Thursday, February 15th.

Usually, we have class outside. Today it's too cold.

It's snowing like crazy right now. I would have stayed home if I didn't have to help Sarah get to school.

We're having magic class right now. Just Nicolas showing off his favorites like usual, ugh.. His ``flock'' is up to four now, another of the kids managed to channel his aura a few days ago, so he's been praised in front to class for a few days.

Sarah managed to channel hers too. It looks almost like dad's did when he invoked his Earth aura, it's very strong.

She seems to have good control too, which is good.

``Good morning children, now quiet down so we can get started.'' [Nicolas]

He says as he walks in the door, putting some ten small books down on the table in front of him.

``This week we'll start with teaching you how to invoke spells. This is important knowledge for when you learn how to invoke your auras.'' [Nicolas]

The children all start chattering, and several raise their hands, saying they want to see the books.

``Now now, calm down children. First we have to talk about the excursion we have next week. As some of the older students might have told you, we have our first excursion comming up next week. We'll be taking a trip outside of the city, where we'll be having lectures about the plants that grow around the city. Doesn't that sound exciting children?'' [Nicolas]

He says with a slightly forced expression.

``There's also going to be a sleepover at The Lonely Cliff Tower, which is a well known mana spot of air.'' [Nicolas]

A single skinny hand is raised, and a tiny little voice follows.

``Mister Icefeather, what is a mana spot?'' [Dianna]

"Good question Diana, it's a place with a lot of mana, which makes it easier to invoke and channel your aura and spells." [Nicolas]

He says in a very friendly, soothing voice.

"I expect that several of you will be able to invoke your auras for the first time there, and some might even be able to invoke their first spell." [Nicolas]

"But enough of that for now, let us begin the lecture. You wanted to see the books?" [Nicolas]

He says as he takes the books he brought and steps out from behind his desk.

"Yeah!" [Class]

While Nicolas walks down through the center of the class, he makes sure to hand one to each of the students that can channel their aura.

I reach out my hand to take one, which he either doesn't see, or ignores.

``Now take care of these books, they have pictures of the spells and are quite expensive." [Nicolas]

I raise my hand, and make eye contact with him as he turns around. He gestures for me to go on.

``Can we borrow them sir?'' [Nathan]

``Well, yes. But shouldn't you wait until you're sure you could actually cast the spells?'' [Nicolas]

He answers, slightly mockingly.

``I'm still quite sure I can manage sir.'' [Nathan]

``Good, you can borrow one then.'' [Nicolas]

He curtly answers back.

Hmph..

As the books are passed around, I manage to get my hands on one. As I flick through the book, I see that the illustrations are really quite neat and colorful, having beautiful calligraphy written with the letters of this world.

I see several spells that I should be able to manage with little practice. In fact, I should be able to do most of these on the first try, and it should take me about a week to do each chantless.

Taking out my notebook, I copy down the invocations for a few of the spells:

Whistle

Smoke

Loop

Silence

These should be quite useful for imprinting.

I'll see when I can find the time for practicing them.