[For Steerpike] "The earth, the air, the fire, the water, return return return return..."

[silvereyedphage]

It's time the youngster learned to shield his mind properly: it's been a few years since they began and the young man has a firm grasp on the theory. Now it's time he put it into practice

Comments

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike will come, on time as he always is, in his most dour attire.

"Master," he says, "I see you have called me once more."

He is pleased to resume training. It helps him re-focus - he's been... distracted... of late.

Not that he's complaining.

[not_snake_bite]

This time the orb is halted. For a time, it hovers, as if hesitating.

If Muraki pushes, it will go through - Steerpike is trying not to be distracted, but it's hard. Very hard.

[silvereyedphage]

He'll give the orb another steady push, guiding it with his will, using the flat of his lifted hand as a focus, his pale face calm, eyes narrowed in concentration...

[not_snake_bite]

For a time the orb is stalled. It seems to push through at a creeping pace, and then.... it boomerangs back, straight through, and hits Steerpike.

"Blasting stones!" He curses. "The pest with this exercise!"

[silvereyedphage]

"You're actually doing very well," Muraki replies, with a bit of an approving smile. "Most people aren't able to raise that level of resistance on the second try."

[not_snake_bite]

It's not enough for Steerpike, who frowns.

"Again."

Ruthlessly, he pushes away thoughts of Morgana's thighs, Morgana's mouth, Morgana's...

[silvereyedphage]

"I was going to suggest that we pause for a moment, while you recollect yourself, but you prefer to continue, we shall," he says, then proceeds to gather another orb of energy and pushing toward his student...

[not_snake_bite]

It's ruthless, ruthless, ruthless.

He focuses on nothing but the energy his mentor is throwing at him.

Breathes out.

It almost works, and then, again, the smell of her skin in his nostrils.

[silvereyedphage]

"Hmmm," Muraki notes, astutely. "You've almost got it, but there seems to be one little thing that's diverting you. Something personal, which you needn't elaborate on?"

[not_snake_bite]

"I shan't discuss it," Steerpike replies tersely. "It will only make it worse."

[silvereyedphage]

"Wise decision, though I was hardly going to ask," he says. "Shall we try one more time?"

[not_snake_bite]

"Yes."

His jaw is clenched, he's starting to get angry.

[silvereyedphage]

"Very well: use that anger, it's an energy that can clear your mind, if it's focused properly," he says, gathering another energy ball and preparing to push it toward his student.

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike is going to focus it, fists and jaw clenched.

This time, he may yet succeed.

[silvereyedphage]

He'll push the energy sphere toward the shield, a bit harder and putting more force into it. Typist willing, the shield repels it this time...