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* Vallel is standing near the edge of the river, a wicker creel at his feet. He's wearing plain clothing in shades of brown and grey. He is staring intently at a small glass float attached to his fishing line, some twenty feet away. * Sanriel walks along the bank of the river at a slow pace... He is wearing brown leathers and sturdy travelling clothes and boots. An unstrung bow is sticks out over his shoulder under the backpack, and a long dagger hangs from his right hip. The tent and bedroll are rolled and folded up tightly, obviously by an fairly experienced hand, and tied to the backpack. His pale blue eyes seem distant as he watches the ground just in front of him, and his short brown hair waves slightly in the breeze. * Vallel smiles as the float bobs up and down. Carefully, he starts to reel in his line. * Sanriel walks steadily closer to Vallel, apparently not noticing him even as he looks up and stares off into the distance. * Vallel reaches backwards, grabbing his net with one hand, never taking his eyes off the jerking float. <Vallel> Come on, you... * Sanriel blinks in surprise as Vallel's voice snaps him out of his reverie, just in time to stumble in surprise and trip over him. <Vallel> Ack! ::drops his pole:: Oh, bloody HELL! * Vallel reaches out for his fishing pole but the fish takes off, dragging the pole with it. <Sanriel> ::rolls to the side and reaches out, his hand reaching out to the side of the fishing pole, which jerks suddenly right into his grip. He grabs it and sighs, starting to get to his knees:: Oh I'm sorry! <Vallel> ::grins tightly:: Don't apologize yet! Reel him in! * Sanriel grins slightly and begins playing in the fish... he seems to be doing a fair job of it, and holds the pole with familiarity. * Vallel gets the net ready. <Sanriel> okay... ready? <Vallel> ::nods:: Bring him to me... <Sanriel> alright... ::struggles with the pole and fish for a moment, then jerk it up, bringing the fish smoothly up to the net:: * Vallel snags the fish in the net and brings him to shore. With a deft hand, Vallel removes the fishhook from the catfish's mouth and dumps the angry looking fish into the creel. * Sanriel pants a little and relaxes, pulling in the now slack line <Vallel> ::grins:: Nice save. I thought I was going to lose my pole for a minute there. You have good reflexes. <Sanriel> I'm sorry about that... I guess I wasn't really paying attention to where I was walking. ::looks around and grins a little:: <Sanriel> ::looks a little distant:: Er.. thanks. <Vallel> It's not a problem... ::offers his somewhat fishy hand:: Vallel duNache. <Sanriel> ::smiles and shakes Vallel's hand, unmindful of the fishiness:: Sanriel Tailorson. Nice to meet you. * Sanriel offers Vallel his fishing pole back <Vallel> Pleasure's all mine. ::takes his pole:: Ah well... he ate the worm. Not surprising... <Sanriel> Nice pole you have there... and a nice catch before I interrupted you. ::grins:: <Vallel> ::grins back:: There's a fine line between fishing and standing on a bank looking like an idiot. Catching something. * Sanriel laughs <Sanriel> There's something to be said for just laying back and enjoying the day, too. As long as you do have something to bring back. ::smiles and looks out at the river:: Looks like a nice spot... <Sanriel> Say.. do you happen to live in Marsember? Or know anything about it? <Vallel> ::nods:: I've been living here for a little over a year now. <Vallel> New in town? <Sanriel> ::nods, then looks back at Vallel:: Just getting here, actually. The roads are a little more certain, but it's easier to hunt and avoid bandits if you stay off of it. How close are we now? ::looks over Vallel's things:: I assume pretty close? <Vallel> ::nods:: Just over that hill there. <Vallel> ::looks over Sanriel's pack:: Been walking long? It was a few weeks walk for me, when I came to town. <Sanriel> That's great! ::visibly restrains some of his obvious relief:: <Sanriel> Yeah... ::thinks:: Six months, I think. <Vallel> ::looks awed:: That's impressive. <Sanriel> ::blinks:: It is? Well.. I suppose