The Ley Walker

[Edgar]

(( The exact text from our RP will be pasted in this topic. ))

The Ley Walker

Athalbaug H. Nobelring

Tumindy looks down at her notebook, then up at the Dwarf at the table. "Mister Nobelring, I presume?" she asks, and snaps her notebook shut.

Athalbaug would look up from his meal, swallowing the trout before dabbing his mouth with a tissue, "Correct." He muttered.

Tumindy sniffs and pushes her glasses higher. "Ah, good. I am Tumindy Baublebolt. You received my letter, correct?" She smiles and covers her face with a hand. "What am I saying? Of course you did! Else you wouldn't be here waiting for me." She looks up. "Ready to begin?"

Athalbaug gave a small smile, setting the tissue down, along with his utensils, "I would be delighted, Miss Baublebolt." He said, slipping from his seat.

Tumindy smiles and nods once. "Good! Now, let's see... where's a good place to begin? Hmm..." She closes her eyes and bows her head in thought, but her eyes had hardly closed that she immediatly opened them and made a grab for Athalbaug. "Here we are!"

Athalbaug would raise a brow as he was grabbed.

Athalbaug gave a look around as the two were deposited in the middle of Darkshire.

[Athalbaug]: -Here-?

Tumindy holds her book to her chest and looks around. "Not exactly! Deadwind is where we're off to. I'm sure you know of the old wizard tower there, yes? The ley lines are quite strong in Deadwind. I figure it'd be far easier for you to get in tune with your first ley line there. Don't you agree?"

Athalbaug gave a small nod, "You're the instructor, Miss Baublebolt. I will follow your instructions to the point." He muttered, waving a hand, "Let us be off, then?"

Tumindy nods and waddles off.

[Tumindy]: So what made you seek out an instructor for Ley walking?

[Athalbaug]: I've been fascinated by the topic. I'm not getting any younger, you see. The corruption from my use of arcane is taking quite the toll. This will stop that.

[Athalbaug]: Yes?

[Tumindy]: Indeed it will! You know, it's a real shame Dalaran doesn't teach Ley walking as part of the standard curriculum. I understand -why-, of course, but still.

[Athalbaug]: My, it'd be quite the topic to grasp. They would have their hands full, indeed.

[Tumindy]: Precisely, but perhaps Dalaran underestimates their students.

[Tumindy]: -You're- obviously not one to be underestimated, are you, mister Nobelring?

[Tumindy]: No no, not many Dwarves in the arcane, are there? No, I don't think so.

Tumindy uses her book to cover her head from the rain.

Athalbaug gave a small smile, waving a hand, "I'm formidable, yes. Though don't go over-estimating me, either, Miss."

Tumindy looks over her shoulder at him and smirks. "So modest. We're nearly there, I think."

[Athalbaug]: Splendid!

[Tumindy]: Ah ha, and here is where we'll be staying for the first part of your training.

[Tumindy]: Now then, drop your things and take off your shoes.

Athalbaug took a look around the camp, giving a small nod as he kicked off his boots. He tossed his pack ontop as he shuffled over.

Tumindy slides off her sandals and sets her notebook next to them before turning to face Athalbaug with a smile.

Tumindy stretches out her toes cheerfully. "Now then, any idea why on Azeroth I just asked you to take off your shoes?"

[Athalbaug]: Well.. I would guess it is to minimize the barrier between myself and the ley lines below.

[Tumindy]: Ha! And you said I shouldn't overestimate you. Hmph! Anyway, yes, that's exactly why.

Athalbaug gave a smile, nodding.

[Tumindy]: Now, you already know all about harnessing the energies from the -Nether-, but our goal is to harness the energies from the -Ley- lines. Easy enough, yes? Wrong! This is why it's not a part of the standard curriculum in Dalaran. Now...

Athalbaug would give a nod while he slipped the gloves from his hands, tossing them to the ground as he listened.

[Tumindy]: Close your eyes and focus all your concentration on your feet. Clear your mind of all things, just as you were told your very first day of arcane training. I want you to try to feel the energies vibrating subtley all around us...

[Tumindy]: This will take some time, it always does, so don't feel discouraged.

Athalbaug rolled his eyes, giving a small smirk before closing them. The Dwarf went about clearing his mind of all thoughts, focusing on his feet. He would stand there for a long while, a frown beginning to form on his smirking face as the time passed.

Tumindy remains perfectly still and silent.

Athalbaug would give a small grunt as he burrowed his toes into the damp earth below himself. After a while, he spoke, "The only thing I feel is the earth below my feet."

Tumindy smiles sweetly at him. "That's fine, that's fine," she says softly. "Keep trying... try to see beyond the mundane of the earth to its true nature..."

Athalbaug furrowed a brow as he let out a slow breath.

Athalbaug would continue to concentrate, his voice coming out in barely a whisper, "What of your background, miss? I'd love to hear of where you studied."

Tumindy puts a finger to her lips. "Shhh... focus your inner eye on nothing but the Ley lines now. Beyond the mundane to the true nature of everything around us."

Athalbaug gave a small sigh, tilting his head towards his feet as he went silent. A long while would pass before the dwarf so much as moved.

Athalbaug fidgeted abruptly, his brow pressing together roughly as he let out a small grunt, "I feel..." He tilted his head to the side, "Something."

Tumindy smiles at him. "Hold onto it," she says softly. "...become familiar with what you feel."

Athalbaug would relax his brow to an extent, his face taking on an emotionless mask as time passed, "It's.. Far more potent." He muttered.

[Tumindy]: Hold onto it for as long as you can, then, when it seems too much, let go...

Athalbaug would remain still for a brief time, before his stiff posture loosened. His eyes slid open slowly. The light from the fire seemed too much for him at first, his eyes watering as they struggled to adjust to the light. His voice came out in a whisper,” I lost it." He said, frowning a bit, "How am I suppose to use something I can barely grasp..?"

[Tumindy]: With practice. Surely you weren't creating portals on the very first day of training in the arcane, so too it is with the Ley.

Tumindy smiles. "I -did- say not to feel discouraged."

Athalbaug gave a small nod, wiping his eyes with an arm.

[Tumindy]: If you need rest, take it. There is no rush. It's quite dangerous to do this when exhausted.

Athalbaug crossed his arms, a shiver creeping over his body. His robes were drenched from the time standing in the rain. The dwarf gave a nod, "Will you be staying here?"

