A World Within the Pages PV: Thomas Lancaster

Today, Thomas had to go to the library. Skylar had sent him an owl to schedule some time to work on their world building together, and they had settled on doing so in the school library. The walk to the library wasn’t a particularly long one, and since the beginning of the year it had become very familiar to Thomas.

Yet Thomas had no choice but to take a detour through the dungeons, a route he almost never took because it was were some older year students held court, and the risk of catching a stray spell was notably higher here than any other part of the castle. Still, he had decided it was better to risk it than to get roped in the dungbomb fight Peeves had started on the most direct route.

Thomas made sure to walk quickly in the corridor, a brisk pace, almost running. Being late wasn’t an option, Thomas Lancaster was never late after all, it was unbecoming of a wizard. Yet the corridors were mostly unknown to him, and he got turned around a bit, as it the castle was toying with him.

The clock was still ticking, and Thomas hadn’t seen the stairs yet. He had started running when he noticed he wasn’t going to make it in time. He had passed what felt like the same door over and over again, and then he finally found them. He sighed in relief and climbed up the steps, quickly joining the Entrance hall where the entrance to the library was located.

Thomas pushed the doors, and quickly scanned the room looking for Skylar’s blue hair, and just as quickly located her. He made his way towards her and sat down next to her, looking dishevelled. “Sorry I’m late. I had to make a detour, Peeves started a dungbomb war, and I got turned around in the dungeons.” He whispered, trying to put his hair back in place.

His hair finally back in place, Thomas peered down to see what Skylar was showing him on her notebook. She explained to him that she thought it best if three different people lived on the island. It was something Thomas agreed on, there was definitely enough space, and the various features of the island offered a natural divide between the East and the West. Nodding, he let her continue.

To the East would be stone carvers, living in a harsh environment where food is scarce, while the West was much kinder in that aspect, vast plains and rolling hills where gain would grow abundantly. That left the question of the third people. Where would they live? In the southern swamps? Along the coast in flotilla-cities? Or in the mountains in the middle of the island?

As it turns out Skylar was more interested in the mountains, which all things considered was a pretty good choice. Though the lands were harsh and unforgivable, if the mountain folk were ancient and wise, surely they knew how to live in harmony with their environment.

“I like your ideas. The land certainly would fit three realms, and due to the terrain and available resources, there would definitely be conflict between the East and West.” He let out a thoughtful hum before speaking again. “The mountains in the middle would create a rainshadow effect, meaning that one side of the island, namely the West would receive frequent rain, while the eastern side wouldn’t. It would result in poor harvests, and eventually famine on the East, driving them to try and invade the West.”

“As for the mountains… I really like the idea of druids. Maybe they were once the sole inhabitants of the islands, then settlers came and for a bit they coexisted, until greed took over the hearts of the settlers, pushing the druids into the mountains, where they remain to this day. As for the settlers…” Thomas thought about it for a bit, before continuing. “The simplest thing would be to say they split up into the East and West factions.”

“So to summarise how each faction would feel about their situation, it could be something like this:” Thomas took on an arrogant tone and said “‘Just because this island lacks a ruler at present it does not mean it should not be ruled. We are simply… establishing a new order.’ For the Eastern realm. While the Western faction would say something like:”

This time he took on a more solemn tone “‘This is an Elysium built by human hands. A dream kept alive over the centuries by the blood and sacrifice of countless people. We will not let our dream be trampled.’ And finally the druids would say:"

Now, he shifted his voice for a more glacial tone “‘Insolent intruders. Your souls burn in the flames of your own ambition. The moonlight shall send you from this place and restore the rightful peace of night.’”

With his small impressions done, he looked up, his face a bit flushed and asked: “Well, what do you think?”