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*Glossaria sits at the teacher's desk in an empty classroom at the Psionics School. Sanriel sits cattycorner to her, in a chair pulled up to the desk, putting down his pencil as he finishes a final exercise. Laughter and chattering young voices float down the hall past the classroom door as a bell sounds, calling students back to their studies. The light of early afternoon streams in through windows overlooking an inner courtyard, where spring flowers put on a show of color to distract the inattentive eye. <Sanriel> ::smiles at Glossaria:: Thanks again for the extra help. I'm sorry I'm just not getting this all that fast... ::looks a little embarrassed:: * Glossaria shakes her head and gathers a short stack of books and papers into a neat pile. "You're progressing at a perfectly normal rate for your age, San. There's nothing to apologize for." <Sanriel> Well thanks anyway... I don't *feel* like I'm progressing normally. <Glossaria> If it seems to you that the younger children acquire reading skills faster, it's because they do. Facility with languages degrades as you age. ::biting her lip at the puzzled look on his face:: I mean, young kids soak up knowledge faster than older people do. <Sanriel> ::blinks:: Really? <Glossaria> ::she pauses, and frowns a moment:: Here, look. ::she crosses the room and picks up the washpail for the chalkboard, fishing the already-wet sponge out of it:: <Sanriel> So it's better to teach a lot to kids when they're really young... ::laughs:: Mom and Dad always insisted that was the case, but I thought they were just trying to get me to pay attention. <Sanriel> Watching. ::smiles and watches Glossaria:: <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: No, it's really true. Which is why it's such a shame that most people don't start learning other languages 'til they're older. Now. This is you. ::holds up the wet sponge to show him before dropping it back into the water:: <Sanriel> The wet sponge is me? Okay. <Glossaria> You see how it doesn't get much bigger, or soak up the water very fast? It's already got water-- knowledge-- in it. It takes longer for more to soak in. <Sanriel> ::nods slowly:: Because it's already wet... <Glossaria> Now. ::opens the bottom drawer of her desk and takes out a new, dry sponge, pressed almost flat:: THIS one is the younger children. <Sanriel> ::grins a little:: Still has a lot of growing to do... * Glossaria drops the dry sponge in the bucket. In seconds, it puffs up to many times its size, and the level of the water in the bucket drops visibly as she lifts it back out. <Glossaria> ::grins back:: They grow fast, too. <Sanriel> so the things we already know interfere with learning new things? <Sanriel> I suppose that makes sense. ::chuckles:: I still feel like I ought to be learning it faster, though. <Glossaria> Somewhat. When humans have preconceptions-- when we have an idea in our heads about how things are supposed to work-- it can take longer to un-learn those things before you can learn something new. <Sanriel> ::thinks:: like... how I used to live in a little village out in the forests, and I'm having some trouble living here in the city, now? <Glossaria> It *also* means that the things you learn earliest stay with you longest. See? ::she picks up the now-full new sponge and squeezes it out:: Still wet. And a bit of that water will *always* be in there. <Sanriel> ::nods grinning:: And mold if you don't take care of it! <Glossaria> ::nodding:: You have expectations about the way people behave, daily schedules... ::shakes her head:: There's so much. <Glossaria> Well, yes. ::making a face:: But that's a different analogy. The old saying about idle hands.... <Sanriel> I guess so... wow... <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Mom tried to make sure I didn't, that's for sure! <Glossaria> ::smiling:: That's one of the many roles of parents. They're your first teachers. <Sanriel> ::smiles fondly:: What were your parents like? How did you end up working here as a li.. librarian? <Glossaria> My parents are very supportive. They're very proud of what I've become, even if they don't entirely understand it at times. And... ::shrugging a shoulder:: Well, we're a very big family. ::smiling a little:: And, I suppose you could say I was born a librarian. I've always had a taste for books. <Sanriel> ::grins:: That must be nice. I have to admit I still don't really understand, myself. But I can tell you really love what you do. <Glossaria> ::nodding enthusiastically:: Yes, I do. It's my whole life! I'm so happy that Mistress Zoya allowed me to continue working at the Tower Library! <Sanriel> My parents kinda pushed me to join the militia when I just couldn't get the tailoring. Though I know they really hoped I would. Carry on the family business and all. ::smiles:: I certainly liked doing that, and I remember really falling in love with my bow. It seems so beautiful sometime... letting the arrow fly through the air in a smooth arc, landing just where you want it to... * Sanriel smiles wistfully, making a little parabola with his hand. <Sanriel> ::blinks and looks up:: Allowed you to continue working there? Did she take over from someone else? <Glossaria> ::cocking her head:: Well, you don't need to give it up simply because you've acquired another talent, do you? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: No, not a chance! I still take care of my bow. But I haven't really found a good place to practice. I don't want to accidentally hit anything out in the forest that might move into the way. And I don't know if there are any hunting laws... <Sanriel> Gregory warned me that those can be really strict in some places. <Glossaria> Well, the Tower was initially Lord Erdian's, and it stood empty for some years before Mistress Zoya took charge of it. My family has been in the Tower Library for many generations. Although... ::making a face:: we weren't the greatest of caretakers. I'm doing my best to make up for that. <Sanriel> I've thought about asking the local militia if I could use theirs if they have one... ::blushes a little:: <Sanriel> Oh wow.. you lived in an abandoned Tower, all alone with your family? That sounds kinda lonely... <Glossaria> Gregory? ::cocking her head inquiringly:: Yes, there are laws governing the King's Woods, and certain of the forests within Cormyr are under the protection of the elves, or druids. ::cocking her head:: Lady Lisl would know; I believe she has guardianship of a forest somewhere near here, herself. <Sanriel> ::grinning:: Gregory, one of the other militia men. One of my mentors, actually. He'd actually travelled a bit. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: Oh, no, I had quite a large family. And my world was very... small, before Mistress Zoya came. ::holding her hands out palm-up and bringing them together as if closing a book:: <Sanriel> Oh... ::looks a little crestfallen hearing about the laws:: Could I talk to this Lady Lisl to find out more, do you think? <Sanriel> ::grins:: I ought to just bring most of my questions to you first, Lady Anobium. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Oh, I'm sure she'd be happy to talk. She really *hates* poachers, but she's a hunter herself, I'm sure she'd love to help you. <Glossaria> She's away with my Mistress right now, on a voyage, but she's a regular patron at the Hall. I can introduce you, if you'd like. <Sanriel> ::nods:: I've tried to be careful to respect the laws here.. I knew they'd be really different. There wasn't really much of that back home. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: Although... I wouldn't be surprised if she knows about you already. <Sanriel> ::blinks:: Really? How? <Sanriel> I haven't been here all that long... or have you mentioned me? ::grins:: <Glossaria> Well, you came into town carrying your bow, didn't you? And Vallel said you were exploring a little already, when he found you? ::shakes her head:: Mistress Lisl spends a *lot* of time in the woods. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head, frowning:: I don't think I'd met you yet, when Mistress Zoya and the others left. <Sanriel> Oh! ::nods:: I suppose so, yeah. She could have seen me out there somewhere. She must be pretty good, Gregory always said I was pretty sharp and didn't miss much. He could still sneak up on me eight times out of ten, though. ::chuckles ruefully:: <Glossaria> ::hiding a smile with a cough:: Yes. I don't think you'd even have recognized what you were looking at, if you saw her. * Sanriel smiles, but looks a little curious. <Glossaria> ::notes Sanriel's curiosity and rushes onward:: Camouflage, that sort of thing. You know. But, well, you can ask her about those laws when she gets back. She's a little gruff, but I'm sure she'll like you once she gets to know you. <Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: Thanks, I hope so! Maybe she would consent to teach me a thing or two even if I can't hunt a little. <Glossaria> Well... don't get ahead of yourself too much. ::mock-scolding finger:: You've got more than enough to learn right here! <Glossaria> Which reminds me...! Would you mind if I asked *you* some questions for a change? <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Yes, Lady Anobium! <Sanriel> Sure, go ahead! I'd be happy to answer. <Sanriel> ::curiously:: But what would you want to know about me? <Glossaria> ::smiles:: Please, when we're not in class, you can call me Glossaria. Or just Gloss. Everybody does. <Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: Yes, L.. Glossaria. Thanks. <Glossaria> Well, all *sorts* of things! But about your talent, mostly. * Sanriel smiles brightly at Glossaria. <Sanriel> I guess with all this new stuff around me, I didn't really think of myself as kinda different and new to other people... <Sanriel> What would you like to know, Glossaria? ::smiling again:: <Glossaria> Oh, but you remember that narrow world of mine? You've never been to the city, but I've never lived in the country, either! And I'm not psionic. There are all *sorts* of things that you know and I don't! ::smiling and pulling her pencil from behind her ear:: <Sanriel> ::grins:: Well so far I only sorta know that I *am*. <Glossaria> Alright, first of all... how long have you been having your visions? <Sanriel> I'm not really sure... at least a couple of years now. I spent a fair amount of time alone, or with just one other person... so maybe I had some before that and no one really noticed. <Glossaria> ::thinks a moment:: Well, you say you only remember fleeting pieces of the visions themselves, but... can you remember having passed out, after it happens? <Sanriel> I usually don't remember anything from the visions. Sometimes I just kinda blank out and don't