Tinsel

Tinsel has been practicing magic for a while now. They should be really good at it. They were born with a natural talent for it. But whatever they do, somehow Tinsel can’t seem to focus on their spells. They fizzle out too quickly or fire without any direction. Their teacher seems equal parts stumped and frustrated about it. Tinsel is just sad. Maybe they weren’t meant to be a mage after all. They feel discouraged by their own lack of progress. Something must be wrong with them, right?

So, for the last two weeks, Tinsel has been taking long walks instead of studying the same old spell over and over. They try to reinvigorate themselves by taking a new route every time, seeing new parts of their surroundings and immersing themselves in nature. Today, their walk has taken them to the sea. Harsh waves crash on rocky walls and Tinsel feels the water spraying onto their face. It feels refreshing, and they giggle at the sensation. “Hello there.”, a voice suddenly calls out to them. As Tinsel opens their eyes again and looks at the rocks in front of them, they see a Maren sitting right in front of them. “Come to enjoy the sea? It’s quite turbulent today.”, he says to Tinsel with a smile, and Tinsel carefully approaches him. “I’m just trying to refresh my soul.”, they reply. “Ah, that’s important to do every now and again.”, the Maren replies, nodding. “I wish it helped though.”, Tinsel blurts out. “I still can’t do magic properly though. Maybe I’m just not made to be a mage.” Tinsel sighs as splashes of seawater his them in the face once again. It’s no longer refreshing, they just feel sad now. “Maybe you’re just learning it wrong.”, The Maren replies casually. “You dragons tend to use the same medium to carry spells. It’s always tomes, or claws, or breath… Why not try using something else, like your voice, or an instrument? Maybe even a sword or shield could do!” Tinsel stares at the Maren. They have never tried that before. “It’s worth a try! Good luck!”, the Maren says, before diving back into the sea. And Tinsel quickly heads back to their teacher, invigorated and filled with hope.