Fools Paradise

The sun was shining through the windows of the barren room. Wittorf and Coda sat silently drinking tea. The young boy noticed that while this room was sparse is was very clean and kind of homey. He felt he could relax here. While he admired the room he also reminded himself he was here for a task. He was going to get Coda to teach him something, anything.

Wittorf looked at Coda with a somber expression. His guilt for throwing a fit still had not left him. Coda just gave him his usual smile. One that at first looked to be mocking him but after he calmed down he realized it was not anything other than a welcoming smile.

"This is some good tea"

"When are we going to learn something?"

"What do you think we've been doing this entire time?"

Wittorf had no clue what he was talking about but that was starting to become common place. All they had done was argue and drink tea. What was there to learn from that. No magic involved no skills nothing but yelling and tea throwing.

Sipping on his tea Coda could tell Wittorf was confused and that was alright for him. He wanted Wittorf to learn the importance of one simple thing before they could continue. Once he figured it out they could finally continue. While he could easily tell him the important lesson it was very critical that the young boy figure it out on his own. If he wanted to be a true mage he absolutely needed this.

"I don't know about you but I've learned a lot already."

"But you've barely said anything."

Sighing Wittorf looks defeated. He hasn't learned a single thing yet and the day was almost over. Coda stands up and walks out of the room while Wittorf finishes his tea. He was frustrated but his emotions were better in check now.

Coda was trying to teach him something but what. He asked an important question in those few words he spoke to me. What was it again, what is the first thing a student and teacher learn together? He wracked his brain for some answer. Was it something they were doing already? What did they do so far? They fought or more honestly he fought with Coda who did nothing. Not necessarily lets break it down even further what did he do in response? He cleaned himself off and poured another cup of tea. Was that significant?

Wittorf stood up and began pacing around the room. Circling it repeatedly speeding up until he was fast walking. Something happened during their interactions but what was it. What do a student and teacher learn together first?

Coda is watching Wittorf from the other room as he looks for something. Smiling the entire time.

"He's started."

Wittorf is breathing hard now as he slows his pace a little. His train of thought was not leading him anywhere. He needed to think of something else. What else could possibly have been learned today. What was Coda doing this entire time. Nothing, he was doing absolutely nothing. Just sitting there and smiling and drinking tea. Was that the answer? Nothing? But that doesn't make sense. He said he learned a great deal from me. Was it something I did? I acted like a fool I was the one throwing the fit I was the impatient one.

"Hold on a second."

Coda nods with approval. He saw the lightbulb click in Wittorfs head. He knew that the answer had been found and that he could finally move onto the next step with him. He was surprised honestly, for most students it would take weeks to figure this out. For Wittorf to realize it in just one afternoon showed that he was taking this seriously. Coda grabbed a egg shaped object and walked back into the room.

Wittorf looked at him. He was excited to give him a definite answer to his vague question but as he began to speak Coda interrupted him by extending the 'egg' towards him. He was confused at the sight. An egg? Was it time for dinner or something?

"What is this?"

"From this moment forward, it's yours."

"What am I supposed to do with an egg?"

"What does one normally do with an egg?"

"Do you want me to raise it?"

"Do what you must."

"Are you going to give me a straight answer?"

Coda smiles as he sits back down on his mat. Pouring himself another cup of tea, cooling it off with his breath and holding it with care. He looks at Wittorf who is holding the 'egg' and staring at it.

"You wanted me to learn patience wasn't it?"

"It's not a want."

"You think this egg with help me?"

"Do you require help?"

"I just want some guidance."

"Are you unable to think for yourself?"

This was getting him nowhere. Wittorf stops talking and sits down with the 'egg' in his lap. He stares at it harder and touches it. It's warm to the touch. If Master Coda wanted to teach him patience with this egg then he would do it if it means he can finally learn some magic afterwards. Wittorf looks back towards Master Coda.

"Can I leave now?"

Waving him off Coda nods. He knew there was a lot on the young boys mind and knew when it was time to let the thoughts brew into a proper idea. He liked this boy. While still very rough around the edges he could feel that the knowledge of a mage was deep inside Wittorf.

Coda decided to finish his tea and put the rest of the set away. Cleaning them carefully and with care. He was aware of the value of everything he touched and everyone he met. But he couldn't help feel uneasy around the boy. He saw potential in him but he also saw something sad, something unfortunate. The boy was set up for something great but not without cost.