Completed The Principles of Water Control

[Ricky Maze]

The Principles of Water Control
Summer 83rd 514 AV, 10th Bell
Location: Maiden's Cape

Here it was, the place that proved to be one of the most secret and romantic places to visit in Zeltiva. The locals knew of it well and yet they only came here when they looked to spend a romantic afternoon with one another, the stories of the Black Lady a reminder of how true love never dies against the face of time itself. With her statue depicted staring out to the see, and pretty much Ricky since he stood before it with his mind focused on clearing all thoughts, the cape itself felt alive with the sounds of the ocean as the tidal waves crashed against the rocks that dotted the landscape.

Ricky himself had a bit of preparations to make if he were to handle this training routine he was about to break into well enough, randomly going straight into this new routine you planned out without easing into things can be pretty dangerous after all. Still that wasn't going to keep Ricky from slowly breaking into things, he was already off to a moderate start with yesterday and felt his arms sore from the workout then. Today though he was going to do patrols, maybe a bit of jogging exercises along them just to help improve the leg muscles to be sure. That was due in a few bells though, Ricky had plenty of time to get some practice in with the more what used to be secretive abilities he possessed. Used to be being the operative word, the Wave Guard however was well aware of what he knew how to do. Yet they still treated him the same, welcomed him as though he was a brother amongst their ranks.

So when it came to the fact that he needed to train his Reimancy better along with Shielding, he was definitely feeling good about the training in general given that his peers seemed to approve of it overall. Thus he started today's training with a few practical lessons he'd learned before, while experimenting a little to see what all he could come up with no less. First his head had to be clear of all worries and distractions, which proved no challenge for him seeing as he was in a mood that set him right on track. Therefore starting his training today he was able to work with the focus of Res and using attraction, a simple method he aimed to better seeing as how he could do with better reaction timing and speed.

First in general was the experimentation of his Res in general, in which he would further delve into the concept of control he needed. He remembered in his earlier endeavors that he could shape Res into different forms at will, though the practice of it proved he needed more work on the process of it all. Hence when he constantly deposited and withdrew Res to improve that concept, he found himself already on the next step to becoming a better Reimancer. He was on that step now, and ready to go further into practice so that he may better control his Res and the element of water he is so capable of using. Don't t'ink on it, just do it like its second nature. He reiterated with recollection of Clyde's lesson in winter, he looked from the sea before him down to his right hand as he took deep breaths.

He was ready.

Without any question behind the process Ricky sent notions throughout his body, thoughts that suggested his intention was the use of power. Sure enough he felt the Djed inside him respond as it coursed through his body, the strong manipulations that churned within echoed with a sound resonance in his own mind as he felt it ready to respond. He directed it to come out in the form of the same liquid ooze it would always hold when first secreted, and sure enough the Djed channeled forward through his right arm and into his hand as he made the ball of Res slowly build from the size of a pea to a watermelon within fifteen ticks. The royal blue sphere of Res looked buoyant on the outer surface at first but then the wobbly layer seemed to calm down, his attention solely focused on the large amount of Res he managed to pull forth. He felt it then, the strongest of urges that were so tantalizing to him. It was no wonder mages always fell into insanity with the use of this magic, how the sweet sensations of power coursed throughout the mind and body as one used it never failed to corrupt the individual.

But he wasn't going to let it control him, if anything he was going to cast aside the notions and the feelings he felt then. He wasn't going to give in to those temptations, he already had enough Res to work with for this session.

[Aoren]

Zeltiva was a city with far much more to see than the stale walls of Syliras. For all the protection they provided Aoren had always found more peace under the canopy of the Bronze Woods than he had in the actual fortress. With measured steps he made his way down what was called the Cerulean Pier. It was a testament to the seaworthy nature of the coastal city. Though Syliras had its own docks it could not boast the fine craftsmanship of the Zeltivans who’s life revolved around being able to forge a living in unison with the sea. As he walked he saw several people meandering through the sands of the beach. It had been some time since he had simply enjoyed the pleasures of a beach. Using one of the posts upholding the pier to balance himself Aoren tugged off his boots then rolled up the legs of his pants until his calves were exposed. Setting out along the beach he let the cool breeze coming off of the ocean waters lull him into a peaceful state of mind.

