Welcome to Gaia! ::

Class: Rhetoric
Teacher: Melonia

-Magic is a living thing, permeating everything around us.
-"Create your own spell words so magic cannot be unlocked by just anyone."

Mudras
-Through the fingers were channel energy. Each finger connects to one of the five elements.
-Thumb:Fire (Speed based magics)
-Pointer:Air (Intelligence based magics)
-Middle:Ether (Magnitude of the magic cast)
-Ring:Earth (Strength based magics)
-Pinky:Water (Recovery based magics)


Guyan Mudra
-Touch the tips of your first finger and thumb together.
-Invokes the power of Jupiter.
-The mixing of Fire and Air stimulates personal abilities and our reservoirs of knowledge.
-Imparts calm and receptivity to the world around us. It enables the casting of magic to require less energy and effort. To form this Mudra prior to casting, you use less energy without diminishing the results.

Jupiter Mudra
-Press the tips of each first finger together. (Thumbs pointing up and fists facing the body.)
-Offensive Mudra: used to help facilitate in breaking through another's barrier magic; used to counter or challenge another's offensive spell.
-Power of Jupiter: Luck and expansion.

Today we learned about Rhetoric from a Professora named Melonia.
It is amazing to think what a little sign language can do for the arts of magic. We learned two Mudras today.
The first was the Guyan Mudra which basically helps to calm you down, allowing you the frame of mind to think clearly.
This of course will clearly come in handy during studying! I can't wait to try it out some more.
The other Mudra we learned about was the Jupiter Mudra. This one is offensive, and definitely different.
You can use it to break through others' barriers while fighting. Definitely a distraction technique.
I cannot wait to learn more!

A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far. A brief description of how she feels about other Empyreans she has met thus far.

What's This? A delivery of shiny Present Boxes?

Happy Holidays!

Having been to the Teacher's Lounge for make-up classes, Jaenelle felt as though a mammoth weight had been lifted off her chest and shoulders. Although the Melancholy never walked with a spring in her step, it could be said she walked more easy now. She had just deposited her school bag containing her quill, ink and notebook back in her room when she looked over at her clock. It had two identical dragons on either side of it. As she gazed forward at the timepiece it made her think of the Twins she'd met during her brief period of conciousness in the Infirmary.

Jaenelle frowned slightly as she remembered how rash she had been with the two. True, she absolutely hated finding out that she'd missed so many classes...but that was no reason to take out her aggitation on the messanger. Besides, they were stage Ones and rightfully her elders. They should have received more respect from her.

Resolved on her actions, Jaenelle closed the door behind her and made her way swiftly to the Infirmary hoping to find them there still. She couldn't help her mouth lifting a little at the corner in disgust. She'd honestly thought it would be longer when she saw this place again.

"Hello?" she called out quietly, not wanting to wake any ill patients.

At the moment, only Aureus was visible and he looked up upon the entrance of a visitor. Ruffling his feathers, he sat up from the inventorying he'd been in the middle of and smiled. "Why hello! Didn't expect to see you back so soon! Come visit someone?" He spoke with an easy confidence, tone soft and pleasant as he set the quill he'd been using and stood.

Argentum appeared soon after that, carrying glass jars and labels in a deep tray, "Visitor?" His gaze went first to his twin, and upon seeing the slight nod in Jaenelle's direction, he turned to look. "Oh! Hello! How are you feeling?' He smiled widely, though his expression held a hint of concern. He'd hate to see Jaenelle off her feet again so soon after recovering.

Even thought she had seen the Twins before, she'd been in such a hurry she hadn't bothered to really look at them. It was now that she truly took in their forms. The wings were, of course, the first thing she noted. Jaenelle felt a pang of longing as she studied them. It was one of her dreams to have wings as she got older.

Realizing she was staring, Jaenelle shook her head slightly and stepped forward. "I'm not here to see anyone." she said, matter-of-factly. "I don't want to intrude upon your work, but I was hoping you'd be here. I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier. I know I was...short, with you."

Their technoequips glowed softly, as did their halos and they shimmered like silver and gold. They were quite pretty to behold in actuality. Argentum smiled, shaking his head, "No no! It's perfectly alright. We understand." They nodded simultaneously and walked over to her, bowing a greeting.

The small small that Aureus wore showed he'd noted her staring but that rather be flattered or made to be self-concious he was amused. As was Argentum, though he hid it better. The golden twin spoke up as Argentum ducked away to put his bundle down. "Thank you for your apology though. Is there anything we can help you with?" If one was paying attention, they realize that Aureus and Argentum rarely used the pronoun 'I' unless introducing themselves. It was a habit they'd picked up as Zeros and it had stuck, becoming second nature.

They were, after all, considered to be echoes of the same person.

Jaenelle linked her arms behind her back in what for her was a more relaxed pose. She was never caught slouching. With her feet about a shoulder's length a part though, she looked almost ready for battle.

