Part 231: Miriel A

I finished grading your examination.

How'd I do?

A perfect score. Exemplary work.

Yee-haw!

That concludes a canvass of the primary precepts of academic study. My lessons end here.

They do? Gosh, I think I'm gonna miss 'em.

: But there is no end to learning. From today hence, you will be navigating the sea of knowledge by your own sextant.

All by m'self, huh?

Worry not. To extrapolate from the present data, you possess considerable aptitude. Continue to apply yourself, and you will find ample success in any academic pursuits.

But I'd still rather be sailin' them seas with you, Miriel.

: I must recommend against such a joint venture.

Why do ya say that?

Empirical data shows that no previous attempt at such a partnership has survived. I have not always been without colleagues interested in collaborative investigation... Yet, ultimately, none were ever able to sustain the arrangement.

Well, why not?

According to them, I exhibit a tendency to press onward to new territory alone. Even I am aware that I tend to lose sight of all else when immersed in thought. As such, continuing my studies alone is the only natural conclusion.

That ain't true at all!

Hmm?

It's their own fault for not keepin' up! Just 'cause they got lazy don't mean you should have to study alone forever.

That is a fascinating theory.

Let me join ya, Miriel. I'll do all I can to keep up! You said yourself I been makin' progress faster'n you thought!

: To use a metaphor, the path ahead is steeper still, and the footing unsure. There will be times I am unable to point the way. Are you certain you want this?

Well all that sailin' talk had me nervous, but I'm a mountain boy. Climbin'? Now THAT I can do!