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<Xarroch> ::Xarroch's cottage sits silently in the pocket plane, the walls rippling structurally and colorfully, almost looking like a deranged and confused chameleon, a somewhat stable looking chimney puffs some bluish smoke, and lights glow through the windows (and all around):: * Glossaria enters the small chaos pocket with a "pop" and a bit of a stumble, shaking her head to reorient her senses. She turns her head with a frown, certain that she'd seen something move out of the corner of her eye, just in time to miss a small, unassuming-looking pair of fish swim through the air and circle around the other side of her head. * Glossaria walks to the cottage door and knocks, sending rippling rings of color shivering out over the door's surface from the point of contact. <Xarroch> ::a rock jumps from the ground and catches one of the fish, which disappears inside the stone with a slurp as it settles back into place:: <Xarroch> ::the door opens and Xarroch's voice is heard from within:: Come in, Glossaria. ::He is standing several feet away, bent slightly over a long, thin table, which he turns from with a smile:: * Glossaria turns her head quickly again, sure she'd heard something THIS time for sure, but sees nothing unusual. The remaining fish, looking somewhat agitated, turns and swims hurriedly in the opposite direction, going to ground in Gloss's grassy-green hair. * Glossaria enters, looking around the cottage this time with a good bit more interest than during her last visit. Unobtrusively, she pokes the wall and rubs her fingers together. <Xarroch> Welcome! It nice to see you again so soon. How are Jelarthna, Tyl, and Zoya? ::he makes a flicking motion with a finger and the fish is flung from Glossaria's hair and outside the cottage:: * Glossaria looks a little timid. "Good evening, Xarroch. I hope I'm not disturbing you?" <Xarroch> ::shakes his head slightly:: No, nothing important. <Glossaria> ::looks a little puzzled at the flicking motion, but shrugs and continues:: They're all well. ::she smiles broadly:: Tyl and Jel are extremely well, but I believe they wish to share that news themselves. * Xarroch turns and folds up the table several times and tosses it up where it flows into the ceiling <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow:: Extremely well? That is good to hear! ::chuckle:: And what of you? ::peers intently at Glossaria:: <Glossaria> I... Mistress Zoya discovered that all was not quite well with me yet, ::coloring deeply:: but she sent me to M-- to Tyl, who was able to help me work through much of what Charoli had done to my head. I'm much better now. ::smiling at Xarroch:: <Glossaria> And I can only apologize again for my behaviour, while I was under *her* influence. I... it won't happen again, Xarroch, I promise. <Glossaria> ::frowns thoughtfully for a moment at the ceiling:: Is all reality temporary, here? <Xarroch> ::waves dismissively:: You have nothing to apologize for, little friend. <Xarroch> ::looks up and grins:: Not all, no. I built this place ::gestures to indicate the cottage:: so it maintains a permanent aspect, even though the nature and characteristics change. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: Yes, I do. My actions were not my own, but the motivations certainly were. I owe a great deal, I think, to your wisdom in seeing me through our... encounter. <Xarroch> I have, however, made certain magical modification to some areas to facilitate my living. Up there is a storage space, which is where I sent the table. <Glossaria> Interesting. ::studying the walls again:: So the concept of "building" or "storage area" remains constant, but its appearance varies according to whim. <Glossaria> ::smiling delightedly:: I shall have to tell the gnomes about this. They were discussing the concept of... ::frowning:: what was the term they used? Ah, yes, "modular homes." This would interest them highly. <Xarroch> Mine? Hmm. I am certainly glad I was actually able to help. Although I am angry with myself for failing to think of psionic meddling as a possibility. ::thoughtfully:: I suppose I assumed that Tyl'gainia and her students would have noticed and stopped such a thing... ::sudden grin:: Perhaps I am becoming a bit less paranoid. <Xarroch> ::nods:: And nod only my own whim. This is not fully of Chaos, but sometimes the changes happen on their own. A simpler exercise of will can cause changes to most of this environment. ::smiles as the cottage grows suddenly to three times the size:: <Glossaria> ::her eyes widen a little as the walls expand outward at speed:: Oh... my. Yet, handy for guests. <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to the side:: Do you have psionic abilities of your own, Xarroch? <Xarroch> Modular Homes? With standardized construction and easily reconfigured? Interesting thought. <Xarroch> ::grins:: I don't have many guests, but it would be. