Inbox

[overharrowed]

Incoming messages and correspondence for Enchanter Julius.

Comments

[sulahnan]

[ Just as the level goes up, so does the time it takes for Athessa to parse the sentences, and the frequency with which she makes marks. By the end of reading it, she's had to stop and ask what the marks mean more times than she's had to use them. ]

[overharrowed]

[He seems neither impatient nor frustrated; on the contrary, he seems pleased she made it all the way through, even with assistance.]

Thank you. I know it's never pleasant to grapple with something you haven't mastered yet, but this was very helpful.

[He looks over the paper closely, and then gets up to fetch a book from one of his shelves.]

Just like any other skill, it's a fine balance. Pushing yourself enough to grow, but making sure fundamentals are sound. Ah.

[He removes a small book, bound in green leather.]

I think this is where we'll start. It should be about... here, in difficulty.

[Julius indicates a line where she still knew about two-thirds of the words.

[sulahnan]

You don't expect me to read and mark up that whole thing right now, do you?

[overharrowed]

[A startled laugh.]

Maker, no, definitely not. I'd like you to work through the first chapter at some point before we meet for a full lesson. Then you and I can work together through how to define or pronounce anything you had trouble with. Over time, the idea is that you'll learn how to resolve those questions for yourself, first with my support and then entirely on your own.

[sulahnan]

[ PHEW. She exhales, visibly relieved. ]

Okay, I think I can handle that.

[overharrowed]

Good. And if it turns out I've guessed wrong about your level, don't hesitate to let me know. I want to stretch you a little, not dislocate your shoulder. Metaphorically speaking.

[A muted grin.]

That is, assuming I pass muster. If not, I assume you can ask the Senior Enchanter what the words mean instead.

[sulahnan]

Would you be opposed to being one of two tutors? I don't have a very good frame of reference for who's better, just that you're different.

[ Shrug. ]

And it's not like getting two perspectives is gonna hurt anything, right?

[overharrowed]

If you don't mind twice the lessons, I think it's an excellent idea. You'll likely make faster progress, and he and I can fill in gaps. If you don't get something the way one of us presents it, perhaps the other will frame it a different way.

[sulahnan]

[ An excellent idea! Gosh! ]

Great! So when should we make the first lesson?

[overharrowed]

Would once a week suit you? Assuming neither of us is away on a mission, of course.

[sulahnan]

Sure, 'course. That'll give me plenty of time to muddle through readings and practice lettering.