RP:Forecast: Water, With A Slight Chance of Emotion

From HollowWiki

Synopsis: Ansel has his first lesson with the water element. Since Ansel already knows how to use frost magic, he already has capability of water and air element access somehow. Lanara teaches Ansel that water is all about the flow of emotion and Ansel is rather hesitant about opening up about his reserved personal life. Ansel is not good at sharing. He also learns how to force a bubble of protection, to concentrate on his third eye of magic ability, move the water, and release the energy by grounding himself. The man realizes he is claustrophobic!


Lanara narrows her eyes at the dartboard and tosses a throwing knife, with perfect precision. Upon closer inspection, one would see that she hit a bulls-eye, as she leans back and grins, pleased with herself. Tossing one more knife, it lands directly beside the first knife, another bulls-eye. Jenson retrieves the throwing knives , and immediately steps out of the line of fire, eyeing Dana closely. Lanara picks up Shia, and rests the child on her hip, grinning at the boy. “Should we help your big brother? It will be your turn next, cutie!” Her free hand gently rests on Dana’s shoulder, as she whispers instructions to the child, telling him how to line up the shot, eye the target, release the knife with force, and to follow through. The child blushes slightly, but studies the dartboard for a long moment, before throwing his knife and hitting the board. It’s not a bulls-eye, rather a few inches to the left, but he seems pleased to have at least hit the board. Lanara squeals and jumps up and down, as Shia claps animatedly, and Jenson nods in approval and collects the throwing knives. “That was a great shot! And your first time! I’m so proud of you, Dana! You’re up next, Shia!” Lowering the child to the floor, she papares to hand him the throwing knives, but senses a presence behind her. Peering up beneath long, dark, lashes, she spies Ansel, entering from the staircase above. “Morning, Ansel. I hope you don’t mind? The knive’s are safe for the kids… They have suction cups at the end, so they can’t get hurt or anything…” She swallows, tucking her far from safe knives into her back pocket, and stares at him, as though she were guilty. She did, after all, just teach his children how to throw knives properly.


Ansel was back from town, finally, he had left early in the morning. He needed some space, he supposed. A lot was on his mind recently… His ear was pressed against the door of the room, thunks, giggling, dings. The man would slowly move inside to find the woman throwing knives with the kids joining too. His dull brownish-green eyes were on her back, first there was heat within them, but then he relaxed. Realizing that he was just being too over protective in his mind. “No… I don’t,” he finished before moving over to scoop up Dana. “Perhaps it’s time to learn. It’s an interesting place out there. Never know what you’re gonna be swept up into,” he would look at Dana and nod his head. “So… Lanara… You seem well rested. Perhaps, we can begin our training today?” He suggested, though she did not have to if she needed more relaxing time. Moving to this land was stressful at times. Knowing that this was a place that was overwhelming and hard to get comfortable in. Sven knows, Ansel tried.


Lanara sighs in relief, she didn’t want her new friend to be angry with her, plus, she enjoyed spending time with the boys. For the first time, since she’s known Ansel, she extends her hand and gets a reading of him. “Ah…” She lowers her hand, immediately, not wanting him to discover the fact that she was extending her empath abilities to sense his emotions. Trying to play it cool, and not having a full reading, she nods in consent, and exits the room. When she emerges once more, she’s wearing a bikini and fur lined boots. A bathing suit in Frostmaw, wasn’t often seen, though the way the bikini fit her body, most wouldn’t bother to complain. Though the elf was slender, she had quite the curvaceous figure, and the crimson two piece accentuated her flawless form. With a wink at the children and Jenson, she smiles and puts a long, fur lined, overcoat, over her figure, buttoning it closed. “I will be back a bit later, we can continue our practice then, okay? I promise, you will have a turn, Shia. And we will show your dad, too! Okay? He can see how harmless your knives are, and how much fun we are having!” Apologetically, she leans in to Ansel, and speaks in a hushed tone. “I really hope it’s alright with you? I promise, their knives are tiny darts with suction cups. I would never put a child in harm. And… I’m quite rested! I can’t wait to being your training! We are going to start with the element of water today, I hope that’s alright? Though, you should have something beneath your clothes, or bring a spare set of clothing. We are going to get wet.”



