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 Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:08 am
15 :: Sweet Lemonade
Kallisto had slipped a note under Yambati's dorm room door requesting his presence in the student kitchen. After the success of the picnic, she hoped she could get him to taste more of her cooking. In fact, since then she'd been trying very hard to improve so that her creations were simply irresistable. While she hadn't reached master chef yet, she had improved a little and now the short bread came out much fluffier and lighter then before, the home made sauces were flavourful and the smells that issued up from every dish were mouthwatering. Fiddling with the various pots and pans she laid out a delectable lunch, cold cuts, soups, snacks, and various other light but tasty dishes.
Only problem was there was too much for just one person, even if they were a kinesthetic. Nervously, she adjusted the decorations on the crowning achievement to her efforts - a beautiful tuxedo cake. It had proved far more difficult then she'd initially thought and had taken a couple tries to get it right. Now that it was, she wanted to share it with Yambati.... if he showed up that was. It would be a very lonely lunch without him.
But luckily for her, Yambati did show up. He was pulling back his hair as he entered the kitchen, but when he saw (and smelled!) all of the food, he stopped dead in his tracks, hands stilled over his hair. He blinked. "... W-what...?"
Yambati was clearly at a loss for words. Her note had been cryptic, only telling him to come to the kitchens, and that his appetite was invited as well.
But this... this was a bit more than he'd been expecting.
Kallisto jumped as the door swung open, turning slightly. When she saw who it was she beamed, quickly hiding the cake in a nearby fridge and bustled over to the table and pulled out a chair, gesturing for him to take a seat, "Sit. I"m almost finished. What do you think?" She smiled, wiping her hands on the apron she wore before turning back to the counters and retrieving a large container of sweet lemonade and a pair of crystal goblets.
Yambati stared a little, then slowly finished tying back his hair and came over, taking the seat offered. "I think," he said, slowly, "that you over-estimate the capacity of my stomach, Kallisto. I'm not Academic, but I still can't eat anywhere near half of this..." He glanced up at her, eyes almost... apologetic? As if he were letting her down.
She shrugged, "I wasn't sure what you'd enjoy so I made a bunch of things. What isn't eaten can be stored for leftovers later." It was clear she took no offense at that. In fact, she smiled happily. "They're fairly small portions so you can try everything. Like..." She ran through the various things she'd learned while looking up recipes, "like dim sum."
Setting the container of lemonade down, she removed her apron and settled into the seat opposite him after throwing it over a rack. "I hope I didn't pull you away from anything..." The thought only just occurred to her and a shadow of worry flickered across her face.
He shook his head, smiling slightly. "No, not at all. I was just reading up a little more in those books I borrowed. It's about time I returned those, actually...
"But later. First, I try your cooking - the last time turned out well, after all."
"Oh good. I'd feel horrible if I interrupted something." She nodded and proceded to pour them some drinks. She waited for Yambati to proceed before picking her own morsels to eat.
"Don't worry about it," he assured her, taking his glass and sipping a little. He glanced over the food, twirling the glass in his fingers idly.
When Kallisto didn't move, he looked back at her. "... Don't let me hold you up. I can take a long time to decide on things."
Kallisto blinked, realizing she was staring and promptly looked down, "What? Oh. Okay..." She looked up once more and smiled, "But don't take too long - don't want it to get cold." Without further ado, she served herself, taking a variety of morsels and began to nibble at them.
"I promise I won't let them get cold," he said, sipping some more. "Don't worry." He set down his glass, and picked out a few things to try, moving small portions to his plate. "So, are any of the things I picked spicy beyond all belief, before I start sticking them in my mouth?"
She swallowed then, and looked sheepish, "There a few things that are really spicy, mainly because I like spicy things." Kallisto indicated the couple of dishes, both of which Yambati had taken from. "I've got milk ready incase they're too hot, water only makes it worse."
"Mm. I'll be sure to take small bites. I.... like spicy things, but I don't eat them often. So I'm not used to it yet." He tried one of the spicy dishes with a tiny, tiny bite. He was very cautious.
But after swallowing, he turned approving eyes back to Kallisto. "Delicious."
Kallisto grinned, "Thanks!" She was utterly pleased that he was enjoying her food. As she met his eyes, she seemed to glow under that approving gaze. Her effort hadn't gone to waste. She puffed up, eyes glittering with happiness. "I'm so glad you like it. I've been practicing so-" She stopped. So she could what? She wasn't sure exactly. She'd just gotten caught up in improving for him.
He tilted his head slightly, taking another tiny bite. One eyebrow rose as if of its own accord. "Practicing?" Yambati seemed... surprised. "... You spent more time on this than I thought," he murmured, quietly. "I didn't give you the impression that I expected this sort of thing... did I?"
She shook her head, "Not at all... you liked the picnic so I thought I would try to do you one better. It is better since then, right?" She sounded hopeful. That was one thing about her - she was always striving to do better, be better then before.
"It's better, but the picnic was very good, as well." He finished off the small morsel, licking his fingers. "I suppose as long as you didn't feel -pressured- to do all of this, I shouldn't complain, hm...?"
"No, I didn't feel like I had to. I just wanted to. I enjoy cooking and thought you might like to take part in my efforts." She paused, nibbling on some tender morsel. Kallisto wasn't sure what else to say. At least not until it came time for dessert, anyways.
"I'm glad you thought of me," he said, trying one of the other dishes. He smiled, faintly, without thinking about it - it was that good. He finished it, took a sip of lemonade, and tried something else. But for once, he wasn't quite comfortable with the silence. After swallowing, he looked up. "I still haven't been able to get ahold of Professor Orrys... perhaps you could help me track him down?"
Kallisto glanced up, tilting her head to the side, "Hnnn?" She'd burried herself in the food, focusing it so she wouldn't end up staring at Yambati and his brief smiles. "Oh, Orrys? Have you checked the teacher's lounge? If he's not there, check the Arena - those are your best bets."
"Ah. I'll keep that in mind. And I'll make sure to check both places on the same day, to make sure I don't miss him, mm? I should run into him eventually..." Another bite of something, another one of those brief, pleased smiles that he didn't seem to notice.
She nodded, refilling her plate. Her smile echoed his own. She realized she'd come to treasure those secretive smiles - so uncertain, hesitant. It was like he didn't smile very often, which she knew to be a fact, and each one made her feel accomplished. Smiles were good things, expressions of joy and the thought she might be impressing him enough to draw one of them appealed her. "Do you plan on catching up on any other classes or waiting until the cycle starts again? We're about half-way through now."
"No, I don't think so. I suppose I'm technically 'taking' Quenda's class, due to my position as a Gardener, but I fully intend to take all the other classes properly. I'm only taking physical education so we can spar, and I'll most likely take it when it rolls around in the cycle again."
"Oh." She answered shortly. She was beginning to think of her accension to Stage One now - it was looming closer and closer as the classes came and went. However, she seemed kind of upset, caught on something. If he didn't transend with her, they wouldn't be able to spend nearly as much time together. She greatly enjoyed his company, attending classes with him, and the rest. A rock seemed to settle into her stomach then, as she focused on her plate once more. "I thought you'd be the type to work ahead..." It wasn't a jab, not at all.
Yambati blinked, watching her expression fall. He frowned. Why did she look like that...? "I... I am, but making up that many classes...? It doesn't seem... right, almost. ... Why do you look so..." What was the word he wanted? "... sad?"
Kallisto shook her head, "Nothing. It's alright. I'm fine." She looked up, offering a weak smile. "It's nothing, really. Don't worry about it." She didn't know why she didn't tell him. Perhaps she didn't want to voice her concern lest it become true? She shook her head once more, disliking all this emotions fogging up her head. It made it hard to think.
He didn't believe her. His lips tightened into a thin line, but he said nothing, merely nodded, silently. He took another bite, but the taste was dulled by his confusion. That awkwardness that had all but dissipated was... back, almost.
She continued to eat, but the food had lost it's appeal in the awkward silence that had descended. Shifting, she began to fidget, pushing her food about. As the silence thickened, she fidgeted more and sighed, looking up. She couldn't stand the silence anymore - she'd never been good with such situations. "It's just that... ah... uhm..." She stumbled, unable to find the proper words. She bit her lower lip as she tried to think it through this time.
Yambati glanced up, but something kept him from staring straight into her eyes. He somehow knew that it would stop her. But he was attentive, watching her through his eyelashes, over the tops of his glasses. "... Yes...?" It wasn't a prodding for explanations - merely an invitation.
"Well..." She paused, sounding uncertain, "It's just that I enjoy your company... and well... we're halfway through the classes and I'll transcend upon completion..." She sighed, letting the silence stretch before continuing, "And if that happens I won't see you as much. You'll still be studying while I do whatever it is a One does.... and I'll be outside the White District... and... and..."
She stopped, heaving a great sigh and merely trailing off.
"..." He settled his hands on the table, looking down at the food still in front of him. He pursed his lips. "... if it were practical to make up half of the cycle of classes, I would do it," he said, quietly. "But as it stands... we still have the gardens, yes?" It sounded weak, even to him, but it was all he could think of to say. They would have the gardens.
Kallisto chewed her lower lip, nodding as she played with her food, "That's true... it's just..." not enough, she thought, unable to say it out loud. "I could help you catch-up but... that's not feasible like you said. Maybe if you talked to the teachers, I could tutor you..." She mused, not liking the turn of events. She should have just kept her mouth shut and not thought about the future like a good kinesthetic.
"Maybe we can work something out so that, even if I don't transcend -with- you, we won't be separated for too long...?" The words came out before he could stop them, and he leaned forward, and he looked... upset. For her sake. He even reached out and touched her cheek, gently, as if to comfort her. He didn't pull away, when he realized what he was doing, but did blush and look down slightly. "... It'll work out, don't worry."
Kallisto nodded, looked up in answer to his touched and smiled. It wavered but held, "I hope so. You're my closest friend and, well, I'd hate to lose you." The latter came out in a rush and she blushed furiously. It was true enough. She didn't have many friends and of them, she was closest to Yambati.
He couldn't look away. He just -couldn't-. His fingers still rested lightly on the curve of her cheek, and he couldn't seem to move them, either. "I-" He halted, awkwardly. Then he pulled his hand back, looked away. "I don't want to lose... you... either."
She stopped. Stopped breathing, stopped thinking. Merely watched him with a complete look of surprise. He.... didn't want to lose her? He actually enjoyed her? She blinked once, twice, as a tear rolled down her cheek. In all her time in Empyreans, she had doubted anyone held any true care for her. No one really showed any interest in her and... now... His comment unlocked a floodgate of emotions and Kallisto cried. Not of sadness but of joy. Somebody cared. Somebody truly cared. "Thank-you. Thank-you so very much, Yambati." She managed to gasp that out as she rubbed furiously at her eyes, smiling but unable to stop the tears.
His head snapped back up, and before he knew what he was doing, he was around her little counter-table and, awkwardly, patting her on the back. "Ah... I... thank you? What for? Are... are you alright, Kallisto?" He bit his lip. He had no idea what was going on. She was crying. She was crying a lot, but she was smiling, and those two things were pure contradiction in his mind. He didn't understand what he'd done! Apparently, it was good, but then... why was she crying?
She laughed, a merry one, as she turned in her seat and beamed up at him, her hand sliding up his arm, "Thank-you for caring. You're the first person to have said that to me." She sniffed, finally getting the tears under control, and stood hugging him without thinking, "I appreciate it more then you know." She sniffed again, still smiling.
The hug was, of course, awkward, but he followed the example of other hugs that he'd seen and continued patting her on the back, gently. "... really...? I..." He paused. "... I suppose I can say the same of you," he finally murmured.
Kallisto buried her face in his hair and stood there, merely enjoying his embrace and the support he offered. She didn't need words right then, he was enough.
He was on the verge of saying something or moving away, but he didn't. He didn't even stiffen at her head resting on his shoulder. It was... nice. It wasn't bad, that was for sure, and he didn't mind the hug so much, coming from her. His hand on her back stilled, and his eyes slid partially closed, his lips curling slightly. Perhaps this was why people liked other people.
Kallisto inhaled his earthy scent and smiled against his shoulder. She held still for a moment longer and then, as her mind caught up to her body, her eyes opened wide and she stepped away abruptly. "I'm sorry! I know you don't like that... uhm..." She was blushing furiously and unable to make eye contact. Sure, she would have stayed there for however long it lasted but... she looked up, trying to read his expression. Had she angered him?
He just looked at her levelly with a slightly quirked eyebrow. Then he... laughed. It was a pleasant laugh, too, and he brushed back her to take his seat once more. "It's... fine," he murmured after a moment, pouring some more lemonaide into both of their glasses. "I didn't mind all that much, and you needed it."
Her shoulders sagged with obvious relief, though her response wasn't exactly intelligent, "Okay." Then she coughed and shook her head, "I mean, thank-you." She smiled tentatively then, as she slipped back into her seat. As he passed her her glass, their fingers brushed and she couldn't help the blush that rose up. She bit her lower lip. Why was she blushing so very much? She didn't mean to...
He watched her, quietly, not commenting. But he, too, wondered at why she was blushing so often. Was he embarrassing her? Or... was it that strange little feeling he got when they seemed particularly close, physically or otherwise? No, he was probably just embarrassing her, with all of this... sweetness. So he didn't comment on her blush. Instead, he tried another small helping of food, to try and take her mind off of things.
She liked him. She knew she did. And that was despite promising herself she wouldn't fall for anyone. The episode between Tryna and Gregor had been the catalyst for that promise and yet... she found herself wanting to talk to him frequently and be with him and spar with him. But her accension scared her as much as it excited her now... she didn't like the unknown, this feeling of insecurity.
She bit her lower lip and tried to force her blush down without much success. He made her happy, the thought deepening the blush. This was so confusing! It made her want to punch something. Have a go at the dummies in the arena to get rid of this pent up anxiety that was both good and bad at the same time. At length, she couldn't stand not doing anything and stood abruptly, pausing to flash a slight smile at Yambati before skittering over to the fridge. "You feel like something sweet now?"
He blinked, surprised by her sudden movements. He paused with a toothpick in his mouth, then chewed the bit of food on the end of it and swallowed, quickly.
"Ah, sure. Have one last thing up your sleeve...?"
She nodded, calming down and taking deep breaths. They were just friends. Just friends. Nevermind the tightness in her chest or the feeling of being special that rose when he smiled at her. Friends. Friends made one another happy right? And that's what she was doing. Given half a chance, her mind ran with it and she calmed down even more as she turned, returning to her normal self - the blush fading fast. "I do. It took a couple tries but I think it turned out alright." She tilted the plate slightly to reveal her project. "I hope you like chocolate and cheescake and sponge cake." She smiled.
He noticed the change in her expression, and smiled slightly. Good, she was cheering up, and whatever that stretch of awkwardness had been....
When he saw her surprise, though, he raised his eyebrows. "Aah... oh. That's... quite a bit of cake." It sounded rather lame. But it was all he could say. This was much more than the small samples of food she'd made him. He looked at her. "... you did this for me, too?"
She nodded, grinning, "I did... and partly for me too. I love this cake. It's really good." She paused though, wondering if it was too much... "Are you full? I can cut it up so you can take some back to your room if you want." She pursed her lips as she thought, "I'll have to find someplace to hide it though, so it doesn't get eaten by others."
