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Post by Hadassah on Nov 8, 2023 8:21:21 GMT -5
Hadassah blushed as Sylvari lifted her chin, forcing her to look into her eyes, which she had been purposely avoiding in embarrassment after her novice performance. She thought she could accept the simple fact that she was not going to be an expert right away, but something about showing her skills to someone outside of her village for the first time made her feel disappointed in herself, as if she knew she could have done better. Perhaps it was the competitiveness in her showing up again, pushing her to go above and beyond, even though she didn’t have the training to do that yet. Alternatively, it was possible that Hadassah just wanted to impress her friend, something she hadn’t been able to do when they were in danger and it truly mattered. I don’t want to think about that right now.A small smile formed on Hadassah’s lips as she listened to Sylvari’s encouraging words, the feelings of embarrassment and doubt slowly fading away, replaced with hope and excitement for the future. This is just the beginning. Things can only get better from here, especially now that I have guidance. Hadassah repeated Sylvari’s uplifting words in her head, to be remembered if she began to beat herself up again. As Sylvari circled her to rest her hand on her back, Hadassah quickly relaxed, suddenly aware of the tension in her body. She listened intently as Sylvari explained the origin of her magic within her breath and lungs. Hadassah closed her eyes and focused on her breathing and Sylvari’s calming voice, imagining ocean waves lapping gently at a white, sandy beach. She felt the expanding and collapsing of her chest as she inhaled and exhaled, appreciating the relief in her lungs with each breath. As instructed, she quieted her mind as much as she could, and her emotions with it, focusing solely on her body and her breathing after a few minutes. On the next inhale, Hadassah slowly opened her eyes and held her hand out in front of her. On her exhale, she conjured a flowing stream of water from the palm of her hand, forming a long rope once again, though it felt somehow stronger and more intact than before. “ That felt different.” Hadassah said quietly, almost to herself as she examined the whip in her hand curiously.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 8, 2023 10:48:04 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled at Hadassah's quick grasp of theoreticals.
"Very good, Addie. When we concentrate on that which grounds us in our domain, we are able to draw from deeper within it, grasping at the source, you might say. I know it can be difficult, especially in combat, to empty yourself in this way, but proper technique may be the difference between life and death. We must become formless and void like the sea to call upon its full power, and the best way I have found is to practice until it becomes second nature, done without even thinking. That is another reason to focus on breathing."
Sylvari instructed her friend through several more breathing exercises, challenging Hadassah to conjure more intricate forms of water while maintaining steady breathing. Once convinced that Hadassah had a firm grasp of the basics, Sylvari added new variables: going through stretches and exercises while conjuring, engaging in a slowed-down mock combat while Hadassah maintained her concentration, and finally asking emotionally charged questions to see if her student's mental fortress would break when pressed.
"Forgive me for the personal nature of these questions. In fact, if you feel uncomfortable speaking about them, merely think about your response. The aim here is to see whether you get distracted when confronted by distressing or highly evocative thoughts. Now, conjure for me and answer my questions. Water shape a crown: what are your feelings regarding your parents? Conjure a whip and strike that tree bough: what makes a person truly good or evil? Wave strike this rock: what would you sacrifice to achieve your goals?"
