Daily Life: Aether, the Element of Magic

Wizards divide the world into five fundamental elements. Four of these are the common elements: air, earth, fire and water. The fifth is aether. Aether exists as an insubstantial energy, but it is affected by the three moons, just like water. It flows through invisible aetheric rivers above, below and through everything on Tellaia, and magic is made possible by its presence. Because the three moons converge over Tirenia, this means that aether is more concentrated there than anywhere else in the world. This is why it has always been the centre of supernatural attention in the world. 

All beings are affected in some way by the aether flowing through them. Most animals and plants are unable to detect or retain aether. Spiritual beings exist purely as beings of aether. Only humans (and dragons) are composed equally of all five elements - this is why they are capable of performing magic. One of the most basic spells that all wizards learn is the ability to perceive aether around them: how it flows, and where enchantments have disturbed its flow to make it eddy.

Related image
Art: 'The Conversion of Saul.' Michelangelo Buonarroti, c. 1545.

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