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NOCTIUM overflow!
For when the TDM hits captcha but you just can't stop.
Hm? You have a story for me? Well by all means, I must hear it! Though if it's best told over a meal and tea, I hardly mind waiting a little. Whenever you would like, when we're through here we can find a place for lunch, and you can tell me aught what you have.
[He finally finished sorting through the coupons he had gathered, apparently content with the final result. There had to be something he could do with the ones he couldn't think of a use for...] Should you see something in any of these piles that you want, please help yourself to it. I couldn't begin to use all of them...
[Moving on from that though,] Quite interesting, though I'll speak of him later. Who else have you met from home?
[He finally finished sorting through the coupons he had gathered, apparently content with the final result. There had to be something he could do with the ones he couldn't think of a use for...] Should you see something in any of these piles that you want, please help yourself to it. I couldn't begin to use all of them...
[Moving on from that though,] Quite interesting, though I'll speak of him later. Who else have you met from home?
[He might not be a prude, but he's still a polite man, let it never be said that he didn't have manners! He'd rather not be flustered into silence so early in his arrival here. He withdrew his hand from the shake after a moment, humming thoughtfully over the lingering sensation of Synchrony still lightly clinging to his fingers.]
Should you know any who might appreciate it, perhaps you could take these to them? It feels rude to just abandon them on the table, they were gifts after all.
[His head tilted lightly though.]
Missions? [That didn't sound like a concerned tone, oh no. Not in the slightest, not with the way his eyes lit up.]
Should you know any who might appreciate it, perhaps you could take these to them? It feels rude to just abandon them on the table, they were gifts after all.
[His head tilted lightly though.]
Missions? [That didn't sound like a concerned tone, oh no. Not in the slightest, not with the way his eyes lit up.]
[Authorities are firm that we are not burdens, but some of their people seemed to believe differently. Authorities could say whatever they liked, he was more concerned with the opinions of the locals than any figure in command. The entire description given by Aymeric feels... foreboding. All they ask... all they insist it will ever be...]
I shall still strive to find other uses, on top of this manna creation.
[Again, he was treated to the warm little spark of said manna creation, in fact. Troubling though the situation was, as dire as things had gotten before now, he was quickly finding some small comfort in that, this Synchrony. Exacerbated, no doubt, by his profession as a mage, and he would subtly move his own hand to brush against the other mans, as he went to pay for their drinks. Drinks in little paper cups, how fascinating... He'd not puzzle over that for too long, fascinating though the takeout cups were, it was their contents that were by far more desirable, and he took a grateful sip of it as they settled down.]
'Tis a terrible way to learn the idiom: be careful what you wish for. [Humorless joke indeed, and he was quick to sympathize with the other man's situation.]
I've questions pertaining to manna, in particular. It is clear it's generation is very important, I've no argument against creating it, but I should like to know what might occur if for any reason I cannot generate it. I've also taken note that my aether does not restore itself over time, and that my spells sap more from my pool than they used to. This Synchrony does well to return some of it to me, but from aught I've seen, it is but in small bursts. No greater than a sip or two of ether.
I'm to assume then prolonged contact might create more manna faster, then?
I shall still strive to find other uses, on top of this manna creation.
[Again, he was treated to the warm little spark of said manna creation, in fact. Troubling though the situation was, as dire as things had gotten before now, he was quickly finding some small comfort in that, this Synchrony. Exacerbated, no doubt, by his profession as a mage, and he would subtly move his own hand to brush against the other mans, as he went to pay for their drinks. Drinks in little paper cups, how fascinating... He'd not puzzle over that for too long, fascinating though the takeout cups were, it was their contents that were by far more desirable, and he took a grateful sip of it as they settled down.]
'Tis a terrible way to learn the idiom: be careful what you wish for. [Humorless joke indeed, and he was quick to sympathize with the other man's situation.]
I've questions pertaining to manna, in particular. It is clear it's generation is very important, I've no argument against creating it, but I should like to know what might occur if for any reason I cannot generate it. I've also taken note that my aether does not restore itself over time, and that my spells sap more from my pool than they used to. This Synchrony does well to return some of it to me, but from aught I've seen, it is but in small bursts. No greater than a sip or two of ether.
I'm to assume then prolonged contact might create more manna faster, then?
[He's going to do it anyway, no one ever died from a joke, right? A young face though, now that was an interesting statement.]