so. I used to spend a least a couple of months out at a time back home. This has just been.. longer. ::grins:: <Sanriel> It probably would have been a lot faster to take the road.. or join a caravan or something. But I don't think I have the skill.. and I know I couldn't afford it. <Sanriel> Besides, I... need to have a lot of time to myself. <Vallel> Oh? ::looks politely curious:: <Sanriel> Umm.. can I ask you something that might sound kind of odd? ::fidgets a little nervously:: <Vallel> ::laughs:: Sure, go ahead. <Sanriel> ::smiles and relaxes a bit:: I've heard rumors of a school here. Not for mages or priest or anything like that.. but for people who are... a bit different. ::seems a little nervous again:: Can you tell me if there's such a place? <Vallel> ::laughs again:: that's not an odd question. Yes, it does. Tyl'gainia Nightstorm's Psionic Academy. I live there. * Sanriel blinks and looks relieved, then smiles brightly <Sanriel> You do? I mean, there is? <Sanriel> So it's real? It's not just a rumor? <Vallel> Yes, I do. And yes, there is. It's very real <Vallel> ::looks at him curiously:: Why? * Sanriel sighs deeply and slumps down <Sanriel> oh.... ::looks out across the river again, speaking more softly:: Because I don't think I'm mad.. I really don't want to be mad... <Vallel> Excuse me? Mad about what? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head and turns to face Vallel again:: Insane... moon touched... <Vallel> Oh... ::peers at him:: Why would you be? ::starts gathering up his things:: I could take you over to the School, if you want. <Sanriel> Back home... they started to think I was going mad. They talked about what to do about it... like lock me up so I wouldn't hurt anyone. <Vallel> Did you hurt anyone? I know I came close when I first came into my abilities. Burned down my uncle's barn... with me ::blush:: and a lady friend inside. <Sanriel> I would like that very much! ::jumps up to help Vallel gather his fishing things:: I started having visions.. I would black out, or.. lose time. I apparently said things and never remembered saying them.. even in other languages. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: No, I didn't hurt anyone. Almost, a couple of time.. in practice. <Sanriel> You... burned down your uncle's barn? <Vallel> ::nods:: It can be difficult, in the beginning. ::nods glumly:: Yep. All the way to the ground. ::blush:: Tarri and I escaped the flames, but ::blush:: well, let's just say everyone knew what we'd been doing. <Sanriel> ::chuckles and blushes a little also:: Ahem. Yes. I think I understand. <Sanriel> So.. uh.. you made fire? Without magic? <Vallel> Visions? Visions of what, if you don't mind me asking... ::finishes gathering his stuff, slings his pole over his shoulder:: <Vallel> It's definitely not magic. * Sanriel breaths a sigh of relief <Sanriel> They didn't tell me everything... sometimes pa said it sounded like prophecies in the tales the bards tell. I think.. a few times I said something embarrassing about someone else. Some kind of secret. At least, some people started acting very different, and would be really mad at me... <Vallel> Hmmm... sounds like Clairsentience to me... perhaps Precognitive. Did you feel very tired when it was over? <Sanriel> ::blinks and looks a little confused:: Clair-who? <Vallel> Clairsentience. It means seeing or knowing things that you have no way to see or know... <Sanriel> Oh. ::looks a little awed and hopeful:: <Sanriel> And you can do this, too? Can you control it? Like.. make the visions stop if you don't want them? <Vallel> Oh, no, I don't have those abilities... but I've studied the theory. And yes, most everything can be controlled, so you only summon it when you want it. ::looks at him carefully:: <Vallel> But don't get too excited. Mistress Tyl will want to test you first, to make sure. * Sanriel pauses to digest this information <Vallel> ::sighs:: There are some dangers, if your mind isn't strong enough. <Sanriel> ::takes a deep breath:: Okay... I'll try. ::smiles:: It's just... I've been a bit scared that maybe I really *am* mad... and I've come such