Naressa absentmindedly tapped her fingers against the arm of her chair and wondered when the last time she had nervous had been. The reason she was nervous now was because she had done something unusual for her, she had actually advertised for students rather than teaching one who came to her. Well, she was getting old and didn’t feel like being patient. Though, she wondered what type of people would walk through her door and if any would be as gifted as her previous two students.
About now, the housekeeper was probably letting the prospective students in so it would only be a couple of minutes before they arrived. She rose from the chair, thinking she shouldn’t look disinterested. Then changed her mind and sat down again.
“Why act differently?� Naressa thought, “If they get chosen they’ll have to get used to it, might as well start as I mean to go on.�
Naressa liked to be strict and ruthless with her students and she knew that some of them will be put off and might question her technique. But she was a world class sorceress and her students were world class mages and known for their abilities and she hadn’t been lenient with them at all.
Hearing footsteps coming down the corridor, Naressa prepared herself just before the door opened. Inside walked 8 mages of varying ages but all quite young followed by the housekeeper who shut the door behind them.
Naressa motioned to the various seats in the room, “Sit down.�
[OOC Don't ya just love the Naruto-esk title lol. I wanted more than just you two to show up that's why there's 8 so feel free to play the extra mages]
Johnathan Foolsfoot was no the best 'wizard' in the world. In fact, he was far from it. So far the only uses he had found was baking, starting the cooking fire and juggling fireballs (thanks to his sistar Fiona). He could also make his nose glow bright red but he wasn't shore if that counted, it was more likely a taint from his father or sister. He blamed his lack of talent to the fact that he still lived in Connloath, earning his keep as a baker.
He had been packing up at the end of the day when two men had talked about a sorceress advertising for students. it was a strange thing to hear people talking about magic in Connloath so he assumed that she must have been very powerful, either that or a trap to catch any magic users. He had stopped his work and listened intently, deciding he would find this woman. It wasn't like Fiona was going to visit him any time soon, so he'd left a cryptic-note and set forth the next day.
He tapped on the door, hesitating. There were seven others with him, some of them looked stranger than Fiona was. They were to undergo a test. He imagined large displays of magic, large tomes of forbidden magic (all magic was forbidden in Connloath) and fancy devices that had strange and incomprehensible uses. A housekeeper led them into a large room, with desks. He had never gone to a school but Fiona had told him tales of hers. It was a bit of a dissapointment really. Hers had had coloured charts and strange objects hanging from the roof.
'Sit down'
He obeyed, wonderring what they were really going to do. Hopefully not a written test, he had never got the hang of reading.
PS. It is a nice title, I must watch Naruto some day.
Late, late, always late…Sylvia cursed herself as she hurried through the forest. Her tiny little body tore past the shrubbery and low hanging branches, not caring how many twigs she injured, or how many leaves she crashed through.
Kra’jit!
It’d only been a few weeks since she’d escaped from the Necromantia Dungeons- she had no clue where her last companion had disappeared off to- the escape had been somewhat of a palaver, really.
Magic.
She snorted in disdain at the word. Magic had been what helped them escape; magic had also been what went wrong, causing her to be whirlwinded onto this godforsaken land. All her problems began and ended with magic.
“Why couldn’t I have been a normal water nymph?� The little sprite muttered grumpily to herself, throwing a disdaining glare at a squirrel which had paused rooting for nuts to take in this odd sight.
Oh no, she had to be different. She had to be born with the element of lightning. What a joke. What a curse. There really was no rest for the magically challenged.
Sylvia stomped a few more feet forwards, and suddenly, wham, the oaken door was before her.
“Kra’jit,� she cursed again, wiping her nose ruefully. Those damn magical people, with their fancy hidden doors!
Gathering her wits, she knocked upon the door and was greeted by a woman, who looked puzzled.
“Down here,� Sylvia cooed, waving.
“Ah right, didn’t see you,� the housekeeper chuckled.
“I was kinda hard to miss in Necromantia,� she muttered, but smiled pleasantly at the woman. She gave all her necessary details, explained what she was here for, and the housekeeper let her in.
“Go along the corridor, and take the only door on your right.�
“Okies,� Sylvia said with a salute, before rolling her eyes, skin prickling at all the magical energy in the place. She felt like a house…on fire.
Breathe. In, learn how to control your power, then out, and no more encounters. A quiet peaceful life, away from everybody.
Taking another breath, she composed herself and with the most confident air, strode down the corridor and joined the other students. Either this would be most fun, or the second to worst mistake in the world, the first being not choking herself whilst still in the womb.
((Sorry if it's looong!! :P))
Dakarai had wandered about the realm for quite some time, sniffing at various flowers and stealing whatever he could get his porky hands on. It was a good life, and though he was a pig-man, he did not mind it. It was not until he had heard rumors of a Magic Class beginning that he decided to further his Mage studies. Oh yes, this piglet was quite the spell caster! Many-a-time he would find himself stuck in a tree after casting a spell with no recollection of what had gone on. Poor little fellow, Dakarai was. Not much of a thief, either. Portly hands were not meant for the casting of spells or the stealing of items, for they always got in their own way. But he was a pig of prestige, and would not allow failure!
Thus, here he stood before an oak door with seven other varying students. All ages, shapes and sizes stood before himâ€"but for some reason the pig biped felt out of place. Being such a being meant that you would constantly smell, be short on smarts, and have porky attitude about yourself. A nearly inaudible squeal of dissatisfaction left his thin lips, robed arms crossing over the barrel of his chest. Hast I knownth there’d be so many maybeh I’d’ve continued wit’ duh thievery.