After each of her questions, Sylvari paused to give ample time for Hadassah to cast and answer before immediately launching into her next query. She kept her face carefully neutral, her shining red eyes never leaving Hadassah's, even as she held the guilt of asking such personal things within. It's for the good of her training. Besides, it's important that an adventurer have resilience about these things, and better to have a friend challenge you than an enemy sunder you with weaknesses you didn't know you had. A justiciar principle.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 9, 2023 10:24:01 GMT -5
Hadassah nodded as Sylvari spoke, examining the rope of water in her hand for a moment more before letting it fall to the ground. She looked at Sylvari, her mind grasping at her descriptive words, again trying to breathe with purpose. She imagined how it would feel to breathe like this in combat, with the threat of death influencing her racing heart and the heat of her skin. Fear, anger, determination, survival, power, whatever she would be feeling at that time, all welling up within her, all at once. Is it truly possible to do this in a fight? She found it hard to believe, but nodded to Sylvari anyway, a sign that she would aim toward this goal despite the difficulty. If others can do it, so can I.As Sylvari instructed her, Hadassah felt the beginnings of her technique locking in place. She would try to remember how the exercises felt and played out so she could practice in the same way on her own. With each spell, Hadassah’s confidence grew just a little more, along with the understanding of the connections between her breath and her grasp of the ocean. As she was led through a few exercises involving slow paced combat, Hadassah began to piece together the practicality of this practice, understanding that with a lot more training and application, she would one day be able to do this to speed. Hadassah cocked her head at Sylvari’s apology, wondering where she might be going with her questions. Is this part of the training? She asked herself before Sylvari almost immediately answered her question. “ Don’t get distracted,” she said, taking a deep breath in preparation. “ I think I can do that.” Hadassah relaxed her body, quieting her inner voice and allowing the emotions within her to pass as she awaited Sylvari’s first question. At her request, Hadassah calmly formed a swirling sphere of water at her fingertips, concentrating on a crown shape as Sylvari began to question her. My mother- she quickly shut out the voice in her head, knowing this was a test. She could think about her parents after this drill. Though her thoughts threatened to penetrate the walls she put up in her mind, she focused her energy on the water in her hand, shaping it effortlessly into a crown before playfully setting it on her head. Clapping her hands together, Hadassah formed a whip of water and gripped it tightly before Sylvari could ask her next question. I like this question, said her inner voice. Good and evil were deep concepts that Hadassah often pondered for the sake of her own understanding of the world. It helped to think about what made her enemies her enemies, and why, but for now, that wasn’t important. As she breathed out, she cracked the whip toward the tree, striking it slightly off target, but striking it nonetheless. She scrunched up her face in displeasure, but quickly relaxed as she remembered Sylvari’s encouragement from earlier. At least I hit it. Focusing on the rock Sylvari motioned to, Hadassah raised her arms in a fluid motion, drawing more water to herself. At this moment, her only goal was to send a crashing wave over the target, so she gently pushed her thoughts to the side and focused on that. Blowing air through her mouth, she pushed forward once again, hurling the water around her toward the rock in a large wave. She smiled proudly as the wave crashed against the rock, precisely where she wanted it. She grinned as she turned to look at Sylvari, awaiting her input.
- Shape water
- Water whip
- Water wave
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 9, 2023 10:47:21 GMT -5
Sylvari carefully studied Hadassah's eyes as she stood across from her friend, unmoved by the sea arcana crashing at various points around her. No, the justiciar was much more concerned with the movements of her pupil's mind, and to that end, her crimson orbs stared, unblinking, at the windows of her friend's soul. Sylvari had found that few were able to hide their true intent from her under this intent scrutiny, the unorthodox nature of her eyes only adding to her puncturing pressure.
Internally, Sylvari swelled up with pride at Hadassah's efforts, even though the mask of her face betrayed no emotion. There were small distractions in the exercise, Sylvari saw the quick little eye twitches of processing information under pressure, but Hadassah admirably quelled these little rebellions almost immediately, focusing entirely on the task at hand. Finally, when her friend's efforts came to full fruition, Sylvari allowed herself to grin and nod.
"Well done, Addie. When the world threatens to overtake you, retreat your heart into the enveloping embrace of the sea to portion your emotions and act logically. It will save your life: it's saved mine."
Craning her neck to see a rapidly descending sun, Sylvari gave a quick nod. "Perhaps time for one more exercise, then. Are you ready for a proper duel?"
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 9, 2023 12:28:51 GMT -5
Hadassah’s eyes widened in subtle shock. She leaned slightly forward and turned her ear in Sylvari's direction, the gears in her head turning as she processed what she’d just heard. “A duel,” she repeated slowly as nervousness grew within her belly and spread to the rest of her body. “A duel against you?”
She tried not to seem timid, but it was clear by the loss of color in her cheeks that she didn’t feel adept to duel Sylvari, even if it was just for training. Even then, Hadassah had become dependent on her fists to fight until now, and this would be her first time using her magic against another person. Going against the twisting in her stomach, she agreed she wouldn’t back down from such a challenge, especially knowing that it would be against a friend. After all, she’d just been taught how to better control her magic and felt more confident in doing so. This will be good practice. I can do this, Sylvi is my friend, she won’t hurt me. It’s only an exercise.
“I’m ready,” Hadassah said, hoping her lie wasn’t obvious. She cleared her throat, straightening up. “Just go easy on me. Are there any rules or limitations to this duel?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 9, 2023 14:29:49 GMT -5
Sylvari shook her head, an odd smile on her face at Hadassah's questions.
"No, Addie, I think we have been through enough today to risk further injury to either you or myself that even a practice duel could bring. However, there was a reason other than isolation I chose to train outside the city. I have a little helper that can act as a live sparring partner. Well, 'live' might not be the best phrasing..."