Tumindy nods. "Of course. As will you. Sleeping beside a Ley line also helps, see... while you dream, the powers from the Ley will no doubt penetrate your mind, if you let it. Clear your mind before you go to bed, and you will allow it access."

Athalbaug gave another nod, "Of course, of course." He muttered, "I'll go rest now, then. Perhaps that will help."

Tumindy smiles at him and bows her head. "You did well, mister Nobelring. First day and you've already felt it. Admirable... mhm, admirable."

Athalbaug returned the bow, giving a small frown, "I feel like a child, learning the ropes anew."

[Tumindy]: There is no shame in that at all. We are all students, aren't we? Always learning new things... never quite at the top, are we? No, I don't think so. Anyone who thinks otherwise is either arrogant or simple-minded. I often don't know the difference.

Tumindy smirks.

Athalbaug gave a nod, offering a smile before shuffling towards the tent, "I'll see you when I awaken, miss Baublebolt."

Tumindy bows and takes a seat beside the flames, looking into them idly.

[Edgar]

The Beginning

Athalbaug gave a small yawn, rubbing his eyes with his fists as he slid up into a sitting position.

Tumindy is sitting by the fire staring into the flames, and would be sitting closer if the damn flames would stop burning her from a mile away.

Athalbaug got to his feet, giving a light grunt on his way up. He made his way from the tent, rolling his shoulders a bit.

Tumindy looks over from the flames to Athalbaug and smiles. "How was your sleep?"

"Quite refreshing, thank you."

Athalbaug gave the woman a nod.

Tumindy nods slowly. "Ready for more training?"

"I wouldn't learn by sitting around now, would I?"

Athalbaug gave a small smile.

Tumindy smirks at him and makes to stand. "No, I daresay you wouldn't, but it's amazing how much you'd learn by just -standing- around, hmm?"

Athalbaug returned the smirk, inclining his head, "Quite." He muttered.

"Same as before, then?"

Tumindy nods. "Same as before," she repeats, and motions with her hand to the same spot he stood last time.

Athalbaug shuffled over.

Athalbaug would clasp his hands in front of himself as he closed his eyes, letting out a sigh as he began to concentrate on the ley lines below.

Athalbaug would furrow his brow, his body not moving in the slightest for a short while before he crunched his nose, frowning a bit, "I feel it." He muttered, his body stiff.

Tumindy clasps her hands in front of herself, smiling at Athal, but remaining silent.

Athalbaug un-clasped his hands, letting them hang at his sides as he put on an emotionless mask, holding onto the feeling. For a while, the dwarf would simply stand, reveling in the potent energies he was sensing before he gave a grunt, exhaling.

Athalbaug opened his eyes, this time being able to focus on the woman standing in front of him. He cleared his throat, "I do believe the rest helped."

Tumindy smiles slowly and nods. "Good, good. Let go of these energies, and then grab ahold of them again. Learn to call on these forces more quickly and for longer periods of time. This is no different than your training so many years ago..."

Athalbaug gave a small nod, closing his eyes again. He stood still as he concentrated on the potent magics below for a small while. The man inclined his head a bit towards the woman as he got hold of the sensation again.

Tumindy smiles. "When you are ready, try to let these energies penetrate your very being... Try to guide these forces into you and manifest them into something outside yourself," she says softly.

Athalbaug gave a small, slow nod as he turned himself towards the fire. He maintained his slow and steady breathing as he followed Tumindy's instructions. He inhaled deeply as he brought the magic into himself. The man gave a small shudder, his brow furrowed as he exhaled. The fire would flare up greatly, the blazing flames roaring for a few moments before dieing down.

Athalbaug gave a small cough, his shoulders slumping.

Tumindy holds up her hands. "Don't over exert yourself! Do only what you can handle."

Athalbaug took a few moments to recover before opening his eyes, "Yes, yes.."

"Like with all things, you must start off smaller."

"It's quite difficult to let the power trickle out. I released too quickly."

Athalbaug gave a small nod, "I understand."

Tumindy smiles at him and nods. "Continue when you are ready, and only then."

Athalbaug would return his breathing to normal before closing his eyes, his arms hanging at his sides as he once again concentrated on the ley line below. Athalbaug called the energy up into him, allowing it to remain there for a few moments before he let out a small breath. Along with this breath, he let out a trickle of this magic. A stone would abruptly lift from the ground, rising to Tumindy's eye-level.

Tumindy looks passed the stone to Athal. "Now show me how long you can hold this!" She smiles excitedly, her hands clasped at her chest.

Athalbaug would let the stone hover in the air for a few minutes before he drew his eyebrows together in a frown. The stone wavered a bit, before falling to the earth.

Tumindy claps loudly and lets out a laugh. "Lovely work, dear! Simply -lovely-!" She smiled proudly over at him.

Athalbaug opened his eyes, giving her a small smile, "Why, thank you miss." He muttered as he gazed down to the ground beneath his feet.

"What's next?"

"All you must do now is continue to practice this. See how quickly you can make contact and manifest it into something! There is much more you can do with the Ley than just casting spells, of course, but we'll leave it to practicing this for now."

Athalbaug gave a small nod, closing his eyes again. Soon the same stone would lift itself from the ground, hovering in the air again. Athalbaug gave a small smile, muttering, "I haven't seen what you can do, miss." The stone would waver in the air while he uttered these words, but would soon hover there silently again.

Tumindy watches Athal carefully. "You have, a little. Teleporting you here was through the Ley. It is a skill I will be teaching you, as well. In time. To teleport anywhere in the world at will."

Athalbaug would let the stone fall back down to the earth, cracking his eyes open, "Through the ley lines. You mean we actually traveled -through- them?"

Tumindy nods once. "In time you will be able to send your very body through them at will. They are like magical roads to the advanced Ley walkers."

Athalbaug considered this a moment while he stroked his beard in thought. He would look back to Tumindy, "What else will I be learning?"

"There is also a healing skill you will learn. Not as good as a Light-wielder, but good enough considering magic isn't normally thought of as a -healing- energy."

Athalbaug blinked at this, "Healing? That... Would be quite useful." He exclaimed, his hands clasped in front of him, "How would such a thing work?"

"Essentially, we are able to will a wound to close, and then fuse it shut using abjeration. A field of study you mentioned being on of your fortes, yes?"

