Theory: the best cure for worry.

[pillarofruin]

I spent some time today reading over some texts that I haven't looked at in a while. Sometimes when I'm feeling unsettled, the best cure is to read some theory... Alchemy has a way of comforting one's fears. It feels like no matter what problems arise, someone has always said something on the topic that makes me feel better

Comments

[thewishfire]

Sensei, I'm sorry you're troubled.... You always seem to be so, lately. I guess it must be hard for you at the end of the year, when you have so much to do and so many students complaining. Please be better soon.

Alchemy always seems to make me feel better, too. I didn't notice it as much before, but... even if I'm just re-reading notes or something, getting into the mindset really... it's like everything just flows more easily, feels more natural. No matter what the circumstance is, it just seems like the right thing to do.

What you've said... it's really comforting to me, too. If you don't mind, and it's not too much trouble for you, I might like to get some of those book recommendations as well. I do feel fine, but... just to be sure.

[pillarofruin]

I'm unsurprised that you're having a stronger response to alchemy lately. I'm not sure if the particular books I'm thinking of will help so much in your case; I would probably recommend something a little different. I'll stop by your workshop and leave something for you to read.

[thewishfire]

Thank you, sensei!

And, my case? Do you think there's something different about what's happening to me? It's not Sulpher, is it?

[pillarofruin]

I don't think Sulpher is going to die, no. I'm sorry I wasn't more helpful during his illness, but I think he is healthy now.

[exceedinglife]

You know, I didn't even realise that was common until Vayne started talking about it. I thought it was only me, because of what's happening to me.... How fascinating!

I wonder, in my case, do you think there's anything I should do? Any way I should try to prepare? Not that I know it'll be soon, or anything, and not that I think I need to be prepared as such, but... how does the school handle these things? I guess I'd like to be sure that if anyone finds a dead student, it isn't too shocking for them. And they don't think I was murdered or anything.

[pillarofruin]

I assume you mean how to prepare for the practicalities of the matter, since you can't expect me to review three years of coursework in a journal comment...

The faculty is generally aware of your case; if the unexpected (or, I suppose in your case, the expected) were to happen, we would send anything left behind of yours to your parents, who I suppose are aware, if not necessarily prepared, for the possibility. I can't speak for what would happen if students or staff found you, though we generally offer counselling for anyone who needs it after such events.

[exceedinglife]

Mm, yes, the practicalities were just what I meant.

It's good to know everything's in order. Thanks for the reassurance... I guess I just don't want to traumatise anyone, you know? Even if I'm fine with it, I guess some people still really aren't....

[kowai_yo_ne]

It's been so long, I almost wish I knew what that was like....

[pillarofruin]

Oh, Pamela. Perhaps you would feel better if you returned to the freshman textbooks as a refresher course, because it has been so long for you? It can't hurt to begin from basics and work your way back into it.

[kowai_yo_ne]

But in my case, is that really possible... things are different for me, because I'm not alive any more....

[pillarofruin]

If you're still capable of doing syntheses and you put your heart and mind into it, you can probably still achieve something... It can't hurt to try, can it?