a long way... <Sanriel> What kind of dangers? <Vallel> ::sighs:: Damage to your mind. Your health could become much worse. Insanity. Dallen had to leave the school last year because he wasn't strong enough. Don't worry, though. Mistress Tyl helped him, so he won't hurt himself, or anyone else. <Vallel> But I don't think you're mad, if it's any consolation. And trust me, I've seen insane people before. <Sanriel> It's kind of hard not to worry, Vallel. I wasn't brought up to understand any of this. I'm just kinda grasping for whatever hope I can. <Vallel> ::lays a hand on Sanriel's shoulder:: I know... trust me, I know. <Sanriel> Thanks... that helps. <Vallel> And even if you are a psionic, it'll be hard work. And sometimes very frightening. ::his eyes are suddenly filled with shadows:: <Sanriel> ::takes a deep breath:: I'm ready to face a little danger, I think. <Sanriel> ::studies Vallel, brows creased with worry:: Are you okay? <Vallel> Sometimes, it's more than a little... ::shakes his head:: Just brooding. We had a... ::takes a deep breath:: rogue psionic among us a few months back. Charoli. ::he spits:: She... caused a lot of damage before my mistress and some friends were able to take her down. <Sanriel> She was.. had been... a friend? Another person at the school? * Vallel leads Sanriel down the crowded streets of Marsember. <Vallel> ::nods:: She was a student, yes. And not exactly a friend, but... ::shudders:: * Sanriel dodges and weaves through the crowds clumsily, obviously not used to so many people, and gawks a bit at the canals and bridges and buildings and the sheer number of people <Vallel> It's pretty noisy, isn't it? ::stops at a vendor's stall and buys two baked apples:: Here, have a pastry... watch it, they're hot. <Sanriel> I... ::jumps aside from a determined matron carrying a bundle and hurries to catch up to Vallel:: Did she do something to you, too? Women can cause enough damage as is... <Sanriel> ::takes the apple gratefully and juggles it back and forth:: ow ow ow! * Vallel takes a bite of his apple. <Vallel> I think ::swallows:: you could say she came about this close ::holds his finger and thumb about an inch apart:: to destroying my life. * Sanriel bites into his as well and grins, even as he opens his mouth to wave air into it. <Sanriel> s' a faire or something? <Sanriel> Destroying your *life*? You mean she almost killed you? <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: Nah, it's like this every day. There are some fifty thousand people who live here, you know. <Sanriel> wow.... ::obviously not really getting the "fifty thousand":: <Vallel> ::looks solemn:: No. Death would have been an easy thing, comparatively. She... influenced my mind. ::looks guilty, sad and angry all at the same time:: I almost murdered my fiancee. <Sanriel> ::gasps:: She.. she influenced your mind? ::looks horrified:: <Vallel> Ah, here we are. ::a large building, fairly new looking, surrounded by bushes and trees, looms across the street. Parts of the building look brand new, and parts look a little singed:: <Sanriel> And she made you do things? I've heard the bards' tales.. about evil sorcerers that can control people.... <Vallel> Well, it wasn't exactly like that ::opens the main door:: Come on in. It was more like she took the deepest, darkest parts of me and pulled them to the surface. Ever think about killing your mum? Like that. * Sanriel looks at the large building with awe, stopping in his tracks as he takes everything in * Sanriel nods slowly and follows Vallel inside <Sanriel> this... is huge... my *house* was no bigger than this room... ::looking around the entry hall:: <Vallel> ::the inside of the building in cool, well lit, and clean. Strange knick-knacks and paintings adorn the corridor:: Tyl's office is this way. <Sanriel> How could this Charoli person *do* something like that? I mean... :shakes his head, at a loss for words:: She's.. not around anymore, is she? * Sanriel lingers near the door for a few long moments and takes several deep breaths <Vallel> No... she's even worse than dead, as I understand it. <Sanriel> Did... did your