Thread: A private tutor

Teyha frowned slightly as she poked her head into another empty classroom, searching desperately for the mysterious prodigy that she had heard so many rumors of. Brilliant, but illusive, apparently, Teyha thought with a frown. The semester was ending, starting a period of independent study for all the students of the academy. The more brilliant students were taken aside by their favorite teachers to learn more advanced techniques, private tutoring to help train the exceptionally talented. But, talented Teyha was not. Her power with magic was unbelievably low, hard to focus, and poorly suited for most branches of magic. While she did try to find a teacher to mentor her over the free period, there simply didnt seem to be any willing, and the castle would not simply allow her to stay behind unattended for the three month break. She didnt even want to think of what life might wait if she did have to head home. She might not be allowed to come back, she thought with a sick feeling in her stomach, and she doubted the headmaster would fight too hard for a talentless witch. Her one bit of hope was in an eccentric member of the faculty that Teyha had only heard rumors of. Brilliant, powerful, a genius in many forms of magic and spellcasting, specializing in a rare and powerful form called lifemagic. Teyhas cheeks heated just thinking about it. She already did some research into the ancient art, and almost closed the door on the idea altogether when she saw it was deeply tied into more intimate practices. She sighed, and started down the stairs to the main entrance, her eyes down as her mind spun with questions and possibilities. Maybe the man would allow her to study healing magic instead? She considered after a moment, feeling slightly hopeful that he might. After all, she was hardly anyones first pick for a lifemagic user. A quick glance at the reflected surface of a pane of glass only helped to reinforce her self-consciousness. Her curly black hair still framed her face is messy curls, obstructing her grey eyes from view, and making her look even younger than she actually was. While her petite body drowned under layers of black clothes, oversized and hiding the curves of her body. Lifemagic users by the strictest definition were meant to be sensual, sexually active, and usually quite attractive. She couldnt see herself as any of that, just a plain, timid, virgin girl. After a moment she gave up criticizing herself, and set off to the open entrance of the castle, deciding to head back to her dorm to try to think through her plan once more before she tried to appeal to the man, Cain. Just as she entered, though, a man caught her eye, his description fitting with that of the faculty member she had been searching for. She froze for a moment to star, wondering if her luck was really so good today to just run across him now. Mr. Bartiel? Teyha called softly as she approached, hesitating a brief moment before she was sure he had heard her. Im Teyha, Im sorry to bother you, sir, I was I was hoping you would take me as an apprentice The words almost seemed to spill from her in one half rushed stream, and her cheeks flushed deep red. Id Id like to learn how to use healing magic But I know youre specialty I mean She choked off, her cheeks red before she could ask if hed be more willing to teach her life magic. How do people go about asking such a thing? Would you teach me, please? She finally managed, shifting nervously, as she bunched the thick fabric of her coat between her fingers, twisting it nervously as she waited for his answer.