"Not full, but it is a lot of cake. I think we'll have leftovers." He laughed, though it was a quiet, almost inaudible thing. "It looks delicious, though. Thank you."
He still thought this was all a bit much just because he liked her cooking, but if she felt like spoiling him, who was he to stop her?
She laughed, cheered by his soft laugh. It was the first time she'd heard him do so it made her fairly glow. He liked her cooking -and- he was laughing in her presence. "There's meant to be leftovers. You'll want more, I'm sure. I always do."
"As long as you planned for that," he commented. "So, who will do the honor of cutting into it first?" He busied himself with setting his old plate aside and taking up one of the clean ones she'd left nearby before he'd entered, watching her.
She blinked. Odd question, that. "Uhm, I hadn't thought of that. Do you want to?" She set the cake down between their plates and fetched a knife, handing it to him handle first.
He took the knife. "I'd be glad to." He didn't really care one way or the other, but handing it back to her would have been awkward. He carefully cut two slices, sliding the blade under each one to move it to its destination. Then he set the knife down.
"For starters."
She nodded and sat down once more to dig in. Despite a few hiccups, she was having a good time. The tear stains on her cheeks were dried up and her smile was genuine. Cake made everything better. Especially when shared with a friend.
He ate, although it was a little slower than she was eating. He was watching her. The change in mood interested him - both of them, the original and the return to normal. He wanted to know what she was thinking in that head of hers.
What indeed. In truth, she was trying very hard -not- to think about things and merely enjoy his company and succeeding - it wasn't very hard to enjoy his presence. That was what was important. She felt his gaze on her and glanced up, expression questioning. Did he want something?
He tilted his head. Part of him wanted to ask directly, but he remembered the look of pain on her face earlier, when she thought they might be separated. He'd ask later, when she'd had time to calm down and think, about what had happened.
"... It's very good," he said instead.
She smiled and nodded, "Thank-you. Did you want to take some with you when you go? I have to stay behind and clean everything up so I'll take what you don't."
"That would be nice. Do you want help cleaning up...?" He finished off his piece of cake and set down his fork. "I don't have anywhere else to be."
Kallisto paused as she reached forward to cut the remaining cake into a few pieces, "Sure. It'll go much faster then. But don't feel you have to, though." She spoke briskly. She enjoyed cleaning up, it was a good way to keep active and clear one's mind.
"Don't worry; I want to help." He stood up, finished the last of his lemonade, and looked over the table. "Just tell me where things should go."
Kallisto gestured behind her after she divided the pieces, "The cabinets are labelled and the dish rack's under the sink along witht the cleaning supplies." She stood up and turned around, "Thank-you, Yambati." There was a smile in her voice as she returned the uncut cake to the fridge.
"And where should the leftover food go?" he asked, gathering the few unused plates and utensils and putting them away. "Do we have containers for it...?"
There was a trash bin off to the side, which she gestured to. "Organics in one bin and inorganics in the other. They make compost from scraps. Leftovers go in the frigdge. We can move them once we've finished." She sounded happy and content as she set the washing things up and laid out the towels that they would use.
Yambati nodded, and after finding a few plastic containers in one of the cupboards, began putting the leftovers that were worth keeping in them. He kept himself busy with that, while his mind wandered. He had an idea buzzing around.
"... Kallisto, do you need any other plants? Herbs for cooking, or plants for alchemy..?"
She filled the sink and added the soap, watching as the bubbles built up and glistened like little pearls. "Hnnn?" She tiled her head towards him, "I don't think so... I'm still learning about alchemy and the kitchens are well stocked with herbs and spices..." She trailed off as though she were thinking, "I like tiger lillies. But I can't seem to find any."
"There are some in the Gardens." He started popping lids on the containers. "If you'd like, I could split a seed or two for you. I need practice with it, anyway, and the Sundew plant made you happy..."
That last bit... he wasn't sure where it came from, but he didn't try to correct himself.
She chuckled as she began washing the dishes he'd piled up beside the sink, "It did indeed. And it's been doing well to. Grown even. It's really exciting." She was talking to the wall before her but her words were clear enough, "Would you mind if I came along to watch? I've never done seed splitting before. It should help me understand better."
"Of course you can come. Actually, I was planning on inviting you." It was really just a ploy to get her alone, so they could talk more. And a way to cheer her up. She'd have something that reminded her of him, when she went away to-
No, he wasn't going to think about that just yet. It... hurt. More than he wanted to admit.
"Did you have a preferrence? I don't want to bother you when you're working." She turned back to the dishes and rinsed the few she'd cleaned, setting them gently into the rack. She may just pop in on him randomly to see how he was doing anyways... she had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to stay away.
"Well, I tend to work in the evening, around the time we met up for our first sparring... lesson. An hour or two before dusk. Other than that, I don't have a preference as to the specific date."
She nodded. A few more dishes joined the clean ones. The tension between them was growing again and she wondered why that kept happening... she was guessing at her own feelings but that tension wouldn't be there if he didn't feel that way too. She glanced up to gauge his expression.
"Well, we can decide on a date later," he said, coming to join her with the last of the dirty dishes. "Okay?" He was looking at her with an almost... fond look. He wanted to do this for her. He wanted to cheer her up. Even though she seemed happy, he knew it probably wouldn't last, not with such serious things looming in the future.
She blushed as he saw the look on his face, the tenderness in his voice not helping the flush. "Alright. I'm not picky. Just let me know then." She shifted aside, giving him room despite leaning towards him a little, her shoulder brushing his.
He didn't quite stiffen at the touch of her shoulder, but he noted it. Noted the blush. He still wouldn't face the signs (though he only barely recognized them), assigning her reaction instead to emotional unsteadiness. She was in a delicate place right now, he reminded himself. All he should read this as was that she wanted him there to help her.
"Of course."
Kallisto offered a smile and returned to doing the dishes, finishing them off fairly quickly - there weren't that many. She wasn't as unstable as he thought she was - merely.... she wasn't sure how to describe it. Not happy but not upset either, more in the grey area between and for some strange reason she was enjoying it. Quirking her brows, she set the final dish in the rack and busied herself with wiping the counters.
He helped out where he could, used to cleaning from his work in the gardens. That was a little more down and dirty than this, but it involved tidying up the sheds as well as weeding the gardens. It didn't take long before they were finished up.
"... I wouldn't mind doing this again sometime," he murmured after a moment. "Although, perhaps restrict yourself to only two or three dishes, to save my poor stomach?" He smiled lightly, wryly.
Finished, Kallisto folded the towels over their bars and sighed. "Done."
Her eyes lit up. Really? "Sorry... Like I said I wanted to make sure there was at least one thing you liked. But anytime! Just give me some warning though, so I cook whatever it is you want." She smiled brightly, perking up. She was afraid she'd scared him off with what had happened. Silly thought when he wanted her to go with him for seed-splitting.
"Oh, I liked everything I tried," he commented, stepping back from the sink, still watching her. "But yes, I'll tell you in advance. Maybe we can plan something at the seed splitting...?"
Kallisto nodded almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth. "Sure!"
He smiled for a moment at that, then picked up his cake. "Alright then. I'll see you soon, then?"
Again, she nodded and resisted the urge to hug him. "Definitely." Her pigtails bobbed in time with her nod. "Enjoy your cake. I'll make more if you want more." She smiled and, tucking the chairs in as she passed the table, walked with him to the door.
"I'm sure I will," he said. He seemed... much more relaxed around her. More natural. Less guarded. He could sense it to, and it was... oddly pleasant.
"Well, then. Have a good evening." He inclined his head to her, and then headed back down towards his own room.
She watched him go and leaned against the doorframe, sighing quietly - the ghost of a smile wisping across her face. "You too, Yambati."
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:09 am
16 :: Mysterious Illnesses...
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:11 am
17:: Back to the Library
Books Checked Out
Care with Lunar Cycles
The Gardener's Companion
Magic Squares by Paxar
Yambati walked through the aisles, browsing. He hadn't returned his three earlier checked-out books yet, but as he was planning on checking out three more, he planned to do that all at the same time.
It didn't take long to find what he was looking for - two more gardening books and a book on magic squares. Paxar's lesson had piqued his interest. Toting his books, he made his way up to the main counter, where he set them in two piles - returns and check-outs.
Grave looked up from the copy of Faust he was reading and smiled pleasantly. "Hello again, Yambati." He glanced at the books the boy had set down and shifted in his chair. "Did you enjoy these?" Grave asked, taking the three tomes and opening each cover in turn to remove the card in it and insert the check out card into the face of the machine under the desk. Each card bleeped to signify the book had been returned, and then Grave reinserted the cards into the inside front covers. "And these to check out?" Grave asked, indicating the three new books.
"Mm," he nodded, in response to the last question. He shifted his weight to one leg. "And yes, I did enjoy the first three." He still wasn't used to - or all that interested - in small talk, but spending time with Kallisto had made him a little less... outright irritable.
Grave smiled, a little tersely, and lifted the three new books onto his lap. Again the ritual he now knew by heart, open each cover, remove the check-out card, insert the card into the machine, wait for the bleep, reinsert the check-out card, hand the books back to the student. "I hope you find these three to be as enjoyable...or at least as educational." Grave replied, nearly robotically.
"... I will." His voice softened, slightly. He'd tried to sound at least a little interested. Apparently, he'd failed. Oh well - he'd be on his way in a moment.
He took the books from Grave, tucking them under one arm. "Thank you, again."
"Take care of them..." Grave replied idly, always curious as to whether other students took such great care with the books as he did. As Yambati collected the tomes and turned to go, Grave picked up his copy of Faust and resumed where he'd left off.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:12 am
18 :: A Gardener's Duty
Location :: Flora GardensParticipants :: Aysel & Yambati
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:13 am
19 :: Safe
I've come to the conclusion that... perhaps, the way I see myself is flawed slightly. I've always maintained that I do best without contact, without company. That others are just a bother. That I'm above needing others - that I can be alone without being lonely one hundred percent of the time. That I'm perfectly fine while isolated.
It's not true.
At least, not completely true. I do prefer solitude to crowds, to people I don't know. But...
When Professora Bellona was sick, dying, I sat by Kallisto day after day. I kept coming back. I didn't mind sitting at her side with barely a word between us except for when ideas struck us.
I didn't mind, at that lunch she prepared for me, holding her while she cried. I didn't mind laughing with her.
I... I believe I've been wrong about myself for quite some time. It isn't that I hate company. It's that I'm very selective in that company - I want to feel... safe. I've had time to think, lately. Plan how I'm going to arrive at Kallisto's door to invite her to the seed splitting. It shouldn't be such a big deal, asking her. But I suppose part of me is afraid to lose her. She's the one person I feel... safe around. My mood is the same whether I'm with her or alone - it's above anything else I ever feel. No, that's not quite true - my mood with her is above even being alone, because I have somebody I can sit by, even if we don't speak. I have a person I can... let myself relax near. I thought I'd never enjoy the company of another person. Now, I'm terrified to lose it.
I want to be able to talk to her. It's hard for me to speak my thoughts, but around her, it becomes a little easier. It lets me feel... lighter. She understands me, even, and that feeling of understanding-
I don't know what it is. But... I have to do this right. I have to make her happy. I can't speak anything I feel because it could scare her away, and truthfully, I don't know what it is that I feel. But I don't want to lose her. I can't lose her.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:14 am
20 :: Tiger Lily
Yambati had considered, for a fleeting moment, inviting her by way of note again. But no, that was too impersonal now. Too... childish. Too afraid.
He wasn't afraid, just... nervous. He wanted to impress her that day. He'd felt so close to her during the chaos surrounding Bellona's illness, but they hadn't seen each other since, and nothing had really passed between them those few days. He wanted to see her again. It was irrational, but the thought hadn't left his mind for the past few days.
Arriving at her dorm door, he heistated a moment, then knocked. His fingers toyed with the end of his long, curly front lock of hair, nervously. He hoped she was in.
Kallisto blinked, the sound of someone knocking on her door rousing her from her sleep. "/Somebody's at the door, Kallisto. Probably your boyfriend./" Cecil commented dryly and Kallisto flushed, swatting his away, "He's not my boyfriend...." But it was a wistful protest and the flush hadn't disappeared completely from her cheeks as she opened the door. Yawning slightly, she smiled, and met the other's eyes. Then she blinked, her smile turning into a broad grin. "Yambati!" She was obviously pleased as punch he'd come to see her, "What can I do for you?"
Cecil made a sarcastic comment and she waved at him, "I'll put you back in your ring if you're not quiet." She was looking over her shoulder as she spoke but turned back to Yambati, "Come in! You can see how my sundew is doing!"
Yambati looked slightly sheepish, noting how sleepy she looked. "I'm sorry - did I wake you up? I didn't mean to.."
He bit his lip slightly, then smiled, slightly. "And thank you, I will - but I actually came to ask if you wanted to go to the Gardens today." He stepped into her room slowly as she welcomed him in, feeling a little awkward.
Kallisto shook her head, "No, it's alright. I was just having a nap - I'm still trying to wrap my head around Math. I've made some progress but not a lot." She chuckled, stepping aside.
"Oh! Sure! I could use a break. Thank-you!" His company would cheer her up immensely. As it was she seemed to come alive at the thought, sleep burned away by her surge of energy.
"You're welcome," Yambati murmured with a faint smile. He moved into her room, and before going to the Sundew - which looked like it was growing just fine, he stopped before Cecil.
"So this must be Cecil, hm?" he questioned, remembering her mentioning her cat back when he'd first given her the Sundew.
"/Yes. Like what you see?/" He responded, eyes narrowing as he slipped past Yambati to take a seat at Kallisto's feet, obviously protective and possessive. She nudged him away and with a toss of his head, sauntered off as though the entire thing was his idea.
"Yep. He's not so good with strangers. However, if you've pineapple or catnip, he'll warm up to you." She smiled at her pet fondly, he'd been with her since her awakening. "I hope my room isn't too much of a mess for you..."
"Sadly, I have neither at the moment, though I suppose I could always grow some catnip myself." His lips twitched slightly - getting on the cat's good side would probably be a good idea.
Moving over to the Sundew, he set about examining it carefully, if not with his full attention. "And your room is just fine - it proves you actually spend time in here. Mine doesn't."
Kallisto laughed, "That's true. Though you'd have to keep it - if you gave me one, it'd die immediately from feline abuse." Cecil have her a dry look before pointedly setting about bathing. She shook her head, "I highly doubt that. You're really smart and I can't see you studying in a mess." She joined him, standing at his side to watch what he was doing. "Healthy?"
"Oh, my room is quite clean - because I'm not in it much." It was true. He generally studied in the Gardens.
He touched one of the beads of 'dew' lightly with one finger, then rubbed that finger together with his thumb. He looked up at her and nodded. "Very healthy," Yambati assured her, with a slight smile.
He felt as if he wasn't being... amiable enough. Like he was doing something wrong. But he felt so... on edge, now, for whatever reason, that he couldn't help but retreat slightly. Maybe the Gardens would help.
"/He's nervous. Mr. Green Thumb's nervous./" Cecil called, meowing at her. Kallisto nodded, having noticed that herself. But what should she do to make things more... comfortable? He'd seen Cecil but not Jadeite perhaps that might help? Crossing over to her desk, she retrieved the mineral sample and held it out to Yambati, "This is Jadeite, I've told you about her before, I think." She didn't mention the fact that it had taken a couple days to figure out what her Abberation was - she hadn't been able to remember because of how drunk she'd gotten. A faint smile played across her lips at that. It was an amusing if embarrassing memory.
