They weren't in sync, at least not back then, but they were together.
~ * ~
Anya waited until the feed had stabilized before looking over her Advancement Options. She knew she had the new Special option but hadn't looked at it while selecting her Specialization. Better to move forward than let herself hesitate before making the choice.
Energy Signature identified as [ Lysanya Sovereign Syl - Mystic ]
Archetype Advancement Options (Pick 3, must pick 1 Knowledge and 1 Enhancement)
- Special Slightly improved ability to manipulate multiple threads of Energy simultaneously. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Knowledge Slightly improved awareness of how physical and energystic techniques can be combined.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of self balance and how to achieve it.
- Knowledge Slightly improved ability to learn or discover techniques that allow Energy to affect friendly physical bodies and Husks.
- Enhancement Techniques combining energy and physical properties are slightly more effective.
- Enhancement Slightly improved Husk proprioception.
- Enhancement Slightly less vulnerable to physical and energy based injuries while in balance.
Specialization Advancement Options (Pick 3)
- Special Know all aspects of yourself. All bond-related effects and benefits are slightly improved. Bond growth slightly empowers you. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Knowledge Slightly improved ability to learn or discover techniques that enhance Awakened abilities.
- Knowledge Slightly improved ability to learn or discover techniques that apply Energy to martial combat.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of Energy flow and self.
- Enhancement Understanding of self slightly enhances all aspects of self.
- Enhancement Martial techniques are slightly more effective.
- Enhancement Slightly improved result when using beneficial energy techniques on self or on others.
She immediately noticed that her Archetype now had the exact same benefit. Phelann had said it came from the first Note but it was good to confirm. The two options about balance for her Archetype seemed to be meant to work together. Combining Physical and Energystic was also paired between the two required choices while the last two were less clear how they might connect.
As she focused on her Specialization options her eyes widened. Clearly she was meant to form a Bond, to find someone she would be able to connect with in that way. After a brief moment of consideration she selected it along with the Archetype Special, Phelann's reactions to the notes made her certain that they would both be the best use of her choices.
Anya? Seb sent before the feed finished updating.
Special means special. It feels stupid to not take something that is rare.
She actually laughed as she felt Seb's realization come back. He must have been considering every possible option as equal. By the same token she mentally crossed out all her choices that would let her learn faster. Her gift did that for her, why would she pick something she was already supposed to be perfect at.
I think the two balance choices are best for Archetype, she told Seb. I don't need the improved learning options with my gifts and being harder to hurt is always a good thing.
Gifts. I feel like an idiot.
Oh Seb, she answered warmly. Help me with my choices then I can help you remember that your gifts should influence your decision.
She could feel him rolling his eyes at her tone before answering. I don't disagree with the balance choices. But what about your Specializations? You're not going to pick one set without seeing how they influence the other are you?
Of course not, she snorted at the idea. Improved understanding of Energy flow and self, understanding of self enhances self and improved beneficial techniques seem like the best. I'm mostly stuck between better technique results or the knowledge.
Maybe we should ask our advisor, she might have an opinion.
"Phelann," Anya spoke up. "I realize we shouldn't be ignoring you and I apologize. We just-"
"I understand," Phelann interrupted, waving the apology away. "You trust one another, you know one another, it makes sense you turn to one another rather than the stranger."
"Regardless, we have been rude," Anya insisted before explaining her current choices. "Can you see any benefit to the knowledge of energy flow and self compared to improved results with beneficial energy techniques?"
Stolen story; please report.
"Monks are known for their abilities to enhance themselves and their allies, in some cases even for the ability to step in for a Healer when injuries are less severe, especially if they are the injured party. If you intend to Dive without any additional support then the improved results could enhance that."
Anya considered before nodding. "So I should take that and learn to heal?"
"You should see about learning to heal regardless. Having someone in the group who can do so is always beneficial. On the other hand pairing the Knowledge you are considering with the self enhancement will likely compound. And Self-Healing is a form of Energy flow."
"Seb?" she asked, more conflicted than ever.
"Whatever feels best, I know you'll make both work."
She frowned, she wanted advice, not more confidence in her ability to be her best self. Her best self she thought, realizing she had her answer.
