Born into middling wealth and to title of no remark, Santiago came quietly into this life. Tutors and servants bought the bulk of his tutelage, stunting much of his early social graces. Knowing little of play, he preferred instead to listen and read. It left a dissonance in him. Conversation, company, and laughter drew him in small bouts, and it took longer than most for him to lend voice to his thoughts.

In the later stages of adolescence he took to music in addition to his books. These provided the cornerstones of his routine: break fast, read, take lessons, study whatsoever instrument as he was able to find. Flutes and pipes, harps and lyres, anything that could hold a tune found its way into his hands. He had little talent for it, however, only fascination.

It was one of the few hobbies he found that kept him from further scholastic pursuit. And, at least, perhaps the only he enjoyed enough to stay an active participant in.

But, while it may have felt an eternity to him, eventually freedom was bequeathed to him. He was allowed agency in pursuit of his studies; first music, then histories, and finally he settled upon magic. Where his fingers failed to find perch on a harp they instead made gentle waves into the mystique.

He learned what he could, both self-taught and with the aid of family advisors. It only took him so far. When he came of age, on suggestion from his tutors, his parents sent him into Elbion proper to learn the deeper secrets of magic.

To this, he had no complaints.

Ayami Kojima - character art
Abel Laer - profile picture