"Actually, I don't think you have, except perhaps saying her name in passing," he commented, reaching out to take Jadeite from her. When his fingers brushed hers, though, he paused.
He thought that perhaps he understood why Kallisto had blushed when he had passed her that glass of lemonade, the other day.
After a moment, he pulled his hand away, looking at Jadeite and trying to brush off his small pause.
"Oh? Okay..." She summoned Jadeite, the Abberation swirling up to form into a bust, graceful and beautiful to behold. Kallisto was rather happy she was one of the few who owned such a creature.
As his hand brushed hers, she smiled actually managing to control the blush that inevitably wanted to rise. While she noted his pause, she didn't comment on it. However, she wondered if perhaps, just maybe, he might hold similar feelings to hers. It was difficult for her to keep from saying anything but she didn't want to jeopardize their friendship with an awkward question - he was her closest, most cherished friend. A staunch ally when she had so few. And she was too grateful for that to put their relationship in danger with one-sided feelings.
He couldn't help but stare wondering at Jadeite, making a small, impressed sound. He didn't know much about Abberations, but he was still quite affected by the sight.
After a moment's wondering gaze, though, he looked back down at Kallisto. He wanted to go to the Gardens with her. Maybe then he'd be able to think a little clearer.
"So, ah..." he began, but then found he couldn't quite figure out how to say what he wanted to.
She dismissed Jadeite and put her back in her place, turning around, "I'm sorry. You mentioned the Gardens? Just a minute and I'll get ready then we can go." Without further comment, she moved over to her mirror and brushed out her hair then proceeded to put it up her customary pig tails. It really was her favourite way to do hair, playful without being too childish. Smiling at Yambati via the mirror, she added the baubles and stood, "Okay! What did you have in mind?"
He watched her for a moment, then fiddled with his glasses, so his hands had something to do. "You... said you would like a tiger lily? I have time today to split a seed for you, and since everything's calmed down since the other day..."
She perked up, nodding, "Oh! That'd be wonderful!" She grinned, "I want to learn though. Would you mind showing me?" She stepped towards the door, catching his arm. Kallisto was concerned he'd be frozen to the spot if they didn't get moving soon - he was so stiff and awkward! "Is everything alright?" She sounded concerned, her gaze worried as she waited for him to leave so she could lock the door.
He allowed himself to be guided out the door, wondering at how strangely he was acting now that he was actually round her again. He'd spent a great deal of time thinking about how he would take her to the Gardens, but it just served to make him more uncertain of what he was actually doing any of it for.
"Of course I'll show you," he assured her. "And everything's... fine. I just have some things on my mind."
Kallisto didn't let it go, "Well, if here for you if you need anything. I'd hate to see my best friend upset." The way she said made it clear she'd immediately go off in search of the offending individual and give them what for for upsetting Yambati. She had a very protective streak in her, not possessive but protective, and it was that tendency that made her want to be a Grigori.
"Thank you," he said, quietly. Maybe once he understood what he was actually thinking and feeling, he'd ask for her help. Maybe.
He led her down towards the Gardens, slowly getting used to her hand on his arm.
"So, ah - did the rest of the dorm enjoy the leftovers from the other day?" he asked, trying to prompt conversation.
She laughed, "I brought them back to my room so I could make sure they were safe until I found a better spot later that day but I was wrong." She shook her head, remembering the mess, "Cecil's a pig, he'll eat literally anything and he certainly tried. The cake wasn't touched though, thankfully. But I think that was only because I threatened him on pain of death should he touch it." She scooted to the doors of the Gardens and swung them open for Yambati, gesturing for him to enter, "I ate some more myself and then put it in the communal fridge. It disappeared quickly enough so I think everyone enjoyed it."
"Well, that's good," he said, smiling slightly. He could just imagine the cat with his head burried in the containers of leftovers, then hopping back because it was too spicy.
He noted, somewhere in the back of his mind as they walked to where the tiger lilies were, that Kallisto still hadn't let go of his arm, fully. Her touch was light, but still there.
She didn't remember holding onto him like this, or that she hadn't let go yet. The puzzled expression that flitted across her eyes as she looked down revealed as much. It... felt natural and she smiled lightly at him. She knew he disliked touch, got really stiff when someone came into contact but he wasn't stiff, awkward, yes but stiff? No.
So she didn't remove her hand, instead focusing her attention on the gardens around them. Beautiful beds of flowers and plants punctuated here and there with wonderful trees. The air was clean and crisp as she inhaled deeply reveling in it. And then, as they walked, she caught the hint of the smell of tiger lilies and grinned. It was the most beautiful smell in the world to her and the splash of colour as they into view drew an excited little noise from her.
"I didn't know these were here!" She exclaimed, breaking contact to hurry over and sink to her knees before the well groomed bed of flowers, to gently cup the largest flower in reach, "They're beautiful!"
Yambati couldn't help but smile. He knew he had to calm himself if he were to split a seed for her, and so he did his best not to question whatever it was that was going through his head and heart.
"If they weren't here, I couldn't get one for you," he informed, her gently, then walked up behind her, settling a hand on her shoulder. "I'll be right back - I need to get a few things."
She nodded absently, glancing up briefly to flash an enormous smile at before turning back. There were several species and colours and she took the time to touch what she could, smiling at the little hooks on their petals and laughing when she got some pollen on her hands, turning them orange. She was delighted.
Yambati almost didn't leave her. Watching her was... enchanting. He slowly pulled away, though, and made for the nearest supply shed, where he gathered his tools - two pieces of burlap, a small bowl, silver scissors. One day, he would buy his own bowl and scissors.
On his way back to Kallisto, he paused by a fountain to fill his bowl with water. When he came back to her side, he set his tools down in a neat row, then sat by them, watching her again. He didn't need to rush this.
Without trying to analyze his feelings, he was quickly relaxing a little. It wouldn't be a permanent, or even long-lasting thing, but it would serve until he was finished his work.
She looked up as he sat down by her eyes sparkling in obvious enjoyment. She was so very glad he'd invited her here and she wondered what other little treasures might be around - though it didn't take much effort to decide she'd rather find them with Yambati then on her own.
Her gaze slipped from his face to settle on the supplies he'd gotten. "What do they do?" She'd assumed seed splitting would involve cutting a seed in half not... burlap, water, and scissors.
He couldn't help but keep a little smile on his face in response to how she... -glowed-. He kept noticing these little things about her, more and more.
"Oh," he said, glancing down at what he had brought. "You take a clipping from the plant, and then channel Essence into it through water. The burlap is to keep the clipping in place while I work."
She smiled because he was and nodded, "After you've done one, maybe I could try?" It was obvious she was interested in learning.
"It would be better if Professora Quenda taught you," he said, reluctantly. He wouldn't mind teaching her at all, but... it was not something worth getting into trouble over. "But I promise to come with you when you do learn."
Kallisto nodded, understanding. She'd be able to show him mudras or cooking things but she'd feel uncomfortable actually teaching them to him. "It's okay. I'll just have to get you to help me when I go see Professora Quenda.. or botany class, whichever comes first." She smiled and shifted to give him room to work and yet still afford her a good view. "You can tell what you're doing as go though, right? Or will that distract you?"
"Sadly, no. I need to meditate for most of it. But I can tell you now, so you know what you're seeing." He shifted so he was more in front of the lilies. "First, I need to pick a specimen - a healthy one, probably young. Then, I take a clipping from it, and place it on one piece of burlap. I have to immediately clean the scissors, so the plant's Essence isn't lost.
"Once the clipping is on the burlap square and the scissors are cleaned and set aside, I focus and visualize the Essence of the seed emerging from the clipping. The clipping is then covered with the second piece of burlap, both are submerged, and the visualization continues. Throughout it all, I have to maintain a positive, calm state of mind."
She nodded, his earlier mention of drawing Essence through the water making sense now that it was explained. "Doesn't seem too difficult. Is there anything I can do to help or should I just be quiet?" Kallisto wasn't sure if there was anything she ought to do but didn't want to get in the way either.
Yambati smiled slightly at her. "Just stay nearby," he assured her... then paused for a moment in thought, pulled off his glasses, and handed them to her. "And hold these?"
She chuckled and nodded, folding them carefully and held them gently. When she looked back up she paused. Yambati looked totally different without his glasses... so refined and mature... incredibly handsome. It was hard to tear her gaze but she did - eventually.
Yambati turned his attention, albeit reluctantly, to the plants. He let his thoughts quiet, let the smells of the Gardens flood his sense. His vision was a blur of greens and oranges and organic colors. When his thoughts turned positive, expansive, nonspecific, he slowly picked up the scissors.
Quietly, he leaned forward, fingers brushing over petals gingerly. When he found a lily that seemed right, he carefully took one of the stamen between his fingers. Using those silver scissors, he deftly severed the head of it, and transfered it, pollen and all, to one of the burlap squares. He washed off the scissors and set them aside again, then placed both hands, one atop the other, an inch or two above the burlap. He closed his eyes. His breathing became slower, and his face looked utterly relaxed. Breathing deeply, he focused on the tiger lily. Only the lily. Just like with the Sundew, he had to work to keep Kallisto out of his thoughts, but he managed.
Kalisto held her breath, afraid to disturb his focus but shifted slightly, the soft rustle of frabric issuing out into the still air. She bit her lower lip, wondering if that have upset him. She couldn't tell - he was so completely focused.
Silently, she beamed, not taking her gaze from his movements and drank in the image. He seemed... at peace. It was difficult not to reach over and caress his cheek for fear of messing up the serenity he'd surrounded himself with. Kallisto's admiration and respect for his passion only grew as she realized how truly happy it made him.
He could hear the sound of the fabric, distantly, and it, for a moment, made it harder to focus solely on the image of a flower winding up, blooming brightly. But this -was- his passion - even with his normal thoughts so confused, he could always calm himself with plants. Always.
When he felt the telltale thrum in his mind, he reached out with one hand, eyes still shut, and picked up the second piece of burlap. Settling it over the clipping, he picked up both pieces and slowly, gently, submerged the packet into the bowl of fresh water. He continued to visualize the plant growing, the Essence of it growing along with it. He focused solely on the image of it all condensing into one perfect seed. Thoughts of Kallisto vanished - that seed became his world for a few long moments.
Kallisto could feel the intensity of his concentration... fascinated with the events unfolding before her eyes. It was simply amazing.
A small bump began to form in the burlap and she blinked. Was that the seed? She couldn't quite tell.
It was. He could feel the seed forming, something he hadn't quite trusted in the first time, but now recognized and welcomed. His lips curled into a smile, pleased, content, as he continued visualizing.
Then, after a few small bubbles came up form the burlap, he let the visualization fade. The seed splitting was complete. He opened his eyes and shifted so he was no longer kneeling, but sitting, weight on one hand. With the other, he carefully withdrew the seed from the water. He held it up where Kallisto could see it.
She smiled, leaning in to look at the seed. It was a perfect little lily seed. She glanced from it to Yambati and grinned widely, "Wonderful! Now you just plant it? Can you make another seed from the flower or are some sort of rules for it?"
He shifted a little, lazily. The smile hadn't left his face. Apparently, the whole thing left him feeling... different.
"Yes, you plant it when the lunar cycles are good for planting," he murmured. "And once that seed has grown into a plant, you may split seeds from it, as well, but there has to be a month between each one..."
"Oooh okay. I see. Professor Elias mentioned something about lunar cycles and planting or harvesting times." She nodded, before sitting back and smiling at him. He seemed so happy... So... content.
Then she remembered she held his glasses and leaned forward, hesitantly sliding them back into place. "There." She had the intense urge to lean forward more and brush her lips against his. Instead, she trailed her fingers down his jaw and sat back, "So how do you store the seed? I'm not sure when the best time to plant it would be..."
He shivered at the touch, but he didn't mind it. Not at all. He leaned back against the short wall of the planter, holding the seed out to her. "Keep it dry and in a dark place," he said, voice soft.
She took it and smiled, shifting closer to him as she put it in her pocket. "Thank-you!" Experimentally, she leaned a shoulder against his, to see if he'd withdraw. She wanted so much to tell him how she felt but she was afraid of rejection and hurting their bonds. Still... she knew she wouldn't know if she didn't ask... She swallowed, obviously wanting to ask something but refraining from doing so.
He didn't flinch or pull away or stiffen. That lazy sense of well-being was still there, and it slowed his thoughts of her. They didn't cause that much anxiety that way. He knew he valued her opinion and her companionship greatly. He'd come to realize that she was beautiful, even if it wasn't in the traditional, overly feminine way.
He could feel, when he was with her, something like an echo of himself. They... fit. That was the only word he could think of. Like each new piece he learned of botany meshed with what he already knew.
He still smiled, lazily, and looked over at her. Really, he should talk to her about this.
Kallisto rested her gently on his shoulder, smiling happily as she inhaled the scent of lillies and Yambati. She sighed happily, perfectly content to spend the next few hours simply sitting by his side.
He wouldn't mind it either, and his arm actually, seemingly of its own volition, slid behind her and, though it didn't come to rest on her waist, did rest on the ground beside her.
He supposed now was as good a time as any.
"... Kallisto?" His voice was soft, gentle.
"Hnn?" She inquired, turning her head slightly to look at his face, "Yes?" Her thoughts were on burning this moment into her mind and the implications of his movements hadn't yet dawned on her.
He didn't want to worry her, he knew that. And everything that came to his mind started off sounding ominous. He could tell that, even with his almost-intoxicated mind.
But there was one very simple phrase that came to him, one that while he'd need to explain it more, would at least get his point across rather quickly.
"Stay with me." Because of their positions, the words were murmured into her ear.
She nodded, smiling, "I don't intend on leaving any time soon." One arm slipped around to hug him from behind, as she realized what he might be saying and she turned, a hopeful look in her eyes, "I'm here for you." Though he hadn't asked any questions, she was wondering what he meant but left it up to him. She couldn't be sure quite yet.
His smile broadened at that look. It was hard to pick the right words - he wasn't very verbally sentimental - so it took a few moments for him to speak. "... Will you always be?" Always was a weighty word, he knew, but he hoped she would understand. The arm around her folded now around her properly.
"Because I don't want to lose you."
Kallisto paused, blinking as he continued and then grinned, throwing her arms around him in an energetic hug, "I don't want to lose you either! I was so afraid you didn't like me and I'd lose contact with you once I ascended! I'll always be with you." She wavered and fell over, bearing him to the ground giggling, "Yambati, I like you so much!" She paused and shook her head, toning down the relief that had flooded her system and made her so active, "No... I think I love you. You make me so happy... it's like I'm complete when you're around." She couldn't stop smiling and then froze, looking up at his face, suddenly dreading the answer. She couldn't help it. She had a deep seated fear of rejection. Her question came out in a quiet whisper, "Do you love me?"
Well she'd said her part. She couldn't take her admission back now and that was left was his response. She wasn't sure what would happen if he said he didn't love her and only cherished her as a close friend.
Kallisto bit her lip in nervous anticipation.
Yambati let out a surprised gasp of air as he hit the ground unexpectedly, and Kallisto's warm weight was a bit of a surprise, as well. Still the one arm around her stayed around her. The other gently touched her cheek after she had made her confession, fingers resting on that curve.
