middaeg | Practically Magic [Open! Practical Magical lessons!]

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Practically Magic [Open! Practical Magical lessons!]

Who: Sokie and you!
When: Pre and Post Snatched ~~because people may need the outlet later~~
Where: Mainly around Sokie's yard in Aef, maybe outside of the city
What: Sokie is teaching some practical magic to anyone interested.
Warnings: TBA, maybe some mild violence, swearing?

Most of the lessons start off in a yard, sand swept- though sometimes it's just outside of the Bright wall, away from any of the encampments to give them space- and well, in case things explode or are set on fire. She's good about making announcements before the classes take place on the network, just in case the location changes.

It usually starts off with a hello and a declaration of what they're going to go over today. Sometimes it's how to avoid being caught by illusion and charm spells; sometimes it's on how they can use various runes in every day life.

New students, Sokie likes to take to the side and assess for herself to see what level they're at, before sticking them in one of three groups which she calls: ducklings, flip flops, and eaglets. ~~She doesn't act like one is better then the other, just that the flip flops won't set the whole place on fire by accident.~~

Usually there's a quick talk, with demonstrations during, before she checks to see if there's anyone who needs help with understanding. After the check in, she smiles. It's time to put the knowledge to use.

A: Magic Dodgeball

It's not exactly regular dodgeball. True, there is some ball throwing, but- there's a twist. One team has to use magic (witch or monster!) to confuse, distract, or otherwise trip up their opponents, while the other has to resist without falling back on magic. Don't worry-they'll get to switch eventually! But no hitting people in the face with the ball, teleporting to the other side of the field, nor any truly dangerous magic- whoever tries something dirty gets an automatic out and whatever punishment Sokie feels like that day. Whatever it is, it won't be pleasant.

Now DODGE!

B: Changing hot potato

You thought that was the only game Sokie had in mind? No? Good! Because this one is a leg up from dodgeball. Because this lesson was on transmutation, and she has a specific idea in mind: she wants the witches to change the ball into different objects. Nothing too complicated! It could be as simple as changing its temperature, or making it glittery. Advanced students will be asked to make something a little more complicated, like making it into a plush doll.

And once it's changed, the next witch has to change it back. Monsters will be in the middle of the circle, making things more complicated by interfering with the tossed ball.

Which gives the witches less time. Oh, you didn't know there was a time limit? There is- and when the time is up, the ball, transmuted or not, will make a loud farting noise and coat the witch with a noxious fume. It's all illusionary of course- but it sure makes the eyes water! Don't worry, it'll fade in ten minutes or less.

C: Always be kind to your healer

Sokie is surprisingly intense about the healing lessons, and doesn't let as much go for much joking as she is about the other lessons. But then again, as she puts to the witches and the monsters- there can be no guarantee that there will be someone there to care for bruises and worse. There's the witch lessons of simple healing spells, but all are taught alchemy for simple blood restoration potions, regeneration potions, and things of that ilk. She's also all about teaching how to assess-basically first aid, but in magic land.

Which means...there are a lot of opportunities to partner up for learning potions, and a lot of excuses to doze off when being used as the first aid dummy.

Don't worry. There's a reason why she's conducting the lesson out of the city-so if there's an explosion, she can contain it. She does have a specialty of making barriers and all.

D: We wash this city

While this may seem to be just a class for the merfolk and the witches, the others have some lessons too- and this one is a wandering one. For where the places that have been cleaned up, or haven't been tagged yet, rune written paper is encouraged to slap against the walls, buildings, and houses. This may at least keep them from being vandalized for a time.

Plus, for the witches and monsters who do this instead of playing soapy power washer, they may get a better feeling for doing the magic. Of course, these papers were created if not that day, then the prior workshop slash class by witches so they get the feeling of making runes for minor shields.

E: It's time to DUEL!

And of course, it's time for a bit of fun. By fun, it's possible danger. But it's fine! That's what they made all those health potions for, right? These can be mixed with monster-monster, witch-witch, and witch-monster.

It's to surrender, or disable-with an emphasis of trying not to cause lasting damage. So don't get carried away with fire balls!

Can't seem to get a handle on them? It's all right. There's a timer. She's giving every pair off five minutes, and everyone has been paired off randomly!

Well. Mostly. Unless she thinks this might help somewhat.

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He's the only blindfolded guy around that I know of.

[Who knows, there might be more. She hummed, and made to crouch, elbows settling on her thighs.]

Basically what you're doing is taking the energy that's within you, and connecting it with theirs. This might take a bit of time to sync, since this is your first time- but that's okay.

Is it easier for you to visualize something, or feel it, or hear it? Just so I'll know the best way to help you with this.

I generally prefer to feel. [ Iramaat laughs. ]

I suppose I'm a romantic at heart, you know? Daring-do, adventure, chivalry...

[ She glances back at the birds and frowns. ]

...this is just a little out of my usual wheelhouse.

Aaaaah.

[That's interesting. Sokie considers for a few moments.]

