During the Age of Panic, secret Quiet Circles taught Aether-Touched citizens how to recognize, control, direct, and safely release manifestations. Corwin Ashford became one of the best-known teachers of restraint.
“You cannot command a river by pretending it isn't there.” — Corwin Ashford
When a young Awakened lost control in Brightwood Square, three men stood between panic and tragedy: Crown officer Baldric Hallowell, teacher Corwin Ashford, and outlaw Marek Blackbough.
Hallowell held the line. Ashford provided the knowledge. Blackbough entered the manifestation and helped the terrified Awakened regain control. Nobody died.
“Your Majesty, had Blackbough obeyed the law today, people would be dead.” — Baldric Hallowell
As the square erupted in celebration, citizens called for the Quiet Circles to be allowed to teach. Queen Alaria did not abandon caution. She accepted that the evidence had changed.
“My Crown cannot demand control while criminalizing those who would teach it.” — Queen Alaria of Orenth
The reforms that followed became the Brightwood Accord and helped bring Orenth's Age of Panic to an end.