- Amethyst
- 16 May, 2025
The first rays of morning sunshine arrive through the window of Jowlani’s bedroom. As always, Zayden is the first one to wake up. He yawns and stretches and turns around towards Jowlani. He is still fast asleep and today is an important day. It’s the Magic Defence 102 exam today. Yesterday was the first time Jowlani was able to cast a successful spell. Zayden inches closer to Jowlani, puts his arm around him and whispers in his ear: “Good morning my little sunshine. How did you sleep? Are you ready to impress in the exam with your spell?”
Jowlani wakes up to the sound of a voice, recognizing that it is Zayden whispering to him. A small smile appears on his face. He doesn’t seem to be bothered about the exam. All that matters is that Zayden is with him. Jowlani mumbles a little bit and Zayden has no idea what to make of it. “What are you mumbling about? I can’t understand a word you’re trying to say. I’ll go downstairs and make breakfast for us.”
Zayden gives Jowlani a kiss on the cheek, gets dressed and heads downstairs. Jowlani comes to his senses and his thoughts start: “Did last night really happen? Can I get through the exam today? Does Zayden really have these feelings.. for ME!?”
Jowlani sits up in his bed and looks at the pictures made last night. Yes, the feelings are real. He looks at pictures of the pair eating together, being arm-in-arm, and sharing a kiss. This definitely happened. It gives a sense of security, love and optimism. Energy levels rise. The empty battery has been replenished. Jowlani gets up, dresses fast and follows downstairs.
Breakfast is already served on the plates. A short conversation follows during the breakfast about the exam. “Yesterday went rather well, didn’t it? You can do the same today and pass the exam. Just think of me.” says Zayden to Jowlani and winks. A blush appears on Jowlani’s face. “Yeah, I think I got this. I saw the pictures of last night. You’re so wonderful. I can’t wait to be together forever in our own place. I love you.” Jowlani finishes his breakfast. He moves from the seat across the table and sits next to Zayden. He rests his face on his shoulder and Zayden kisses the top of his head.Zayden finishes his breakfast as well. They let the mess be for now, as it is time to go to the University of Magic.
Arriving at the Magician’s Square, they see that Laura is already waiting for them. “Here are the “special pair of human beings” of my team! So, are you two ready? Well, rather, are you ready Jowlani?” She giggles and then notices something odd. The pair of “special human beings” seems closer physically than ever. “Wait a second.. you two are acting more intense and closer than yesterday… what did the prof say? A “pair”.. of special human beings? Is that what the professor meant?”
They both try to look in a different direction but coincidentally look at each other. They start blushing and Laura starts laughing hard. “Spill the beans, I need to know all the details!”
Jowlani shuts down and has no words. Zayden hesitates and stammers: “Well.. you see.. we were already great friends. I tried to help Jowlani with his magic last night. And it turns out that his defence… is the love defence spell. We… uhm.. spoke about it. And yeah, there are more intense feelings than just friends.. It’s nothing official.. yet.. I think..” He looks over at Jowlani and sees him feeling a bit lost because of the remarks. “We didn’t confirm it really, but I guess.. it’s official…yeah.. I love this one here and he’s mine.” Jowlani’s emotions get back on track. He looks at Zayden and smiles. He can’t believe that he’s no longer alone.
Laura smiles, stands in between the pair, and puts her arms around them. “Team Laura just got even better! I support you both and it’s about time to rock this exam to a successful ending! When you make it, I have a special surprise for your 19th birthday soon! Zayden, look out for Jowlani and make sure that he feels comfortable during the exam! Go Team Laura!”
Laura walks off into the main building of the university and is no longer visible.
The large clock on the tower is close to the start time of the exams. Jowlani and Zayden make their way inside. As is procedure in this university, the exams are put on the displays. These show the order in which students have their exams. It’s 9:00 now and the bell rings. The magic defence 102 exam finally appears.
Magic Defence 102
19 students
Professor: Ms. Rania
Jowlani and Zayden look at the display. Zayden smiles as he sees the order, but Jowlani looks very glum at his position.