This is a little out of your wheelhouse, sure, but we can try to wheel it in. The fun thing about this world is that there are bonds and connections. You have a connection to this world, and so do the pigeons.

And you have a personal energy that can make those connections. Maybe...when you try to speak to them, you can feel the pull of the threads of sounds and vibrations, and see if you can wrap it around them?

Hmm. Well-

[ Iramaat furrows her brow. She's not used to struggling with things; most of her talents have come easily to her, so having to try harder than usual is more than a little irritating to her. Still - she needs to try, doesn't she? ]

The threads of sound...

[ She tries to reach out for that, trying to will the sound of her voice into something more solid. She feels a little tremble; a shiver through the fabric of the universe.

It still doesn't quite work. Iramaat scoffs at herself. ]

...is it always this difficult? [ She honestly shouldn't be complaining, she's five minutes in. ]

[Sokie can understand that. It's difficult, when things were once so natural that effort has to be put in. It was a little like when she first had to learn magic.

But she's focused. She could feel the difference. There was something there, almost but-ah.]

The first time? It can be, sure. Take a couple of deep breaths if you think it'll help.

[ Iramaat mutters something under her breath, but manages to keep a smile on her face. Never let them see you cry! Even if by 'crying' we mean 'be frustrated'. ]

Right, right... Deep breath.

[ She hums a few bars, as if testing her throat, and then... tries singing. A lilting little question and this time the bird actually looks up at her.

Hey, there you go. ]

[If she's getting cursed at, she's ignoring it. It's par for the course when it comes to teaching. Crying, even frustrated, would be even more awkward.

So instead, she watches-and smiles when she sees the bird look up. She's not going to talk just yet though.

That might break Iramaat's concentration.]

[ Iramaat leans in a little more, still singing. It's a bit of a nonsense tune, but it manages to work. It's a simple melody and she follows it with words - almost a meaningless babble, nonsense that all runs together. But she seems like she's getting the idea of what she has to do.

And finally, the bird chirps at her and Iramaat looks a little stunned. ]

Hey - I think I've got something here!

[Sometimes nonsense was the best for just figuring out what she had to do. And if that relaxed her, that would open her mind-and her magic-to what she needed to do to get it across.

When Iramaat looks up at her, Sokie is smiling.]

Well done Iramaat. Remember to keep breathing.

You think you can get a little more?

[It's exciting to see the progress made here. But she's keeping it locked up so the bird won't get spooked.]

I know I can.

[ That confidence - verging on arrogance - is back. Even if it's perhaps not entirely deserved. She hums under her breath and then begins to sing again. Soft and low and rising again. It's soothing, in a way, like she's singing a lullaby. Her whole being is focused on the bird.

The bird hops closer, chirps and flutters in response.

Hey, they've got something going now! ]

All right, let's see it.

[It's interesting- it reminds her of some of her theorizing with Caster, of how singing could be infused into magic, instead of a quick word of command.]

So, you've managed to start a conversation?

[What's burd saying? Curious minds want to know!]

Of a sorts.

[ Iramaat sings quietly again and the bird responds. ]

I believe he's interested in if I have food for him or not...

[She grinned slightly.]

That's something I can understand.

I've got something in my pocket if you want to bribe them.

Oh, would you be so kind...? I'll pay you back in kind one day.

[ Iramaat laughs, but she's apparently very serious about the whole 'pay you back' thing. ]

You don't have to. But here.

[And Sokie pulls out...a muffin? It's seriously a muffin. She hands it to her.]

Honey and oat, if you want to take a bite yourself. Made it myself.

Oh! Why, thank you...

[ Don't mind if she does. She takes an experimental bite and then offers the bird some crumbs. This apparently pleases the bird enough to the point that it coos at her.

Mission accomplished? ]

No problem. What can I say? I'm a bit of a kitchen witch.

[She's actually pretty mundane in the kitchen, mostly keeping her room mates out of it. But it looks like Iraamat has won the bird over.]

Good work. You did it quicker then I expected. Which I think means...you'll be able to do things with plants as well, maybe without my help.

Oh, I haven't tried with plants... I used to have a bit of an affinity with them before, so maybe that will help.

[ Probably not, but she can hope. ]

And if I can come back for more muffins, well, I can't complain.

It might. This depends a lot on your own belief in yourself and in the way the world works.

But if you manage to surprise me again...tell you what. I'll make you anything in the kitchen you want.

Within reason. There's some stuff I don't know how to make, or don't have the stuff for.

Oh! You have yourself a bargain, my friend.

[ Iramaat brightens. She loves wagers and promises of all kinds, so this is something she adores. ]

I'll do my best not to disappoint.

I'm sure you'll do great.

[She believes in you Iramaat!]

In the meantime, I'll let you practice?

I think I will... not sued to that, honestly.

[ Having to practice, that is. ]

It will be... an experience, I imagine. Thank you again!

It's a good habit to get into.

[But anyway...]

You're welcome. We'll talk soon.

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Practically Magic [Open! Practical Magical lessons!]

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