Poor little pompous pig man, though it was not his fault he had been born so hideous. Many had called him cute at times, but with a mug and body of a pig how could one be deemed beautiful? It was not in his racial heritage to be intellectual or gorgeous, but it was in passed down through generation-to-generation to be crafty. Those little eyes would look from the seven faces, two of which he found strikingly young. He was a middle aged pig with nothing to fall back on but second rate wizardry and a losing battle with thievery. Why is it that the weak are always so downtrodden? Maybe it is for the fact that life has not given them a big enough cookie, though they always live to see tomorrow.
Finally the oak door opened, and the tiny little pig of a man jumped back, hoofed fingers rising to guard his beautiful face. It was after a momentary feeling of disbelief that Dakarai would lower his digits from his visage and peer into the classroom. It was neat and tidy, and before him sat an older woman; her dull auburn hair gave away her age. That little man would step into the classroom, his sandals slapping roughly against the ground as he took a seat next to a Foolsfoot; beady eyes moved up and down the being, and a snort left his glistening snout.
“Bestest watch meself,� spoke the pig to himself, loud enough for most to hear. “For with thee humans around, I mays be roasted wit’ an abble in meh mouth.�
Naressa glanced along the visibly nervous students, most were human but there was a small winged creature and a humanoid pig as well. She hadn’t actually expected people that strange to come but then again variety was a good thing.
“I assume most of you know who I am,� Naressa began, “But for those who don’t I am Naressa Velas, World Class Sorceress 1st Degree. Some of you may have heard of my two previous students Cirau Breeze and Dalisme Panelen. Both of them are exceptional mages and believe me, I only take on people who I think also have the potential to become exceptional mages.�
She paused for effect, “I shall warn you now, if any of you think your training will be easy or expect me to be gentle with you, leave now. I will only take on people I think will be dedicated and will take their training seriously. Also if any of you are not prepared to pick up a book, or practice daily then there is no place for you here.�
Naressa remembered when she first took Dalisme on as a student she had moaned constantly about all the reading she had to do, but she had gotten used to it eventually. Cirau was the opposite, he always had his head in a book and Naressa sometimes found it difficult to pry him away from the library for practical exercises.
Naressa rose from her chair, “Unless you want to be hit by flying furniture I advise you move to the edges of the room now.�
She had put the desks out for effect; the test they were taking was of a more practical nature.
Johnathan breathed a sigh of relief when the desks started moving, he wouldn't have to try to read anything yet. He looked up to see the furniture and hurried across the room. He tripped up and narrowly missed something big and wooden hitting him. He felt terribly embarressed, guessing that this is how Fiona must feel daily. He stood next to the piglike fellow and smiled nervously.
OOC: sorry it's short.
Sylvia jutted her chin out impulsively, and fought an urge to disobey the woman. Both attracted to and repulsed by magic, it was no wonder she was so jittery. When one of the students tripped up, Sylvia started nervously, before darting out of the way. She didn’t want to be around someone who would be -that- clumsy.
Now she was in the room, she had time to assess the other students. The person who tripped up looked perpetually embarrassed, there was a pig-like fellow, a few humans, and another short sprite. Sylvia stood next to the sprite. Although different races, she took comfort that another small being was here.
“Hello,� the other sprite said. The sprite was male, and had pale green mottled skin, and locks of curly hair that seemed to change colour whenever the light shone on it.
Sylvia smiled tensely, and nodded, but didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what bag of tricks the woman had up her sleeve, so kept her attention focused on Naressa.
Holved fingers flew into the air as a desk propelled toward his head. There was a snap as those little fingers clicked togther, sparks erupting into the air. That wooden desk halted before the piglet, the wood shivering as it hovered before his face. A crack rippled down the middle of the desk as it began to fold in upon itself, until finally it formed a much... smaller... desk. There it sat, the mini-desk before the pig, maybe be enough for a sprite. Those porkish features would look devlish as he smiled and let the little desk continue on its course, shifting to the right to allow it to pass.
Behind him were two sprites, and the pig man would make his way toward them. Most of the sprites he had seen were mischevious and always up to no good. But alas, this pig was as unlucky as you came, and just as he made his way to the two smaller folk a wooden desk struck him from behind. That stout little pig was sprawled across the floor, squeals exploding from his snout.
Naressa sighed internally, a few of the candidates did get hit by flying furniture and others tripped in their attempt to escape the levitating desks. The pig-creature however clicked his…fingers? And the desk folded in on itself and became much smaller. She didn’t know if it was showing off or not but still, if it was untrained being able to that was quite impressive.
The area now clear, she stepped out into the centre of the room.
“One at a time I want you to step forward, tell me you name and powers then demonstrate your abilities in any way you choose. And should you be as foolish as my first student to request your test be a duel then so be it.�
Surprisingly Cirau, now one of the most pacifistic people she knew had chosen a duel as his test. Obviously he hadn’t come close to winning but she had decided to accept him because of his potential and fighting spirit.
“Now, who wants to be first?�
Johnathan hesitated but stepped forward.
'I am Johnathan Foolsfoot. I am a fire mage,' his voice was a bit quakey.
He lifted his arms and pushed up his sleeves, which were a little burnt at the ends. He hadn't exactly done any tricks since he was a child, he mainly used his powers to cook with. Four little fireballs appeared in his hands and he juggled them. He glanced up and saw that people were looking at him and accidently dropped one. He jumped backwards as one fell on his shoe.
'I mainly use my magic for baking. I'm a baker,' he murmured. He felt very foolish.
When the pig man got knocked over, it was all Sylvia could do, to keep herself from giggling. Ah, what a fool he looked, she thought. Poor little piggy! Her hands were balled up into fists which were raised to cover her tiny mouth. By her side, she heard the tinkling laughter of the male sprite, like bluebells.
