The Day's Instruction

[Tismri]

Gloriann sat quietly in her seat, staring at the far wall. Though she wouldn't say anything out loud, which would only draw more attention to herself, she felt she probably understood the subject just as well as the instructor. She occasionally even dared to think she understood it even better.
Probably not... Sundavar told her as the dragon concentrated on perfecting a triple-loop corkscrew. Glory felt a sense of invertigo and dizziness and Sundavar pushed herself a little too far. She landed on the ground with a flop of her wings, panting.
Sorry I distracted you, Glory said, though she sensed that the dragon was unhurt.
It's not your fault. I have been trying to perfect that move for days now. It's harder than it looks. But as I was saying, I'm pretty sure that your teachers know more about the subject than you realize. They've been around much longer than you have, you know, and there are endless things for you to be learning if you just try. Gloriann mentally nodded, but when she took another moment to hear what the teacher was telling her, she found she could almost predict everything that was about to come out of his mouth.

[Max452]

"Magic or as it is properly known as, gramarye. It is the use of one's energy to manipulate the nature of our world." Roland stood before his class, giving today's lecture on Magic. "Though many believe that gramarye is manipulated by the Ancient language, that is in fact, untrue." He spoke calmly taking note that some students were paying attention, writing diligently on their parchments, while others seemed to be dozing off. "It is in fact, controlled, if you would like to use that term, by our thoughts or our intent." He folded his hands behind his back as he paced the room, causing some students to shuffle into a more awake state. "Gramarye is to be respected. It is not something to be taken lightly. As some of you know, gramarye draws energy from the user. The amount of energy drawn is determined by the spell that is being performed. Remember students this one important fact: 'Casting a spell with magic cost as much energy as would be lost to do the task by mundane means.'" He quoted his old mentor, Oromis. "If a spell's energy was large, than it would draw large amounts of energy from you, so be weary when performing it, for it may be the last thing you do." He warned his students as he continued his lecture.

--
Ian sat at his desk, quill in hand, as he scribbled onto the piece of paper. Of course, he knew this all from his parents, but it was still a good thing to write it all down. He wanted to be the best and he wanted to show Roland that he was serious in learning, if only to be found worthy to have an dragon hatch for him.

--
Tatiana wanted to stifle her yawn, but couldn't help it. This lecture was boring. He reminded her of how her tutors would try to teach her how to walk like a Princess. She rolled her eyes at that thought, her hand unconsciously taking out her knife, rotating it between her fingers, an indication of her boredom or deep thought. In this case, it was from boredom. She stared idly toward the outside, wishing she was out there shooting her arrows or finding some adventure...

---
Seth sat quietly, his ear toward Roland as he processed and memorized every word that the elf spoke. The elf's voice was melododic, but, it was turning into a more monotone voice, making Seth wonder if the teacher was bored of his own lecture, or perhaps he was just so used to giving it that it just held no more excitment for him. Whatever the reason, Seth knew that the voice was causing some of his classmates to fall to sleep or to daydream, himself included.
It can't be that bad. Hyperion chirped in briefly. Seth could "see" the mental image of Hyp sitting in front of one of the Ancient dragons, learning about the different herbs that would help them digest food or to strengthen their fire. I find everything here exciting! Hyp proclaimed as he sniffed one of the herbs, allowing Seth and himself to memorize it.

[Tismri]

OOC: lol, this thread is starting to feel a little like TRLOTAT.

Glory glanced around the class, seeing all the other students with similar bored expressions to her own. She felt a little bad for Roland, who had to teach a class full of uninterested students. A couple seemed interested, though, like Ian. She wondered why. Uncle Einar and Aunt Gianna had probably already taught him everything there is to possibly know and understand about magic. He had to know just as much about this lecture as she did. She also noticed that even Seth seemed to be losing his concentration, and she wondered if it would be harder or easier for him to get away with sleeping in class.

Teza Mae was rather impatient with this class. Roland was telling them all the basic fundamentals of magic, but even these couldn't apply to her! She raised her hand, as she had been drilled to do ever since she got here, but still couldn't restrain herself to wait to be called upon.
"But sir," she said, "do you have any theories as to why magic is so different for people from Ismalia?" She was partly curious herself, but she also knew her brother was searching for an answer, as well as a way to rectify the problem. She wanted to help him find out.

[Max452]

OOC: Well then, let us change it a bit, shall we?! Hehehe...here comes my idea!!!