Athalbaug gave a nod, "Seems quite the feat." He muttered.

"You won't be able to cure poisons and such, but you'll be able to save lives if used properly."

Athalbaug gave another nod, "So. If I were to draw the energy of the ley lines into myself, I would simply use the new energy to fuel my spells." He said, "That is after I master grasping the magic first."

Tumindy nods. "Exactly. Rather than using the Nether, it is the Ley lines. Little difference except the Ley line's powers aren't as corrupting, or draw the eyes of the Legion."

"And, since there is an abundance of this energy throughout the world, I would be able to fuel my spells for longer periods of time, correct?"

"Oh yes, and you'll find that your spells will do their job far more efficiently because the source is so much closer, mhm."

Athalbaug gave a nod, closing his eyes again, "I'll have to work on my endurance, then." He muttered before tapping into the power of the ley lines beneath him. In a few moment the stone would jerk into the air again.

"Yes, but -do- take care to not over-exert yourself. Dangerous things happen to those who get ahead of themselves!"

Athalbaug would give a small nod, "Oh, I have some experience with those things." He muttered, giving a small smile as he concentrated on keeping the stone afloat.

"As do I... Oh how foolish I was in my youth to try to impress my instructors..."

"Attended the University of Dalaran, did you?"

"Oh yes, and I helped maintain the shield around the city after its destruction. Did you know the shield was powered by Ley lines?"

Athalbaug would make the stone rise skyward as he spoke, the stone shaking a bit as he answered, "I suspected such. You would need far too much energy to do it otherwise."

Tumindy looks up at the stone as she continues. "Oh yes. It was difficult to set up, but once we did it practically took care of itself."

Athalbaug would let out a sharp burst through the trickle of energy he would be using to keep the stone afloat. The stone would shatter abruptly in the air. Athalbaug gave a small frown at the amount of energy lost. He pulled away from the flow of magic.

"Quite the potent energy."

Athalbaug cracked his eyes open.

Tumindy quickly looks away to avoid getting anything into her eyes, but smiles all the same. "If your intention for the energies is offense, I think you're well on your way."

"I'd like to brush up on my offensive magics, yes. I'm quite formidable with the defensive spells already."

"And even -more- formidable they'll be with the Ley, mhm. Nothing ever got passed our defenses in Dalaran once we had those shields up, nope. And it could've lasted indefinitely."

"A good thing the Legion has no Ley Walkers then."

Athalbaug gave a grunt.

Tumindy raises her brows. "No, Fel and arcane don't mix very well. Fel does some right awful things to the body, and any attempt at casting the arcane would surely result in something perverse."

"I realize, yes. A good thing, all the same."

Athalbaug craned his neck skyward, "I suppose I should get some rest." He muttered.

Tumindy smiles sweetly at him. "If you wish, dear. Sleep well, and remember to empty your mind before you fall asleep!"

Athalbaug inclined his head, "Have a good night." He said before shuffling towards the tent.

[Edgar]

Second Day

Tumindy removes her square glasses and wipes them on her robes while smiling over at Athalbaug's blurry form. "Had a good sleep, mister Nobelring?"

"That I did, Miss Baublebolt."

Athalbaug cracked his eyes open.

Tumindy nods once. "And have you eaten, brushed your teeth, and emptied your bowels?"

Athalbaug blinked, "Of course.." He muttered.

Tumindy claps once with a smile. "Splendid! Then you are ready to continue, I think. Mhm."

Athalbaug stood with a small grunt, turning, "Mm. I'm always ready."

"I bet I can prove that statement wrong, mister Nobelring!"

Tumindy grins at him.

"Can you now?"

"Yes. For instance, you would hardly be ready within a split second of you having awoken! Far too drowsy to do much of anything during that minuscule time frame, which proves that you are not -always- ready!"

Tumindy nods.

"Anyway, let's get to it!"

Athalbaug smirked, crossing his arms.

"What do you have in mind?"

"The same as before, I think. I know, I know, boring old stuff, but it's important your body builds up the stamina to maintain the connection to the Ley lines. What good is having this skill if you can do no more than an apprentice mage, hmm?"

Athalbaug gave a small nod, "Of course, of course." He muttered before dropping his arms down to his sides. The dwarf closed his eyes and would go about clearing his mind of all thought. Then, he would focus on the pulsing energy below them. Drawing the energy up into himself, he drew a breath.

Athalbaug would let the breath out slowly as a stone hovered up into the air between the two. He spoke calmly, the stone remaining still, "Been teaching for a while, have you?"

Tumindy grins and reaches into her pocket for a small block of wood, which she sends right at Athalbaug's forehead!

Athalbaug would frown as the block struck him in the forehead. Reaching up to touch the spot with a hand, the stone dropped.

"Ah-ha! And so we are brought to the next level of training. Learning to keep focus while under fire."

Athalbaug furrowed a brow, "You caught me off guard is all." He muttered, "I was expecting a verbal reply." The dwarf said, kicking the block away with a foot.

Tumindy smiles at him and shakes her head, holding out a hand for the block to float into. "Let's see how well you can keep the stone afloat while trying to dodge this block here."

"My, I'm a bit old for dodging projectiles. If you wish, I suppose."

Tumindy holds her palm up, the block floats mere inches from it, and she grins. "Ready when you are, mister Nobelring."

Athalbaug closed his eyes, going about the process of drawing the energy of the ley lines up into himself. The man would crack his eyes open slowly, the stone hovering shakily into the air again.

Tumindy narrows her eyes and sends her palm forward, the block soaring straight at Athal's head but stops mere inches from it. Will he move out of the way expecting it to hit him? Will he lose concentration and let the stone fall?
Let's find out!

Athalbaug would twist neck, leaning to the left out of the block's imaginary path. His face twisted into a grimace as he struggled to hold onto the magic. The stone shook menacingly, dropping a few inches before coming to an abrupt halt.

Tumindy guides the block up and around to fly in a wide circle around Athalbaug. "Stay on your toes, mister Nobelring!"

Athalbaug gave a low grumble, the stone floating higher again.

Tumindy holds her left arm to her right, blocking the lower half of her face, and she narrows her eyes at Athal. The wooden block continues to fly around him, faster and faster with each passing second.

Athalbaug stood still as stone, his gaze never leaving Tumindy's.

Tumindy brings her arm in a horizontal arc to her left. The wooden block, however, remains harmlessly flying around Athal. A bluff, but will he fall for it?