"I do," he murmured after a moment. "If love is the unceasing desire to be near some one and to listen to them and to make them happy... if love is that and physical attraction and an echoing parity of minds... then yes. Absolutely." He smiled up at her. The trance-induced fog was leaving, and while part of him was growing uneasy with just how strange the situation was... he felt as if a weight had been lifted. -This- was why there had been awkward silences. -This- was why the mere thought of her made him feel so strange. Now he knew and understood, and it all fit.
She paused and then lifted her head, looking at him with wide eyes. He did! He did love her! She fairly glowed, didn't blush, didn't look shy. She looked totally and completely whole - excited and relieved and her eyes were full of this bottomless emotion called love. It swelled in her breast at his words and she couldn't help giggling, "You understand! You feel the same as I! I never want to part with you, to be with you always. But I wasn't sure you'd have me.... but now... now I know and I'm so glad, no, honoured that I can say you're mine and I'm yours." She grinned, a strange thought flicking across her mind, "I didn't think I want love. Not after I saw the torment Tryna and Lus and even that wicked Gregor endured... but I found myself wanting to be by your side, hold you up and see you bloom. Love isn't the thing to be feared it's lack of it." She looked at him, eye shining... shining only for him.
And then she kissed him. Just a brief touch of her lips against his but a kiss nonetheless. She couldn't help it and she hoped he didn't mind.
He was taken aback, a bit, by this rush. This confession. He hadn't realized how deep her feelings ran, and it staggered him, made him blush. How eagerly she jumped into it... he supposed it was Sanguine nature. But he shared her sentiments. He truly did, and his eyes reflected that.
His eyes fluttered closed for a moment at the light kiss, then he tilted his head slightly, watching her, fingers toying with her hair. "We're so similar," he mused, voice soft, affectionate. "We share so much in common, more than I think we both know. You say you want to watch me bloom - and I say it to you in return. Since the first time I met you, I realized that you'd... been cast out. Rejected. And you were closed up, when you shouldn't be. I want to help release you from that. I want to see you become the person you -should- be, not what people have made you become." The arm around her tightened.
Kallisto leaned into his touch, laid beside him and listened, tears that refused to be held back leaking from the corner of her eyes, "Oh Yambati... I didn't think anyone cared... They only had eyes for one another... Only Grave talked to me and you.... you were the only one to truly take an interest in my well being. I still don't know how to thank you for it... " The tears were tears of gratitude, happy tears shed in celebration of the recognition he gave her. She hugged him tightly, not willing to let go as she burried her face his hair, "I love so much Yambati. I always will. I'll always be there for you, you'll never be alone." They were heavy words, spoken with love and honesty. His words had only served to bond her to him ever more tightly. She would grow for him, make him proud and protect him, care for him. Kallisto would do her upmost best to see him acheive his potential.
Never ever would she leave alone. She knew all too well what it was like to stand at the back of the group with nary a true friend to gossip with or exchange notes or spend time with. "I'll always be there for you, always." She spoke softly, gently but the fierceness - the fire - behind those words was obvious enough.
He watched her, listening to her every word, as he gently rubbed her back in small circles. He brushed away her tears with gentle fingers.
When she said that she'd never leave him, he couldn't help himself. He tilted his head closer, brushed a fleeting kiss to her lips as she had done to him. "Thank you," he murmured. Now that he'd known companionship, known love, he found he was deathly afraid to lose it. If he lost her... he couldn't bear to think of it. It would be like losing his plants.
"I'll always be here for you, as well. You know that." He laughed, slightly at that. It had needed to be said, but it -did- sound a bit silly. "Whenever you need anything. Anything at all."
She shivered as he kissed her, the touch of his lips stirring something inside her. Kallisto smiled against his cheek, inhaling deeply and memorizing his scent, "Thank-you, Yambati. And back at you, just ask if you need something." She sat up, one hand gliding across his shoulder as she dabbed at her eyes. She laughed, "I cry so much! I never used to. I'm sorry." her eyes went wide as she remembered the seed he'd split for her and she hurriedly removed it from her pocket. It was safe, still round and perfect.
She sighed with relief and glanced down at him, "Did you want to go look up when it would be best to plant this?" She brushed strays from his lock of bangs off his face and admired the nobility she saw, "Or we could stay here and lay in the grass for the rest of the day. I'm perfectly happy with either so long as you're with me." She smiled softly.
"Don't apologize," he quickly said. He didn't mind if she cried. He found her beautiful either way - as long as she was happy.
He watched, amused, as she worried about the seed. Then he shifted a little from the planter - it felt too close - and beckoned her. "I think I prefer the second plan," he said, smiling faintly back at her.
She stuffed the seed back into her pocket and smiled, "I think I do too." Without further ado, she flopped into the grass beside him and looked up into the sky, watching the clouds drift by. A moment later, she shifted closer to him, her hand catching his and her other pillowing her head.
He glanced down at their joined hands and slowly, experimentally, laced their fingers together. His thumb idly rubbed along the side of her palm, and he closed his eyes for a moment, smiling. That felt nice. That felt... connected.
"When Professora Bellona was ill," he murmured after a moment's silence. "When I was sitting by you all those days. That's when I first started to understand what I felt. There was this... ease between us, and neither of us was trying to relax around the other - we were both so tense, and yet... not, at the same time."
She instinctively squeezed his hand as she nodded, "Your presence helped keep me calm... And then... after I made that dinner for you I thought for a long time. I realized the thought of losing you was unbearable and understood my feelings."
She paused, biting her lower lip as she searched for the right word, "There is synergy between us... The quest to cure Professora Bellona made it clear to me. I'm made stronger when you're around and I like to think I make you stronger too." She recognized his need to talk and so she was trying to give him that oppotunity, letting him know she agreed with his sentiments.
"You do," he affirmed, thumb still gently stroking her hand. He turned his head to look at her. "And you've made me happier, as well. I still generally don't like people, but since I've known you, I've become... bearable to others, at least. And I'm not as frustrated with them. I know it doesn't sound like much, but... it's helped me."
Her gaze went from the sky to his eyes, a soft blush warming her cheeks, "I'm glad I could help. Sometimes it's the little things that count the most." She leaned forward and gently placed her nose and forehead against his.
"Or at least the things you spend your entire life pretending don't matter much," he supplied, eyes half-closing as he watched her, so close to him.
"Though, you do make it difficult to keep my mind focused when I'm splitting seeds," he teased, then, smiling gently. "Too busy thinking of you, not enough about the plant. Not a good thing, sadly."
She giggled, "I'm sorry... I can't help that. If it helps any, I doubt I'll be able to split a seed successfully - I'll be too distracted by thoughts of you to focus correctly." He smelled of earth and flowers newly soaked in rain and she loved it.
"Come to cooking class with me?" She asked suddenly, "You need to take that course and it's my favourite class - we can cook together and you'd be closer to ascending too." She smiled, liking the idea.
He laughed at her comment.
At the mention of cooking class, he hummed thoughtfully. Then he smiled again. "Of course. And when Quenda's class rolls around, I'll be there to help you, even though I aleady have my credit. And then we need to track down Orrys..."
He felt so relaxed... she smelled of warmth and spices. He hadn't really noticed it before. Now it lulled him half asleep.
She nodded, turning her gaze back to the sky. This sense of serenity was weighing her eyes down and coaxing her slowly off to sleep. She felt as though they were afloat in a sea of tranquility and reveled in it.
"I'll be thankful for it, my track record with plants isn't particularly good, after all. And I really want to spar with you, I'm anxious to see you in action." She breathed out slowly, completely at ease. This was... perfect.
"You're doing perfectly with the Sundew, Kallisto," he murmured, reassuringly. His free hand reached up to carress her cheek again. Looking at her face was quickly becoming a sort of addiction.
"... Tired...?" he questioned, voice light. He was, as well.
She tilted her face, leaning into the touch and reached over with her own to do likewise, "I am. I feel... totally content so I'm all sleepy again." She smiled, loosing herself in his eyes. She shifted to pillow her head on his chest, finding the rhythm of his heartbeat soothing.
She had yet to let go of his hand.
And he didn't want her to let go. He gave her hand a small squeeze, and stroked his thumb once over her lip, wondering still at how things had turned out, before he slipped off his glasses and folded them, setting them aside. "I do, too," he murmured. "And here is just as good a place to take a nap as any."
She kissed his finger, smiling, "I couldn't agree more." Settled agaist him and his warmth coax her to sleep.
He made a small, pleased sound before closing his own eyes. He'd only ever fallen asleep outside of his room once before, and had vowed never to do it again - it left him feeling vulnerable. But this time, he didn't mind. Kallisto was with him. He would sleep easily.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:15 am
21 :: Crafting Catch-up
Class :: CraftingNotes :: I will need to read up on this a little more - most of my notes come from Kallisto's notes, as I arrived lateA regular technoequip can only store non-perishable inanimate objects. Things like quills, books, items, armour, weapons, even Abberations... But perishables need to be stored in a technoring that has been Modified, and animate creatures such as Cicus pets, monsters, Golems and the like, need to be kept in a Certed Technoring. One tap to activate, and two to summon him back to the ring. A professional can easily unbind a creature from a Certed Technoring. I might note that you can only assign one creature, or item, or tool, etcetera, to one ring at a time. In order to switch items, you will need to have the previous item removed, and then assign the new one. The most common use for a Technoring are Technoequips. These are generally categorized as follows: Head Equips Grips for the hands Boots for the feet Body Equips Item Equips Technoequips are a melding of magic and technology to create a hybrid item that serves a specific purpose. Everything from Soundproof Headphones, to Magnetic Boots; there are Technoequips to assist in every situation. You can use them to bolster the areas you're weakest in, or to accentuate your strengths. In order to assign one for use, you need to make sure it is assigned to a ring nearby where it will take effect. For instance, a Head Equip assigned to the foot won't help you out much. There is one category that doesn't follow this pattern - Items that will be held in the hand, as opposed to mounted on the body, will materialize and must be grasped to be used, so it does not much matter where they are mounted. Some technoequips need to be deactivated in a slightly modified way. For items that cannot or should not be directly contacted, you place your hand a safe distance away from the item, and line the center of your palm up with the ring shape on the Technoring. Then, in a distinct and intentional gesture, tap the air twice. Your intention and Essence will carry the signal to the ring Each Empyrean is given a number of Technorings "slots" or locations on their person to start out. At Stage Zero if you are given more Technorings from Professors or students, you are not allowed to attach additional rings, but you may swap out the new rings for old unassigned or assigned rings. However, should you find yourself wanting more slots as you transcend, they can be purchased at Technomagus Majore, Metro's shop. As for potions... If the potion is completed, and ready for use, you can assign it to any free regular Technoring. If however, you are working on a time-sensitive formula, and for whatever reason are called away from your task, you can seal these into an open Moded Technoequip temporarily until you're able to continue your work.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:16 am
22 :: A Cooking Catch Up
Class :: CookingNotes:: Different sorts of results possible from Alchemy: * Potions - those which you need to drink to gain the effects * Salves - those which need to be rubbed on to affect that area * Powders - those which can be sprinkled on something or mixed in to something to have an effect Some potions which take effect as soon as they are released from the vial or container in which they are stored. These are a little harder to use, and can take the form of any of the above mentioned. There are required ingredients to each potion. The more required ingredients, the more complex the potion, and more difficult to make. Then there are the rest of the tools and supportive ingredients. Sometimes you can use alternatives if you haven't got the supportive ingredients. This is called Substitution. Substitution can change the potency of the potion. Advanced Alchemical practices require the involvement of many other studies, including Botany, Mathematics, Science and Crafting. A few practices that can be used by many of the different studies to enhance the strength and effectiveness of a potion. These practices are called Styles. * Juno Style - all ingredients are purchased from shops or other crafters or alchemists. Easiest, but makes the potion only half as potent * Ceres Style - all of the required ingredients are personally grown. Takes more time, but doubles the damage done * Pallas Style - the timing of creating the potion takes into account the celestial bodies, augmenting Aspects or Shapes or other spells or skills that will help to create the potion. Very difficult, but the potion can target a specific body-part or location into a 1 inch area without the extra expenditure of essence that an Empyrean would normally need to focus. Useful in duels * Vesta Style - all of the implements that will be used to make the potion are crafted by hand, such as: Spoons, Mortars, Pestles, Athames etc. Time consuming, but the duration of the potion will be twice as long. Useful for spells which affect status changes like clearing confusion, boosting energy or this sort of thing * Chiron Style - all implements are made by melting down previously used (by the maker) tools, such as brass snuffers and the like. All implements must be carefully cleaned so as not to contaminate the new potion. The most time-consuming and difficult method of preparation, but it causes twice the amount of antidote to remedy the effects of the potion. Potions don't lose any effectiveness, making it very beneficial to prepare them before battle. All Style bonuses hold on any potion that is made. Therefore, you can purchase one made in the Vesta style from an Alchemist that specializes or uses that Style, but the cost will be much higher. Potion making Styles can be combined. It is very difficult to do, however, as the potion becomes so potent in the making that it becomes quite volatile. In order for something to count as one of the Styles, and therefore to take on the properties above mentioned, the entirety of the potion must be completed in that style. For instance, Juno style requires all ingredients to be bought, while Ceres style requires that all plants be home grown. Mixing of styles like that is impossible. The point where mixing is capable are things like having crafted all of the implements as in a Vesta style, and then melting them down and reusing them for a Chiron style. As mentioned, that is a very dangerous and difficult thing to do: there is a build-up so much essence that if the maker is not completely perfect and exact in following all of the directions, the maker can create something quite deadly to any who use the Potion, and more often, to the one who makes it. Nobody but one has ever managed to mix more than three styles. He only ever managed to do it once, and he died shortly after. The styles can be used for anything that employs their principles. Alchemy is a good example, because all of the styles can be applied to it. But Ceres style is important for Druidic magic, Chiron style is useful in Crafting, etc. Applying these styles has many benefits. For instance, if you use Chiron style to craft a technoequip, it can function for twice the duration.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:17 am
23 :: Meetings Over Books
Location :: LibraryParticipants :: Blayk & Yambati
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:18 am
24 :: Planning
Kallisto doesn't want to ascend without me... and neither do I want to be left behind. When we talked about it, I told her that there was no way around it. However... after talking with a few of the Professors, I find it to be otherwise. They are quite ready to assist me, more than I thought they would.
So, beginning tomorrow, I will be taking two classes a day, followed by a few days of break, until I am caught up with Kallisto. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep it a secret from her-
I want it to be a surprise.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:19 am
25 :: Catching up for Kallisto - Part 1 - Literature and Rhetoric
Yambati knocked on the door to Dameron's room, hesitantly. The idea to make up the classes he'd missed had been sown by Kallisto - he'd refused at the time, but now... he wanted to surprise her. So first, he'd make up Literature.
Dameron moved the black velvet tab in his book and slowly closed his Tome. He glanced up and motioned the door to slide open. "Enter..."
Yambati stepped into the room, a bit awkwardly. He'd already scheduled make-up lessons with all the teachers he needed to, but actually doing it made him feel... almost silly. But he held his head up. "I'm here for the make-up lesson I scheduled, Professor."
Dameron nodded and offered an aloof smile. "Come in, Yambati. Take a seat." He gestured to a comfortable looknig armchair set beside the Professor's.