"Thank you for your understanding. I can only imagine what you both must deal with working here." Then again, she didn't want to but decided it was prudent not to say as much. "I don't really need anything; I did come here to appologize. However, I will admit to being curious...about you both. Firstly, I have never met identicle Empyreans before. Besides your coloring, you could be mistaken for each other." Thank you Miss Obvious. "Secondly, you are the first Stage One Empyreans I've met as well."

Although Jaenelle still hadn't moved a muscle, she didn't look uncomfortable. "I was curious if you could tell me....if you could tell me what transcending feels like?" She paused, unsure if this was a personal matter for the Empyrean alone. Deciding to continue anyway, "Do you feel pain, dizzyness, euphoria, ... pain?"

There was a quiet silence as the twins absorbed that information and then they broke into big grins. "Actually, you have. Euphrasia is Echo to Ardys, whom you have yet to meet it seems." Aureus' smile was broad, amused by her forward curiosity. Flattered maybe? However, as happy as they were to be asked about such things - most just accepted it - how were they to explain their circumstances?

Argentum broke in were his brother faltered, filling the trailing silence with a response he hoped would satisfy Jaenelle. "Ah yes. We're Echoes - twins. Chosen together and we will grow together." His hand easily found Aureus' and he smiled, "We're treated as one person for the most part."

The golden twin smiled, seeing where his other half was going and nodded, "We aren't your typical Ones though. We excelled in our studies and showed promise in certain areas. Though we may be working here, our apprenticeship lies with Ardys as we are training in the Diving arts." His wings fluttered then settled back down against his back, "Transdencing is different for everyone. When we transcended from Zeros to Ones, it was a.... mixture of emotions. Nervousness, delight, fear.... It varies from person to person."

"When the ceremony was over, we had developed more then the standard One might. We are Ones, do not worry about that, but our Additions are those of a Three." Argentum shrugged slightly, "We've been told it is because of the strength of our Essence." He drew away from his brother and sat down a few steps away, "In a nutshell, transcending is a time of happiness and fear, you're not quite sure what will happen."

Surprised, Jaenelle couldn’t help but steal a glance around the room. Unfortunately, her thoughts were not enough to summon the other Echoes to her presence and Jaenelle sighed mentally but was quickly riveted by what the twins had to say.

“Treated as one person…” she whispered. “But surely you don’t want to be treated as the same person all the time!” she said incredulously, looking from one to the other. She could no longer confine her emotions in such a rigid stance; her shoulders bunched up and her arms moved dramatically as she talked. “If you were supposed to be the same person, you would have one body. As it is,” she continued and motioned to the both of them, “you are obviously not completely identical.” The Melancholy was just as flabbergasted to realize the two of them didn’t seem to mind the two-is-one mentality of others. ‘Well,’ she thought, ‘no matter what others will do, they are two separate Empyreans to me.’

‘Excelled at their studies’ she pondered. Well, that certainly had promise. As it was Jaenelle knew that if it hadn’t been for the Lamia attacking her, she would already be excelling. As it was she was so far behind she actually groaned aloud at the thought.

In an uncharacteristic display of curiosity, Jaenelle took a step towards the two then stopped as a blush spread across her indigo cheeks. “Er, ….I….” Jaenelle snarled at her embarrassment. “May I touch either of your wings?” she spit out finally.

Their cheerful expressions grew amused as she spoke. "We don't mind at all. After all, we share the Essence and are very much a part of one another." He smiled, leaning against Argentum as the other reached out for him. They often embraced and were totally comfortable with one another. Argentum's smile was easy going and gentle as he nodded his agreement.

Wings fluttered at the mention of touch and the two exchanged looks, communicating silently for a moment before stepping apart. "Go ahead." They closed the distance to Jaenelle, far enough apart that they could flare their wings without becoming entangled. Noticing a stray feather, Aureus picked at it in an attempt to groom it back into place but it refused to smooth down and so he plucked it out. The twins hummed with a faint aura of power - the result from the shere amount of essence that infused into them upon their transcendance to stage one. Argentum was more shy then Aureus and didn't extend his wings as farforward for inspection as his more outgoing counter part.

A small part of Jaenelle, one that she would never consciously admit was there, longed to have the close connection to another that these two seemed to have. The melancholy felt quite….melancholy, even if she didn’t know why just yet. However, as young people are wont to do, Jaenelle became easily distracted at the prospect of touching the downy wings.

She looked into both of their gazes for absolute permission before taking the few final steps forward and slowly extended her right hand. Her fingers gently caressed down the line where yellow and blue feathers touched. The feathers were so unbelievably soft. Jaenelle brought up her left hand and ran the backs of each finger on the two separate wings, her hands mirroring each other. Flexing her fingers apart she felt the light tufts float over her skin and sighed contentedly. She caught herself in mid-motion when she realized she’d been leaning towards them both, getting ready to caress the softness on her cheek.