Ansel is not sure why her hand is out, but he moves to one of the kids to ruffle around with them. Messing up their hair a little as they played around with the suction cupped knives. As she disappeared, he would grasp a knife from one of the kids. “Watch closely…” he would then close one eye and flick his wrist the knife would flip and soar towards the dart board clinking into the wall close to the target, a smidge off but quite close. Soon this would be better when he learns air. Out of the corner of his eye, there she was. If he was not a gentlemen, he would have cat-called. Jenson was in the corner, huffing a little. Sure, Jenson was good looking, but well, she could never flaunt. The man would then shake his head slightly, what was he even thinking? Somebody else was on his mind lately… Odd, no matter how gorgeous this woman looked before him, he would mind his own. He would then listen to the girl after she covers and Ansel nods along with her. “Ah, they’re fine. They’re getting older-ish. They need it,” he shrugged before nodding again to her suggestion. He would move to the back room with the same clothes, and come out with the same clothes. Looks like he put something under his clothes. “Right, wet, let’s head, yes?”


Lanara frowns slightly, not that she was assuming Ansel would be attracted to her, she just was hoping he would at least notice her… With a pout, she merely straps her backpack on, and diverts her gaze. Mumbling something about keeping it ‘strictly business’ with the male, from now on. She would give a nod to Jenson, who would frown in response, upon witnessing the pout that Lanara was wearing. Without further ado, she exits the tavern, and motions for Ansel to follow. After weaving through the woods, snow covered paths, and treacherous ice covered walks, they eventually come to a small clearing, surrounded by numerous trees. It was a remote location, and the elf knew that not many would venture this way, offering the pair privacy. Glancing over her shoulder at Ansel, she assumes the role of educator now, and cocks her head to the side. “Show me what magic you do know, for starters. I know you mentioned ice.”


Ansel noticed, he was just reserved. He could not hear what she was mumbling, but he would ignore this. Men. He would then wave to Jenson, and hug his two boys goodbye before following after Lanara. He was quiet behind her as she led him through the woods, feeling a bit of distance between the two after she had pouted earlier, not that he noticed. As they came into the clear, he would shrug off his coat, resting this on the ground. Underneath would be a grey cotton t-shirt and a forest green flannel over the top. “Ice is the only thing I think I know,” he nodded before taking in a deep breath. He would step a few steps away from her. He would then inhale again, flexing his core to focus his energy on his hands. A light would appear, blue, before frosted fingertips would glaze over. Pause, hold this. What did he want to do with this move? He had the ice in his clutch, feeling the crystals under his fingertips, almost like a hallucination because nothing was really there except the frosted fingers. His arms would fluidly sweep down low before the snow would brush up into a sort of a wave before freezing over into a curvaceous figure that would hover right above him like a shield.


Lanara nods in approval, hands on her hips, as she studiously watches Ansel’s every move. Her annoyance from the brief reading she took of him back at the tavern, and his seeming lack of noticing, what her sister assured her she had, -beauty-, still had her a bit moody. “Hmph. Not bad… But you can do much better, I know it. Probably, because you haven’t fully mastered water magic… But I can get you there.” She stands to the side, debating on their next move, and decides that she will show him a bit of her own magic. Arms extend at her side, she raises them above her head and stares up at the sky, before she lowers her arms and crosses them over her chest, at the wrists. If he knew anything of witches, he would know that she was greeting the God and Goddess. Lowering her hands to her side, she calls each of the elements to her, though she does it silently, and in her head. She would teach him how to call one element at a time, when he was ready, but for now, she would show him exactly what she was capable. Eyes lowered, she opens her palms and pushes out, as the ground before them begins to crumble, and eventually split down the center. They were safe where they stood, though, the ground before them continues to transform, until a perfect rectangle, which took up a good portion of the clearing replaced the ground where they were. Grass disappears, roots and dirt are tucked neatly into the perfect rectangular crevice, and she was only just beginning. With a flick of her wrist, the entire rectangular crevice begins to fill with water, all the way to the top, where it tapers off. Instead of mixing with the mud, the newly formed pool, looks rather inviting, and crystal clear. Glancing at Ansel, she grins, showing off. “The next element is your favorite, I believe. For if you mix air with water… Ice results.” Returning her attention to the pool, they would both feel their hair and clothing begin to ruffle as a fierce gust of winds bursts through the trees and passes them, skating over the pool and turning the water into ice. The ice appears to be solid, all the way through, though it doesn’t remain that way for long, as Lanara quirks a brow and eyes the ice, closely. A crackling sound is heard as a thick line of flames appears atop the ice, dancing its way across the pond, as the heat melts the ice beneath. After several moments, and quite the beautiful magic show, only the pool remains. The water beckons for them to take a dip, and the witch can’t help but give into her magic, as she slips out of her long coat, and dips a bare foot into the water. “It’s a heated pool!” She grins, glancing up at Ansel, as she extends an inviting hand. “Come. Swim with me. And I will teach you more about the element of water. You can tell me who the lady is, that’s occupying your mind…” Leaving him likely abashed, she turns her figure away and dives into the pool.