Roland continued his lecture when he spotted Teza Mae's hand shoot up. He was about to call on her when she spoke anyway. He gave a little sigh. She will learn soon enough to be patient. She will have to, as will the others. He listened to her question and thought for a moment.
"Ah, yes, gramayre does have an odd affect on Ismalians, and yes, Argetlam Teza Mae, I do have a theory on why your people cannot use magic properly." Roland stopped pacing and stood in the middle of the front of the room. "As I explained, gramayre requires the energy of the user to function properly. However, I believe that their is a mental block, or a barrier as you will, that prohibts and constricts the connection between Ismalian gramayre and the energy of the user. For example, Silver Hand," Roland uttered a simple spell. "Brisingr." Flames appeared in Roland's hand, as if dancing on them. This seemed to cause the class to awaken just a bit more. "For me, this is my intention when I created fire. I desired the fire to form in my hand, and so, my energy was drawn into the spell, creating what I desire. However," He extinguished his spell, "I know that if you try to do the same, it may back fire, and no, do not go and try it right now." Roland added before continuing, "Needless to say, there is something blocking your intention and energy that it cannot connect with the magic around you." He explained. "That is why, I think, that you must practice uttering your intentions in the Ancient Language to perform your spells, as not to deter them from doing as you desire. Also, to support my theory on the lack of connection between your energy and magic, is the Emeralds."

The students perked up at the mention of the Emeralds. Many had heard of them in stories of the war, but not many knew what had happened to them. Some say that they never existed and were just a ploy to distract the King and others said that they were used to end the war quicker, but overall, not many knew the truth, if any.

"The Emeralds allowed Ismalians to use gramayre in the precise way they had intended, as your mother, Queen Mother Tenel Ka, has proven. I believe it is because they created the repaired the gap between gramayre and the energy of the user, allowing it to flow unhindered. And that, my dear Princess Argetlam, is my theory. Do you understand?" Roland asked, assessing her thoughts on the matter. It was a great thing to see his students asking questions, it meant that they desired to learn.

After a moment, he noticed his students getting disinterested, causing him to sigh. "All right, I understand sitting in a room and learning basics are somewhat boring, but they are necessary. Especially for your final examination for my class." Roland folded his arms, peering at them all. "I suppose I shall have to get you all motivated." He stared at them, one by one, causing some to be slightly unnerved, Ian included.

"I had rather hoped to surprise you in a few days with this, but, I can see, that I have to announce it now. In exactly 200 days, you will all be participating in your final examination for my class. It will be held in the Skulblaka Mountains, where I and the other teachers will place a barrier. Inside this barrier, you and the other students of your generation will participate in a survival test with your dragons. For one week, you will have to survive within this barrier, living off the land and fighting...against creatures that we have placed. Your goal is merely to survive and reach a certain location by the end of your duration, while using the skills that you have learned this year. Teams can be formed, but in the end, it is your own participations and skills that will determine your advancement." Roland than smirked, his one eye holding a hint of michief. "And the use of magic is prohibted within the barrier."

"What?!" Ian exclaimed! Without magic he really couldn't do anything and he didn't have a dragon!!! What was he supposing to do?!

Roland gazed over at Ian briefly. "Those who do not have dragons by the time of the examination, will have the option of not taking it and will instead participate in a much more, mundane examination." Roland clarified. "And you must all be aware, if you do not pass this examination, you will all be forced to repeat my class." Ian's jaw dropped and he glanced over at Eva.
Roland is crazy! He expects all of us to just survive without magic? I don't even have a dragon yet! I'll be eaten alive by the wild dragons in there! He exclaimed to Eva, his eyes wide, but either than that, he tried to maintain his composure.

[Trinn]

OOC: I don't think Eva would be in this class... she's a six month old dragon rider lol. Let's say she's in class today to find out what the final exam will be. She's in a little more advanced class

Eva felt her jaw drop a tad when she heard Roland's announcement. She had been sitting through the lecture half-dead, trying to pay attention but finding the lecture redundant. She had sat through it once before, when Eos was still young and unable to carry her. Don't worry Ian, Eos and I will protect you! Although I Strongly recommend you don't go into that arena unless you do have a bond. Almost immediately after Rolands announcement, Eva shot her hand up to ask a question.
***

Jason almost shouted a "no" out loud. He would not allow Tezzie into such madness! Especially without a dragon! He would force her to stay behind and take a normal examination. He watched her carefully now, knowing that she would probably be excited rather than terrified by the prospect of wild dragons and dangerous mountains.