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Their initial thought was to make it easier for poor peasants to construct dwellings... I was almost sorry to point out that most peasants of that income level live in single-room dwellings anyway and build out of natural, free resources. <Xarroch> ::nods:: I have some psionic talents at my disposal, yes. Primarily defensive in nature. And a naturally strong will... I *have* had my mind invaded in the past, and it was too glaring a weakness to avoid bolstering. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Perhaps I should have been more specific... can you investigate another being's mind under your own power? <Xarroch> I suppose it would take a number of craftsmen to design and build such a thing. Perhaps magically it could be done in sufficient speed to be worthwhile... but that is tedious as well. Magical effort can be more tiresome than physical. <Glossaria> And more expensive. Things of such scale generally require spell components, valued often equally to or above the price of regular construction... aside from the fee a high-level mage would command. ::shaking her head regretfully:: It is not cost-effective. <Xarroch> I? ::shakes his head:: No. I did not devote myself to that much study. I focused more on the physical and magical realms, and was reluctant to devote so much to such a study. ... Learning such was quite dangerous as it was, and exposing myself to further vulnerability... ::shakes his head:: * Xarroch nods in agreement of Glossaria's assessment <Xarroch> And there are some magical means to probe thoughts when it is necessary, and torture was a common and effective method of extracting information with sufficient skilled. <Glossaria> ::nodding, and proceeding reasonably:: Then, were I you, I would not blame myself for not thinking of such a possibility. That Tyl and the School would notice such a thing was a reasonable possibility. No one realized how... pandemic Charoli's influence was. Tyl, my Vallel, Jelarthna... ::pressing her lips together:: what she did to the younger girls is past thinking about. <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow:: What did she do to them? <Glossaria> ::cocking her head with a slight amused smile:: Would you have tortured me, Xarroch? You were enough already, to my way of thinking at the time. <Xarroch> ::looks slightly pained:: No, little Glossaria. I would not do such things any longer... certainly not to a friend. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head, a look of pain crossing her face:: She... she taught them her... perversions. Built a little harem, within the School. ::shuddering with disgust:: Through my suggestion, Vallel is assisting with their group therapy, which I believe, incidentally, should help him as well. <Xarroch> I will try to avoid blaming myself overmuch. It was not I, after all, who caused these problems... ::shuffles his wings in frustration:: Although I am more than a bit frustrated that I did not catch on sooner, or help more in *solving* it. <Glossaria> ::looking thoughtful, moving to sit and almost not noticing as a chair grows up from the ground to accept her sleight weight:: Xarroch, I will understand if you don't wish to answer, but I confess to some curiosity about your background. You're an infernal, or at least-- you were. How was it that you became... good? <Xarroch> Ahh... she built them in her own image? ::nods sadly:: I've known many such creatures. <Xarroch> ::smiles a little:: That is something I have thought on much... <Glossaria> ::sighing:: I think that feeling is shared by many. ::very seriously:: Mistress Zoya has told me a little more of the story of that final altercation with Charoli. It seems to me that you did what was *most* needed in the nick of time, as it were. ::earnestly:: Without you, Tyl and Jel would both most likely have died, and without Tyl, several other things would never have been set right. Myself included. <Xarroch> ::grins suddenly:: You are correct, of course. I am not as much used to such a role, however. I was frustrated in what I *wanted* to do, certainly, and that did not help. Though... I think this evil human's punishment and suffering will be far longer and far worse than she might have otherwise had... ::looks slightly troubled:: <Glossaria> Oh, you refer to the shade Mistress Zoya mentioned? <Xarroch> ::nods:: Not a shade, I suspect... something more powerful, and mor evil. If I guess rightly, the human's soul is even now suffering a transformation into a larva. <Glossaria> ::drawing her brows down, looking puzzled:: A larva? What, like I was? <Glossaria> ::thinking deeply:: ....Reincarnation into a "lower" state in punishment for karmic sins...? <Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: No, something very different. She is likely becoming an infernal creature. The lowest of them, a creature of amusement to all others, to squash in frustration, to torture and torment at whim. <Glossaria> ::brow clearing:: Ah! ::sounding excited:: A missing link-- so *that* is how infernals are created? But-- ::frowning again suddenly:: Does that mean she could... come back? Do these... larval demons remember their pasts? <Xarroch> She will suffer in that form for a very long time. There is a very likely chance she will never be anything else, merely lost in endless punishment. <Xarroch> She would not remember her past, no. Even