- Amethyst
- 23 May, 2025
A few days have passed since the exam, and the weekend flew by. Jowlani and Zayden spent time being together, talking about their future. And of course, the trip to Altgrön for Zayden, should they both pass the exam. Besides feeling nervous and anxious because of this knowledge, Jowlani has made the best of it.
The pair went out for long walks, played games and hung out with Laura for an afternoon.
Now, we are back on Monday, as the exam results loom over the day.
Everyone gathers at Magician’s Square, as the headmaster holds a speech of their own.
“Welcome students of all levels and classes. Today is that exciting and also nerve wracking day of the examination results. These will give you on an answer on passing or not. Whether that is to the next year, or finishing up your academic route here, it’s always an achievement. I am keeping it short this year before I ramble on about our past valedictorians. I wish you all the best of luck, wisdom and most of all, good health.”
Laura, Jowlani and Zayden stand next to each other as Laura speaks her mind: “So guys, this is it for the journey together this year. I feel that I’ve passed all my classes. Zayden has for sure as well. For you Jowlani.. it’s only Magic Defence 102 of course. But I’m confident that you pass. The pair of “special human beings” stays in Team Laura of course! Good luck, head in when the bell rings and see me back here. Only when you know what you need to know. No panicking anymore ‘Lani, you’ll be fine!”
Jowlani and Zayden head into the grand hall of the university as the bell rings. Last time here, emotions were all over the place during the exams. Now, there’s a sense of calm, even in Jowlani.
They walk towards their results room. Here, they will find out if they can look forward to the future together. Now, anxiety starts to hit Jowlani. He doesn’t want to walk into the room. “Come on, you can do this. I’m with you to see it through. I’m right here.” Zayden smiles, takes Jowlani’s hand firmly and slowly drags him inside.
“You go look first at your results. I’ll wait here. I’m okay.” Jowlani shivers a bit when he lets go of Zayden’s hand. He thinks of all the tools and tips Zayden has given him lately. With a light breathing exercise he is able to feel more relaxed. It doesn’t take long for a smiling Zayden to return from all the result tables. “No problem! I passed all classes. Which means you are stuck with me for another year. Hope you don’t mind that.”
Zayden winks as he says his last sentence. Now the time has come. Has Jowlani passed his exams?
They walk along the tables and the only thing they can see so far is: “Jowlani Sterwick: Pass”. All of these tables say the same. Jowlani starts to believe that it’s possible to actually pass all of it. But then… the final table: Magic Defence 102. The dreaded exam that didn’t go to plan at all. Jowlani covers his own name. He then starts looking down the table and sees all his classmates have passed. He doesn’t dare to look at his own name. Zayden puts his hand on Jowlani’s. “You’ve come this far. Don’t worry about the result. Professor Rania and his brother have seen your potential.” Zayden wraps his hand under Jowlani’s and slowly takes it off. Jowlani closes his eyes and awaits the first response. “Well, that’s… a shame. I don’t know why this was written. Take a look at it yourself.” Jowlani starts to shiver, but does open his eyes. It reads: “#19: Jowlani Sterwick – Passed with distinction.”
Jowlani looks again to check if he’s not dreaming. Zayden pinches him in the arm. “DAMN… oh my goodness, I’m sorry for saying that out loud. Why did you pinch me!?” Zayden breaks out in laughter and so does someone else. “My boy, what did I tell you when I said to not worry over trivial things.” It’s professor Rania. She has apparently returned from Altgrön. “Seems like professor Weizen, or should I say my brother Konrad, has graded you positively. He’s an extraordinary man with incredible magical capabilities. Though there’s one thing he has more than wisdom. His heart. He’s a caring man. He has seen your potential and thinks you’re destined for a great role in this world.”
Jowlani stammers back: “Well.. I.. needed two chances. I’m so surprised by this. I don’t even know what to say or feel.”
Professor Rania steps closer to the two. “I told you that you two are a pair of “special human beings”. Take care of each other, even when you will be separated. Hold on to the thought of love and happiness. When you do, pain will be just a temporary experience. Now that you both have passed all exams, I have something for you.”
She hands a small box to Zayden. He opens it up and it contains a bracelet. It reads on the inside: “Going astray is not the same as getting lost.” Zayden puts it on his right wrist. He has a gut feeling what the professor means with this.
Jowlani gets a very tall and long wrapped gift. It’s equal height to the teachers’ desk in length. “Help me with this Zay, it’s too much to unwrap alone.” They start unwrapping and reveal a special gift.
