First Lessons [attn: Bella / Isla]

[Lou]

Tala was still focusing hard on the coloured threads that she could see, and at Isla's direction, she thought of what she could try and make out of Air. She knew that Air could be made into tools for use, she had heard as much in her class. She licked her lips and drew in a deep breath and tried to sooth her butterflies in her stomach. She tried to pull on a thread of Air, but as she tried it seemed to move out of her grasp. Maybe she had been too heavy handed? She frowned, a small crease appearing between her brows, as she tried to touch it more gently. This time it came, and she began to try and shape it into cup. It was an imitation of one of the goblets from the dining hall. She opened her eyes and saw the cup sitting on the flat of her hand. She gasped and let out a small squeal of delight, though as she did she felt saidar slip away.

[Bella]

Isla watched, silent but attentive. She remembered just how much concentration these tasks began when you were first performing them, and she wanted to give the young woman all the time, space, and quiet that she needed...and it paid off. Talaitha was able to form her threads of Air into a rudimentary cup shape.

Of course, her own success seemingly surprised her, because she let out a triumphant sound and Saidar vanished in a heartbeat. Isla still smiled at her, of course. "You've done very well," she said. "We will stop here for the day, but you are off to a great start on your path to using the One Power. You will learn more in your classes as you train."

[Lou]

Her elation at having made the cup was only stopped by the feeling of saidar vanishing from her body. Everything felt slightly muted once again, which was weird as this was how her world had looked before, all her life, until she had felt the One Power coursing through her body. She wanted that feeling back, but as she tried there was nothing there, like the sun was hiding behind a shutter, just something she could not reach out to.

When Isla Sedai spoke, Tala blushed a little and nibbled her lower lip. She was pleased at the praise, but not at the clear dismissal. She wanted to try again, but she also felt like she had run rings around the Tower. She rose to her feet, and nodded her head to the older woman. "Yes, Isla Sedia, thank you." She told her, before she bobbed a curtsy and then moved away. Her body felt heavy, and she wanted to go lay down for a while, but she had chores in the gardens next. She was so happy, but also so looking forward to getting to bed that night.

- End -