As Sylvari spoke, she wandered over to an otherwise ordinary looking patch of grass by the tree in the small clearing. She bent down to a crouch and gently caressed the earth, as if stroking the fur of a pet.
"Come, little Noe. I have need of you, and I'm certain you'll enjoy the opportunity to play."
In response to Sylvari's words, the was a tiny tremor in the earth, as the ground she touched began to be mulched from below. In a manner of seconds, a small, skeletal dragonling head poked up out of the earth, clacking its jaws and humming up at her [Necromancer, Undead Servant]. Sylvari smiled and stroked the bony crest of its nose as the creature fully extricated itself. About the size of a small cat came the wings and body of a miniature dragon, all bone. It sat like an obedient child, gazing up at the justiciar as if awaiting a command.
"Noe, this is my friend Addie. I would like you to spar with her. No claws, please, just tap touches, like we practiced." The little creature bobbed its head it acceptance, but craned its neck to look over at Hadassah, a small humming whine escaping it.
Sylvari smiled and sighed. "Oh, very well, you can greet her first. Gently, if you'd please."
His mistress' final command slowing his bounding stride somewhat, the tiny dragon still rushed up to Hadassah, sitting impatiently before her, tail wagging.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 9, 2023 15:12:08 GMT -5
Hadassah raised an eyebrow in confusion as she watched Sylvari walk over to a small patch of grass and pet the ground. She hesitated to ask, nor was she sure about what exactly she thought Sylvari was doing, but whatever she had been thinking was completely and utterly wrong. Hadassah flinched, feeling the earth tremble beneath her, just enough for her to notice. She furrowed her brows, watching closely as the skeleton of a little dragon broke through and crawled out of the ground to sit patiently beside Sylvari. “How did you do that?” She asked, the corner of her mouth angling up in a tiny smile. “Noe is a cute name.”
Hadassah smiled gently as she watched Sylvari interact with the dragon, stroking him and giving him instructions to be gentle. I would wager that this little baby could probably rip me to shreds, but he seems so precious. She cocked her head, blinking as the little creature rushed up to her, his small boney tail wagging like a puppy. She chuckled softly before stooping down to lightly pat the dragon’s head, which she admitted, felt a tad odd as she’d never pet a creature of bare bone before. “A pleasure to meet you little Noe,” she whispered to him before looking up at Sylvari with a sad pout. “I have to duel your sweet baby?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 9, 2023 17:27:04 GMT -5
Sylvari looked on with fondness for both her friend and her little servant as the pair interacted with an idle smile on her face. She remained unmoving even as she answered Hadassah's questions.
"You probably had an inclination from our encounter with the cat in the city, but conjuring a wall of bones is not where my skill ends. Necromantic energy is a necessary fact of my continued existence, and though I struggled against it for many months after my change, I received compelling advice that this was counterproductive. Denying what I am only limits my effectiveness for helping others without any tangible benefits other than a hollow sense of self-righteousness. So I have vowed to only use my powers towards my goal of justice and pursue them to mastery as I would any other aspect of myself.
"When you think about it, necromancy is not altogether different from any other type of conjuration or summoning; it merely uses fallen bones as catalyst. It's not as if I disturb the rest of peaceful spirits; I merely animate bodies that no longer have a purpose. That said, I am aware of common perceptions and, thus, have elected to not practice in civilizations to avoid harming my trustworthiness. I trust you, though, Addie."
Sylvari punctuated her speech with a grateful smile and a heavy sigh, before continuing on to Hadassah's other query, laughing at her friend's glum expression. "I assure you, Noe is stubbornly resilient, but even so, he won't be fighting you in this form."
The justiciar snapped her fingers and Noe heeled immediately, diving back into the earth to emerge seconds later as a child-size gargoyle of bone, more solid and fierce-looking. "He just prefers greeting people in his travel mode, for obvious reasons, given the reception."