Ansel nods slightly. He agreed with her, he was lacking skill, after all, she could probably sense that he had more skill than that. The woman then looked focused, and the man is watching her arms intently as she extends and crosses them while greeting the God and Goddess. As the ground begins to crumble, he begins to peer down at what begins to happen. He takes a few wobbly steps, now knowing that she will not intentionally harm him in any way. The rectangle forms and the water fills the crevice, now what he really wonders is how the water is crystal clear? Then he answers his own question hypothetically – probably the earth element. Keeping the mud away and the water in. She was powerful. His breath was… held, he was speechless. He then questions her, “How can I have a favorite element, if I only know… one?” He would grin wolfishly before feeling the winds brush by, turning the water into a solid. Then the fire… That would most likely be the toughest to learn, mostly because he did not want to lose control and burn himself or anyone else at that. He smiled as she mentioned the heat, her palm out for him. The man would pause before moving to shrug off the flannel and pull the grey shirt over his head. A lean figure, a tattoo of sorts right below his neck on the middle of his upper-back. A moon crescent. That was… all that was needed to be known. The wolf was hidden by a mellow and collected Ansel – besides the roaming Josleen through his brain. As she mentions the girl, he looks at her surprised – how did she know? He rubbed the back of his neck hesitantly before moving in on his own as she turned to dive in. Josleen, Josleen, Josleen. Ansel, stop! He would then swish through the water before waiting for her to pop up. “And… what do you want to know about her…?” He would not ask how she knew, that was… too disturbing to know. He was in denial of the fact she could feel his feelings. Eck. Who expressed feelings anyway? That was… hard for Ansel.


Lanara falls silent as she watches Ansel partially undress; biting her tongue in the process, as she forces herself to keep focused and quit admiring his physique. Eyeing the moon crescent tattoo, she quirks a brow, as she didn’t pick him for one to worship the God and Goddess. She would inquire about that later though, as she swims a lap around the newly renovated pool. Wet hair sticks to her face and the top of her chest, water droplets fall from her figure in perfect rhythm, and she smiles faintly to herself, enjoying being in the water. For a moment, she is a child again, and goes as far as splashing Ansel, and giggling like a little girl, forgetting about all of her worries, jealousy, and her past. Another dip under the water, and she emerges once more, a mere foot from the male’s face. Grinning she lightly grasps his forearms to keep afloat, as she tilts her head to the side. “Ah, so my intuition was right…” Her voice trails off, as she kept her empathic abilities to herself, for now. Blaming her discovery on a mere woman’s intuition was far easier to explain, and she was right, after all. Knowing he probably wouldn’t press her for questions, she tries to keep the conversation light and friendly, though it was obvious his words struck an emotional chord. She was bummed. First crushes apparently die hard. “What’s her name? What’s she like? Just curious, is all…” Realizing she has intense competition, she drops her hands from his arms, and her pretty pout returns. “I promise, we will resume the lesson, after you dish about your love life.”



Ansel is slowly seeping in, letting the warm water glide against his skin. He then went under as she began to play around, he would pop back up, his hair flicking water through the air as he whipped his head back, he made his hair look funny before running fingers through his damp hair to make this wild again. She looked so happy, swimming around independently – refreshing. As she grasps his arms, he would flex so she could keep her balance in the water. As she trailed, he frowned slightly… was she… jealous? Jealous of Josleen? Funny… Ansel kept to himself, but he could not help but wonder about the woman before him. As she began to ask questions, he would raise his brows while crossing his arms across his chest. Ansel felt like a teenager again, crushing on a girl while another girl has to get into their business, he almost wanted to roll his eyes, but he kept his chill. “The deal was elements, not social life,” the truth was, Ansel hated talking, and the second truth was, Ansel and Josleen had barely communicated since the first move happened. They were both childish. Why would Ansel share something that would possibly fade away? Also, Ansel was not all ‘buddy buddy’ unless he felt safe enough with the individual. Sure, Lanara was staying with him and his family, but well… he knew how to protect his family. He was a monster… Though, Josleen, well, what if he could not protect her? Then, that would be a replay of his past, only a little bit of a twist. The witch who hexed the pretty girl! Not that Lanara was evil, but Ansel was just – nervous.


