mentor 3

[17:54] Lemuria Augustus asks, "Where should we begin? What kinds of magic do you know already?"
[17:54] Phobos exclaims, "I'm unsure... However I do know the occult, and cosmic magic!"
[17:56] Lemuria Augustus says, "Excellent."
[17:56] Phobos asks, "We should probably leave the house the, hm?"
[17:58] Lemuria Augustus says, "Probably."
[18:01] Phobos didn't question the idea of changing the setting. Their house was not the best place in the world. He figured somewhere more deep in the Vale would suffice, and so he moved. There was vast space to work with here so choosing a spot wasn't the most difficult thing in the world. "Hmm?"

Finding a nice open spot he'd come to a stop motioning to the area around. "Does this place suffice? Forgive me if I choose a bad spot."
(Phobos)
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[18:04] Lemuria took a gaze at the surrounding area. The fact that it was so dark and foreboding made it all the better. She sure did love her mood lighting, after all!

"This is fine."

And to further add to the mood, she allowed an occult aura to envelop her body, matching Phobos' own.

"So why do you desire to learn our craft? Is it just because of your brother?"
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:06] Grendel glances towards the due for a moment, having heard only Lemuria's last sentence as he walks past.

Still though, he'll opt not to interfere. Re-adjusting his leather armor, still not feeling comfortable with the way it presses over his chest, he'll press on, walking past them if not disturbed.
(Grendel Beo)
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[18:08] "Why do I desire to learn our craft?"

He cups his chin with a thumb and index finger as he takes a moment to gather his thoughts. There were too many reasons, but he'd give the most genuine, his greater goal. "Well..." There was a pause, he was experiencing a new feeling. He couldn't describe it, but it was anxiety. Fighting against that feeling he continues his speech.

"I am clueless. I lack a proper understanding of many things, and I feel that the craft will aid me better in understanding myself and other people. I want to become a more complete person, a person worth being here if that makes sense to you?"

There was also the fact that his brother existed. Phobos didn't know it, but he admired that man greatly. It was close to an obsession.
(Phobos)
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[18:15] Lemuria rubbed the back of her head. Like, yeah, it made sense, but as much as Lemuria loved the idea of tempting people and leading them down this path...

"Magic cannot do those things for you."

...she also wanted to make sure that they were doing it for the right reasons.

"It can temporarily fill that void inside of your heart, but I do not believe it can give you that sense of wholeness."

This was something Lemuria had firsthand experience with. And she wasn't one to talk about it, given she did that exact thing.

"Magic can help you understand yourself, I suppose, but it cannot complete you. It cannot square a circle."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:22] "Temporary or not, Its still worth trying. My brother needs me to be someone reliable, and if I fail him I won't be able to live with myself." He wasn't desperate, but he was interested. The things that his brother displayed, the ability to speak without anyone hearing, and the many other grand showings were too tempting.

"...and trust me, I'm aware that this won't complete me. But it will help me advance more I am sure of it."

You're nothing! Nothing in this world, nothing in your village!

These words constantly echoing in his head as he converses with Lemuria. "I don't understand your concern, unfortunately. But I do respect it highly. I do hope that you trust me as a person, even if we aren't well acquainted. I want what's best for us."

There's a smile again. It isn't fake nor genuine, it was what he felt would fit the mood at the time.
(Phobos)
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[18:25] Lemuria shrugged, deciding not to warn him any further. It was his funeral, metaphorically speaking. Dark Lord knows that occultism already had enough of a negative impact on one's mental health; this would just be more of the same.

"Follow me, then. I have a better location for this."

She turned around and offered him her hand, leading him off to parts unknown...

And by that, I mean her house.
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:31] The moment Phobos walked in, something would become immediately evident about Lemuria's home:

There was runes written over every inch of the wall. Dozens, hundreds, or perhaps even THOUSANDS of them were covering every single inch, some similar, but each one at least a little bit different. They were drawn with such precision that they didn't overlap even the slightest bit, and most of them were written in red ink. The ones that weren't written in red seemed to be written in a brownish red, flaky substance that Lemuria wasn't apt to explain.

"This is my home. Welcome."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:36] He followed without a word as they head to the home of the Augustus. Upon entering the runes were very apparent. It was quite the interesting home, he had heard of them being an artificer and this must've been where they practiced their craft.

"Wooow..!" He spoke in his normal cheery voice as he glanced around. It was a much bigger, and far more impressive place than where he rested. "Very nice. I like it, I really do." There was a lot here, he wanted to ask questions oh did he have questions. It was best he saved them for after the lesson.

There's a time and place for everything after all.
(Phobos)
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[18:39] Lemuria made her way over to her shrine, which possessed eternally burning flames that somehow did not emit any light. Standing over the brass vessel in the center, she motioned for Phobos to stand across from her.

