[Squire's Dormitories] Friendly Faces (Isolde)

[Katelyn Marks]

18th, Spring, 515 AV

When Katelyn arrived back at her suite late in the evening, she was exhausted. It was more of a mental exhaustion--a fatigue that came from hours of trying to meditate and command one's own Djed. Physically she felt fine. No sore muscles, no scrapes, bruises, twisted ankles. As the squire trudged back to her room and dropped onto her bunk, she was soon frustrated to realize that despite her desire to, she couldn't fall asleep.

Kate stared at the bunk above her, and ignored the bubbly conversation of the other girls in the small room. They had all come to some silent agreement. She didn't want to be their buddy, and they'd learned to leave her alone--for the most part. Katelyn just couldn't relate to the younger girls, and their attitudes left something to be desired. The age gap was just too significant. She felt like an intruder, and as she listened to them laugh, talk, and complain, her patience waned and the squire had to retreat.

Feeling frustrated and cranky now that she knew she couldn't sleep, Kate found herself back in the common room on her usual sofa by the fireplace. Several of the young men from one of the other rooms that shared this areas were sitting at a table by the wall playing dice and cards. She wondered idly where Balian could be, and wished she had his company. Despite his age he was easy to talk to, and they had a lot of common.

The redhead could have used a good conversation right about now, and found herself feeling a little homesick. She realized though that it wouldn't do any good to mope about it, and because she wouldn't be going to bed anytime soon, Katelyn decided to take her mind off things. Practice made perfect, and her patron was trying to teach her to clear her mind. Right about now it seemed appealing, even though she'd already had continuous lessons all day long.

Sitting up a little straighter and folding her legs underneath her, Kate shimmied in place until she found a comfortable position in the crook of the sofa's arm. She stared at the empty fireplace and took a few slow breaths, but found that it was a poor focus. So she shifted again, this time laying flat on her back and simple closing her eyes, as if going to sleep. Katelyn stretched out across the cushions and let herself sink in. Even before she really began she felt more relaxed--safe in her little hidden spot of the room, away from prying eyes.

Kate tried then to do as Ser Moore was teaching her. Clear her mind and focus on nothing through breathing. She began slowly and deliberately, with an almost exaggerated slowness that came from a lack of confidence. The squire drew a slow breath in through nose, and exhaled quietly through her mouth. Again, in and out--in and out. The young men across the room laughed among themselves and loudly shuffled a deck of cards. The flapping of the cards easily snapped her weak concentration, and she opened her eyes a moment.

When they seemed to grow quieter again, her lids drifted shut once more and she commenced the repetitive process once again. Slowly in through the noes, quietly out of her mouth. The warmth that was collecting in the sofa around her through her own body heat only helped to relax her further. With the exhaustion she felt, she wasn't sure if the lull that washed over was because of successful meditation or if it could just be attested to sleepiness.

Nevertheless, Katelyn's breathing slowed and a calmness lay over her link a soft blanket. Her mind still found things to think about, but the thoughts were slow and lazy. Suddenly, a loud clatter of dice and a slap on the nearby table startled her. The redhead jerked violently and nearly rolled onto the floor, but caught herself before she could fall and sat up to look around. She gave them all a venomous glare in return--one that only a girl with brothers could produce. None of them were paying attention though, and a ripple of laughter went around the little group.

As she laid back down, she mumbled several foul curses under her breath, and rolled onto her side to stare at the empty fireplace once more. There would be no relaxation this evening, Kate realized bitterly.

OOCSuuuuuper crappy post. Just bear with me.

[Isolde Seibold]

Isolde lurked in the doorway to her new dormitory. At least, she hoped this was the right place. She'd memorized the directions that Lady Freed had given to her, but things had gotten a little mixed up, since she'd had to stop by her old place to make sure everything had been cleaned out before coming here.

...okay. Things weren't just a little mixed up. It seemed everything was. And maybe not just a little.

She wasn't certain how she'd gotten here. It wasn't like today had been one of those 'foggy' days where she walked around in a daze. No, she had been awake and active for all of what had happened. But still. Now, actually prepared to move into her new home as a squire, well... it felt like a dream. But a good dream, she thought. Yes, a good dream.

