In different parts of Alteir, the word "Aetherium" can mean different things to different mages. An aetherium for a wonderworker in Sorensia for example, is a private, sacred sanctum used for meditation, while in Inpreza it means a giant conservatory used for public discussion or ritual spellcasting. In general parlance though, an aetherium is one of the most important rooms in a wizard's tower or similar abode: generally packed to the gills with journals of personal insights, discoveries, revelations and anything else they might find important in their quest for knowledge, power and understanding. Also often used as the room for creating new spells and items, and is also the best place for private contemplation. In most regions, to be invited into an archmage's aetherium is not only to experience the amazing and wondrous, but to also know ultimate trust for them to let you come in the first place.

Holy hell, I'm finally done with this. I started sketching out this project back in mid-September and only just finished it yesterday in the scramble to get it done before today, 's birthday. I legitimately blame Inktober for ruining my entire art schedule regarding this.

You know, I had this entire thing planned out to discuss the process and all those little details but since I think this is my magnum opus for this year, it can simply speak for me this time instead. Only thing I can say is no critique on this one, goddammit. It's a special gift that has already been framed so I don't want to hear it this time.

Done with various Derwent and Prismacolor graphite pencils, a mechanical pencil and white gel pen here and there on Strathmore natural white drawing paper. 11''x14'' (big!). Lost count on how many hours this took. Art is mine, character belongs to