Lanara gasps at Ansel’s objection to confide in her, the elf’s eyes brimming with tears as she glances everywhere but at the male in front of her. She was hurt, and it showed, as her lower lip begins to quiver. She didn’t understand her jealousy, her attraction to a man she hardly knew, or much of anything that had to do with relationships, to be honest. Her sister, Talyara, explained that it was her first crush, and that’s why she had this addiction to Ansel. If this was a crush, she didn’t want it. Feeling as though her heart were breaking, she turns from Ansel, and swims to the opposite end of the pool, hoping the water would hide her tears. At the opposite end of the pool, she wrings the moisture from her hair and leans against the hard dirt wall, propped up partially on the land, while her lower half remains in the water. Gathering all of her emotional strength, she speaks loudly enough, that Ansel would hear her, though she wasn’t shouting. “I assumed we were friends. I am living with you, and teaching you magic, am I not? That is considered sacred and personal… At least to me. I have bonded with your children, shared meals with your family, hell, I even got Jenson to approve of me!” A bitter laugh escapes her, as she shakes her head, feeling quite foolish. “I was wrong to assume I meant anything to you, at all. I just thought… I thought maybe we were going to get a friendship out of all of this, too. We literally have put that which we hold most sacred into each other’s lives, I don’t think I was wrong to think we would continue as pals, after my training and moving out. But I see I was wrong. I will teach you the elements, and then you won’t have to see me, or speak to me again… Since you clearly dislike talking to me….” Sighing sadly, she lowers herself back into the pool, and clears her throat. “Today we will focus on the water element…”


Ansel watches her reaction, his face is flat, though his mind is screaming. Why is she acting this way? Yes, they have been roommates, but… he was reserved, can she not respect that? Her jealousy was obvious to him, but he would not say anything. As she swims away from him, he stands there idly, giving her space, it was not like he was harsh, he was just speaking his mind. He was annoyed. This was not his idea of his first lesson. Her words were slightly making him irritated. No, Ansel… force this back… Do not let the wolf get to you. “We are friends… Though, this is a teaching session. I’m not comfortable about talking about my personal life. I try to keep that as low as possible. For me, and my children. It’s best if it’s kept to me,” his voice was stern, his brows were narrowed. “Why are you acting like this?” He was flat out blunt, there was no kindness, just curiosity and agitation. He then shakes his head. “I’m sorry, can we please just… continue and talk about this later?” He sighed uneasily. He hated confrontation. He hated communication. Why did this have to happen to him right now? He had been through hell and back the last 48 hours, and now he was finally able to settle down and focus on making himself better, but more personal life was getting in the way.


Lanara sighs and narrows her eyes, angrily slapping the water, as exasperation fills her to the core. “Ansel!!! Don’t be such a dolt! I obviously have a crush on you!!!” As soon as the words leave her mouth, she gasps, and feels her jaw drop. She didn’t mean to respond in such a juvenile way, or admit her feelings, as she didn’t fully understand them, yet, herself. She senses his anger, which infuriates her, as she was the one that was feeling pain here; he merely was only being interviewed. Then, after several deep breaths, she nods, in consent. “Let’s just drop it, okay? I’m sorry that I wrongfully developed feelings for you and your family. I’m sorry I thought we were friends and that we could discuss personal things. I’m sorry you find me so unworthy of the truth. But… I’m sorrier that you have such a hard time discussing your feelings. Ansel… It’s not healthy to keep it all in, all the time. I’m an empath, I would know. And I can keep secrets… But you’re right. This isn’t the place or time, and I doubt there ever will be a place or time. Let’s just carry on with the lesson, which is part of why I wanted to talk to you about intense feelings. Water, is, after all, the element of emotion. Did you bring the small bowl, like I asked? I am going to teach you water magic, right now. I hope you’re ready?” The faintest, forced, smile, she could muster, was given to Ansel. She was trying, desperately, to just get back on equal footing with him, and carry on the lesson.


Ansel was oblivious, and when she exploded, he would jolt back a little from her words. His eyes were wide for a moment or two. He looks her up and down before his face that was angry relaxes again. That explains it. He was once like that, a teenager, crushing for the first time was never easy. “Don’t be sorry,” he would say softly. “Such a pleaser, aren’t you?” He would not discuss the topic, he would then turn around and move out of the water – freezing. Moving his feet through the snow digging in a bag that he had brought. He would begin to chatter a little, “She’s gentle, you know,” he was speaking about Josleen, this is what drew him to her. “Caring soul, would never hurt anyone on purpose,” he was going on. “I barely know her, but two nights ago I kissed her..” He sucked in a breath, so much lust between the two that never happened, but he would not share his simple ‘kiss’. If opening up was what water was about, then he’d do this. He would pull out a metal bowl, now quickly scrambling back into the pull. Cold air whirling out his hot breath. He was reserved, and perhaps she had a point. He almost felt guilty for thinking these thoughts about Josleen. What about… Anna? What about his boys…? “Let’s just say I do not know where my head is. A beautiful girl she is, but… she was so short the next morning, I don’t even know where her head is,” meaning, it was back to the ‘how are you’ and the small conversations in the clinic – playing gaze tag back and forth. "Here's the bowl," he would extend the bowl to the crushing girl, he felt guilty about that too.