The sheet reads: “#03: Zayden Blankermann”. A lot further down Jowlani finds his name. “#19: Jowlani Sterwick”. Zayden sees Jowlani’s gloomy face and puts his arm around him. “I know it’s a long wait, but consider this. I will pass first, and I’ll be there all the way with you. Time will pass quickly and I’ll cheer you on, just before you go in.”
Time ticks away and Zayden’s turn is up. Jowlani hugs him with firm grip as Zayden makes his way into the exam. Ten minutes later Zayden comes out. He looks sad at Jowlani. “Well, that didn’t go as planned. But.. I still passed!”. Jowlani yells in anger and happiness at the same time. “Don’t you EVER do this to me again. I love you AND I hate you now. How was the professor from Altgrön? Is he as strict as they say? Will he fail me instantly?” Zayden grabs Jowlani’s hand and says: “Quite relaxed actually. You have no need to worry about the exam at all. You’ll see and hear why.”
Time passes as a nervous Jowlani tries to rest in Zayden’s arms. Students pass them by and respond to seeing this new dynamic. “You guys finally got together huh? Well done, it’s about time! Now we don’t need any more strange excuses from you two. This time you can finally come to a party together. No need to hide your relationship. You’re good!”
It’s now 12:40, Jowlani’s timeslot. The final student of this class. He gives Zayden a big hug, a kiss and heads inside. The door shuts behind him and a magical curtain covers the door in all black, as it does for all exams. Zayden can only wait for the result and hope Jowlani passes the exam.
Coming inside, Jowlani observes the professor from Altgrön at first sight. A man, in his mid-50’s, with luxurious clothing. Very bland colours by the way, in all grey and brown. This man definitely seems like the type to be really strict. The professor welcomes Jowlani to the exam. “Hello there, mister Sterwick! You are the final one of the day. So far I wish to inform you that everyone has passed this exam. I hope you will not fail your classmates. The objective is very simple. I need you to defend yourself against one of my most basic spells. If you do, you pass the exam. That’s it. Prepare yourself for a minute and then we’re on our way.”
Jowlani starts thinking about everything that happened with Zayden. The intense friendship turns into a full relationship overnight. Zayden’s confirmation of: “I love him and he’s mine.” These words convince Jowlani to repeat the spell he used last night. Jowlani looks at the professor and says: “I think I’m good to go.”
The professor takes up his staff and tells Jowlani: “This room is cleared of all objects and obstacles. Stand across me, almost against the opposite wall. I will count down to make it a bit easier for you. I’ve heard of your… past issues from professor Rania. You can do this if you think about the essence of your spell enough. And.. make sure to say.. nay, yell, it out as loud as you can!”
Jowlani steps back towards the indicated spot and nods to confirm he’s ready. The professor points his staff towards him and yells: “IGNIS IMPELLO!”
A blast of fire emanating from the staff circles towards the air. The room turns into a bright red and orange colour. A dragon-like figure forms and hurls itself at Jowlani. It seems like Jowlani freezes at the sight of this figure. He is almost about to be engulfed in flames. The professor retracts the spell and the flames disappear before they touch Jowlani’s eyes. He sighs and walks towards him and mentions: “Well mister Sterwick. I should fail you directly, but it seems you have a lot on your plate right now. Which spell would you have used to defend against me?”
Jowlani looks at him and stammers: “Uhm… Amoris defensio, sir.” The professor is apparently surprised by this answer. “My goodness. That is one I haven’t heard in years. How come you chose this one, young mister Sterwick?” “Well sir, it’s because I love someone so much, I would rather die myself than have something happen to him.”
The professor takes a step back and considers his words. “I guess you did really say “him”. Hmm.. well.. I come from a country where such things are not allowed. But I’ve seen more than many other people have. If you really love him and he loves you back, channel those feelings. Think about everything that you can possibly feel. Think of the moment you’re about to witness him suffer in pain. Only then will your heart and mind unlock in unison and save him from a gruelling pain. Now.. are we ready mister Sterwick?”