He had not been in Zeltiva a full season yet but already he felt that he was not quite the same man who had wandered through the Mirahil Pass. The University had taught him a great deal. He had met a number of people who had brought about changes in him Aoren hadn’t quite realized were needed…or wanted. Casting his gaze out over the sea, with boots in hand and naught but a day to himself, Aoren pondered on what the future held for him. Incredible as an experience as Zeltiva had been it was not a city where he could see himself settling down. There was still something that was missing deep inside of him. The knowledge that he had gained in the University had not quite filled the hole he felt inside. There was something calling to him and as he stared at the sea he felt that pull a lot more strongly.

“What’s out there? Who is out there?”

Questions the answers to which he would only find if he went looking for them. The question remained, where did he start? He laughed softly to himself digging his toes into the sand feeling the waters of the sea wash over his ankles. He resisted the urge to flinch away from the cold. Continuing on his walk he made his way down the beach until his walk brought into view what looked like a statue. A dark guardian standing watch over the edge of a hill looking out onto the horizon. Not but a few moments after spotting the statue he saw a figure standing not far away from it. The person was quite obviously male with dark hair, roughly Aoren’s height with the build of a bear. As Aoren drew near he recognized the figure. He opened his mouth to call out to Ricky but then he realized that the man was deep in concentration.

“Meditating perhaps?”

Reaching for his djed, Aoren called upon the powers of Auristics. He directed the flow of djed to his eyes focusing on Ricky. He concentrated narrowing his vision trying to peel through the outer most folds of the air around him until the man’s aura was revealed to him. It was bigger than Aoren would have expected. Then again considering the man’s size and his nature he shouldn’t have been surprised. That was when he saw a shift in Ricky’s aura. There was a brightening of the fabric of colors until it flowed to the Wave Guard’s hands. Blinking away the powers of Auristics, Aoren viewed the world with his own eyes as he neared.

Ricky was using magic.

Not just any magic either. Ricky was manifesting Res and in quite a significant amount too. The Drykas man stepped closer the bottoms of his feet resting on patches of grass instead of sand as he reached the hill. Aoren moved quietly not wanting to break Ricky’s concentration. Setting his boots down on the ground Aoren folded his arms over his chest observing the man for a moment. When it looked like Ricky had a handle on what he was doing and didn’t seem buried so deep in concentration Aoren cleared his throat.

“Reimancy isn’t exactly the best tool to use in fishing, Rick.”

[Ricky Maze]

His focus is what helped give the ball of Res a more solid form, one that proved he was indeed getting a little bit better with the practice each time he used Reimancy time after time. Given his failure with using attraction to douse the flames on the docks the day those mages acted against the city, he'd been keen to think more carefully about how he would use attraction later on and apply it to ideas with higher chances of success later on. For now though it was all about getting the form of control down, when that was done Ricky would then be able to better his focus on using water as a weapon instead of 'parlor tricks' as those with better practice would refer them as.

Now Oi just need t' test out de control Oi've got over dis stuff, an' see 'ow far Oi can take it afore I need a break. He thought to himself triumphantly as he thought to ready himself for a little test, of course the sound of a voice behind him caught him off guard as he felt the inside of his body jump in surprise. Of course his exterior remained solid as ever but there was a moment of tension when this happened, the sudden realization that he wasn't alone a minor astonishment on his part as he turned around to see who it was. Of course Ricky kept both hands positioned on each side of the ball to keep the large sphere in place, his concentration partially diverted but not split from holding it there with his will. Sand colored hair with blue eyes, a soft friendly smile with the very familiar mark of Healing gifted to him. It had been Aoren that approached, an individual that Ricky welcomed as company all the same.