Lanara squints her eyes, possibly in pain, as Ansel mentions the ‘kiss’ that he shared with Josleen. Though she quickly recovers and mentally smacks herself for having feelings for a man that clearly had feelings for another, she would try to end this ‘crush’ she developed, and quickly. Merely nodding, as she had little input to offer, she feigns a smile, and takes the offered bowl. Their fingertips touch for a brief moment, as she tilts her head to the side and quizzically meets his gaze. “She was short with you? That’s… Odd… I wonder why? Maybe she is just… Shy? I do not know this woman, but she’s a fool if she lets you slip away.” There. A friendly in-between comment, and hopefully somewhat decent advice. Lana, clearly, was awful with matters of the heart, being she was so inexperienced and had developed much later in life, than most. Dipping the metal bowl in the pool, she fills it to the brim with water, and then circles her pointer finger in the bowl, three times, clockwise. “I blessed the water.” She explains, while handing the bowl gently back to him. “Ansel, there are many kinds of magic, but in this world, we work with two types. The magic that surrounds us, meaning that which nature gives to us. And the magic that’s within us, meaning the ability to cast spells, or create magic out of thin air, the magic that runs through our veins. I am capable of both, and I believe you are, as well. Anyone is able to use some tools, ask the Goddess for her favor, and put their positive energy into the world, asking for it to deliver the desired outcome back. But only a few have it in their blood. You, have water and air magic in your veins, and I have all of the elements in mine. Water and air make ice magic, which is the one that you display. However, you can’t have one without the other two, so I’m guessing you somehow bypassed the two elements, somehow.” Chuckling, she continues. “No worries, we will fine tune all of your elements. Fire and earth may be a tad harder for you to grasp, though, but you do have an excellent teacher.” Grinning, she motions to the bowl. “That’s why I want you to use your tools, at first. We are going to work with the magic that nature gives us, and then you will rely solely on yourself, to make magic. Does that make sense?”


Ansel was slightly pleased that she was at least trying to give advice to the man. That’s what friends did, right? Men and women could be friends, right? “Thanks, Lanara. Also, thank you for… teaching me,” he smirked sheepishly. An awkward topic, but he would get use to this. Sometimes women were nice to talk to than men. Men are a little more forward with talking about women, and Ansel was reserved. What did blessed water have to do with elements? So much to learn! So much to study! The library would have to be his new friend. He knew water and air? Well, that made sense because of the ice. “Well, what kind of energy does air take?” He then shook his head. “Sorry, we should just focus on water,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “One at a time.” He then nods his head to her, “Yes, yes it does,” he sighs. “Let us begin, shall we?”



Lanara smiles at his eagerness to learn the elements and finds herself pleased, that she was the one that he chose to train him in magic. “There’s no need to thank me, really. I enjoy helping others, and I know you really want to learn. You aren’t just wasting my time, or planning to destroy the realm.” Pausing, she swims behind Ansel, and rests her hands gently on his shoulders, her voice is lowered to the softest, and most soothing of tones. “Okay. Now, Before you do any sort of magic, you have to protect yourself. I want you to imagine a large ball surrounding your form, it can be any color. Mine is silver and purple, and opaque. This is so outside influence doesn’t interfere. You never want negative energy to influence you, either. So whenever you want to perform magic, please, try to clear your mind and be in a neutral or happy mood. Also, what I’m teaching you is for beginners. Later on, you won’t need tools to give your elements extra power, nor will you have to center yourself and such, it all will come natural. But for beginners, you must pay close attention. Alright… I’m going to remain behind you, because I don’t want to influence what I want to happen, alright? I need you to focus on my voice, and know that I am here, and we are safe. Close your eyes. Okay… Now right here.” Moving her hands upward, she points to the area right above his eyebrows, mid-center, above his nose. “I need you to focus on opening your third eye, that is your magic center. Your sixth sense, if you will. Feel the energy flowing into your palms, up your forearms, your shoulders, neck, head, and ending right here…” She lowers her fingers, and waits for his head to bow, knowing that his eyes would open the minute the energy surged through him, and that he would be ready.


