for @citer

[cashewlater]

Comments

[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. ]

[citer]

Perhaps. Though I don't suppose that fundamentally changes anything. They limit their own growth by picking at the leftovers of others. If they had time to cast annoyed looks, they have time to bury their noses in another paper, for all the good that will do them.