'That's it, Nimira, that is what I meant. Well done. That's what I'm talking about. The gathering and extension of magic is different for everyone. The process is the same, of course, but the mental imagining, and physical execution will be different for everyone. Once you are used to it, you will start using your magic at will. As I said, this is the key to becoming a magician. What I am going to do now is dismiss you for today, but before we meet again tomorrow, I want you to think about what we've been through and learnt today. You have my permission to practive creating globe lights. Nothing more, do you all understand? Globe lights only. You are dismissed.'

Nim sighed in relief. It was over. Running to her seat she gathered her things and walked out of the classroom, bowing to Akala.

Revan bowed, and followed Nim out of the classroom.

Shadow stood up and grabbed her books, but waited until the others had left. Walking up to Akala, she scratched the back of her neck and looked around. She seemed to be fidgetting, hesitating whether or not she should voice her worries. Finally, she shrugged inwardly and decided to just go for it. After all, if not she would keep wondering and doubting, making her nerves all the worse. "Scuse me, Lord Akala, I was wondering if I could ask you something. I wanted to know if novices are expected to know and be able to do all kinds of magic. I mean... well for example what if a novice can make good globe lights, but is terrible at shields?"

'Shadow, I am glad you stayed behind. I wanted to talk to you, an d I get the sense that you'd prefer it if it were in private. You seem worried, don't be. Just relax. I am here to help. Here, please, sit down.' Akala pointed to a chair next to his desk. 'How can I help you?'

Akala smiled. 'I will let you in on a little secret. No matter what some of the other novices, even the other magicians might say, you're not *supposed* to be good at anything. If you can pick up on something quickly, all the better. But all skills come with time, practice, and dedication. If you are at all worried about your sheilds, you can talk to Lorlyn, SE, or myself about it. But the one thing you mustn't do, is worry. As I said, all things come with time, and we are all learning all the time. We all have specialities, but you will need to learn shielding, in order to protect yourself. Go on, I feel as though you have more to say?'

Shadow shook her head and shrugged at the same moment, thinking about his words and about what she knew of magic so far. Looking back up, she continued. "But what if I need to shield myself and I do this in the same way as I heat the air around myself? With gaps. I mean, if I just stay away from any situation that requires shielding myself, I can't get hurt anyhow, now can I? It seems that things that require focussing my magic on a larger span, such as completely around myself, that I keep failing. There are always 'gaps', you know? But things that have a limited area like globe lights, those don't seem to be a problem."

Akala smiled. 'That's very interesting, but I don't think any of us can ever be absolutely sure that we *wont* need to shield ourselves. Shielding helps us in all sorts of situations, most of which we can't predict. I hadn't thought of creating a shield in the same way as heating the air, but you are right, there should not be any gaps. It's vital that the shield completely protects you, at all times. You need to think of it, at this stage, as nothing more than a barrier in front of you. When I first started, I couldn't get the image of a brick wall out of my mind, but it worked for me. Please Shadow, create a shield. I'll not talk to anyone else about this if you'd rather me not. Go ahead.'

Blinking for a moment, Shadow found her nervousness growing extremely fast again. Creating shield? Now? Swallowing, she tried to concentrate and recall all she had read about shields. As far as she knew or understood, it was basically the same as heating the air. But instead of heating the air around you, you make some kind of impenetrable space around you. "I... wh-what kind of shield? I mean, completely around or only right in front of me?"

Akala was desperate not to patronize the novice, but could not help smiling. 'I am not going to tell you what kind of shield to make, except for to say that it only need to be a basic one. I need to see what you do to make your shield, in order to advise you how to improve it. Imagine its not me, imagine you are in a situation in which you need to make a shield. Now, shield yourself.' Akala thought about creating some sort of mock attack, but decided shocking LS into shielding would be counterproductive. 'Just relax, and, as i always say, let your magic flow.'

Cursing inwardly, Shadow tried to recall all she had read. Closing her eyes, she touched the magic inside her easily and brought it to the front. Shaping it, she forced the air before her to more or less solidify into a shield, something which would hold any attack magical or physical. It was not visible, except maybe for a very faint wavering of the air, but Shadow had to concentrate fully to keep it up. And should Akala test it, there would be several weaker spots in it, which could easily be breached with even the faintest touch of magic or the smallest pebble.

Have faith in your abilities Akala communicated to Shadow, sensing her doubts. 'You have created a fine shield. Nothing wrong with it at all. It's not that strong, but you will learn to strengthen it by adding magic to it continuously. But for an attempt this early, there is nothing wrong with it. You've gone through all the magical stages to create it that you need to at the moment. Have faith, Shadow.

Very soon though, somewhere when he spoke about adding magic continuously, her concentration broke and the shield dropped. Looking ashamed, Shadow scratched the back of her neck and grinned half-heartedly. "I guess practice and time will help, huh?"

Akala beamed. 'Yes, my dear, yes it will. No go, and join your classmates. You really have done very well. We we do more shields, and lots of other things, later. But remember, don't worry!' Akala shooed Shadow away.

Shadow quickly bowed and slipped out of the classroom and out of the Entrance Hall. Outside, she made her way over to her own room. (Exit to Shadow's Room.)