[h2][center][color=00aeef]Marshall Narquis[/color][/center][/h2]

[@Spriggs27]
[color=00aeef]"Any child with a pencil can write words on a page,"[/color] Marshall retorted with a sterner voice than his countenance suggested he was capable of, [color=00aeef]"It takes a skilled author to create a best-selling novel."[/color]

He watched with interest as Kris set about making her ice once again. He had to admit, her skills at shaping the ice was impressive. Well above the level of most first years, in any case. But the way she made them was entirely listless, not to mention entirely devoid of any soul or thought. All he saw when he looked on her project was "Look at me and what I can do." Not to mention quite half-hearted; a well-crafted ice construct, when done properly, was layered several times over and could withstand multiple degrees of punishment. Well beyond a simple halberd swing, he noted, as she demonstrated just how fragile they were, particularly the one done up to be another student. And if that stunt was indicative of anything, she was, or was trying to seem like she was, vindictive and somewhat violent. But after seeing her actions up to then, Marshall very much doubted the validity of that.

Really, he thought to himself, what a puzzle this one was. She spoke and acted in an almost mocking manner that seemed tailored to goad others into confronting her, but as soon as she was imposed upon she turned aloof and disinterested. It was like a child demanding a new toy, but when told she could have it if she completed a household chore all interest in the toy was lost. And it showed in the way she shaped her ice; the images she made were all beautifully crafted, but with very little actual substance to them. All of it merely for show, to make a spectacle and pull attention, but nothing more. That would have to be the first thing to go.

[color=00aeef]"Well, they look quite nice,"[/color] he said, [color=00aeef]"It's clear you've received some previous instruction in ice manipulation. Who was your instructor, if I may ask? What sort of things did he teach you?"[/color]