Unlocking the Heart (1)

Riniock left the library as soon as he finished his assignment. After reviewing his answers, checking his spelling, and refining his phrasing, he felt satisfied with his work. Without delay, he made his way to Professor Gieller's classroom.

 A gentle knock on the door disrupted the quiet of an unusual hour.

 'Come in,' the professor called, his voice calm. 'The door is unlocked.'

 Riniock entered the familiar amphitheatre-style classroom, the rows of seats rising in tiers. As he walked towards the front, his eyes settled on Professor Gieller, seated cross-legged near his desk.

 The professor was harnessing odh, but something about his technique stood out. The rhythm of his breathing was different – deliberate and steady – whilst the flow of energy in the room seemed to respond to him in a distinct, almost reverent way. It was as if he were performing an entirely different process altogether.

 Riniock paused, captivated by the precision and grace of Gieller's movements. Every muscle, every fibre of the professor's being seemed to participate in the ritual. Yet, even as curiosity burned within him, Riniock hesitated, unsure if it would be disrespectful to interrupt.

 He remained still, quietly observing, torn between reverence and his reason for coming.

 'Mr. Tolgir, was it?' the professor said at last, rising to his feet after a few moments of quiet. Riniock nodded.

'To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence today?' Gieller asked.

 'My assignment, professor,' Riniock replied, producing the scroll he had completed in the library. 'I've finished it.'

 'Have you now?' The professor's tone was a mixture of excitement and surprise. 'You're the second acolyte today. The first one arrived only half an hour before you.'

 Second? The thought flickered through Riniock's mind, but the order didn't trouble him. As long as he earned the chance to draw from the odh node, his efforts would be worthwhile.

 Gieller accepted the scroll and took a seat, unrolling it carefully. 'Would you like to stay and hear your results right away?' he asked, already scanning the contents.

 'If it's no trouble, professor.'

 'Not at all. Have a seat while I review your excellent penmanship.'

 As he read, Gieller's expression gradually shifted from curiosity to admiration. 'You're on the right track,' he said, nodding approvingly. 'Yes, it is indeed a fading odh node. These observations are precise. Did a senior student assist you with this?'

 'No, professor. I made these observations myself and cross-referenced them with a book I found in the library.'

 'A Guide to Nature's Departing: Fading Nodes of Odh?'

 'That's the one, professor,' Riniock confirmed. 'By Oriphael.'

 Gieller continued reading, his expression brightening with each line. Occasionally, he glanced up at Riniock, as if assessing his thought process.

 'Mr. Tolgir,' the professor finally said, his tone impressed, 'in my twenty years of teaching theory, I've rarely seen such eloquent, accurate, and insightful work. I'm familiar with Oriphael's book, and it's clear you haven't merely copied it.'

 'Thank you, professor. I tried my best.'

 'This is beyond your best, young man. Acolytes your age rarely show such aptitude, yet here you are.'

 'Does this mean I'm eligible for the reward?'

 'Without question.' Gieller smiled. 'You may have arrived second, but your work outshines your competitor's by far.'

 'When can I expect to have access to the node?' Riniock asked.

 Gieller glanced at the hourglass behind him, noting the last few grains of sand trickling through.

 'A few minutes. Once the first acolyte finishes, it'll be your turn.'

 Riniock nodded and settled into one of the empty seats. He adjusted his posture to begin harnessing odh, determined to make good use of the waiting time. Just as he was about to employ his usual technique, he recalled the method he had seen Gieller using moments before.

 Focusing intently, he synced his breathing to match the professor's rhythm, attempting to imitate the precise flow of odh he had observed. Gieller's eyes widened in surprise as he noticed what Riniock was doing. He didn't interrupt, instead allowing the young acolyte to explore the technique on his own.

 This is far more effective than the method Rhetrick taught us, Riniock thought, pleased with his progress, even if he couldn't yet replicate it perfectly.

 'If I may,' Gieller finally spoke, his tone warm, 'let me give you a few pointers.'

 He moved to sit beside Riniock, his demeanour both instructional and amused. 'Be aware, though – many would consider it offensive to copy someone else's technique.'

 'I'm sorry, professor. I didn't mean to –'

 Gieller waved a hand dismissively. 'It's quite alright, young man. If you weren't such a fascinating oddball, I might feel affronted. But I like you.'

 'I appreciate the help, professor.'

 'Think nothing of it,' Gieller replied with a smile. 'Now, follow my lead.'

 Under Gieller's careful guidance, Riniock refined his movements and breathing. The flow of odh through his body became smoother, more efficient. With each adjustment, he felt the technique falling into place – far superior to the standard methods taught to acolytes.

 By the end of the session, Riniock's mastery of the technique had significantly improved, his body humming with controlled energy.

 Just as the final grains of sand slipped through the hourglass, the door at the back of the classroom swung open. The first acolyte emerged, a satisfied expression on his face.

 'Niann?' Riniock exclaimed in surprise.

 'Oh, hey Riniock,' Niann replied with a grin. 'I see you've finished your assignment too.'

 'Well, you beat me to it,' Riniock admitted. 'Guess you made it to the library before I did.'

 Niann scratched the back of his head, sheepish. 'Yeah, I went there right after you left yesterday.'

 Gieller rose to his feet, his eyes twinkling. 'Well done, Mr. Nodahr. Now that you've finished, Mr. Tolgir, the node awaits you.'

 Riniock took a deep breath, standing tall as he dusted off his clothes.

 'Remember,' Gieller advised, 'regulate your breathing and ease your grip on the flow. Don't force it.'

 'I understand, professor.'

 Gieller smiled approvingly. 'Good. Go right in! And may your harvest be fruitful.'

 Riniock nodded and stepped forward, anticipation coursing through him.