Flashback ~[Iosha] Lost In The Memories

[Cephei]

Cephei flinched internally when the woman's soft pale hand touched her face. She wasn't used to people touching her, she did not have a mother and father like normal people, she had Leth and she used to have Gill. Iosha's words warmed the coldness of her heart, banishing all former thoughts of rejection from her friend. She assumed wrongly of the woman, and felt a bad for it, most people feared what they did not know. Cephei smiled and laughed a little when Iosha said she was the most beautiful woman she ever laid eyes on. It was such a kind comment of her friend to say, but Cephei could not help but wonder if the woman was flirting with her or just being kind. Iosha giggled and winked at Cephei, making a light pink blush bloom on her upper cheeks, because the thought of the woman flirting with her made her slightly shy for some reason.


Then Iosha asked if she wanted to continue swimming or go sit on the shore for awhile. Cephei looked up at the moon and smiled at Leth in the sky, then back at the shore. She was silent the whole time her friend was interacting with her, and just noticed her chimes of silence.

"We can leave the water, if you do not mind. I would like to lay in the moon light, for awhile. Plus the thought of a friendly conversation sounds lovely." Cephei grinned at her, looking at the girl with the eyes of an old soul, and swam back to the shore. She walked up to her belongings and grabbed her cloak laying it out on the grass where there were no trees to block the moonlight, and laid down on the cloak with her eyes closed, her body soaking up the moon beams for nourishment, as she waited for her friend to join her with her questions. Cephei smiled, she felt content and complete knowing that Iosha did not turn her back on her, shun her, or think her strange, that she still wanted to be her friend. Now Cephei needed to find out if Iosha was going to accept her for what she truly was, a celestial creature of the divine.

[Iosha]

Iosha nodded to Cephei when she said that she just wanted to talk. Iosha knew casual conversation were not her strong suit, but she nodded to Cephei anyways and said with a smile on her face, “Sure let head back into to shore, I think there is a clearing near by we can sit in.” When the girl started swimming back to the beach, Iosha wanted to feel the water around on last time. She dove underwater and slowly started to swim under the water. Once the water was shallow enough to walk, she stood up and started to trudge out of the water. She saw her friend already getting situated on the soft grass. Running both hands through her hair, she walked by to her things, picked them up, and made her way to the grass next to Cephei. She decided to stand letting the steady breeze dry her white skin. She looked down at the strange girl below her, and she was still amazed at her transformation. Iosha looked over the lake and gazed at the reflection of the moon in the water. She asked softly, “So..were you born in Mura, Cephei, or are you here on a visit to the island?” Iosha felt awkwardly when she asked her questions. She didn't want to come off rude or too nosy, and she couldn't think of the right words to ask her questions. Nervously, she just played with a strand of silver blond hair waiting for the girl to reply. When Iosha felt dry enough, she sat on the grass next to her. She glanced at the beautiful girl laying in the moonlight and quickly looked back at the clouds. She didn't want to keep staring at the girl, but it was definitely easier said than done. Iosha blushed slightly and kept her eyes on the reflection in the lake and said softly, “I know this might be a odd question Cephei...but what are you exactly? When I met you, you appeared like any other Konti, but now.. your well your in this form...and..” Iosha was trying to find the right words to describe her, but she couldn't find the words, so she just fumbled her words like a idiot. She wasn't a master at small talk since the only people. She ever talked to was her Grandmother and her teachers. It kind of limited the range of conversations she had with people. She hoped Ccphei could tell she was kind of nervous. It was part of the reason when she first met to offer to go swimming with her because she didn't know how to start a conversation. Feeling a cool breeze, she brought her legs up to chest and she rested her head on her knees staring out over the water once again.

[Cephei]

Her friend returned from the depths of the mystical lake, standing in the breeze looking over the lake, she asked her first question of Cephei, asking her where she was born. Cephei could not help the small smile that spread across her ethereal face. It was a complex answer, one that would be harder to answer if she were in her earth bound body, but now that she was in her true form it was a little more simple. Cephei kept her eyes up at the sky, revering in the light of Leth.

