Patricia
**Much like a novice would listen to their master, Mercy did the same as Almann listed off the various schools of magic and the different meanings. For most of his lecture she didn't quite follow along well, it's only when he made an example out of the branch when she partially grasped conflagration. She had** ***A lot*** **To learn.**

**When it was her turn to speak, she took her time and contemplated what else she wanted to know.** "*My* Experience?" **She glanced down at her rapier, then back to Almann.**

"My Uncle would spend hours a day trying to perfect my skills with the rapier, and a broadsword. I never got the hang of it." **She sighed, disappointed in herself.** "I know I'm a mediocre person, all around. It took me an hour to light the fire with my flint. You could have did it by snapping your fingers. Having magic on your side must empower you right? Can I have some too?"
Steven
_Almann scratches his chin with his right hand._

"Yes it has it's advantages, but it requires time and practice to get good at. My spells aren't always useful, and when I forced into situations where I have to use other means than my magic I often give poor results. I can't give you magic, but I tell you how to learn spells. Moreover, you should be focused on your martial ability as well, to make up for what magic doesn't cover. Like I said, many mages often become useless shortly after they run out of mana. The best of best are both proficient in magic and physical ability."

_Almann decides to stand up and unsheathes his sword._

"The best warriors practice every day, the same strikes a thousand times so that their next strike eventually become 1000 times better than what it was when they started off. They also take care of their weapons. You may be mediocre now, but time and dedication, which you inevitable put forth, will make your stronger. I say inevitably because this world is too harsh to let anyone mediocre live for long."

_He runs his hand along the back of khopesh blade, buffing out some of the scuff marks made by the tree with his fingers._

"How often to do practice with the rapier? How often to you slash or stab with it? Once a day? One hundred times a day? 1000 times a day? Do you keep it sharpened and polished? What or who have you killed with it? How is your stance? All these things turn a mediocre warrior into a reliable warrior. Just doing the basics keep you safe and sound. Magic wont solve your problems, it only enhances your ability to do the tasks you are already good at. If you are good at nothing why bother with magic?"

_He sighs_

"You do not need to be a master of everything to be a master at something. Mastering what you already know makes you stronger than you were before."
Patricia
**Mercy met his wisdom with a little coy scoff, and she shook her head. He was beginning to sound more and more like her Uncle back then, when he Implored her to practice and attune herself. She'd heard it all before.**

"I see. What you're saying is that magic is actually useless in the long run. Got it. I think I just changed my mind about wanting some..." **Mercy sighed, again doubtful about herself.**

"If being proficient in martial arts *And* Magical... Hoohaa is what it takes to be a great mage, then I'm not it." **She rolled her eyes.** "Because I don't practice with my rapier, I just try to remember what I learned already. I'm bad... I know I'm bad, but I'm not horrible, I've defended myself before. I've not killed yet, but when I do I won't be bothered. I know it."

**She raised her arms and crossed them over her chest, squinting at Almann now, for answers.** "Are you really who you say you are?" (
Steven
_That wasn't what he meant, but she got the memo. Magic wasn't the end all be all to combat and improving oneself._

"You should still learn some, it might come in handy. As for defending yourself and killing, you wont be ready for it if you've never killed someone before. Trust me."

_Almann sighs. Even when he is honest people still don't seem to believe him. This is why he just lies, its far more convenient._

"Am I who I say I am? I dunno, who do you think I am based on what I've told you so far?"
Patricia
"I *Will* Be ready. If you ever witness me take a life, you'll see. I've seen it done before, my Uncle tried to make me kill another local from Vuni, and when I refused he was killed anyway, I just... Watched." **Mercy seemed to lose her eyes in the crackling fire as she retold her story, this one was more grim than her others.**

"When I refused to do it, he grabbed the boy by his hair and cut his throat, he made me watch them die and he told me that either way, I would kill him. I'm being honest when I say I barely felt anything. I was shocked, but it lasted only a few seconds and then I realized there was no going back." (