An Artistic Journey

Chloe moved a few steps back to admire the final product. The once vacant canvas now boasted an exquisite panorama of majestic mountains, lush trees, and meandering rivers. This heavenly paradise served as the flawless backdrop she had envisioned for her inaugural portal. This time, she could feel the certainty resonating within her—this time, she was destined to succeed.

Carefully, she arranged a flickering candle, a substantial bowl of water, and a petite Joshua tree in a strategic arrangement before the scenic painting. With each element perfectly aligned, Chloe opened her grimoire, mentally reciting the incantation etched within its pages. Although she had committed the spell to memory after more than ten attempts, a steadfast determination fueled her efforts. Could it be that she misspoke the phrase? No, it had to be flawless. Every detail meticulously executed, this masterpiece of hers stood as her magnum opus. Closing the grimoire with a resounding thud, Chloe proceeded with the ritual, an unwavering resolve growing within her.

Shutting her eyes, Chloe commenced the incantation with deliberate slowness, each word enunciated perfectly to guarantee a flawless pronunciation. The ancient spell, inscribed in Latin, held no room for error, and Chloe was determined to leave no room for failure. As the final words of the incantation escaped her lips, she extended both hands towards the array of elements arranged before her. The young mage sensed the energies within her grasp—a fleeting touch of fiery warmth, followed by the fluidity of water, and finally, the pure, potent energy emanating from the Joshua tree.

With a graceful wave of her hands, she harnessed the swirling elemental power, encapsulating it within a vibrant green sphere of light. She directed the energy sphere toward the canvas, momentarily pausing before gently nudging it into the artwork. As the sphere integrated into the painting, the entire canvas pulsed with a brief, radiant glow. Every element was now in perfect harmony, and Chloe stood on the precipice of the long-awaited moment of truth.

Approaching the canvas with purpose, she extended her right hand, seamlessly drawing upon the elemental forces. Her hand reached out to the canvas, as if orchestrating an embrace with the painting. The entire canvas responded, quivering in resonance as she inched closer. With a gentle touch, she pressed her hand into the oil paints, a tactile connection that transcended the boundaries between the ethereal and the tangible.

Nothing. Silence enveloped Chloe, a disheartening void that lingered for an agonizing moment in time. Undeterred, she persisted, pressing her hand further into the canvas. Minutes ticked by, and the stark realization of the portal's failure set in. Panic seized her before frustration and confusion took hold. Withdrawing her hand from the canvas, she surveyed the smeared paint, evidence of her unsuccessful attempt. A surge of anger welled up within her. Emitting a resounding groan, Chloe struck the painting easel, sending the artwork soaring across the dorm landing paint-side down on the floor, a poignant symbol of her thwarted endeavor.

Once more, the dorm floor bore the mark of spilled oil paint. Taking a series of deep breaths to regain composure, Chloe wiped the paint from her hand. With a practiced calmness, she commenced the cleanup, addressing the intentional chaos she had wrought. Another entry in the ledger of her attempts, this failure joined the ranks of previous endeavors. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, the twelfth time would prove to be the charm she so desperately needed.

An hour passed as Chloe now sat in front of yet another blank canvas. She had lost all motivation to paint the scene yet again. Nearly fifteen hours of work down the drain on another attempt. All hope was beginning to seem lost. Her determination was waning, and the thought of starting again, literally made her head hurt. 

Retrieving her phone, Chloe glanced at the screen to check the time—it was just a little past 3:30 PM. Although it was a Friday, the idea struck her that perhaps Professor Addelson, her senior mentor, wouldn't mind a brief phone call. In search of guidance, she scrolled through her contacts and tapped on the professor's cell number. After a few rings, a response echoed through the call, accompanied by the distant hum of background music.

"Chloe, I sincerely hope this call is about you sharing the joys of spring break with friends," Addelson sighed, audible footsteps suggesting he was seeking a quieter space.

"I apologize, Professor. I didn't mean to interrupt, but I've hit a wall in my capstone project, and I'm struggling to..."

"Don't tell me you're still attempting paint portaling. Paint portaling is an ancient arcane art, mastered by less than 1% of all mages. I understand your family's lineage, and if anyone could master it, it would be a Pierson. But diving headfirst into such a challenging spell might not be the wisest move. I suggested those animated paintings you enchanted because they'd make an excellent capstone project. Can’t you just focus on them?"

"Professor, please! Just guide me through it once more, and let's see if I'm overlooking anything. All the students know, you're the only professor who has remotely come close to creating a paint portal."

A hushed silence lingered on the line for almost a minute before Addelson sighed again. "Alright, talk me through the process. But promise me this, if your next attempt proves unsuccessful you'll redirect your focus to ensure the completion of your original capstone project."

Chloe hesitated, reluctant to abandon her pursuit, yet acknowledging his valid point. Her animated gallery was on the verge of completion, and it was imprudent to persist much longer, no matter how much she desired to master paint portaling. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and conceded, "You have a deal."

