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| [O] Thieves | |
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| Topic Started: Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:21 am (259 Views) | |
| Leander Tristram | Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:21 am Post #1 |
 
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Kellen had changed little over the many years, constantly readjusting itself, repairing damage done by raiders, bandits, and various characters of some small power. Each time the town had won out in the end, their mounted forces driving away groups of monsters and men who swarmed over the plains surrounding. The hills held a sparse scattering of caves for shelter, much of its expanse leaving any fleeing from pursuit, or avoiding attention, out in the open. It had been a long journey, indeed. The plains were fairly silent this day, on their own. Minimum bustle sounded over the walls protecting the town from whatever it may need to protect itself from. The smell of smoke was light on the morning air. Leander sneezed. The old man mumbled a few choice curses under his breath and rolled his head, stretching his sunburnt neck. “As if I didn’t have enough burns to worry about. Out of my damned balm, too. Dragon woman went off and left me on my lonesome. Too old to be wandering the land on my own. I’ll get snapped up, one of these days.” Continuing his ranting monologue, he strode in the gateway into Kellen. The two guards on duty sat on overturned barrels, playing a game between them on a board. One turned his head with a smile while his hand crept closer to his spear, nodding Leander past. The old man noted the action. Must have been a slow day for them, too. Leander raised his cane in salute, on reflex. Old habits. Tucking his cane under his arm, Leander ran a hand through a wild mane of hair, scratching at the back of his neck. The bared arm showed aged skin, tanned with a lifetime of sun, rough for lack of proper care, and muscled enough to make sure he was able on his own. But only the right arm was bared. The left arm had a longer sleeve, wide around the end to hang over his hand, which hovered around his belly, arm held close to his chest. Even through the black material it was plain to see the arm was thin, much more so than his right. Not an inch of flesh was bared, but he held it to him like a wounded animal. Tugging on a loose strap, he buckled it tighter, adjusting the sleeve. Leander glanced up, narrowly avoiding running headfirst into a stand selling various fruits. It was set on wheels. A temporary establishment, likely just coming in from more fertile areas with a fresh load of fruits. ‘Can I get any for you, sir?’ asked the vendor, a sandy haired youth with a spatter of freckles and crooked teeth. Grimacing, Leander mumbled a negative, waving off the boy. ‘Are you sure? They’re all fresh. Picked and washed today.’ He insisted, concentrating on the old man to the exclusion of the villagers passing by. One of which took the opportunity to pocket a pear on his way past. Giving pause, the elder growled under his breath, stalking after the redheaded thief, cane dropping into his hand from his elbow. He had the fruit halfway to his mouth when the length of wood struck him in the back of his left ankle, throwing the man to the ground with a yelp. The fruit skidded off in the dusty road, but it was no longer the issue. “Dirty thief, taking what isn’t… DON’T YOU MOVE!” Leander roared as the man’s hand dove to his belt, drawing a cheap-looking knife, little more than a roughly sharpened table knife. The cane snapped across, hitting the man’s wrist with a sickly crunch. Sparks sputtered from the end with the blow. Howling, the man cradled his broken wrist, dropping the knife. |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:45 pm Post #2 |
 
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Kaess had flown in all the way from his monastery leaving Chris to train with Tulip while he went to get supplies. However, as usual he had gotten lost and missed the first few towns and now he had spotted the village of Kellen. 'Hmm... a bit farther than I intended to get supplies, but I suppose it will do. I wonder if they have an good and fresh. It would be nice to get the kids a treat.' He was wear his normal monk robes with a simple tie on which his bag of never ending space hung. He also was wearing his draconic boots and one his draconic gauntlets hung at his each of his sides. His scales glittered a bit as he landed causing the guards at the gate to startle a bit, though the older one calmed down at his smile and wave. The younger of the guards seemed to calm down after the older one vouched for Kaess. He had been here several times in his days of traveling so many still knew him. He entered town stretching his back a bit to get the kinks out from flying longer than he intended. He started getting some of the supplies he needed going from stand to stand. Picking up some hay, some meat and was going to a fruit stand. He saw an older man who looked to have seen much in life and some it quite tough it seemed. He wondered about this man, but didn't think too much until the man used the cane on another person. It was soon clear he had spotted a thief. He deviated in the direction of the two when he heard a crack of the cane against the thief's wrist and a crude knife skidding onto the ground. The way the thief held his hand it was clear it was broken. Coming closer the thief seemed to be not much more than a boy. He walked over to the two, he noticed the thief trying to go for the knife again and he quickly picked it up before anything else happened. 'Foolish youth hopefully he isn't lost to that life yet.' "Pardon me I couldn't help over seeing and well that was a fast disarm, though I thinking breaking the wrist was a bit more than necessary. Though I suppose it is difficult to control your power in the heat of a moment. My name is Kaess and yours? He paused for an answer before turning to the boy thief. "Now then our little thief can I ask why you are stealing fruit. It isn't healthy to be a thief, as you just found out. You should try finding some more honest work. Depending on the answer the thief gave and how sincere the boy was he might heal the wrist rather than just send him to a healer. Pain could be a good lesson at times. |
