Aug 09 02:40:22 106 PA - More Theory of Magic

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Tue Aug 09 02:40:22 106 PA.

OOC Note: Leonard and Zachary Spell Trade

"I think you've about got it," Zachary tells Leo as he leans back a bit, breathing out lightly. "Run through the words one more time," he asks, giving Leonard a light smile. The table they chose before is lightly littered with his notes in their neat stacks. Another early morning session before his Tuesday work period starts.

Another sip of coffee rewets Leonard's whistle before he begins the components of the incantation again, slowly and distinctly. The caffeine also provides the jolt of energy to do so, and, hopefully, to continue. A morning person he is not, but he must accomodate the time restrictions of those with steady, regular occcupational commitments. After repeating the fourth word three times (the accentuation on that one syllable has been his most challenging issue), he completes the series. A slight sigh and another sip from his paper cup follow. "The language can be so melodic and fluid, yet there are still sounds that I fear only a dragon with a severe cold can properly pronounce."

Zachary smiles and nods his head a little. "But I think you got it. The words.. and the focus. So long as you have the image of your armor in your mind." He cants his head slightly and wonders, "Did you bring it? If so, I'd like to see it. I admit I am a bit curious what comes to mind for you."

"Yes, I did..." Leonard admits, with a lingering hesitation before he adds, "although my artistry leaves much to be desired." He uncovers a small sketchpad from the litter of books and data on the table before sliding it tentatively over. On it rests a dubious rendition of an archaic, plated figure ensconced in a muddle aura of countless eraser smudges.

Zachary smiles a little and leans forward to have a look. Leaning against the edge of the table, he considers it for a few moments before he nods his head. "That's not too bad, really." He looks up to Leo and says, "As long as its clear in your head, that's what matters most. Drawing.. its a way to get you to think about it. To remember every little bit." He seems satisfied and wonders, "You're feeling confident with the spell?"

Leonard looses a chuckle. "My imagination is much more precise than my hand, which is fortunate. Yes, I am comfortable with the focus, and will continue to practice the pronunciation. It doesn't affect my concentration, but I do wish to conquer that syllable properly and consistently."

Zachary nods his head once and glances towards his papers. "I think that you've gone as far as I can take you. You have to tools, but finishing getting them all together is a personal thing." He looks to Leo. "No doubt you will find much use for the spell. It's rare to see someone who doesn't have it."

"Protecting one's self is typically of the highest priority," Leonard states the obvious, "especially when one unavoided blow can reduce one to a meal, or constituent atoms." He reaches over to slide the sketchpad back to himself, taking a momentary and not-quite-proud look to his render before putting it aside.

Zachary nods his agreement. "Survival is a drive for everyone," he opines. "It is something I have deeply considered myself. Ways to protect myself and to protect others. Armor of Ithan.. it is a simple and direct way to do so. But I feel compelled to find other ways. Newer methods to accomplish the same goal that are more.." He pauses a moment to consider before deciding, "..comprehensive. Or providing something that does not yet exist. Like the Anti-Fire field."

Leonard nods, a smile renewing on his lips at the reminder of that creation. "I should inquire as to how well that particular device has been put to use. My expectations are that it has had many positive and welcome effects."

"My own has not yet been used, but I keep it close to hand," Zachary pauses a moment, then nods, "The friend you gave the one to. I would be interested to know how it has worked for her. And if you have any other ideas on the matter. I do like the Armor of Ithan spell itself, but it costs a good deal to use in a device. Diamonds are the focus. A pure, durable mineral. It makes any device that includes them quite expensive."

"Yes," Leonard does wince slightly at the mention of the gems, "I can understand how requiring a handful of diamonds could make anything and everything quite expensive. I shall ask her about her results with the device when I next speak to her. If her reaction upon first receiving it is any indication," his prior wince is utterly erased by a content grin, "she is quite pleased with it."

Zachary seems content and bobs his head once. "Well, that is a good thing. I do like giving aid to others. Solving.. unique problems like that gives a certain.. I don't know. A certain delight, I suppose." His own smile growing just a little as he motions a bit towards the materials on the table. "A bit like this training. I'd never thought much about teaching magic to others. It is nice to know that, through this trade we might end up giving great aid, not only to ourselves, but to others through the magic we weave and how it is used."

Leonard's grin makes the softening shift to smile and he nods. "It is rewarding in it's own right. Expanding knowledge is just as fulfilling, and much less frustrating than self-study. Well, somewhat less so." There is obvious jest in his last comment before he procures another swallow of caffeine.

"I've always found that learning with a capable instructor is best," Zach replies. "While one can easily learn from texts, there is little substitute for sharing experiences. The drawing, that was a concept I learned from my teacher. It wasn't in the texts we were given."

"It was a helpful tool for focus," Leonard readily agrees, "aesthetic results aside. I do miss the days of initial instruction and training, at times." His words turn expectedly wistful for a moment, before turning wry. "The more pleasant aspects of those times, that is."

"Do tell," Zachary prompts lightly. "There was a certain.. delight in the first casting. In the exploration of how to craft matrices.. though some of the steps along that path were trying. Complex concepts that are not easy to understand logically, as they require a new way of thinking. But finally grasping them.." He smiles, perhaps hearkening back to that breakthrough.

Leonard chuckles and rolls his shoulders. "There is much to tell. My instruction included far more than just the mystical or paranormal. My life prior was rather... ignorant and naive. I couldn't even read, which was one of the first and lengthy lessons I received. A necessity for all that was to follow, but I believe it to be more ...inspiring than even the epiphanies of invocations."

Zachary creases his brow slightly and nods once. "Literacy is far too uncommon in some places, I have heard. It is less so in Lazo. But learning is very prominent there." He considers Leo and wonders, "Where is your home before this place, Leonard?"

"The Burbs surrounding Chi-Town," there is no real air of fondness in Leonard's reply, "where literacy is the exception, knowledge abhored, and magic..." A mirthless smirk intrudes. "Well, I am now here."

"I see." Zachary frowns a little, though does not seem to focus it at Leonard. But after a moment be seems to push the low thoughts aside, offering. "I'm glad then that you were able to emerge from that place. I have heard many things.. few good." He glances towards a clock on the wall and starts. "Oh.. it is getting a bit late." He starts gathering papers as he murmurs, "It is nice to simply talk, but it can so eat away the time."

Leonard nods, his mixed feelings on the matter clearing as talk returns to the present. "Indeed, it can, although I think that our study is more to blame." His mirth has returned and there is no real 'blame' in his words. "Don't let me delay you from your duties. I've already earned Cali's ire enough as it is."

Zachary seems a bit curious at that last, but he seems to let it slide away for now. "Perhaps later you can show me if you have finally given the spell a proper cast. Oftentimes it takes me a few attempts to properly cast a new spell, even after I have learned it. Some last detail of coordination and timing, I suspect." He finally folds the resources together and rises. "We can meet again soon for the next spell, I think."

"I will attempt to do just that," Leonard lifts his paper cup in a gesture of farewell and explanation, "after I've fully awakened and energetic. You'll be informed of my success or consternation when we meet again."

Zachary bobs his head in response and smiles. "Farewell then, Leonard. May your day be pleasant." And with that he will move away from the table, steadily moving on to his work.