Probably she was just overwhelmed by how fast it had all happened. This morning she hadn't even known where the recruitment office was, she'd been shown the way. How could she have known that the kind Sera who had agreed to lead her to the office would then claim her there as a squire, and that they would spend the rest of the daylight hours talking over Isolde's past, present, and her future, the lady knight asking question after question while Isolde stumbled along. The Nuit wasn't certain how these things usually went, but she hadn't thought that it would be so easy to find a patron to take her in. But the Konti hadn't even needed to be asked or assigned; she'd offered, and it had all been arranged so quickly.

No wonder she was confused by all that had happened. Because since when did things work out so easily for the Nuit? That, more than anything, was mystifying. How everything, as if out of chance, had come perfectly together.

Maybe that was why she was reluctant to actually push her way through the open doorway and into the dormitory. She was waiting. Waiting for everything to go wrong like it usually did.

But nothing happened. So the Nuit took a deep, steadying breath, and stepped forward into the room.

There was no immediate outcry at her sudden appearance, which was good. In fact, nobody seemed to notice her at all. She looked around what appeared to be a shared common room between sleeping quarters, eyes lingering for a second on the group over in the corner, who appeared to be playing some game with dice and cards. Isolde didn't want to bother them, she didn't want to bother anybody... but she still wondered if she was in the right place. Finally, after scanning the room a second time, her gaze landed upon a figure she hadn't noticed before: a young woman, over lying on the couch by the hearth.

It took a few ticks' deliberation to figure out if she wanted to disturb this person, and she didn't really want to because the girl looked as if she might be trying to sleep, or at least relax by herself. But it was better to bother one sole person than a whole table full of young men, wasn't it...? Isolde almost decided against it. But in the end, she had to ask someone.

After another tick or three of hesitation, the Nuit clutched one hand tighter to the strap of her backpack and then wandered over near to the young woman's side. She cleared her throat, face apologetic. "Um, excuse me," she said, and thought maybe she wasn't speaking clearly enough to really be heard. She tried again, a little louder. This was something Lady Freed had already instructed her to do. Speak more confidently. "Excuse me, but I was wondering if... if I was in the right place? I'm uh, a new mage squire, and my Sera, Tenna Freed, sent me... well, I think she sent me here. So. Do you happen to know if there's room in these dormitories for one more?" Okay. So maybe she still needed to work on the confidence thing. The Nuit knew that she wouldn't appear a prime candidate for any type of squirehood, considering her meek demeanor. But it had been something she realized she'd wanted, perhaps even needed. And apparently her Sera had agreed.

OOCSorry if this is crappy. But at least it's a start! ^_^'

[Katelyn Marks]

Her eyes had drifted shut again, and she tried to sooth her active mind into submissive silence. Still it wandered on, active and full of thoughts. When she heard a throaty rumble, her eyelids opened and she looked up into the face an older woman--a stranger she'd never seen around before, let alone in the dorms or the common room. Surprised and intrigued, Katelyn sat upright on the sofa then rose to her feet, feeling it rude to stay seated when addressing a new face. The woman looked lost and more than a little uncertain, and her voice was heavy with an apologetic tone.

"A new mage-squire?" she asked, instantly boring down on this admittance. The smile that stretched across her face was automatic. None of the squires in this set of dorms knew magic, and some of the girls she'd told about her position had instantly shied away in suspicion. It was an automatic reaction, even sometimes from those in the Order. "Yes, yes," Katelyn finally answered, realizing she'd left the question unattended. "There's been some shuffling recently, and I haven't been here long, but there's a bed free in my room right now. I assume it's yours," she explained.

"I'm a mage-squire too, actually," she continued, feeling eager to bond with this woman knowing they had this important factor in common. The squire desperately needed someone to relate to, else she feared she might go crazy. The homesickness hadn't lessened all that much, and she felt like an outcast here in the city--though there wasn't necessarily a reason to feel such a way. She knew Nivel, another mage-squire, and her room wasn't far. Still, she and Pycon had different schedules, and it had been a while since she'd seen the little clay creature.

"You say you've just joined recently?"