Sylvia composed herself, with a visible effort. She was here to learn. She needed to get over her prejudices...even if most of the people here seemed really odd, and people that she would cross to the other side of a raging river to avoid.
When the first person stepped forwards, she thought for a second that he seemed fairly normal. But then again, his normal appearance seemed to compensate for his clumsiness. Of course, all of these thoughts were thoughts she kept to herself. She just sincerely hoped that there wasn't a mind reader in the group.
"Tough luck." Another giggle.
Sylvia spun round, eyes wide. The other sprite was leaning against the wall, with a lazy smile plastered across his face.
"Heh."
Sylvia's face darkened slightly.
"Shh, I won't tell," the other sprite said. "I'm Lief. Pleased to meet you, Sylvia."
"Hmm," she murmured, with slight distaste. "Please don't filch my mind anymore."
"Oh no," he whispered. "I can't really mind read, I can just read you like a book."
"Hmm."
"The nuances of your aura," he explained at her puzzled expression. "Not good for much else apart from shielding."
Sylvia glanced back at everyone else to see what was going on. How bad would it look, for two students on the first day to be huddled in a corner, too engaged in their own conversation to be paying attention to the teacher?
((Heh heh, feel free to pick on and victimise Sylvia!))
[OOC Juggling Jester didn't post so I thought screw it and posted, sorry it's short, we'll just skip them until they start posting again]
Naressa watched the boy juggle the fireballs with a hint of disinterest; simple magic tricks. Though when he mentioned he did use his powers for a more practical use, i.e. baking, that sparked her interest. He might have some potential, he was a little clumsy but Dalisme had been and unfortunately still was to some extent.
"Alright, next please."
She then noticed the two sprites like beings engaged in conversation. It wasn't their turn yet but still it was very rude, that did not bode well for them... Naressa clicked her fingers and fireworks began appearing around the two beings, catching the attention of all the other students.
"If you are two not going to have the common curtsey to pay attention whilst the others show their abilities then just leave."
Johnathan stepped back, he was feeling a bit glum. The teacher obviously had skill with fire so his would look even more feeble. He had hoped that she would be able to help him with his fire skills. He sighed a little too loudly, he was no worse off than when he left the bakery really.
Johnathan looked up and waited for the next person to step up. Maybe the woman would have the girl that was natterring away step up next. She looked a bit like a bimbo, but not as much as his sister had. His sister was the strongest, smartest person he knew. Maybe the girl would like him.
"Waaaah!"
Sylvia jumped up suddenly as the fireworks sprang up around her, making her feel so threatened that the tips of her fingertips began to spark themselves. Tiny pinpricks of electricity danced about her hand, which were clenched solid with her frozen body, and around Sylvia, crackling waves of static began to emanate into the room, making everyone's hair stand up on end.
By the time she'd collected herself, it was too late.
Everyone was staring at her.
Greeeeat.
She swallowed, and made herself visibly smaller. Maybe waving at them would diffuse things. Behind her, Lief, the other sprite, sniggered, and Sylvia's elbow shot out, making contact with the fleshy bit of his arm to shut him up.
Naressa sighed internally, maybe advertising for students hadn't been such a good idea...
The female sprite was obviously a lightning mage or possibly just had a basic ability to control static...
"You can be next," Naressa said to her menacingly, "But you do not get to choose how you display your powers. You will face me in a duel."
Okay perhaps that was a little bit harsh but it wasn't like Naressa was going to kill her, just teach her a lesson. The sorceress clicked her fingers again and all the other students appear in the gallery above the room.
"You'll be safer up there, this might get dangerous," she explained smiling threateningly.
Okay maybe this was more fun than she had thought originally. She wasn't going to hurt the sprite all the much unless she turned about to be one heck of a fighter but still, she liked to mess with people who rude.
Johnathan looked from the sprite to the teacher. They both looked so powerful, especially the teacher, she was scary. He shifted form one foot to the other, thos was going to be exciting. Perhaps after this everybody would forget his feebleness. if he didn't get in he could always offer to be the cook.
((Hehe Sylvia is a water nymph, guys!! XD))
"But you do not get to choose how you display your powers. You will face me in a duel."
Sylvia's lip twitched slightly as she decided just how important her pride was to her. The menacing tone of Naressa did not bode well for Sylvia and she resisted the urge to point out that by making her duel, she would still have to display her powers anyway.
"This is your fault," she hissed to a still sniggering Lief.
Stupid sprites. Just because they were of a similar size didn't mean that they had anything else in common with water nymphs.
"You'll be safer up there, this might get dangerous."
Sylvia snorted in response to Naressa's words. Just how dangerous could this get...really. Her mind rewound back to the accidents of her village so many years ago, but she shut those images out. It hadn't been her fault back then. Now though...she had some semblance of control over her magic.
Even as she thought this, a few sparks erupted from her fingertips.
Screw all that being humble crap.
"Right, what do you want me to do then?" She took a step forwards, and faced Naressa with all of her slender five-foot tall body. Folding her arms, she drummed the flesh of her arms with her fingers, ever so slowly, projecting an air of confidence. Knowing Naressa though, she'd probably see it as insolence, but whenever Sylvia felt threatened, her sarcasm went into overdrive. "Guess you'll have to supply me with a pistol for I sure as hell don't carry one."
Naressa clicked her fingers and suddenly appeared behind the nymph, holding a ball of blue lightning in her left hand.
"You certainly are insolent for somebody so slow."
