Of Wind and Wave - Sam 27th (MT)

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:18 pm

Ashtallion had entered the Palace and made his way through the maze of corridors and halls to reach the office of the Battlemage Royal. Needless to say, his nerves were on edge, all his hopes and aspirations may be shattered within the next several moments. What he could learn from a mage such as Falgan.... Asht could only imagine the power, control and knowledge the Mage held. He had yet to sense the seniors mages' power, for Falgan obviously knew how to mask his power well.

Silently he prayed to the Father to be with him, to guide him and help him through this.

If the Mage Falgan would not teach him, then he would have to find someone else.... it was not the best option, but one Ashtallion had to face as a possibilty.

Reaching the office of the Battlemage, Ashtallion stepped over the threshold and spoke to the woman behind the desk. " I'm here to see Mage Falgan, I believe he will be expecting me... "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:22 am

The woman looked at him grimly. "He requested that you go right in, Master Urdill," she told him, nodding toward the door to the inner sanctum. It was firmly closed, hiding whatever Ashtallion would have to face within.

When the young mage entered the atrium that served as the Battlemage's office, the older adhiel was not in his traditional seat near the table. In fact, it would have been difficult to spot the man if one wasn't specifically looking for him. He was wearing a dark green dhoti which seemed to meld perfectly into the waxy leaves. He remained perfectly still, hands clasped behind his back, as he looked out from between the fronds to the Palace gardens beyond.

After a burn, he finally spoke without turning. "You're prompt. Another point in your favor, Ashtallion. Have a seat."

Turning from his meditations, he wandered back to his own chair. His footseps made no sound on the soft ground. "I did some checking yesterday - carefully, I assure you - and my contacts have assured me that the parts of your story that have definitive answers are true. Again, a point in your favor. However," His eyes caught and held the younger adhiel's as he took his seat. "You did not tell me that the card you showed me yesterday was not yours to take. It has been demanded that either it be returned to the Citadel - or someone will come to return you to that institution instead."

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:45 am

Ashtallion bristled at the possible implication behind the statement, yet remained silent for a moment, this time meeting Falgan's gaze intently. " I see. "

His slender fingers slipped into the sash and removed the Warrior Card, running a finger over it. " When I was given the Card, the Professor did not mention I had to give it back if I ever left the University. No one stated it was not mine to keep... I admit perhaps that I am at fault for being over presumptious.... ", which was the truth.

" No dis-respect intended, Mage Falgan, however I could not tell you that which I did not know. And of course, I will gladly hand back the Card to the University.... or rather make arrangements for it to be delieverd to the Professor whom placed in my care to begin with. ", he bowed his head slightly, his golden eyes rising.

Suddenly a frown marred his brow, and he cocked his head to the side as though thinking, " Actually I have three books in my possession from the library there, they were in my satchel when I left the University somewhat hastily.... I can have them returned at the same time. "

" I find reassurance in that you know what I have said to be true, for my definate answers at any rate. After the stated items are returned to the University of Magick.... what, if I may be so direct, will your decision be about my future position here? As I have said before, Mage Falgan, I desire greatly to learn from you, but I will fully respect your ultimate decision. ",

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 2:23 am

There was a brief knock, and the woman who had shown Astallion in, appeard with a note that she handed to the Battlemage Royal. He read it briefly before handing it over to his guest.

I understand that you are here at the Palace. Please have one of the pages escort you to my offices at your earliest opportunity. There are matters from last night that I would like to discuss in greater detail.

Signed
Argil Innsurinn, Lord Advocate

This was followed by a seal in red wax indicating the office.

The older adhiel raised an eyebrow as he held the note out for Ashtallion to take. "You're making powerful friends, Ashtallion," he remarked. "Another form of protection, or does the Lord Advocate wish to speak with you for other reasons?"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:30 pm

Ashtallion's look of bewilderment was answer enough.

" I.... I cannot imagine why Lord Argil seeks me out. We had a brief discussion last night. ", for a moment he fell silent, " He wanted to know more about my childhood, though we did not have the oppourtunity to go into any great depth, perhaps this is why he desires to speak to me. "

Regarding Falgan for a moment, Ashtallion recalled the Lord's words from the previous night, even Falgan played the strings of politics round the Palace, to him, Asht may very well only be a play piece also. " I find myself in a prediciment somewhat similar to that in the Citadel... though nothing so severe. The Lord Argil was kind enough to inform me that I had been... noted... by a few of the 'major players' as he termed them, within the Palace. And as I let the Lord Argil know, I am through being used as a puppet. ", he offered a kind smile and a small shrug. " Perhaps you can understand why. "

Lifting the missive once more, he scanned it again, " Mayhap, Mage Falgan, you could give me some insight as to the type of character Lord Argil possesses? He seems honourable enough from the brief encounter I had with him. "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:58 pm

"Quite honorable," the Battlemage Royal agreed. "He has his own opinions on the hierarchy of things here, but never lets that get in the way of his duties to Kislovan as a whole. It seems to be one of his foremost goals - making our fair nation into the best place it can be. I think that if he's told you that you've been noted by some that there is a good reason for it."

