Wonderful art by amazing  NIMARI
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   The journey across Skyrim brought an apprentice and her mentor to the small pond, hidden nearby Bthardamz dwemer ruins, where they set a camp. Maks used the halt to continue M’Ria’s education.
   – ...I don’t quite understand, you say that we all use magic unconsciously? – M’Ria questioned, puzzled by the concept, – Even those who’s never learned a single spell?
   – That’s right, – Maks nodded, – This world – Nirn – literally breathes with magic energy. You can feel it in the water, in the earth, smell it in the air, if you’re perceptive enough. Have you ever wondered why you can mix a blue mountain flower and wheat to make a healing potion?
   – I get it, but what’s about using magic? – the Khajiit girl sat on the wood log, listening to him.
   – The most obvious example is common race-specific abilities, – he answered, – for example, frost resistance of Nords or fire resistance of Dunmers – both races have passive element resistance according to their homeland conditions, but Dunmers also can scorch with touch in time of need.
   – Next example – almost all know how to use simple healing spell to heal minor scratches, – Maks continued, – in fact, “novice” level magic is not even spells, but direct energy manipulation, weak and unstructured.
   – I see... – M’Ria nodded, ready to listen further.
   – Less obvious examples are: faster natural healing, subtly or not so increased longevity and such, – he listed, – but a more significant effect magic have when you master a skill. The effect is so... natural and subtle that you don’t understand that it’s magic, unless you know where to look at.
   – For example: increased bleeding when hit even with a dull blade – destruction usage, crafted items are more durable – alteration, merchants offer better prices – illusion, – Maks looked at M’Ria, – At first glance it’s obvious that person has just become better at it, and you’re partially right. But there is a very striking example of unconscious magic usage – the way some thieves and acrobats can climb onto vertical walls and run on the water surface.
   – I’ve never heard of anyone who could run on water, – M’Ria said amazed, – But it seems like they’re just true masters.
   – Yeah, but point is, – he explained, – that humans, mer or beastfolk are too heavy and the contact area with water surface is too small to let them run or even jump on the water. Whatever you do, even run through a wall (and hit your head), but you can’t break the nature’s laws without magic. The surface tension of water can’t support a human.
   – But, these acrobats unconsciously use variation of “water walking” spell, – Maks lift a cup of water and “walked” with his fingers on water surface. M’Ria noticed that water behaved somewhat different, and his fingertips remained dry, – too weak to hold a person constantly on water surface, but strong enough to provide a foothold for a next step or jump. Actually, why won’t you try it?
   – Me? Try to... run on the water? I don’t know the water walking spell yet, – M’Ria hesitated, feeling uncertain.
   – And that’s even better, – he stood up and walked towards the pond, – you couldn’t cheat.
   After that Maks simply ran across the pond on the other shore and back.
   – See? Not that difficult. You need just...

***
   Shortly, after some instructions and preparations, M’Ria stood on the edge of the pond barefoot, steadying herself. “You can do it, it’s simple, one foot here, one there...” she encouraged herself. Finally, she gathered her courage and ran, or better say - jumped. To her great surprise, she didn’t sink under water at once, but her feet – though they got wet – found fleeting foothold at each step nonetheless. One, two, three...

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M'Ria ©