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 9, 2023 18:16:16 GMT -5
“ Well,” Hadassah started with a smile, “ I trust you too, Sylvi. And I’m glad that you’ve accepted this part of yourself. Your powers don’t seem evil to me, it just takes some getting used to, that’s all. They’ve been especially useful today.” She spoke clearly to Sylvari at first, then to no one in particular as she lost herself momentarily, continuing to pet Noe’s head in contentment. She was truly only half listening to Sylvari as she replied to her second question before Noe disappeared back into the earth, to Hadassah’s dismay. She frowned deeply once little Noe returned as a boney, ugly gargoyle, taller and more frightening than before. She felt guilty for how quickly she became attached to the cute, undead creature under Sylvari’s command, but she really did find him quite adorable. She stood up and took a step back from this new version of Noe; the version that she felt more willing to fight, despite her momentary sadness. “ I liked his travel mode,” Hadassah mumbled under her breath. As practiced, she returned her attention to her breathing and, with much effort, quieted her mind and body enough for her to quickly conjure a good amount of water to start with in the shape of flowing spirals around her hands and between her fingers. Though she wanted to grumble and complain, she pushed everything she wanted to say and feel deep within herself, to be dug out later if they were still there at all. He’s made of bones, it’s not a big deal.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 9, 2023 18:51:01 GMT -5
Sylvari chuckled once again at Hadassah's sad murmurs, even as she mentally directed Noe to attack [Necromancer, Undying Frenzy], attempting to catch her friend off guard and see how she reacted.
Noe's empty eye sockets, which looked admittedly fiercer in his attack form by dint of their narrowed profile, became positively bone-chilling, as purple black lich lights flickered to life within them at his mistress' command. The little creature got into a low stance, very reminiscent of Sylvari herself when she readied for a charge, as it studied Hadassah for a moment, visually probing her for weaknesses.
After a brief interlude, Noe launched forward, surprisingly quick, but still much more manageable than if Sylvari was in his stead. Sylvari brought a pale hand to her chin and adopted a thoughtful expression as her minion unleashed a barrage of attacks on her pupil. She had specifically molded his frame this time to remove the razor-sharp claws this form normally housed, and she was pleased to see that Noe followed her instructions to the letter, each of his thrown blows open-handed palm strikes, meant to briefly sting and show Hadassah where her defense had failed.
Noe is a tricky opponent for anyone. His smaller frame is different than the kinds of creatures we normally fight, and his lower center of gravity makes evading or deflecting his strikes awkward. Come on, Addie. Impress me. I know you can do this.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 12, 2023 5:30:56 GMT -5
A chill slithered down Hadassah’s spine as a purple light flickered within Noe’s empty eye sockets. More than anything, Hadassah wondered how something so cute and sweet could become something like nightmare fuel in a matter of seconds, but that wasn’t important now. Shaking the thought from her mind, Hadassah mimicked Noe’s stance a little, bending her knees and turning her body forty-five degrees, the water spreading and spiraling around her upper arms in preparation for whatever was going to come next. She flinched as Noe bolted toward her and began to attack her, especially getting a few good hits on her unprotected sides. She was certainly thankful for Noe’s lack of claws as she grunted at the sting of his hard palms striking her. She quickly reacted by getting lower to protect her torso as best as possible despite the awkwardness of her position. Returning to her roots in hand-to-hand combat for a moment, Hadassah swung both fists purposely at Noe, one after the other in an attempt to stun or push him away from her so she had time to make an attack of her own. She returned to focus on her breathing which had gotten away from her briefly, the water around her shaking and swirling violently. At her will, the droplets of water came together instantly as she thrust her hands forward, sending a wave of water hurtling at Noe.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 12, 2023 18:17:13 GMT -5
Sylvari watched intently as Hadassah fought, noting all the small imperfections in her stance and movement as the bought continued. Eventually, as Hadassah pushed Noe off long enough to send out a wave of water, Noe's little frame was hurled against the nearby tree, where his bones broke apart and scattered like coins from a cut purse on the street.
Displaying no concern for her servant, Sylvari stepped forward to her friend with a slight frown on her face. "Feet wider apart. Against a smaller opponent especially, you must have a low center of gravity to dodge effectively. And fight to your strengths. It would be one thing for me, armored as I usually am, to bear the brunt of the enemy's attacks, but you do not have this luxury. Your strength is in your freedom of movement: so move. 'The warrior rooted like a tree will be felled where they stand, but she who bends like a reed will be triumphant.'"
Through Sylvari's entire dispassionate speech, Noe had slowly pulled his scattered fragments together again and looked to his mistress for next instructions. Without turning to acknowledge him, Sylvari merely stepped back and commanded, "Again."
And so was the pace of the training until afternoon had well and truly waned into night: Noe testing every defense Hadassah could muster, eventually being dispatched, and Sylvari stepping forward to announce where the fight had devolved. Over and over, round and round, at a pace only slightly less grueling than what Sylvari subjected herself to. Only when the moon had risen to light the small clearing and Hadassah's breaths came hard and heavy did Sylvari finally call an end.