In the ensuing minutes of the call, Chloe reviewed the incantation from her grimoire, ensuring she nailed the correct pronunciation. As she explained the intricacies of the painting to the professor, he conceded that everything seemed to be in proper order.

"How about the elements?" Addleson queried. "Are you employing purified water and the candle I provided? And the tree, is it a Joshua tree? It must be a Joshua tree for this spell to work."

"Check, check, and check," Chloe responded with a resigned tone. Addleson, too, appeared as equally perplexed as she was.

"Make sure the spacing between the elements and the canvas is precise when you attempt again. The dimensions should be in your grimoire, but if not, I can email them to you. Above all, consider taking a break. Give yourself the rest of the day off and reserve your final attempt for the weekend. Burnout is a real concern; elemental magic is notoriously temperamental. If the wielder isn't in peak condition, it can lead to spell failures," advised Addleson.

"Thank you, sir. I'll certainly give that a try," Chloe responded, attempting to conceal her disappointment. She harbored a flicker of hope that the professor might possess a hidden solution to her predicament, but the reality was he was just as baffled as she was. Sensing her disappointment, Addelson made an effort to lift her spirits.

"Chloe, don't let this weigh too heavily on you. You're still in college and attempting to master one of the most intricate spells that even many seasoned mages struggle with. You're not just a gifted mage, but an exceptional artist. It's a rarity to find someone with both immense magical prowess and artistic inclination. I'm not suggesting you give up, but you don't have to conquer every arcane power before graduation. If this weekend doesn't yield the results you seek, take a break. Give yourself some time, then revisit it during a summer break in a few months. Sometimes, a hiatus can make all the difference."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll give it one final shot."

"You've got this, Chloe. Whether you succeed or not, I have confidence in your abilities. Now, take a break. Head outside, preferably off-campus, and have a night on the town. Just step away from the books for a while... breathe in some fresh air, maybe touch some grass."

A genuine laugh escaped her lips. "Understood! I'll take the remainder of the day off."

Feeling a sense of relief after the call, Chloe acknowledged that Addelson was right. She didn't have to unravel every mystery immediately. Despite her burning desire to master the spell, she held confidence that success would come, even if it deviated from her personal timeline. One takeaway resonated deeply — she needed a break. The realization coincided with the rumble of hunger settling in.

Fifteen minutes later, Chloe found herself strolling away from the campus, heading towards the town. The walk from the campus island bridge into town was considerable, but the warm afternoon and the gentle breeze made it an enjoyable hike. She relished the opportunity to stretch her legs and soak in the outdoor ambiance, a welcome departure from the confines of her dorm room, where she had spent more time than she cared to admit.

Addelson's advice rang true, as Chloe now found herself leisurely window shopping and relishing the local atmosphere of this charming college town. A respite from the usual routine was precisely what she needed. Despite residing on campus for over three years, Chloe hadn't explored or ventured off-campus much. Deciding to take a pause, she settled on a street bench and perused her phone, searching for the best-rated places to eat. The top-ranking establishment was an aged pub named Whittleys, a few miles inland from town. Intrigued by the idea of a cozy local pub, Chloe hailed a cab and set off towards Whittleys.

Whittleys was tucked just off the road in a secluded forest, exuded a timeless charm. The dimly lit interior emitted a comforting ambiance. Due to the bustling atmosphere, there were no available tables, however, Chloe secured a seat at the bar. Almost instantly, an elderly gentleman behind the counter warmly welcomed her. "Evening, Miss. What can I get you?"

"I'm a first-timer here. What do you recommend?" Chloe inquired, simultaneously perusing the menu spread across the bar.

"Well, for drinks, we've got just about anything you can think of. And when it comes to food, our fish and chips are the stuff of legends. My brother's a fisherman, hauls in fresh cod every morning. You can't go wrong with that choice."

"You've sold me on the fish and chips. And a ginger ale, if you have it."

The man behind the bar flashed a smile and nodded. "Coming right up!"

True to his word, in less than 10 minutes, a substantial platter of fish and chips materialized before her. Sampling a few pieces, Chloe was immediately transported to a state of euphoria; it was undoubtedly some of the best fish she had ever tasted.

"Oh my gosh, this is incredible! You weren't kidding! I don't think I've ever had fresh cod like this."

The bartender chuckled, "Witnessing everyone's first time is always a delight." He paused, allowing a few seconds to linger as Chloe enthusiastically indulged in her meal. Resuming the conversation, he delved in, "So, I have to ask, what brings a mage all the way out here? We don't typically see mages venturing this far from the university."

Taking a brief moment to swallow a mouthful of food, Chloe flashed a surprisingly bright smile. "Wow, what gave it away?"

"Your eyes spill the secret. That subtle glow, that unmistakable mage aura. Your green eyes are radiant even in this dimly lit bar. Plus, the dark blue overcoat and tightly pinned hair are dead giveaways. You could’ve walked straight out of the university."

"Guilty as charged," Chloe confessed between bites of fish, earning a prideful smile from the bartender.

"So, spill it," he urged, looking deeply into Chloe's eyes. "What's luring you so far from the university? Seems like someone might be seeking an escape, perhaps a respite for the mind."

