(no subject)

[merlinpletcher]

I heard Trullinger has some guest lecturer coming tomorrow. Who do you guys think it'll be?

[...]

I hope it's not a waste of time.

[Val]

[...] I need an honest opinion. Think you can drop the saccharine act for me for a few minutes?

[Known Cicada Wielders]

Well. I went to dig up the cicada and it was just like Armani's. There was a layer of moss growing (took some pics), the shell was softer than before, and when I held it I got that [...] déjà vu feeling. It was definitely different from before but still fleeting. It's hard to get a handle on it.

So. That's one factor down, at least.

What's next?

[Added Later: Tony & Elijah]

Hey. You guys want to help me with something and practice those Sylvan skills?

Comments

[merlinpletcher]

It might be about the cat. I wouldn't mind that.

[Val]

You know what a That's what I'm counting on, anyway.

[...] I've been doing some extra practice since the last match. Some by myself and some with Tony and Pax. But you know how they are. They don't want to hurt my feelings. So. What's your objective opinion? Where do I need to focus?

I need to be ready for Deeplurk next month.

[sugarnspite]

Cats already have claws, why does this one need spines too?

[Merlin]

[...]

Okay, okay, I've got my notes from your first game. Brace yourself, I'm not pulling punches here.

I get that you're looking for the Snitch, but last time you totally forgot about the Beaters and they ruined your chance for an easy early win. Then when it came to the last race? You're plenty fast and way more agile than Joop, but you flinched at the last second. You could have gotten it if you'd gone for it.

[quidditched]

Makes booze.

[sugarnspite]

Cactus Cat booze???

[quidditched]

Yeah.

[sugarnspite]

Elaborate?

[quidditched]

Cat makes booze.

[merlinpletcher]

That's not really elaborating.

[sugarnspite]

I'm still confused.

[teratophilia]

oooh!! how?? do we feed it hops? grapes?

[quidditched]

Don't think so. [...] Maybe ? [.......] Makes beer in a [...] cactus ?

[...] Eats mice sometimes though.

[teratophilia]

uh?? like the hollow of a cactus as a keg?

keep mickey away...

[quidditched]

Think so ?

That's the plan.

[teratophilia]

i didn't even know cactus beer was a thing?? why do they make beer?

[quidditched]

Like to get real fucking drunk.

[teratophilia]

party cat!!!

[quidditched]

Want to try it.

[teratophilia]

yeah, i have to admit i'm a little curious. do you think party cat would get mad?

[merlinpletcher]

Options.

[Val]

Good. Don't.

[......]

I didn't fl [...] It was a reflex. I don't know what the hell happened. I never lose my nerve like that.

[sugarnspite]

Don't pet it.

[Merlin]
Well, obviously. No one loses on purpose, so don't make excuses. You still need to work on your reactions and widen your focus.

[merlinpletcher]

I'm not the one that needs reminding.

[Val]

I'm not making excuses. [...] What do you recommend?

[sugarnspite]

Your hands are precious.

[Merlin]
More practice with higher stakes. I'm sure you excel at drills, but you need to be exposed to more surprises and close calls that aren't predictable. Work on building your subconscious confidence.

[merlinpletcher]

[...] I'm partial to them, at least.

[Val]

[...] You think I don't have confidence?

Besides. I fly into and initiate close calls all the time. What else do you want me to do?

Merlin/Val

[sugarnspite]

I'm talking about your subconscious and your instincts. The parts of yourself you can't control. You think that you're doing nothing wrong because you feel like you're in control of all aspects of yourself, but that's not how it works. We're so much more complicated than that. You need to train the rest of your mind and body, too.

Do you meditate?

Merlin/Val

[merlinpletcher]

I am in c [...] That doesn't make any se [...] No. Do you?