Jowlani closes his eyes and thinks of what the professor said. He never wants to see Zayden in any form of pain. After a couple of seconds, Jowlani opens his eyes and nods again.
The professor continues the exam: “Here it goes. Because you failed earlier, I will come at you with more power than the first time. IGNIS IMPELLO!”
Another flurry of fire comes from the staff. The flames are of grander scale than before. It could set the whole university on fire within a matter of minutes. Two dragons form this time and come even faster at Jowlani.
He no longer freezes, puts his boots steady on the ground, waves his staff towards the dragons, and yells: “AMORIS DEFENSIOOOO!”
A huge purple heart forms in front of him. It acts as a shield towards the incoming flames. Jowlani struggles visibly to keep the spell together, but holds on long enough. The flames reflect from the shape of the heart. The dragons disappear and so do the flames. The heart then breaks apart and Jowlani falls down to his knees. “Ugh…. That was so tough… I only just kept it together. I am sorry to disappoint you professor.”
The professor steps towards Jowlani and stretches out his hand. “Mister Sterwick, you have baffled me greatly. I use this spell at the regular, but not at this level. This spell once, a long time ago, drained many people of their life energy in war times. For you to withstand that, means you are destined for greatness. My sister can attest to that. She mentioned something about a “pair of special human beings”.
Jowlani doesn’t know what he hears. He looks confused and has questions to ask about those sentences. “Did you just say something about a sister? And that last sentence? How do you know that?” He takes the professors hands to step back up again.
The professor cracks a smile, reminiscent of that of Professor Rania’s. “Oh you young ones are a handful, aren’t you? Yes, Jolanda Rania is my sister. She does have other matters to tend to currently in Altgrön. I was not even scheduled to be here. Let me mention that the original professor was.. incapacitated. Thus, she requested the board for someone else to come take the exams. My name was mentioned specifically by her. And so, here I am. Jolanda is able to see the future, in part that is. She already projected the developing relationship with mister Blankermann. True love can conquer anything, even the toughest forms of magic. Though you have a lot to learn about magic itself. You have passed this exam. I look forward to hearing about your progress from Jolanda. Congratulations my boy, this is the start of your career. Go now, and tell your partner how you did. Goodbye for now.”
Jowlani jumps at the conclusion and storms out of the classroom smiling. The door opens from the inside and he looks around the room. He looks again and again, and still doesn’t see Zayden. Jowlani doesn’t know what hits him. Has Zayden already taken off to party and forgot about him? Zayden comes from across the hall with some packed snacks. He drops them instantly when Jowlani runs towards him and jumps into his arms.
“I MADE IT! I PASSED! THAT WAS SO BIZARRE!”
The pair smiles. They look into each other’s eyes with pure love. Zayden releases the grip and puts Jowlani back on the ground. “Where were you? I was looking for you all over!” Zayden then points at one of the big displays. “Your exam lasted 45 minutes, instead of the usual 10. I told you everything would be fine. I spoke with the professor about you after I passed in a single attempt. He was already aware of your chances. Professor Rania had told him about us, and your problems. He was always going to give you a second chance, but with a really tough test. This actually is the exam standard for next year’s exam. You passed with merit and bravery. You must be exhausted, so we’ll skip the festivities tonight. We should make some invitations for your 19th birthday party. First though, let’s go out for a special dinner, because I’m hungry as what. I love you and I love food, what a combination to have.”
Jowlani feels confident and smiles. They exit the university, and walk off to the centre of Faucon-Bas for dinner. Professor Rania has done exactly what she promised, when Jowlani helped her out with extra tasks the entire year. She helped him pass the exam. Jowlani feels pride in casting the most fitting spell for what he feels these days.
What does Zayden have in store for Jowlani’s 19th birthday party in a few days?
And what does this result mean for Jowlani’s future career options in the magician’s faction?
The Amethyst Adventures returns next week with Chapter 4!