Ah, forgive me, I did just assume, didn't I? You hardly look a day over twenty, consider me envious.
[Indeed, from the words chosen and the tone used, it almost sounded as if this 'young man' was older than he was, and he moved to lightly rest his chin upon his hand, clearly interested now.]
Then I would be more than happy to hear of it, should you have the time. Though I'd hate to take you away from anything more pressing, sir.
Ah, forgive me, I did just assume, didn't I? You hardly look a day over twenty, consider me envious.
[Indeed, from the words chosen and the tone used, it almost sounded as if this 'young man' was older than he was, and he moved to lightly rest his chin upon his hand, clearly interested now.]
Then I would be more than happy to hear of it, should you have the time. Though I'd hate to take you away from anything more pressing, sir.
[So many names he'd heard today that he didn't remember, so many faces he couldn't recall. At this point it was starting to become concerning with how regular an occurrence it had become.]
Q'ulia was it? Ah... no you are correct, I do not know that name... [And it always started the same too, 'you wouldn't know them'. This was becoming a rather pressing issue, wasn't it?
How in the Twelve was he going to teach all these mages at once?]
I've somehow become a very busy man within the span of a night...
Q'ulia was it? Ah... no you are correct, I do not know that name... [And it always started the same too, 'you wouldn't know them'. This was becoming a rather pressing issue, wasn't it?
How in the Twelve was he going to teach all these mages at once?]
I've somehow become a very busy man within the span of a night...
[Yes, it was... quite a bit. Though at least the woman before him came from a time after Arya was properly restored. Even though he knew well how that story ended now, it would have still troubled him, to have stumbled across someone who wasn't aware that it'd all worked out in the end. There was, at least at that, a bit of relief to be had.
Everything else though... Had he not been a calmer, relaxed man, he might feel considerably overwhelmed. Another Warrior of Light, that made... three that he now knew? Counting the one that still resided in Eorzea, at least. How many more were there here? His expression, of course, only vaguely suggested any level of confusion, though his brows knit and his fingers brushed against his chin.
I won't be the first to tell you this-] Indeed, you are not, miss. I'd met another before you, and perhaps more after that as well. I have no reason do doubt any of your words, either.
[He'd never been a suspicious man, and the last one he spoke to even showed him her job stone, enough confirmation for him.]
I'm so sorry, miss. Though you expected me to not recall you, I cannot help but feel as if you deserved better than this. Please, if I may ask for your name? We knew each other once, and I should like to reestablish this connection. To regain what I feel as if has been lost.
Everything else though... Had he not been a calmer, relaxed man, he might feel considerably overwhelmed. Another Warrior of Light, that made... three that he now knew? Counting the one that still resided in Eorzea, at least. How many more were there here? His expression, of course, only vaguely suggested any level of confusion, though his brows knit and his fingers brushed against his chin.
I won't be the first to tell you this-] Indeed, you are not, miss. I'd met another before you, and perhaps more after that as well. I have no reason do doubt any of your words, either.
[He'd never been a suspicious man, and the last one he spoke to even showed him her job stone, enough confirmation for him.]
I'm so sorry, miss. Though you expected me to not recall you, I cannot help but feel as if you deserved better than this. Please, if I may ask for your name? We knew each other once, and I should like to reestablish this connection. To regain what I feel as if has been lost.
An excellent thing to hear, good sir, all things considered. It seems that most have made it back whole and hale, we've much to be grateful for.
[And he'd have launched right into a question, had Ardbert not posed one himself, first. He perked, staring at him for a moment... before breaking out into bright laughter]
Me? Oh I'm flattered that you'd even ask, sir! No, oh certainly not, but you've improved my day by leaps and bounds just asking!
I am not the Warrior of Light, not even close, but I had the honor of adventuring with and training them for a time.
[And he'd have launched right into a question, had Ardbert not posed one himself, first. He perked, staring at him for a moment... before breaking out into bright laughter]
Me? Oh I'm flattered that you'd even ask, sir! No, oh certainly not, but you've improved my day by leaps and bounds just asking!
I am not the Warrior of Light, not even close, but I had the honor of adventuring with and training them for a time.
Gods, I don't think you'd believe me if I told you. Though — remind me to show you some new skills I developed since we last spoke, sometime.