“My boy, you are almost 19. The time has come for a significant change in your studies. You no longer need a student’s staff. It’s time for your own, so you can develop your skills further.”
The magic staff looks amazing to Jowlani. A bright wooden staff, with an amethyst adorned in the top. “Let’s see if the staff has chosen you. My feeling is that the power will flow in your veins at first touch.”
Jowlani picks up the staff. The amethyst in the top starts glowing and releases a blue energy around it. It starts to circulate around Jowlani’s body. Jowlani shuts his eyes. He tries to fully embody the power flowing through his veins and mind. As he opens them, Zayden and the professor both gasp. “My boy, this is incredible work. The staff. It has chosen you to be one with it.” Zayden keeps staring at a specific change. “Oh my.. Jowlani.. your eyes. They’re.. purple. Just as you always draw from your dreams. You look amazing!”
Jowlani feels proud to have received this major present. “Professor, I can only say thank you for this amazing present. I feel.. more confident than ever now. I promise to stay on the right side of history. I’ll only use this staff if purely necessary, and only for good reasons.” “I have the utmost sense of pride and confidence that you will. I hope to see you next year in my class. Though I foresee another… path on your way. Good luck you special pair of human beings. Keep living, so you can fulfill your destiny. I’ll try to guide you when possible.” Professor Rania walks out of the classroom.
Zayden thinks for a second and mentions: “I have no clue what she meant with that. Though professor Weizen did mention that she can see parts of the future. As long as I can keep you in my heart and mind, we are always together. No thing or no one can divide us. I’m sure of that. Now that we both passed, let’s make your birthday even more special. I’ve invited some of our friends, like Laura, to have dinner with us at a restaurant. Let’s go now.”
In the restaurant, food and drinks are all around. Everybody brings presents, big or small, for Jowlani. They reminisce good and bad times. Such as all the times Jowlani has given the university floor a colourful.. change. But also the times they felt any emotion, and Jowlani was there. Jowlani is always there for them to listen. To help heal their hearts and minds. This time, they are there to help him heal, grow and progress. He feels loved by the people present. This time, they are in his company, for a change.
Zayden takes his glass, stands up and speeches: “Hi everyone. Uhm, I’m not good at talking in public. But for someone special I’ll try. Tonight, we celebrate Jowlani’s 19th birthday. We celebrate someone who is always there when we need him. Or in my case, I need him. No longer, there’s gossip on our friendship anymore. We decided to let our feelings show, and progress that friendship. Into a relationship. I’m happy that I speak of my feelings more and more. Even in these tough and uncertain times, I’m relieved that there is always someone I can return to. Today, he got a professional magic staff, which helps him in his future career. I will.. hopefully, be a part of that career at a distance. I will be side by side with you when the light is dimmed. When hope seems lost, and when no one is there to support. When you gaze into the darkness, I’ll be there to hold you. To love and care for you, when you can’t do that for yourself. So, thank you all for coming and celebrating that with him. He deserves this the most of everyone on this world.”
The other present friends and classmates applaud, cheer, clap and smile for Zayden’s speech. Laura is the first to respond: “Wow, that was so amazing, daring…and so cute at the same time Zay! Now ‘Lani can only wait for your surprise tomorrow. Oops.. spoilers.. sorry!”
Jowlani looks at Zayden with a definite surprised look on his face. “What do you have planned? I thought we are going to take a walk in the hills?”
Zayden acts like nothing’s out of the ordinary. “Laura just knows a detail about our walk. That’s all really. It’s not a big surprise, but just personal. Something special. Between you and me.” Jowlani doesn’t buy the answer, but knows who has prepared the surprise. “Fine. I won’t ask. You win. But it better be good.”
The evening turns into the night as everyone makes their way home. So do Jowlani and Zayden. The stars shine bright with a full moon, as the two almost fall asleep. “Thank you for an amazing day Zay. I’m curious about the surprise tomorrow of course. For now, I’m just happy you’re the one I wake up with. Sleep well, sweet dreams.”
Zayden turns towards Jowlani. “You’re forgetting something. The most important thing. But I love you too.”
He smiles, as he holds Jowlani in his arms, who falls asleep quickly. Zayden then thinks about the bracelet he’s wearing now. What does it mean? Will Zayden walk astray? From who or what? The exhaustion gets to him before he can answer. He too, falls asleep.
What does the bracelet mean for the destiny that awaits Zayden?
What does he have in store for Jowlani tomorrow?
