"...and then Emlika found me a seventh-level tome. She's been great, and I think I'm almost ready to break through!" Elise said, chatting cheerily between bits.
"Already? I think it was only a few months ago you reached sixth," I said.
I ate with my left hand, carefully ladling the savory broth one small bite at a time. I was normally right-handed, but R'lissea hadn't let my hand go since I sat down, holding it tightly under the table.
"Isn't that how quickly you broke through?" she asked.
R'lissea shook her head, voice still quiet and a little subdued. "You shouldn't compare yourself to someone like me or Xiviyah. Heroic souls are designed differently, right?"
She glanced at me uncertainly, and I nodded.
"It's true, and I wouldn't push myself too far yet. Your mana hasn't quite caught up with your skill. I'm not sure you'll be able to complete a seventh-circle spell yet."