"Aoren! Gave me a bit o' a scare dere. Given de fact fishin's easier wit' a rod or net Oi doubt usin' Reimancy would be de best route eit'er!" He joked with a hearty chuckle to follow and a friendly smile cast towards the healer in turn. "Oi ain't used t' practicin' magic out in de open fer dat matter eit'er, but since de Wave Guard knows 'bout it now Oi dun t'ink Oi've anyt'in t' hide or worry bout." He confided with hopes the belief held truth behind it, he at least felt comfortable knowing that the Wave Guard knew of his magical skills. Then of course he remembered the last time he saw Aoren, it was the discussion about his condition in which he revealed to everyone. It was thanks to him that they went on the journey to Syliras, therefore to be able to see the man in person once more was something Ricky wholly valued.

"Its great t' see ya again mate! Oi never got de chance t' t'ank yew fer 'elpin us out 'afore. How ya been? Enjoyin' yer stay in Zeltiva any?" Though he was practically striking up conversation Ricky guessed that this would likely turn into something else in a few chimes, given that he was discovered practicing magic of course. From what Ricky could recall Aoren seemed capable of using Reimancy as well, though he never got to see what element the man could use, given the fact he wound up tackling an old man who leeched from his squad member and tried to create a vortex to swallow the lot of them whole.

[Aoren]

Aoren gave a slight bow of his head a kind smile on his face as he watched Ricky practice in a somewhat amused manner. He stepped forward observing the royal blue ball of Res that floated in between Ricky’s hands.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you…well….maybe just a little. Practicing eh? What exactly are you trying to do? I might be able to help.” Aoren was by far a very accomplished reimancer though he didn’t often divulge that fact to those around him. There were of course a number of sailors who had seen him utilize his gifts to assist in clearing the docks of flood waters. Creating what could have easily been mistaken for a small windstorm Aoren had manipulated the natural elements to disperse the water harmlessly back into the environment.

Very seldom did he resort to such grand displays of power but where he restrained himself in overt uses of reimancy or any of his magic for that matter he deeply enjoyed teaching others how to use theirs. He was by no means what one would consider a distinguished teacher but it was something he enjoyed.

“You probably already know this but I am a reimancer myself, among other things.” It sometimes amazed Aoren just how many different forms of magic he knew of. As of that moment in time he practiced six different forms with knowledge of eleven others. It was interesting to him to note that a season ago he’d known virtually none of those things. A hedge dabbler who’s education in the realm of magic among other scholarly things was sorely lacking. Of course his lessons had been what was necessary for the time and he didn’t feel slighted about them in the least. Looking back though he realized just how ignorant he’d been. He had come a long way in a short time since. At Ricky’s gratitude he simply bowed his head clasping his hands behind his back.

“You’re welcome.” Aoren was never quite certain how to accept people’s gratitude. He helped because it was something he wanted to do not because he felt obligated to do so. While his time in Zeltiva had left him a little jaded in regards to how he viewed a few things when compared to the sheltered walls of Syliras, he was still genuine in his kindness toward others. The events leading up to the discovery of his twin brother, the road that had lead him to explore the magic of Spiritism, the investigation of the Mage Silencer and all the knowledge that he’d gained had changed him ever so slightly. For better or worse he couldn’t say, only time would tell.

“I have been well. Zeltiva has been an experience that I needed and I am eternally grateful to Lhex for granting it to me but my time here is coming to a close. I leave for Riverfall tomorrow actually so I am glad that I caught you.” It was a decision that Aoren had only very recently come to but the city, inexplicably, called to him. It was a call he intended to answer. What things awaited him there he couldn’t say. As something of an afterthought Aoren eyed Ricky from head to toe. Reaching for his djed he brought it to the forefront of his eyes blinking as he peered through the veil of who the Wave Guard was. Within a few moments the man’s aura was revealed to him once again. This time Aoren looked closer, the searching nature of his gaze likely evident on his face. The slight note of concern in his eyes would certain tell what he was searching for.