Ansel almost laughs about destroying the realm in almost disbelief. Yikes… As she swims up behind him and touches his shoulders, he is tense for a moment or two before relaxing in her gentle grip. A large ball surrounding his form. “Okay…”A mutter, as he closes his eyes for a moment, his mind felt like it was swirling. A dark green, relaxing – forest. Wolf. Calm. No harm. The air gets a little tighter, and he begins to open his eyes. He felt as if he was in his own little bubble. Her voice was almost like an echo. He then closes his eyes again as he focuses on the echo of her voice. He was almost hypnotized. Focus Ansel. This takes a few minutes. He seems frustrating, twitching at her touch, but he begins to think about how safe he is with her. Open up, Ansel. It’s okay. His attention was in the middle of his head. A third eye… His head almost hurt. This was a lot of concentration. Tingles, tingles then began to flow through his fingertips, and there was a smile on his face before this faded again, beginning to keep his energy in his head. More minutes passed… His head would roll forward, his palms were spread, his legs shoulder width apart, and eyes were now open. So much energy… he could not even speak, how do you even speak with this much flow? He was almost paralyzed. Listen to her, Ansel, don’t lose this. Patience.


Lanara nods, though Ansel can’t see her head motion of approval, as she leans nearer and continues to whisper in his ear, giving him direction. “Ansel. Look at your bowl of water… I want you to dump half of its contents into the pool, and then I want you to focus on the remaining water in the bowl. I want you to pour your emotions into that water. Think of several positive emotions. High points in your life. With each happy moment, that lifts your spirits, I want you to raise the water in that bowl. Keep focusing until the small bowl is full of water. You can do this. I have faith in you. It will take lots of practice to perfect it…But I know you can do this.” Giving his shoulders a gentle squeeze, she peers over his arm to watch the bowl.


Ansel is still paralyzed. He was overwhelmed with energy. He then breathes out and tips the bowl into the pool before bringing the bowl back to his stomach. He watches the contents swirl about. The energy is still powerful, he could sense that. He thinks about the time with his apprenticeship with his father, the love from his father, the water begins to bubble. The massacre… his throat was ripped out. The water halts again, and Ansel twitches. Anna, the perfect love story, such a beautiful farm girl – copper hair, freckles, sun-kissed skin, dark blue irises. The water is swishing now, she’s dead too, the water is swirling. The man is getting flustered. Though, she squeezes his shoulders. He does not know if he could do this. His two boys, they’re humorous, brave, friendly, charming… The water is bubbling again, raising a little higher. He is learning what he wants to learn, a little more. “This is so hard…” he is beginning to mumble this out of almost pain or frustration. Emotion was hard.

Lanara hesitates, then forces her opens palms against his bare back, and assist him in the only way she knows how. Emotion was tough for Ansel, she knew that, but she would help him this time, or at least until he got the hang of things. Practice makes perfect, and this was only his first attempt. So, the empath slowly begins to feed her positive energy into him, little by little. His load would seem lighter, his expression would ease, and a brief calmness would enter his psyche. “Focus, Ansel… You’re almost there.” She would then lower one hand, so that she was only helping a little bit, wanting him to do this mostly on his own, as she knew he could.


Ansel would begin to unwind. The first thing would be... Josleen. How silly. The first kiss... Man, oh man did that help a lot. The empath slowly clearing the man's head for positive thoughts. A smile... The water would bubble higher. Anna, their marriage, she was so beautiful, draped in white, flowers in her hair. His breath was taken away, and there was a small gasp that left his mouth while lifting the water up. Soon enough, childhood memories would rush in, times with his father, healing people, his children, all of this would make the water rise out of the bowl. His face was light and calm, a small crooked smile on his face. He was content. Almost not wanting the empath to let go. Happy emotions were good. "I'm doing it," he was blissful, a little rocky, but he was doing it.


Lanara smiles, her lips just gracing his shoulder as she peers at the bowl, now filled with water. Boiling slightly, and nearly spilling over, he has made the element of water bend to his will! She fights back the urge to squeal or hug Ansel, as she lowers her hands from his back. “Ansel. Send the element away now, it has done your bidding. I always mutter a ‘thank you’ in my head, and send the element away. Just focus on the water or the magic leaving the bowl, this shift in concentration will make it dissipate.”


