Rimehold, Yrsa Tents: Eydis (Samheen 16th)

[Twilight]

Berit smiled, as Eydis recited that basic tenant. She poured herself a cup of tea as she listened, nodding as Eydis spoke.

"Those are the basic elements, yes," she answered, offering to refill her granddaughter's tea, and then taking up her own cup and returning to her cushions. "Each of those elements has a type of energy, but there are... parts of each as well," the older woman faltered in her explanation.

She sat thoughtfully for a moment, sipping her own tea, before continuing, "Our family, and many others, sense the energies as colours, and sometimes, as with you, as textures as well. Today you 'saw' blue and purple, what element do you think that these two colours belong to?" Berit asked Eydis"

[Eydis da`Yrsa]

It was fitting that Eydis could detect the energy with her hands as well as with her eyes. Seeing alone was never enough for her. She needed to touch, to hold, feel and handle, before something could be deemed real in her eyes.

"Why, ice and mist are forms of Water of course," Eydis responded promptly with a nod of understanding. "I see now." The girl paused for another sip of the strong tea before continuing.

"So each energy is ruled by one of the five elements." That seemed simple enough. "And each of the Goddess's runes is ruled by one of the five elemental forms..."

[Twilight]

Berit nodded as Eydis made the connection between the energy and the elements.

"But that is only the basis, sweeting," she replied, raising a cautionary finger. "You will learn the runes to control, modify and direct the energy of the elements, which are unknown to all but trained runecrafters."

Berit sipped at her tea thoughtfully for a flicker, and then went on, "First, though, you must learn to grasp each strand of energy with ease. That will take great concentration and long burns of practice."

"But no more today," she declared, rising to her feet. "You must rest."

"From now on though, you are to spend at least half a mark each Morningtide in deep meditation, observing the energy strands and how they flow. I want you only to do this in my presence though, understand?" she asked sternly, her tone conveying the importance of this injuncture.

[Eydis da`Yrsa]

"I understand," Eydis agreed, nodding her head solemnly and rising. Eager as she was to study the energies on her own, she would not disobey her grandmother on this point, the older woman being far learned in such matters than she.

Is the lesson over so soon? Eydis wondered as she reached for her coat. The session seemed to have lasted less than half a mark. Then again, her eyes did ache somewhat, and it was difficult to tell how much time she had passed in that trance state, halfway between this world and the realm of magic.

The girl fondly bid her grandmother good day with promises of future visits and culinary treats from Brynja's tent, and as she stepped out into the snow, the frigid air washed over her like a pail of water. She had never felt so alert - it was as if everything around her had been put into slightly better focus. Perhaps it had only been Aunt Seslin's tea, or the calming effects of meditation.

Or perhaps it was right, what they said about magic. That once you touched the craft of the gods, your world was henceforth forever changed.

[Twilight]

Eydis was shocked to discover that what had seemed a mere half mark was really almost three. The time had flown while she had been in the trance-like state exploring the energy strands. Her legs were a little wobbly as she stood, but she quickly regained her equilibrium. Still, sleep would be most welcome!

Berit smiled at her as she prepared to leave. The Runic Mage was most pleased with her newest pupil.

“Get some dinner and some rest, sweeting,” she instructed affectionately. “Tomorrow we shall explore further. I do believe that you’ll be one to catch on quickly,” the older woman commented sagely. Then she winked at her granddaughter and shooed her out of the tent.

(Eydis continued: Rimehold, Yrsa Tents: Eydis (Samheen 18th))