“I am from the sky, in the domain of Leth. I was “born” as you say in the sea of Suvan, the sea giving birth to me upon its warm sandy shores. I would of died like a beached sea mammal had it not been for one man, Gill, who rescued me. I have lived a long time Iosha. I lived in the embrace of Leth before I lived on this earth. At first I thought I was casted out, rejected, but then I knew that I was here for a divine purpose, I do not know what that purpose is, but I feel like it is a test from Leth. I came to Mura in hopes to find out more information about myself and my earth bound race. I have traveled to many places, searching for more knowledge. Knowledge is power, never forget that. I suppose my home here on this land would be the Suvan Sea. But there is nothing there for me anymore. Gill has passed, and left this world. He was like a father to me, the only loving individual I have ever had in my life…” Cephei let the conversation of Gill drop; she could not bear the memories of the kind man. He showered her with love like he would of if he had children of his own, taught her of this land, and helped he become the person she is today. A pained expression came over her face, but she quickly let it fall, replacing it with an emotionless stare.

Iosha sat down beside her in the grass, Cephei noticed the nervous glance Iosha directed her way, and how she quickly glanced away from her, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She looked back at the lake, not looking at Cephei as her second, one she knew was coming, was asked. What was she? Cephei sat up and moved so she was facing the silver haired girl, her luminescent skin glowing in the light of the moon.

“When Syna is in the sky warming the lands with her light, I am a Konti, it is my earth bound race, one of my past lifes, a life I have previously lived, though those memories of that life are muddled, I can only grasp a hold of a few of them. One being my death…” Cephei shuddered slightly, casting her eyes down as the memory of that tragic death briefly brushed her mind, it was still vague and foggy, and she did not want to relish on it to try to bring that memory forth, so she abandoned that memory and continued on her description. “When my God Leth is in the sky, I am an Ethaefal, my true form and race. This is my celestial body, my divine body. I have no need for food, water, sleep, and I do not have the same bodily functions as you do. I gain my strength and nurture from bathing in the moon light, like a flower feeding off the moon beams in the night. My name is from the binary star system located in the constellation Cepheus.” Cephei smiled at the girl, she was nervous, picking her words carefully. At least she was trying not to be too prying. Cephei did not mind though, and knew that the woman was accepting her, she was just wanting to know about her.

Cephei placed her small glowing hand on the woman’s pale shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. “Iosha, it is okay. Do not be nervous. We are friends. You can ask what you wish about me. I would like for us to get to know one another better.” Cephei let her hand fall slowly, brushing the back of the woman’s soft shoulder, returning her hand to her lap, giving her a warm smile, hoping to reassure the woman. She looked at the beautiful woman, a tinge jealous at the beauty she held. She would grow up to be a woman that would break a man’s heart, a woman that all the men looked upon wishing she would be theirs, one day she would be confident in her looks, Cephei hoped.

[Iosha]

