"Okay!" Nim was bubbling with happiness and excitement. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing yet again. Trying to visualise a ball she found a problem. How big of a ball. She mentally shrugged and opened her eyes. Maybe it would work better if she could see her magic. She tried Akalas way and stretched her hand out. She cupped it and willed the magic into her hand. Creating a small disc she frowned. Having an idea she smiled and started to push her magic out from the centre of the disc like opening a circular umbrella. Afew minutes later she had in her hand a small globe light. "Wow! I did it! I just have to work on size and speed next time." Nim squealed and grinned from ear to ear.

Akala smiled, and chuckled softly as his novice. His novice. Very good Nimira, very good. Next, try to form a full globe in one movement. It is important to be fluid, and flowing with your magic. A bit larger than your previous one, but formed in exactly the same way. Try to do it in one movement, if you can.

"In one movement. Okay." Taking a deep breath Nim extinguished her first globe and started on the next. One movement okay. Hmmm maybe if i made it inflate. She cupped her hands again and drew magic. Feeling it she moved it to her hands and started 'inflating' her globe. It was hesitant at first but soon became strong and confident. In no time she had created a larger globe light. Nim breathed a sigh of relief. She was sure with practice she'd get better, but for now her progress was more then she expected.

NT walked aimlessly around the courtyard, admiring her new Novice robes. Well, the Acceptance Ceremony went better than expected. She thought happily. Except when I dropped my robes when the High Lord came in. Why am I such a klutz? Sighing a little, NT ambled over to the Fountain, and looked avidly at her reflection. Was it her imagination, or did the robes make her look slightly older - and perhaps a little wiser? One thing was for sure - the green suited her. Giggling a little at her own fanciful notions, NT splashed the water with her fingertips, sending ripples across her reflection, before turning her gaze to the other Novices and Magicians wandering around.

'You're doing great Nim. It takes time, patience and practice. Like so many things you will learn at the Guild. Do you want to carry on with globe lights, or try something else?'

"Can we try something else please. I've got the principle of a globelight i just need practice now."

'Of course. I can teach you basic shielding, although not anything you should use in the Arena. Your warrior skills teacher will address that with you.' 'Now, close your eyes and listen to my voice. You need to gather your magic, and imagine it spreading out all over your body, from above your head to the ground beneath your feet. Remember, it is a barrier, allowing nothing in. You must push the magic out from within you, to just beyond your skin. Not too far out, as you want the barrier to be tight. Focus your mind Nimira, shut everything else. At first, just work on gathering enough magic to cover your entire body.'

Nim closed her eyes and listened closely as Akala instructed her. Gathering magic she found she soon had enough to cover her body. Thinking it was to much she slowly syphoned a small amount off to her source. She seemed to enter a trance as she continued to listen to Akalas voice. Nothing in, tight close to the body, just beyond the skin. Soon the mantra swirled around her head and she hesitantly pushed her magic above, forwards, sideways and down out of her body. A tingling over took her skin a while later as the magic broke the surface and formed a shaky shield.

Allowing Nimira time to become comfortable with the new sensations she would be feeling, Akala continued. 'Very good Nim, very good. I can see you will become a natural with time. As with the globe lights, you must be able to create whole shields at will. There are many types, most of which I don't even know myself. But the basic shield should be as natural to you as breathing, with time. Try it again. Try to envisage the magic flowing out as one. One breath, one motion, one barrier.'

"I'm guessing a lot of this stuff will be one movement." Nim chuckled with still closed eyes. She drew the shield back in and started again. More sure this time she was quicker at drawing the amount of magic needed and used a little more will to make her magic break the surface of her skin. Drawing magic and breaking the surface of skin was all that was on her mind. Around half an hour later and after much practice Nim could create a decent shield. She was tired now and felt a little silly. Drawing back her last attempt she opened her eyes and glanced at Akala. "Suddenly i feel like a yo-yo." She grinned. "A tired yo-yo but a happy one."

Akala smiled at his novice, and placed a friendly hand on her shoulder. 'Alright, we'll stop. You have done so well. Go, relax, and spend time with your friends. Go to your lessons tomorrow, and we'll take this up again soon. Before you go, let me give you one tip. It's a lot easier just to let your magic dissipate, rather than trying to draw it back in. It takes a lot less energy as well. Well done Nim, you really have done so well.'

Nim nodded and grinned. Glad she had done well she stood and bowed to Akala. Taking her leave she headed back to her room. A rest and maybe some studying would help her relax. This magic stuff is hard work. Wish he'd told me about dissipating before though, we could have carried on.

Returning Nim's bow, Akala sat and watched her leave. He was happy and satisfied by his first real teaching practice. That went well. Better than I expected. She is a good student. Akala sat for a while, then picked himself up and walked out of the Guild, towards the 'Stile.

(and you are a good teacher)

(*blushes* Thanks Lorlyn.)