The older adhiel drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair, a rhythmic sound filling the air around them. "The question just becomes what has MADE you so noteworthy. It may be your history at the University, but I doubt that. Firstly, none but myself have the connections inside the University that could possibly have told of your coming. And if I were unaware of it, I find it highly unlikely that anyone else would have been in my stead. So that leaves the potential of your future, or the potential from your past."

His hazel eyes met his young guest's thoughtfully. "The future potential you have is always a possibility, particularly from those who've heard of the little display that your sister put on outside the Lotus Blossom a few nights ago. And the control I have been told you were almost able to control over it. That, coupled with the known fact that you have been seeking a teacher in battle magic could make you very appealing to the right - or wrong - people. It is possible, but very uncertain in too many things.

"So that leaves the past as the final option to explore. And that is a question only you can answer. What IS your history in Kislovan? What might be of interest to those who would further like to use you?"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:23 pm

" In all honesty, I have no idea. My childhood is fairly... moderate....and as for my connection to Kislovan, well, my Mother, a Sorceress also, is from Kislovan originally and both Alustariel and myself have visited here before... it was in Kislovan that Alu and I first became seperated. Many years ago, and it is only fairly recently that we have been reunited with one another. "

He paused and adopted a thinking pose, one finger tracing his chin. Those golden eyes flickered rapidly as he sorted through his memories, " Aside from that, I do not know what else anyone could use, though there is a part of my childhood and younger years that I do not remember. Perhaps it is from that period of my life. I doubt my Mother would have anything of interest to offer, a talented sorceress, yet not so much that I would be a target for any purpose. "

Ashtallion was severely confused and at a loss, he did not want to get involved in the politics of the Palace and the power games that happened between the heads of houses and nobility. Yet, he could feel himself being pulled in, a strong current that was not about to release him. All I want is to study magic with the mages here, not become embroiled with political struggles!

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:14 pm

The battlemage nodded thoughtfully. "It is possible that the Lord Advocate knows - or suspects - something of your childhood that has removed itself from your own mind. It may be wise to speak with him, if only to find what that knowledge or suspicion may be."

After a flicker, the adhiel continued. "If I may offer a suggestions, I think it would be wise for you to seek these answers yourself. I have found that when you don't know yourself as fully as you could, it binds your abilities. Your abilities even now are great. Think how great they could be if your potential was completely unlocked.

"After all," His gaze met Ashtallion's once more. "I pride myself in bringing my students to their full potential. Yes," he nodded when it was clear that the younger mage had grasped his meaning. "I will agree to teach you. However, your lies do have consequence. It will take some time for you to fully regain my trust. But if you continue your honesty, it will be gained."

Leaning forward, his face a mask of seriousness, he said, "However, if I catch you in even one more lie, you will need to find someone else under which to study. Have I made the terms clear?"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 7:14 pm

" Most clear, Mage Falgan, and I will endevour not to disappoint you in the future... thank you. ", Ashtallion bowed respectfully, a well of relief flooding over him and causing his head to spin ever so slightly. Now was not the time to get silly though.

" Your words make sense, and I think I will pursue those hidden memories further.... mayhap that Alustariel will know some also. ", he mused on that for a while longer in silence before speaking again. " The Lord Advocate may prompt such a memory also.... we shall see. ", the younger mage stood yet again in a brief lull of quietness, not wanting to dismiss himself.

" One other question, Mage Falgan.... I had hoped to practice some sorcery at some point today... trying to broaden my abilties. If you are unable to tutor me today.... would it be inappropriate for me to do so myself, I don't intend any major sorceries. "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 3:45 pm

Falgan simply nodded in response to Ashtallion's respectful bow, the matter now closed and time for them to move on to other discussions. The younger adhiel's musing about his memories met with a similar acknowledgement. It was only when he was asked about practicing today that the Battle Mage Royal spoke once more.