Iosha watched Cephei glowing face as she told her story about how she came to the world. Iosha was surprised when the girl didn't have a mother or father. It was hard for her to understand. How she could be dropped from the sky and born into the sea. The concept baffled her, but Iosha could tell she was serene about her story. She told her that she was a old soul with a divine purpose on the earth only her god Leth would know. Iosha smiled at her and said softly, “I am sure your God will reveal your purpose in time, but maybe your purpose is something simple like experiencing life to it fullest, or maybe you came here to make a difference in someone's life.” Iosha was satisfied with Cephei answer about her purpose for being on Mizahar. Iosha smiled sadly when Cephei started to mention the only parental figure in her life. He was a man named Gill, and he found her on the beach and raised her like a daughter. He must have had a kind heart to take in a child who wasn't his kin into his life. They must have had a lot of happy memories before her father died. During the story, Iosha remembered her mother who lost her life to save her daughter from slavers. Iosha only remember bits and pieces of the dreadful day, but all she remembered was her mother being cut down, and the two dead slavers floating in the water next to her. Iosha saw the emotionless stare appeared on Cephei face, and she knelt down and took Cephei's hands in her hands and said softly, “I believe the spirits of the dead stay with us through our life to guide and watch over us, Cephei. Besides if your god Leah brought you to Mizahar for a purpose, I bet my shiny white skin that he will reunite both Gill and you after you die.” Iosha gave her a warm grin and said softly, “Besides, Konti live for a long time, so I promise you Cephei that you will not be alone on this world with me around.” She let go of her hand and giggled to herself, “I just hope you can put up with my bad jokes for the next two hundred and fifty years...” Suddenly, Cephei got up and sat directly in front of her. Iosha was stunned at how her body seemed to glow in the moonlight. She just sat there in silence as she watched her glowing skin shimmer in the moonlight. Iosha couldn't help be captivated by the celestial being sitting in the grass in front of her. She listened to Cephei tell her about how her form switched depending on which heavenly body shines brightest in the sky. Iosha wanted to compliment her on both forms, but she decided to hold her tongue since she already been making a fool of herself in front of her. She found it interesting that Cephei could switch from a Konti to her lunar form Ethaefal at night. When Cephei mentioned her past life was spent as a Konti. She started to wonder how much she knew about her past life, and what was her name in the former life? Iosha didn't want to pry, so she will have to ask the question at a later date. When Cephei started talking about her celestial body, and how she need to bath in the moonlight for nourishment. Iosha smiled to herself and said with a silly grin and joked badly, “My new friend is a plant. I feel like I just stepped into a adventure story my mother used to tell me when I could only just reach the bottom of her skirt.” Suddenly, Cephei reached out with her glowing hand and she squeezed her shoulder. Iosha seemed to relax as soon as Cephei told her that they were friends and she could ask her anything. Iosha smiled and said with a grin, “Since I asked you a question Cephei, it is only fair that you ask a question about me too.” She just thought of a question and asked with a big grin, “Since you are here on Mizahar, what are you going to do with your life? I picture you being a artist or poet. You seemed to have a knack for words..” She thought for a moment and said to Cephei, “Well I guess you can ask two questions now?”

[Cephei]

Cephei listened to Iosha’s response of the stories she told her, nodding her head and smiling at the wisdom of her words. Maybe she was here to help other people out, maybe. Then Iosha told her that Konti lived a long time, and this was true, as did Ethaefal. Ethaefal was basically immortals, living for a very long time, but could be killed by poison and if someone murdered her of course.Then Iosha told her she would not have to be alone on the world, because she would be there. This warmed Cephei’s heart, she was such a great friend already, and she could put up with her jokes, as they were not bad, Iosha made her laugh.

When Iosha said that her new friend is a plant, Cephei burst out in warm musical laughter, “Something like that I suppose Io.” Cephei shook her head, her laughter dying off into a small light chuckle, as Iosha went on telling Cephei to ask her a question, then asking her own question of Cephei.

“I don’t really have any plans for my future here on Mizahar. I plan on learning how to use a sword, but besides that I do not know what I will be doing. I am just taking each day as it comes, not planning anything out.” Cephei smiled, the gesture making her face glow with her jovial mood.

“My two questions… Hmm.. What are your plans for your life here on Mizahar? And I would like you to tell me about your family.” Cephei would love to hear about someone else’s family life, as she didn’t necessarily have one of her own. Plus she would love to know what this intelligent Konti woman planned to do with her life, she could accomplish anything with that smart head on her shoulders.

[Iosha]