"I am intending on starting with one of our most basic abilities; seeing spirits. There are spirits bound within my house thanks to some of these runes, so I believe that it is an excellent place for you to test your own abilities."

Her eyes shone a bright blue, as she gazed around her to make sure the spirits were present. She didn't say whether or not they were, however.
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:44] Across from her he stood.

His features bland as he stares into her eyes. The setting sparked much curiosity from the youth as he hadn't experienced such things. Flames that didn't emit any sort of glow? This was nonsense. As she spoke his attention was locked on, he was determined now more than ever before. He wouldn't let a thing slip through his fingers.

"Very well." He takes a deep breath, his eyes close and reopen. They aren't blue unfortunately. However he does at least try to find these spirits, whether they were there or not. If Lemuria was paying any attention she could see just how hard the young man was struggling. Squinting, sweating, even a small vein on the side of his head! He was trying very hard!

Though he saw nothing. How sad.
(Phobos)
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[18:50] It didn't take long for Lemuria to notice how hard he was struggling, and in response, she uttered but a single word:

"No."

Lemuria sat down, and crossed her legs. Her occult aura flared up even more than usual, and seemed to sway in directions that were unnatural, as if someone, or something was touching them.

"This ability is about harmony. Oneness. Understanding. Connection. It is something you do through calm. Dark spirits are naturally attracted to the occult; it's like a beacon for them. It means you can potentially be swayed and influenced by them. And perhaps it'd be best for you to allow it, if you can control yourself well enough."

"Sit down, meditate, and allow your aura to fully engulf you. Do not flare it up, but fully immerse yourself in the thoughts and feelings it produces. If you are immersed enough, you may be able to feel the dark spirits coming in contact with it after a time. When you do, we will move forward."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[18:57] With an explanation like that. Things began to get much more easier. Without direction travel was difficult, and for someone like Phobos without direction basically meant doom. Lemuria said it best, she wasn't vague and gave the young man exactly what he needed.

There were a few hurdles, but he'd just have to leap over them. The main ones being understanding and oneness.

"Ah, thank you, thank you. My apologies."

His legs cross as he also sits. Meditate, he's heard of the practice thankfully. And so his eyes close as he tries to be as personal as he can, almost eliminating Lemuria from the picture briefly. Inside of the mind of Phobos was a mess, one that sought to clean up. It probably took Phobos much longer than most, but he was able to do it.

His aura passively expands, not flaring but there was definitely some sort of semblance of understanding here. He felt alone inside, empty, almost as if no one understood him. His desire to find someone that does understand him would be his call for the dark spirits as he sits in place.

Those eyes of his open as he's much more calm, much more composed.
(Phobos)
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[19:03] It didn't take long for the dark spirits to touch Phobos' aura. And even though he could not see it, Lemuria certainly could. She waited for him to open his eyes and appear calm and composed, before proceeding to the next step.

"When you feel the contact of these spirits, you must then open your mind to them. To those who cannot see them, dark spirits influence through imposing patterns of thought that seem unnatural. Some are helpful, some are harmful, but with enough focus, you will be able to tell the difference."

Lemuria's own aura was still, perhaps creepily so, held in place by the invisible dark spirits that surrounded her.

"When you are able to discern the difference, remain calm, hold on to those thoughts, and allow them to pass naturally. Some of them may be very, very painful and drive you to say or tempt you to do harmful things to yourself or others, but you must resist. You must merely listen. This is just you fostering a connection to these spirits, and is the first step to harmonizing with them."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[19:12] They were interacting, even though he couldn't see it, it was happening. The idea of all of this was too interesting. His eyes, just as his ears were open as Lemuria went on with instruction.

You must open your mind to them.

That was simple, as simple as it is the young man was unaware of how the spirits would react to an individual like Phobos. Regardless his mind is open and he is more than ready for the Dark spirits to come, basically inviting them with his aura.

She spoke of harmful and helpful spirits, any help is good help to Phobos. With a clear mind the beings could enter and exist as they please while he sits still meditating.

He could hear whispers, low whispers. They weren't friendly either, so vile that they could even shake Phobos a young man to claim that he doesn't know fear. But as she said he remained calm. His teeth occasionally click as the spirts were definitely moving the young man. For the first time in a while he was experiencing 'bad feelings'.

For any normal person this would be a horrible experience, but Phobos? This was progression. Feeling anything was better than nothing. He kept his ears open as the volume of those whispers steadily rise. Some unable to be heard, others slightly legible. Resist the urges, allow them to pass, establish a connection.
(Phobos)
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[19:23] Lemuria continued to observe as he was meditating, impressed by the fact that he didn't immediately fly off the handle. Perhaps conceptualizing it as progress did him a favor in this regard. Not that Lemuria knew; she couldn't read his mind! She waited for quite a while, giving Phobos the opportunity to revel in the connection and perhaps understand it a bit better. The nature of the connection was unique to everyone, so she couldn't give him advice on how it felt.