Fighting cocky people was always fun especially when they lost. Because she wasn't as young as she used to be people assumed she had gotten slow. Far from it and many bounty hunters who came after her soon learned that the hard way.
"I'd keep my guard up if I were you," Naressa said smiling menacingly, "There's a reason no bounty hunter has been able to kill me yet."
Johnathan looked from one to the other. Surely they were only going to mock fight. He looked at the little one once more, she was not as strong as their teacher and probably wouldn't last long.
" You certainly are insolent for somebody so slow."
Sylvia froze for a split second, before she spun around, arms raised defensively. Somebody so slow!?!? Was Naressa trying to psyche her out? Sylvia decided she wouldn't rise to the bait, and merely stood her ground, watching the teacher warily. This method of 'teaching' seemed to be rather unconventional.
The teacher was very close to her, and it was all she could do, to keep standing there, and not back away. Sylvia's shoulders were tensed up, and now the sparks were spilling from her fingertips, leaping and dancing in yellow rainbow patterns. With the amount of static in the room, the scene would be quite comical, as it wouldn't be long before people's hair would stand on end.
She didn't want to use her magic; she really didn't. Despite her body language, it was written there in her eyes. No way would she make the first move.
Naressa was surprised at the nymph's reaction. She had expected her to jump out of the way or shoot a spell out of panic. This was a person who had a great deal of control over her magic but she seemed scared, scared of using it... Was that why she had to come to Naressa for training?
Naressa sighed before teleporting back to her original position.
"Enough games; choose any way you wish to display your powers. I won't force you to battle."
Johnathan breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried about the nymph. How would she choose to display her powers? it would be interesting to find out.
"Fine," Sylvia said, in a bored tone, although truth be told, there was definitely an edge of relief in her eyes. The other students were all still up in the gallery, so she felt rather intimidated to see them all peering down at her. With a nervous laugh, she joked, "What is this, theatre in the round?"
But she wouldn't be able to keep Naressa's patience running for much longer. With a sigh, Sylvia closed her eyes, and retreated to the peaceful space inside her mind. This would be really bad if she lost her control.
Her body started to shimmer, ever so faintly at first, a lovely yellow glow. The shimmering intensified, and she spread her arms out, whilst the aura of electricity grew larger and larger. Wisps of her hair began to lift, moving with a life of their own, and finally, when she opened her eyes and tilted her head upwards, the eyes that regarded each spectator were no longer her original colour. No, they were completely golden, swirling orbs that crackled and fizzed electricity.
She lifted her head higher, and then, ever so slightly, her feet were lifted off the ground. She hung there, a few inches from the ground, suspended by an electromagnetic field she had created, and hovered for a few seconds, before the spell was snapped, and she dropped back to the ground, shaken, and in every way back to normal.
That was pretty poor, she thought inwardly, watching Naressa's face, waiting for a judgement. Just a pretty light show. Nothing else.
Naressa waved her hand slightly and the spectators above hovered gently back to the ground.
The sorceress had to admit, that had actually been quite impressive for what she assumed was untrained mage. Few learnt how to create an electromagnetic field without a more experienced magic user teaching them
"How old are you?" Naressa asked.
She didn't look very old, but you never knew. Naressa herself had once met a supposed six year old girl who was actually thousands of years old.
Johnathan gave a sigh as the teacher returned the room to normal. The girl must have passed. He wondered how many rounds there would be and how many people she planned on taking.
"Ninety seven," she whispered, averting her eyes. Sylvia pressed the ends of her fingers together repeatedly in a nervous manner, wondering what Naressa would say next. She didn't dare look up, suddenly finding the wooden grain of the floorboards extremely fascinating.
It hadn't been that long since the accident. Not enough years had passed. Human years. With a start, she realised she'd given her age in nymph years, but it was too late now.
That was obviously her age in Nymph years which meant she wasn't really all that old. It made her little display all the more impressive.
"Very well," Naressa said, "Next."
A boy of about 16 with dark brown hair and purple eyes stepped forward. He had a cocky smirk on his face and obviously felt he could do better than the nymph.
"I'm Dilim Gethin, I'm a shadow mage."
Shadow mages were quite rare but that didn't necessarily mean he was good at it.
He closed his eyes and his body began glowing with a purple aura. Then all the shadows in the room merged together and formed a huge dragon made of shadows. It hovered in the air for a minute before flickering out.
His form was good but he can't hold it for long. And his attitude was a problem as well.
"I'll wait and see what the others are like before I make a decision," Naressa thought.
"Next."
(OOC There are three mages to go, feel free to play them ^^)
OOC: Time for the Image of Darkness.
'I'm not here for tutoring. It was on our way and I thought it might be interesting. You may even be able to tell me what I am.'
The Image of Darkness looked around the room, 'it might be best if those who are afraid of the dark or are light mages leave.' He looked at two sprites: one female, one male. (sorry Nightshade, he doesn't know the difference). They would be the most likely to start screaming.
Darkness speard his arms in a theatrical manner. If that Narassa wanted a show, she'd get one. He imbued his deep vioce with a small amount of power. It wasn't magic as such, more letting himslef be heard and seen in the proper light (or lack there of), 'Hersenth do Minicus den maya jon ke dorr. Keno ta beta da hasheth kenai.
That enough had made grown men cower but he didn't want that, he wanted a show. He closed his eyes and allowed darkness to flow from him. Most would think he had cast a speel but this was no spell. This was him. The darkness within darkness, darker than black and the opposite of light. Light fled from the room in terror, along with a student. He grinned.
He opened his eyes. Nobody would be able to see anything but him, he was the pinnicle of darkness within the insane blackness. If he pushed it any further they would lose their minds. He had done it before, been sent away to school for it. He heard someone shreiking: maybe a student, maybe the darkness had reached Dave outside. That would not be good.
