir.
* Elaron (47 AC: 44 years old; 60 AC: 57 years old): Focus on arcane Valyrian texts, earth-shaping for infrastructure, perhaps exploring the depths of Sothoryos's geology. His regenerative abilities in training.
* Aelia (47 AC: 41 years old; 60 AC: 54 years old): Her multifaceted talents making her a prodigious student across all fields. Her dragon Aurora's adaptability. Her energy channeled into mastering complex magical forms.
* Valerion (47 AC: 38 years old; 60 AC: 51 years old): His enhanced senses making him excel in strategy, observation, and perhaps tracking or stealth. Martial arts and scouting.
* Lorien (47 AC: 36 years old; 60 AC: 49 years old): Her affinity for healing and water magic applied to medicine, agriculture, and perhaps soothing diplomatic tensions. Her empathetic nature.
#NOTE:The water magic is her natural affinity not from from her father or mother