Sifting through folds of Ricky’s aura he searched for any signs of the illness that had afflicted him. He saw a few things that were on the surface. Note of concentration, curiosity, friendliness but Aoren saw nothing that told him the Wave Guard was sick. The Drykas man was relieved in a way. After a moment or two of silent concentration where he studied the man’s aura he blinked away the powers of his Auristics until they were needed once again.

“I would ask if you are well but I can see that you are. So I will ask instead, what do you plan to do with your newfound good health?” Wasn’t that a curious question? It was one he asked in earnest nonetheless. Before Ricky could answer though the Healer nodded to the man’s ball of Res.

“I ask because of what I see here. I ask because magic is a tool that changes people. Some can bear the weight of that change. Most cannot. If by the grace of Lhex, Lord of Fate, you have been given a second chance at life are you really prepared to delve into the depths of magic? Even the greatest wizards in the world still regard magic as a crippling and dangerous art. With your wife, your son, the happiness that you have here in Zeltiva, is that something you’re ready to risk in pursuit of unlocking the secrets of the arts you wield?”

Ready and prepared as Aoren was to assist in Ricky’s education he had to be certain of the man’s resolve. The weave of Djed was not for the weak willed. In the hands of those easily broken by the weight and temptation of power at their fingertips, magic was a devastating tool that brought more harm than good.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky gave a soft chuckle at the humor behind Aoren's intent, the somewhat impish nature didn't cease to amuse the fisherman as he listened further. "Aye, if Oi can learn better control over Res den Oi may better learn control wit' an element afterwards. Oi t'ought maybe practicin' different shapes an' forms would 'elp git me started. Anyt'in yew might 'ave t' add pro'lly can 'elp too." He remarked with ease in thinking that he may very well engage in another lesson, which was all the more welcome given the last few he had were quite insightful. There was the moment where Aoren mentioned he too was a Reimancer as well which didn't surprise Ricky any, he remembered well the moment Aoren tried to defensively stick up for the group that night. "Aye, just what ot'er t'ings might dat be t'ough?" Ricky inquired to test and see what all Aoren might be inclined to share, given the fact the both of them had more than just Reimancy at their disposal.

"Riverfall huh? Never been but Oi imagine its a good place t' visit, Zeltiva on de ot'er hand is roi where Oi belong t' de end." He mused to his friend with thoughts spent on both the journey that Aoren had to make and the amount of time spent in Zeltiva. No doubt he had experienced enough of the scholar versus sailor debates half the time, if not the usual politics that are argued about within the University. Of course Zeltiva in general could easily provide reason for foreigners to leave, given that one of Aoren's first few nights here involved putting down a crazed mage. The fisherman wondered what all exactly happened since he left, given that Zeltiva definitely felt a little different compared to before. Maybe it was because he missed home so much that he didn't notice, but either way now that he had returned he was ready to work hard to create an example out of himself.

In the moments he spent thinking about that Aoren had used his other skills apparently, the remark upon Ricky's good health in part of a question led the fisherman to ponder if Aoren too could use Auristics. Ricky had met an Aurist in Syliras, one that engaged in a fascinating conversation with him nonetheless. Given Ricky knew almost nothing about Auristics at the time, it had led him to pay close attention to possible signs of use, that is when he knew he was in the presence of another magic user. Ricky offered a smile and thought to answer him but before he did there was a bit of a debate to follow, a piece of philosophy that Aoren had to engage him with as he tested to see just how deep in resolve Ricky was with magic.

Yes it was true. He could very well put his life at risk once more, and not just that but end up facing consequences of regret. Loss of wife, child, even happiness itself as the man so sharply put it. There was so much to lose now if he was to gain more knowledge of the magical arts, as the grounds a mage walked always shook with each use of magic they made. But Ricky already had his mind made up the other day, even discussed it with his beloved during the time spent together. She supported him and his decision, so long as it didn't involve him hurting or winding up dead later on. Rick obviously accepted those terms on a partial account, seeing as how getting hurt was obviously something he expected. That was more along the lines of physical pain though, since his training involved much more than practice with magic. Either way he was already off to a good if not slow start, and he was bound to make great progress the more he continued.