if she does manage to eventually become something else.. She has died, it is a new existence. <Glossaria> ::scowling, with a note of viciousness in her voice very foreign to her normally reasonable nature:: One can hope, at least. <Xarroch> ::lays a hand on Glossaria's arm and shakes his head:: Do not... such an anger does not suit you. ::offers a small smile:: <Glossaria> ::taking in a breath and letting it out explosively:: I apologize, Xarroch. ::giving him an odd smile, acutely aware of the sudden reversal of their usual roles:: I... I am unaccustomed to this emotion, still, and I feel a great deal of-- I think, righteous-- anger towards Charoli. The very thought that she still *exists*, in some form that might still bear the potential to harm others... it disturbs me a great deal. <Xarroch> ::smiles:: It is the nature of existence. Virtuous souls may go on to become greater beings of good as well. <Glossaria> Although Tyl has helped me to prune back such tendencies severely, Charoli, we discovered, taught me violence and hate. ::rueful look:: I find myself repeating my lessons back to Teacher. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little at Xarroch:: As you already have, I think. But you still have not told me how you got this way. <Xarroch> ::nods:: Few beings can exist without some anger and violence, I suppose. <Glossaria> ::a little teasingly:: I told you in my last visit that you were unique, and I meant it. But I'm finding other aspects of your uniqueness far more intriguing, now, than the ones that interested me then. <Xarroch> I? ::shakes his head:: Perhaps, perhaps not. <Xarroch> ::laughs:: The sexual fantasies are gone, then? <Glossaria> ::cheeks reddening:: Well... yes. ::mumbling very quietly under her breath:: Most of them, anyway. <Xarroch> ::grins, and asks a bit teasingly in return:: Only most? <Glossaria> ::blushing deeper on realizing that Xarroch heard that:: I... well, the violent tendencies did not make up the bulk of my pruning. The fantasy flowers required a great deal of... ::swallowing hard:: sweaty work. But I... well, I suppose I overlooked perhaps one or two or... so. * Glossaria makes herself very small in her chair. <Xarroch> As long as they are no longer unnatural, or harming you, there is nothing wrong with it. ::a splooshing sound beside Glossaria resolves into a glass of water:: <Glossaria> ::in a small voice:: Thank you. ::taking the water and drinking deeply:: <Xarroch> Glossaria, you are a human now. There seem to be a lot of strange things that go along with that, and apparently can be complicated enough without the sort of meddling you have suffered, and usually more time to experience things than you have had. <Glossaria> They don't harm me, because I also dealt with the impulse vine very diligently. As to whether they're unnatural...::blushing again:: Well, Mistress Zoya had some words on that score, too. <Xarroch> ::grins:: I would not doubt that your Mistress has her own secret desires and fantasies. <Xarroch> ::spreads his arms and wings:: I may not have my origins in the Prime Material plane, but I can assure you, I *am* natural. ::smiles and relaxes:: <Glossaria> ::nodding agreement with Xarroch's assessment:: Indeed, I am very aware of the difficulties of my rather unusual position. I can only assure you that I will not be troubling you again as I did last time I came to your door. <Glossaria> ::coughing:: But I think... I would rather not discuss Mistress Zoya's, ah, proclivities just now. <Xarroch> ::considers Glossaria for a moment and grins:: I will not pry then, if you do not wish to discuss. But I would like to request something from you. <Glossaria> Well, yes. Although one might argue a certain amount of the supernatural in your nature... ::shakes her head:: No matter. I believe the precise aspect to which my Mistress referred was the naturalness of sexual relations between certain, ah, species. <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to one side:: What is it, Xarroch? <Xarroch> ::laughs a little:: Such as between humans and elves? Or differing types of humans? Things are much less interesting when you limit yourself so much. <Xarroch> ::looks at Gloss seriously:: Please, do trouble me. I am.. not used to being so idle. Not so used to having real friends for any length of time. I want to help be able to help my friends when I can, but it is uncomfortable for me to venture to your realm too often, and I cannot aid with things I do not know of. <Glossaria> Well, I tend to agree, simply on a scientific basis, although ::speculatively:: I wonder whether you even fall into the same genus.... ::shaking her head:: But I am human now, or mostly, and Mistress Zoya explained that as such I should allow myself to be bound by certain societal conventions. Besides...::expression softening:: I don't wish to do anything that might cause Vallel pain or disappointment. <Xarroch> ::smiles and nods a little:: And that, little Glossaria, is part of why I did not indulge you previously. It is clear even to me how much you care for him. <Glossaria> ::smiling more naturally, and laughing a little:: Oh, Xarroch... I'd be happy to visit you whenever you wish. In fact, knowing me, I may well visit when you would rather I *not*...::chuckling:: But I was referring to... ::ahem:: importuning you. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: I understand, and again, I thank you for it. ::looking a shade regretful:: At first, I was... well, I thought I was somehow undesirable, because none of the people I cared about seemed to want me even when I offered myself... but Mistress Zoya and Tyl have helped me correct my point of view in that regard. Want did not enter into it... it was *because* you all cared for me that naught came of it. <Xarroch> ::looking pleased:: You are welcome to my home whenever you wish to come and visit, dear friend. As for the other... ::laughs:: It does not bother me a bit, though my answer will remain the same as long as a friend might be hurt. <Xarroch> ::nods in agreement:: Yes. Were I more... what I once was, it would not have been an issue, and you would not have been left feeling undesirable. And while you certainly should *not* feel that way, I do not think that truly would have been better for you or your boy. <Glossaria> ::grinning:: Good. Perhaps if I visit more, I will learn the right questions to ask about your past. ::wrinkling her nose and smiling:: You're a very uncooperative research subject, you know! * Glossaria nods agreement. * Xarroch laughs expansively, the room walls vibrating visibly with it * Glossaria begins to chuckle a little, Xarroch's laugh being highly infectious. <Xarroch> I shall endeavor to be a bit more cooperative in the future. ::smiling:: <Glossaria> ::returning his smile with a challenging grin of her own:: Good. See that you do. <Xarroch> ::smiles even more widely:: You are a worthy successor to your Mistress, little Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::looking a little surprised:: Well... perhaps not quite yet. But someday, I hope to be. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head with a note of wonderment:: It's... sometimes it's past believing, how much there can be to learn... <Xarroch> Do not underrate yourself. You can already travel here to visit me. Even considering the nature of your patron deity, that is quite a feat. <Xarroch> Oh, I know that indeed! I have known creatures whose appetite for knowledge is far more voracious than your own, and their methods of obtaining it vast, whose lives stretch back almost inconceivably far, who *still* continue. ::shakes his head:: There is much wonder in our existence, and to truly recognize that can be both a constant frustration.. and a constant joy. <Glossaria> ::tilting her head slightly in acknowledgement:: Lord Erdian helps those who show a will to try... but it's still very difficult. ::looking a trifle embarrassed:: Though I shudder to say it, I think it helped that I was so, ah... *very determined* to see you, the first time, or it would have taken me much longer to master that spell. And it *does* get a little easier with practice. <Xarroch> The only real pity seems to be when the search comes to an end... ::trails off thoughtfully for a moment:: <Glossaria> Although...::frowning a moment:: Xarroch, you do live in this pocket alone now, don't you? <Xarroch> ::grinning:: And do you think it goes much differently for others as they learn? <Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head with certainty:: Oh, I've no fear of that. I once calculated my average rate of research and my expected life span and set those parameters against a conservative estimate of how much there is in the world to learn of (adding in, of course, Wedigar's Factor of Uncertainty, to cover unknowns). I might hope to leave an organized plan of learning behind for future students, but I could never hope to learn *everything*. <Glossaria> Odd... ::chewing on her lip:: I could have *sworn* I was being... watched, somehow, when I first arrived, and I'm almost sure something moved behind me, as I knocked on your door. ::pausing:: You're *sure* nothing else lives here? Not even native denizens? <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Such an organized creature you are! I suppose it might have some advantages, as long as you take care not be trap yourself helplessly inside a maze of rules. <Xarroch> Ah, there are a few small creatures I have fetched here.. primarily as pets. And there are echoes of them at times, as well. <Xarroch> Nothing sentient, however. I was watching you myself when you arrived, as well. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head, looking slightly shocked at the idea:: Rules? Guidelines to academic study, certainly, but I would never create a closed system of learning! There's always so much we don't even realize the existence of, and things that surpass description... <Xarroch> ::nods approvingly:: Good! <Glossaria> Ah, perhaps that was it. Odd, though... ::cocking her head:: You know, I thought I saw someone watching me when last I left here, as well. ::chuckling:: Perhaps paranoia is contagious. <Xarroch> When some of your chief foes are tied to the tenets of law, you learn to see the limitations... and perhaps some of your own. <Xarroch> As you left? ::looks up:: Was it your Mistress? <Glossaria> ::shakes head:: No. I thought I *saw* someone. I thought at the time it might be Charoli or one of her puppets, but... ::shakes her head:: perhaps... I'm not so sure, now. <Glossaria> ::looking pensive:: Law exists as a necessary basis to society. People are, by human nature, different from one another, and laws provide structure for commonly acceptable behavior, as well as agreed punishments for those who do not abide by said behavior. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: But society is not a fixed *thing*... it lives, as humans do. So laws cannot be rigid, either. <Xarroch> ::looks thoughtful:: Where and when was this exactly? I do not recall Lisl mentioning any others that were caught with this Charoli human. Would there be others that would attempt to avenge her? <Glossaria> ::spreading her hands:: I don't know. Her family, I believe, predeceased her. We did lose her track for some time, but Mistress Lisl believes she was merely hiding out in the Dock stews. ::dryly:: Appropriately enough. <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Debating Law is something perhaps best left for another time. <Glossaria> It was...::concentrating on the somewhat less-detailed memories of last week:: Just as I left here... you'd given me a gate to the Tower, and I entered on a higher floor, through a window... I just happened to glance down at the point of entry, and I could have sworn I saw movement, and a human figure. <Xarroch> Hmmm... you may wish to let Lisl and Tyl know of this. If there is another threat waiting to happen, they should be informed. I cannot imagine why some creature would attempt to spy the Tower, though... it's clearly a place of power. <Glossaria> But it was just for a moment, and with Chaos takes a moment, to readjust the senses... I remember trying to recall how to hear sound, instead of seeing it... <Xarroch> ::nods hesitantly:: That could be the explanation.. you are not so used to the transition, after all. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: It's also very, well, difficult to enter, without permission. Probability approaching zero. And it has an aura of forboding, to keep locals and small children away, as well as more active defenses. ::grinning a little:: I believe Mistress Zoya's words when I mentioned it were, "I wish them luck." <Xarroch> ::grins:: I am quite well aware of many of the defenses of your stronghold. The wards there are formidable, and it is also hallowed ground. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: As is the Hall, where Lord Erdian ascended. <Xarroch> ::grins:: Yes, though I feel more comfortable there. * Xarroch considers Glossaria carefully again and looks thoughtful. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: The Hall is not so heavily warded, and it is meant to be a...::frowning as she searches for the correct word:: ...a haven, a welcoming place, rather than a sanctuary of solitude. <Xarroch> ::speaking rather suddenly:: Would you like to learn more of my kinds' magic? <Xarroch> ::nods, smiling:: I believe I have felt that, as well. <Glossaria> ::nodding excitedly, a bit surprised but no less eager for that:: Certainly! Will I require a blood sacrifice? I neglected to bring a dagger. <Xarroch> ::grins, catching a bit of Glossaria's enthusiasm:: No blood sacrifices, at least not yet. Some of things I can do are inherently evil in nature... but much of it is merely a different kind of magic than you humans know. Normally you would not be able to perform such things... ::smiles:: <Glossaria> ::Cocking her head to one side, instantly curious:: Why not? <Xarroch> Partly it is a matter of channelling the power. While you are human, you are also a magical being, and as such you will be able to control energies that require inherent magic to control. <Glossaria> Ah. ::nodding:: I understand. <Xarroch> ::grins:: There are also other factors. Channels in the mind that must become accustomed to such things before they are blocked. Pronunciation. You seem to have more vocal dexterity than others of your kind. <Xarroch> And most importantly.. you have a teacher, now. ::grinning and looking pleased with himself:: * Glossaria listens intently, nodding at each point. "The nature of my work required that I be quite fluent in language, magical as well as mundane. I believe the Tower had a hand in that aspect of my development." She smirks a little. "Not to mention the influence of generations of my family's diet." * Glossaria smiles delightedly and nods, her face alight with the prospect of new, unusual knowledge. * Xarroch smiles back warmly. <Xarroch> ::laughs suddenly:: I hope your Mistress does not find this as distressing as having sexual congress with me. <Glossaria> ::raising her eyebrows:: Why? She encourages me in my researches into types of magical knowledge... she knows I've learned some of infernal magic already, as I've used it in my personal wards from time to time. ::smiling warmly at Xarroch:: And besides, it's much safer with a knowledgeable teacher, and... *I* know, particularly well now, that you would not lead me to harm. <Xarroch> No, I certainly would not! ::smiles again:: I am rather protective of my friends, in fact. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: I have noticed that, yes. Although your motivation to act in such a way remains a mystery to me. ::smiling a little more:: <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Because some things are worth preserving, worth protecting. And I have somewhat less purpose than I once did... <Glossaria> ::turning her head a little and looking at Xarroch sidelong:: Ah, but a regular infernal would not value friendship-- or friends, for that matter-- in such a way. If anything, "friends" would be a source of worry and distrust. <Xarroch> It is something I have been doing for a long time, but in a far different way. Now I am learning ::chuckles a little at the word:: to do it in new ways, in new circumstances. <Xarroch> To some degree... there are many words in my tongue for measures of distrust and apprehension. The closest thing to a friend among demons are enemies who are your equals, or those that cannot possibly harm you... * Glossaria nods a touch distractedly, the fingers of her writing hand twitching slightly. <Xarroch> ::notes the twitching:: Are you alright? <Glossaria> Mm? Oh, yes. <Xarroch> Ah! No notebook. ::grins:: Well, why did you not bring one? ::holds up a hand, and a parcel ripples through down through the ceiling... Xarroch unwraps it to reveal a thick book, a quill, and an inkwell. He does something to the book and it opens with a click... he looks at the inside critically for a moment, then puts all three on the small table that shimmers into being in front of Gloss:: <Xarroch> Those are... ::pauses a moment, then smiles a little:: things I was planning to give you later, but now will suffice. <Glossaria> ::bites her lip shyly, a small glow of pleasure on her cheeks, and picks up the quill, examining the point critically before dipping it into the inkwell:: I didn't wish to offend. I know that people often don't like to feel as though they're being, well, documented. <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: As you have pointed out so often, I am not normal. * Glossaria bends for a moment, closing her eyes and putting her nose to the gutter of the pages, inhaling and stroking a finely-grained leaf for a moment before setting pen to paper and writing with quick, neat strokes:: * Glossaria sighs with satisfaction as lines of black ink march down the page. "Ah... they're beautiful. Thank you, Xarroch." <Xarroch> ::points at the odd looking lock for a moment:: I have reset the lock. When you close it, trace your glyph on the front of the tome and that shall be the new key. <Glossaria> ::lifting her hand and closing the cover half-way to study the unusual lock before nodding:: I see. <Xarroch> May it serve you well. <Glossaria> ::smiling delightedly:: It already is. And it smells so... sweet. Clean. How was the paper produced? There's an ingredient I don't recognize. ::cocking her head:: A spell of some kind? <Xarroch> ::smiles secretly:: Perhaps I will share that secret with you later. It is ... involved, and there are rituals.... <Glossaria> ::looking intrigued, but nodding:: <Xarroch> Now, my young friend... if you will look at the very first few pages, you will see some basic instructions for mental exercises. ::nods at the book:: Take a look, tell me if there is anything you do not understand. * Glossaria looks surprised for a moment, flipping the page up to see the next already written upon, and then settles down with the prim posture of the earnest and studious. She obediently turns the page, her lips moving slightly as she riffles the assigned pages back and forth a few times, quickly. * Xarroch looks on approvingly, an odd smile on his face. * Glossaria looks up after a short minute, and points to a particular paragraph. "This is correct? Not to merely clear the mind, but to change the flow of thought in this way?" <Xarroch> ::nods:: Complete calm is not the path to harnessing this sort of energy. It requires a more active role, even at the most basic level, so it is important to learn such a state of mind first. <Glossaria> ::grinning merrily:: Fortunate, then, that this is my regular state of mind. * Xarroch laughs. <Xarroch> I suspected as much. * Glossaria turns a little pink. * Xarroch laughs again. <Xarroch> It will help a great deal, truly. ::grinning:: And not such a bad way to be, I think. <Glossaria> ::shrugging a shoulder:: Not for me, at least. Although I think Tyl found it a distraction. <Glossaria> ::Still smiling:: <Glossaria> So, teacher, am I sufficiently prepared for lesson two? <Xarroch> Ahh.. when she was helping you, inside your mind? * Glossaria nods. <Xarroch> Interesting. I had not thought of the possible ramifications of different mind-sets on psionic activity. Ah, but I distract myself.... <Glossaria> ::grinning wider:: I do that all the time, too. <Xarroch> Well, my new student, lesson two will be manifesting that power. This is a good time to do so, while you are here. Your will and imagination will make a partial success more apparent, and aid you in simultaneous feedback... * Glossaria nods earnestly again. "What do you wish