[She settles herself down in the seat across from him, folding her hands against the surface and tilting her head a fraction in a pondering expression. How does one summarize the entirety of her time on the First, while leaving out the nitty gritty details that still left her feeling conflicted and hurt?]
I travelled to an entirely different world, for a period of time.
[As good a place as any to start.]
((cont from here))
[She settles herself down in the seat across from him, folding her hands against the surface and tilting her head a fraction in a pondering expression. How does one summarize the entirety of her time on the First, while leaving out the nitty gritty details that still left her feeling conflicted and hurt?]
I travelled to an entirely different world, for a period of time.
[As good a place as any to start.]
((cont from here))
Right you are.
[ At least this man certainly has the spirit for it, though it's clear he isn't actually the Warrior of Light... goodness, Ardbert is just not getting it right lately, is he? ]
Oh, gods, of course the one time I ask...
[ He brings a hand to his face, hiding his embarrassment for a moment. Keep it together, Ardbert! He can recover from this! And he does, shaking his head for a moment before returning to his smile. ]
I apologize for the confusion, 'tis plain we share a mutual acquaintance in them, at least! [ He holds out his hand to shake. ] I'm Ardbert. Pleasure to meet you.
[ At least this man certainly has the spirit for it, though it's clear he isn't actually the Warrior of Light... goodness, Ardbert is just not getting it right lately, is he? ]
Oh, gods, of course the one time I ask...
[ He brings a hand to his face, hiding his embarrassment for a moment. Keep it together, Ardbert! He can recover from this! And he does, shaking his head for a moment before returning to his smile. ]
I apologize for the confusion, 'tis plain we share a mutual acquaintance in them, at least! [ He holds out his hand to shake. ] I'm Ardbert. Pleasure to meet you.
[ Ascians certainly won't perish from jokes, considering some of the things they've done for laughs in the past. But still ....! ]
It's quite alright. As I said, I have always appeared younger than my colleagues and friends. Such is the curse I was born with.
[ Or died with. Anyway. If X'rhun wants to believe he is older than Elidibus for now then he'll just. Let him. Also, if Elidibus had something more pressing to do, he's forgotten about it. ]
Not at all. I enjoy passing the time in such a way. Your own adventures would be of interest to me as well.
It's quite alright. As I said, I have always appeared younger than my colleagues and friends. Such is the curse I was born with.
[ Or died with. Anyway. If X'rhun wants to believe he is older than Elidibus for now then he'll just. Let him. Also, if Elidibus had something more pressing to do, he's forgotten about it. ]
Not at all. I enjoy passing the time in such a way. Your own adventures would be of interest to me as well.
Imagine having to try and live on my cooking. It's doable but there's better folks who can do it.
[When you are a poor person, you tend to not be picky. Food is food so she never really minds the taste, as long as it's edible. She gestures to the miqo'te to follow her as she leads them down to the markets where various street food is on display, including the popcorn stand from her first trip.]
That place has some good snacks; I enjoyed their lemon and pepper flavor most of all but all of them are pretty good, even the sweet ones.
[But she's more focused on something more hearty. And there was a thing she hasn't tried yet, pointing to a stand with a sign reading 'Arancini' with dozens of what appears to be...fried balls?]
What about this? Ever heard of it?
[When you are a poor person, you tend to not be picky. Food is food so she never really minds the taste, as long as it's edible. She gestures to the miqo'te to follow her as she leads them down to the markets where various street food is on display, including the popcorn stand from her first trip.]
That place has some good snacks; I enjoyed their lemon and pepper flavor most of all but all of them are pretty good, even the sweet ones.
[But she's more focused on something more hearty. And there was a thing she hasn't tried yet, pointing to a stand with a sign reading 'Arancini' with dozens of what appears to be...fried balls?]
What about this? Ever heard of it?
[ continued from here ]
[ At least for all of the miqo'te's initial hesitation, he seems willing to try. Maybe it should be expected of a caster, anyway. They've far more reasons to want and need manna than, say, a tank that only needed to focus on hitting things with the pointy end of their blade. ]
That's precisely the issue. But with a little practice, you should make enough to use your abilities as you see fit.
[ At least for all of the miqo'te's initial hesitation, he seems willing to try. Maybe it should be expected of a caster, anyway. They've far more reasons to want and need manna than, say, a tank that only needed to focus on hitting things with the pointy end of their blade. ]
That's precisely the issue. But with a little practice, you should make enough to use your abilities as you see fit.