It was a strange thought. Katelyn had been the oldest in her dorm since her arrival, and one of the oldest even in all of the other rooms that shared the common area. This woman appeared far older than even she--really she didn't think she'd ever seen a fresh squire at such an advanced age. Now that was really looking at the stranger, she took in the smaller details. She appeared thin, and was morbidly pale--almost sick, with the heavy dark circles under her eyes, and when she spoke the inside of her mouth appeared stained by something black. Katelyn found the hair on the back of her neck standing on end, but couldn't place why the chills were crawling along her skin.

"I can show you to the room if you like. It's just through here," the squire said, motioning to one of the several doors leading into a dorm. She wanted to get her mind back on track, and avoid the urge to stare like a rude child. Plus, this would give her something to do other than lay on the sofa in frustration, unable to rest. She smiled at the newcomer again, mentally kicking herself. "I'm Katelyn by the way."

OOCNot crappy at all!

[Isolde Seibold]

The Nuit felt a rush of relief when the young woman smiled at her, saying that she too was a mage squire. Isolde hadn't known what to expect on that front; she hadn't known how many of the squires studied magic, or if any did at all. Amongst the knights, mages were much more rare... but if Isolde wanted to join the order, that was the only option she had. She was too weak and sluggish to fight properly, with a sword or spear or shield.

It was a strange coincidence, then, that another mage squire might be here, just waiting for her... or perhaps it wasn't coincidence at all. Lady Freed had spoken of her duties with the squires, how she had trained many and knew of most. Perhaps, then, it was by design that Isolde had come here and found the young woman --who introduced herself as Katelyn. Whether or not that was true, it was another sign of good fortune, and the Nuit felt a soft glow because of it... though at the same time it made her nervous. Surely, at some point, her luck would turn. And when it did, she supposed it would turn bad.

In the meantime, though, she jumped as eagerly into the conversation as the other had seemed to, happy that she had, perhaps, found someone that she might get along with, a fellow magic-user. As long as Katelyn wasn't afraid of Nuit, that was. But so far she hadn't made any of the telltale faces --anger, repulsion, disgust, hatred, fear-- and her voice had sounded kind. So maybe the Nuit needn't worry?

"I'm Isolde," the older woman now said, trying on a smile, and motioned that she would follow Katelyn into their shared room. That was also strange, something she would have to get used to, sharing a room. She hadn't in many, many years. She didn't know if she would spend much time in this place. Not if there would be others around trying to sleep, since Isolde didn't and she wouldn't want to disturb them. Likely the amount of time she spent here would rely heavily on what her roommates thought of her. "Yes, actually. I uh, just joined today. This morning. I didn't realize things moved so fast here. But I already have a Sera and everything." She smiled again, then glanced at the young men who hadn't looked up from their game as the two woman passed by. She waited until they'd gone into the side room before continuing. "So... are there many of us? Mage squires, I mean. I hadn't thought there would be, but you're here. Is everyone in this dorm a mage?"

It was odd to talk about such things aloud. To speak openly of what she was. Normally being a mage was something to hide, something that made people nervous at best. But perhaps in the order things would be different?

[Katelyn Marks]

"It's good to meet you Isolde."

Katelyn felt herself relax as a smile stretched across the older woman's face. She was kind and shy, the squire concluded. That was all that matter. It would be nice to have a like-minded person around to talk with, and especially one that wasn't entitled because of their family name. The thought of a few of their roommates made her mouth taste sour. Still, she led Isolde into their room and braced for the questions--but as the door swung open and they stepped inside, no one was to be found. Each of the six bunks built into the wall opposite of the door were empty, and she frowned to herself. How long had she been laying out in the common room?

But as Isolde walked in she forced herself to shake off the daze. Kate smiled again at the new squire and made a little flourish around with the room with her hand.

"Home sweet home," she said in good humor, but her voice dripped with a little sarcasm. "There are three bunks empty right now. I'm in the bottom right corner, but the other two next to mine are open, as well as the one directly above." She moved around to show Isolde their table and chairs, as well as everyone's personal trunks. "If the lock is open, it's free for you to use. Key should be inside the trunk. No one really uses the table--a lot of people just resort to the common room--but I like it sometimes when the room is empty. Nice and quiet." Katelyn had a funny feeling Isolde respected peace and quiet as well.