"We have two marks before Naddali is supposed to arrive," he replied, rising from his chair to make his way slowly to the cleared center of the atrium. "That should be enough time to get a little tutoring done.

"Now," he stopped in the exact center of the cleared space, motioning Ashtallion to join him there. "I have seen that you have a strong grounding in the basics. And I know of some of your work with fire. But what else can you do and where would you like to start learning today?"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 7:46 pm

" I had thought to start learning more about air magic, in particular storm magicks..... eventually I hope to master all four of natures elements, but firstly I need to get a basic understanding of each element, and the only one, as you have pointed out, that I am familiar with is fire. And the occasional bolt of lightning. "

He had wandered over to join the mage royal, adopting a firm yet relaxed stance, his hands ready to move and weave when required. " Or if you believe I would be best to concentrate on something else for, I am more than open to suggestions Mage Falgan.... ", he paused for a moment, " ....one other matter.... what do you prefer being called if I may ask? Master? I would not feel right in calling you 'professor' as I am used to. "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 1:53 am

"Master will suffice," Falgan replied, one corner of his lips upturned in a wry grin. "You are correct that I am far from the 'professor' type."

The Battlemage Royal became serious once more, the corner of his mouth lowering. "Storm magicks are a little beyond you at the moment. You need the basics for it before you can even hope to proceed to them. However, we can start today with the basics of air and water magics."

If Ashtallion were to watch the Aether, he would see Falgan quickly and expertly ground and center himself. "At it's heart, working with air and water are very much like working with fire. They flow and seek the paths of least resistance." Lines of deep aqua and paler blue sprung to his fingertips and eagerly curled around them.

"Now, jets of water and blasts of wind, those are easy." Falgan commented and just as off-hnadedly sent a sphere of water into the roots of a nearby plant and a breeze to ruffle its leaves. "They're just like your fireballs. Grab, concentrate and hurl. Now fogs, clouds and storms. That's water and air working with and against each other but always under your control. We shall start with mists and fogs. That is air surrounding water never allowing it to come to ground. Once you can master that, we shall work on density for from mists you work your way up to clouds and from there to the storms you desire."

The colors of water and air around his fingers flowed to life. The aqua threads pulled together into larger knots while several strands of the paler blue flowed around each knot, weaving in and out between them. In the tether, a fine mist formed around the Battlemage's body, encasing him in a damp cloud. For all the wetness in the air around him, however, none seemed to touch Master Falgan, so fine was his control. Looking again into the aether, the pale blue strands could be seen wrapping around his body, protecting him from the aqua as it swirled within the matrix of air.

With a flick of his wrist, the knots untied themselves, flowing to intersperse themselves evenly among their airy counterparts. "Now that you have seen it," Falgan instructed as the mist disappeared and he could be seen more clearly once more, "It is your turn to try." He watched his student's progress intently.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:44 am

Ashtallion took a tad longer than the Battlemage Royal to ground and centre himself, requiring some more effort. Once done, he watched in awe at the deftness and precise skill the senior mage possessed, his maniulation of the energy about the was singular.... like nothing Asht had witnessed at any rate.

" Incredible... ", his word was whispered, but no doubt heard.

He took up a stance, concentrating. Firstly, Asht grasped for the aqua threads of water, weaving several into larger knots as he had seen Falgan do. Or attempting to do so anyway. Rarely had the young battlemage had to weave two energies together, and his next step was harder, concentrating on holding the water strands while he stretched out and gathered the pale blue of air, twisting them between the knots of water surrounding him.

" More... difficult than it looks... ", again, the words seemed to be more so for himself, but he fell silent, giving all his effort to his working.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:22 am

It took several burns for Ashtallion to be surrounded by mist. It wasn't quite as fine as Falgan's, nor was he able to keep the layer of air between him and the mist so tiny droplet covered his hair and his robes.

After the mage student had held the mist for a full burn, Falgan spoke again. "You're right, it is more difficult than it looks. But that wasn't a bad try for a beginner. Now work toward a fog. Don't release the mist yet."

He brought the mist up around him quickly once more, then began pulling the threads of air between the knots of water away, drawing each knot more closely to another, until soon he had a dense fog swirling around him. In both the Aether and the Tether, the battlemage couldn't be seen for the density of air and water that surrounded him.

He held it that way for several flickers before an opening slowly appeared, ever widening, until a clear rectangle appeared showing hazel eyes sparkling with mirth. "Now you try it. Just pull the air out, bring the water closer together. Don't worry about the fancy things - just create the fog."

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:11 pm

Although slightly irritated that he was getting damp, Asht was still proud of himself. It may have only been a light mist, but it was an accomplishment for him.

