IA: A Teacher for Laynie

[Bront]

"And to an elven man, a human woman is but a brief fling," Vanitri says. "Indeed, sometimes it's just easier to be a 'folk. Don't matter what race or creed your friends are, and ye always know who ye can count on."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I suppose. You know, I've always been curious--haven't there ever been, in the history of the Freefolk, some dispossessed folk that joined with the Freefolk and abused that hospitality, secretly sabotaging their fellow Freefolk to their own gain?"

 

[Bront]

"Not that I know. The folk usually get a pretty good read on people, it's part of what we do. But I'm sure it's happened a time or two, but those that pass through end up passing through, and those that stay stay for as long as they feel like it. I've been a folk most of my life, but it's time for me to wander alone for a while. I'll probably find my way back eventualy, for a time."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Ah, I see. Taking those who have no other place is an admirable cause. I'm sure there are more than the normal share of half-elves and..." a single tear appears in her eye, "...half-orcs too among the folk. In any case, we accept you here, so please feel at home at the Academy, just like among the Folk. And don't let those Sice jerks say otherwise--we don't pay them mind."

 

[Bront]

Vanitri chuckles, "I almost joined Sice just to spite them, but I don't think that would have been good for Laynie, and I've been welcomed here."

"Were you close to Gaark?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

"It saddens me to see any of my students choose this path when there are so many other options, so many better ways to deal with your grief. It makes me feel so powerless now that it is too late, as I could have found him counseling, or helped him more, or reminded him that finals grades are not everything. But...it's just...I can't help but feel partially responsible, since I was the one who pushed to have him admitted. He was enthusiastic and motivated, so I thought he could overcome his inherent mental handicap...I...I guess I chose wrong..."

 

[Bront]

"So, are you sure his grades were not good? I'd not seen anything that would indicate that, and heard he was studying up untill he disapeared, which doesn't seem to fit."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Well, I know he was okay in my class, but I heard he was expecting a big fall in at least one of the others that he just didn't get, you know? It is a terrible tragedy, and I still haven't quite recovered...I'm so sorry you had to see this as one of your first impressions--this is not the usual sort of thing that happens here."

 

[Bront]

"Well, I would certaintly hope not. Not everyone is a scholor, and it is nothing to end your life over."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I agree, Vanitri. Now let us talk of something else. Tell me more about your adventures--didn't you say you were up in the north?"