Athalbaug blinked at the movement, but otherwise remained still.

Tumindy brings her right foot forward while thrusting out her right palm, and the block makes a dive-bomb for poor Athal!

Athalbaug would take a few hasty steps back as the block flew down towards him. The stone began to shake furiously again, and dropped an inch or two, but no more. As

Athalbaug recovered, the stone would stop its shaking and soar higher once again.

Tumindy brings her right hand in a small downward arc as the block skids along the stone floor, and it rises upward as her hand does. "Splendid, mister Nobelring!" she exclaims, but with a quick flick of her hand, the block soars to collide with the stone Athal is trying so hard to keep afloat!

Athalbaug would have the stone quickly soar higher, boosting it a few meters or so before redirecting his focus on the block of wood. The wizard sent a rush through the trickle of energy he was wielding, aiming to burst the block into flames. During this attempt, the stone would begin to plummet, being no longer held up by the energy of the ley lines.

Tumindy would watch as the block ignited to ash which floated harmless with the wind back to the ground, but so too did the stone begin to plummet!

Athalbaug would redirect his focus just as quickly to the stone, halting its descent with half an inch to spare. A bead of sweat would roll down Athalbaug's forehead, his face having taken on an emotionless mask.

Tumindy claps once with a smile. "Mister Nobelring, I -do- believe that is the best display I've ever seen from someone so new to the skill!"

Athalbaug inclined his head, "Perhaps your other students forgot an important rule to being a mage. Creativity is just as useful as power."

"True. Admittedly, many of them were far younger and inexperienced outside of theory and supervised practice. You've come a long way in your travels, haven't you?"

Athalbaug gave a nod, a smile breaking the mask of emotionlessness as the stone rise back to eye-level, "I have." He answered.

Tumindy nods once. "And I think it's time you moved on to a heavier object, mhm. Hmm..."

Athalbaug would let the stone fall to the ground as he closed his eyes, focusing on the form of Tumindy. Drawing the energies up into him, he would attempt to lift the woman herself off her feet.

"Not me, silly!"

Athalbaug gave a small frown, cutting the flow of magic, "What do you suggest?"

Tumindy laughs softly and shakes her head. "Try several stones at once. More than one object requires you to split your attention! One heavy object is still just one object, you know."

Athalbaug would go about the process of calling the energies below up into himself again, the stone rising to eye-level again. Controlling his breathing, the wizard would turn his attention to another stone while he let the magic controlling the first stone to trickle out still. A second stone would shake a bit on the ground before rising ever-so-slowly into the air.

"Two? No no, mister Nobelring, that simply won't do. Not after that performance you just gave. Hmm..."

Tumindy tosses a third stone in Athal's direction. "Catch!"

Athalbaug would sweep a hand towards the incoming stone, splitting the basin of energy within himself into three now, the stone being swept from its course to swing around, coming to a halt next to the others. The three shook lightly in the air.

"Hmm..."

Tumindy lobs another in Athal's direction.

Athalbaug turned his lips up into a grimace, splitting the energy again. The fourth stone would abruptly stop, the three others shaking even more now. The first stone would begin to lose altitude. A vein bulged in the dwarf's forehead.

Tumindy smiles, apparently pleased with something, either Athal or herself, and clasps her hands behind her lower back as she watches Athal struggle to keep the four stones afloat.

Athalbaug manages to get the first stone stopped, and began to raise it. The fourth would rise as well, as the second and third shook violently. After a few moments, all four stones would hover at eye-level, shaking all the while.

"Try to make them spin in a large circle, mister Nobelring."

Tumindy grins.

Athalbaug furrowed a brow, his beard slick with sweat. The wizard began to space the stones out evenly from each other. After a few minor corrections, the stones would begin to move slowly, one after the other, around the two. The wizard's lip quivered, but all the while, his breathing would have been controlled.

"See how quickly you can make them go. Stop only when you are unable to continue."

Athalbaug drew his brows together sharply as the four stones began to slowly move faster and faster as the minutes went by. Athalbaug managed to get them up to a jogging pace before his concentration slipped. He unintentionally let out a sharp burst of energy through the stream controlling stone three. The stone would shatter with a loud crack. The remaining three would drop abruptly after. The wizard would be soaked in sweat, his eyes jammed shut.

Tumindy approaches him quickly. "Are you alright, mister Nobelring?" She looks up at him with an expression of deep concern.

Athalbaug would take a while to respond. Cracking his eyes open, he let out a deep breath, retreating from his stiffened state. His gaze focused on the woman in front of him, "Mm. Quite fine." He muttered.

Tumindy narrows her gaze into his eyes and turns her head slightly away, giving him a look that clearly says she doesn't believe a word he's saying.

Athalbaug cleared his throat, blinking slowly before muttering a quick charm. The sweat drained from the fabric of his robes, collecting at his feet. Athalbaug gave his robes a few quick pats before giving a small nod, looking back to Tumindy, "I'm fine." He said.

Tumindy raises her brows slightly and tilts her head back slightly more. "Hmm... if you insist, mister Nobelring." She brings her head down and looks at him over her glasses. "Carry on."

Athalbaug waved a hand, shaking his head in unison, "No, no. Not today. I need some rest. Tomorrow I'll be right as rain."

Tumindy smiles and nods once. "Of course. Off to bed with you, then. I'll be out here if you need anything."

Athalbaug gave a small nod before turning on his heels, headed towards the tent.

[Edgar]

Farewell

Tumindy gave a small smile as Athal awoke, stumbling out of his tent with fists rubbing away at his tired eyes. "I have some news, mister Nobelring." She muttered while turning her attention back into the flames.

Athalbaug peered towards the fire, squinting, "Oh?"

"Quite. It seems there has been an illness in my immediate family; I will be leaving for a short while."

Athalbaug bowed his head, a frown plastered across his wrinkled face, "I see. I'm so sorry."

Tumindy waved a hand, giving a smile. "Nothing to be sorry for, dear. If anyone were to be sorry, it would have to be me. Leaving during training is something I wouldn't do under any other circumstance." She got to her feet slowly, turning her gaze upon the dwarf. "I will be leaving a good friend of mine to take care of your training for now." Tumindy craned her neck skyward, peering at the early morning sun, "Should be here soon."

"Give your loved one the care they deserve, miss Baublebolt."

