Talk of Training (Closed)

Classes were over for the day and her knapsack hung heavily on her shoulders as Ciar made her way to the Highmaster's office. She was only a fourth year and only 15 but there might be a chance that he would agree to her idea or at the very least listen to her. She had her heart set on this and was determined to see it through.

Squaring her shoulders at the top of the stairs before the door Ciar took a deep breath and knocked boldly three times. There was nothing that would stop her and she would rather her attempts and hopeful success be legal as opposed to not. She wasn't against gaining things illegally but it was just less of a hassle to do it legally than worry about getting caught.

"Come," Sacha beckoned, a split second after there was a knock at his door. The man wasn't behind his desk, however. He was at the window, which was open despite the chill air, and he stood leaning out it, his elbows resting upon the windowsill as he gazed out over the landscape.

"What can I do for you, Miss Whelan?" he asked without turning around.

Ciar stepped into the office as she opened the door to the Highmaster's beckons. As he identified who she was without looking she raised an eyebrow but didn't let it phase her. He was the Highmaster after all. Closing the door behind her the Irish teen stood tall facing Professor Rusnak's back after moving to the middle of the room.

"I know you're an Animagus, Highmaster," Ciar stated trying to sound older than her fifteen years. "I went through the Animagus Registry and your form is a kite. I'd like to learn how to be an Animagi. I'd like you to train me, sir, if you have the time."

Sacha turned from window to face the girl. He chuckled quietly.

"Well, it certainly isn't a secret," he remarked amiably. The man moved across his office, walking partway around the girl, as though sizing her up, before continuing to the bookshelf behind his desk.

"Learning to be an Animagus takes time," Sacha stated, his fingers tracing along the spines of the books. "It takes dedication and focus and time. It's not for those with difficulty following through." Selecting a book, he flipped it open as he turned back towards her, yet his gaze was focused on her rather than the book.

Ciar shifted warily as the Highmaster seemed to size her up before going to the bookshelf. Resisting the instinct to reach for the dagger on her left thigh she widened her stance slightly and held her head up a little higher as she turned towards the desk.

"I'm not afraid if that's what you mean, sir. I know what I want and I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal," Ciar said, her words clear, concise, and full of determination. Her grey eyes flashed with fire as she met her professor's eyes. "I won't back down, I won't turn away, and I will see it through until the very end. You wouldn't be disappointed, sir."

Sacha's lips curved into an amused smile. "I wouldn't expect fear to be an appropriate response, either, really. Being an animagus isn't even painful.

"But if you're determined..." He snapped the book shut, then tossed it to her. It was a Stalwart's Guide to Animagus Technique. Crossing over to her, he gazed at her intently. "I am a very exacting teacher, Miss Whelan. Disappointing me is not an option of yours.

"You will read this text," Sacha instructed. "Then, we will discuss it. You will not try any of the techniques without my supervision. I'll know if you do, and there will be consequences.

"Any questions?"

So focused was Ciar on the Highmaster she almost was unprepared for the book thrown towards her. Instinctually she stuck her hand out and caught the book in one hand with strong fingers. Flipping it so she could read the title the teen let a smirk cross her face. The legal way it was then.

Gazing back at Professor Rusnak and listening intently to his words Ciar bowed her head. "I shall not disappoint you, sir," she said with determination. She would read the text multiple times just so she understood it all.

"Just one, sir," Ciar responded to his question. "When would you like to meet to discuss the book? Or shall I come to you once I am sure that I have the theory thoroughly ingrained in my memory?" Reaching back she slipped the book into her knapsack and then held her hands behind her back in an 'at ease' position.

Sacha considered the question seriously. "That would be fine," he decided. "I don't want you to neglect your other studies for the sake of something you can tend to in your free time.

"If you have any further questions, you know where to find me."

"Aye," Ciar responded. "I will return when I have thoroughly educated myself." Standing tall she made a fist with her right hand and placed it over her heart as she gave a half bow to the Highmaster.

"I won't disappoint you like I've disappointed everyone else," she whispered, more to herself than anyone as she took a step back, straightened, and turned on her heel. As Ciar opened the door to let herself out she called back, "My thanks, Highmaster, for allowing me the opportunity to show my worth."

Shutting the door softly behind her the teen made her way down the stairs and back into the bustle of daily castle life.