Without hesitating she made her selections and the feed updated once more, no longer offering her any choices, only validation.
Energy Signature identified as [ Lysanya Sovereign Syl - Mystic ]
NOTES 1, 2, 3 recorded
Advancement options
- Special Slightly improved ability to manipulate multiple threads of Energy simultaneously. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Special Know all aspects of yourself. All bond-related effects and benefits are slightly improved. Bond growth slightly empowers you. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of self balance and how to achieve it.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of Energy flow and self.
- Enhancement Slightly less vulnerable to physical and energy based injuries while in balance.
- Enhancement Understanding of self slightly enhances all aspects of self.
Looking over her choices she felt good. Despite not choosing her Archetype she still managed to make choices she liked. Finally she turned to Seb, gesturing for him to take over.
"Have you figured out how your gifts simplify your choices?"
Seb glared at her and yet at the same time she could feel his amusement. Once his feed came up he picked his special options without hesitation.
"Specialization should be easy choices. Special option focuses on Bladesong, so I should take the Bladesong choices."
Anya nodded, that made perfect sense. Even if he never found a bound weapon she was sure he would learn to get Bladesong to work regardless. And if he did manage to get a bound weapon all the better. Phelann's description of Bladesong made her wonder just how powerful it could become for them.
"I definitely want the improved understanding of timing and placement. I know you already have a general idea about that Anya but I need to learn. This will make it faster. Plus the learning option is less useful if I can memorize any techniques I see and avoidance doesn't sound right for this role."
"You're right," Phelann said, inserting herself into the conversation. "With your gifts I would not recommend improved learning options, you already have significant benefits in that area. The fact that you recognized that is a good sign."
Anya cleared her throat loudly before Seb could answer. "I mentioned it to him. I think he forgot that his Gifts mattered in his choice."
"She's right," Seb admitted. "I hadn't thought of that."
As he made his selections the list narrowed down to three final choices, his Archetype enhancement. "You should take one of the hindering ones."
Seb nodded, hesitating between the two then selected the increased effectiveness. "I think that will help more."
Energy Signature identified as [ Sebastian Holding Syl - Path of the Witchblade ]
NOTES 1, 2, 3 recorded
Advancement options
- Special Slightly improved ability to manipulate multiple threads of Energy simultaneously. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Special Your bound weapon naturally emits Bladesong. Bladesong range is slightly increased. This option will grow and advance with future Path selections.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of timing and placement in combat.
- Knowledge Slightly improved understanding of Bladesong.
- Enhancement Techniques meant to hinder opponents are slightly more effective.
- Enhancement Hindered opponents are slightly affected by weapon imbuements as long as they are in range of the Bladesong.
With the final confirmation both of them stepped away from the terminal and turned to face Phelann. She smiled at them before stepping over to the terminal and adjusting it, presumably restoring it to it's usual state.
"Congratulations, you have both taken the first step on your respective Paths." As she spoke Anya felt something inside her shift, her Energy roiling around an unseen intrusion, only to settle down before she could focus her attention on it.
A moment later she continued, much less formally. "That is the traditional statement Seers are expected to give after the first choice. You have both managed to surprise me more than once and, I have to admit, made me believe that Valene might have been right when he said this was not a punishment."
"Thank you for your assistance. I'm sure we'll have more questions for you next time we meet," Anya replied with a smile.
"Typical meetings are held at the local Seer's branch. I would suggest we meet there in a month and we can go over your progress and any questions you come up with between now and then."
A month will give us plenty of time to get you some experience Diving, and both of us figuring out what exactly those options mean.
I already have more questions though.
Seb! she grumbled.
I'm joking. Actually I do have questions-
You've asked her enough questions today.
"A month sounds perfect Seer Phelann," she said, half stepping in front of Seb as though she intended to physically intercept any questions he might have.
"In a month then my Lady, Seneschal."
Phelann gave the slightest of bows before they escorted her back to the portal. Moments later she was gone. Anya yawned an instant later and looked down the hall to their empty coffee mugs. I want more coffee, and food, and to sleep.
Let's head upstairs first. I don't think I can handle falling asleep on the floor again.
Anya giggled as she followed him up and to the kitchen. Floor wasn't comfortable, but at least I had a nice pillow.
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