Iosha listened to Cephei tell her about her plans for the future. They were standard for most people their age, but she did mention her swordplay. Iosha looked at the girl and wondered to herself if this child of Leth wanted to be a divine warrior. Iosha started envisioning Cephei dressed in elegant white armor and charging her enemies in the light of moon. It was a good daydream for her friend, but Iosha figured Cephei will surprise her in the end. Iosha smirked at Cephei and said, “Maybe you can show me a few moves with a sword. I know it isn't the weapon of choice for a Konti or a healer, but I guess it would hurt much to learn. Besides, if nothing else, I could use it for self defense too.” Iosha eyes light up when she got an idea. Iosha smirked and looked at her the glowing girl, “Cephei, I think you and I should learn Konti martial arts. I think it would really compliment your sword fairly well, and it will give me something to do other than drooling on the library tables. Besides how are we supposed to make you into a heavenly warrior, Cephei, so would you be interested in kicking my butt?” Iosha was excited about the opportunity to learn martial arts with somebody who doesn't think of her as a complete freak. Iosha's daydreaming was interrupted by Cephei and her two questions. The first question was easy one for Iosha because she wanted to be healer ever since she was five years old. When she was a little girl, she would spend her free time treating her Grandmother's hermit crabs for imaginary illness. However, when her Grandmother started teaching her magic, Iosha dream shifted slightly to becoming a powerful wizard like her grandmother, but Iosha was told by her Grandmother to watch who she tells her secret too because most people of Mizahar were weary of magic users. Iosha knew she would reveal her secret to Cephei in time, but at this moment, she was content on leaving her new friend in the dark about her career in the arcane arts. Still holding her friend's hands, Iosha said softly with excitement in her voice, “Eventually, I want to join the Opal Order. I think it is calling of mine to help people, and my Goddess confirmed it with my gnosis mark on my arm. I believe in my heart. I was meant to be a healer, so I will try to learn everything I can about medicine. Also, I want to be a...” Iosha was suddenly interrupted by a hallow voice in the back of her head, “Wizard... it is easy enough to say Iosha, and I doubt this minion of Leth would care anyways...” Iosha realized she stopped talking in mid sentence at the sound of the unfamiliar voice in the back of her head. For a moment, Iosha blushed to herself in embarrassment and continued her sentence, “Also I want to be a hunter. I know that is silly idea since I am healer of Rak'Keli, but I think it will help me understand my Inarta father better.” Iosha figured talking about her was good way to answer the second question asked by Cephei. Iosha smiled and said softly, “Well, I was the result of the loving union between my mother a traveling bard named Neia Moonchaser and my father a Endal from Wind Reach named Kursha Aferon. My mother told me. She met my father on the road. He was fixing the saddle on his Wind Eagle Aferon at the time.” Iosha looked at her and laughed, “Honestly, my mother couldn't stand my father when she first met him. She thought he was a arrogant arse with no real clue of the real world. Not to mention he thought he was the gods gift to all the women of Mizahar didn't help her first impression of him. However, my mother admitted he was handsome, but she wasn't accustomed to the arrogance of the Endal Lords of Wind Reach, and she told herself she wouldn't have anything to do with him.” Iosha closed her eyes trying to envision her father image trying to flirt with her mother. She opened her violet eyes and gave her a half grin, “Well, my father was persistent in wooing my mother. My father tailed my mother through the air for a week in the middle of the Unforgiving. Hoping for the best opportunity to talk to her again. My mother on the other hand was thoroughly annoyed with him at this point. I want you to keep in mind my mother was normally a level headed Konti, but he pushed her to the limits by sneaking into her camp at night and giving her gifts of food.” Iosha took a deep breath and continued her story, “When he landed in her camp on the last night of week, my mother literally picked up a flaming branch out of the fire and started to waving it at him trying to shoo him away from her. My father was stunned by my mothers actions. Later in their relationship my father told my mother that the Wind Eagle Aferon was laughing at his Endal, and he told him that he might of bite off more than he could handle with my mother.” Iosha ended her story at that point and said softly, “Basically, my mother was convinced by my father to move to Wind Reach with him. She spent ten years in Wind Reach as his lover. She cherished her time with my father in Wind Reach. When she found out, she was pregnant with me. She tried to convince my father to come with her to Mura, but he had responsibilities to his people in the end, and he said no. My mother was heartbroken, and she left Wind Reach. A year later I was born in the waters of Mura.” Iosha eyes got sad when she started remembering the memories of her mother. She looked up at her wiped a tear from her eye and said sadly, “My mother raised me with my Grandmother's assistance. My aunt was in Riverfall when I was born, so I barely knew her growing up. Anyways my mother life was cut short by a ambitious slavers looking to seek their fortune in Konti children in the deserted shoreline of our island. She died saving me from slavery, and my Grandmother has been taking care of me ever since my mother died.”

