Wanting to read

[HollowedHeart]

A rather large and muscular country-bumpkin sits right outside of the Elfsong Tavern upon a wooden stool that looks like it might just break under his weight. He flashes a grin at whomever would pass by asking to be taught how to read and write so that he could send letters home to his "ma an' pa".
He scratches his beard, waiting for that one person nice enough to swing by and offer to teach him.

[Cort Thundershot]

On his way to Istari Tower Elias happens to overhear the large man asking to be taught how to read. The mage offers a kind greeting and points to the large structure standing above all others in the viciinity.

"Young man, we would be glad to teach you how to read and write. Many have learned much more within our walls. Visit us soon, when you have time enough, and we will have you sending letters to your folks in no time."

Elias offers the man a handshake before turning back toward his intended destination.

[HollowedHeart]

"Ah surein' will, sar..ah surein' will..Ah thank ye" He says, watching Elias go before gathering up his things and heading towards the tower, he opens up the door and his jaw drops wide open in absoloute astonishment.

"Well..Ah'd be a durned pink spot'd orc's cousin..."

[Cort Thundershot]

After having a few moments to explore the tower's lobby and guest hall, Elias appears and offers the man food and drink.

"Anything but the wine lad, we've some work to do." The mage grins and pats John on shoulder.

After a brief meal Elias motions for the man to follow him to Istari's library. All of the study tables are cluttered and strewn with books save for one. Knowing the exact location of the tomes he desires, Elias moves about the library plucking a few books from their resting places.

Elias sits, and motions for John to take a seat across from him. He begins setting things out for the eager country boy.

"A quill and parchment, this tome, and a desire to learn will get you started. I will teach you to read and write in the common tongue first, then on to other forms if you desire. Make yourself at home here friend, and begin by copying the characters you see on these pages on to parchment. Have patience with yourself, and copy them exactly. When you are finished we will discuss their meaning and putting them together. I will return shortly to check on your progress."

With that Elias strides out of the room, leaving John with only the golems to watch his progress. He smiles as he moves toward his chambers, stuffing his pipe for a smoke as he walks.

[HollowedHeart]

John sets to copying the characters with all due diligence and hard work. He seems to be learning rather quickly for a country bumpkin and within a few hours has become fluent and well practiced, able to whip out the characters with fine handwriting.

[Cort Thundershot]

"It seems you have a knack for this my friend." Elias sits across from John and begins to examine his work. "Your work is much more precise than some of the apprentices who I set to scribing scrolls. Now, let us talk of the meanings behind these characters."

Many hours pass as Elias and John sit in the library discussing the sounds of letters, and the formation of words. By the early hours of the morning the mage has the man forming simple sentences on paper.

"I must say that I am impressed with your rate of learning young man. The hour is late, and we have a guest quarters on our top floor. Feel free to take what food and drink you see fit, and rest well. You've come far in your learning already, but still have work ahead of you."

[HollowedHeart]

"Ah' Thank ye sir. An' Ah'll surein' do me best"

John takes up Elias' offer and moves to the room, taking with him a loaf of bread and some water for breakfast...He slept fast and by the 7th hour of the day he has already finished breakfast and began practicing in the library.

[Cort Thundershot]

Elias shows up in the library around two hours later. He comments on John's sentence structure, telling him that it is certainly readable, and pointing out only one or two mistakes in his early practice.

"You have learned well enough to ink a letter to your folks I think. If you wish to, prepare one, and we will have it delivered with style. Also, I would be more than happy to continue our lessons in reading and writing. After all, teaching is the best form of learning."

The mage pats John on the shoulder as he stands. On his way out the door he quickly grabs a particular tome for his own reading.

[HollowedHeart]

"Ah'd beh honored sar..Thank ye fer takin' yer time ter teach me" John answered with a wide grin before grabbing a stack of parchments and begins the attempt at writing a letter home.

[Cort Thundershot]

Elias returns shortly after his departure holding two tall glasses of milk. As he sits down across from John, he slides one of them across the table.

"When you're finished we can seal this up properly, and if you like we can give it a very...quick delivery to it's destination."