Yambati inclined his head in turn and came over to the chair, sitting down gratefully - for his legs felt a little weak - and opening his notebook, readying his quill.
Dameron adjusted his spectacles and glanced over them at the student. "Now then, you wanted to catch up with Literature. In a Tutoring session, I give you the basics, and if you have a specific interest in a certain topic, then please ask."
"Of course, Professor," Yambati said. He noticed, as if for the first time, that Dameron wore glasses as well. It was comforting that he wasn't the -only- strange one.
Dameron opened up his Tome again and watched as the pages flipped to the section he wanted. "Now then, the first thing about Literature is how to use structure and your vocie to have different effects. Passive and active Sentance structure can direct a spell against your opponent or back towards yourself."
Yambati nodded. He understood sentence structure - in normal writing. Spells were unknown to him, but... what he knew about normal writing seemed likely to apply. "So passive sentences would direct it back, since the subject is really the recipient of the action...? Like 'the table was kicked'?"
He scribbled notes down in his tiny shorthand.
Dameron nodded. "Yes, precisely. In the case of assisting magics, this is very important to note, or you may end up healing your enemy instead of your comrade."
Yambati quirked a smile, noting that. Most people spoke in active voice - it was more clear, more concise. Perhaps one day he'd see somebody blunder that way in the Arena?
Dameron flipped the page. "Along the same vein, Targeting is the act of focusing the mind in unison with the spell being cast to focus the target oft he spell to hit a specific point in space. In doing so, you can choose to mark a specific part of an opponent's body, avoiding armour or guards so as to do maximum effect."
"So the more specific your word choice, the more accurate your spell?" he asked. And if nouns held so much power... well, he'd wait to see if Dameron would cover verbs before he asked.
Dameron inclined his head, pausing. "Sometimes. It depends on the type of Magic you are casting. In Grimoire magics, the more accurate the lettering of your script, or the mathematical precision of the lnies you draw... In Circle magic, the degrees by which things are placed. With Ritual magic, the grams and seconds, and for Tribal magic,t he volume and force by which something is done."
"Ah. I just assumed we were still on the subject of sentences, Professor, is all. But that makes quite a bit of sense."
"Well we are...as this is Literature, is it not?" An adjustment of his glasses. "However, the important thing to remember with Literature is that it applies to absolutely -everything-. And to make the most ofr its potention is to truly understand the concepts behind the Literature topics, and learn how to apply them to other studies."
"I see," Yambati said, making a large note of that right by the title - Literature - of the page. His inability to expand concepts to other situations was one of his weaknesses, and he knew it.
Dameron flipped the page and flexed his fingers. "The third concept of importance is that of Upkeep. It is a difficult thing to master, but it is a requirement if you have any intention of maintaining a spell while other things are going on, such as a barrier."
"Sort of like magical multitasking?" Inwardly, he groaned. Yet another thing he wasn't all that good at.
Dameron nodded. "Precisely. It is crucial for some skills to be able to simultaneously concentrate on mulitple concepts, tasks or targets."
Yambati noted down 'Upkeep' and wrote next to it 'Multitasking - extra time needed'. He'd definitely need to practice it quite a bit.
Dameron shrugs softly and glacned up. "Those are the key points to Literature. Have you any questions?"
"Well.. what exactly -is- Upkeep? Other than being able to divide your attention, is there anything else to it?"
Dameron smiled, a little curl to his soft lips. "Upkeep is the ability to stretch out a spell over lnoger lengths of time. For instance, if the spell was meant to do its damage and then be done, you can focus your Upkeep to keep it's effects going longer than normal. But in order to do so, you need unbroken concentration. If you were hit and dealt damage during this time, without the mental focus of Upkeep, the spell would falter and fizzle."
"Ahh, I understand now." A few more notes, and then he stood, inclining his head. "Thank you again, Professor, for taking time out of your schedule to help me catch up."
"Not a problem at all, Yambati. I hope it was educational." Dameron inclined his head in salute and reopened his book to where the black velvet tab was marked.
"Very much so," he murmured, quieter now so as not to interrupt, and left the room. One class down...
--
Yambati stretched a little on his way down to Melonia's room. He knew he was pushing himself by trying to take two classes in one day, but he had to catch up to Kallisto before the free period was gone, and still give himself enough time to actually -learn- all of the information. He'd be doing a lot of studying.
Arriving, he knocked on the door just as he had at Dameron's.
There was a moment's pause and then Melonia appeared at the door, sliding it open and leaning out. "Ah, Yambati! I had been expecting you. Come in, please..." She waved a hand and smiled welcomingly.
Yambati couldn't help but quirk a tiny smile back. He was smiling more, these days, and happiness seemed almost... infectious. "Thank you," he said, graciously, and entered the room.
"Nooooow then." Melonia began, clasping her hands together before her. "You've come to catch up on Rhetoric, yes?"
"Yes, Professora," Yambati said, nodding. "I've just come from a make-up in Literature."
"Aaaah," Melonia said, nodding and smiling. "Hopefully you'll be able to concentrate on Rhetoric, then. Dameron can be a bit...ah, distracting." She cleared her throat and brought her hands up in front of her. "Now, we'll start with Mudras! Get your hands ready!"
Yambati blinked, a little surprised, and then crouched to set his books down on the floor. Rising, he lifted his own hands. "Like... this...?"
Melonia looked over his hands and nodded, smiling. "Now, Mudras are a very useful tool. They can influence all manner of studies, attacks, situations and experiences. You fold your hands together in various ways to cause the different channeling aspects of your hands to connect." She spread out one of her hands and indicated at it with the other as she explained. "Thumb is Fire, Pointer is air, Middle is ether, ring is earth and little is water."
Yambati really wished this wasn't a 'hands on' class - he really wanted to write that down. Instead, he furrowed his brow a little as he attempted to memorize it to write down later. He moved each finger in turn, murmuring what it was for. Then he looked up and nodded.
Melonia watched him, eyes twinkling. "Now, what sort of Mudra would you like to learn? One for memorization, calming emotions, instilling connection, adding force...?"
"Aah..." He paused. He had to choose? Oh, but that made it hard.... memorization was probably the one he most needed. "Memorization, Professora?"
"All right." Melonia grinned and folded her hand into the proper mudra, her fingers still aimed upwards, but her thumb stretched up to touch the first and second fingers. "Gyan Mudra is perfect for calming the mind, enhancing memory, and easing essence of thought." She paused and inhaled a deep breath. Then exhaling, she fixed him with her gaze again and smiled. "You try it."
He inspected her fingers for a long moment, then carefully replicated the position. He then took a deep breath and closed his eyes, as he had learned to do while splitting seeds. And as he exhaled, he did feel calmer - the slight nervous tension from running around making up classes left him. He opened his eyes part way, and nodded, slightly.
"Mudras are wonderfully helpful. They can be used preceeding, during or following any act to assist you in all things. Pick another thing you'd like a Mudra to help with."
"Instilling connections?" he suggested. He definitely liked this mentally calming Mudra. It would do wonders for him.
Melonia nodded once and switched her hand position. Her first three fingers now pointed upwards, held tightly together, while her thumb and pinky pinched together to touch at their tips. "This is Buddhi. It's wonderful for preparing the mind for telepathic links, communicating with Golems, Monsters or abberations silently."
Yambati switched his hand position as well, though it was awkward and took a few tries to get it right. He nodded at her explanation - perhaps he could one day use it to speak with Jadeite with Kallisto?
"Do the effects of Mudra stack, or do they dissipate shortly after you move your hands?"
"For a beginner, the dissipate quickly, lasting perhaps a few minutes after you cease the Mudra. As you train your mind and spirit, you can sustain them through Upkeep." Melonia winked. "I, for instance, can maintain the effects of a mudra for hours afterwards..."
That wink flustered Yambati a little, and he glanced away for a moment. "I see..."
Melonia smiled and observed his hands. "Yes, that's right... Now, there are many Mudra, so You'll probably be best to borrow some books from the Library about them and study up on the ones most applicable to you." Melonia relaxed her hands and breathed deeply again. "Next up, Chakras!"
Yambati followed suit, making a mental note to check out a book on them. He liked them - they... worked with his style.
Melonia did everything in a bang-wow sanguine manner, and showed no sign of letting up. "Chakras! there are 7: Root, Sacral, Plexus, Heart, Throat, Mind's Eye and Crown." She gestered to each on her own body as she listed them off. "They are your body's reserves of Essence. Literally, Essence is stored in these places, and can be utilized through connecting with, balancing and clearing the Chakras."
Yambati mentally staggered under the fast onslaught of information. Oh, but how he wished to write it all down! But from what little he'd seen of Melonia, she was probably about to launch into some sort of demonstration that he'd have to try, as well. So instead, he just nodded and listened and tried to drink it all in.
"Each of the Chakras represents different forms of energy. Each can be linked to different colours, shapes and body parts, which in turn can be applied to various magical forms. But basically, the Muladhara is grounding." she gestured to her root chakra, "Svadisthana is creative energies," she gestured to her sacral. "Manipura is centering," she gestured to her solar plexus, "Anahata is compassion," she gestured to her heart. "Vishuddha is communication," she gestured to her throat. "Ajna is extra sensory and perception," She gestured to her third eye, "and Sahasrara is ether, essence and spirit." She gestured to the top of her head. "You need them all to function and to do magic effectively, but certain ones can enhance your powers if used to feed your intentions."
Yambati nodded, continuing to just absorb. Be as the sponge. Hopefully, whatever book he'd get on Mudras would have a basic review of Chakeas, as well.
"Whiiiiich leads into the last aspect of Rhetoric: Channeling. Through the use of Chakras, mudras, concentration and magic, you can actually absorb and diffuse certain ammonuts of magic. This should not be attempted by a Zero, and never without supervision. But it can be a powerful tool."
"So... with proper training, you could possibly redirect a spell? Or is it more subtle than that?"
"Not redirect, but absorb one, so that you soak it and it does not take its affects on you. Obviously, if you fail, you'll be unprotected against it, hence the danger of practising Channeling."
"Mm... I see." He nodded. It truly was interesting.
"And those are the basics of Rhetoric!" Melonia shrugged and placed her hands on her hips, twitching her ears and grinning broadly. "Pretty neat, huh?"
Yambati nodded again. "Yes - I'll definitely be doing some outside research on it, Professora." And taking a ton of notes the moment I get out the door...
"Wicked!" Melonia burst out. "Got any Qs?"
"Not yet. It's all sinking in." He smirked, slightly. "And I'm sure most of them will be answered by a quick look in a book. So, thank you for your time..."
Melonia inclined her head and walked him to the door. "any time, any time! And if you've got any Qs later, don't hesitate to stop by and ask!"
"Of course." He nodded his head again, in thanks. "Thank you, once more - you've been a great help." Before they got to the door, he grabbed his books off the floor. And then he retreated back to his room, to puzzle over Rhetoric and Literature for the rest of the night.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:20 am
26 :: An Invitation
Kallisto's step was full of purpose, a certain cheerful bounce to them as she approached Yambati's room. She'd ended up arranging a dinner party with Grave when last she checked out books and wanted Yambati to be there with her.
Cheerfully, she knocked on his door and waited to see if he was in. She'd checked the gardens earlier but hadn't been able to locate him and so she'd decided to try his dorm room.
Yambati started and quickly shut his notebook. It was filled with notes from his latest make-up classes, and he didn't want people - especially the only person who'd be visiting him - to see that just yet.
Running his hand through his currently unbound hair, Yambati got up and went to the door. Opening it, he smiled. "Why, hello."
Kallisto smiled, bobbing her head in greeting, "I've got some news! Would you mind if I came in?" She spoke cheerfully, eyes lighting up as she saw him, "I hope you'll enjoy it."
Yambati blinked, then stepped aside. "Of course you can come in," he said, lips still faintly curled. He was very glad he'd put aside his work - good forethought.
"Thank-you!" She entwined her fingers in his as she passed by, pausing long enough for him to follow, "Are you busy? I'll come back later if you are..." She looked uncertain, suddenly wondering if she'd interrupted something... She should have asked first. "Sorry for barging in... I'm just kind of excited." Kallisto grinned sheepishly.
"I was studying, that's all," he said, giving her hand a squeeze. "Reading some things. You're not interrupting much at all." With his free hand, he pushed the really-too-thick hair back over his shoulder.
"So, what news...?"
"Oh. Okay." She smiled once more, "I was talking to Grave the other day about how I want to go after an apprenticeship with Professora Tryna - cooking - and he mentioned wanting to try something I'd made when I got the chance. We ended up tossing the idea of a dinner party around. He's bringing a couple friends and I want you there. With me." She grinned hopefully, "Would you come?"
Yambati nodded, hurriedly. "Of course I will! Pass up your cooking and your company? Never. I can't promise I'll be a very social..." He paused, tilted his head slightly. "... date."
Kallisto laughed, "Thank-you!" She squeezed his hand, "And that's fine. I know you don't like people very much. That's why I asked now so you had some notice... in case you didn't want to go."
"No, I'll go," he said, smiling again. "I've found that lately, I've been... much happier. People don't bother me quite as much anymore. Thanks to you." He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek - it was a spontaneous, if still mildly awkward, movement.
"Really?" She looked up at him, flushing pleasantly, "I can't stop smiling... Everything's brighter." She leaned against him, hugging him awkwardly as she enjoyed his kiss. "Did you need any help studying? I don't have anywhere to be right now..."
"Exactly what I've been feeling - though without quite as -much- of the smiling."
He would have loved for her to help, but... he had to keep his surprise a secret. "No, it's just a bit of review to refresh my memory. But you can stay here for a little, if you want. I could use a break."
Kallisto grinned, chuckling as she moved further into the room, "Okay! I'll stay for a little bit, but I don't want to distract you." She waited for him to take a seat before she followed suit, "How's the Gardening going? The lily you gave me has started to grow now but it's still little. I can't wait until it blooms."
Yambati closed the door before sitting beside her, taking her hand again. He enjoyed the contact - he'd missed it.
"It's going just fine. I've helped a few of our classmates pick out flowers as gifts, actually."
"Oh?" She entwined her fingers in his and leaned against his shoulder, her other hand toying with his silky tresses. She hadn't seen it down before and thought he looked good with it that way, "The roses are popular then, I guess?"
"Not roses, actually. Mostly lillies or slightly unorthodox flowers." He glanced down at her hand in his hair, smirking slightly. "It's just finished drying from my shower earlier," he explained. It made sense to him, then, why it was still down.
She chuckled, "Guess I'm not as original as I thought I was then."
Kallisto nodded at his comment, his hair was still slightly damp in places, "It must take a while to dry... you've got so much. I'm kind of jealous actually. Can't do much besides pigtails with mine." Her tone was friendly and amused as she looked at him thoughtfully, "Mind if I put it up for you?" She smiled, tugging gently at a snarl or two that had escaped his attention.
He lifted an eyebrow. "Go ahead, if you can get it to behave. And I'm sure you'd look fine with your hair down," he said, smiling, imagining it.
She bobbed her head and went in search of a brush and some hair ties and settled down behind him, running her fingers through his hair,"Did you get all the notes and things from catch-up in Crafting? I noticed you came in a little after we started."
"Mm, no. I still need to take a look at your notes. You don't mind, do you...?" He straightened up to allow her to work easier, ignoring the few times she caught knots and pulled. It was so strange, having another person work with his hair...