[Cephei]

Cephei could not help the small serene smile that crept on her face at the mention of teaching each other a skill. She was found of training and learning new things, so she nodded her head in excitement, replying a equally exciting tone, ”I think that would be a great idea Io! We can learn new things and hone our current skills together. It is much more fun than learning on our own anyways. I suppose I could be considered the heavenly warrior..” Cephei laughed at Iosha’s expression and continued. “But I doubt I could kick your butt, I am sure there is a skilled warrior underneath all that softness you portray.” Cephei chuckled softly, and then became silent as Iosha went on to answer her two questions.

Cephei stayed silent, listening to every word that the woman spoke of her dreams, and what she wished to become. The pause in mid-sentence made Cephei wonder if hunter was what she meant to say, or maybe she was ashamed of saying she wanted to be a hunter, but she nodded and smiled as she continued to speak.

When Iosha went on to tell her about her family, she could not help but laugh merrily at how her mother and father met one another. The mother she described sounded like a strong willed woman, with a calm surface, and her father sounded like a arrogant but loving warrior. A strange coupling to be sure, but she could tell from the story that they loved one another. But then the story made a turn for the worse, when her mother had to leave her father. Then her mother dying from trying to save Iosha. This pulled her heart strings, making a small mist of tears blur her vision.

Cephei grabbed her friends hands, grasping them softly, “I am so sorry to hear about your Mother Io. But she did not die in vain, she made a beautiful daughter, a strong daughter, who will accomplish all her dreams and goals. Believe me when I say, you make your mother proud.” Cephei gave the woman a warm smile, knowing that she looked a little strange. Before she was a young Konti, now in her Ethaefal form she was a woman, forever stuck in an adult body, never experiencing a child hood. Cephei brushed a few strands of lose hair from the other woman’s face.

“Want to see something?” Cephei asked in a hushed down, peering around her to make sure no one was watching. She did not wait for the girl’s reply, instead she closed her eyes and sought out the inner peace and quiet with in herself, once she found it ten chimes had went by. She opened her eyes, grasping hold of her inner Djed, and exhaling a small breath, concentrating on the eyes of her friend. This took about 10 more chimes to concentrate and seek more of her inner peace inside herself, but once she found it, she tasked the shield over her friend's eyes, blocking her sight temporarily, she knew that her friend could probably see out of one eye, or through holes in the shield, since it would be imperfect due to her level. Cephei was only a novice shielder so the shield dropped in less than 1 chime, bringing Iosha's eye sight back. Cephei rubbed her head from using her Djed, and looked at her friend to see what she thought of her magic. A lot of people viewed magic as evil, not knowing that it had a light side to it. She hoped that Iosha was slightly impressed, and that it help tear her away from such haunting memories that the girl had to deal with. “I can do something else, if you are interested in seeing that too?” Cephei asked the girl in a hushed voice, not waiting anyone to hear her.

[Iosha]