Ansel is staring in awe at the water and how it had lifted up out of the bowl. As she lets him go, he closes his eyes and whispers a small ‘thank you’, even out loud. He was so happy, he could not help himself but to thank outside of the mind. A thank you even to her. The water then begins to dissipate, fading into thin air. His mind is now clear, and he opens his eyes again, quickly whipping around to face her. His breath was happy and heavy and he would reach out to hug her himself. Psh, friends can hug. “Thank you!” he would let her go abruptly and begin with the questions. Like childish boy Ansel. “So water is all with emotions? So I just need think about things that move the water the way I want it to?” He was eager, he was talking fast, he had adrenaline.



Lanara laughs and returns the hug, giving Ansel the most gentle of squeezes around his mid-section, as she glances up at him. “You did it! I’m so proud of you! I knew you could do it!!!” The empath’s excitement mirrored her students, as she lowers her arms from him and nods, answering one question at a time. “Yes… The element of water is mostly about what ‘moves’ you, and we are all moved by emotion. Happiness, love, friendship, and other feelings. We are most compelled to move or do great things when fueled by a positive emotion. Water is no different. Plus, you already had the ability of ice magic, so I just broke it down for you, a little. And it was more than thinking about happy moments, it was about your focus, your dedication, and the getting the end result that you desired. Later on it will take less focus, and you could probably raise a tidal wave, if you desired! For your homework, I want you to practice, every day. In the morning, and in the evening. See when your power is at it’s peak. Some days will be awful, and some days you will impress yourself. You can practice on your own, or with me. You don’t need to be in the water to practice either, just fill a bowl with water, and focus in your bedroom, if you like. We will meet again, in about a week, to work with air. Alright? Please practice, Ansel, you have a gift!!!” Her words hold meaning and appreciation, as she swims to the edge of the pool, and climbs out. The skimpy two-piece clings to her figure, as she squeezes the excess water from her long hair, and slips into her fur-lined trench coat. She shivers, but doesn’t mention it, as she extends a dainty hand to assist Ansel out of the water. “Come. I need to close up the pool and send my elements away.”



Ansel grins all wolfishly and listens to the teacher answer her questions. He felt powerful for such a small magical task. However, the way this made him feel, this would probably make him improve his opening with emotions. Perhaps, he would develop into a new Ansel over time. At the mention of homework, he does not frown, homework was not a negative thing, especially, if it was something you held dearly to you. The wolf watches the woman walk out of the water, something a man just does. He then shakes his dude thoughts away before grasping her hand to pull himself out of the water. Water dribbles off his lean frame. “Wonderful,” he smirks. “Homework shouldn’t be too miserable,” he was smiling ear to ear. He did have a gift, didn’t he? Perhaps he would catch on quickly, especially if he was using this as a mixture of sorts already. His emotions must have been crazy making ice? He would not know. He would move to his own clothes, pulling his shirt over his head. He did not get cold easily… for he was now cursed for the bitter winds. “Right on,” he nods her along, eager to watch her sew up the hole within the ground.



Lanara peers over her shoulder, wet locks clinging to her pretty face, as she grins at Ansel as she dresses. The male amazed her, and she was going to have a hell of a hard time banning this ‘crush’ she had developed. He was an excellent farmer, gifted with magic, a gentleman, generous, and caring. He also was quite easy on the eyes. And in love with another woman. With a sigh, she shifts her gaze back to the magically formed pool, as she steps into her fur-lined boots, and rubs her palms together, not for warmth, but to feel the magical current running through her veins. “God and Goddess, thank you for lending me your aide today, and for helping me to assist Ansel in his elemental tutelage. I know you are smiling down on us both and that you will help me to lead the way for him.” Now, by facing west, she gives a silent ‘thank you’ to the element of water, and watches as the water is absorbed into the walls, and floor of the pool. Making the area quite muddy, but the pool eventually is drained. Upon completion, she raises both hands and speaks softly. “Earth, come to me, and close this gap in the ground. Fill it with your dirt, seal the deal with grass, and allow the snow of Frostmaw to kiss the land, as it was before.” Immediately, the earth begins to shake, as before, as though the lands of Frostmaw were quaking in fear, and threatened to tear the ground apart. But, quite the opposite occurred, as the ground began to fill with fresh dirt, which quickly hardened, and like she willed, had a thin covering of grass placed on top of it. The snow continues to fall around them, as Lanara gives a sincere ‘thank you’ to the element of earth and sends it away. Taking a moment to collect herself, and give Ansel privacy to dress, while she finger combs her wet hair. Turning on her heel, she smiles at the male, and steps nearer to him. “Okay, before we part, you must ground yourself. So… Remember the steps. First, imagine your bubble of protection. Next, open your third eye. Then bring the element of water to your half-filled bowl. Then, send away the element. And finally, you ground yourself. Grounding yourself is so that all the excess energy you have running through you, dissipates. If you try to go to sleep, or continue on with your day, you will have a constant bounce in your step, and your body will surge with adrenaline. Not wise, as it will wear you out, trust me, I know from experience.” Grinning, she plants both feet firmly on the ground, bows her head, and closes her eyes. “Do it with me, Ansel. Imagine the ground opening up beneath you. Slowly, it pulls you in, grasping at your feet, your legs, waist, torso, arms, neck, and finally your head. Your whole body is submerged in the earth, but do –not- fight it, welcome the feeling. And feel the earth, swallowing up all of your excess energy, draining your body of all the excess magic that runs through your veins. Watch as the earth closes up, and covers you. Then open your eyes.”


