Magma

[Continuing the theme of my Epic Fantasy, ‘The Daighacaer’ ('Day-gar-care'); Book I, Escape From Mount Vilipend]

[Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magma]    

Magma  (from Greek μάγμα "mixture") is a mixture of molten or semi-molten rock, volatiles and solids that is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and is expected to exist on other terrestrial planets. Besides molten rock, magma may also contain suspended crystals, dissolved gas and sometimes gas bubbles.  Magma often collects in magma chambers that may feed a volcano or turn into a pluton. Magma is capable of intrusion into adjacent rocks, extrusion onto the surface as lava, and explosive ejection as tephra to form pyroclastic rock.

Weda'Sel is a banlogh (I spoke about banloghs in 'B') who's been a working captive of Caliginor in a spectral form for aeons.  Soon after he was enslaved by Caliginor, Weda'Sel  found a retreat for himself deep within the bowels of Mount Vilipend.  In this chamber was a tarn of magma which provided a measure of heat for Weda'Sel within the frozen fortress.  In his spectral form, he had no need of heat but, an anomaly of his spectral form was that if he wished and while he was within Mount Vilipend, he was able to take on his banlogh form for a while.  As a banlogh, Weda'Sel enjoyed the comfort of warmth which the tarn of magma provided. 

Magma

In the following extract, Weda'Sel has once again retreated to his Chamber after an altercation with Caliginor.

"He believed he had kept his secret safe from everyone, even Caliginor.  He had to believe his secret was safe. 

He wondered what Caliginor would do when he realised that it was Weda’Sel’s former life as a banlogh which had enabled him to summon the odour darzim; unless Caliginor already knew that it was Weda’Sel himself, with no assistance and no ‘minions’, who had raised the darzim.  That thought made him frown.  From knowing exactly what he was going to do, Weda’Sel now sat quite still within the confusion of his thoughts. 

What was he going to do?

The tarn of magma seemed to understand his dilemma and he felt her empathise with him.  The sentience of the tarn had at first made him feel uncomfortable but, over the ages, he had learned to accept the surprising treasure upon which he had inadvertently stumbled. 

He no longer even felt stupid talking to the lake of lava and the lake, in turn, provided him with a friendship which he had not experienced for so long that he had even forgotten what a pleasure friendship was.  Once the friendship was established, Weda’Sel and the tarn of magma spent long hours in conversation and at other times simply enjoyed the experience of company.  Weda’Sel had once asked the magma if it had a gender and by what name he should call it.  He would always remember that first time he experienced the tinkling laugh which caused the lava to dance in spurts and flashes. 

“I am magma, Weda’Sel” the tarn had gurgled and bubbled in glee.  “I always have been and it is by this name that all the realms recognise who and what I am.  As to my gender, I too have pondered that question and I have to believe that, if I do have a gender at all, I fall within what mortals would refer to as “feminine”.  I have no basis for believing this other than how I feel within myself so, to answer your question, I’m not sure of any gender.”

“Then I proclaim that your name is Magéma (pronounced Mag ee ma) and, in honour of your preference, you, Magéma, are female.”  Weda’Sel extended his hand towards the tarn and Magéma rose out of the tarn to acknowledge the tribute he had bestowed on her.

Over time, they both began to refer to the tarn as Magéma’s home and she the sentient inhabitant of it.  Thus, The Tarn of Magéma became a reality."