______________________
Johnathan curled up in a ball, he could not see his other students. He closed his eyes and started humming and rocking backwards and forwards. He thought of his sister, what would she do? She would fob him over the head for still being scared of the dark.
He hadn't been scared of the dark since Mum died, she would be a spirit watching over him fiona had said and he had believed it. Where was she now? Why didn't she help him.
Fire, fire challenges dark, scares away the shadows. He lit a fireball in his hand. It didn't catch. He could feel warmth but could not see the light, the darkness was too strong. He pulled his body in tighter, praying it would go away.
What the hell?!
Sylvia hadn't noticed this dark person before, and from the looks of it, neither had Lief. After Naressa had asked her for her age, she'd meekly stepped back to her old place, for the other students seemed to have been transported back to ground level too.
Phew, that was finally over, she thought, breaking into a smile of relief. She hadn't realised how much tension had been singing in her body. And then Lief had to open his mouth.
"Meh, not bad," he murmured offhandedly, implying he could do better. She snorted, and shook her head, too tired to rise up to his pixie taunts.
It was after the shadow mage's impressive show, when that other person stepped forwards, the one Sylvia had never seen. Which was odd. There was something about him she didn't like. Normally she was attracted to magic like a pixie to shiny objects, but this being repulsed her. She literally felt her skin crawling, and the magic he emanated made her want to vomit.
"Who the hell is he?" Lief muttered through clenched teeth, attempting not to betray his own discomfort.
So he could feel it too.
"Ohmigodohmigodohmigod," Sylvia moaned as the man began to chant.
She closed her eyes and turned towards the wooden wall, feeling Lief press up against her too. OK, it would look weird to others, but the smaller magical beings often drew closer to each other for comfort, especially if they were of similar species.
"Make it stop," Sylvia intoned, closing her eyes.
"What the...?" Naressa thought, "What in the name of all that was holy was this creature?"
She was unnerved by the strange magic he was using but not by the darkness, it couldn't hurt you. People who claimed they were scared of the dark were not really scared of it directly, but of what might be hiding in it. And she knew that in this darkness was nothing, all it was, was an absence of light.
Naressa tried to cast a fire spell to dispel it but nothing happened. That was certainly strange. She couldn't do anything else either; this was not her area of expertise. That only really left her one option.
"Kindly stop this, you are frightening the others."
[OOC o.O One mage left. Are they going to save the day?]
The Image of Darkness dropped his appearance all that was left of his darkness was a waft of black flowing from his body, making it look less substantial. He looked at the sorceress, 'so, do you know what I am?' He looked around the room to see if anybody else would be able to answer him.
He looked down at the two sprites huddled together, 'you should have left.' His voice betrayed his concern and he turned back to the woman, 'I suggest you let those two step out into the sun for a bit.'
Hopefully dave wouldn't want to have some fun and jump out at them. Hopefully Dave still had his wits about him. The skeleton may even be curled up in a ball far away from the house.
Suddenly it was over, and Sylvia could breathe again. With a deep sigh, she felt her body relax, and with that came the realisation that she had been holding onto Lief ever so tightly. Slightly embarrassed, both beings let go- where they had been clutching at each other, deep half moon shaped welts remained to show just how much their nails had been digging into each other's skin.
Her slitted eyes followed the dark man, watching him.
Beside her, Lief spoke, challenging the man. "I still haven't had my turn yet."
Nastusia was relieved when the darkness finally subsided as were the other students. She regretted letting just anyone 'audition' to be her student. She made a mental note not to do it again in future and to never listen to any of the housekeeper's ideas ever.
"I do not know what you are young man."
Naressa then was about to take his advice and suggest anyone who wanted to could go outside for a break but then the male sprite challenged the man. That could have disastrous consequences. Naressa desperately thought of a solution, then remembered someone she had met once.
Dark and shadow based magic were not her area of expertise but she knew someone whose it was. A fellow sorceress, a woman named Alarra. Though a sorceress, dark and shadow magic was her speciality; perhaps she had encountered such a creature as him.
"However," Naressa said, "I know someone who might. A woman named Alarra; they say these days she works at the Peaches and Cream in Ketra."
[OOC, I was crafty and advertised one of my other characters lol. Make plottage out of it as you will ^^
Still one student left ^^]
The Image of Darkness raised his eyebrow at the sprite and laughed, 'go ahead, but I will not use my magic near you again. You were too badly affected the first time.'
Hopefully the sprite would not try to attack him. One or perhaps both would be badly injured. He turned back to the sorceress, 'thankyou. I shall make a trip there in the near future.'
He turned back to the sprite to see what he would do.
Lief stepped forwards so that he occupied the central position of the room. Folding his arms, so that they lay across his body he then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Sylvia wondered what he would do; she could see the trembling of his body lessen, as his breathing became calm and more regular.
A warm green light began to glow around Lief, faintly at first, and then became more brilliant in intensity until he was surrounded by green swirling colours. Opening his eyes, which had now become a beautiful iridescent green, he said to Naressa, "Come forwards and try to touch my arm."
He had erected a shield with his aura; a force field, which should be strong enough to prevent anyone from getting close to him at all. It called upon the soothing energies of nature, and Sylvia instantly felt a calm sense of peace wash over her too, for this was a magic that she was incredibly in tune with.
[OOC I made my character Emora the last student because she's bored ^^]
Naressa went across to him but found she couldn't; obviously shielding magic. This magic could be a promising sign or not, it really depended on race. For a fairy or pixie it wasn't really all that impressive, for an elemental mage however it was incredibly advanced magic. How much practice had it taken for the sprite to learn it she wondered. Though he was beginning to look promising
"I didn't get your name," Naressa said.