"Enough. That is adequate for the day. I daresay now you've earned that drink, Addie," Sylvari jested with a smile, her first in the hours since training had begun. As Sylvari spoke, Noe converted back to his little dragonling form and nuzzled up to Hadassah's shin, as if to say in his own way that he approved of her progress.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 18, 2023 17:54:56 GMT -5
Hadassah watched in concern as Sylvari approached her, fighting against the feelings of failure despite the obvious fact that this was a training session. She took a breath, bracing herself for the instruction she was about to receive, reminding herself that she was not perfect and was deserving of grace. As Sylvari instructed, Hadassah quickly processed and reacted, fixing her body to reflect what Sylvari was describing as she took in her friend’s wisdom. Of course, she knew she had to move during a fight, especially given her lack of armor, but she had never fought anything shorter than herself, so she admitted how odd it felt being up against Noe. Nevertheless, she took Sylvari’s much needed and necessary advice enthusiastically, applying her new lessons to her training once Noe was back together and ready for another duel. As Hadassah trained, she felt her understanding of her power had grown substantially more than before the training session, and by the time the sun had set beyond the horizon and she was wet with sweat and her lungs were exhausted form the exercise, she felt she might just be able to survive using her abilities if she needed to.
Hadassah huffed as her breath began to catch up to her, turning to Sylvari as she wiped the sweat from her chin. “I would say I have also earned a drink,” she said breathlessly, feeling proud of herself for making it through her very first real training session in a while. “Thank you again for taking the time to do this, Sylvi. You are a very good teacher.”
She smiled, feeling relieved and happy as she watched Noe return to his little dragon form. “Thank you for going easy on me,” she laughed, kneeling down to pet his head. “You are one tough little thing, aren’t you?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 20, 2023 10:37:05 GMT -5
Noe puffed out his little chest pridefully and basked in Hadassah's praise, weaving between her legs as a cat might. This elicited a suppressed giggle form his mistress at his antics. She regarded Hadassah with crimson eyes that seemed gentler than they had been in her imperious training mode.
"You are most welcome, dear Addie. I wish nothing more than to be able to protect all those dear to me. Unfortunately, I am not able to be everywhere at all times. Knowing you are capable of defending yourself is even better. Take confidence in your progress, my friend. You've continued a life-long journey of mastering your physical and arcane form. I daresay you'll be a preeminent sage in the field in no time if you continue with such fervor."
Sylvari's layered praise was a stark contrast to the cut and dry advice given during the training session, as if she was drawing on different examples of leadership for each activity, blending harsh critique with glowing fortification.
"Well, let's be off. We can return to the tavern from earlier if you have a longstanding agreement there, or I know a few reputable establishments within the city. I'm certain we can get you a bath before we relax for the evening." Sylvari wore an impish smile. "Warm water for bathing is the only thing I long for when I'm out on the road, so best to take the time to enjoy it while in civilization." Sylvari left out the part that the sentiment was no longer really true, only a sense of nostalgia driving her preference, as temperature extremes didn't do much to affect her any longer.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 20, 2023 12:15:59 GMT -5
Hadassah laughed happily as Noe weaved between her legs. She didn’t grow up with pets and had never owned a pet before, but she imagined they must be fun to have if they were anything like Noe, especially when they aren’t towering over you and trying to kill or eat you. Though she acknowledged that Noe was very special and no animal would be like him, she now wished for a little friend of her own, despite the clear differences. Perhaps when I get a nice place of my own one day, I will adopt a sweet little kitten or puppy, she thought as she continued to play with Noe for a moment.
She smiled up at Sylvari, feeling glad and grateful to have made such an amazing friend. It wasn’t often that Hadassah met someone that cared enough about her to not only protect her, but then teach her the necessary skills to protect herself in the future. That felt like something a true friend would do, as it took time and energy to teach someone, especially someone relatively new to their power and the ways of magic. Now that she had a more solid foundation to build upon, she could train more effectively until her next lesson, whenever that would be.
Hadassah bowed her head at Sylvari’s praise in thanks, acknowledging her gentle change in tone. She was beginning to appreciate the complexities of Sylvari, from the sternness of an instructor, to the gentle kindness of a noble knight. If Sylvari believed that she had the potential to become a skilled sage, then Hadassah had to believe her. Sure enough, Hadassah would continue to train and learn to become the best version of herself, no matter how much time it took.
Hadassah stood up and clapped her hands together quietly in excitement. “Surprise me. You have been here longer than I have, so I’m sure you know which tavern sells the best ale. As for that bath,” Hadassah rested her tired hand against her hip and sighed deeply. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a nice bath. That sounds absolutely wonderful.” It would be a good excuse to wear my new dress as well. At least for a little while until I can get these washed.
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