"Just this morning you say?" the redhead pondered aloud as her fellow squire explained her circumstances. She smiled and folded her arms. "Sounds about right. I've noticed that things tend to move pretty quickly with the knights. They're very efficient, and get it done. When I first applied it was almost like they had my patron waiting back home before I even pledged my name. Then when I was offered to transfer to Syliras as a mage-squire, that all happened in a matter or two or three days." Katelyn frowned thoughtfully then, and shook her head.

"I haven't noticed many of us though, but honestly I haven't had much time." The squire looked a little embarrassed now. "I only just transferred at the beginning of the season, so I haven't had a lot of opportunity to get acquainted with a lot of people here. I've been noticing that it's uncommon though, and a few of the squires that know about me sort of steer clear now. I think even among the Order they're still feared by some."

It was such a strange sensation, being a source of mystery and fear to people. Just a few weeks ago she'd been one of them, but now she was the minority. Katelyn was glad Isolde was moving in. Even with their age gap it was good to have a kindred spirit so close by. Her smile was back, and she motioned to the room again.

"What do you think?"

[Isolde Seibold]

Isolde took in the new room, wandering lightly around, though she stayed away from the bunks that Katelyn said were already occupied. She didn't want to accidentally mess with other people's things. The Nuit avoided most sources of offense. Personal space was one of the largest of these. Most people did not want her near them, and so she'd learned long ago to stay back and away, not getting any closer than conversation would allow, just to keep them comfortable.

Now she drifted towards the bunks that the other squire had indicated as empty and chose one on floor level, as she'd never had a bed that was taller than her waist and couldn't image clambering up top. All of her possessions were in the backpack slung over her shoulders, and as she sat on the edge of her new bed she looked over to where the personal chests were. Despite not thinking anyone here would likely steal her things, she was glad that the chests were outfitted with lock and key. Perhaps it made her feel like something here might be hers and only hers, rather than shared or communal.

The backpack was swung from her shoulders to the mattress, and she rummaged through as Katelyn spoke, looking for things to unpack. There wasn't much. She didn't need much, and most of what she owned she carried with her. Still, she removed the small mesh bag of Balicani scales and tooth, the contents glimmering slightly through the material and clinking with a sound not too far from glass, the extra charcoal and candles and ink sticks, and finally the only book she owned, called Alchemy, Creation. This she stroked a hand lightly over, touching the dark green-dyed leather, the simple lettering of the title.

The rest of the things she left in her pack. Her chest would be pretty empty... though her Sera had hinted that within the next few days they might outfit Isolde with some sort of armor and weapons, so perhaps those might need a place to stay.

Suddenly restless or nervous or both, the Nuit took back to her feet, crossing to the chests, trying them until one popped open. She placed the few of her belongings inside, fished out the key with one pale hand, and then locked the chest, slipping the key into a pocket. Finally, as if pacing, she returned back to her bunk.

"I think... I don't know what to think," the Nuit answered, shaking her head slightly. "I've been on my own for a long while now. I think living like this, with other... people, well, it'll certainly be a change. I'm glad you're here, though. Having another mage, even if there's only a few of us, it's nice. I thought I might be alone. And I didn't know if I would be able to uh, fit in with everyone else. I still don't know how it'll work. I don't really have the same habits that most do." She grimaced at that last but didn't clarify, flicking her eyes at Katelyn before looking around the room again, glad it was empty save for the two of them.

"So what are our roommates like? You said they're wary of mages?" That worried her slightly, but there was nothing for it. She would have to wait and see how the others would respond to her. Though if they were anything like Katelyn, perhaps she needn't worry too much. At least for now things were going well. "And, if you don't mind me asking, what, ah, magics do you study? If that's not a rude question." It was definitely odd, speaking so openly, and she honestly didn't know the etiquette for discussing things with other mages. She'd had a teacher before, of course, and she would have to speak with Lady Freed about her learnings... but teachers were different. Katelyn would be a peer, a comrade, perhaps even a friend. Though she merely asked from curiosity, she didn't know if such a question was overstepping boundaries.