There was only one student left and the sorceress was surprised she hadn't noticed them before; red hair, crimson eyes she looked almost exactly like Dalisme. That was certainly strange, unless of course the girl was Emora, Dalisme's twin.
The girl, whoever she was carried herself differently, she seemed shy and humble and very quiet not arrogant and confident like Naressa's former student had been.
Johnathan was glad the sprite only errected a barrier. The dark creature still had him a little nervous. He shifted uncomfortably and wondered what the next lass would do.
"The name's Lief," he said, with a salute. "Pleased to meet you."
Nodding politely, he went back to join Sylvia.
"Someone's turned the charm tap on then," she murmured with a snort.
"Jealous," he said, smirking.
"Jealous of someone I don't even know, eh?"
She didn't want to start bickering again, especially not for the second time. Getting kicked out wasn't an option for Sylvia, so she shut her mouth and ignored Lief for the next few minutes. There was only one more student, so hopefully Naressa would pick and choose soon.
The red haired girl stepped forward, visibly shaking. She was so nervous she looked like she was going to be sick.
"I'm E...Emora Panelen, I'm a Wind Mage."
"So it is her," Naressa thought.
She couldn't be biased though, Emora may be Dalisme's twin but she might not be as powerful. The girl was nervous as well but Naressa couldn't favour her because of that either. She would have to be impartial even though she couldn't help thinking in the back of her mind she would dearly like to take Emora on as a student.
The red head closed her eyes and for a minute nothing happened. Then an eerie silence passed over the room before the girl's hair began to float up as if lifted by a small breeze.
The wind outside then picked up and buffeted the windows before eventually wrenching them open. Meanwhile Emora began to float slightly and tornadoes began appearing around her and circling the other students. It wasn't very well controlled though and the students found themselves having to hold onto things just so they didn't get blown away.
The tornadoes and wind continued for a while until Emora opened her eyes and losing concentration fell back to the ground as the wind dropped.
"I...I'm sorry," she said, panting slightly, "I hope I didn't hurt anyone."
She didn't have Dalisme's control but she was more powerful than her sister had been when she first came to Naressa.
"Very well, that's all of you. Please wait outside in the corridor whilst I make my decision."
It was going to be quite difficult and she knew that she would probably have to take her limit of students. She could handle three at a push but hoped she would only find one or two worthy ones. It seemed she would have to take three.
Johnathan walked silently outside. What would he do if he didn't get in? He could find his sister, he could start up another bakery or he could find another teacher.
_____________
The Image of Darkness went outside and called out to Dave. The skeleton was looking as jovial as ever. He was currently strangling a cat that he obviously meant to revive. The cat finally went limp and Dave looked up.
'Hey Darkness, how did it go? Does she know what you are?'
Darkness shrugged, 'no. She did recommend someone though.'
OOC: If you want to make a thread later with your other character, it would be a pleasure.
Sylvia marched out with the rest of the prospective students, followed by Lief. Some of the others were engaged in friendly conversation with each other, but she was too jittery to join in.
"I'm sensing tension," Lief snickered.
"Hmph," she snorted. "Empath sprites. What a useless power."
"Hey, reading emotions is pretty damn useful," Lief said. "You want to know what someone's cards are? Who not to bet for in a fight?"
Sylvia hugged her arms to her sides, and stopped listening. Her short attention span had just been captured by the fabulous wooden décor of the place. Imagine studying here! The whole house had a smell of magic that made her want to sneeze though.
"Atchoo!! Sorry..." She murmured, glancing sheepishly around.
[OOC Sure mdu ^^, Alarra's bored at the mo ^^]
Naressa watched the students file out. She had a couple of minutes to make her decision so hopefully it wouldn't be that hard.
First had been the fire mage Jonathan Foolsfoot. He had experience with using his magic for practical things but his display wasn't all that impressive. Juggling fire balls was a simple magic trick for a fire user.
Then had been the lightning mage...what was her name? She'd have to ask when they came back in. Her attitude wasn't the most sparkling but her magic was strong and there was a lot of potential there.
The shadow mage, Dilim was far too arrogant for her tastes and his powers were not something she was overly familiar with. Also it was notoriously difficult to teach elemental magic to shadow users.
The strange man who had filled the room with darkness hadn't come for teaching. So he wouldn't be chosen. Again she wasn't familiar with his powers and he was really too dangerous. The skeleton with him had run away at the first sign of trouble. She was not going to train a coward.
Then had been Lief. His powers were debatable as to whether they were impressive or not. It really depended on his race, he had been chatting with the nymph as well so again his attitude may be a problem...
Finally there had been Emora. She lacked control but she was very powerful. She had the right attitude, albeit being very nervous. There was plenty of potential.
Her limit was three but as she thought back, there was only really two she wanted to take on. She had made her decision.
She gestured towards the door and it opened.
"You can come back in now."
[OOC Okay, I'm mean but you will definately find out next time it's my turn ^^]
Johnathan nervously went back in. The Image of Darkness stopped the sprites as they went in, 'are you two okay? You might want to get a drink shortly.'
"We're fine," Sylvia and Lief both mumbled, averting eyes as they passed the Image of Darkness.
There was something about that guy that freaked her out. His magic made her squirm, made her feel ill.
"Go on then, Mr Bragger, what do you sense in that man then?" Sylvia hissed to Lief.
His eyes widened, but on checking the grin that was twitching at the edge of Sylvia's lips, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. A second later, they jerked open and Lief almost tumbled to the ground, if it wasn't for Sylvia's arm.