friends do that same thing to her then? That she was doing to everyone else? * Sanriel hesitantly begins following Vallel down the corridor, convinced that his heartbeat is making echoes all down the hall... <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: No. I think Mistress Tyl was going to rip her heart out, but some demonic thing came up and claimed her. My fiancee, who does some research on demonology, says she's essentially in hell. * Vallel reads the schedule on Tyl's door. <Vallel> Ah, she's out for another hour or so. We can go wait in my room, if you want. ::scribbles a note on the chalkboard next to the door:: <Sanriel> Then.. that would be where she belongs, wouldn't it? ::shakes his head:: I don't really know much about the priestly stuff, either... * Sanriel leans against the wall for a moment and some color comes back into his face <Vallel> ::nods grimly:: Definitely. She... messed several of us up pretty badly... <Vallel> ::looks abashed:: I'm scaring you, aren't I? I don't mean to. There's a lot that goes on around here that's actually lots of fun. <Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: It's.. yeah. You're scaring me a little. Being *here* is scaring me a little... * Sanriel stiffens up straight and looks down the hallway, his blue eyes seeming even more pale... <Vallel> You all right? ::looks concerned:: * Sanriel breathes faster, eyes going wide, and his mouth opens and closes a few times, soundlessly. <Vallel> Oh... ::peers at him carefully, his hand moving up to Sanriel's temple reflexively:: <Sanriel> so dark... so evil.. it's here, it's *here*! ::cries out and collapses, eyes wide for a moment longer before they slowly close and his breathing evens out:: <Vallel> Oh, damn! ::catches Sanriel:: * Sanriel opens his eyes and looks at Vallel, standing back up and leaning into Vallel gratefully <Sanriel> What's wrong? ::a little weakly:: <Vallel> I think you had another vision... ::shudders:: <Sanriel> I did...? ::sighs a little:: Of what? <Vallel> ::shrugs:: I have no idea... I ::blush:: I peeked, but I couldn't see it, just this overwhelming feeling of darkness and evil. Some*body* I think. Do you want to come sit down? <Sanriel> ::nods:: I think so... What do you mean by peeked? Oh... we ought to go clean your fish. I think I'd like to help with that. <Vallel> Oh! ::looks absently at his creel:: I forgot about the fish. ::leads Sanriel out to the courtyard:: * Sanriel smiles a little and follows Vallel into the courtyard <Sanriel> "you catch 'em and clean 'em, and I'll cook 'em." That's what mom always told us. ::chuckles a little:: <Vallel> ::the courtyard is a beautiful garden with a water fountain topped by a horrid little fountain-topper. A few female students are sitting on a bench across the way. Vallel waves at them, holding his creel up proudly.:: <Vallel> ::the two female students wave back, then look at Sanriel, sigh and giggle. Vallel turns to Sanriel:: Women. Don't mind them. * Sanriel gapes at the courtyard, blushing a little when he notices the women and hurries to Vallel's side again <Sanriel> Hard to not mind them... ::grins a little:: <Sanriel> Are they.. other students here? Or are you apprentices? <Vallel> Prinda and Catreenia. They're second years, same as me. <Sanriel> ::sneaks a peek at the girls again, then hides a little smile:: They're cute. <Sanriel> This place is a palace... ::looks around again:: <Vallel> ::snorts:: You should see Cwalindia... Too bad she's married. ::pulls open his creel and removes one catfish and three smaller trout:: <Sanriel> Nice catch! <Vallel> Thanks. I've been fishing a lot recently... takes my mind off other things. <Sanriel> Who's Cwa.. Cwalindia? And didn't you say something about a fiancee yourself earlier? <Vallel> Cwalindia's another student... sort of. She's also Mistress Tyl's sister and ::lowers his voice:: She's married to Master Bluestar, one of the teachers here. <Sanriel> ::nods:: I've always enjoyed it, too... a lot more relaxing than hunting rabbits. <Vallel> ::smiles:: Glossaria's my fiancee. She's also very beautiful. ::smiles goofily:: <Sanriel> Oh! ::lowers