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| Leander Tristram | Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:19 am Post #3 |
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Leander jerked his chin in acknowledgement of the newcomer. “Fast disarm? No, he’s just inexperienced. Doesn’t know what he’s—“ Snarling, the old man lay a flat blow to the boy’s back as he tried to scoot away, planting a boot between his shoulder blades. “Doesn’t know what he’s doing. Bah, control’s got nothing to do with it. Don’t mind what I done.” He let the cane’s tip hover over the boy’s broken wrist threateningly. “Leander Tristram.” The market shoppers were casting glances his way, several stopped and watching openly. A wide circle of space was allotted the trio. A scowl set most of them on their way. The boy wiggled under Leander’s worn boot, yelping when Leander tapped the break. “I didn’t take anything! I didn’t steal? This crazy old badger just assaulted me! Get him away from me!” The boy wore a look of wide-eyed panic. Leander snorted, slipping his cane through two loops on the back of his jerkin. “Help me! Someone he—“ His cries were muffled by a heavy boot grinding his mouth into the dusty road. Smiling pleasantly up at Kaess, he continued twisting his heel. “Would you like a drink? After he’s taken care of?” A guard made his way through the crowd, spear leveled with his waist. Breaking through into the circle, he nearly stuck Leander in the lung. Cursing, The old man’s cradled arm extended on reflex, wrapping itself around the wooden shaft just below the spearhead, shoving it aside. The arm was bared halfway up his forearm, and all of it was blackened. Specks of ash fell away with the movement, a small stream of dust pouring from the sleeve. Underneath blackened flesh was raised, knotty scar tissue, looking as if it had healed and been burnt several times over. “Watch where you’re pointing that, idiot.” Leander cursed. His hand didn’t release the shaft, young guard ogling the hideous appendage gripping his weapon. Leander reddened around the ears, reaching over with his right hand and prying the hand away. Pulling it back, the fingers curled into their natural clawed state. He settled it back into the sling, tugging the sleeve back over it till it hung off by several inches. “Eyes back in your head.” Leander mumbled, face lowered. The boy squirmed underfoot, efforts renewed by the presence of an official. “Help me!” Leander kicked him in the ribs. |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:56 am Post #4 |
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Kaess sighed at both of the thief and Leander. He found the pleading boy to be very sad as it was obviously not sincere, but it still tugged at his own emotions. He also frowned at Leanders kick to the boy's face. He found Leader's hand to be odd, but that hardly phased him. There were far weirder things out there, though he was a bit curious. 'Why does reality always have to be this way. For once I would actually like to see a bit more promise in others. Well better put a stop to it for now.' He raised his hand to halt Leander clearly not happy with the second kick and it was not wise to upset him. "I think that is enough Leander. Pain from a mistake can be a lesson, unnecessary pain just causes resentment. You go to far against so small a crime. I will certainly be willing to get you a drink so just don't take out your anger on this little thief for now alright." He made sure no more strikes came to the boy and helped the boy rise to his feat, but not letting him bolt either handing him to the guard. He turned to the guard still looking a bit annoyed. The guard was still clam, which was good since those guards who didn't know him often were a bit afraid of him. "If you would be kind enough to take care of the boy here. He was caught stealing some fruit, but it would be nice if you took care of him for now. Get that broken wrist bandaged at least. I will come by a bit latter to see him. I tend to like giving others second chances." He turned to the boy. "Now if you promise to be good, I might just help you out, just remember though I only give one extra chance." His brown eyes bored into the boy with his golden scales. He waited until the boy nodded. He turned back To Leander. "Well that is enough of that why don't we get that drink, maybe it will help you a bit. A good talk with another person never hurts too, especially those who have been on long journeys. Sometimes those journeys make things seem worse than they are." Kaess' own long years showed through as he spoke, having been alive probably near to twice what even this older man had. Still it was odd he respected the age of Leander in a way he couldn't quite think of himself yet. 'I guess my heart may still be younger.' He gestured for them to be on their way letting Leander lead them to a place to have a drink and talk, but it was still clear the matter with the thief was over for Leander at the moment. |