"N-nothing, absolutely nothing...h-he's a blank," Lief muttered, shaking his head feverishly.
How pale he suddenly looks! Sylvia felt bad now, for making him do that. Helping him back into the room, she bit her lip and fidgeted, worried about Naressa's decision, and now about Lief.
Naressa glanced along the students, the two sprites looked unsettled and Emora didn't look any less nervous. The others looked a little edgy as well. The strange man with the shadow powers must still be scaring them.
"When I made my decision, I based it on your current level, your potential and your attitude. Some of you have the right attitude but there is little room for growth, others you are powerful but lack the discipline. And obviously I omitted certain people because they did not come for training, only to have questions answered.
She paused, "I have chosen two of you and the ones I picked were the Sylvia and Emora."
Dave bent closer to Darkness and whispered, 'what did you do to that sprite?'
Darkness looked over to the male sprite. He was terribly pale. 'I spead darkness across the room for my show. Surely you felt it? He must have tried something while we were outside.'
'I felt it. You could have warned me you know.'
'Still scared of the dark?' Darkness grinned at his friend. He knew it wasn't normal darkness that Dave was scared of; it was something much worse.
'Sorceress Naressa, I would suggest keeping the male sprite here. He has tried something stupid and may become mentally ill,' he looked into her eyes. His face was seriousness but his voice betrayed his concern for the sprite.
________
Johnathan looked at the floor. He had been hoping to learn a bit more, become a bit better, be of more use than a baker. Perhaps he still could; even sorceresses needed food. Alas, the embaressment he felt stopped him from speaking. He did not want to sound needy.
Sylvia's eyes widened and a second later, a huge smile broke out across her tiny face. Ah, so this plan hadn't been such a bad idea after all! She was almost ecstatic with glee, for she hadn't realised how much tension she had been carrying. There would be no more...accidents...no more being chased out of places...
"Hehe thanks, miss," she said.
OK...attitude, meh.
Current level...that was pretty much at a base line.
And potential...well she had managed to inadvertently destroy her own village.
Sylvia mentally went through Naressa's checklist and then wondered why the hell she had been chosen.
Naressa walked across to the male sprite, he did look pale. She placed her hand on his forehead...Ah, he had tried to read the darkness man. That had been a rather foolish thing to do.
She cast some healing magic on him. Hopefully that would help.
"I'm afraid there isn't really all that much I can do. He'll have to try and fight it off himself."
She then glanced around at the students. Sylvia seemed very happy with decision if a little confused, Emora looked like she was about to faint. She was a strange one. Dalisme was too cocky for her own good but the wind mage seemed too nervous. That would have to be worked on, maybe the nymph's attitude would rub off on Emora.
Naressa glanced at the others, "Does anyone want you know why they weren't chosen?"
She supposed they deserved an explanation, though she hoped they were smart enough to why they weren't picked.
"Yeah I do!" Dilim exclaimed.
The sorceress sighed, "Dark and shadow magic is not my speciality and it is difficult to train such mages in elemental magic. The main reason however, your attitude is is wrong. I suspect that you will constantly question me and complain about what I ask you to do. That's why I did not choose you. Anyone else?"
Darkness nodded. Perhaps he should keep an eye on the sprite once they left.
________
Johnathan sighed. It was his last chance so even if he did blow it, there was no harm done, 'I understand why I was not chosen: I do not have the power. I only ask that you consider me as your cook.'
A weight felt like it was lifted off his shoulder, it was incommonly brave for him to speak out. Why did he feel so foolish though?
"I'm afraid there isn't really all that much I can do. He'll have to try and fight it off himself."
Urk. That whole shebang earlier really didn't look like a good idea now that everyone was making a huge ass deal out of Lief. Even though she had been chosen, Sylvia still had a slight amount of fear towards the woman who was now standing close to her personal space, peering at Lief.
"Yeah I'll be fine," Lief mumbled, eyes averted.
"He'll be fine," Sylvia echoed, piping up. When they were out of earshot, she hissed, "You're not gonna go loony or anything are you?"
Scowling, Lief closed his eyes and placed a hand to his temple. "Whatever."
He looked less pale than before, which instilled confidence in Sylvia. Sprites, what a load of mischief. Her eyes travelled and locked on the young man who was now grovelling before Naressa. Boy, he stank of servility. Her own face became pale when she saw that nearby, that freaky man of darkness was still here. Eeesh already!
[OOC: Le gasp! I actually replied to a post less than an hour after someone replied! I haven't done that since 'Noble girl don't fall in love' lol.
I was up to date with my posts then Nightshaded posted like 5 minutes afterwards. You ruined my up to date status damn you!
...Oh well...Up to date again now!]
Naressa felt a little sorry for Jonathan, he must have quit his job just to come see her. She didn't need a cook and it would be unfair on the other students to reconsider him. He just wasn't powerful enough, he might make a good fire mage but she only taught mages who she could teach various elements to. Dalisme was an Earth Mage and Cirau was a Water Mage but because they were so strong they were able to learn other elements. It was doubtful that Jonathan could be trained to be anything other than what he was already.
Though, perhaps there was a way around this...
"I already have a cook, but perhaps you could be their assistant."
Then she could continue to watch and test him, and this way the rejected students didn't have to know she changed her mind. It was perfect. That didn't mean to say she would teach him but she could see if he might have more potential then he had shown. If he was living there she supposed she could now and again give him a few fire magic lessons and she doubted Sylvia and Emora would mind all that much, she would still spend most of her time on them after all.