The dwarf inclined his head, "Hopefully we'll be seeing each other again soon."

Tumindy gave him a warm smile. "It's been a pleasure teaching you, mister Nobelring." She said as the woman walked over to the spot she had put her sandals. She slipped them onto her feet, turning back to Athal, "Yes, hopefully I'll be able to continue your training. For now, however, I best be off."

Athalbaug gave a nod, "Good day, miss Baublebolt."

Tumindy gave the old dwarf one last smile and nod before poofing away with a soft pop.

[Edgar]

Instruction

In a matter of moments, as Athalbaug Nobelring sat himself comfortably down by the fire where his former instructor was just moments before, a small pop was heard. The dwarf rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he looked over his shoulder to gaze upon his new instructor.

The man was tall and slender with a short beard and a neatly trimmed mustache. With his weight being supported by a crooked wooden stave, he too appeared crooked in his posture. His bare feet were layered in mud and made subtle squishing sounds as he made his way forward ever-so-slowly.

Squish-Squish-Squish

"You must be the one taking over for Miss Baublebolt, yes?"

Athalbaug got to his feet and crossed the small distance between them as he extended a hand, "Athalbaug Nob--" He was cut off then by the man.

"Yes, yes. I know who you are. We have much to cover, Nobelring. My name is of no importance. You will refer to me as 'Master'. Understand?"

Blink-Blink

"I-- Of course Master." The old dwarf muttered, bowing his head somewhat.

The old man, who is really named James, gave a small grunt as he pulled a document from the leather sack slung over his shoulder. He muttered to himself incoherently as he went over the papers before finally returning his gaze upon Athalbaug.

"It says here that you have a talent for control, Nobelring. It seems Miss Baublebolt thinks that you're ready to move on to the next phase of your training." James muttered, tucking the documents back into his pack. "We will remain here for the entirety of your training, Nobelring. Miss Baublebolt picked quite the spot and I intend to use it."

"Next phase." Athalbaug repeated, nodding his head a bit.

"Correct. It says that you have shown signs of using the next talent in the past stage of your training in Baublebolt's report. Casting spells with the power of the ley lines instead of the Nether." The man shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he eyed the dwarf up and down. "Says you've made a campfire erupt and shattered a few stones. Quite basic uses of the Ley."

James shifted his weight yet again before giving a nod, "Produce a flame with the Ley, Nobelring. The process shouldn't be new to you. It is simply the change of the product."

Athalbaug gave a small nod, "Very well." He muttered. His body tingled as he drew the power of the ley lines up into himself; in through his feet, flowing up into his core and out into his extremities. Athalbaug let this sensation linger for a moment before lifting a palm out in front of himself. He funneled the energy into his hand and, like with the Arcane, focused on producing flames.

Nothing happened.

A frown grew on the dwarf's face as he closed his eyes and calmed his breathing. Rid your mind of all thoughts. He told himself. His breathing slowed and after a few moments he opened his eyes once more as he let a trickle of the energy out. Sure enough a thin, orange flame sprouted from his palm and wavered in the air.

"Good. Now, create a sphere of that same flame. When you're ready, you will propel that sphere up into the air."

"Right, right."

Athalbaug closed his eyes again, letting more energy seep out of his core and into his palm. When he opened his eyes, the flames were much larger than before. Taking his free hand, he guided the flames into a spherical formation above his palm while he allowed more of the Ley to travel up through his legs to fuel his efforts. When he was satisfied, he wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his free hand before letting out a breath.

The dwarf craned his head skyward and extended his hand straight up. While doing so, he sent a surge of energy from his palm which sent the ball of flames rocketing up into the sky.

"Very good, Nobelring. Very good."

James clapped a hand against his stave a few times as he watched the ball of flame dissipate in the sky above them, "Now, it would be quite awful if a Ley Walker could only use flames to do his bidding. That would make us simply advanced pyromancers, wouldn't it? No, no. This process is the same with all of the spells you know already. There are a few exceptions; a few simple changes in wording and gestures but all-in-all using the Ley to fuel one's spells is quite similar to using the Arcane."

"Quite. The endurance training with Miss Baublebolt has helped a great deal with this, too."

"Why do you think she taught you it first, Nobelring?"

James gave a small snicker, shaking his head before looking back towards the dwarf, "Go through your spell book. Go through every spell. I want you to be able to impress me tomorrow, Nobelring."

With that, the crooked man snapped out of existence.

The whole damn book..?

Athalbaug gave a sigh, turning to head towards the tent where his spell book lay in wait.

[Edgar]