"Aye. Oi am puttin' a lot at risk wit' dis Oi know, but believe me Oi've made me decision. Me wife supports it an' believes in me, so if Oi can just improve me skills an' prove t' me self Oi can do it, den dat's all dat matters." He didn't intend to make such a strong argumentative speech out of it, but Ricky felt Aoren deserved to hear the truth as a whole. "Oi came back t' Zeltiva t'inkin t'ings would be normal, but Oi was only foolin meself in the process. If Oi want t' give me family a normal life, Oi've got t' make it 'appen wit' me own hands. Dat's not all t'ough. People need ot'ers t' rely on, t' count on when de time o' need is great. If Oi'm not strong enough t' be prepared at de time, den Oi don't deserve de roight t' be a guard." He suspected that he sounded a little odd with trying to say "right" completely, but didn't let that stop him from finishing the answer. "If not fer Zeltiva, den fer me family. Oi'll work 'ard as ever t' better me skills, Oi'll give de people o' de city someone dey can count on." He finished with a bit of a proud smirk to follow, hopeful that his new cause sounded more than enough for Aoren to help him in turn.

Given the fact Ricky wasn't keen on such a role before, he had definitely recognized the change that occurred within himself just now. He wasn't necessarily prouder, just a little bit more confident in himself compared to before. It felt good for a change, like he was finally able to start believing in himself. But the question that remained was what did Aoren think now? Was Ricky by far different from before? Was his resolution enough to make a difference?

[Aoren]

The only reply to Ricky’s inquiry about what other skills Aoren possessed was an indulgent smile accompanied by a slight shrug of his shoulders. It was not that Aoren was afraid of sharing what he knew. Far from it. His time in Zeltiva however had exposed him to a side of wizards that, while he had been aware of, he had yet to truly experience firsthand. It had made him a bit more cautious about sharing his knowledge so freely. He was ready to help Ricky increase his understanding of reimancy but only because the man already practiced it and it would serve to bolster the defenses of the city. If only in a small way. Brushing past the question he nodded to the ball of Res in between the Wave Guard’s hands.

“I would say you are setting yourself up for failure trying to manipulate something of that size. You would be better served starting small. From there you should try your hand at multitasking by conjuring different shapes that you form in your head.” To demonstrate Aoren brought up a hand. With only the slightest nudging of his djed he brought into being a ball of liquid Res no bigger than a walnut. A cobalt blue like the color of his eyes, the sphere was perfectly smooth so much so that it almost looked like a ball of glass. Indeed, Aoren grasped it between his thumb and index finger holding it up for Ricky to see.

“Often times I’ve found that you can accomplish more with less if you’re just creative.” He stepped up right next to the Wave Guard examining the sphere of Res between his hands carefully. Aoren held his own Res loosely for a moment before stepping away. He performed a swift about-face flinging the walnut sized sphere in the direction of the sand. As the sphere sped forward Aoren transmuted it to wind. The impact speared into the sand causing a miniscule crater to form in the small dunes. No doubt had the impact been directed at a living person it would have had a more precise and devastating effect beyond just seeing sand explode into the air.

“Precision. Focus. Discipline. Three things that will serve you well as you learn how to manipulate your Res. The first thing you should teach yourself is moderation. Accomplish more by using less. Not only will it force you to become a creative thinking but you’ll find that you will be able to better use the magic in ways a haphazard practitioner wouldn’t.” Aoren turned to face Ricky once again. He clasped his hands behind his back gesturing to the dent in the sand.

“Take for instance what I just did there. Instead of simply conjuring my Res as a wispy gas, straining myself by exerting my will over it to prevent it from blowing away in the natural wind, I made it near solid. I created a small, dense sphere of Res that had some weight to it. This purpose it two fold. The first is that I no longer bother with thoughts of keeping an iron grip on where the Res hovers." He stepped a few paces away from Ricky giving the man room to work. While he didn't doubt that the Zeltivan was quite capable of maintaining control for a period of time, Aoren did not know the extent of Ricky's capabilities. Though, if he were struggling with what Aoren considered basic at this point they couldn't be terribly advanced. Still, better safe than sorry. He continued his explanation.