Maude felt a flicker of panic. She was sitting near the back of the class, listening intently to the whole lecture. Now she felt completely awake. She hadn't impressed a dragon yet, and she had arrived to New Doru Arabea some weeks ago. She didn't want to disappoint her parents, and she wanted more than anything to be a rider like her mother and father. Her eyes fixed on Eva's raised hand, and her panic was now shared with loathing for the daughter of the ex-varden riders.

[Max452]

OOC: Oh yeah....she is more advanced! lol Well yeah, let's say this was just a combined class today...lol

Ian was pale at the the prospect of this exam. Upon hearing his twin's words, it only made it worse. Great! His sister was going to protect him! Wasn't that his job! And no! He will go into that exam! He'll have to! He wasn't going to back out! No! I'm doing it! I have to. I'm not disappointing Mother and Father, and I'm no coward! Eva! I'm going to do it, if only to protect you and Eos! My blades are sharp and we've learned a lot from Father and Mother about surviving in the wild! We can do this. I won't back out, and maybe...maybe by then I'll have a dragon!" He stated with convinction and hope. He wanted so badly to have a dragon and maybe if he didn't after this exam, then, maybe after? If he could prove himself, maybe a dragon would finally find him worthy.

***
Seth visibly tensed. Well, this will be different Hyp. I haven't been exploring in the Skulblaka Mountains yet...
Don't worry, Seth! I'll be your eyes! It'll be just like we practiced. Hyperion's voice soothed his rider.
That's not it, I'm excited that we'll get to do that! He formed a grin, only tensed out of excitment. Think of all the fun we'll have!
Oh boy... Hyp sighed in defeat.

***
Roland allowed the news to settle amongst his students and the guests in his class. He then spotted Eva's hand sprout up. "Yes, Argetlam Eva?" No doubt they all will have questions.

[Trinn]

Eva glared at Ian, upset by his stubbornness. You wouldn't be disappointing anybody! she mentally shouted at him. And protect me!? You're the one who needs protection! Like you said, we've learned a lot from mother and father. You're as good as I am! Not better! You need protecting sometimes too you know! She was so busy shouting at Ian mentally that she almost missed Roland calling her. "Master Roland, why can't we use magic!? If this is to be a test of the things we've learned, then surly magic must play a part. Why else have we been learning magic!?"

[Tismri]

OOC: Teza Mae isn't a Rider...I'm not sure yet who will be. Being limited to only two makes the decision quite difficult. lol

Teza Mae's eyes brightened significantly at the challenge Roland presented to her. Living off the land was just the sort of thing she wanted to do; it's what her father taught her to do. And not being able to use magic was little to no hindrance. She shot a thrilled look at Jason, but then read his expression. He wasn't happy with this...he was planning to get her out of that.
She knew why of course; as the crown princess, it was her job to avoid danger at all costs, and it was Jason's job to keep her from getting in such a position in the first place. Still, she despised that very thought. She tried catching his eye, hers looking both threatening and pleading at the same time.
Don't. You. Dare. She thought. If he ruined this chance for her, she would never forgive him, ever!

Glory's eyes widened at the announcement of the final exam. She needed to survive, in the mountains, against wild creatures that as of yet had no name. And she had to do so without magic. The thought was terrifying to her; she wasn't like her mother or father who had grown up without the use of magic. It had been a part of her entire life.
She listened as Eva asked her question, looking to Roland for the answer and hoping he would be lienient. If he still refused to allow magic, she might talk to him privately after class. She wasn't sure she could take such a test, but she didn't want everyone else to think she was a coward.

[Max452]

Ian cringed as his sister yelled at him through their mind link. He swore that it was always a lot louder mentally than verbarly. All right, all right...I'll think about it some more... He grumbled, really just trying to appease her more than anything else. She was such a worry wart. He turned his attention back to Master Roland when Eva was called on; Ian snickered a bit at his sister's brief caught off guard look. Well, he'll take that as a temporary victory.

Ian glanced around him, intaking the other reactions from the students. Most of them all had dragons. He sighed. He really wanted one. He glanced behind him, spotting Maude. He wondered what she was feeling. Maybe a bit like him? That would be comforting a bit; he wouldn't be the only one who was worried about being dragonless. He turned around when he heard Master Roland speak.