"Well, I'm just exploring the area as I haven't—"

"No, I'm not talking about your location, but your mind. You're here physically, but your thoughts are elsewhere."

"Guilty again." Chloe met the bartender's gaze with surprise. "I've been working on a project, and I'm stuck."

"Oh? Something arcane in nature, I suppose?"

"Paint portaling, actually."

The bartender leaned forward on the bar, seemingly pondering her words. "I've heard stories of this. It's a wild kind of magic. Legend claims that paint portaling was created directly from the original seven mages. They decreed if one can harness the power of the portal, one can influence what happens inside. You must be exceptionally gifted to wield such power and to possess such artistic ability."

"Kind words, but honestly, I'm failing at it... quite miserably, I might add." Chloe delved into the intricate details of her struggles with paint portaling. To her surprise, the bartender proved to be an easy conversationalist. As she shared her tales of failures, he leaned back, attentive and receptive as well as wise beyond his bartending role.

He spoke up, his gaze fixed on the distance as if envisioning the scenario. "You know, it sounds to me like you have this arcane ritual down. But what about the painting? What does it mean to you?"

"I'm not sure I follow," Chloe admitted, uncertain about what he was referring to.

"The painting... It's still art. True art is filled with the emotions the artist pours into it. Now, I've never had the arcane gift, and I'm certainly no artist, but it seems to me that if you want to infuse magic into a piece of art, the painting itself should hold personal meaning for you. Have you ever considered, instead of painting a scene for magic, creating something that has a personal connection with you?"

Chloe leaned back, nearly toppling off the barstool. He was spot-on. In her relentless pursuit of arcane precision, the true essence of the art had slipped through her fingers. Meeting the bartender's eyes, she exclaimed, "You know what? You're absolutely right! Ultimately, it's still art. It has to hold personal significance for me."

"Now you're onto something," he applauded slowly, a soft chuckle accompanying his encouragement.

"Well, mister..."

"The name's Charlie."

"Well, Charlie, I'm Chloe, and I want to personally express my gratitude for the delicious food and the wise words. I think you may have just cracked the code for me." Chloe promptly settled the bill and made her way towards the exit. "Thank you, Charlie!"

Charlie offered a casual salute. "Come on back sometime; you've yet to try our famous chili!"

She left the pub with a smile. Once again, Addelson was proven right. This time, she felt confident that one more attempt would lead to success. For a fleeting moment she pondered the profound wisdom Charlie imparted. How a bartender could solve a complex arcane problem over a platter of fish and chips was a puzzling mystery that she made a mental note to investigate later. 

Ten hours later, Chloe found herself seated in front of a canvas in her dorm, but this time the scene was different. The painting depicted her grandparents' farm, capturing the essence of the last summer cookout they had shared as a complete family before she ventured off to the university. It wasn't just a happy memory; it was a place and time that held profound meaning for her, evoking genuine joy.

As she commenced the spell, a sense of alignment permeated the air. Somehow, the elements resonated more powerfully, and as the sphere of energy collided with the canvas, the ground beneath her seemed to tremble. Closing her eyes, Chloe concentrated on forging a connection with the painting. Extending her right hand, she sensed a pull on her body, accompanied by a tunneling sound, and then—silence.

Chloe opened her eyes to find herself standing in what appeared to be her grandparents' backyard. In front of her was a canvas, the painting now transformed into an illustration of her dorm room. Slowly scanning the entire scene, she marveled at the breathable air, yet she didn't seem to need to take actual breaths. The scent of flowers from her grandmother's garden wafted through the air, creating an incredibly immersive experience.

"Chloe, you’re just in time! We're about to eat!" her grandfather's voice filled her ears. Stunned, she turned her gaze toward the house where a complete ensemble of her family had just materialized, chatting and enjoying themselves around the table. Her father was stationed at the grill, expertly pulling off kabobs he had just prepared.

It mirrored her recollection of the real event. Was she, in fact, influencing the course of events in this realm? This was uncharted territory for her. Stunned, she stood stationary on the lawn for a moment, then called out, "Coming! Save me a seat!" Chloe briskly made her way towards the gathering. Maybe this wasn't entirely real, but as a student of the arcane, such exploration and study seemed not only wise but necessary. Then again, it felt impolite not to visit a while. Maybe she’d indulge in a few kabobs, strictly for research of course…  

Chloe spent hours seated with family revisiting her fond memory from the past. Surprisingly, she could even taste the food, delicious as it had been on the original day. As time passed, Chloe contemplated how she could leave this joyful gathering. At that very thought of departing, the entire event vanished. She was left standing alone behind her grandparents’ house.

Quickly she headed back towards the easel excited now to travel back and document her findings. When she reached the portal, there was a note stuck to the canvas. 

Chloe,

Congratulations on your first successful paint portal. As this may seem like an advanced feat, your artistic journey is just beginning. Unknown to most, paint portaling is the first step leading to interdimensional rift travel. I look forward to following your progress as you unlock your true potential. 

• Charlie