"The res is then easily manipulated by just the gestures of my hand including where it is directed. It is solid enough to resist being offset by natural wind currents and dense enough to stay somewhat on course to wherever I direct it without me having to will it there. The second benefit plays into the first, removing the amount of thought it takes to simply will the Res where I want it to go, all I have to focus on is maintaining its shape. This means that my concentration is not so heavily taxed by lesser spells.”

Aoren brought one hand up to run his fingers through his hair. He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet studying Ricky for a moment. Nodding to the Wave Guard he motioned for him to proceed with what he was doing.

“Give it a try.”

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky smiled with a humble chuckle when Aoren started with the small advice on manipulating Res that size, it was something the fisherman expected at the beginning but nevertheless thought to attempt. His idea was to start with something big and in turn divide it into something smaller, see just how limited his control was over Res the more he experimented with smaller spheres to control. Yet he could see the point a little more clearly now, had he likely done this he could've very well gone and drove himself to the limit by doing so, sharing concentration upon all the number of spheres made when he'd split one too many. With the extra added on the detail, less is more effective so long as your creative, Ricky watched in wonder before he witnessed Aoren's cast.

With the display of small but likely strong power, Ricky then learned of an element Aoren could then use. That of course wasn't the key point of the lesson. Sure Aoren had control over wind whereas Ricky did over water, but the manner of ingenuity behind it was the more important factor to note. With this in mind and the next set segment of advice given by Aoren, Ricky looked down at his large sphere of Res in understanding. He nodded with both a furrow in his brow and a small but friendly smile, as he then proceeded to withdraw a portion of his Res to reduce the size he extruded. The size shrunk dramatically as Ricky brought it down to the size of an orange now, large enough for him to wrap most of his hand around were he to try and grasp it. He felt a large sense of relief ease the tangible urges to cast further, the thirst for power weakened greatly as he looked between his Res and Aoren.

"Like ye said roi, start small den? What all d'ya t'ink Oi can do wit' just a bit o' water?" He asked Aoren with a grin directed at him once more. "Oi know Oi can make water int' a projectile, but alas Oi've yet t' experiment wit' ot'er forms." He admitted with intrigue found in what Aoren might be able to come up with, of course that meant practice was about to ensue between them. Something Ricky had to get used to off and on, seeing as how he hadn't really trained so openly with others until today.

[Aoren]

Aoren watched Ricky reduce the size of the Res sphere. That simple gesture cemented in Aoren’s mind that the Wave Guard was at least aware of the basics of Res manipulation.

“What you can do with water is dependent upon what you intend to do with your reimancy.” Seeing as Ricky was a member of the Zeltivan militia there really wasn’t much question as to what he intended to do with his magic. He would use it as a weapon. For better or worse was something only time could tell but the consequences of those actions were for Ricky to face. Aoren produced Res in his right hand making it thick and gel like. He willed it to spread over his hand covering the palm and fingers. Extending his hand slightly over the water he commanded the Res to attract the water of the sea. Salt spray and mist began to drift toward Aoren’s outstretched hand until a tendril of water snaked upward wrapping around his wrist before settling completely over the Res that coated the hand.

“If in a combat situation, you could have the water drown an enemy by forcing it into their body through their nose and mouth filling their lungs. Or just wrap it completely around their head suffocating them.” Thankfully Aoren did not demonstrate such feats. He raised his hand compelling the Res and the natural water it had attracted to form into a thin line. It drifted away from his body until it was an arm’s length away. Aoren quickly jut his arm outward clenching his fist hard as his arm fully extended. He commanded the Res and water to mimic the motion. The stream whipped outward striking the ground in a whiplash fashion gouging a hole in the dirt. Slowly Aoren brought his arm back. The Res retracted as well.