***
"A very valid point, Argetlam Eva. Yes, it is true, the use of magic will be essential for a Rider to perform and to understand. However, one must also understand the use of patience and hard work. As you know, Silver Hand, the energy to perform a spell can only match the same amount of energy that it takes to do something without magic. In order to build up your energy and endurance, you must learn to do things without magic first and thereby, respect and appreciate the use of gramayre as it truly is. That is why, there will be no magic use during the examination. However, I understand your concern. You are not wasting your time learning magic and spells; I will be having the magical portion of the exam one week after the Survival exam, with a magic duel. Have I answered your question, Argetlam?" Roland asked.

Once Roland had answered Eva's question, the timer on his desk began to go off, indicating the end of the lesson. "Ah, it appears our time has expired for the day. Remember students, keep your minds sharp and alert for this examination. Also, don't forget that your weekly mediation journal is due tomorrow! Each entry must be more than a parchment page long, indicating what you've observed about the world around you." He reminded them all before they ran off to their next instruction.

OOC: All right, who's teaching next? lol

[Trinn]

Eva couldn't argue with Roland's point. It was valid, and she had to admit, a good test. She hunched back in her seat in defeat. Don't worry. Eos said soothingly in her mind. We will be fine. Eva hoped so, and she also hoped that Ian wouldn't do anything reckless. At last class was over though, and Eva got up eagerly and walked out next to Ian. "I'll see you later tonight." she said, not going to the same class as he was. It was a weapons training instruction, and she had already passed that one.
***

Maude decided that she would take the test dragon or no dragon. She noticed then that Ian was looking at her. She met his stare unabashedly until he turned back around to listen to Master Roland. When class was over, she got up silently and stalked out of the class.

Her next destination was Ebrithil Trinn's. There were no seats in Trinn's class, only a small round grassy arena. Maud enjoyed this class the most, she thought. It was weapons training, and Trinn had said something about giving the students a chance to spar next lesson. Maude took her place somewhere near the front, and the rest of the class formed in a rough half circle around Trinn. Thora wasn't present, probably out hunting or teaching the hatchlings.

"Greetings, class." Trinn said. She stood with her emerald sword, Vanta, out and at her side. "I've been talking at you all quite a bit these last few sessions. I've let you all try your weapons in motion, but not against each other. And the best way to become a master, is through experience. Now everyone, pair up. It's time to test your skills against each other for the remainder of this class. And remember, dull your blades!" Maude nearly almost smiled. In a flash she had unsheathed her two scythe like swords and dulled the blades. She twirled them around her to warm up, the motions coming easily and fluidly. She noticed that the others didn't seem quite as excited as she. Or perhaps they were, but they didn't show it. She watched as the class began to pair up, friends pinning themselves against each other. Nobody approached her. She didn't have any friends, she remembered. No matter, as long as she got to pin herself against one of the varden riders kids, she would be fine.
***

Jason felt very disheartened. It was clear from the look Tezzie had given him that she had made up her mind to take part in the madness of the exam. He felt even more exasperated when in their next class Master Trinn called for sparring. "Tezzie!" he said, grabbing her by the arm. "Spar with me?" He asked, thinking that would be the only way to keep her from getting hurt by another classmate.

[Max452]

"All right. I'll see you." Ian bid his goodbye to his sister, still a little embarassed from being caught by Maude. He seriously thought she wanted to bite his head off and then feed it to Viel just for good measure. What did he do to upset her so? He sighed, gathered his books, and headed off to Master Trinn's class. At least he wouldn't have to be too bored there. Master Trinn had promised sparring today! He was eager to test out his skills against the others. Besides Magic, weaponry was one of his best skills.

He slung his bag onto his shoulder and followed the other students to his next class. Finally, he reached the grassy field that was Ebrithil Trinn's classroom. He wondered idly why Ebirithil Roland never had his outside, except that one meditating class. He was and elf. Weren't elves suppose to like nature? Oh well, he spotted an empty place in the semicircle around his teacher and sat down, his bag to the side. He grinned when it was announced that they would be sparring. He glanced around when the others began picking partners and was mentally annoyed that Eva wasn't here to be his. Everyone seemed to have been picked. He then spotted Maude, alone. He gulped.

Getting up, Ian went over to Maude, eyeing her scythe-like swords. Well, at least that was another thing they had in common - they both were dual swordsmen. He approached her. "Would you like to be my partner?" He asked, feeling that unusal nervous feeling whenever he was around her. His voice the usual monotone, but with a slight pitch of nerves.

***
"Glory! Come on! We're gonna be late!" Seth got up from his chair and waited besides Glory's desk. "We have Ebirthil Tismri next and you know how she hates if we're tardy..." He told his little friend. They were in the higher class because their dragons had hatched before the others here. He already heard Eva's feet scampering off.

