As he spoke, Oversoul Seven created in his mind an excellent art studio, made to Josef’s personal requirements. On the easel was a painting of the precise farmhouse in which Josef was staying on earth. The painting was signed in the corner: Josef Landsdatter, 1615. “Now I’ve made this dream for you,” Seven said. “Look at the painting well. You’ll begin work on it tomorrow. You’ll be so filled with inspiration that you’ll paint all day.” He transmitted the dream to Josef telepathically, then said: “When you get all you want out of the dream, then wake up in your bedroom.”

Josef nodded and dutifully disappeared.

“What did you think of him?” Seven asked.

Cyprus laughed richly, then returned visually. “Well, I see the similarity between the two of you,” she said.

“Stop joking. He has a serious problem.”

“That’s something else about you, Seven,” Cyprus said. “Your sense of humor doesn’t extend to yourself or your personalities. By the time you reach Oversoul Eight stage, you’ll know better. You did handle the situation well, however.”

“I worry about Josef,” Seven said. “He’s so impetuous.”

“As you are,” Cyprus said. “Remember, your various personalities, while independent, also reflect qualities of your own. You can’t create without giving of yourself.

“Now technically you do get three demerits,” she said. “You should have been aware of Josef’s approach and waylaid him. But rules are also flexible, and his achievement is noteworthy, regardless of the circumstances. So I’ll note that in your files.

“The schoolroom environment was also well done, though I’m waiting for you to discover your one other error. Your appearance as the fourteen-year-old male was symbolically valid. You’ve demonstrated that you have an excellent understanding of Earth’s conventions. Let’s dispense with them now, though, and get down to the more serious aspects of your examination.”

As Cyprus spoke, the room disappeared, and the trees outside the windows. Last to go was the wastepaper basket with the scalloped edges. A lovely touch, Seven thought, feeling a bit of dismay as it vanished….

Now Oversoul Seven and Cyprus were two brilliant points of consciousness, without form. Oversoul Seven felt himself expand mentally, psychically. He breathed a symbolic sigh of relief. He and Cyprus communicated telepathically through the use of mental images that changed with each alteration of meaning, and were instantly perceived and understood. In Earth terms, it boiled down to this conversation:

“Creating yourself physically certainly is demanding,” Seven said. “But even now, when I’m not Earth-oriented, I can appreciate Josef and all the rest, and feel the splendid growth of their vitality.”