20:53:05 You eye Tumindy up and down.
20:53:15 [Athalbaug]: Miss Baublebolt...?
20:53:59 Tumindy looks over her shoulder, having one slipper already off her right foot and now working on the other. "Ah, mister Nobelring! Been well since I've been away, I hope?"
20:54:44 Athalbaug gave a small nod, shuffling closer to the woman; his steps making squishing sounds as he moved through the soft soil and mud.
20:55:07 [Athalbaug]: Indeed, indeed. How have you been?
20:56:13 Tumindy lets out an exhausted sigh. "Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. But I won't bore you with the details, mister Nobelring. Now..." She adjusts her glasses and flips through her planner. "What was it that my substitute had you do while I was away?"
20:56:59 [Athalbaug]: He had me go through my entire spellbook, making sure I could perform every spell within with the help of the Ley.
20:57:04 Athalbaug gave a small grunt.
20:57:36 Tumindy kepts her head down toward the planner, but her eyes turned upward at him, looking over the rim of her glasses. "And how did that go?"
20:58:34 [Athalbaug]: It was a dreadful time. Took a few weeks, actually. I -have- been able to get to the point where I can use the Ley to fuel my spells just as I did with the Arcane.
20:59:38 [Tumindy]: Have you been able to send your being through the Ley yet?
21:00:23 Athalbaug shook his head a bit, "I haven't tried, to be honest."
21:00:49 Tumindy snaps her planner closed and lies it atop the dresser. "Then this, mister Nobelring, is where we will continue."
21:01:06 Athalbaug inclined his head, "Very well."
21:02:14 Tumindy taps her chin. "But not here," she says as she turns and hugs the planner to her chest. She approaches Athal and holds out her right hand. "I know of an ideal place, in fact."
21:02:49 Athalbaug would give another nod, taking the woman's outstretched hand, "You know best."
21:04:29 Athalbaug took a look around, blinking as he was deposited in Elwynn Forest by Crystal Lake.
21:04:36 Tumindy pushes her glasses higher up the bridge of her nose and turns around, eyes narrowing into the distance. "Ah, good." She nods, then turns back to Athal. "Any idea where we are and why, mister Nobelring?"
21:05:19 [Athalbaug]: Why, this is Elwynn Forest! I'd know it anywhere. Spent a good portion of my time here.
21:05:40 [Athalbaug]: Though, I haven't the faintest clue -why- you chose this locale.
21:06:40 [Tumindy]: Hmm... Well, I suppose it's because of what it is I'm about to teach you. Dreadful things often happen to those who are unprepared, and so Goldshire there will provide us with medical attention should the worst happen.
21:07:18 Athalbaug frowned a bit at that, "The dangers of teaching novices teleportation." He muttered.
21:07:47 [Athalbaug]: I knew a poor individual a while back. Went to school with the fellow. Poor thing ended up in a chair.
21:08:23 [Tumindy]: Precisely, mister Nobelring. Things such as this, or leaving bits and pieces behind, are common fatalities among budding Ley walkers.
21:09:09 Athalbaug inclined his head as he listened.
21:09:58 [Tumindy]: Now then, don't let this news dampen your spirit one bit, mister Nobelring. As arrogant as it may sound, I am proud to say I have not once had a student under my charge suffer from such a thing.
21:10:05 Tumindy nods once, looking rather smug.
21:10:21 [Athalbaug]: Well, that does make me feel a bit better.
21:10:27 [Athalbaug]: I suppose.
21:10:43 Athalbaug gave a small nod; his smile even smaller.
21:11:01 [Tumindy]: Now, I will let you take a moment to aquaint yourself with the Ley, however faint it may be, that can be felt through here.
21:11:37 [Athalbaug]: Not to worry, miss Baublebolt. I didn't limit my studies to our camp alone.
21:12:30 Athalbaug would take in a deep breath, letting it seep out through his nostrils slowly as he gathered the potent energies of the ley up into him.
21:13:49 Tumindy waves an arm slowly in the air in front of herself. "That's it, mister Nobelring. Now, while you're doing that, and since I already know what skill you have in doing this -and- carrying a decent conversation at once, what we will be doing is sending our -
21:14:04 Tumindy || - conscious minds through the Ley, essentially."
21:15:14 Athalbaug gave a small nod, "Simply our minds." He repeated.
21:16:23 [Tumindy]: And for this, it may be best to sit or lie down. Very often my students will let their minds wander down the ley and find themselves facedown in the dirt when they come to.
21:17:10 Athalbaug gave a smile at the image, nodding shortly after. The old dwarf would set himself down into a sitting position before lowering himself slowly onto his back.
21:17:17 You lie down.
21:18:01 [Tumindy]: Now then, just let your mind wander down the Ley, like tunnels they are to the Ley walker. This is what lets us teleport nearly anywhere in the world at will.
21:18:18 [Tumindy]: And this is, of course, regardless of whether or not we've been there before.
21:18:52 [Athalbaug]: What would you like me to accomplish, however? Simply make contact with the line with my conscious mind or try to teleport?
21:19:34 [Tumindy]: No teleporting! No, not yet! Just try to... travel through it for now. We will materialize in a little bit.
21:20:30 Athalbaug gave a nod, "Where would you like me to travel? With my mind, that is."
21:24:09 [Tumindy]: Aaanywhere you would like to go, mister Nobelring. I simply want you to get a feel for doing this as it is vital to traversing the Ley physically. The faster you can do this, the faster you can teleport.
21:31:41 Athalbaug would give a nod, closing his eyes. The old man would go about the process of clearing his mind of all thoughts before working on the task at hand. He began to wiggle his mind away from his body, following the energy being given off by these potent energ-
21:31:47 Athalbaug --ies below.
21:33:06 Athalbaug 's conscious mind would sink deeper and deeper, following the energy like a hound following a scent. Before long, he managed to slip through the membrane of the line, completely immersing himself in the awesome energy.