realize anything's happened. A couple of times I've missed a few hours. That's *really* scary. <Glossaria> Really? A few hours? So they can vary in duration, also... or perhaps the power of some visions requires a longer recuperative period.... ::chewing on her lower lip as she jots down a few notes in a tiny, incredibly neat hand:: <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to one side:: Did your parents or anyone in the village ever speak of peculiarities in your family tree? A great-grandfather, for example, who saw ghosts, or somesuch? <Sanriel> Maybe.. sometimes I get really tired afterwards. like wobbly or sleepy, or really hungry. <Sanriel> Umm.. not that I know of... <Sanriel> Oh wait... mom said that her mom did a few odd things when she was little. Like she knew her sister got hurt once and rushed over to her house to help out. <Glossaria> ::nods and takes more notes:: Unfortunately, people tend to be less than forthcoming about possibly embarrassing differences... really? ::pencil flying over the paper:: So it's possible that this was an inherited trait, after all. Did you ever get to know your maternal grandmother? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: no, she passed on before I really knew her. I was pretty young. <Sanriel> ::grins a little:: Most of us knew all of the embarrassing things about everybody else. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: That's a shame... I would wager you could have learned a great deal from her, even if only by unconscious observation... ::tapping her pencil against her lip:: Hmm... did Mistress Tyl get a chance to get you tested before she left? <Sanriel> ::nods:: That was one of the first things she did.. to see if I actually had, umm.. ::thinks:: "psionic potential". Something like that. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Were you tested for the possibility of any other psionic gifts? Telepathy, which is being able to speak mind-to-mind and hear thoughts? Telekinesis, moving things with your mind? Psychic surgery, healing with your mind? <Sanriel> she said I already had a little.. cl.. clare-something. <Glossaria> clairvoyance? clairaudience? <Sanriel> ::blinks:: Something close to that, yeah. <Sanriel> cl-air... clair... clairsen...? <Sanriel> clairsentience? <Sanriel> I remember something about potential in some other things, like the telepathy one. <Glossaria> Clairvoyance is being able to see beyond what others see, clairaudience is hearing...::frowning in thought:: Although it also refers sometimes to flashes of future sight. Clairsentience just means the same thing for all the senses. Sentient, having sense. You see? <Sanriel> Ah.. okay. So seeing things from the future would count, right? <Sanriel> Hmm.. I wonder if I've had some of this for a long time now, maybe? Sometimes I've.. well, I've *felt* something before I could really see or hear or smell it. <Glossaria> ::nodding slowly:: Yes, it would. Although you also seem to see things hidden, in the present. That's part of it. <Sanriel> And I was actually better at shooting an arrow at very long distances than most of my friends. <Sanriel> ::smiles:: That sounds like it could be pretty useful. <Glossaria> ::scribbles furiously:: And telepathy... I have a theory that these skills come in, well, in bunches. I've talked to several of the students here, and almost all have multiple gifts. <Sanriel> in bunches? You mean everyone can do several things, not just one or two things? <Glossaria> ::nodding eagerly:: Master Marten-- I don't know if you've met him, but he's spent time out East in Kara Tur-- he's told me about a method of archery they use there that's quite similar. <Sanriel> Like how Vallel can make fire, but he can also to the mind-reading stuff? <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Precisely. ::grinning a little:: Like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time. <Sanriel> Kara Tur? What's that? Would it be possible to visit and find out more of this archery style? <Glossaria> Well, it's very far away, and they're not very welcoming to strangers, though I suppose someday your travels may well take you there. :;smiling a little:: But that's also what books are for. He gave me some texts to copy for the Library on the subject. <Glossaria> Briefly, rather than *aiming* an arrow, as archers do here, and relying on sight to put it where it's supposed to go, these archers *feel* where the arrow is to go. Rather than a sport, it is considered part of a life philosophy, of being wholly in tune with one's body and one's surroundings... with the whole world. <Sanriel> You copy books? ::shakes his head:: Doesn't it hurt your eyes staring at writing for so long? * Sanriel blinks and looks thoughtful. <Sanriel> I've.. kinda felt like that a few times, I think. ::smiles:: <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: Not at all. That's one of *my* skills, after all. ::smiles:: <Sanriel> ::grins and shakes his head a little:: I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head again, repeating herself:: Not at all. ::grinning:: Mistress Zoya says the same thing. Although my eyes *do* get tired sometimes. * Sanriel giggles a little. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: If you can "see" beyond what ordinary people see, it wouldn't surprise me that you can do that... your gift would indicate that, like the Kara-Turan archers, you're in tune with more than the usual. <Sanriel> I like the sound of that. ::shifts a little:: Now I *really* want to take my bow out and practice. <Glossaria> ::grins:: In your case, one type of practice may help the other. If you're better in tune with what you're doing, if you're more focussed, you may have better control over your visions, as well. <Sanriel> Think so? <Glossaria> Well, it's a valid theory, at least. ::blinks a few times, considering:: Tell me, have you noticed anything in particular that brings on your visions? <Sanriel> ::laughs:: I had a vision once when I was actually using my bow in practice... I almost skewered Gregory. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Not really. Nothing I can tell about, anyway. <Glossaria> Some of my research suggests that many psionic gifts begin with puberty. Sort of a mental menarche. ::grinning at her own obscure joke:: * Sanriel looks a little confused. <Sanriel> What's a puberty? <Sanriel> And a mental men.. menarche? <Glossaria> ::patiently, sounding as if she's reciting from a text in front of her:: Puberty is defined as the period in which an individual reaches maturity and first becomes capable of sexually reproducing. Marked by maturation of the reproductive organs and development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair in men. <Glossaria> ::blinking:: Meaning, when you can first make babies. * Sanriel looks at Glossaria with wide eyes, blushing fiercely. <Sanriel> ::quietly:: oh. that. <Glossaria> It's also marked by often traumatic hormonal changes, to go along with the physical ones. Lots of mood swings, violent emotions. And, some scholars believe, the beginnings of psionic talent, in those capable of it. <Glossaria> ::grinning at Sanriel:: It's when the opposite sex stops being "icky" and starts being... well, exciting. And mysterious. <Sanriel> ::shifts a little uncomfortably, nodding rapidly:: Umm.. I think I know what you meant, now. ::seems to want to hide behind his chair:: <Glossaria> Menarche is, specifically, puberty in girls. First menstruation. ::eyeing Sanriel for a moment, trying to decide how much of his silence is embarrassment and how much is lack of understanding:: When girls start to get their monthly bleeding. <Glossaria> ::cocks her head at him curiously:: Why is it that teenaged boys are so curious and eager about sex, and yet so shy to talk about it? * Sanriel hides his face in his hands, nodding speechlessly. * Sanriel mumbles something. <Glossaria> ::cocking an ear:: Sorry? * Sanriel takes a few deep breaths and lowers his hands, not quite looking at Gloss, face still burning and mumbles a little louder. <Glossaria> ::patiently:: Sanriel, I promise, I won't get offended by whatever you say. I'm honestly curious to hear your answer, and I have no difficulty discussing sex quite frankly. ::grinning suddenly:: Which makes Vallel no end of embarrassed, sometimes. <Sanriel> ::clears his throat, grinning suddenly:: I bet! <Sanriel> Um.. I don't really know... it's just one of those things you aren't supposed to talk about... <Sanriel> and.. I'm kinda shy around girls anyway... <Sanriel> Maybe it's because I was out in the forest most of the time once I was... umm, more interested. <Glossaria> ::reasonably:: Well, newness often causes shyness. Don't worry, it will get better as you gain in experience. But... how are you supposed to find out about such things without talking about them? ::looking concerned:: Untutored experimentation in this field can have... unwelcome side effects. <Sanriel> well you know... your parents tell you about.. things. The birds and the bees. So you're supposed to know what you need to. ::looks at Gloss a bit more curiously:: Didn't your parents tell you about that stuff? <Glossaria> Well, yes, in a way, but... I learned most of what I know from books. And subsequent experimentation. ::curiously:: Tell me, is there any sort of initiation tradition in your village? Fathers taking newly-matured sons to the village prostitute? Anything of that nature? <Sanriel> ::blushes:: Oh no no no. <Sanriel> ::takes a deep breath:: <Glossaria> Hm. Interesting. Some cultures do that. ::smiling suddenly:: Breathe, Sanriel. I don't want you passing out more than you already do. <Sanriel> I guess the way it's *supposed* to work is that your parents tell you about... how things work. And then maybe you fool around a little... like kissing and stuff. ::turns redder:: There's nothing wrong with that kind of thing. Then you find someone special and get married. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: I'm sorry... if this line of questioning makes you uncomfortable, we can go back to the psionics. It just happens to be an ongoing research topic of mine. ::her expression clouds for a moment, and she shakes her head, smiling it away:: <Sanriel> ::furrows his brow for a minute:: Are you alright, Glossaria? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head a bit:: You... caught me really off guard... *really* by surprise! ::laughs:: I'm not used to talking about this kind of thing, especially not with a girl. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: I'm alright. I just... bad memories, for a moment. ::looking at him:: And there's nothing wrong with *any* of "that kind of thing", you know. After all, it *is* how humans-- and most other higher lifeforms-- reproduce. <Glossaria> If there were something wrong with it... well, the heavens *and* the earth would probably be *very* empty. <Sanriel> ::re-blush:: Umm, I wouldn't really know. ::quietly:: <Sanriel> But I never really thought of it like that before... though I think mom and dad wouldn't really approve. ::grins a little:: <Glossaria> Well, I could teach you, normally I'd be happy to help, but I have no wish to be unfaithful to Vallel. But... if you *are* curious, you'll find that city people are much more open about such matters. A midwife like Goody Beatrice could probably recommend a nice woman who would teach you the basics discreetly, for a small fee. * Sanriel blushes furiously again <Sanriel> ::croaking a little:: umm.. thanks... that's okay. <Glossaria> ::holding up a hand before his nose starts to bleed:: But-- I'll say no more on the topic unless you ask me. I *did* have another question about your psionics, though. <Sanriel> ::waves a little, taking some deep breaths:: It's alright, it's alright... <Glossaria> ::grinning:: That's it. Breathe, Sanriel. ::getting up to open a window and let in some cooler air from the courtyard:: * Sanriel semi-covertly watches Glossaria, blushing anew, and looks down at his hands and shakes his head, just breathing. <Sanriel> okay... I'm okay. Thanks. ::smiles a little:: <Sanriel> You're a very surprising lady, Glossaria. ::still smiling:: <Glossaria> ::takes a seat again:: I'm sorry I embarrassed you. ::sighing:: I have the hardest time finding interview subjects on the topic, I think I get a little carried away when someone *is* willing to talk. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: I find I surprise many people. ::a little plaintively:: But... I just want to understand things. Is that so odd? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head a little:: I'm willing to try, if you want. You're... very different. ::smiles:: And very nice, and I'd like to help if I can. I'm sorry I'm so *shy*. <Sanriel> I guess we're all looking for some understanding. I came here to try and understand my visions... and to make sure I'm not going mad. And now I'm here with you trying to understand this reading and writing thing. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: It's alright. As I said, it's just inexperience. There's nothing at all wrong with being shy, unless you let it overwhelm you and keep you from doing things you really do want to do. <Sanriel> ::nods slowly:: I guess... though there are things you'd want to do that you shouldn't. ::looks away and blushes again suddenly:: But I guess good sense can still tell you those, right? <Glossaria> ::nodding:: And when you forget good sense, there's always the pressures of society-- which aren't always right either-- and law, and finally, the gods. It's a whole system. ::smiling:: It's *wonderful*, when you think about it. All these balances to help people.... <Sanriel> ::grins:: I mostly try to rely on the good sense Mom and Dad and my friends taught me. And try not to break the laws and pay homage to the right god when I'm supposed to. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Although it does good to think about how *you* feel about things, too. Because other people don't always know what's going to be right for you-- they don't have the same problems and experiences. And in some countries, the laws may go against what *you* believe to be right. ::grinning:: And as an apprentice priestess, I can tell you there's a wide difference of opinion on "the right god." <Sanriel> So.. umm.. what was that other question you wanted to ask me? <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Well.. like if you're going to travel you make an offering to one, if on the water, to another.. if you want a good hunt to one, praying for sickness to go away, another. We didn't have a priest or anything, so we just did what we could. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head quickly:: Oh! I'm sorry. I just wanted to ask what it is that you *do* remember from your visions, the few times that you have. And if you've noticed any sort of warning pattern... dizziness? Sports before your eyes? Headache, joint pain? ...when they come. <Glossaria> ::grinning:: Aside from the ache you get from knocking your head on the floor when you fall. <Sanriel> ::laughs:: I don't always fall down. I haven't since I got here.. but I think people keep catching me, too.... <Sanriel> umm... I sometimes remember a feeling, or an image, or a word. Just one thing. Usually it's nothing at all, though. <Sanriel> As for warning... ::shakes his head:: I never get any kind of warning. It's just *bam*! There it is! <Glossaria> Hm. ::thinking deeply after jotting a few more things on her paper:: When you meet new people, or go to a new place, well, like coming here... do you feel that you sense anything beyond the usual when you experience new things? <Sanriel> ::blinks a few times:: I don't think so... coming here was just... overwhelming. But that might have just been all the new things all at once. I *did* have a vision of some kind not long after I got here, when Val first took me to the school. <Glossaria> ::nods, and looks at him, cocking her head:: Have you ever tried to deliberately bring on a vision? <Glossaria> See something specific, or just *have* one when you wanted to? <Sanriel> ::looks a little surprised:: Well.... no. I haven't. Back home it was