You are showing a real flair for characterization so far everybody is totally IC on both sides. The Eddings themselves couldn't do better. I can assume the language lessons
will get easier as Polgara learns what to do and what not to do. Actually given the nature of the Will and the Word, learning a new totally foreign language should expand the powers of the native sorcerers as it gives them a totally new mental map or way of seeing the world. Chi hasn't been shown yet (unless Akane's hammer is chi) this might be a new form of magic there or a not magical way of doing things. If it is not magical then it should not produce that sound. As for the fact that six of them are doing magic (from the description maybe the word and the will or sorcery) well many of them have well trained wills from learning the psychological aspects of martial arts to Nabiki's business training. So being able to do sorcery should come natural to all but perhaps Kuno and Kodatchi who had it the softest.

Rick Robinson

rik@cfanet.com