Watching Falgan as he brought the mist again, and listening to his instructions, the younger mage started his attempt to thicken the mist into fog. As gentle as he could, Ashtallion started 'tugging' at the air, pulling it out as his Master told him, slowly, but steadily, then willing the knots of water energy closer together.

He wanted to laugh as Falgan's eyes appeared through his own fog, but kept his concentration. It was something he would not be trying, again, Ashtallion could only be inspired by the finese the battlemage royal held when dealing with magic.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 2:31 pm

It took him many more burns than it had Falgan, but soon Ashtallion had a fairly even, dense fog around him, making it impossible to see anything beyond the tip of his nose. Falgan's voice reached him clearly through it's density.

"Very good, my boy. Very good. Smoothly done. You seem to have the basics down well. But now is the time to make it finely tuned until it's second nature. Dispel the fog - unmake the knots, smooth out the strands of water, pull in air between them, then release it all into the world around you once more." The Battlemage spoke slowly, making sure that Ashtallion had worked through each direction before continuing with the next. As the aspiring battlemage's fog began to clear, he could see his Master's doing the same as the elder adhiel dispelled his workings in time with his student's.

Once the air around them was once more calm, Falgan calmly instructed. "Now give me mist once more, then thicken it to fog." The drills began.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:38 pm

Yet again, the adhiel was pleased with what he had accomplished. It was nothing spectcular, but it was another weaving he could add to his ever growing list. As instructed, Ashtallion dispelled the magic, undoing the knots and pulling the strands of air out, dispersing them back in to the surrounding energies to flow naturally.

Once it had faded from around him, he took a deep breath, " Thank you, Master. Your words are greatly appreciated. "

With a bow, Ashtallion started once more. Grounding himself, concentrating and reaching for the calm within himself, seeking the magic he needed to weave the mist about him.

The aqua threads of energy he wove into knots about him, evenly spread around his person, and through each and in between he linked the threads of pale blue representing air. Once settled, he began to disperse the air and bring the knots of water closer together, thickening the mist into fog.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 2:24 pm

Falgan watched the mist appear, then saw it thicken into fog. It took Ashtallion some time, but it was cleaner, more even than before. There was still some dampness appearing on his robes and in his hair, but far less than the previous try. "Very good. Now dismiss it, then do it again. I want you to keep doing this until you can keep the water from beading on you, yet still have it close enough that the untrained won't be able to tell the difference."

The battlemage stood back, arms folded across his chest, and watched Ashtallion repeat the drill once more.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 3:48 pm

Ashtallion closed his eyes as he once more severed the threads and knots of energy, pleased yet again. The second time round he had been more confident in what he was doing and hopefully the third attempt would prove just the same.

Quickly grounding himself, Asht delved into his world of sorcery, seeking the now familiar energy required. Now though, as he gather the water and air, weaving them into mist, making sure again that the magic was spread evenly around him from all angels and afterwards drawing out the air, knitting the knots of water closer together to thicken and condense the mist.... this time he concentrated a little more on keeping the water energy from his actual person, maintaining a space between him and the energy. Creating, in effect, a cone around himself.

With any luck he would succeed.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:16 pm

It took him even longer this time to reproduce the effect, due in large part to the care he took with his weavings. But he was, in fact, successful. Not a drop of water dampened him anywhere and the fine mist appeared to swirl around him, followed by a slow thickening to fog.

The Battlemage Royal smiled, pleased at his student's progress. "Very good," his voice rang through the fog. "Not fast enough, by any stretch of the imagniation, but a good foundation. Now release it."

When the air and water were once again in their proper places and Ashtallion could be seen clearly by his Master, Falgan glanced at the time candle with a nod. "It is almost time for your friend Naddali to return for her lessons. I'd like to see you here at the same time tomorrow," he instructed, his face a mask of seriousness. "And I would like you to have mastered this at twice the speed you have shown today."

He began to walk from the practice area toward his own seat when he turned back to Ashtallion. "Before you go to meet with the Lord Advocate, I have one last thing I'd like to show you. If you'll follow me outside...?" He stood to the side, waiting for Ashtallion to move to a place beside him before walking through a small gate that led to the gardens outside.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:15 pm

With a slightly flushed face, Ashtallion released the weaving, standing for a few moments in silence as he caught his breath... it had been a while since he had drilled in such a manner, the adhiel decided it was time to start drilling like that daily. " Yes, Master. I will practice and return tomorrow as you say... "

His eyebrow cocked slightly as Falgan gestured for him to follow, but he did, close behind the battlemage royal as he walked through the gateway and into the gardens.