"No not at all. I took more detailed notes then usual in case you needed them, actually." She smiled, trying to be careful as she brushed out the length of his hair. She accidentally caught his chunk of bangs and brushed back into the body of his hair as she began to lift up into his usual style. She bit her lower lip as she wound the tie around the mass of hair. "You know... A few little braids looped around might look neat... Not too feminine." She leaned forward and set her chin on his shoulder as she finished, crossing her arms over his chest, "Did want those notes now? I've got them on me."
"Oh and I'd like your help planning the dinner... I get carried away." She laughed softly as she spoke.
"Braids might be nice," he agreed, absently. Then he looked at her out of the corners of his eyes. "And only if you're willing to put up with me copying them for a bit.
"And I'd love to help you plan the dinner."
She nodded, "Sure." She didn't move though. She liked being near him, craved his touch. "What're you thinking about? You seem a little distant." She turned her head so that she was looking at him.
Yambati blinked. "Thinking about? Nothing much - just you." It wasn't -really- lying, as his mind was half on his surprise for her.
She laughed and nuzzled against him, "Good answer." Content to remain where she was, she fell silent, glad to enjoy his company.
"I've good intention," he murmured, smiling. "It translates into my answers, apparently." He stroked her hair out of her eyes with his free hand.
"So what do you have in mind for the dinner?" he asked, after a moment. "I think those shrimp should definitely be on the menu..."
She smiled, "The only dish I had planned was a flambe. And now shrimp has been added to that list. I just hope I don't burn anything... I haven't worked with flaming food before."
"You think there should be a couple spicy dishes? Or should I keep it simple? I want to make sure everyone enjoys it."
"Definitely spicy - those were good. But have at least as many not as are - and make sure to somehow mark the ones that are. With red serving dishes or something, maybe." His thumb stroked the outside of her hand.
She nodded, a hand absently rubbing his shoulders as she thought, "There's going to be six people total... individual taster dishes probably wouldn't work so well would it? Pastsa maybe? Lasagna? Bacon-wrapped steaks would be good too..." She trailed off and glanced at Yambati, "What do you want?"
"Oh, I like the steak idea," he said, perking up. "And, while I'm sure you knew this was coming, perhaps salad...?"
She giggled, "Of course. Any particular type of salad? If we go with steaks then ceasar might be best... or maybe garden salad and let them choose their dressing? You'll help me collect the greens right?"
"I still don't know where the vegetable gardens are in the Gardens." She laughed at herself, "I should really find a map or something - I get lost everytime I go."
He laughed, stroking her hair. "I'm no expert on salads - I just know I like them. Water chestnuts especially. And of course I'll help you. I'd be remiss in my duties as Gardener if I ignored a young chef in need."
She grinned, leaning into his touch, "Something with waterchestnuts then. I don't think I've ever had those though... Are they good? What do they go with?"
"They don't have much of a flavor - they're very mild. The reason so good is that they give a very crisp 'crunch' to a salad, without being dry."
"Oooh okay. Are they nuts then? Or some sort of crunchy veggie like celery?" She thought a moment, trying to think of other good things to add to such an ingredient, "Romaine would be best, I think, and maybe some raisins? Not too much crunch.... Oh! Orange pieces might be night too... What do you think?" She got up and moved around to side beside him rather then behind and wound her arm around his.
"They're more like vegetables than nuts... it's hard to explain. You'd have to try them. And as for the rest, I have not the first clue as to how to put together a good tasting salad without instructions." He smiled at her, a bit teasingly.
"You'll have to taste test, then, won't you? And I'm definitely going to see what the buzz about these waterchestnuts is about." She smiled in return, sticking her tongue out cheekily.
Yambati rolled his eyes, leaning some of his weight on her. "Of course I'll have to taste test - even though I doubt I have much of a choice in the matter, mm?" He stuck his own tongue out at her for a brief moment.
She shook her head, beaming, "Not at all. I'll do better if I'm cooking for you though, so you needn't worry about any deadly dishes." Kallisto leaned against him as well, making a half-hearted attempt to catch his tongue with her fingers, playfully swatting at the air.
Yambati let out a strangled, surprised noise, nearly falling back onto the bed. Instead of questioning her, though (he knew she was silly), he laughed a little. "Well, cook for me all you please - I can always do better than quick sandwiches, mm? I adore your cooking."
She grinned and bobbed her head, laughing at his reaction, "I will keep that in mind! Though I make a mean sandwhich so whichever you prefer."
"Oh, well, perhaps I'll need to bother you when I need studying or midnight snacks..." He smiled at the idea, then laughed a little, flopping fully onto his back.
She laughed and knelt at the base of the bed, experimentally poking at his feet to see if he was ticklish. "You'll have to get past Cecil if it's a midnight snack, though, just as a warning. He's small but feisty."
Yambati pulled his foot away from Kallisto, looking down across the bed at her, curiously.
"Oh, I fully intend to bring a peace offering of catnip when next I visit. That should help."
Darn, he wasn't ticklish. She quirked her lips and looked up at him, "You're not ticklish?"
She laughed then, incredibly amused by that, "Oh you'll make a fast friend then. He's a sucker for that stuff. Just be mindful of your fingers, he might mistake them for your offering."
"Even if I was, I wouldn't tell you," he said, sagely, pushing himself up on his arms.
"I'll wear my gardening gloves," he assured her.
She quirked a brow, "Oh? I'll have to find out then." Her grin had a definitively michievious edge to it.
"Good idea."
Yambati suddenly felt not quite safe, and he sat up, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you planning something...?"
"Only this..." And she leaped at him, landing to one side and tickling his sides. It was a clearly playful move. She was grinning from ear to ear and laughing softly.
Yambati yelped, squirming. This was sudden! This -tickled-! He tried to roll away from her.
She let him roll away and looked smug as she knelt on his bed, "So you -are- ticklish!"
"I suppose I am," he huffed, trying to regain his composure.
She didn't let him. She continued to tickle him, laughing, "Don't even think about tickling me. I'm not ticklish." Something in her voice suggested otherwise as she knelt over him, smiling broadly.
Suddenly she stopped and fell to the bed beside him, embracing him in a light hug, "What would I do without you?" She sighed, still grinning. It seemed her earlier statement was indeed true – she had yet to stop smiling for any length of time. She seemed much confident and lively in his presence.
Yambati was glad for the respite, wrapping his arms around her gently. "Probably be sad and not get to tickle anybody," he supplied, smiling. But the smile was tender, affectionate.
She laughed quietly, "That's probably true." When she looked up, he was smiling and she blinked caught up in it yet again. This time, however, she spoke her mind, "You have a wonderful smile. I love it."
"I'm afraid yours is contagious," he commented, tapping her on the nose playfully. "And it seems to be spreading."
She wiggled her nose after he tapped it, smiling innocently, "Oh really?" She stretched up and kissed him quickly on the cheek before sitting back, trying her best to look semi-serious and failing utterly, "Perhaps you should copy those notes now? I've distracted you too much, I think." She smiled, obviously caught between retrieving them and staying by his side.
"You're really insistent on having me work," he commented, but he rose from the bed, going over to his desk. "But I'll do as you recommend, my dear. If only to get you to stop worrying."
He opened his notebook to the pages on Crafting, hoping she didn't notice the other subjects in there.
Kallisto grabbed her bag and sat on the edge of his bed, pulling out her notebook and handing it to him. She'd missed what he was trying hide and he was still safe, "I just don't want to be a negative influence, is all. I'd hate to think you missed a class because of me."
"I have yet to 'miss' a class because of you," he reminded her. "And I didn't know Kortus was having a make-up session, was all." He took the notebook from her, and set to copying down what he didn't have. "You're not a negative influence at all."
She sighed with relief, "That's good." Kallisto smiled and padded over to watch over his shoulder, "My writing's not too messy is it?"
"Not at all." His handwriting, on the other hand, was small, spindly, and filled with shorthand. It was nearly impossible to understand, but he wrote it quickly.
Kallisto looked at the notes he was writing and vaguely understood some of it. Giving some time, she might be able to figure it out. Those books on short hand were coming in handy in the strangest way. It made her laugh and she hugged him from behind, just smiling.
He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "What was that for?" But he was smiling, not annoyed.
"I love you." Kallisto answered simply, "Besides, you smell good."
"No, I meant the laughter." He leaned back in her arms a little, smiling at her. He set his quill down.
"Oh. Well, your writing reminds me of Alchemical shorthand - I've been learning that to help with earning my apprenticeship with Tryna." She shrugged, "It looks puzzling but I think I could figure it out."
Yambati laughed a little. "Don't use mine as reference - this is all stuff I've come up with on my own, to replace what I realized I write out a lot."
She smiled, "You've got a hand up on me then, part of alchemy is coming up with your own codes. I'm working on my own shorthand too... but it's too simple, at least right now." Kallisto sighed. That was her one hang up with alchemy - the recipes, concepts, and everything made sense. It was taking the time to create her own shorthand that proved a problem.
"Don't try to make it up - don't force it. As you're writing things, find out what you don't like writing, and think of a shorter way to write it that you'll understand. Do it -as- you write."
Kallisto nodded thoughtfully, "True... I guess it'll come at some point.
"Just do what you find useful - that's really the whole point of shorthand." He smiled, leaning back enough to kiss her on the cheek. "Now, I'm almost done..."
She made an agreeable sound and turned to kiss him back, smiling, "Okay."
He smiled at her for one last moment before bending back to his work, writing down note after note. He condensed her notes quite a bit as he went.
After only a few more minutes, he sat back. "I'll read over it all later, when you're not here. For now, I need to be better to my guest."
She stepped back slightly, brow high and expression curious, "Oh?"
"Oh, yes. I believe it's my duty to shower you with affection." Laughing quietly, he stood up, wrapping his arms around the smaller girl. "And not talk about school work or anything like that."
She laughed, a merry sound like that of tinkling bells, "I can't argue with that now can I?" Wrapping her arms around him, she rested her head against his chest.
"When I try, I can be very persuasive," he admitted, resting his chin atop her head. He really was... different, now. The same Yambati, but obviously happier. More content. More sure of himself.
She nodded, "You most certainly can." She rubbed his back lightly, careful not to snarl the newly brushed hair, "And I am definitely not going to complain." Kallisto spoke softly, smiling against him. He had changed, she noticed, but she found she liked him even more for the confidence - it was all the more appealing.
He was still in the immediate afterglow of their finding each other, so perhaps it would fade, become less prominent in time. But for that moment, he was comfortable with himself, with her, for who they were together, to just hold her for a time.
He pulled back slightly, though, smiling down at her... conspiratorily? "Mm, I have a surprise on its way."
She glanced up as he pulled back, eyes widening slightly. "Surprise? What could you possibly have planned? I have a wonderful sundew, a healthy little lily plant of my own..." She trailed off and stood up on her toes to kiss him on the lips, "And you. What could you be planning?" The way she spoke, she was interested but not going to push for an answer, "Whatever it is, I've excited!"
"You'll have to wait just a little longer to find out. It's taking some time to get together, but I think you'll like it." He blushed slightly at the kiss, still getting used to that touch of lips to lips, innocent as it was.
"In the meantime, though, we still need to talk Orrys into letting me make up Phys-Ed." Yambati rubbed her lower back, absently, fingers working in small circles.
She smiled, setting down onto her feet once more, "I've no doubt I'll love it. It's from you, after all."
"Orrys?" She scoffed, "You mean you still haven't found him? Tsk. We'll have to do that soon. I want so much to spar with you. I think it would be a great deal of fun."
"Well, I've been rather busy, what with confessing my affection for you and working on your surprise." He laughed, kissing her forehead.
"We can go look for him in a day or two, if you want. I'll make the time."
She laughed, "Noble pursuits indeed." She tugged on his ponytail affectionately, laughing delightedly. "I'd like that very much."
"I've also been studying," he said, mockingly indignant. "But mostly the first two." That... was a lie. But for the sake of the surprise!
"Well, then. How about... in two days?"
Kallisto patted his shoulder, "That's a good thing too."
And then she looked up, pursing her lips in thought, "Two days? That's fine. And then maybe a few days after that we can hold the dinner party? I've got a few books I need to return to the library and I can tell the others then." She smiled, excited to be planning things that would involve Yambati.
"That sounds very good," he said, smiling. "A busy free period - such a contrast to my first one. Back then, I didn't know... anybody."
She nodded, "I know the feeling, believe me. I spent my first free period in the arena watching some older Empyreans spar and that was it." She rubbed his back, amazed at how comfortable she was so close to him, "But it won't be like that anymore, that's for sure."
"Mm, no, I suppose it won't be." He smiled lazily, closing his eyes for a moment. "They'll be filled with food and gardening and you."
"You bet." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, "Good food, gorgeous plants, and the best company I could ask for." She fell quiet, merely enjoying his presence. If this was how her day was going to end, she wasn't about to argue. She was comfortable, content, and in the arms of her love - everything was right.
But Yambati was slightly more practical - and he could see the clock. "Won't Cecil be mad if you come home later than normal? I'm sure he'll have all sorts of things to say about me..."
Kallisto laughed, shaking her head, "He's already lectured me for today. Although walking me back would probably soothe his nerves... or earn you an angry fuzzball attack."
"Well, then." He drew away, slightly, heading to open the door. "After you? I don't want to get in trouble for keeping you out past curfew, and he doesn't seem to like me all that much yet."
Kallisto eyed him wryly, "I don't have a curfew, but if you insist." She patted his back reassuringly, "If he's making comments, he doesn't mind you. When start actually hissing and spitting at you, then you know he doesn't like you."
She winked, "There's plenty of time for him to warm up to you. He has to." She kept a hold of Yambati's hand as she exited his room and then remembered her things, making an embarrassed little sigh as she gathered up her books and bag. She returned to his side momentarily.
"Ah, you /didn't/ have a curfew. But now your friend who happens to be male has confessed his love for you. Cecil has every right to be nervous if I keep you out too long, no matter how much of a gentleman I am. See why I might be worried?" he said, not commenting on her quick run back in.
He took her hand.
Kallisto laughed, "That's true... but he's such a worry wort. He's nothing to fear since it's you." She leaned in, tucking up against him, "And you needn't worry either." She held his hand, entwining her fingers in his an squeezing, wanting to let him know she appreciated him.
Yambati squeezed back, looking down at the floor as they walked with a faint smile on his lips. "You'll protect me from him if he ever realizes you're too good for me, then?"
She looked up, a look of surprise evident on her features, "Too... goood? Never! /You're/ too good for me! But yes, I'd willing step between you two..." She cast her gaze down, "And anything else that might seek to harm you. It would have to get through me first." She spoke quietly but her tone was serious.
Yambati blushed, though it was hard to see in the darkness, and he squeezed Kallisto's hand tighter for a few moments. "If anything ever threatened or hurt you, I...."
She nodded. He didn't have to finish that setence, "I know you'd try to protect me. And I love you more for it." She glanced up and saw him blushing and couldn't stop the smile that bloomed. She hadn't seen him blush like that before. It was an amazing sight.
He glanced over at her, and gave her hand another squeeze. He didn't trust himself enough to talk just then - his voice might have cracked from sheer emotion. He wasn't grinning like a fool, no, but... his eyes shown.