“You could use it as an extension of your arm to strike at an opponent.” Releasing some of the iron grip that he had on the Res, Aoren allowed it to flow more naturally. His posture relaxed, he brought his right arm down in a gently sweeping motion propelling the Res and the water forward in a lazy, almost wistful drift. As this happened he compelled the Res to morph, focusing on the image of a raven. Slowly the Res took shape and though it was not a perfect likeness the overall shape of a bird took form. With a calm gesture of his hand Aoren sent the water bird into flight. It glided through the air soaring toward Ricky circling around him before returning to Aoren.

“You could use it to make something beautiful and inspiring.” Aoren divided the Res into two layers transmuting the outer layer into air. He wove it together with the water cooling it to create an icy shell in the shape of a bird. With wings extended in flight and beak turned skyward the crystalline bird of ice hung there for a moment catching the sunlight.

“Or with time you can make it into something deadly.” Clenching a fist, the Res still inside the ice bird constricted causing it to shatter. The remaining Res, Aoren brought back to his hand absorbing it into his body as the shards of ice fell to the ground. They would melt in short order.

“It is a matter of time and practice. See if you can perform the whiplash maneuver.” Folding his arms over his chest, Aoren observed Ricky carefully. The Zeltivan certainly possessed the aptitude to have great control over his powers. He was a soldier and that warranted a certain degree of discipline. How far he would go though, Aoren had no idea. For the moment though he would guide Ricky toward his own potential even if it was in a small way.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky definitely showed interest when Aoren mentioned that what could be done with water depended on the intention with reimancy. Of course when the example of drowning a person was mentioned Ricky had a déjà vu moment, which brought him back to the lesson Anna gave him when he was still first practicing his reimancy in general. However smothering a person to death with water and Res was something he'd not really thought about before, either way that kind of tactic seemed rather drastic to resort to and didn't really enlighten Ricky to the cause any further. Sure it was nice knowing he could kill with his magic, but that wasn't the reason why he wanted to learn or practice to begin with. Killing was by far the last thing on his mind, thus when it came to the next part of the lesson he found his curiosity piqued quite further.

With the display of what Ricky could've only thought of as a "water whip" like trick, he found himself intrigued to see how it occurred when Aoren showed it to him. Sure it was all a matter of will and intent to make it so but there had to have been more to it than that, something Ricky would have to dwell on when he came to practice it. Then of course the water formed bird shaped with the Res and attraction led Ricky to smile in awe as he watched it 'fly' around. He was most definitely fascinated to think about and explore what all he could do when he witnessed that, and of course the transformation of liquid to solid as the form of the bird became ice was all the more inspiring to Ricky. Oi'll be damned. He's got it roi, all it takes is a bit o' ingenuity an' practice. He figured just as Aoren brought it on Ricky to try out that whip-like maneuver he pulled.

"Sure." Ricky said as he nodded in compliance, his gaze fully shifted down to the orb of Res he still kept a mental hold over. Of course now that he had full focus on that orb he needn't to try and hold it in place, in fact he found it quite easy to send it over near the surface of water. When he swept his left arm slowly away from him out towards the ocean, his clutched hand loosened as the royal blue ball drifted through the air and hovered over the surface for a moment. Sure enough the water started to ripple and with the waves that washed on the rocks bound to spray more water everywhere, the attraction method pulled in a quantity large enough to envelope the orb as a whole. Ricky grinned only just a little at how much easier that was starting to get, considering his last attempt involved too much attraction and not enough power to douse the docks.

With the same sweep of his arm brought, this time towards him, he pulled the water ball back towards him as it gravitated through the air. He felt confident about this for once, determined to see if he could actually pull this off on the first try. The clutch Ricky had in his hand was gone, as his mind was now the very anchor that held the ball in position. Of course he didn't pay attention to this transition but he stood more on his right, the arm held just a bit up and relaxed. The core of Res in turn seemed to respond to this, and became more flexible compared to the rigid compact ooze he held together earlier. It's an extension o' yer arm. He quoted in his mind as he took a moment to breathe in and out slowly.

