SE looked up at the Administrator and waved. "Alright everyone, you can take a 10 minute break- afterwards I'll be taking the First Years. Don't wander off- I do not want the lesson interrupted by novices turning up late." As the First Years left the arena in chattering groups, SE and Kas walked over to the sidelines to sit next to Lorlyn.

"oh hello there Kas and SE. How are you today SE? How was your lessons going Kas? How long until Kas is a full fledged warrior? Kas is afterall very advanced in the lessons."

"Definately not long. If she does well in the Warrior tests coming up, she pretty much has nothing else to cover. Her skills really are a fine example to the younger novices." SE beckoned to a servant waiting nearby and asked cold drinks for the three of them. "I'm thinking of focusing more on our practical lessons this term- I'd rather my novices develop their reflexes, quick thinking, and decision-making skills rather than have them recite to me the rules of combat." SE shrugged, then accepted the drink the servant held out to them. "I've already recieved some complaints from House Paren. Many of the parents think my approach is too... ah...'hands-on.' I think they fear their children are being forced to handle things beyond their capacity," she sighed and shook her head.

well there are some combat rules that are very important. perhaps you should make sure they know those ones. perhaps you could remind them while their doing their hands on lessons. after all you don't want them to think that it's okay to go around and practice on each other without another magician around. or to use their skills on a healing novice who may not be at good at shielding as the warrior students are.

Oh ofcourse, I've informed them firmly of the rules concerning performing magic unsupervised. The advanced class know all the rules of combat anyway, and that is exactly what I'm about to teach the First years after the break, so they can put it into practise as they learn along.

`so we may not simply practise our skills on healing novices? Ohhhh.´ Alira was apparently unhappy about this not-existing opportunity to improve her skills, after SE had started her explanations about combat rules.

SE overheard and smiled inwardly. "We will NOT be practising offensive skills until each and every one of you know these rules of combat."

:(

"We can't have any fatal accidents now, can we? Some novices haven't yet discovered the full potency of their power. What if they misjudge their strike and release more power than intended? Their opponent may not be able to protect themselves in time."

Alira nodded to show that she had understood.

Good good. "Now everyone before we begin actually channelling any power and doing any battles, I want to make sure you understand and follow the rules of combat. These only apply in lessons ofcourse, not it a real battle/war, and I sincerely hope none of you have to experience one of those. 1) Do NOT perform any sort of magical offence on another novice, while unsupervised. Even if you are simply practising striking and shielding with a partner, you are not allowed to do so unsupervised until you are of an advanced level. 2) When the teacher in charge of the lesson indicates "halt," you must cease all offence straightaway. Trust me, even if things seemed to be alright, the teacher may see that your opponent has weakened dangerously, for example. 3) Do NOT begin to strike until those who are not participating are safely outside where the battle is taking place. 4) No one except the two opponents, their teacher, (and in cases such as a formal battle) their guardians supplying an inner shield are allowed where the battle is taking place. "I am not stating other obvious ones as I'm sure those were clear to you as you made your Warrior vow."

Well, they were, but it was worth a try... :D

*sigh* Cheeky novices... :D

So, are we gonna start now? I´m ready to fight! *jumps from one leg to the other in exitement*

SE senses the Novices' imatience but waits until a few finish taking notes on combat rules. "Alright everyone, now form a line next to me! I want you to send a forcestrike, with no wasted power on light or heat, to this shield-" she lifted one arm and a shield extended from it to the other side, then enlarged itself to touch the ceiling and the sandy floor -"and put about 80% of your power into it. A considerable amount, but don't exhaust yourselves. I want to see your capacity so I can pair you all up fairly."