She beamed at him, her chest swelling with pride and love as she saw his eyes. His happiness made her happy and she couldn't help it when she hopped daintily up, breaking hand contact long enough to catch the sides of his face and place and grateful, loving kiss on his lips. The ones before had been innocent but this one... this one was fuelled but love. "Have I told you I love you recently?" She asked against his lips, her own eyes bright and shining as her hand sought his once more.
The kiss was unexpected, and he stood staring at her afterwards. His hand easily caught hers up again, and he pressed a tender kiss to her lips. "No, and neither have I," he murmured, almost apologetially. With his free hand, he brushed her hair back out of the way, gently. "I love you, more than anything."
She laughed lightly and shook her head at his tone, though she paused and leaned into his kiss as bent he towards her, unable to suppress the smile. She blinked innocently as he spoke, "And I you." She tickled the back of his hand with her fingers before tugging him onward playfully, dancing slightly as she smiled. "You're wonderful, you know that right?"
"I am?" he murmured, eyebrow raising, as he let her pull him along. The warmth of her hand in his kept a small smile on his face.
"You are." She bobbed her head in firm confirmation, not caring if anyone saw them in the hallway. Kallisto couldn't stop the charming smile or the bounce in her step as she continued forward. Yambati really did make her glow.
He smiled still, but all too soon they were at her door. He bent down a little to kiss her forehead chastly. "We're here," he murmured, stating the obvious as he did.... oddly frequently.
Kallitso frowned. She would have liked to walked with him longer... With a little sigh, she hugged him tigh and opened the door, to reveal Cecil staring at it intently. His eyes flicked up and narrowed slightly, wearing a feline frown. He looked from Kallisto to Yambati and back then simply shook his head and padded off. Kallisto laughed, turning back to the choleric, "See? Not so bad."
She stepped away, though her touch lingered and after casting an annoyed look deeper into the room, she let go completely and waved, "Thank-you! See you soon, Love!"
"Two days," he reminded her with a smile, then inclined his head and disappeared back towards his room.
She nodded, "Two days..." Kallisto didn't close her door as she watched him leave. Merely sighed and waved away Cecil as he tried to pry her attention away from the boy who had clearly captured her attention. The cat was insistent though, and eventually she gave in, scooping him up in her arms and closing the door.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:21 am
27 :: Catching up for Kallisto - Part 2 - Astronomy
A few days had passed since his first two crash-course make-ups. He'd managed to review each subject as much as he could from his notes, and a trip to the library was in the books. First, however, he needed to go make up Astronomy with Professor Elias. And that was why he was knocking on said Professor's door instead of trotting down to the library.
Elias slithered over to the door and let it slide open. "Ahhh...Yambati... Please enter..." Elias shifted aside and slid back to his pedestal.
Yambati walked in, suddenly feeling almost... awkward with legs. Blinking away the feeling, he shut the door behind him and shifted his books in his arms. "Professor Elias," he greeted, inclining his head.
Elias bowed gracefully and smiled kindly. "You wished to make up the Astronomy Lesson, yes?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."
"Now, Yambati..." Elias steepled his hands. "There is far too much in the subject of Astronomy to really cover in a single tutoring lesson. So, let me remain brief... Astronomy encompasses the information about the Planets, the Constellations and the Zodiac."
Yambati flipped open his notebook, inking his quill as he listened. He lifted his eyes every so often to assure Elias he was paying attention.
"Now then...you know the planets, don't you? Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranos, Neptune, Pluto and Eris?"
"Yes, Professor," he said, quickly making a column of the planet names, the glancing back up.
"Now, each of them has specific influences on the world and on the people in it. Not only do they directly influence the world, their influences can be called upon for magics and and other crafts."
Yambati nodded. "I already knew the moon could have such effects - from botany - so it follows..." he murmured.
"Yes, precisely..." Elias smiled. "The other aspects of Astronomy, Zodiac and Constellations are just extrapolations of these basic concepts. Once you master those, you're can then apply them to everything."
"I see." Perhaps he'd understand Astronomy, then? He understood the moon.
"Do you know the basic principals of each of the Celestial Bodies?"
"Sadly, no, Professor..." He felt slightly unprepared.
"Ah, then perhaps we will start there. Pick a planet."
"Neptune," he said, picking the first that came to mind.
"Ah, Neptune, the Watery planet, so named for the God of the Oceans, Poseidon. Neptune rules over unmanageable emotions...the sort that run away with you and over power. All of the outer planets have the same influence over the extremes of the inner planets. While they have more potential, they also can be dangerous in their strength."
"So the safer route would be to focus on an inner planet to lend your spells and endeavors strength, but it would be less potent?"
"To start, it would be a wiser place to learn how to control the art...But once you become a Stage One, all of the Celestial bodies can be utilized."
"I see." He scribbled the note down alongside his others.
"Each of the planets has a seperate meaning. And each has a counterpart... For instance, Venus is the inner planet equivalent of Neptune, Mars and Pluto, Mercury and Saturn, etc..."
Yambati began drawing little arrows to connect the pairs. "That makes a lot of sense - and will help me learn them better, I hope." That was mostly mumured to himself.
"The best thing to do to really understand the priciples of the planets, is to study the deities they were named for. Hermes, Ares, Aphrodite, Zeus, Chronos, Uranos, Hades and Eris."
Yambati nodded, writing a note to look up said deities. "Do they follow those traits exactly, or is there sometimes some differences?"
"If you read the many versions of the deities as displayed in Greek legends and poetry, then yes. They generally present all of those many facets of personality."
"Ah..." He nodded, scribbled a few more notes. This was getting quite interesting.
"For example, the God Ares was god of war, and was ehuberent, headstrong, and sometimes cruel. However, he was also an encouraging god, known for passionate love for the Goddess Aphrodite. The relating planet governs energy, initiation, anger and passion, rushing into things, primal yang energy and like qualities."
"Ah, I understand the facets, now - the stories of those Gods can help explain properties that seem to be at odds."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "For example?"
"Well, passion and anger, while linked, can have very different meanings... but understanding the story of Ares clarifies the link. I don't know the other myths well enough to use other examples just yet, though."
Elias nodded, glad that he understood and was understood. "Yes, precisely. It's an interesting study. I recommend you looking into it in your own time."
"I will, Professor.
"Aside from the basics of each planet... you mentioned constellations and the zodiac?"
Elias nodded and smiled. "Yes, many of the constellations also have myths about them if you care to read up on them. The most crucial are those with bright stars, all of which you can have a look at in the Observatory. 12 of these correspond with the Zodiac."
Yambati nodded, starting a new section on his page for the constellations and the zodiac.
"The Zodiac I'm referring to is the Western Zodiac, mind you. There's also the Eastern, but that doesn't correspond directly. It's based on the year of birth, and sicne we are not born, it does not hold such power for us. The Western Zodiac consists of: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagitarrius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces."
A little bit of memory played at the back of his mind. "But... doesn't that zodiac rely on the -month- of birth? ..." He tilted his head slightly.
"For us it is Month of Inception.... Day of Fusing... Although, it holds sway far less readily than Orientation or alignment. The Essence tends to overpower the constraints of planetary influence. But this frees us to weild the planet's power instead of being ruled by them."
"Aah...." More notes, and he made a particular note to check which zodiac figure he fell beneath.
"Possibly the most important aspect of the Astronomies is applying them to planting and Circle magic casting."
"Planting," he commented, idly, making a large note of that. He'd be able to work more than the moon in!
"If you have any interest in Alchemy, Astronomy becomes a crucial part of potions making. Certain qualities that will be extant in the potions can be enhanced by the work being done under the auspices of the according planet."
More note-taking, with a little side note of 'Help Kallisto with this' beside it. "And further enhanced by when the plant is harvested, not just used in the creation of the potion...?"
"Yes, of course." Elias smiled. "The most common use is in potions, but in any form of medicine, cooking, or even ritual magics." Elias waved a hand. "Which leads nicely into the last point: Circle Magic. In basic Circle magics, certain celestial bodies can be selected and thus called upon to imbue their aspect onto the spell and ergo the situation... But by higher levels, you need to make sure that certain spells coincide with the extant alignments of the celestial bodies. If you pay stern attention to these alignments, you can draw off their precomposed arrangements to brings spells into effect."
"Are there consequences for the planets being out of alignment, or in contradictory alignments to what you're attempting to do?"
Elias nodded soberly. "If you're strong enough it won't counteract your attempts, but it will lessen the strength of any act you try to do that deliberately calls upon specific Celestial Bodies."
Yambati nodded and looked down at his notebook again, writing down his notes on circle magic. He hadn't thought he'd be this interested in astronomy - except for gardening purposes - but it seemed that interest expanded into other uses, as well.
Elias clasped his hands before him and tilted his head softly to noe side. "Any other questions?"
That was it?
"No, Professor." He looked up with a faint smile. "Thank you for your time..."
"Just remember...everything in the world of Magic, and indeed the World of Empyrean is interconnected. If you find yourself seeing parallels and connections in the seemingly disjointed...look again...." Elias smiled enigmatically again and raised a hand in a minute wave.
That was something Yambati had to work on - seeing the connections. Elias's comment startled him a bit in its accuracy, but he nodded his thanks and left the room, thinking.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:22 am
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:24 am
29 :: Intentions Revealed, Pt. 1Kallisto was on her way to library, her current stack of books ready to be turned in and exchanged for another set. Math was proving difficult but she was slowly making headway even though it took hours to get through a chapter of the boring material. She needed it for circle magic though, which she actually found interesting and thus saw her situation as bittersweet.
Humming softly to herself, she wondered where Yambati might be. She hadn't seen him in a few days and wanted to say hello, possibly show him all the work she'd done with her studies. And get him to check over her work of course - Math didn't seem as much of a swirling fog of confusion to him and she hoped she could get his help in making sure she was heading in the right direction.
Once she was finished this, she decided, she'd go and find her boyfriend. A smile and a nod later she found herself at the entrance to the Library.
Yambati had been taking a break from his studies, stretching his legs. His idle wanderings had brought him close to the Library, and upon actually focusing his eyes (which were feeling rather tired from all the reading), he recognized a familiar figure, familiar colors of red, yellow, and blue. Even with his glasses, her features weren't perfectly clear from this distance, but he knew he wasn't
mistaken.
"Kallisto!" he called out, now walking with a purpose instead of just wandering. He drew close to her, smiling slightly.
She stopped, turning as her name was called and broke into a smile as the other approached. "Yambati!" Kallisto would have hugged him but for the fact that her arms were full of books so she settled for an enthusiastic bob of her head. "I was wondering where you'd gone to. Is everything alright?" She asked, a touch of concern shading her voice as she stepped in closer to him.
"I've missed you!"
Maybe I should tell her today? I'm almost all caught up, and I want her to go to physical education with me... Yambati's smile broadened a little, reassuringly. "Everything is fine- I'm sorry I haven't been around as much. But I think you'll like the reason why."
Finally close enough, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, impulsively. He wasn't sure quite why he did it, but it felt right.
After all, he came bearing happy news!
Kallisto leaned up, rocking onto her toes as he kissed her, smiling. "Oh?" She tilted her head to the side and looked up at him expectantly, "What do you mean?" Had something gone well in the Gardens?
Now she was curious and she fixed with with a jokingly stern gaze, "You better tell me now. You've made me curious."
"Well, I can't tell you while you're holding all these books. I don't want you dropping them on your feet." He nodded towards the Library. "I'll tell you once you're done, okay?"
She blinked and nodded, turning to open the door, expression questioning. Kallisto stopped and let go of the handle, turning back, "I'll do that in a minute. Tell me." She grinned, willing him to cave and tell her, "These can wait - I'd rather talk to you."
"I don't want you limping for the next few days," he said, crossing his arms. Really, all she had to do was drop them off...
Kallisto eyed him and moment before standing up straighter. Still four inches shorter then he, she frowned. "Are you sure?" She shifted from foot to foot, "What if I said I wouldn't drop them?"
"It'll only take a minute," he said, laughing a little. "Why so eager...?"
"Because you've made me curious and I don't want to turn my back only to have you dissappear again." She replied, stepping back towards the door. "It's not fair to tell me I'll like something and then not tell me." Kallisto laughed and pulled the door open.
"You're so stubborn. Stay there, I'll be right back." With that, she disappeared into the library.
Laughing to himself, he took up leaning against the wall just by the door. For a moment, he entertained the notion of hiding - but no, he wasn't like that. And he didn't want Kallisto to be mad at him. So he waited patiently.
A few minutes later, she hurried out the door once more and stopped as she couldn't immediately find Yambati. Eyes narrowing, she set her hands on her hips and tapped her foot on the ground - she'd walked right past him and hadn't seen the other. "Yambati...." She grumbled, shaking her head.
"Right behind you." He quirked a brow, reaching out to tap her on the shoulder.
She jumped, laughing as she turned, "I didn't see you..." Taking his hand, she tilted her head to one side, "Now. What did you have to say? I don't have anything to drop anymore." To the point. No more bush beating for her.
It was a little less... romantic of an occasion to tell her on, but it worked. He pushed himself off of the wall.
"Well, you know how you once said you wished we could Transcend together? And I said that it was impractical for me to make up that many classes?"
Kallisto frowned, a surge of fear making her pale, "Mmhmm...." She nodded, obviously worried and afraid.
He saw that frown, and wrapped an arm around her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I've made up most of them," he murmured, smiling.
It didn't make sense for a moment as she stood there blinking, trying to process what he'd said. But his arm around her... and his smile.... It clicked and she fairly bounced, throwing herself into his embrace, hugging him tight.
"Really!?" She was exstatic. "You're not joking?" She looked up at him with awe-struck eyes. "I.. oh.. Thank-you!~" Kallisto was entirely pleased by this news, the relief flooding her system.
She stood on her toes and reached up to kiss him, unable to stop smiling, "Thank-you!~"
He wrapped his other arm around her, laughing again, meeting her for the kiss halfway. "I only have one more class to make up, and then we're on the same level. So I will be able to Transcend with you - beside you. That's where I've been these last few weeks - studying with the Professors.
"Good enough surprise...?"
She nodded, burying her face in his chest and shaking her head in disbelief. "You're wonderful, you know that?" Kallisto beamed a glowing smile at him and hugged him once more, laughing as she realized she would have dropped those books had she still been holding them. "A perfect surprise!"
This only served to remind her why she'd fallen for him, making her even more sure that she'd done the right thing in entrusting him with her heart.
Yambati didn't respond verbally, just held her close and smiled. This was what he had hoped for - that smile, that happiness in her voice. He kissed the top of her head.
All the work, the hard nights, the time away from Kallisto - it was worth it, he decided. He murmured, gently, "You're worth it," because he couldn't help it. He wanted - needed - her to know that it was all for her.
Kallisto wasn't sure how to respond to that, merely blushing a brilliant orange that was hot to the touch. He thought she was worth it. It truly was a remarkable gift and one she appreciated greatly.
Settling down, but still smiling like a fool, she leaned against him and enjoyed his embrace. "I love you." For now, that was all the thanks she could offer but if he ever needed something, she'd be there - it would be the least she could do.
"I love you, too." It didn't necessarily need to be said aloud, but he said it anyway, stroking her hair. Then he pulled away a little, so he could look into her eyes. "The only class I have left to make up is phys-ed. And I want you to come with me, like we talked about before."