21:34:17 Tumindy just waits patiently, her eyes going to Athal from her planner every so often to make sure he is, in fact, still there. She flips through it, licking the tip of her index finger every few pages.
21:34:26 Athalbaug 's body would go rigid, his jaw slack as his mind went into brief shock. It took a few moments for him to recover, before he began moving through the lines at a moderate pace. The power was incredible.
21:36:00 Tumindy looks to Athal and smirks at the telltale signs of Mind-Going-Through-The-Ley-Now-ness.
21:36:48 Athalbaug || Before long, he found himself beneath Sentinel Hill in Westfall. Somehow he -knew- where he was, which puzzled him for a time. After exploring through the lines for a time, he began moving back towards his body. Soon enough, he was "climbing" back--
21:37:03 Athalbaug || up into his body, and with a jolt came awake.
21:37:41 Tumindy looks down to her planner, her glasses nearly to the very end of her nose. "How was that, mister Nobelring?"
21:37:43 Athalbaug would let out a deep breath, blinking up towards the sun as he lay there.
21:37:52 [Athalbaug]: It was...
21:38:14 Athalbaug swallowed, licking his dry lips before continuing, "Incredible. Unimaginable!"
21:38:59 Tumindy nods once, grinning. "Good." She pockets her planner. "Now do it again, only faster."
21:40:27 Athalbaug would close his eyes immediately, the idea too good to pass up. Before long, he was worming his way into the lines again, this time a bit faster. As he went on his trip, he did a quick loop around Westfall and went down into Duskwood before slipping back-
21:40:52 Athalbaug || up into the lines headed toward Elwynn. He jolted awake again.
21:42:02 Tumindy chuckles softly. "Are you exhausted yet?"
21:43:13 Athalbaug gave a grin, shaking his head a bit before closing his eyes yet again. This time he penetrated the membrane of the Ley line faster than ever, doing another trip before returning. Before long, his face was beaded with sweat and his lips dry.
21:44:17 Athalbaug licked his lips, giving a dry cough as he slowly sat up.
21:45:07 Tumindy smirks and starts to walk a distance away from him. "And now, mister Nobelring, to have your physical form join your mind, hmm? We'll begin with a short distance, say... here."
21:45:55 Athalbaug gave his lips another quick lick before nodding, "The same as before, but simply bringing my physical being with me?"
21:47:00 [Tumindy]: Correct! But to do so you must ensure you have the strong -desire- to stand before me. This is no different than teleporting through runes, only now we will use the Ley instead of a rune.
21:48:23 [Tumindy]: If there is even a shred of your will not completely devoted to this... well... that's why I chose Elwynn.
21:48:56 Athalbaug would give a nod, closing his eyes as he concentrated. He combined two of his learned methods into one; the willing to be somewhere with the help of a rune, and the probing of the ley lines for the energy. He sat there silent for a minute or so before --
21:49:37 Athalbaug || disappearing silently. In seconds he appeared in front of Tumindy exactly as he was before... Minus a staff.
21:50:28 Tumindy takes a step back as if expecting Athal to crash into her, but regains herself and eyes him over quickly. "Let's see if you left any bits behind..."
21:51:02 Athalbaug cracked his eyes open, "Well...?"
21:51:36 [Tumindy]: In an effort to remain professional, mister Nobelring, there are certain areas of you I simply refuse to check. Feel free to do so yourself.
21:51:40 Tumindy turns her back on him.
21:52:43 Athalbaug furrowed a brow, his skin going pale at the very thought. He lifted his robes and peered down his trousers hastily, letting out a deep sigh, "They-- I'm fine."
21:53:41 Tumindy turns back around. "Good! Then it appears you succeeded in an admirably short number of attempts, mister Nobelring!"
21:54:17 [Tumindy]: Ah... except for your staff it seems.
21:54:34 Tumindy looks over Athal's shoulder and just now notices the wooden staff in the distance.
21:54:46 Athalbaug gave a small smile, "This is my fa--" He frowned, reaching behind his head to pat where his staff should have been.
21:54:52 [Athalbaug]: Bah...
21:55:06 Athalbaug stood, dusting himself off as he turned towards his staff.
21:55:36 Athalbaug would draw the Ley up into himself as he summoned his staff into his hands.
21:55:55 [Tumindy]: Now to worry, mister Nobelring. It is difficult enough trying to teleport yourself without having to take along every single object you hold.
21:56:50 Athalbaug gave a nod, "I'll keep practicing, miss Baulbebolt."
21:57:24 [Tumindy]: I will admit that part of me expected perfection on the first attempt. It appears you've spoiled me.
21:57:42 Athalbaug frowned a bit.
21:58:28 [Tumindy]: But again, not to worry, dear. Ninety-nine percent of you made it!
21:58:49 [Athalbaug]: Mm. Hopefully next time it isn't something more important.
21:59:43 [Tumindy]: And I would suggest mastering this. Part of your final exam will be to teleport not only yourself, but with me tagging along. Let's not end this strictly professional relationship of ours with a fatality.
22:00:05 Athalbaug would wander off to his previous spot, "I'll spend the night practicing, miss Baublebolt. Don't fret."
22:00:21 [Athalbaug]: I intend mastering all of it.
22:00:35 Tumindy smirks at him. "I know."
22:01:40 [Athalbaug]: I'll be out here all night. Be sure to check up on me a few times, hm?
22:02:20 [Tumindy]: Yes, of course. I'll be staying at the inn here. Haven't been in Goldshire in ages... Could use the relaxing atmosphere.
22:02:47 Athalbaug gave a smile, "Have Farley put your accomodations on my tab."
22:03:23 Athalbaug would sit down, closing his eyes.
22:03:31 [Tumindy]: My pay is already considerable. It is I who should be paying for -your- lodgings, but somehow I doubt, with that offer you just made, that you'd accept, and so I will bid you good day until the morning.
22:03:58 Athalbaug gave a smirk, "Good day, miss Baublebolt."