He then extended his arm out as though he were about to throw a stone, only his right hand was balled into a fist as the Res seemed to stretch a little in response to his movement. When he threw his arm forward as though he were launching a punch, the gesture was then mimicked as the top half of his Res lunged out in a similar stream like manner as Aoren's did. This one was by far not very graceful and in fact was quick small gush of water, comparable to that of a splash if anything. Yet the Res still remained. Ricky's control seemed to be improving even now, as the line of water seemed to just hover for a moment before the Res within slowly retreated back to the rest of its origin. Some of the water had been lost in the process of course, the attraction lost when the Res returned into the form of a buoyant sphere that floated in front of Ricky.

Did Oi do it? He wondered in silence at first as he could only hope the manner his Res acted in was close enough, he looked to Aoren with curious eyes to see if his friend would've just so happened to approve of the first attempt. "How was dat mate?"

[Aoren]

Aoren found it interesting to see a person struggle with something that came so naturally to him at this point in his life. He’d been practicing reimancy for over a decade and in that time he had grown quite comfortable with the magic. There were still dangers that he faced like any other practitioner but it amazed him just how far he’d come from the boy who could barely conjure a fireball to the man who could command the elements with practiced ease. As he watched Ricky manipulate his Res to complete the maneuver Aoren shook his head.

“You are not overly familiar with hand to hand combat are you?” Aoren could tell by Ricky’s slightly unsure movements. The jerky motion of his arm as he tried to get a handle on the maneuver spoke volumes to Aoren who had been practicing styles of hand to hand fighting for the better part of his adult life. Aoren dropped his knees slightly, he angled his hips so that his center of gravity was evenly balanced with his stance. He brought his arms up with measured slowness. The movements were smooth as he raised his hands up to chest level with palms facing skyward then lowered them turning his wrists so that they were downward. He exhaled a steady breath as he did so before sliding forward going into a series of choreographed stances.

“Res, is an extension of you.” Aoren stepped forward. He balanced on the heel of his right foot before bringing his left forward alternating his weight. As he moved he rotated his waist slowly manipulating his arms to flow with his steps. Quietly he reached for his djed producing fluid Res. A stream of azure fluid flowed out between his hands. As it manifested it began to spiral over his arms in loose coils that streamed back and forth from his left arm to his right.

“It moves as you move. It flows with every breath you take. It can become your breath.” Aoren dropped his arms spinning slowly away from Ricky. As he dropped his arms he changed the consistency of the Res to become gaseous. Taking a deep breath Aoren willed the Res to mimic his breath by condensing into a thick cloud before him. When he exhaled the gas began to disperse spreading out into the air in front of and around Aoren becoming thin and wispy. As he brought his hands up Aoren finished his careful series of shifts in stance to face Ricky again. Touching his chest directly over his heart Aoren continued his lesson.

“It beats with a life just as you do. Like your fists, the Res will strike your enemies. Like your mind, it can amaze your friends. I tell you all of this and bring up hand to hand fighting because there is a similarity between the two.” Gesturing to his Res Aoren willed it to return to him. It flowed into his mouth, filled his nose and rejoined his body falling back into place.

“Hand to hand fighting requires balance. It requires discipline and it requires harmony of movement in order to complete a technique with any success. Where you find balance in fighting you may also find said balance in your skills as a reimancer. You will know yourself and when you know yourself you will know what you are capable of. You are off to a good start. You just need a little more practice. Try again. This time don’t focus so much on trying to repeat what you saw me do exactly. Do what comes to you. Let the Res flow with your thoughts, move with your body. Ease into the motion. Don’t force it.”

Personal magic was something that, while following a few basic principles, was inherently unique to the understanding of each individual wizard. There were some steps that could be taken to bridge gaps in understanding however. Aoren was trying his best to convey his knowledge in as simple a way as possible. He wasn’t entirely certain that his point was getting across.