[cont.]
Well, 'tis only natural to want to know how those back home are doing. So I think, at least. She seemed cheerful the last time I spoke with her- I believe she'd made some good progress in her training that week.
Ah… right, you would have arrived in the midst of the storm, yes? [She reaches up to ruffle her hair- which should probably be a little shaggier than her icons suggest. She'll get something done about it soon, it's just… that was a lot.] Right. Everyone's had a lot on their minds…. Ah, anyhow! [She claps her hands together.] Well- at present, there are four major gods, called the Cardinal Gems- Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Amethyst. Each has a certain aspect and energy, as you might expect- Ruby being associated with fire, for instance. They don't seem to be present in this plane, from what I understand, so I don't believe they a concern in themselves. [At least… that's what she worries about. And then there's Malachite, and the gems in their own bodies…]
[She nods.]
Then… we just need to speak to someone at the Embassy, I believe.
Well, 'tis only natural to want to know how those back home are doing. So I think, at least. She seemed cheerful the last time I spoke with her- I believe she'd made some good progress in her training that week.
Ah… right, you would have arrived in the midst of the storm, yes? [She reaches up to ruffle her hair- which should probably be a little shaggier than her icons suggest. She'll get something done about it soon, it's just… that was a lot.] Right. Everyone's had a lot on their minds…. Ah, anyhow! [She claps her hands together.] Well- at present, there are four major gods, called the Cardinal Gems- Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Amethyst. Each has a certain aspect and energy, as you might expect- Ruby being associated with fire, for instance. They don't seem to be present in this plane, from what I understand, so I don't believe they a concern in themselves. [At least… that's what she worries about. And then there's Malachite, and the gems in their own bodies…]
[She nods.]
Then… we just need to speak to someone at the Embassy, I believe.
'Tis a curse you wear well, if nothing else.
[But never mind that, the possibility of drinks and stories was far too good for him to let pass him by, especially not when he was so new here.]
And I should be happy to tell you of them! I fear however, I'm far too new here to be of any use finding the best place for a drink. I shall trust instead your excellent judgement. Where would you say would be the best place for ale?
[But never mind that, the possibility of drinks and stories was far too good for him to let pass him by, especially not when he was so new here.]
And I should be happy to tell you of them! I fear however, I'm far too new here to be of any use finding the best place for a drink. I shall trust instead your excellent judgement. Where would you say would be the best place for ale?
No, no, don't be embarrassed! I'm honored to be mistaken for them, you have truly made my day, good sir.
Don't apologize, truly. If you know them as I do, you'd understand it's hardly an insult in any form. [He took the offered hand without hesitation, briefly enjoying the quick spark of manna that came of it] X'rhun Tia, and the pleasure is all mine, Ardbert.
I've so many questions, but before I inquire about this world, might I ask: How did you come to know the Warrior of Light?
Don't apologize, truly. If you know them as I do, you'd understand it's hardly an insult in any form. [He took the offered hand without hesitation, briefly enjoying the quick spark of manna that came of it] X'rhun Tia, and the pleasure is all mine, Ardbert.
I've so many questions, but before I inquire about this world, might I ask: How did you come to know the Warrior of Light?
You'd be surprised at what I'd be willing to believe, Aster. Spare no detail, I would like to hear all of it. [He perked at the mention of new skills, of course.] Have you? Then I must insist, when you have the time to spare of course, upon a demonstration!
[Another world though, that was... Well, unbelievable, really, though as he'd said before, he wouldn't be so quick to brush it aside as such. After all, the existence of other worlds was at this point, a fact to him. They were currently on one themselves, were they not?]
How did you come to find yourself there?
[Another world though, that was... Well, unbelievable, really, though as he'd said before, he wouldn't be so quick to brush it aside as such. After all, the existence of other worlds was at this point, a fact to him. They were currently on one themselves, were they not?]
How did you come to find yourself there?
Do you believe yourself skilled enough for your own tastes? If so, well that's all that matters, food is such a personal thing after all.
[He followed along after her, the scent of street food quickly reaching him. And he looks delighted, pausing every now and again by whatever snack managed to catch his eye. Not buying anything, oh no, only occasionally taking an offered sample.
It was only when she herself paused to point out a sign that he'd actually give it the majority of his attention.]
