The afternoon session of the conference had begun with a noticeable lull.
After the rush of morning demonstrations, after the flurry of introductions and networking and the constant hum of magical activity, the crowd had settled into a subdued rhythm.
Conversations were quieter. Movements were slower. The kind of post-lunch lethargy that even the most energetic mages couldn't entirely escape had settled over the hall like a comfortable blanket.
Then the stage began to fill.
Piece by piece, instruments began to float up and fill up the space. An orchestra was taking shape.
A young woman stepped onto the stage, her robes marking her as a Vision Mage from one of the eastern academies. She smiled at the crowd, nervous but excited, and raised her hands.
"Good afternoon, everyone." Her voice carried through the hall, amplified by a subtle enhancement spell. "I know we're all feeling that post-lunch slump, so I'll try to keep this engaging."
