Up in the clouds is a mythical land hidden from history. She is remembered by many names in legends all across the world. You may know a few already. Tales of a hidden island, a drifting or lost continent, or an enchanted land filled with wonders are typically inspired by her. But, her true name is one very few still remember. We call her Avalon.
This gorgeous art is brought to you by the incredible Inessa Burnell! Follow the hyperlink to see more of her fantastic work.
Ruled by the mysterious Three Goddesses, Avalon drifts from place to place, following ley lines, and the ever-shifting currents of magic. No one is certain who the Three are, but their influence has been felt across dozens of cultures. Tales of a triumvirate of deities, or a mystical sorceress that brings otherworldly aid to a hero or kingdom in need most likely can trace their inspiration to the Three Goddesses. Neither is anyone certain why, or how Avalon wanders the globe as it does. The only thing that is certain is that the Three appear to have their reasons. To shield the land from unwanted attention, as flying and lofting contraptions have begun to flood the sky, the Three Goddesses have seen fit to conceal Avalon in an illusion that makes her appear to be a large airship. Though, it is debatable whether this makes Avalon more or less conspicuous.
Avalon Academy of the Arcane, one of the few schools of the magical arts that yet remain, makes its home on these fabled shores. In an ever-accelerating, and industrializing world, there are still some who pursue mastery of the ancient arts that shaped the world of our past. Though, fewer choose to study magic with each passing year. Most have forgotten, or chose to forget, the forces that shaped the old world, and the truth that inspired what has since faded into myth, but not all.
I would like to formally, and cordially invite you to Avalon Academy of the Arcane. Come see the daily struggles, and successes, of the few who still study the forces that shape our universe. Watch as they master the art of flying, throwing a ball of flame, or even reading the threads of time. Take a load off with one of the professors after a long, hard day of teaching history as you’ve never heard it before. Embark on adventures to hidden corners of the world, or simply walk the streets of the Academy campus. There is a whole new facet of the world for you to discover. You just need to take the first step.
Meet students like Abigail Scot, our newest addition, who found the Academy quite by accident; or Garrett Grant, a third-year Stellarian who is just trying to work up the courage to talk with the girl that he likes. Don’t forget the staff, like the peerless Elementalist Headmaster, Lauren Corvinus, who is investigating a mystery that might unveil some of the secrets of Avalon; or Professor Goro Tachibana, who is determined for the Arcanists faction to win the Trials of Avalon this year.
Oh, yes, you will want to know about the factions at the Academy. You see, everyone has different talents, and the same is true in magic. Some have a natural spiritual draw towards control of the Elements: Fire, Stone, and Wind. Others are drawn towards expanding their mind to control concepts of reality. While there are those who focus on using magic in its purest, untainted form, using their vital essence and strength to guide the flow of magic. These three differing approaches to magic make up the three different factions at Avalon Academy, respectively, the Elementalists, the Stellarians, and the Arcanists. While the three factions are constantly in competition, even sometimes blatantly at odds, with each other, what unites them is their unbridled passion for magic.
So please, come take a chance on a new short story series starting in August. Avalon Academy will feature a new story every month from a wide variety of characters as they pursue their dreams, and explore new frontiers. See their triumphs, and failures. Witness the little moments that end up being the truly special parts of our lives. That is what this series is really about, the lives of the students and staff at the Academy.
Welcome to Avalon Academy of the Arcane.
We hope to see you soon,
Suzaku Mikami
Watcher of Threads
Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to a my upcoming new short story series, Avalon Academy! What are you excited for? What do you think of this incredible artwork from Inessa Burnell? Let me know in the comments, or on social media! Don’t forget to spread the word, and share the site with your friends!
Words cannot express how much I appreciate you for taking some time out of your day to see what I’ve been working on. I hope to see you soon!