I can't say that I have... But they look delicious, don't they? Why not have a few? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It could be a new favorite meal.
[He followed along after her, the scent of street food quickly reaching him. And he looks delighted, pausing every now and again by whatever snack managed to catch his eye. Not buying anything, oh no, only occasionally taking an offered sample.
It was only when she herself paused to point out a sign that he'd actually give it the majority of his attention.]
I can't say that I have... But they look delicious, don't they? Why not have a few? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It could be a new favorite meal.
I'm not unaccustomed to balancing acts, when it comes to aether and it's usage. I'm sure you're right: a little practice and patience, and I'll have gotten a handle upon it in no time at all.
[He'd let Emet have his hand back, having been given quite a bit to think over, now.]
'Tis still so strange, to be given this level of advice on aether from a Garlean. You seem to have quite an intimate knowledge in regards to it, I'd near expect you to be a veteran.
[He'd let Emet have his hand back, having been given quite a bit to think over, now.]
'Tis still so strange, to be given this level of advice on aether from a Garlean. You seem to have quite an intimate knowledge in regards to it, I'd near expect you to be a veteran.
It's becoming a bit of a theme, you see...
[ But Ardbert laughs it off easily enough, shaking his hand with a nod. It's usually the easiest way to explain manna as well, so there you have it! ]
The story's a bit of a long one. [ Very long. Very, very long. ] Suffice to say, I'm of a similar trade. Adventuring, I mean. Our paths crossed many years past, and we worked alongside one another most recently.
[ It's a bit more sensical than going on about multiple worlds and shards right off the bath. ]
[ But Ardbert laughs it off easily enough, shaking his hand with a nod. It's usually the easiest way to explain manna as well, so there you have it! ]
The story's a bit of a long one. [ Very long. Very, very long. ] Suffice to say, I'm of a similar trade. Adventuring, I mean. Our paths crossed many years past, and we worked alongside one another most recently.
[ It's a bit more sensical than going on about multiple worlds and shards right off the bath. ]
[She laughs lightly, not offended in the least.]
'Tis no worry. I understand that this place has fetched a fair amount of us from adjacent realities. In my memories, at least, you had a fair amount of trouble teaching her the magic part of the Red Magic Arts. The Melee parts she took to... Well, like a Dragoon to jumping!
[Her ears wiggle slightly with her vast amount of amusement of remembering that particular period of her friend's training.
She's almost done with sorting the coupons, at least! The food and the amenities piles are the largest of them all currently, though the adult entertainment pile is looking suspiciously large, too.]
Oh? Why is that?
'Tis no worry. I understand that this place has fetched a fair amount of us from adjacent realities. In my memories, at least, you had a fair amount of trouble teaching her the magic part of the Red Magic Arts. The Melee parts she took to... Well, like a Dragoon to jumping!
[Her ears wiggle slightly with her vast amount of amusement of remembering that particular period of her friend's training.
She's almost done with sorting the coupons, at least! The food and the amenities piles are the largest of them all currently, though the adult entertainment pile is looking suspiciously large, too.]
Oh? Why is that?
That is kind of you to say.
[ He smiles charmingly. As long as nobody asks when his birthday was, they are golden. ]
A simple ale? I could probably think of a place.
[ Elidibus does not actually drink alcohol much for Reasons, but he can recall a spot near their apartment that had been ... more or less enjoyable. ]
[ He smiles charmingly. As long as nobody asks when his birthday was, they are golden. ]
A simple ale? I could probably think of a place.
[ Elidibus does not actually drink alcohol much for Reasons, but he can recall a spot near their apartment that had been ... more or less enjoyable. ]
I've no doubt. It's far easier than most think.
[ Too bad...the manna was nice while it lasted, he supposes.
At the next statement, though, he sighs and shrugs. He'd said he was an ascian on the network, anyway, it wouldn't be hard to figure out with a little bit of backreading. ]
Oh, I suppose there's no real point to continuing to pretend. I am not, myself, Garlean. [ yeah that's something that just makes sense to say, right? ] You're correct that I've plenty of experience.
[ Too bad...the manna was nice while it lasted, he supposes.
At the next statement, though, he sighs and shrugs. He'd said he was an ascian on the network, anyway, it wouldn't be hard to figure out with a little bit of backreading. ]
Oh, I suppose there's no real point to continuing to pretend. I am not, myself, Garlean. [ yeah that's something that just makes sense to say, right? ] You're correct that I've plenty of experience.