She nodded, "Of course." A brief chuckle, "We'll see how good of a tutor I am, hnn?" Kallisto was looking forward to that class - an opportunity to duel with Yambati and not just practice alongside him.
He smiled again, kissing her briefly. "I'm sure Orrys will be surprised by the things I already know, mm?" He laughed, quietly.
"Do... do you have anything else you're doing today? Aside from going to the library?"
Kallisto laughed, "I hope so, anyways."
"And no. I was going to see if I could find you, actually. I wanted to see if I could convince you to spend some time with me."
"I need a break from my work," he confessed, hugging her close again. "And I was just thinking to ask if you'd like to spend time with /me/. So I think that it might be a plan...?"
Kallisto laughed, "It is! What do you want to do?" She snugged up against him, "I feel like somewhere new - for both of us. " She pondered a moment, "It's been a hot day, did you want to go swimming? I haven't been to the Pools before and I'd like to cool off."
"I've- never been swimming before." He blinked a little, shifting away a little, but only so that he was standing next to her instead of against her. He took her hand, stroking his thumb along the side of her hand. "It sounds nice, but I wouldn't want to make you have to rescue me."
Kallisto laughed, "Oh, I don't really swim - I'd stick to the shallow end. No rescuing for either of us." She swung their hand and grinned, "I'll have to get my swimsuit though. You have one too, right?" She hadn't thought he wouldn't have one.
"... Well, no, since I was never planning on going swimming." He tugged on his ponytail, looking a little sheepish.
"... Oh." She paused in her stride and then shrugged, "You'll just have to get one then, eh?" She still had that exorbitant amount of credits in her room and it'd be nice to buy him something. "Come on!" She tugged at him, heading back in the direction of her dorm room.
"I- uh- yes, I suppose I will-" He was pulled along, stumbling at first and then keeping pace with her. But he was smiling - he liked it when Kallisto was determined, happy.
A short time thereafter, they arrived at her dorm room and she hurried in, pulling out her little bag of money and plunking it down on the nearby table before disappearing in her search for her bathing suit.
Cecil, meanwhile, blinked as he uncurled and fixed Yambati with an almost challenging gaze, "Running away from home, Kallisto?"
"No!" She called from behind her changing screen.
He meowed a laughed and sauntered over to Yambati, sitting down and staring up at him. "Where are you going then?"
"The pools." She answered as she came out from behind the screen, fully dressed so that her bathing suit didn't show.
"Ah." He purred and wound a figure eight around Yambati's legs in a manner that was clearly telling the Empyrean that he was treading on dangerous grounds.
She frowned at Cecil and picked him up, holding him out to Yambati, "You be nice now." That only got a displeased mrow from the over-protective Cicus Cat.
Yambati watched the exchange - or the part he could hear- as he waited, a little uneasily. After all, Kallisto was /changing/ and Cecil was staring at him like he'd done something wrong...
He really had to grow some catnip as a peace offering. And soon.
He glanced over at Kallisto. "He's upset with me...?"
Kallisto laughed, "No. He's just a grumpy old miser. Don't mind him." With a sound pat on his head, she set him on her bed and tucked various coins into pockets - more then she'd probably need for the occasion.
Yambati still looked a little uneasy, though, clearly not accepting that explanation fully.
"If you say so..." Then he realized what she was doing. "Huh- wait- why are you bringing money?" Would they need money to get into the pools...? He knew he'd need some to buy a swim suit, but...
Kallisto paused as she passed by him, blinking, "Money for your swimsuit. I've got more then I know what to do with and besides, it'll be a gift for you." She smiled pleasantly though her tone was stubborn. She was going to buy him a swimsuit.
He blinked, following her out of the room. "You don't have to-" But it was weak - he knew she was determined, could see it in her eyes. He sighed, shaking his head and smiling.
"You're spoiling me."
"No I'm not." Kallisto smiled and continued onwards, "Besides, I want to." She paused at an intersection of hallways, looking around uncertainly, "Ah, do you know where to go from here?"
"Not really," he said, laughing slightly. "You're trying to take us somewhere you don't know...?" His tone was teasing, lightly.
She flushed, "I haven't been there before - you know. I only found the Flora Gardens because I was lost one day." She shifted, slightly embarrassed.
He squeezed her hand, reassuringly. "Well, perhaps if we get lost, we'll find the pool...?" Yambati tilted his head slightly, questioningly.
Laughing, she picked a direction, "If it's with you, then I don't see why not." Smiling, she walked beside him, "Maybe Cecil was right - maybe I am running away from home." It made her giggle.
"If you are running away from home, you certainly have enough money to last you," he commented, shaking his head, amused.
"Not really... It's just money." She smiled at him and butted her shoulder against his.
"You can do a lot with money," he reminded her, smirking. "Like buy bathing suits and bribe people to give Cecil catnip to keep him preoccupied."
She quirked her lips, smiling thoughtfully, "Hrm... but would I really have to bribe them? That's the question." She tilted her head looking over at him, brow rising.
"You'd certainly have to bribe /me/," he responded, quirking a brow right back. "I wouldn't go anywhere near him if he thought you had run away. He would probably kill me."
She burst out laughing, "He's a cat! You can't handle a cat?" Kallisto shook her head as she took a turn, heading towards the Auditorium, "You're a big chicken."
"He's a cat with sharp claws who already doesn't trust me around you," Yambati reminded her, shaking his head slightly, though there was still a faint smile on his lips. "He'd go straight for my face."
She pursed her lips, "Maybe... But he's a real sweatheart..." Shrugging her shoulders, she laughed, "Maybe I would have to bribe you... But with what? I can't see you wanting something as silly as money." She sighed, pondering the idea.
"Mm... Actually, I'm not quite sure. Probably protection from Cecil, but that would involve not being the one to deliver catnip to him," he mused.
She laughed, "You really don't like him do you? He's not that scary, you know." Kallisto squeezed his hand as they approached a set of massive ornate doors that lead into the auditorium, "Don't be so afraid of him. Just be nice and he'll be nice too." She flashed a smile.
"It's not that I don't like him, it's that he doesn't like me. And he has claws, and I'd rather not end up bleeding all over your room. It's hard to communicate with him, since he's so intelligent and yet can't speak to me. I can't treat him like a normal animal... and I can't quite treat him like another person." He looked a bit sheepish, then glanced up at the doors, looking slightly surprised.
"Oh... right." She paused and eased the doors open, "I remember there being water in the Auditorium. Let's see if I'm right, eh?" She didn't realize that Yambati couldn't communicate with Cecil as she did. "I wonder if there's a way you could do that?" She mused out loud as the doors swung open to reveal the pools as well as the stage that floated upon the water.
"Professora Melonia mentioned the Buddhi mudra, when I was making up her class. She said it could be used to communicate with Abberations, Monsters and Golems... But I don't know if Cecil would fall under that, since he's bound to you."
Yambati blinked, then his eyes widened at the sight of all that water.
"... Wow," he finally said.
Her head was turned to watch him as she'd opened the door, "Maybe... I'll have to ask." She smiled and then looked out over the expanse of water. "Oh! I was right!" She soundly pleased with herself, "My memory isn't as bad as I thought." She laughed and moved in, looking for a vendor and changerooms. Spotting one, she hurried over and looked the bathing suits over, "Which one do you like Yambati?"
Yambati followed behind at a somewhat slower pace, looking around wonderingly. It was a very pretty space, after all.
He glanced back down at the sound of Kallisto's voice, a little startled. "Ah- I don't really have a preference..."
"Oh come on. Pick one! Or I will." It was a bit of a threat as she mocking eyed a rather small bathing suit she knew Yambati would shy away from. "Doesn't have to be anything special."
"I don't know a -thing- about bathing suits, Kallisto... just pick for me?" He didn't really catch her 'threatening' glance over at the small suit, as he was too busy looking around the Auditorium.
She shrugged and bought something she thought he wouldn't mind - a pretty standard pair of men's swimming trunks. Turning around she held them up to him, smiling, "Here. It is pretty isn't it? Professora Nehna held a concert in here when I first started here. That was amazing." She sounded distant, awed perhaps, at the memories of the emotions and sensations Nehna's music had caused.
Yambati took them, smiling down at Kallisto. "Thanks... and yes, it is." He looked around again. "A concert...? You know, I've never given much thought to music."
"Neither have I. I guess I just haven't found anything I like yet." She smiled as she started over towards the changerooms, "Maybe she'll host another and you'll see what an incredible performer she is."
"That would be nice." He smiled, following, though he began straying to one side, closer to the men's half of the changerooms. "She's one of the Professors, isn't she...?"
Kallisto nodded as she paused at the door to the women's changeroom, "Yup. The Music Professora. Her class is coming up soon, I think." With that, she ducked into the changeroom.
Yambati nodded to himself, disappearing into men's changeroom. A few minutes of hopping around trying to get his sweater off and changing into the swimsuit, he came out... clutching his clothing to his chest and looking more than a little uncomfortable.
Kallisto had put her bathing suit on in her room and just to wriggle out of her normal clothes, the poofy sleeves and pants simply rolled up because she couldn't get them to fold neatly. When she appeared, there was a great deal more skin showing then before but she seemed perfectly comfortable. She wore a bikini with short shorts and a smaller, more form fitting version of her top. It was a gold and red piece that complimented her skin tone.
When she saw Yambati, she paused, smiling, "What's wrong? Does it not fit?" She padded over to take his clothing so she could shove it in a nearby locker.
"It's... it's not that," he said, not quite looking at her. But when she reached out to take his clothing, he glanced up, and then promptly looked away again, blushing. Having an older body than some of the other Zeros had... interesting consequences. Like feeling embarrassed at seeing his girlfriend in a bathing suit.
She noted the blush and laughed softly, "Nervous?" Easing the clothing out of his hands, she paused a moment, eyes playing across his skin. She flushed then, and looked away, a silly little grin blossoming on her face as she hurried to the side to put their clothing away.
When she had, she turned back around and spread her arms, "What do you think? I like it." She was smiling and trying very hard not to let her gaze stray too much from Yambati's face.
Kallisto's actions were not helping, and Yambati made a soft choking sound. "It's- it's lovely- can we get in the water now?" Very abrupt even for Yambati, but he was feeling decidedly uncomfortable, arms wrapped protectively around his waist.
Her expression fell and she nodded, "Oh. Okay..." She padded over and pried a hand away from his waist, looking into his face, "Just the shallow end, okay?" She led them to one of the pools - the warm pool - and stepped in bobbing in the water for a moment. "Are you okay?" She asked after a moment, wondering if she'd done something to upset him.
Yambati slipped in afterward, glad for the water - it somehow made it easier to look at her, maybe because he wasn't tempted to look too far down anymore.
"F-fine," he said, still blushing. "Just..."
She pushed off, floating closer to him, "What?" Kallisto found she liked the way he was blushing but didn't want to comment and make him feel more... uncomfortable. She brushed a hand against his bare shoulder, "Tell me?"
He shivered. "It's just- you're, ah, very... pretty... in that bathing suit." He was trying to find a nice, not-creepy way to say this. After all, she /did/ still have a childish body. Just like he did. Not as childish as some, but still...
"Oh!" She beamed at him and drew her legs beneath her so she stand in the water, hopping a little, "Thank-you!"
She waited a moment, then reached out to him as she moved backwards, "Are you just going to stand there?" She was beginning to guess at his discomfort and wanted to distract him from it. Although.... and idea suddenly wormed it way into her head and she flushed, dropping into the water so just her eyes were above the surface in the hopes that her blush wasn't so obvious. Apparently Yambati wasn't the only one with strange thoughts.
"... I don't know how to swim, remember?" He glanced over at her, blinking, then lifting an eyebrow in amusement as she sunk into the water, blushing.
Best to ignore it, he decided, taking a few steps deeper into the water.
She blew bubbles into the water, nodding. He didn't have to actually swim, just bob around. They were in the shallow end and the water only came up to Kallisto's waist as it was.
Standing at last, she walked over to him, "Just float. That's all I'm doing. I don't really know how to swim either." She grinned, the blush still evident as she placed a hand on the center of his chest, and spread her fingers, "Don't go into the water past here or you won't be able to stand." It was an excuse to touch him, but she wasn't about to admit that.
Yambati made a tiny sound at the touch, but didn't pull away. "Okay..." Of course, Yambati was a good deal taller than Kallisto - the water only came up to the tops of his thighs. He wondered if it was deep enough for him.
To demonstrate her point, Kallisto kicked her legs out and sank into the water once more, "Just sit down." She smiled at him as she kicked against the floor of the pool, circling him slowly.
Yambati shrugged and sat down as well, letting himself float slightly. He looked completely un-graceful, rather stiff and tense, and he glanced around.
This... was supposed to be fun?
She floated around behind me, laughing at his stiff movements, "You're too tense! Relax!" She splashed water him, then kicked and darted past him, splashing him again, "You look so sour!"
"H-hey!" Yambati frowned, scooting off to the wall of the pool. It was -sort- of fun to move around, but he felt clumsy and awkward. Nothing like the grace Kallisto seemed to have.
Frowning, she bobbed after him. "What?" She stopped in front of him, remaining low in the water. It seemed that all she really did was kick off the bottom and glide around. She waved her hands in the water, sending waves at Yambati as she watched him, "You're not having fun?" She seemed a little dissapointed, not in him but in herself. She'd hoped he'd enjoy a new place and it was beginning to look like he wasn't.
"I... I'm just not sure what exactly it is that I'm supposed to be doing," he responded, a bit sheepishly, hunkering down in the water. "I don't think I'm very good at swimming."
She frowned, "Just bob and float around." Kallisto edged around him to lean against the wall to his side, "We could play a game... tag or something. Or maybe practice for PE some more...." She tilted her head, thinking.
"But I'm too big for this pool, or something," he said, squirming slightly.
"And you'd beat me in tag, no question.
"We can go a little deeper if you want... keep close to the walls." She pointed to where the water got a little darker, "But you're not too big. And I wouldn't. Not neccessarily."
Kallisto pushed off, turning as she did so, she she could wrap her arms about him in a hug, "Just a few minutes?"
"Of course a few more minutes." He smiled, reassuringly, though it was a small smile. Mostly because she was hugging him, and they were both in bathing suits. He was definitely blushing again, and he pushed away from her slightly to float backwards along the wall to deeper water. Once the depth increased a little, he found movement far easier, and gained a bit of the grace Kallisto had.
Whereas she slowed down, having to reach further for the security of the floor beneath her feet. She kept close to the wall, kicking occasionally, and bobbed around Yambati, "Better?" She smiled hopefully.
"Much better. It was too shallow over there." He even risked moving away from the wall, since he was still able to touch the bottom with his chin still above water (barely), and kicked around a little, getting used to the movement."
She nodded, one hand against the wall, "Don't you think it's a little too deep? I..." She blushed as she had to stand on her toes to stay a comfortable level above the water, "Can barely touch the bottom..."
"I'm taller," he reminded her. "It was hard to float when my hips weren't even getting wet..." Still, he moved into slightly shallower water, so it was only up to his chest.
Which was much better for her as she stood more confidently, "Right. Well, now your hips are wet and you can swim." She laughed, moving around him. "Thank-you."
He kicked off the ground, not staying stationary while she moved. "Better, then?" he asked, a little worried. He felt bad about taking her too far out into the water.
She nodded, "Much!" Kallisto bobbed up suddenly, sending a wave of water at him, a playful laugh escaping her.
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