At some point after Ezrin has given Ethelred lecture 13, Alexis asks Ethelred about the lessons when the two of them are alone.
“Listening to Ezrin’s lessons takes me back to my time learning the arts. And sleeping through lectures. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well, as when I was hearing those lectures.” Alexis smiles remembering the time fondly.
“But I wanted to see how you’re faring with your teacher. You’ve gotten a lot of lectures, and I hope he’s given you concrete tasks; I know you do well with those. Perhaps he has given you a gem and asked you to probe it for flaws? Or perhaps he’s given you a few materials and had to rank them by hardness? Had to list a primary purpose for each material? In a ‘spell-component’ sort of way. Perhaps he’s brought you a stick from a nearby tree and asked you to discern which tree he got it from? I never did very well with that exercise, but I think you would be better suited to it.”
Alexis stops talking to allow his friend a chance to talk about his journey into magical learning.
“I have found that Ezrin and I do not see materials in the same way. He sees all materials as if they are ‘the facing’. The facing, in my previous life, was the material the customer would see. Those were very important and need to be specific and treated with upmost care. Those materials that actually made the wall up, well those were less important. Much leeway could be taken with how they were handled and source, as long as they would work for the task.
I see the materials for my work more as the building blocks and less like the facing. Ezrin sees them all as the facing. Materials to him are very specific and substitutions are unthinkable. I believe if Ezrin has his way I would follow right behind him and only use materials when he thinks they are needed.
But that is not my path. I see no other way than through materials. Or better put, I have no will to pursue a path that does not lead right through the material world.
So, to answer your question… no. Ezrin has not give me any tasks like you have outlined. Those lessons would give into my nature and stray from his.”
“That’s understandable. You both come from very different backgrounds.” Alexis nods, invoking memories of Ethelred’s conflicted history with the underworld of Aegir city.
“We’re very lucky to have a real teacher from the Collegium, and I’m very grateful that Ezrin has been willing to take you on as a student. This sort of teaching will open doors for you” Alexis winks at Ethelred about ‘door’ “or at least leave some otherwise-closed doors open.”
“You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Red. I’m sure you’ll find ways to keep yourself stretching and expanding both in-spite-of, and because-of Ezrin’s lessons.” Alexis gives Ethelred a hearty clap on the shoulder.
“And if there’s anything I can help with, just let me know. We’re all in this together now.”