[Katelyn Marks]

While Isolde acquainted herself with the room and went through the process of unpacking, Katelyn took a seat at one of the chairs tucked up by their little wooden table. The squire rested her chin on the heel of her hand, elbow propped up on the table's worn surface. She didn't want to be nosy, but she couldn't help watching her new roommate unpack--though the redhead tried not to make it too obvious. The first item, a bag of what looked like pieces of a muscle's shell. When she saw the tooth though, it threw her off. The squire had no idea what it was, or the importance it must hold if Isolde wanted to carry it around.

She was surprised by how little the mage-squire seemed to have brought along with her. There were some art supplies and candles, then a book. Katelyn wanted to ask, but decided to keep her mouth shut. What if the older woman had been bad off? She would feel like shyke if that were the case, so she decided to let the question die before it ever left her lips. When Isolde finally put her things in her new trunk, she turned to confront Katelyn again. The mage-squire sat back in her chair and folded her arms, listening.

"It took me a while to get used to living in such close proximity to so many people. I was first stationed at the Mithryn Outpost when I joined, and it's where I grew up, so it was pretty easy to acclimate since I was still technically at home. But there, all the squires slept together in one enormous room. A huge communal dormitory. It was terrible sometimes. The situation here though isn't all that bad. The bunks feel more private, and the rooms are small and segregated, so we don't have to worry about any boys or young men slinking around. I doubt there will be any problems as long as you don't snore," the squire said, trying to lighten Isolde's mood with a joke at the end. Little did Kate know the other squire wouldn't be sleeping at all.

"At first the other girls in here were barely tolerable. I had some issues with one--she decided that I was just a simple-minded, dirty farmer," she explained, voice dripping with poorly suppressed disgust. "She transferred out though, and I don't know where she is now. A couple others have shuffled around since I've been here, and we're left with two others that don't seem bad. They're young--younger than I am, and one is pretty quiet. I don't remember their names, I have to admit. You'll meet them soon I'm sure." She smiled, trying to ease the older woman's doubts.

"They aren't hostile, but I feel that several people--including the two girls who we share the room with--are just uncertain. I can't really blame them. I haven't taken the time to really get to know anyone, and I think the fact that they don't know anything about me except that I'm studying magic makes them feel... threatened? I don't know. I'm new to this whole thing. I'm not really used to being a source of suspicion. People are afraid of what they don't understand. It's human nature." Katelyn shrugged. Now that Isolde would be around, the redhead was already feeling worlds better. Having someone around like her would make the whispers and uncertain stares all that much more tolerable.

It as still strange being asked what kind of magic she studied. Kate just had never imagined being in this sort of position. She'd always dreamed on learning about it, but now that she was, she realized how unprepared she was to handle it. The squire smiled to herself and absently ran her fingers through her hair.

"It's not a rude question at all. Just one I never thought I'd be asked. It's strange, is all. I'll have to get used to talking about magic so casually, but I'm glad at the same time that I can." Katelyn shifted in her seat and crossed her legs. "My patron taught me to tap into my Djed only about a week ago," she explained, feeling a little self-conscious about her lack of experience. "He helped me figure out Auristics, and it's the only thing I've done so far. I sort of initiated myself poorly, but managed it." She thought back to how the auras had almost suffocated and overwhelmed her in those first few ticks, and cringed internally.

"What about you?" Kate wondered if Isolde was new to it like she was, or if the older woman already had some experience. Either way it would be nice to have a study partner.

[Isolde Seibold]

"The Mithryn Outpost?" Isolde asked, forgetting herself and nearly breaking the smooth flow of Katelyn's words as she interjected. She ducked her head and waited for the other to be finished, before saying, "Sorry about that, it's just I also grew up in Mithryn. Though, as you can imagine, that was pretty long ago." She gestured to herself to encompass her age, the silver hair and fine wrinkles... but truthfully she was much older even than this. Much much older. She had already lived nearly two full lifetimes, though that was still young for a Nuit.