Blushing slightly to herself as the beautiful woman stroked her silver hair. Iosha was about to give Cephei a big hug, but Cephei wanted to show her something. Iosha tilted her head and watched the woman look around them. Suddenly, Cephei closed her eyes and relaxed in front of her. Cephei took a shallow breath, and Iosha's vision in one eye started to blur than Iosha couldn't see her friend all to together. Iosha noticed her blindness wasn't permanent because shortly after the impairment started to fade until the blindness was completely gone. Iosha knew from studying magic that Cephei was a wizard like her using shielding magic. Iosha gave her friend a warm smile and said softly, “I guess we all have our own secrets and your secret is your a wizard with the ability to cast shielding magic.” Iosha took her hands again, gave them a squeeze, and said softy, “I promise you. I won't tell anyone if you keep it secret that I am mage too...” Iosha let go of Cephei hands than she sat up cross legged in front of her and started to emptied her mind focusing on the rhythmic breathing her Grandmother taught her when she started learning magic. Slowly, she lifted her both arms to the elevation of her breasts, and she took her pointer finger and thumb on each hand and brought them together creating a circle with her fingers. She brought the circle up to her chest, and with her eyes still closed, she searched for her inner djed. Several minutes passed, and Iosha sat there in quiet meditation looking for her inner djed. Once Iosha found it, she took a deep breath focusing the djed into her breath. Iosha brought the circle created by her fingers up to her mouth, and she slowly exhaled into the circle breathing the her djed into her encircled fingers. Slowly, the blackness started to creep up between her fingers until it completely filled the small circle. Iosha opened her violet eyes and made a face of disappointment because she could still see through the small circle in the center. However, along the edges of the circle the blackness of the shield didn't allow any light to pass through it. Iosha watched as the center of her shield started to deteriorate first than once the center was completely gone. The edges of the shield were the last to completely fade. Iosha looked up at Cephei and giggled to herself, “Well it was fun while it lasted Cephei, but now we have something else in common with each other...” Iosha started to feel like she wanted to keep casting spells till they fell asleep, but she knew those type of thoughts weren't normal. She closed her eyes and let the image of her mother fill her mind. Grandmother showed her this technique to help her ignore the sweet whispers in her mind. Once the shield was completely gone, Iosha reached out and hugged her friend. Iosha wanted to show her that she appreciated the kind words Cephei said to her. Iosha never had a friend before, and she thought to herself that this action might be inappropriate, but Iosha still missed her mother even if it has been twelve years later since she died. Iosha pulled back from her friend, brushed her hair greenish black hair, and said softly to her, “Sorry, I messed up your hair Cephei, but I wanted to show you. How much I appreciated what you said to me...I wonder everyday if my mother is proud of me. My Grandmother told me she would be, but I am so different than my mother, and I wonder to myself from time to time.” Iosha brushed her hair behind her ears and said with a smile, “I want to see what else you can do, Cephei than I will give you a sample of my reimancy. I am much better at it than my shielding.”

[Cephei]

When Cephei showed Iosha her magic, she told her that everyone had their own secrets. These were true words; everyone did indeed have their own secrets. Cephei kept things about her secret because many people could use them against her, those secrets could show her weakness. Cephei just nodded her head and smiled, as Iosha finished speaking after saying she was a mage too, and started meditating and breathing rhythmically. Cephei waited patiently, as the woman meditated to find her inner peace. She inhaled and blew into a circle she made with her fingers, forming a shield there that shimmered with the slightest color of black. Iosha looked back up to her saying they were more in common now.

Cephei gave her a warm smile and nodded her head once more, ”Yes we are. I have a feeling that we have many fun days ahead of us Io.” Cephei chuckled softly, then Iosha hugged her, brushing her hair back after messing it up slightly. Then she spoke once more about appreciating Cephei’s words she spoke of earlier. She went on to say she wondered everyday if her mother was proud of her and Cephei was slightly shocked. She could not see what her mother would not be proud of the woman Iosha was going to become, it was impossible for a mother not to be. ”I suppose when we become mothers ourselves we will understand it more. But I think a mother is always proud of her children, there is nothing you could do wrong in a mother’s eyes.” Cephei said softly, looking up at Leth, then looking back at Iosha with a small smile when she asked what else she could do, then mentioned she knew Reimancy, a subject Cephei was quite found of.

Cephei stood up and grabbed Iosha’s hand. ”Follow me.” Cephei said pleasantly, leading her friend to a small flower a few yards away. Cephei went down to her knees and inhaled deeply, then reached out with the tip of her index finger, placing it softly on the small flower. Cephei exhaled softly, and the flower began to age, growing. The once little flower was now a large older flower, one that looked to have been there for years, growing, becoming larger, brighter. More flowers appeared around the once small flower, then she removed her touch and looked over at Iosha, ”This is a magic that only the Ethaefal hold. It cannot be learned, as far as I know. It was something that we figured out when we came to this land. I suppose it comes in hand, but I am not sure if it can be used on a person or just objects, I have never tried it on another person.” Cephei chuckled lightly, then continued speaking, ”Show me your Reimancy now. I am excited to see it.

