"
M
ithrak's bane!" cried out the student. "This still looks terrible." He sighed
heavily and regarded the form floating above his Glowing Pool. He had been
trying for nigh on the entire day to build a guard, one that could populate the
ramparts of his otherwise unoccupied castle model. Unfortunately, the crude
objects he had assembled to build the artificial sentry resulted in unrealistic
lumps and seams covering the entire surface. "It looks like one of those nut-
crackers from the Rhinelands," he muttered to himself.
"Problems, lad?" the Master called from across the chambers. "I did warn you
about such an advanced undertaking..."
"Yes, but I'd like to try anyway. That's the only way to learn, right?" The student
rose and walked over to where the old man was working.
"Rightly so," said the Master with a chuckle. "Say, perhaps if I showed you one
of my own human models, you could gain some insights."
"Oh, that would be great!" The lad plunked himself down in front of the Master's
Glowing Pool.
"Very well, then," the Master replied, closing his eyes and taking a breath.
"Dizkmann Eemayl Koleccktkall." The master waved his arms mystically.
Suddenly, a human figure appeared, floating in midair before them.
The student was stunned. He expected a disgustingly detailed and precise model,
but this...this wasn't much better than his own piecemeal effort. The figure had
more details and was better proportioned to be sure, but it still looked like a cross
between a jigsaw puzzle and the Frankenstein monster.
"Well, does this help?" the Master asked with a toothless grin. "It was an early
effort, but still pleases me."
"Why, yes, Master." The lad got up from his seat and prepared to beat a hasty
retreat to his own Pool. "I don't feel so bad...I--I mean, I think I understand
now," he finished, edging away with a smile.
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