more of a bad and scary thing... a sign I was going mad, or that something awful was happening to me. And... and I just haven't really thought about it. <Sanriel> Would... should I try, do you think? Would it be dangerous? <Glossaria> ::chewing absently on the end of her pencil:: Well, the only danger from your unplanned visions seems to be that you fall down. And you *are* already sitting down. You say you get hungry or woozy afterwards, but you have no further classes scheduled for the day. It's a controlled environment, and you have someone to watch you. <Sanriel> well... I trust you to watch me. ::smiles:: And it could be kind of neat... I'm willing to give it a try if you'd like me to. <Glossaria> I'd like you to try, if you're willing. Just to see what will happen. ::nodding and putting her pencil down, half-getting up:: Um... what would make you more comfortable? I want to be ready to catch you, just in case, but I don't want to distract you. Especially if our recent conversation makes you somewhat uncomfortable in my proximity. <Sanriel> ::giggles a little:: You don't make me uncomfortable, Glossaria. Well, not much. Umm... I guess here in the chair is okay... I don't think I normally flop around. Maybe something to put behind my head? <Glossaria> No, from what I've observed in the past, you just... ::she makes a motion with the flat of her hand, straight down:: drop. Um... ::looking around, and grabbing a cushion from a couch in the hall:: Will this do? <Sanriel> I think so. ::takes the cushion and puts it behind his neck, sitting back to pin the pillow in place and letting his head lay back a bit on it:: * Sanriel takes a few deep breaths and relaxes a bit. <Sanriel> ::looks over at Gloss:: Is there anything you'd like me to try to have a vision about? <Glossaria> Hmmm... no, not at this point, I don't think. Let's not rush it. Just trying to have a vision when you *want* to is a start. Alright. ::speaking in a quieter voice, trying to sound soothing:: <Glossaria> Now... think about what you feel like when you're drawing and aiming your bow. Relaxed, but focused... try that. Relaxed... but focused.... <Sanriel> ::closes his eyes and smiles slightly:: you have a nice voice... ::takes a deep breath:: * Sanriel breaths deep and evenly, relaxing even more. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: Thank you. If you like, you can concentrate on my voice... open your mind... think ahead, think about your target... the target just beyond your sight... * Sanriel smiles slightly, breathing evenly... <Glossaria> Focus on the arrow of your thoughts, the feel of your bow, bringing the two things together... making them one. * Sanriel sits up suddenly, the pillow falling to the floor, and laughs out loud. <Glossaria> ::rises quickly and moves behind Sanriel, ready to catch him if he falls:: <Sanriel> ::jumps up and grabs Glossaria's hand:: Come with me! ::smiling like a loon:: * Glossaria blinks, looking utterly baffled yet fascinated, and allows herself to be dragged. * Sanriel bubbles with excitement and laughs freely, running down to his room with Gloss in tow. He ducks inside and grabs his bow and an arrow, then rushes outside. * Glossaria raises an eyebrow and follows, offering shrugging apology to a student they nearly run into in the halls, smiling a little as she begins to catch his bubbly excitement. <Sanriel> ::grinning widely, he takes Gloss away from the building a bit and smoothly strings his bow, straining just a little: Okay... watch this! ::flashing a big smile as he meets Gloss's eyes, then looks straight up, pointing his bow into the air, pulling back the string and the arrow, holding it steadily, his whole body stock-still:: * Glossaria nods and watches him intently. As he draws back his bow, she looks from him to sight along the direction of his arrow, mentally calculating angle and wind and taking a few steps back. * Sanriel moves his aim around slightly, then let the arrow fly. It soars up into the air at a slight angle, easy to lose against the clouds as it reaches the top of its flight. * Glossaria squints into the sky, shading her eyes and yet unable to see against the glare of the early afternoon sun. * Sanriel watches the arrow intently as it stops its ascent and falls. The wind catches it, and the arrow wafts around playfully, like a stick in the current of a stream. It falls, growing more visible. <Glossaria> ::standing her ground as the arrow arcs and begins to fall back to the earth, watching the patch where she expects it to land, and suddenly glancing at Sanriel:: You saw this? What it would hit, maybe? * Sanriel reaches up and catches the arrow as a last bit of wind seems to almost push it into his hand. He looks incredulous, staring at the caught arrow in shock. <Sanriel> I *did* it! <Glossaria> ::eyes widen as she looks over at the spot *she* expected the arrow to land, and looks back at the arrow in Sanriel's hand:: You saw it? And you remembered it? ::sounding excited:: <Sanriel> ::grinning like a loon:: I *saw* this! ::sweeping his hands out:: You and I out here.. on this spot. I didn't even have to look, I didn't doubt.. I *saw* myself catch it, and I *did* it! <Glossaria> ::hugs him delightedly, being careful not to get herself punctured:: Sanriel, congratulations!!! You DID it! <Sanriel> ::hugs Glossaria back happily, still grinning:: I did! And you helped! <Sanriel> I never would