me to attempt?" <Xarroch> Only to project your visualization of the energy. It will aid both of us in studying your concentration, and your grasp of the flow. <Glossaria> ::tapping the page:: In the pattern described? Do I need a release mechanism, or only to... imagine it, here? <Xarroch> The pattern is different for each of us, which is why understanding the nature of it is so important. I want you to put yourself into the ::makes an odd sound::, to feel the energies, and to concentrate on making them visible. Start with your eyes closed. * Glossaria nods and obediently closes her eyes. As she does, the floor seems to ripple slightly, becoming less smooth, darker in color. The scent of sun-warmed earth rises to their noses. * Xarroch smiles and makes a few silent, arcane gestures, concentrating on Glossaria and the changes... * Glossaria tilts her head slightly, as if looking around, and a few flashes of color-- red, purple, steaks of gold, greens of every hue-- waver and sparkle in the air, like an impressionist suggestion of a garden done in light and watercolor. * Xarroch watches the flashes of color carefully, smelling deeply of scent, feeling the changes in the floor. * Glossaria takes a deep breath, a small crease appearing between her eyebrows, and the sound of gurgling water fills the room. A crystalline stream-- visibly wet yet oddly dry to the touch-- flows over the floor in an intricate pattern, like a Persian water garden. Rivulets begin to split off and rise in the air, creating a sparkling, bubbling play of water and light in the air surrounding her. * Xarroch nods approvingly as things flesh out further, smiling a little at the lovely spectacle. * Glossaria cracks open one eye slightly, checking the patterns in the air around her against her visualizations. The streams reflect the flashing colors in the air, the distortion of the water sometimes causing them to appear as fleeting images of familiar faces and almost-words. <Xarroch> ::watches Glossaria critically:: Not bad... ::cracks a bit of a smile:: * Glossaria wrinkles her nose at him, and a small, very wet spurt of water leaps from a nearby channel to splash Xarroch between the eyes. "Oh! I do apologize." <Xarroch> ::grins and laughs:: Much more innocuous than others I have seen. <Xarroch> Now, I want you to keep this ::gestures around to the visible imagery:: in place inside you, and try to manifest it here every time you come to visit. It should come a bit more easily now that you have a strong feel of it. Take some time, study it out here with all of your senses. <Glossaria> Well, in light of the subject I *had* considered a river of fire, but this was more in keeping with my latest mental imagery. I have always learned best visually. Or through taste, but that is impractical in this instance. <Xarroch> It should be something that reflects you... your relation to the energies and something that is more natural to you. * Glossaria nods and opens both her eyes, looking around her with great absorption, listening to the flow of water, breathing in the smell of damp and earth. She reaches out a hand, and as she traces the path of the water's flow with her finger, a fish suddenly leaps out of the steam in track with her hand's movements. <Xarroch> It's more an exploration than a creation. ::smiles:: * Glossaria nods. "Water and wind are most natural to me. But wind is only visible in the effect it has on other things. ::smiling:: * Xarroch quietly steps outside the area and lets Glossaria fully explore it. * Glossaria frowns as the fish reaches the point of its original appearance, concentrating for a moment and, with a rush of noise, reversing the flow of both water and fish. * Xarroch sits down slowly and watches critically <Glossaria> ::nodding firmly:: I believe I have it. <Xarroch> Good. Now is probably a good time to rest... you'll find that this has been rather more draining than it seems now. * Glossaria nods, her eyes alight, looking far more excited than tired at the moment. * Xarroch grins at Glossaria's enthusiasm. <Glossaria> ::curiously:: Xarroch, have you taught before? You seemed remarkably well-prepared. ::gesturing to the workbook on the table as her water pattern disappears into a light spray of drops borne on a sudden rush of wind:: <Xarroch> I... ::pauses a moment, then nods:: Once. And I started to, another time... <Glossaria> ::prompting gently, sensing a difficulty there:: And something happened...? <Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. It can be a difficult thing to lose a student... <Xarroch> He was very promising, and quite unusual. Sometimes beings change, however... sometimes too much. <Glossaria> He changed... beyond mutual compatibility? <Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. And then I had to kill him. He... knew too much. <Glossaria> ::widening her eyes a little, and nodding, chewing thoughtfully on her lip:: I can understand such a necessity. Would you... kill me? Under such circumstances? <Xarroch> ::looks back at Glossaria, seeming a bit less certain:: I do not think you are capable of this sort of change, little friend. And the circumstances could not be the same... still. I