his voice also:: Is that bad...? I've not been to a school before... * Sanriel grins at Vallel's expression <Vallel> Well, people talk sometimes... says he favors her. He doesn't, I think... actually, Master Bluestar is really tough. <Sanriel> ::nods:: Bernard was tough, too... he was the one who trained me to be in the militia. <Vallel> You were a soldier? ::looks impressed:: <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Not a soldier. I wasn't in the army or anything. Just trained to go help out on patrols and stuff. Every so often goblins would come through out territory and try to raid the town. I didn't fight much, more hunting and keeping track of dangerous animals. <Vallel> Still, sounds exciting. Before I got here, I sheared sheep. Have you ever spent any time with a sheep? Boring! <Sanriel> It was when I had a vision during practice with the bow that I almost skewered Bernard and they started talking about me being a danger. <Sanriel> ::chuckles:: I've never even seen a sheep. <Vallel> Lucky you. ::starts filleting the catfish:: Here ::hands Sanriel a spare knife:: <Sanriel> Thanks. ::takes one of the other fish and begins cleaning and filleting it:: * Vallel makes quick work of the fish. <Vallel> If it were Monday, I'd take them over to the Hall. Rhys cooks a wicked pan-fry. <Sanriel> A little lucky, maybe... I didn't have any talent for pa's trade. And most of the time we just spent trying to track things or laying in one place waiting. <Sanriel> The Hall? ::looks around:: Is that what you call your kitchen? <Vallel> Nah... the Hall is a bar across town... <Sanriel> Oh, a bar! ::smiles:: <Sanriel> I went drinking with some of the other militia once in a while. Always plenty of watered-down beer to go around. <Vallel> ::nods:: My aunt works there as a bartender. <Sanriel> Oh really? Does she give you free drinks? ::grins:: <Vallel> No... but Rhys does, sometimes. ::grins:: <Sanriel> ::smiles:: He cooks and gives you drinks? Sounds like a good guy. <Vallel> He's pretty cool... ::looks at Sanriel:: We could stop by together some night, if you wanted. But I'll warn you, some of the Patrons are a little... weird. <Sanriel> So what all do you do here? I don't really know how this is supposed to work.. this whole school thing. Is the fishing just for fun, or to help provide food? ::looks around again:: Though it seems like a rich place... <Sanriel> Sounds fun! What do you mean by weird, though? <Vallel> Oh, no. ::laughs:: The school's food comes from tuition. <Sanriel> Tuition? What's that? <Vallel> Well, let's see... There's Zoya, the high priestess of Erdian the Chaos god, and her apprentice - my fiancee - Glossaria. Yb is insane. Xarroch is... well, let's just say you have to meet them to believe it. <Vallel> Tuition... that's the payment students make for their education. Don't worry if you don't have any money... Mistress Tyl has financial aid. <Sanriel> There's a chaos god? ::dubiously:: Well.. it's an alright place, though, right? <Vallel> ::nods:: You couldn't ask for better friends. They're just... a little odd, at first. * Vallel lays the cleaned filets in the creel. "Come on, I'll take these back to the kitchen. I'm not actually a bad cook, most of the time. <Vallel> " <Sanriel> Payment? Oh... I suppose that makes sense, doesn't it? I have everything with me.. it's not much, though. What's financial aid? ::grins a little:: Help for us poor people? <Vallel> ::nods:: Sometimes a Donor will make your payments for you... they get a tax break on it from the city. <Sanriel> I suppose I'll adjust... hopefully I'll be a little less odd myself, soon... <Sanriel> tax break? ::shakes his head:: I think I have a lot to learn about cities... * Vallel leads the way through the Grand Hall back to the kitchen, pointing out the sights. The dining hall, the student lounge, and several classrooms. <Sanriel> I can help you cook them, if you like. I seemed to keep getting that duty when we were out, so mine was probably less offensive than everyone else's. <Vallel> I've got a good recipe... cut the fish into bite sized, roll in batter and fry, serve