[ She can't help but smile a bit at his reply, at the apology and the way he tries to be reassuring. That's just like him, isn't it? Almost as though to comfort him instead, though, she lifts her hands to gesture in a soothing motion before speaking— ]
You don't need to apologize to me. I'm grateful you wish to know me at all.
[ Her ears flick in a friendly manner, much like how the male miqo'te wiggle their ears, and she smiles. ]
I'm Megumi. Matriarch of the Utakata Tribe— and Warrior of Light. Or Darkness, as certain folks might say...
[ Deceptively enough, she's a Keeper of the Moon, not a Seeker, as her eyes may suggest. She does like pointedly mentioning her position as a Matriarch to reaffirm that, even if she hasn't really been doing much with it ever since starting her journey. ]
You're taking this rather well. Having many know of you... but I suppose it makes you a constant, in some ways, aye?
[ Maybe that's getting a little too philosophical though. She gestures him forward, moving so she can fall into step with him. She's small in height, but she makes up for it in her confidence! ]
You've probably been given aid already, then. Did anyone else from Eorzea arrive with you?
[ Though, she nods her head in the direction of the small vase she's given him. ]
I hope you like the flowers. I've been growing them with some manna I've accumulated here... I thought I'd gift them to new arrivals to make this place feel a little less daunting.
You don't need to apologize to me. I'm grateful you wish to know me at all.
[ Her ears flick in a friendly manner, much like how the male miqo'te wiggle their ears, and she smiles. ]
I'm Megumi. Matriarch of the Utakata Tribe— and Warrior of Light. Or Darkness, as certain folks might say...
[ Deceptively enough, she's a Keeper of the Moon, not a Seeker, as her eyes may suggest. She does like pointedly mentioning her position as a Matriarch to reaffirm that, even if she hasn't really been doing much with it ever since starting her journey. ]
You're taking this rather well. Having many know of you... but I suppose it makes you a constant, in some ways, aye?
[ Maybe that's getting a little too philosophical though. She gestures him forward, moving so she can fall into step with him. She's small in height, but she makes up for it in her confidence! ]
You've probably been given aid already, then. Did anyone else from Eorzea arrive with you?
[ Though, she nods her head in the direction of the small vase she's given him. ]
I hope you like the flowers. I've been growing them with some manna I've accumulated here... I thought I'd gift them to new arrivals to make this place feel a little less daunting.
Then I'd love to see it! One of the first things I like to do upon visiting a new place is to find their taverns and inns. Never was an evening better spent than in the company of others, though I walk in to strangers I strive to leave with new friends.
It is a tradition I should like to continue here as well. [The coupons were being collected again, each assigned to a specific pocket of course]
And I believe I've enough vouchers to start our evening off well. Shall we go, then?
It is a tradition I should like to continue here as well. [The coupons were being collected again, each assigned to a specific pocket of course]
And I believe I've enough vouchers to start our evening off well. Shall we go, then?
So I'm starting to notice. Seems be it's an idea I'd be better served adjusting to sooner, rather than later. [No silly questions for now about how that all worked, or demanding constant proof either. Not when the stories all seemed so consistent. He chuckled though, the image of a dragoon wrapping their head around the act of casting spells a funny one indeed. Oh not that he doubted for a second that any of them could, of course.]
I hope that I was ever patient with her! I like to consider myself a man of great composure, no matter how many times a student might stumble.
[He plucked up a voucher for a free drink, the smile on his face warm, if a little sheepish.]
When I'd left, I had but three students, two who have traveled far from me and one still trying to relearn all she'd lost. And now I feel I've awoken in a new world to a veritable classroom!
Not even to mention those who know me as an old friend now, though their faces and names slip my memory. I've so much catching up to do, and I don't even know when or where I've fallen behind.
I hope that I was ever patient with her! I like to consider myself a man of great composure, no matter how many times a student might stumble.
[He plucked up a voucher for a free drink, the smile on his face warm, if a little sheepish.]
When I'd left, I had but three students, two who have traveled far from me and one still trying to relearn all she'd lost. And now I feel I've awoken in a new world to a veritable classroom!
Not even to mention those who know me as an old friend now, though their faces and names slip my memory. I've so much catching up to do, and I don't even know when or where I've fallen behind.
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