[Trinn]

This time, Maude did smirk. Ian would be the perfect test of skills. She had been waiting for a chance to beat him. "I welcome you as a partner", she said with forced civility. "Now dull your blades and show me what a son of the glorious varden can do!" she hadn'teant for that to slip out, but she was unaccustomed to having to hide her feelings. She and her mother and father had always been very honest with each other. To cover up, she rushed Ian as soon as his swords had been warded. Swinging her right sword up, Maude aimed to slice across his chest, while with her other blade she swiped horizontally at his neck in a beheading motion.

[Max452]

Ian tilted his head, surprised at Maude's declaration. Was that what she thought of him as? Just his father and Mother's reputations? The thought was a bit sad to him. He was hoping she would like him for himself...but then again, there seemed to be some spite in her words. He unsheathed his blades, dulling them while he thought about her outburst. However, he could do little thinking when Maude attacked him after he barely finished warded his blades.

Ian reacted quickly, thankful for his father's elven blood. His left sword bounded up to protect his chest, while the other rang against her left blade. He stared at her, perplexed. Those were killing moves. "This is just a spar, Maude. I have no intention to do any real harm." He looked at her, the nervous feeling pushed down a bit by his wonderment on her aggression. Ian could be aggressive if he wanted to, but he was taught by his Father to never give into that bloodlust. He and Eva were told to never use their blades to inflict harm, but to only ever protect. He remembered his father's eyes when he told them that. Don't ever give into that bloodlust, my children. It will forever haunt you and eat away your soul. Those were there words he said...and his eyes were filled with...regret, as if he spoke from experience. Ian never really heard about his Father's past, except those with the Varden, beyond that, was a bit of a mystery. Oh sure, there were some small facts here and there...but never any details. Never.
Ian gazed at Maude, remembering his father's words, so instead of retaliating, Ian simply resorted to blocking. Besides, there was a weird sense of not wanting to harm Maude in any way. It was a strange feeling. He barely knew the girl.

[Trinn]

"Pain is the best teacher". Maude retorted while their swords were locked. She noticed Ian's expression, and she felt suddenly guilty. "Besides, this is a sparring match. One of us has to be on the offense. Defending isn't going to do much for you in the field for long. Of course, you probably don't intend on taking the exam." Breaking away from him, Maude back peddled and then twirled to Ian's left, her swords whirling dangerously around her. One of Maude's advantages had always been her quickness and agility, but she was lacking in actual strength. There were many that could probably overpower her. She thrust at Ian's rib cage and at his stomach with her swords.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae stood the instant the timer on the desk rang, eager for the next class. Sparring under the watchful eye of Ebrithil Trinn, she would be able to show everyone that she wasn't just some dainty princess who focused more on frivolry and didn't even know how to handle a weapon. She barely heard Roland's reminder as she went out the door. She bit her lip; she hadn't written a single thing on that assignment yet.
Once she was out in the grassy field, she gazed around at her classmates, wondering which one she would fight. She spied Ian...she still didn't really like him. Not after that first ridiculous day when he had been so rude to her. The thought of beating him black and blue was appealing. However, before she could take a step toward him, Jason grabbed her arm. She sighed...he always was the one to spar with her in this class. She knew it was to keep her safe, but she wanted to fight someone different for a change.
"Okay, Jace," she told him. "But just one round. I want to see if someone else can match me as well as you." She gave him a small smile.
~~~~~
Gloriann had wanted to stay behind and speak with Roland about getting out of taking the exam. She stayed in her seat, but then out of nowhere, Seth called out to her. She was still amazed by the fact that he always knew exactly where she was.
"Coming," she called out to him. She stood up in a hurry and stopped by Ebrithil Roland's desk. Silently, she turned in the homework assignment he had given--four pages long already.
"I'll turn in the rest tomorrow," she said to her teacher before joining Seth to go to Tismri's class.
~~~~~
Tismri sat in a wide plain just outside the city, next to Ismrolde. This class was for all the new Riders and the dragons both. She took a moment as her students gathered to appreciate the fresh air.
It's a pleasant change, she said to her bond. Instead of being mobbed by fools who only want to hear gibberish, we are surrounded by children who truly want to hear what we have to say. Ismrolde agreed, looking around at the hatchlings as they came. They were all so bright and eager, and so young, having not been hardened by ideals and passing time.