with lemon. * Sanriel pauses at each of the rooms to gape openly... the sheer size obviously a bit overwhelming <Vallel> ::looks at Sanriel:: You should see Mistress Tyl's *house*... it's about twice this size. <Sanriel> A house? ::following Vallel slowly, looking dumfounded:: <Vallel> Mistress Tyl inherited it. The house and something like seven million in gold. Don't worry, you get used to it. <Sanriel> For one person? This big? What would you do with all this space? <Vallel> Two people, actually. Her betrothed lives with her. <Vallel> And I have no idea what she does with it... I've been there a few times, but only for parties. <Sanriel> ::stops and looks stunned, taking a few moments to try to think of what a million is, and almost getting it:: Gold?? <Vallel> ::nods and walks into the kitchen:: Evening 'Bert. ::waves at a cook, wearing a big puffy hat:: Mind if we borrow one of the stoves? <Sanriel> ::slowly:: I've *seen* gold a couple of times... * Sanriel distractedly introduces himself to the cook <Vallel> Albert: Good evening, Vallel, Nice to meet you, Sanriel. Just clean up when you're done. ::goes back to his roasting venison:: <Sanriel> ::smells the venison and sighs deeply:: That smells wonderful... <Vallel> Albert: Thank you. * Vallel makes quick work of the fish, cutting them up and mixing up a flour and cornmeal batter. * Sanriel takes off his backpack and sets it on the floor out of the way, leaning the bow-staff against the wall with it, then hovers near Vallel, watching and staying out of the way * Vallel heats a pan full of oil and lays the breaded fish cubes into the hot oil. <Sanriel> This is amazing... <Sanriel> I think ma would trade her left arm for a chance to cook in a place like this. ::grins:: <Sanriel> Once! <Vallel> ::a few minutes later, Vallel has filled a platter with fish cubes, arranged around a sauce of cream, horseradish and pickle chunks:: Come on, we can eat in the common room. The dining hall's a bit big, just for two. <Sanriel> ::nods:: I'll just keep following you.. I don't want to get lost. ::laughs and grabs his backpack and bow-staff and follows Vallel:: * Vallel leads him to a smaller room, filled with squashy chairs, a few tables, and a large fireplace. A dwarven girl sits near the fire, reading a large book, chewing thoughtfully on her braids:: <Sanriel> ::smiles as he looks around the room:: This is nice. Oh, hello! ::looks a little surprised and waves a bit shyly at the dwarf girl:: <Vallel> This is Sanriel. Sanriel, this is Malika Brunhenstaan <Vallel> Malika: Do you have the homework for 'portation done yet? Nice to meet you, Sanriel. <Sanriel> ::offers her his hand:: Um, nice to meet you, Malika Brunhenstan. <Vallel> ::blush:: Not yet. <Vallel> Malika: ::shakes hands:: Good. You can help me with it later. ::steals a few fish cubes:: * Sanriel looks a little confused and searched for a convenient place to put his things. <Sanriel> Umm.. I don't mean to be rude or anything.. but.. are you a Dwarf? <Vallel> Malika opens her book again, stuffing the fish cubes into her mouth contentedly. She looks up at Sanriel. "Yes. Never seen one before?" She grins. * Sanriel blushes a little <Sanriel> No. ::shakes his head:: <Vallel> That's okay ::stuffs another fish cube into her mouth and wipes her sideburns:: This is wonderful, Vallie. I never saw a human afore I came here, either. * Sanriel settles into a chair and looks a bit startled, almost panicked, as he sinks in, then relaxes as it stops. <Sanriel> I guess that's fair, then. ::smiles and tries one of the fish cubes, munching on it contentedly:: Good! <Vallel> ::looks at Sanriel curiously:: Ever see any other humanoids? Mistress Tyl is an elf, you know. <Sanriel> An elf? ::straightens up a little:: No.. I've only heard about them... <Sanriel> Well, heard a little, anyway. <Vallel> Ah. Well, don't worry, she's pretty nice... although it is surprising getting used to the idea that she's like a hundred and thirty years old. <Sanriel> ::pauses with another piece of fish halfway to his mouth:: So.. they really live that long? <Vallel> ::shrugs:: They live a long, long