Blushing profusely, Jaenelle took a step back and tried unsuccessfully to compose herself. Vainly, she smoothed down her clothing before looking up at the Echoes again. For the first time in a very long time, Jaenelle smiled. It would have been disconcerting on the Melancholy if it wasn’t so sincere; a true rarity. “Thank you both. It was highly enjoyable.”

Argentum shied away from the touch at first but then leaned into it. He enjoyed the sensation of fingers running lightly through his feathers. Aureus wasn't as shy, though and extended his wing further, smiling slightly as it seemed she was about to nuzzle the down. They exchanged glances and shook their heads, amused by this turn of events.

As she stepped back, Aureus laughed softly, "No problem." Then, while she was still off guard, he stepped forward and embraced her in a hug, "Though you'll probably find this is better." Had she not been smiling so sincerely and still as withdrawn as she had been, Aureus would have refrained. However, he was a physical person (as was Argentum) and a hug seemed so much more appropriate then a simple 'you're welcome'.

As his brother moved, Argentum waited for the other step away - Jaenelle probably didn't want to be smothered in a hug. When Aureus did, he flashed a charming smile and gave her a quick hug as well. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask? We're more then willing answer to the best of our ability."

Jaenelle stiffened automatically as his golden arms encircled her, but the warmth of his body coaxed her swiftly to relax in the embrace. Much to her surprise, she felt her arms rising up to encircle him as well as she hugged him back. This was much better than a thank you. Funny, this would have been the last scene she would have ever thought to crop up in her life…but she treasured it.

Jaenelle wondered what other powers the Twins must have to make her so relaxed and….friendly. It felt so different, but not bad. She smiled as she opened her arms to hug Argentum as well. Her cheek pressed against his shoulder and a sigh of contentment escaped her lips.

All too soon the hugs ended, but she couldn’t stop smiling. “Well, I was wondering if your wings were purely decoration or if they were truly flight capable.”

Their own smiles reflected hers as they once again exchanged glances and Argentum slipped a hand into Aureus', "Shall we?"

"We shall." He nodded and gestured for Jaenelle to follow them as they headed for the aviary. The twins fell silent, however, respecting the peace and quiet of the serene corner of the infirmary where the long term and terminal patients were situated.

Once outside, they turned and stepped fairly far apart, "You can be the judge of that." With a mischievous wink, Argentum beat his wings and leapt into the air, circling much like a bird. In a place filled with birdcages, he seemed like an exotic pale blue ghost flitting amongst the dancing lights of the open air aviary.

Aureus soon followed and they played for a moment, wrapped up in flying together. They'd taken a great deal of time to perfect their aerial acrobatics and while they weren't perfect, they could fly as well as any other winged three.

When they remembered Jaenelle, they set down in a graceful show of feathers and pale colours and walked over to her, grinning broadly. Aureus held out one hand and bowed slightly, a move echoed by his brother, "Care to try?"

Jaenelle had only hoped for a positive answer but was astounded when she realized they were going to show her. She followed them mutely, occasionally glancing left or right to look upon the incurables, as she termed them. Even though she felt such good will as never before experienced, she was still averse to being around any kind of sickness. It was a weakness that was never overcome by sheer will power alone.

All such thoughts were lost when the openness of the Aviary startled her back to the present. Her eyes were completely fixed to him as Argentum took flight. It appeared as if a great majestic bird had taken flight, which was soon joined by a streak of gold. The Melancholy stood transfixed beneath the two exotic birds in flight. Their aerial acrobatics were spectacular; Jaenelle closed her mouth when she realized she’d been gaping up at them. The brilliance of their show came to an abrupt end as they descended in front of her.

Jaenelle stared stupidly at the hands offered, when it suddenly occurred to her what they were offering. Not a single thought of doubt or concern for herself plagued her mind. With the most brilliant smile she could muster, the awe-struck Melancholy placed her hands in theirs. “It would be an honor.” She said softly, reverently.

Argentum gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he drew her towards them, taking up a position beside her. Aureus mirrored the action and with a friend smile, braced her in her armpit (so that she wouldn't just hang) and flared his wings, beating hard. The twin's wings beat in unison and the two slowly lifted off, bearing Jaenelle's weight. Aureus sighed, they were not strong enough a very long flight, "We can't keep you up for very long, I'm afraid." He sounded apologetic, smile fading a little.

In tandem, the pair brought her up above the birdcages and further still, until they got a good view of the White District and grounds beyond. They circled briefly, touring the aviary, and slowly descended. By the time they set down once more, both of the twins were worn out but smiling broadly. Leaning against one another, they hooked arms about each other's waist as they stepped back, "It was our pleasure." They bowed in unison, Aureus winking while Argentum flashed a winning smile.