[Edgar]

22:24:55 [Athalbaug]: Miss Baublebolt.
22:26:29 Tumindy is washing her feet off in the lake, all sorts of dirt and stickiness clinging to her skin and between her toes, and she mumbles something about leaving Deadwind too hastily when Athalbaug speaks. "Hmm?" she turns, and offers him a smile.
22:27:02 [Athalbaug]: Had a good night, I hope?
22:29:19 [Tumindy]: Quite. Although I should -really- look into purchasing new sandals. The amount of ale and dirt I accumulated on the bottoms of my feet is an amount I haven't had since my youth while playing in the mud.
22:29:28 [Tumindy]: And yes, there was beer in our mud.
22:30:14 Athalbaug gave a smirk, "There should be a tailor in the city who could part with a pair."
22:31:43 Tumindy steps out of the lake and gives each foot a good shake in turn, spraying droplets of water this way and that. "Right then," she claps her hands together, "Ready to continue, mister Nobelring?"
22:31:55 [Athalbaug]: Of course!
22:33:53 Tumindy picks up her planner and flips through it quickly. "Ah, we left off at materializing our physical forms at the same point our minds are located. Or blinking. Now, then..."
22:35:05 [Tumindy]: Let's have you do it with slightly greater haste, mhm.
22:36:31 [Athalbaug]: My, my. I've been practicing all night on my haste. Shouldn't be too hard, miss.
22:36:44 [Tumindy]: Ah, but have you done it while standing?
22:37:13 Athalbaug frowned a bit, "That I haven't, no."
22:37:38 Tumindy walks to a spot in the distance. "Let's try it standing, then!"
22:39:23 Athalbaug would give a small nod as he closed his eyes and let his mind wander. In moments he slipped through the membrane of the ley lines below with his conscious mind and was headed towards the spot in front of Tumindy. Stopping where he sensed this spot was--
22:39:49 Athalbaug || he willed himself to appear there. With a small pop, he was there!
22:40:40 Tumindy lets out a loud cheer, jumping a little into the air and clapping. "Well done, mister Nobelring!" A wide grin on her face as she laughs in excitement.
22:41:22 Athalbaug cracked one eye open as he looked about. The old dwarf smiled himself, cracking the other eye open, "Why, thank you."
22:41:47 [Tumindy]: Now check to make sure it's all there.
22:43:01 Athalbaug would go about patting himself over, checking in every nook and cranny of his wrinkled body.
22:44:03 [Athalbaug]: I'm all here.
22:45:20 Tumindy taps her chin, smirking deviously as she thinks of some new little test. "Let's see..." She motions with her hand back to where Athal once stood. "Let's try a greater distance."
22:45:44 Athalbaug would turn on his heel, heading back.
22:49:38 Athalbaug would do the same as before; sending his mind into the lines as he sped towards Tumindy's location. Hovering under the woman, the dwarf willed himself to appear there. This took longer than usual, but he eventually popped into existance in front of the --
22:49:43 Athalbaug || woman.
22:50:59 Tumindy twitches as Athal appears before her as if fearing he would collide into her, but crosses her arms with a smirk. "Hmm... this is far too easy for you, mister Noblering."
22:51:41 [Athalbaug]: I spent fourteen hours working on it, miss Baublebolt. I would -hope- it would be easy.
22:53:30 Tumindy taps her cheek with her fingertip, a brow quirked. "Is that so, mister Nobelring? Hmm..." She looks over her shoulder for a moment, then back to him. "Let us try, then, from here to the Abby. I will be waiting at the gate of the abby itself for you."
22:53:55 Athalbaug gave a small nod, "Very well."
22:54:15 Tumindy takes a slow, deep breath, eyes closing slowly, and fades out of existance.
22:56:48 Athalbaug would close his own eyes, letting his mind wander down into the lines below. The old dwarf's consciousness sped from one line to the next through the potent energies of the Ley until he found where the woman had placed herself. The dwarf began the --
22:58:14 Athalbaug || process of willing his physical form to appear to this locale, but he failed again and again. After a few minutes, straining his mental capacity, he finally ended up in front of Tumindy. His beard was sleek with sweat.
22:59:53 Athalbaug wiped his brow with the back of his hand as he panted, "My, my. Quite the journey, hm?" He muttered.
23:00:26 Tumindy walks over to Athal, grinning. "Is it all in order, mister Nobelring?"
23:00:56 Athalbaug gave a small nod, "I believe so, miss Baublebolt."
23:02:11 Tumindy slides on her glasses and narrows her eyes at the miniscule text in her planner. "We are nearing the end of your training, mister Nobelring. Only a few more techniques to teach you, basic but vital, and whatever else you learn through the Ley will stem -
23:02:16 Tumindy || - from these.
23:02:50 Athalbaug smiled at that, inclining his head, "What's next, miss?"
23:06:03 Tumindy snaps her planner shut. "Mister Noblering, did you not tell me your forte was shielding on the first day we met?"
23:06:44 [Athalbaug]: Quite right, miss Baublebolt. Defensive magics and enchanting, mostly.
23:07:11 Tumindy nods once. "Then this next technique is one I'm sure you will appreciate."
23:07:23 Athalbaug followed after the woman.
23:09:31 Tumindy rubs her hands together. "Right then, this next technique calls for you to channel the power of the Ley into a shield around yourself. As you said yourself, the Ley is far more potent than the magic most mages use, and so it will follow that any shield -
23:09:47 Tumindy || - created with Ley energies is also far more powerful."
23:11:21 Athalbaug crossed his arms, "So, I will create a shield like I would with the Arcane, but with the Ley instead."
23:11:54 [Tumindy]: Precisely. And I will test it's strength, and how well you can hold it up against my assaults.
23:14:48 Athalbaug gave a small nod as he stretched his arms while he drew the power of the Ley up into himself. Instead of sending all of this obtained energy to his fingertips, the dwarf transferred the energy to the surface of his body. With a deep breath, Athalbaug --
23:15:42 Athalbaug || would begin to glow a faint purple color. As the power of the Ley began to surface more and more, you would be able to see a thin, glass-like surface sprout outwards from his body like a dome.
23:16:36 Athalbaug would take his time with the procedure, correcting any weak spots he sensed on the surface of his shield before looking to Tumindy.
23:16:47 [Athalbaug]: I believe I'm ready.
23:17:39 Tumindy waves a lazy hand outward in an arc and bring it around so that her palm was facing upward, and a large violet orb of arcane would appear there. She smirks at him and brings her right leg forward, simulateously thrusting her right arm toward Athal and -
23:17:51 Tumindy || - sending the orb of arcane smashing into his shield.
23:19:08 Athalbaug would brace himself and his shield for the impact, weaving lines of Ley from his fingertips into the shield to reinforce it. The impact from the blast would be deflected from the shield; the orb breaking into a dozen pieces.
23:20:56 Tumindy narrows her eyes. "Hmm..." She does the same with her left hand and thrusts the orb of arcane into Athal's shield again.
23:22:32 Athalbaug would continue his weaving, the ribbons of energy flying from his fingertips to sink into weak spots in his shield. As he was repairing his shield from the last attack, the next came. The shield was rocked by the attack and forced Athalbaug back a step--
23:22:38 Athalbaug || but held strong.
23:25:01 Tumindy chuckles darkly, smirking at Athal. "My, my..." She arcs both hands outward and brings them around, both holding an orb of arcane, and thrusts the pair of them into Athal's shield.
23:27:56 Athalbaug would give a small grunt as one of the orbs hit a weak point on the surface of his shield that hadn't been fixed in time. A loud crack was heard as the orb struck; the other simply bouncing off a protected portion. With a grunt, Athalbaug would split --
23:28:50 Athalbaug || his dome in two halves. The back half would float up and around to sink into the first half in front of the dwarf. The two halves fused together, making a thicker, curved wall in between the two mages.
23:30:31 Tumindy stands up straight. "Clever, mister Noblering. Hmm..."
23:31:58 Tumindy brings both of her arms back and then forward hard, a beam of arcane energies pushing into the shield wall between herself and Athal.
23:34:14 Athalbaug would grimace, placing both palms on the shield in front of him as the beam came. Creating a flow of energies between the Ley lines below, himself, and the shield-wall, Athal was pushed back a few paces by the force of the attack. His shield held strong--
23:34:30 Athalbaug || making corrections as the energy slipped into it from Athal's palms.
23:36:55 Tumindy relaxed, stopping the beam, and let out a sigh of relief. "Oh... mister Nobelring, very well done, I must say." She wipes her brow despite there not being a single bead of sweat there, and offers Athal a smile.
23:37:39 Athalbaug gave a small smile, "Years of Abjuration training pays off." He muttered.
23:41:35 Tumindy picks her book up off of the ground and adjusts her glasses, which had been made slightly crooked during the test. "Hmm... I suppose that will conclude for today, mister Nobelring." She snaps it shut and holds it under her arm.
23:41:57 Athalbaug gave a nod, "As you wish, miss Baublebolt."