All she could do is wait.

After giving him time, she finally spoke.

"This is something you must do until you understand the nature of the connection. They will eventually let up and grow calmer once they know they can't overtake you, but are also aware that you're not an enemy. Then, you can reflect and feel the connection to these spirits in the purest, most raw form."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[19:32] Phobos himself was quite the piece of work, even though this task was daunting he wouldn't fly over the hinges. No. Not now at least. He was feeling strange, the whispers were the furthest thing from comforting. It was something that he needed to learn to understand, much like how he did with fear.

Just when things would begin to be difficult the sound of Lemuria's voice lowered the difficulty by a large margin. She gave very good instruction.

With her words in mind, Phobos makes himself very open and approachable while also keeping a strong grasp on his psych. Making sure to cling to himself while still allowing the spirits to freely converse. The nature of their connection would eventually grow.

As the whispers grew louder and louder.

He decided to be much more open to all of their ideas, harmful or not. The bond established with these spirits was simple. They were going to direct him to the answers to his questions only if he followed the directions given. Whether their means were manipulative or violent. It mattered naught.

Those eyes of his open as he hopes to at least catch a glimpse of something, anything.
(Phobos)
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[19:38] By this point, Phobos would be able to see the slightest of wisps. Nothing solid, but enough to indicate that something was there. Lemuria was surrounded by them, but Phobos himself would have his fair share of them, too. And, once again, Lemuria spoke.

"I'd advise you to attempt this exercise in other places that are known to have spirits. You must understand the nature of all spirits in order to fully harmonize with and see them. Right now, you're only communicating with the 'dark spirits in Lemuria's room', and not 'spirits as a whole'. You need to connect with different varieties of spirits, including nature spirits, light spirits, and the like."

She didn't tell him to stop, though, instead allowing him to continue as long as he desired.

"I just gave you a head start, as dark spirits are the ones that are most difficult and dangerous to connect with. The rest should be rather easy in comparison."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[19:47] Success at last, even if only minor it was something. Progression. This was good, this meant that he did have the potential to be something someone of worth. Wano is wrong Phobos is much more than nothing and the thought of this was intoxicating. He wouldn't let it break his focus, instead he would gain as much experience from here as humanly possible.

Lemuria gave him all the knowledge in the world, to continue these studies. Alone or with another he would surely go to great lengths to complete his spiritual training.

His occult flame began to expand more, flaring almost. He didn't stop attempting to commune with these mundane spirits. Not yet at least. He wanted this to be a much more notable feeling so that if he was ever able to experience this again he'd know exactly what was going on.

Calm his voice is, as it so easily ebbs out. Very soft, not feminine but something close to it. "You are wonderful, Lemuria. I amtoo grateful, if there's anything needed of me I will gladly answer to your calls." His eyes remained closed as he continued speech. "I wouldn't mind doing this kind of thing together again. A second person makes being alone much easier to deal with."

What was he even saying?

It sounds so silly coming from his mouth because he was implying that he was alone even though someone was right there. This was a definite sign of how he felt. In reality he just wanted someone by his side in this crazy journey whether it was them or another. It didn't matter.
(Phobos)
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[19:52] "Once you can see spirits, you'll never have to be alone again."

Lemuria laughed. She laughed a bit more than she should, even. But that laugh lost its steam rather quickly, transitioning into a much more melancholy one. She related to Phobos far more than either of them knew. She felt lonely, felt incomplete, and just wanted to be by someone's side. However...

She didn't even have the words necessary to vocalize it. She couldn't.

"But yes... I wouldn't mind doing this again. You learn rather quickly, even though putting it into practice might seem a bit slow to you."
(Lemuria Augustus)
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[19:59] "Lalalala!~" His laugh was much more melodic, almost like he was attempting to sing. He didn't have a true reason why he laughed, much like a majority of his actions he did them because he felt that they fit the moment. "You are very right, thank you so much!" Phobos is the kind of person to give praise if someone helps him.

Small deeds mean so much to someone like him. Mostly because people were doing much more than small deeds when they did help him. Simple small talk alone helped him learn so much about people, so much about himself. And one of his end goals was to finally understand himself truly.

"Then so be it, seek me out, or I'll seek you out. However this will happen I am certain it will happen."

There he goes, smiling again.

It wasn't fake this time around, and it was strange. It was accomplishment? Maybe? In truth he was happy, but he didn't think he was able to convey such, so theyoung man simply thought he was proud of himself. Crazy. All the talking ended up making him lose focus, and so things fell flat.

"Ah-- shoot. I lost focus, but I feel that I've worked my mind and body a bit too much." A thumb comes to swipe at one of the scars on his face, still relatively fresh. "Would you like me to exit?"
(Phobos)
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[20:00] Lemuria Augustus says, "I will head out myself."