It could have been her imagination, but Jaenelle could have sworn she felt warmth radiating from Argentum as he took her hand. She felt his squeeze and squeeze his hand gently in return, smiling up at the blue angel. Her head slowly turned, as if in a daze, and gazed happily to Aureus. Her hand flew out automatically to his. The Melancholy felt the pressure under her arms increase and realized they were taking flight!

Jaenelle’s head whipped down excitedly, happy to watch the ground grow further and further away. She heard Aureus’s sigh and turned to see his radiant face falter, but she just chuckled. “The simple fact that you can lift me at all is amazing enough, I assure you. I can hardly be disappointed.” If she was about to say more, all words were lost as the whole of the White District, and then some, presented itself for a grand panorama of viewing. Jaenelle had never realized their home was so….mammoth! Even if you set out to explore the whole city, surely such a venture would take months upon months. Perhaps that would be an adventure that she would take up someday. Surely there were fascinating nooks and crannies that hadn’t been explored in years.

Lost in her thoughts, it took awhile for Jaenelle to realize the three of them were descending once more. They gracefully landed once more, the Melancholy wobbling just a tad. Once her bearings were regained, Jaenelle grinned mischievously before quickly wrapping one arm around each of them; a triangle of a hug. “I don’t think I fully understand what you’ve done for me yet, or how, but thank you.”

They nodded, happy to see she had enjoyed herself. Argentum, in particular, was glad to see that Jaenelle wasn't as reserved or aloof as she'd first appeared. He was an eternal optimist and the reassured grin he tossed at his brother as she hugged them was proof enough of that. Hugging her close for a moment, "You're very welcome, m'dear." They spoke quietly, winded. The glow of their halos and technorings were much fainter then before.

Plunking down on a nearby bench, they sat like bookends, back against the other. Aureus drew his knew up and rested an arm on it as he turned his head to gaze at Jaenelle, a movement mirrored by Argentum. It was Argentum that spoke, however, and not Aureus, "Anything else you'd like to know? The outer districts? Magic? Class?" He smiled, doubting that Jaenelle was anywhere close to finished with questions now. Behind him, Aureus laughed, apparently catching on the thought.

Jaenelle was slightly alarmed when she saw how their halos seemed a bit less brilliant than she remembered. They moved slightly less graceful than before, and realized how much her flight had cost them. Worry creased her brows together, a frown playing on her lips. She stopped herself from saying anything, simply for the fact that they always seemed to know what was best (at least so far).

Taking a deep, relaxing, breathe Jaenelle moved to sit in front of them on the ground. She neatly folded her outfit under her knees as she knelt then sat back on her feet. Her hands rested in fists on her lap. Even though her body still retained a sense of rigid self-discipline, Jaenelle was still all smiles.

“Of course!” she exclaimed in answer, and then laughed. “On a personal level I am most interested in all types of Magic, though spells seem to call me stronger than anything else. I haven’t had a chance to try anything, of course, but at the moment I’m interested in learning about Grimoire magic. But Ritual magic also allures me.” Jaenelle shook her head. “I think it’s safer to say I’m interested in learning most magical styles.” It was then she remembered she was supposed to be asking questions. “Do either of you specialize in any magic?”

They nodded throughout her explanation but when her final question was asked, their wings fluttered a knowing air surrounded them. Argentum clasped Aureus' hand as he smiled at Jaenelle, pleased she had asked that particular question. His tone, normally light and airy grew more regal, more serious, "My girl, we are prophets." Aureus elbowed him in the back and he squeaked, jumping. Frowning, Argentum stuck his tongue out at his brother.

"Prophets in training, that is. We dowse and skry for the city at the moment, in addition to our nursing job." Aureus grinned at Argentum - they'd turned to sit side by side.

"Our specialty, Jaenelle, is prophecy and diving magic though we practice Ritual magic." Argentum added, nodding. He wasn't as serious as before but there was a hint of pride in his inflection. "We are apprentices under the prophet Ardys in the Dreaming Pool - where we practice our craft and strengthen our abilities." They hadn't been joking when they had sad they excelled in their studies. Aureus and Argentum had shown a great deal of promise in the diving arts and had, upon transcending to stage one, been asked to assist the city through divinatory magic - a testament to their strength.

"Grimoire is a noble pursuit, you create things from words and drawings. Inspire change in the world around you through your magic. It's amazing to watch." He smiled, steering the conversation so that Jaenelle got the answers to her question, "Ritual magic, on the other hand, relies on rituals for spells. It's a discipline of enchantments, divination, and prophecy."

Argentum nodded, agreeing with his echo. "Both are potent in their own right - what changes is what you are best suited for. Some do not work with Ritual but excel in Tribal and still others Circle or Grimoire. There's no set path you have to take, merely follow what feels right."