do not think so. <Glossaria> Still... if a change of that nature occurred. Would you? ::she looks very serious, and no longer sounds so much as if she asks from curiosity, but requests:: <Xarroch> ::spread the fingers of his right hand and ponders for a moment:: Perhaps... if you became a serious threat to my other friends. If you had asked me when I was fresh from the Blood Wars, I would not have hesitated to say yes. But you were not my friend then... and I have changed, perhaps more than I had realized. <Glossaria> Xarroch. ::her face is serious as she puts a soft hand on his arm:: I have been made very aware, of late, of how... vulnerable I can be. Of how much people can change in unexpected ways. And... ::she pauses for a moment, looking troubled:: <Xarroch> ::smiles a bit:: I suspect however, that I would confer with our other friends first and try to find our what happened, and how to fix it, first. <Glossaria> As eager as I am for new knowledge, I know that it can be potentially... dangerous. I think I did not fully analyze that possibility when you broached this subject at first. There is a reason my Mistress insists that most of the Infernal tomes be kept in the Vault, after all. <Glossaria> ::nods, and takes a deep breath:: Aye. But Xarroch... if you will be my teacher in this, I also need to know... slight as the possibility may be... that you *will* stop me if I ever become... like that. <Xarroch> ::nods:: There are things that can twist you to practice them... magics, forces, and rituals that are intrinsically evil. I will not teach you these until much later, and then only so that you will know them, to combat them. <Xarroch> ::smiles a little:: I think that such a change would be difficult for you, and still a long way off before the threat is more than a barely potential. But rest assured that I will not allow my teachings to be used for evil. <Glossaria> ::lets out a small breath:: Thank you. * Xarroch nods seriously. <Xarroch> Now... how many infernal runes do you know? <Glossaria> ::blinks for a moment, considering:: Fluency in the first through the third circle of runes... perhaps basic comprehension of some fourth circle, and an odd rune or two of the fifth... ::looking up:: I would say... 243, solidly, all told? * Xarroch nods thoughtfully and glances up at the ceiling again. <Xarroch> That is good. I will need to teach you many more in due course... Hmm. I would prefer for you to work on mental exercises and your relationship with the flow of the power first, however. Distracting you too much could lead to disrupting it somewhat, and you will have enough of that in your normal duties. And in your boy. ::grins:: <Glossaria> ::blushes faintly, but nods:: <Glossaria> Xarroch... ::cocking her head to one side:: Why are you teaching me this? ::quickly:: Not that I'm not grateful for the instruction! <Xarroch> ::smiles:: Because I see a lot of potential in you... because you have the ability, and I am not likely to have another opportunity to pass any of this along. <Xarroch> Because I think I understand enough of you to think you worthy. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little, and nodding gravely:: Thank you. I'll do my best not to let you down. <Xarroch> ::nods back:: Thank you, Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::with a bit of a twinkle in her eyes:: And I'll do my best to convince Zoya that this is a truly important and worthy project. Despite certain recent failures in certain aspects thereof, I can be *very* good at convincing. <Xarroch> ::stands up and offers a hand to Gloss, grinning in amusement:: It is important to both of us, I think. <Xarroch> You should go home now, though. You will need sustenance and a great deal of rest. ::grins:: <Glossaria> ::smiles wryly and nods:: I *am* starting to feel a bit tired. ::closing her new workbook, she traces her rune on the cover and, after a moment of hesitation, leaves it on the desk:: I... think I'd best leave this, and the ink and quill, here for now. Until I've had the chance to bring Mistress Zoya up to date. * Xarroch helps Glossaria to her feet and turns to conjure a portal to the Tower, then turns back to her and smiles. <Xarroch> And thank you for coming to visit, as well. ::hugs Glossaria, careful not to squeeze:: * Glossaria accepts his help up and hugs him back with a soft "oof," grinning. "You did this just to make sure I'd be a regular visitor, didn't you?" <Xarroch> ::grins with an odd glint in his eye:: That may have been one of the other reasons. <Xarroch> Although once you learn a bit more, practicing on your plane will be helpful. <Glossaria> ::laughs, shaking her head:: Xarroch, I do believe you become more human in your motivations every day. <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow in mock-horror:: What a disturbing thought! * Glossaria giggles, her giggle echoing and fading as she steps through the portal and disappears. * Xarroch smiles and shakes his head a little, then disperses the portal and turns to recreate Glossaria's construct with a wave of his hand, studying it with interest for some time. |
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