time. <Sanriel> wow... ::chews thoughtfully:: * Tyl walks into the lounge, a slender, attractive elven woman dressed in tight gray leather pants and a blousy white shirt. <Tyl> Vallel, your handwriting is lousy. What did you want to see me about? * Vallel stands up, bowing. <Vallel> Mistress Tyl. I'd like you to meet my new friend, Sanriel Tailorson. * Tyl leans over and absently samples a fish cube, then extends her other hand to Sanriel. <Tyl> It's a pleasure, I'm sure, Young Master. * Sanriel scrambles to get out of the chair and falls out of it, then jumps to his feet, bumping his head against the edge of the table so that he sways slightly and is blushing furiously by the time he's standing, and bows unsteadily to Tyl <Sanriel> Umm. a.. a pleasure to meet you, Mistress Nightstorm. * Tyl raises an eyebrow at Sanriel. <Tyl> I assure you, I don't bite... ::grins:: * Sanriel looks down and blushes even more, fidgeting a little <Vallel> Sanriel came to Marsember because he heard about the School, Mistress. <Sanriel> Umm, I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd bite... :trails off and looks over at Vallel gratefully:: * Tyl is suddenly very business-like.. "Did you now? Are you interested in learning? Or just curious?" <Vallel> Malika closes her book and gets up. "I have work to do. I'll be in the library, Vallie, if you want to study together later." <Sanriel> Err.. both. I think. ::nods a little:: I... want to learn. And.. and.. I need help. ::looks up at Tyl a little plaintively:: * Tyl sits down gracefully, crossing her legs in an intricate posture. "Sit down. Tell me about it." Her voice is warm, inviting, and her eyes are sparkling. <Sanriel> ::gives Malika a little smile:: It was nice to meet you. <Vallel> Malika waves absently as she steals a few more fish cubes. * Vallel frowns, eying the half dozen or so cubes left. "Sheesh!" He eats a cube, almost defiantly. <Sanriel> ::nods quickly:: Thank you. ::carefully sits down across from Tyl, settling back into the chair with only a small flash of the worry that he won't stop sinking into it:: <Sanriel> ::studies the table carefully as he speaks:: I.. started having visions a couple of years ago. I usually don't remember them.. sometimes it seemed like I would just.. lose a little time. I'd blink, and it would be later, and I wouldn't know what happened. * Vallel eats another fish cube, muttering about halflings masquerading as dwarves. <Tyl> ::looks thoughtful:: True visions? Or do you remember? <Sanriel> They started happening more often. While I was doing something, sometimes. I almost skewered my mentor one time when we were practicing with the bow. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Pa said a couple of times I said something that happened later. And I think there were times when I.. said something secret. Embarrassed someone.. more than it would if it just wasn't true. <Tyl> That happens ::nods reassuringly:: When I first came into my powers ::she looks a bit distraught:: I accidentally pushed my brother off a balcony. <Sanriel> They started keeping me home instead of sending me out on patrols... and began talking about how I might be dangerous, and trying to do something to keep everyone safe... <Sanriel> Oh! ::looks concerned and almost starts to reach over to Tyl, then blushed and pulls back his hand:: I'm.. I'm sorry. <Tyl> ::pats his hand reassuringly:: Don't worry it. It was a long, long time ago. <Sanriel> ::blushes furiously as she pats his hand, and smiles a little:: Vallel told me about the thing with the barn, too... <Tyl> For whatever reason, the ability has a tendency to be destructive when it first appears. <Sanriel> I guess I'm pretty lucky, then. ::smiles a little again:: <Tyl> Did your parents consult a cleric, or a magus? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Not really... I talked with a mage that came through one time. He was a bit grumpy, but curious.. I think I had one of my visions around him. He told me is was nothing magical... * Sanriel looks a little worried <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Not really... I talked with a mage that came through one time. He was a bit grumpy, but curious.. I think I had one of my visions around him. He told me is was nothing magical... * Sanriel looks a little worried <Tyl> ::nods:: All right. Now, I have to ask you to trust me. * Sanriel looks over at Vallel, then back at Tyl <Vallel> Don't worry... ::smiles reassuringly:: <Sanriel> Um.. okay. ::takes a deep breath, then nods:: <Tyl> I need to look inside your mind, to see if you have the potential. But I don't pry. Your private thoughts are still yours to keep private. <Sanriel> It's not going to hurt, is it? * Tyl gets up and stands in front of Sanriel, spreading her hands over his head. "No, it doesn't hurt. But let me know if you feel anything. Some people can feel it when I probe them, and others can't." * Sanriel nods slowly, blushing again as Tyl holds his head. <Sanriel> O..okay. I'm ready. ::almost holds his breath and waits:: * Tyl takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, her forehead furrowing in concentration. <Sanriel> ::giggles a second:: That tickles.. * Sanriel giggles again and twitches a little.. trying to hold still * Tyl smiles to herself, her eyes still shut. Her face looks dreamy. * Tyl opens her eyes and moves her hands away. * Sanriel sighs softly, then blinks and looks up at Tyl, hopeful and nervous <Tyl> ::nods:: Pending entrance exams, you're definitely psionic, Sanriel. <Sanriel> ::deflates weakly into the chair in relief:: Really? So I'm not mad? I.. I could learn to control the visions? <Tyl> ::shakes her head:: No, you're definitely not mad. And yes, I can help you learn to control them. <Sanriel> ::impulsively takes Tyl's hand and kisses it:: Oh thank you! Just knowing that made this whole trip worth it! * Sanriel takes back his hands, looking a bit embarrassed, and wipes his nose and eyes quickly * Tyl smiles. * Vallel pats Sanriel on the back. "Congratulations!" <Sanriel> ::grins at Vallel:: Thanks. Really, thanks for everything. * Vallel smiles. <Vallel> Not a problem. You can bunk in with me, my dorm room has an open cot. * Tyl looks at Sanriel. <Tyl> Can you read and write? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: No... ::looks around and blushes a little:: That's bad, isn't it? <Tyl> Not at all. ::smiles:: I know a wonderful tutor who can help you. <Sanriel> ::smiles brightly:: Thank you! <Tyl> ::to Sanriel:: I've got to go... meeting with Mayor Praul tonight to talk about a city-wide testing program. Come by tomorrow morning and we'll get started on the paperwork and get you tested and placed... <Sanriel> ::nods eagerly:: I will. I'll be here first thing in the morning! * Tyl smiles. "Welcome to the Academy." * Sanriel looks puffed up, excited, relieved, and happy all at once <Sanriel> Thank you so so much, Mistress Nightstorm! <Vallel> ::claps Sanriel on the shoulder:: Get your stuff, I'll show you our room. <Tyl> You're welcome, Sanriel. ::she stretches, popping her spine a few times:: Off to change clothes. * Sanriel bounces up and gathers up his backpack and bow staff * Tyl leaves the room. * Vallel leads Sanriel down the corridor to his dorm room. <Sanriel> ::waits a moment and smiles at Vallel:: She's beautiful, too... ::sighs and shoulders his pack, then follows Vallel down the hall:: * Vallel nudges Sanriel. "She's betrothed as well." <Sanriel> ::laughs:: You mentioned that, too. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy looking, does it? <Vallel> ::laughs:: Just don't let Master Jelarthna catch you looking. He's a blade singer. <Sanriel> Who's that, her husband to be? And what's a bladesinger? <Vallel> Yes, her betrothed, and a bladesinger is a really really good fighter. <Sanriel> ::speaking more quietly:: He wouldn't get mad at me just looking, would he? <Vallel> ::laughs:: I'm kidding... <Sanriel> Oh, whew! ::laughs with Vallel:: * Sanriel looks around Vallel's dorm room once they arrive and shakes his head a little. <Sanriel> This is huge... and this was just your room? Alone? <Vallel> Well, yours now too... ::grins:: <Vallel> ::fade to black:: |
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