" What is it you wish to show me, Master? ", in a way, Ashtallion found the term 'master' slightly off putting, but it was just another thing he would have to get used to in Kislovan. Training under Falgan would be his first step to power and the mage deserved the upmost respect.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 3:36 pm

"This way."

Falgan held open the gate, allowing Ashtallion to enter the gardens before the master battlemage. If it hadn't been for the gate, it would have been difficult to tell that one had left the interior of the Palace for the gardens proper. Many of the same birds that perched on the trees inside of Falgan's atrium dove through the air. The greenery extended on, well tended as far as the eye could see. The only difference was the width of the paths winding through the waxy leaves, wide enough for five adhiel to walk abreast with little discomfort.

The Battlemage Royal closed the gate behind them, then walked quickly ahead of his student to lead him in silence to a wide clearing. Ornate benches stood at measure distances around the perimeter of the space. For the moment, they all stood empty, waiting. Falgan stopped before the furthest bench and looked into the clear sky above them. "Look into the Aether," he commanded.

Ashtallion was always used the energy of air being plentiful wherever he was, but looking into the sky the supply was vast. It was like a man of an inland villiage finally seeing the ocean for the first time and not believing that much water could exist. Shafts of light glittered through the blue. "Infinite energy at your grasp, Astahallion." Falgan stated simply. "If you simply wanted to blow someone away. But you want a storm."

Falgin pointed at a faint wisp of cloud floating high in the sky. To Aetheric sight, it was a lattice of air and water and bits of earth. Its composition was not the only difference between this real cloud and the weavings he just practiced. It was vast. Even that small wisp dwarved anything he could yet do and it was a far cry from a rain cloud.

"Where would the water come from? That is the question you must ask." Falgan announced. "There is a reason why storms are the domain of sea witches, my pupil. I do not show this to tell you it is impossible or even to discourage you. But you must know the magnitude of the ultimate task if you are to train properly for its execution."

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:42 pm

Ashtallion followed Falgan obeidently, stopping where the great mage stopped and following his gaze upward. As ordered, he half closed his eyes as he eneterd the aether, allowing him to see the sheer vastness of the energy which the battlemage royal pointed out. " I see, Master. ", would he ever attain the strength and skill to master this element, it seemed to dwarf him in comparison.

No, Urdil! Doubts are not what you need focus on just now. You will gain Mastery, not just over the storms and skies, but water, fire and earth... and beyond...

" I admit to some intimidation.... even now I still cannot comprehend the limits to which sorcery can strive. I am but a fickle thing compared to it all. But one day, hopefully, that will change Master. ", he glanced to Falgan and then back to the skies and the air energy about him. He reached out his mind and senses, not actually grasping the energy for use, but feeling it, seeing how high he could reach upwards.

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:04 am

"Intimidated is good," nodded Falgan sharply, "at least on first brush. Energy of that magnitude demands respect, even from experienced mages." The battlemage fell quiet for a few burns, allowing Ashtallion to probe the Aether overhead in peace. But then time caught up with them.

"I shall leave you here to contemplate as you will. You know the way out." Falgan began retracing his steps back toward the garden gate. "Naddali does not need any excuses for distraction. I will see you tomorrow." And then the battlemage was lost in the greenery of the garden, and Ashtallion was left alone to contemplate the skies as he would.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:02 am

Ashtallion turned his attentiont to Falgan as he made to leave, " Yes Mage Falgan..... and thankyou for todays lesson, I learned a great deal today. Until tomorrow Master. ", bowing in respect, he waited until the mage was out of sight before turning his eyes back to the skies.

With a soft sigh, he closed off his mage-sight, withdrawing his senses. There was soo much he had yet to accomplish before seeking to Master the Storms and then there was earth and water to start on.... fire was already an aquaintence of his, yet he would have to spend more time on it to fully master the flame.

Running a hand through his hair, Ashtallion swivelled on his heel and left the gardens, gracefully moving through Falgans office and out passed the woman at the entrance. He bowed his head to her as he passed, yet said nothing more. The halls and corridors were becoming more and more familiar and with that he found it easier to navigate them and make his way towards the main reception of the Palace.

Reaching there, he looked around for a page, now holding the message he had recieved earlier, folded over so no others could read it. Finding said Page, " Excuse me. Could you take me to the Lord Argil's office, or chambers? He is expecting me, however I do not know where his office is located. ", he bowed his head slightly, offering a polite smile.