have thought of trying that! Well.. not until I was supposed to for a class or something. ::laughs:: <Glossaria> Oh, I just did the suggesting. *You* did it! This is your victory! You know what this means? You *can* control your visions! And you can remember them, too! And-- you didn't even fall unconscious! * Sanriel carefully unstrings the bow, winding the string carefully and stroking the wood gently, unable and unwilling to wipe the smile from his face. <Glossaria> ::practically dancing in her excitement:: And *I* get to record it! Your very first controlled use of power! <Sanriel> I can... Oh, Glossaria, this is wonderful! I still was kind of worried... but not anymore! <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Yes, you do! <Glossaria> ::grins:: It looks like your two skills are more closely related that you thought, hm? ::nodding to the bow:: <Sanriel> ::laughs again:: Maybe so... I think it helped. It feels like it helped a lot. <Glossaria> ::nodding eagerly:: *First* we go back in and get my notebook. *Then* we go tell somebody... perhaps Master Bluestar, in Tyl's absence? <Glossaria> ::grins wider:: And *then* we go celebrate. My treat! <Sanriel> ::laughs again:: Okay, sounds great to me! <Sanriel> ::offers the bow to Glossaria:: Would you like to hold her? You deserve to, if you'd like. <Glossaria> Her? ::cocking your head:: Your bow has gender? ::taking the bow carefully, running a finger down the wood and lifting it, for just a moment, delicately to her nose:: Mmm... rowan wood? And beeswax, too... <Glossaria> And... some sort of bird oil? I'm not as familiar with those.... <Sanriel> ::grins a little:: Well.. every bow has a feel to it. Gregory's was definitely a he. Mine isn't. <Glossaria> ::firmly:: Well, she's beautiful. ::hefting it:: And heavier than you make her look. <Sanriel> I can show you how I maintain her, if you like. There are a few things I use to keep the wood strong and supple... and water resistant. <Sanriel> It's all in how you hold her, Glossaria... ::changes her grip a bit:: she's a bow, not a stick. You have to respect her, and she'll know. <Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: I know she's not really aware or anything... but it's how I was taught... and it's how I ended up feeling. <Glossaria> ::nodding, with a small smile:: And not a wand or staff... No, it's alright. I think how you feel about your tools makes a strong difference in your ability to use them. I write faster with my favorite quill. Measurably so. ::grinning:: Though some of them *are* sentient. <Glossaria> ::tilting her head:: Even if it's simply some indefinable comfort... habit of long use. ::nodding as she hefts again:: It... *She* does feel different this way. Although I think I'd need a great deal more practice to be comfortable holding her. <Sanriel> ::smiles:: I guess it's in the respect and the love... they're pretty important. Maybe it brings you closer to where you should be or something. <Glossaria> ::looking a little abashed:: The only weapons I know how to use are a ritual dagger and a penknife. <Sanriel> ::chuckles a little:: It takes a very long time to use a bow well. <Glossaria> Well, aside from words, that is. <Sanriel> I use a petty long dagger.. too small to be a sword, those are just too expensive. <Sanriel> Words as weapons? ::thoughtfully:: I guess they can be... and much harder to fight... ::trails off, seeming to remember something:: <Glossaria> ::nodding to the bow as she hands it back to Sanriel:: And your bow? Did you make her? <Sanriel> ::flushes happily and nods:: Yes, I did... She's my third, and definitely my best. <Sanriel> Third one I made, I mean. I've only really used two. <Glossaria> ::grinning:: I certainly had you cowering in self-defense earlier. Just words. Well, and your upbringing. <Sanriel> ::blushes quickly:: Yes, you did! I wanted to just crawl away and die for little while there. ::laughs easily:: <Glossaria> ::pouncing on his laugh:: See? Familiarity. You're not as shy about it, now. One bawdy joke a day, and we could make you a cunning linguist yet. ::laughing at her own joke:: <Glossaria> But... two? What happened with the first you made? Or was it your second? <Sanriel> I was taught with another.. a training bow. Well, there were the smaller, much lighter ones a I learned a little. The first real one I used was someone else's that he made for me since I wasn't ready to make my own yet. She was a good bow, too... but I outgrew her, and I needed my own, made by my hand. <Sanriel> ::giggles:: I guess.. but if you started up again, I know my face would still get all red. * Sanriel smiles and looks a trifle lost at Gloss' joke. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: And... you've made three, altogether? <Glossaria> ::smiling impishly:: I'll explain it, if you like... but I know your face would get all red. ::the last said in the same tone he used:: <Sanriel> Yes... three full ones. The first two were okay, but not quite right. We usually managed to sell those. <Glossaria> But her...::nodding:: You were satisfied with her? <Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: How about later? I think I've had enough for today. <Glossaria> ::looking at him curiously:: She... felt right? <Sanriel> ::nods, smiling:: Oh yes... she's perfect. <Glossaria> ::grinning and nodding as she starts them on the way back to the classroom for her things:: Perhaps at dinner. ::grinning:: Then I can see if you snort beer out your nose when you're surprised. <Sanriel> One of the first things I learned was how to make a bow *for* someone. You have to know a bit about them, like how they shoot and such. This one... this was made by me precisely for me, and we did right by each other. * Sanriel laughs, looking slightly dismayed. *Glossaria nods, mentally tucking away the phrasing Sanriel used. * Sanriel stops off to leave his bow and the arrow in his room. <Sanriel> ::grinning:: It felt great to work with her again... I definitely need to find a way to practice again. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Marsember, I believe, has a reserve militia, as well as the Dragons. They most likely have a practice yard you may be able to use. And we can ask Mistress Lisl when she gets back. Or I can look up the laws for you... although the written law won't cover informal tradition, or others' territories.... <Sanriel> ::nods:: Yeah, those are the things I'd need to know. There are always people that have different rules, and it's the local ones that really matter. ::grins:: * Glossaria ducks into the classroom and retrieves her books, scribbling several notes quickly before closing her notebook and brandishing her pencil. "There we are. *My* mightiest weapon!" <Sanriel> I suppose I'll really have to approach the... the Dragons? And the reserve militia. I've just felt a little.. :laughs:: well, a little shy. <Sanriel> ::grins at Glossaria:: Is it a he or a she? <Glossaria> ::studies it:: Hm. Honestly, I don't know. Longer than wide, so probably a he, but... ::digs into her satchel and brandishes her red pencil:: THIS one is definitely a she. * Sanriel smiles, and touches Glossaria's pencils lightly. "I can tell you work together well." <Glossaria> ::puts her red pencil away and sticks the other behind her ear:: Alright, I've got everything. So...::eyes sparkling:: Who do we go tell first? <Sanriel> ::laughs:: I'd *like* to tell Val, first! But I've got no clue where he is. So.. Master Bluestar, maybe... though I'd almost rather wait to tell Lady Nightstorm. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: You keep your weapons honed, and so do I. And I treat them well and use them often. The secret, I read, to any great mastery of weapons. <Sanriel> I guess so. ::grinning:: <Sanriel> I like you, Glossaria. Val's a really lucky guy. ::beams:: <Sanriel> It's nice to know he'll be in good hands. <Glossaria> Hm. Val...::looking out the window at the sun:: Val is in a session right now, I believe. ::looking sad for a moment:: we can save the good news for later, when he'll appreciate it. So yes, Master Bluestar. ::starting off down the hall:: <Glossaria> ::blushing a little:: Thank you. Although I think that *I'm* the lucky one, to have someone like him. <Sanriel> ::hurries to catch up to Glossaria:: What was that look for...? <Glossaria> ::looking troubled:: Has Val told you what his sessions with the younger girls' class is for? <Sanriel> Sort of... a little. He's told me a bit about Charoli... ::shivers a little:: ...and what she did. <Sanriel> To him, at least. I think he didn't want to talk about anyone else in case they didn't want anyone else to know, so I didn't ask any further. <Glossaria> ::taking her lower lip between her teeth as Sanriel mentions her name:: Well, I don't wish to betray confidences, either. I'll simply tell you that I believe one of those sessions is in his schedule for this hour. <Sanriel> ::nods:: Okay, I won't pry any further.. but don't worry, it'll be alright. Val's a great guy, and I know he'll get through this all okay. ::smiles encouragingly:: <Glossaria> ::nodding vigorously as she quickens her pace a bit:: I have confidence that he will. He's the strongest, bravest man I know. ::biting her lip again:: But, he just... ::almost furiously:: It's *not* his fault, yet he thinks.... ::shakes her head and keeps walking:: <Sanriel> He's pretty smart, too. He'll straighten it out. Trust me, I've got a good feeling about this. And with me that might actually mean something! <Glossaria> ::smiles brilliantly, like the sun breaking through clouds, and stops dead in the hallway, hugging Sanriel fiercely as he runs into her:: Thank you, Sanriel. ::wiping her eyes:: Vallel's got a pretty good roomie, too. <Sanriel> ::blushes and hugs Gloss back:: Well thanks... ::takes Gloss's hands and squeezes them, smiling back:: I'm feeling pretty damn lucky to be meeting such good people and making good friends. It's really starting to feel like a new home. <Glossaria> I'm glad. After what you've been through, it sounds to me as though you deserve a good home. <Sanriel> ::looking a little wistful:: My village was a very good home... I sure was happy there. But I guess I just... needed a new one. I never *dreamed* I would find so much... ::tears up and blinks hard, then wipes at his eyes, smiling:: Sorry... ::sniffs hard:: <Glossaria> ::smiles:: It's alright. ::taking his hand and rushing down the hall:: Now come ON. We need to go tell Master Bluestar and get to the Shining Prow before the best tables are gone. And if we're too late, I'll just have to tell you what that joke meant in *front* of Master Bluestar. ::grinning wickedly:: <Sanriel> Ack, anything but that! ::laughs and rushes after Glossaria, grinning ear to ear:: |
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