[What a person might consider trite (or even, as Ortus heard is said, 'corny') is a matter of exposure. There are Third House rhyming symbolic conventions that Ortus rolls his eyes at with utter derision that might strike those unused to them as fresh and novel (although Ortus, if asked, would say that he would highly doubt it, and speak passionately and without interruption for several minutes as to why).
By an inverse token, Daniel's encouragement and slight smile are nearly free of association for Ortus. They bring to mind most vividly the twinkling, genial gleam of Magnus Quinn's smile as he and Ortus hauled the ritual tools for Lady Abigail Pent's summoning.
Unconsciously, he adjusts his posture once more, becoming more relaxed and centred. He smiles back, a shy, wan curve of the mouth, but one buoyed up with a softer, not at all terrible relief.
If Daniel believes he can do it, even after Ortus' confession -
Perhaps he can.
The demonstration proceeds, and to no one's surprise more than his own, Ortus discovers he is capable of following the basic introductory instructions Daniel gives him. He certainly is not skilled (once almost stumbling the staff completely), nor does he exhibits the promise of some secret talent heretofore unknown to him, but he is not exceptionally horrible. It is far better than he expected.
When they are finished, it takes him a while to realize that one corner of his mouth snuck upwards and chose to remain in place even after he stepped off the mat.]
no subject
By an inverse token, Daniel's encouragement and slight smile are nearly free of association for Ortus. They bring to mind most vividly the twinkling, genial gleam of Magnus Quinn's smile as he and Ortus hauled the ritual tools for Lady Abigail Pent's summoning.
Unconsciously, he adjusts his posture once more, becoming more relaxed and centred. He smiles back, a shy, wan curve of the mouth, but one buoyed up with a softer, not at all terrible relief.
If Daniel believes he can do it, even after Ortus' confession -
Perhaps he can.
The demonstration proceeds, and to no one's surprise more than his own, Ortus discovers he is capable of following the basic introductory instructions Daniel gives him. He certainly is not skilled (once almost stumbling the staff completely), nor does he exhibits the promise of some secret talent heretofore unknown to him, but he is not exceptionally horrible. It is far better than he expected.
When they are finished, it takes him a while to realize that one corner of his mouth snuck upwards and chose to remain in place even after he stepped off the mat.]