Johnathan beamed. If he was allowed to stay, that was all he needed. After he'd finished cooking he would spy on thier lessons and practice in his spare time... Perhaps a little away fromt he house in case he did anything foolish. He loooked around the room, so this would be his new home. Perhaps he could get a message to his sister. She may even be impressed with him. Then again, it would probably be better to see her once he was a bit better at his magic. She may think this idea was stupid.
_______________
Darkness bowed and left. Once out of earshot he muttered to Dave, 'interested in a sprite hunt?' he then waited for Lief to come near. He did not believe the sprite was fine. If Dave had been comatose and still didn't speak about his accident, a creature of light should be a bit more perplexed.
The guy Naressa was retaining looked a bit too weedy to be handling food; he had the look of someone who would jump when the egg timer was done. Would he be cooking for her?
Slightly bored, Sylvia slipped away from the people she had been standing with, and went over to Emora. If they were going to be studying together, then she had better at least make an effort.
Naressa watched as the other students left, leaving just Sylvia, Emora and Jonathan.
She turned to the two girls, "You two may explore the grounds for now, lessons; will begin in the morning."
Then she turned to Jonathan, "You may explore with them if you wish or the housekeeper will show you where you will be working. You also start tomorrow"
With that she turned and left. She had her two students how, girls yet again. Gender didn't matter to her however, it was their potential and she had yet to work with wind and lightning mages. They would be a new challenge, exactly what she had wanted when she first decided to apply for new students.
////
Emora was relieved now that the test was over but she was still scared, Naressa was terrifying. Dalisme had said she was a kind woman but she just seemed strict and scary. She seemed like the type of person her twin would argue with as well, it was strange the earth mage liked Naressa.
The other student, Sylvia started to approach Emora then. She had a bit of an attitude but hopefully she would be friendly.
"Um...Hello," the wind mage said.
[OOC I'm going to hop into Emora's head for now and Naressa will probably be gone until the lessons start which I'll probably start in a new thread o.O]
Johnathan nodded to his... master, mistress? No, not mistress, 'er, what should I call you? I thought teachers would want you to call them Miss Narressa or something similar.'
"Um...Hello."
"Hey," Sylvia chimed in response, tilting her head to the side and smiling broadly. Her bangs fell across part of her face, so Sylvia tucked them behind an ear. Emora seemed kinda shy. Ah well.
"Nice show you did back there."
"You may call me whatever you wish, the two girls however should call me Master," Naressa said before leaving.
"Thank you," Emora said in response to Sylvia's complement, "Yours was good too."
She seemed okay; maybe the nymph just had a problem with authority. They would have to get along though, they were going to be studying together after all.
[OOC Mind blank...can't write longer post...]
'S-so, um Miss. What would you wish me to do first? Should I clean this place up or do I only work in the kitchens?' He didn't really want to go to the kitchens yet but he didn't want to interrupt the two student either. He doubted the nymph would want his company and he wasn't quite brave enough to go over just yet.
"Thanks," Sylvia murmured in response. Something Naressa said struck a chord with her. "Did she just say...Master?"
Her eyes widened at the thought of having to refer to someone other than by their name or by Sir/Miss. And...shouldn't she have said Mistress rather than Master? Turning to Emora, she implored the other girl with a questioning look, wanting an explanation.
"The day is yours," Naressa said to Jonathan," Do whatever you wish."
////
Sylvia obviously found it strange that Naressa wanted them to call her master and looked to Emora as if she could answer her question.
"My sister, Dalisme always calls Naressa 'Master."
She didn't know why though, there must be some reason but Dalisme had never divulged it. Maybe it was because 'master' sounded quite scholarly or that in the distant past only male sorcerers were allowed to be trained.
[OOC Is Jonathan following Naressa down the corridor? o.O]
OOC: yes, yes he is.
Johnathan mumbled and left Naressa. He didn't like free time that much. It meant he had nothing to do. He went to the kitchens and knocked on the door, perhaps the cook would be friendly and he could help her with the fires.
Sylvia made a surprised sound in her throat.
"Oh." That was rather odd. Shaking her head to dispel her thoughts, she said, "I'm going to go exploring. Fancy coming?"
This place was bound to be fun to explore- it looked huge and old and well kept and had lots of secret passage potential. She also wanted to find out where their rooms were, and if there was a garden or not, and was there an outside balcony so they could look at the stars?
Poor Lief though. Her impulsive behaviour had been known to get herself and others into trouble on so many accounts. Each time, another level of guilt was racked up and there was only so much that a water-nymph-who-was-lightning-based could handle.
"Um, okay then," Emora replied.
The place did seem pretty big so it would be good to explore with someone, at least if they got lost, they'd be lost together. The house did seem quite big and the gardens had looked huge when she had arrived.
[OOC Sorry it's really short
Basically there are three choices, we can carry on with the two girls exploring but I'm not sure what to do with Jonathan >.<
We could start the teaching thread now
Or we could start the teaching thread but continue this thread with just the girls exploring
What do you think?]
OOC: I was going to have Johnathan hang around with the cook but this thread is finished.
'Um, hello Miss? Do you need any help with anything?' he asked the cook. He didn't want to intrude on her if she wanted her privacy so he waited outside and lent against the wall. Out of boredom he lit a little fireball in his hands and watched it dance around his fingers. Fire was beautiful really, it was a shame it was mainly used for distructive purposes.
((Ahh I don't mind, you're the threadmaster Mia!!))
Sylvia nodded, and half skipped, half pranced out of the room. They were back in the corridor, and Sylvia recognised the magically concealed entrance.
"Have you ever been here before?" She asked. If Emora had been here before, then perhaps she could show Sylvia around. Otherwise, it'd be a bit of a guessing game as to where they would start.