[Iosha]

When Cephei took her hand, Iosha wondered what her friend was excited to show her. Maybe it was another discipline of magic that Iosha never heard about. Iosha loved learning about magic even though the practice of it was forbidden in most parts of the world. As she followed her friend, she started to think about what Cephei said about there was nothing a child could do wrong in the their mother's eyes. Iosha just wished her mother had the chance to see her grow up into the woman. Iosha cleared her mind of all the depressing thoughts as she came to the small patch of flowers. Iosha watched Cephei with wonder as the heavenly woman knelt down next to the flowers. She reached out her finger, and Iosha watched in a span of minutes the flower go through a whole season of it's life cycle. She smiled at the beautiful flower; however, she kind of felt bad for the flower too since it won't be able feel the summer warmth for too long before it started wither. She knelt down next to Cephei and put a hand on her shoulder. She looked at her friend and raised an eyebrow at Cephei when she was curious about using it on another person and said softly, “What you showed me was beautiful Cephei, but I kind of feel sorry for the flower since it won't be able to enjoy the entirety of the summer now. Honestly, you have a great power Cephei, but I would be careful on using on people. Especially people you love since it could bring consequences you won't necessarily planned for...” Iosha heard the words spoken to her from her Grandmother many times in the years since she started magic. Biting her bottom lip, Iosha hoped she didn't make Cephei feel sad or angry for her opinion on her magic given to her by Leth. Taking her hand, Iosha lead Cephei back to the lake shore. Once at the shore of the lake, the pale girl let go of Cephei's hand and knelt down by the water. Iosha said to her without turning around, “I learned magic from my Grandmother, and she has been teaching me the fundamentals of control over the sheer ability of magical power. I am just going to do something small since I am still a novice, and besides, I would never forgive myself if I hurt you with my carelessness, Cephei.” Finding the Rei within herself was much easier this time around since she already cast a spell a few minutes ago, but she had to close her eyes to focus on the right amount of Rei to use for her spell since her mind only needed a small amount to make a solid sphere. It took a few minutes, but eventually she created a small ball of swirling rei in her right hand. She opened her eyes and smiled at her sphere the size of her fist. The ball wasn't a perfect sphere since it kept wavering back and forth struggling to maintain a shape. Iosha looked up at the lake, and she slowly willed the water to fill her sphere. Once the water was in the sphere, Iosha turned around to face Cephei, glanced up at her with a smile and said with confidence, “My Grandmother told me learning magic is like a blooming flower. In the beginning, the wizard is much like a flower bud. He or she can't do too much at first, but overtime the budding flower will emerge into a brilliant flower if it is given a chance to struggle into a flower. Right now, I am a flower bud starting to reveal her brilliant white pedals, but if I reveal too much to quickly, I will not have time to build strength to withstand even the calmest winds....” Iosha watched the ball of water struggle to maintain its shape. She raised her other hand and brushed the sphere gently away from her hand with her will, but for the sake of Cephei understanding, she used her pointer finger to demonstrate. As she wobbly sphere of water floated away from her hand, Iosha used her will to suspend the small sphere in the air by her head. Watching the little ball of water, Iosha frowned at the sphere and she said suddenly to the ball, “You lazy ball of water stop it!” She tapped the ball with her pointer finger and willed the shape into more stable sphere. Iosha raised both her hands on each side of the sphere. Still in deep concentration, she uniformly moved her hands together flattening the sphere of water into a oblong disc. It wasn't a perfect oval, but it will have to do for the moment. Iosha looked at the disc and used her finger and will to twirl the shape, so Cephei can see the whole misshaped circle. Iosha kept the shape suspend in the air as she took her both her hands and placed them on the top and bottom of the shape. With her hands and her will, Iosha started to mold the shape into a lop sided cube. Iosha wiped the sweat from her brow, and she figured to herself that she should end the demonstration. Iosha smiled warmly at Cephei as she started to walk back to Cephei's flower with the sphere still floating in front of her. Once she was at the flower, she knelt besides the magnificent flower her friend made bloom before her eyes. Iosha floated the small cube of water over the flower gently released her control over the sphere allowing the water to drip onto the plant. When the spell was completely gone, Iosha turned her head to look at Cephei and said with a laugh, “Well my mother always told me the best time to water the garden was in the evening or after dark.”