At the comment about snoring, Isolde added, "Oh, well you needn't worry about that," smiling as if she was joking. Perhaps she was, but it was still true. And when Katelyn continued on, speaking of one of the other squires --thankfully, one who was gone off to somewhere else now-- who had had poor behavior, Isolde rolled her eyes, matching Katelyn's scorn. Perhaps it was because they were now roommates, perhaps because they were both mages, or perhaps it was because they'd grown up in the same area... but the Nuit truly felt at ease around her fellow squire. Enough even to act more like herself, and less like the shell of constant anxiety that she had become throughout the long years.

"I never understood looking down on farmers," she said, shaking her head, "Or really anyone for that matter. It just doesn't make any sense. Everyone in the city --or in the surrounding areas, like Mithryn-- must work together for Syliras to survive, to thrive. Every job is as important as the next. Where does this girl think her food comes from? The sky? And besides. It's hard work, farming, and not as simple as some would like to believe."

The news about their remaining roommates was actually good news, or so Isolde chose to believe, having begun to accept that yes, at least for today things seemed to be going well for her. "Well, perhaps sometime we can talk to them," she said. "Get to know them, you know? Maybe once they understand us, they won't, ah, be so wary anymore. It would be better, I think, not to have division within the dorm."

Something, some guilty feeling, nagged at her after that last statement, distracting her, and Isolde leaned back against the wall where she sat on the bed. Somehow something didn't feel right --not in the way that things were turning bad, but because of what she'd just said-- but she couldn't seem to pinpoint what, exactly. It was nice to find something else to focus on then, when the topic of magic wasn't rejected, and Katelyn spoke openly of her practice.

"Ah, auristics," Isolde said, curious, though she still felt that niggling sense that something was off. "That's the one where you read emotions from the air, correct?" She had basic knowledge of many of the disciplines of magic, thanks to her old mentor. He'd wanted her to know what sorts of things she might someday encounter, especially if it was to be from someone that was hostile. "Myself... I've learned some reimancy and a tiny bit of morphing and alchemy so far, though my knowledge is limited in both of those last. It'll be nice to have permission to use magic in the city, so that I might be able to practice nearby instead of having to go out to the woods. Though some magics, like reimancy, are best practiced in relative isolation."

[Katelyn Marks]

"Really?" she exclaimed, obvious excited by Isolde's interjection. A large smile spread across her face, and her teeth flashed in delight. She was liking the woman better by the moment. "Small word," Katelyn pondered aloud in amusement, and leaned back in her chair. What were the chances of rooming with another new mage-squire that just so happened to be from the Outpost as well? The coincidence had her absolutely giddy. "It'll be so nice to have someone to talk to about home." It was obvious she had been lonely. Her voice was practically dripping with relief. They shared similar mindsets too, and Kate was relieved the older woman held a solid, strong opinion.

She laughed despite Isolde's flustered ranting about the long-gone squire, at ease now with her new roommate. "Well," Kate began, "some people just have to have something to be nasty about. She's gone at least, and you won't have to go through the torture of her eye rolls and scoffs. Really, she was something else. Quite the attitude. I think she disliked me so much because I shut her down the first day." The squire shrugged, unable to do anything now except smile. Even thinking about the unpleasant ex-roomy, it didn't dampen her mood.

"I agree," she continued. "It wouldn't do to have tension among us. We'll get the opportunity to talk to them soon enough. They shouldn't be too terrible long before they're back. They're always around close to nightfall. Secrets doesn't make allies," she rattled easily. There was an easy lapse in their conversation as Isolde made herself more comfortable, and Katelyn shifted in her seat as well. After the short lull, the newcomer spoke again, and she was eager to be back on the subject of magic. Curiosity made her attentive, and Katelyn found herself leaning forward, elbows on her knees.

"Not necessarily from the air," Kate explained. "You read the aura of whatever you're seeking information from. Everything has one, which surprised me. Since everything has Djed, it creates the aura that can essentially be read by your senses and you can garner information from it, even its history." She was proud of her explanation, and felt a little thrill run through her. It was still so strange, talking about these things with someone--let alone knowing them. "Living, sentient things have stronger auras since their Djed is so much more... I guess you could say powerful? You and I have large ones, but let's say a book--it has one too, just little, because it's inanimate."

