[ The stone walls blur around you, the light of the candles becomes a continuous line in your vision. The silk pulls at your limbs, unwinding and winding as you lower yourself down and land on one foot, with perfect form, silent as a cat. You straighten, expecting to see your tutor, but Father is there. You bow, and then stand straight immediately, and you study him carefully for weapons — he only ever carries his daggers. Father claps; the sound echoes. Your success pleases me, he says, with that faint approving smile of his, and you are full to bursting with excitement, and secretly, relieved he has only this to say. He rarely takes an interest in the more physical aspects of your studies, preferring to leave you to tutors, and come only when he wishes to test your skill. You are certain one day you will surpass him. Until then, you accept his mercy. You know what his tests are like. ]
[Father, you pipe up. Have I not learnt all I can about using the silk? He was turning away, and he looks at you, suddenly grave. You do not shrink — you're telling the truth. You have nothing more to learn and everything to practice. You're never too old to learn more, Nyssa, he says, with maddening patience. You hope you never sound like this when you are Ra's, and the thought is cut short by Father gesturing for you to walk with him. Come, dinner is ready.]
no subject
[ The stone walls blur around you, the light of the candles becomes a continuous line in your vision. The silk pulls at your limbs, unwinding and winding as you lower yourself down and land on one foot, with perfect form, silent as a cat. You straighten, expecting to see your tutor, but Father is there. You bow, and then stand straight immediately, and you study him carefully for weapons — he only ever carries his daggers. Father claps; the sound echoes. Your success pleases me, he says, with that faint approving smile of his, and you are full to bursting with excitement, and secretly, relieved he has only this to say. He rarely takes an interest in the more physical aspects of your studies, preferring to leave you to tutors, and come only when he wishes to test your skill. You are certain one day you will surpass him. Until then, you accept his mercy. You know what his tests are like. ]
[ Father, you pipe up. Have I not learnt all I can about using the silk? He was turning away, and he looks at you, suddenly grave. You do not shrink — you're telling the truth. You have nothing more to learn and everything to practice. You're never too old to learn more, Nyssa, he says, with maddening patience. You hope you never sound like this when you are Ra's, and the thought is cut short by Father gesturing for you to walk with him. Come, dinner is ready. ]