Himmel at the watering hole

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel walks into the inn in Holdfast after returning from a long journey to applevale
he lays his newly bought sword on the bench and goes over to pour a drink then returns to his spot to nurse his drink

[Zar/Herr]

Herr, after hiding his new super weapon and reading his brothers post outside, walks directly to Himmel and sits by him.
“You know, these oddballs like to teach people to become aware by smacking them with mana. Like, they literally get in a circle and just wack you until you’re “aware” of the situation... it’s pretty funny”
Herr smiles a bit
“But fuck that, if you want, i can teach you; Grandma was a surprisingly good example of someone who was highly aware..”

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel looks at his brother
"You know, I think i'd prefer if you taught me anyway. Since you know, you spent so much time with grandmother and you were always her favourite anyway"

[Zar/Herr]

Herr laughs.
“At least i was someone’s favourite back then.”
He shakes his head.
“Do you want to learn now? In here? In the woods?”
He asks.

[Himmel Finsternis]

"Where ever is most convenient for you. I have no clue where to start since I've never even seen a mana before. are they small enough to fit in the inn? we wont destroy anything in here will we?"

[Zar/Herr]

Herr smiles and laughs again. “You remind me of Torvallis!”
Looking around the Inn, he says
“Let’s go to...that rock i like, in the woods. The one Asher and her brother decided to label as theirs.” He rolls his eyes

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel looks around as well. not seeing anyone else in the inn
"Can't it be done here? I still have my drink" he says

[Zar/Herr]

Herr looks blankly
“Ok. Get on your knees.”

[Himmel Finsternis]

"uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" he looks at his brother to be sure hes serious

[Zar/Herr]

“To meditate, you weazel corpse.”
He says, sneering.

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel looks relieved
He obeys his brother and sits on the floor
"ok so now what?" he asks

[Zar/Herr]

“Relax, sit in that position if you must. Concentrate on your breathing, keep it steady and slow. Close your eyes.”
Herr walks a slight distance behind Himmel and stands at ease.
“Let your mind flow”

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel once again obeys Herr
closing his eyes he lets his breathing steady and clears his mind

[Zar/Herr]

“Think about home; not it’s destruction, leave that alone. Think farther back, think to when we were safe... that feeling of safety, warmth and familiarity.. happiness... there’s an energy about it, isn’t there? Focus on that.” He gives Himmel some time.
“Can you relate that feeling to anything else?” He asks.

[Himmel Finsternis]

"Yeah. Home. It feels comfortable and inviting. I haven't felt anything like it since you and our grandmother left for the library all those years ago. I haven't thought about that feeling in a long time either."
Himmel focuses on that feeling for a few minutes

[Zar/Herr]

“Yes. Home... grandma... the dark...” that comfort has a place in all elements of magic... “
his voice softens.
“Try to feel the safety of the solid earth beneath you; holding you up no matter how often you fall down...
The refreshing feeling of a deep breath of air that keeps you alive...
The soft sounds of water trickling down a nearby stream as you rest, gently...
The warmth of a fire on a cold night, keeping you safe and able to see...
The silence of the impenetrable dark, calming and hiding you from danger...
The foresight of the light, proudly displaying the world before you...“
He pauses.
“These things are connected. Can you feel that?” He asks.

[Himmel Finsternis]

After careful concentration
"Yes i feel it all. the earth, the air, water, fire they all feel close to me" he says
then focusing hard again "wait what is that darkness?" he asks

[Zar/Herr]

Herr is caught off guard by the question. He takes a moment to collect himself before replying calmly. He steps closer to Himmel and crouches next to him.
“That’s our grandmother... don’t fear the dark. Don’t embrace it yet either; Just know it’s there.”
Herr places a hand on Himmel’s shoulder.
“Look, can you see this?” Herr holds a water mana.

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel lets the darkness go and opens his eyes
He opens them wide as he looks at the green coloured mana
He takes it from Herr and holds it preciously in his hand
"Wow I never thought it would look like this"

[Zar/Herr]

Herr’s voice returns to normal.
“And i could never have explained it to you.”
He stands.
“That’s the basics of awareness. Although i’m not capable of expanding your awareness, i’d be thrilled to teach you the basics of fire, air, and earth. I have mastery over water and when the time comes, should you choose..”
His voice deepens slightly as he whispers.
“i can teach you more about what our grandmother knew.”
Herr smiles, pleased with both himself and Himmel.

[Himmel Finsternis]

Himmel looks at his brother and smiles back
"That would be great! Maybe I can become a water mage and be able to heal myself from poison like I had last month when I was up in the forest with Nico. Or I could become a powerful fire mage that burns walking corpses back to the ground."
Himmel glances again back at Herr "w-what grandmother knew? You spent years at the library with her wasn't it? Of course I'd love to hear about your studies with her and learn more about her. Maybe before the winter hits we can go back and visit the library and see how she's doing?"

[Zar/Herr]

Still smiling Herr says “you should ask the mages about those basic elements; really make an informed decision. Grandma didn’t teach me a great deal; she was mostly a guide. But i’d be happy to show you some of what i know in time. Now, i must find Jaya, i have important business to attend to. Is there anything else?”

[Sponsored content]