Katelyn had seen it for herself when the world burst into the brilliant swirls of colorful auras. The trees had all been pulsing with it, wreathed in a thin layer of light. Her patron's had surrounded him like a thick cloud, stretching several feel from his body. As Isolde shared her knowledge and experience, the squire couldn't hide her amazement. Nivel and Ser Moore were the only experienced mages she'd knowingly encountered thus far. There was one snippet there that caught her attention the strongest. She took to it like a fish to bait, clutching tightly to the promising word with a hungry curiosity.

"What is Morphing like? My patron has mentioned it to me, but it's not one he's studied very thoroughly. We've spoken about Reimancy, and he's apparently experienced with Shielding, though most of my study as of late is meditation and properly harnessing my Djed. And I don't really know anything about Alchemy except the general definition."

[Isolde Seibold]

"I agree," Isolde said, smiling again as Katelyn mentioned that it would be nice to have someone to speak to about Mithryn. "I haven't been back in many years. I heard something recently from a friend of mine, Orin, who also grew up in Mithryn, that made me think it might have changed a bit since I was last there. I really hope it hasn't, though. It was lovely."

At Katelyn's description of the girl Isolde laughed and asked, "What? Shut her down? I hope she didn't give you too much trouble." But it seemed from Katelyn's general demeanor that she was a strong individual, and wouldn't accept blame or abuse from anyone. Isolde could stand to learn something from her.

Secrets don't make allies was a phrase she hadn't been expecting, and again that guilty feeling jumped within her. Secrets... always secrets. Now she thought she understood what had been making her uneasy. She was a Nuit. As such --as being something so horrible-- she always felt it necessary to confide what she was to those that might become her friends. It wasn't fair to keep the information from them. And telling them would give them the chance to reject her should they see fit, which she thought was only reasonable. Now she hesitated, enjoying the conversation too much to want to bring up such an unpleasant discussion. But she would have to, wouldn't she? She was going to be staying in the same room as Katelyn and the others. Eventually they would find out. It would be better if they did from her.

Resigned to that resolution, Isolde found herself somewhat distracted from Katelyn's description of auristics, and attempted to immerse herself back into the conversation as it was one of great interest. "Everything has an aura," she murmured. "And that aura gives information, even about a thing's history." Well, that was another reason to tell Katelyn what she was. If Katelyn could read auras, Isolde had no doubt that her aura would read differently from that of a living person's. "So you said auras have to do with a person's --or thing's-- djed? I always thought djed was like energy, not something that might have information within it, or something that might be read with the right magics... My previous instructor said that djed was what made up a person's soul and what fueled their magic. I hadn't even known that everything had djed, I only thought animate things did, like people and animals and plants. I guess it just goes to show how much I have yet to learn." She shook her head, bemused.

"As for morphing, it is... really strange. Bear in mind that I haven't gone much past the stage of initiation, but... yeah, strange. In morphing, you learn to use your djed to manipulate the body. So you can learn to change shapes, like from a person into an animal, for instance. Or you can learn to adjust the composition of your body; you could turn your hair into leaves, or your nails into shells, though you couldn't take the form of anything that isn't living, like a rock.

"The trick is to forget what you're supposed to be like... to let your appearance go. Only after you accept that what you are isn't what you are physically, but rather who you are, your heart and mind and soul, will you be able to alter your physical form in any way you see fit. My teacher always used to become different birds, which were his favorite animals. He taught it was easiest to become like something you loved because you knew it best, though any form or shape was within reach with proper study and care."

She found talking about magic was fun, once the subject was no longer considered taboo. Comparing ideas and information on the matter was an experience she hadn't much had before, since she had been the Burned Man's only pupil, and since after he was gone she had kept mostly to herself. But she didn't want to go any further without admitting to Katelyn what she was. Now didn't seem like a good time to bring it up, not when they were getting along so well and it might spoil everything... but if not now, then when? "Um, Katelyn. Before we discuss things further, there's something I want to get off my chest." Secrets don't make allies... but did revealing secrets do any better? She supposed she was going to find out. "I'm a, uh. I'm a Nuit. Do you... do you know what that is? I just thought it was fair you knew. Since you've been so kind to me. I understand if it changes your feelings towards me."