Ansel watches her speak to what would be the Gods. So the woman was spiritual, magic was a spiritual thing, right? The man shakes as the earth moves around him, trying to keep his balance. So much strength to move the earth like this, a lot of dedication. The man would throw a shirt over his torso for a little more warmth before walking back over to her. He plants his feet in the snow, he was still dripping, but he would suck this up and go back to the tavern soon. He listens to her about grounding himself. He becomes unsure, the earth swallowing him up was a horrible picture to imagine, but she was right. He stares at her before looking down uneasily before taking a breath. He could feel the energy pulsing through him and his head is tilted forward, chin down, he closes his eyes briefly. His imagination is slow and he begins to twitch, there is a small gasp that escapes his mouth. It has begun… The picture in his head is of the ground opening, and he starts breathing a little heavily out of fear, she would be able to notice his panic. Do not fight this… Fall. It was like a dream, like it was all real. Vines would slowly climb up his legs and around his waist. Flowers blooming. The vines were pulling him down into the earth. No… No… Wait, don’t fight. His eyes were tightening. The soil was pressing against his skin, he was feeling squished, gobbled up by the earth before him. He was getting tired, or was this just the energy draining out of him? Either way… He felt like giving up, so he let the earth take him. There was then a shake of the earth and his eyes would snap open, he would gasp for air. It all felt too real. “I…” he looked at her with concern. “I didn’t like that,” he narrowed his brows, and hands would fall to his knees to shake the fear off. Perhaps the man was claustrophobic.



Lanara frowns as Ansel struggles with grounding himself, though he successfully accomplishes the feat. She couldn’t have assisted him, even if she wanted to, as grounding was done independently. Though, now that he was bent over, and catching his breath, she finds herself unable to hold back. “Ansel…” She murmurs, as she gently begins to run her fingers through his hair, lightly tugging on that one thick strand of gray. “It will be alright, truly… You will get used to it, I promise. It’s earth magic… And if that’s the worst of the lesson for you, then I’m impressed!” Grinning, she hopes that her positivity and the maternal motion of ruffling his hair, is enough to make cheer him up. This was also what Lanara often did with Shia and Dana, if they were having an off day or were upset about something. The empath was wonderful at offering comfort, with or without using her Goddess-given gift. When he meets her chocolate brown eyes, with his own concerned gaze, she offers a warm smile. “You will be fine, I promise. Just remember, it’s in your mind. And the ground isn’t ‘taking’ your life; it’s merely taking back its energy. It grounds you. Now… I was thinking Air would be the next element, but I don’t think you’re ready, just yet. Air is the most difficult element to learn, as it’s based on the emotion of change. So it brings a lot of your past, present, and future, into view. And magic is mostly based on what’s in your mind, and heart. Though, those that rely on a more religious aspect can use magic, too. Once you have it, you never really lose the ability. There are some that don’t have a lick of magic in their blood. You do. I really hope you continue with your gift, even if you dislike grounding…” Pausing, for a brief moment, she removes her hand from his hair, and turns her back to Ansel. “I will see you soon, Ansel. Next time… We’re working with my favorite element. Fire.”


Ansel nods repeatedly. The comfort was needed, and he finally straightened himself. He offers a half-smile, still shaken by the earth planting him and absorbing his energy. Shia and Dana got their little tactics from Ansel, of course they enjoyed that, they learn from their father, and well, their father would do that to them too. “So air will be last then,” he comments before gathering his things. The last thing she says makes him raise his brows with interest. Fire. Powerful. “So… fire, earth, then air,” he would nod to himself. “Can’t wait, thank you, Lanara. For everything. Let me know when you want to start,” he would nod to her. She knew where to find him.