for @citer

[cashewlater]

Comments

[cashewlater]

Spantamad. I imagine you studied with Amurta.

[citer]

I spent most of my time stalking Amurta herbads, yes. They seemed to study things that fit my interest. In the beginning, I hadn't known the divisions between Darshans - I only wanted to know more about the world.

I heard Haravatat graduates must learn twenty languages before graduation. How many for Spantamad?

[cashewlater]

Not just Haravatat. Twenty languages must be mastered to graduate from any Darshan; Haravatat students often learn more than twenty.

[ the road meanders, as they chat, and in the distance, cyno can spy the divine tree rising high against the sky. ]

Do you have an interest?

[citer]

[ tighnari tilts his head up. the sky seems narrow like this, beyond the canopy of trees. but when vissudha field opens up, it will seem wider. it's all a matter of perspective, he knows. ]

I do. There were quite a few books on medicinal herbs, but written in Liyuen. And I would imagine it would be easier to get a handle on fire as a means of healing forest development if I knew Natlan.

[cashewlater]

Mm. Well, we'll put it on the list, then. I'll bring you some books, and worksheets.

[citer]

Will you tutor me yourself as well?

[cashewlater]

If you'd like. I don't mind.

[citer]

I'd like that. But I'm also aware that you have a day job. Perhaps let me get started on my studies; you can be witness to my progress. It will be grand to have someone to practice with.

[cashewlater]

As you wish. We'll drop into the House of Daena.

[citer]

... you spoil me. It makes me wonder when you will say 'no'.

[cashewlater]

I have no reason to say no. You're deserving, and you never ask too much. Would that I could give you more.

[citer]

The only thing I want more right now is for you to rest. Four days was a long time away from your home.

[cashewlater]

Mm.. well, you have me for two entire days. Though I still plan to work on those reports.

[citer]

As long as you are well-rested while doing so. I've no complaints.

[ his attention turns to the road. to the right, the great valley parts, and the rush of the vissudha careens past great canyons of rock. ]

Hm. The river's lively today; there must've been more rainfall than anticipated in the north. Have there been reports of shroomkin bothering the villages there?

[cashewlater]

[ tighnari's sharpness never ceases to amaze him. ]

If there have been, I wouldn't know. I've been deep in Avidya Forest for four days. I can check, once we're in the city; I need to stop into headquarters to gather some paperwork, anyway.

[citer]

I'll come with you. I've never seen your headquarters. I would ask if your subordinates are there, but as the General Mahamatra, are all matra not your subordinates?

[cashewlater]

It's hardly interesting, but if you'd like to see it, I won't deny you - and yes, they are. It still feels a little strange.

[citer]

How so?

[cashewlater]

Well, they were my equals, once. Not so long ago. Some of them don't approve of my appointment.

[citer]

Have they shown their displeasure?

[cashewlater]

No, and I don't think they will. They're loyal to Sumeru, even if they don't like me. Thankfully, it's only a handful of men.

[citer]

Does it bother you enormously?

[cashewlater]

Enormously? No. They're loyal, and do their work, they can think whatever they like.

[citer]

I see.

[ they ought to start from the opposite end of the spectrum, but tighnari thinks - he might know how this feels, in a strange sort of way. ]

When I began speaking to the doctors and Herbads, there were looks of suspicion. I had no rank or identity, but I had limited freedom in doing what I did. And then, when I started gaining knowledge, those that I spoke to found it unconscionable. How can someone without a background or a Darshan know what I know? How can that be allowed?

The heart's of people are prone to envy, I find. There are always those who don't accept, and covet, the talents of others.

[cashewlater]

Mm.. you're right. Though I think there was more to it than envy.

[ cyno is, after all, desert-born, and he is not a renown researcher, either. more than a handful of people think him undeserving. ]