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| Leander Tristram | Tue Aug 24, 2010 6:10 am Post #5 |
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“Unnecessary pain.” Leander scoffed, stepping away from the boy. Part of his statement irked the old man, but he couldn’t touch on it. Maybe it was the pain causing resentment. Maybe it was the way it sounded the old man relied on alcohol to wash away his anger. But neither was meant as he took them, so he let it slide. Leander idly scratched at his sleeve. Pulling the cane off his back, Leander leaned on it, a spark jumping to die on a stone on impact. Crime was crime, and years away from properly taking care of it left him a well of rage. Twisting the end of the cane in the dust, Leander glared at the young guard. “I don’t give extra chances, whelp. Color yourself lucky.” Spitting on the ground at the boy’s feet, he nodded at the already-moving guard. Troubled, the old man thought over Kaess’ words. A talk might help. Give him direction. Didn’t mean he would, of course. The pain was too constant, too irritatingly clarifying to allow him to calmly converse his issues with the world with another. With a deep breath, Leander ran his hand through his hair. “Aye, I’ll take that drink. You don’t look near old enough to be saying such things, dragon.” The old man was unfazed by the man’s appearance. He’d seen worse. Demons, he’d seen worse. Glancing at the back of the thief, arm in the guard’s mailed fist, the corner of his mouth quirked, a half smile. Shaking his head slowly, Leander nodded to the half-dragon and began walking in the direction of the Green Gryphon Inn without waiting for anyone in particular. There was a twinkle in his eye as he thought of the young man, posture straightening. He glanced at Kaess out of the corner of his eye. “You look like a man who’s seen plenty. Done plenty, too. Interesting choice of clothing. I hear there’s a monastery up near Therab.” This was only half-true. He hadn’t heard of it, but the Monastery was mentioned in several of the books of Fire he’d picked up on a pilgrimage to the Taras Library. An entire guild of those who work with fire. Last he’d heard, the guild was led by the avatar of the Goddess of Fire. Though he wondered what had become of her. What exactly would happen to an avatar of a God when his or her power was lost? |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:52 am Post #6 |
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He watched the gaurd walk away out of the corner of his eye and devoted his attention to Leander. This man truly had much that should be brought out. Curing a mind was one of the harder things to do in life. He wondered how long the man had been like this. Probably too long. He decided to start by being open himself. It helped to make other open up too. "Hmm... you are correct I have seen much I used to be a wander by nature and with a tendency to get lost I found myself in many a situation over the years. My dragon blood is quite strong too which is why I don't look so old, though I am about 124 now. One thing I learned in my travels is that life may be harsh, but there is always a better way to do and look at things things. A way to make them better if only people give it a bit of time and hard work." He also considered the man's other words, but decided that he wasn't a bad person and perhaps he would come to the monastery some time. They were just entering the tavern when he decided to tell him about his monastery. "You also must have heard some quick rumors I just built a monastery there not to long ago to teach the arts passed down to me. It is funny but a volcano can be an oddly peaceful and reflective place. I was actually doing a bit of supply shopping for the monastery when I saw you and that boy." He didn't go into too much detail as it was a long story on how he had traveled the path of the Burning Fist, even just building the monastery had been an a difficult task. So he decided to ask a bit about Leander. He waited for Leander to sit down and then got himself a seat after order drinks from a waitress wandering past. He also ordered some bread to munch on. It had been a long flight and little food would be good right now. He even considered ordering a meal, but decided to wait to see if bread would be enough. "Well anyway enough about me for now. Why don't you say a bit about your self? |
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| Leander Tristram | Wed Aug 25, 2010 5:53 am Post #7 |
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Leander limped along on his cane in seemingly random intervals, not associated with either leg in particular, but when his pains came and went, using the length of sturdy wood for support. He listened in silence, eyes cast to the side, down, generally anywhere but the man himself. He still wore his smile, his eyes bright with pride. The dragon was nearly twice his age. But Leander held little stock in age through years. Elves lived for hundreds of years, dragon near ageless. Surely this one, even being half-blooded, would live far longer than a human. But Humans had less time to experience. As a race they had grown to be quick-moving, quicker to grasp new concepts, to fall in love and have children, quicker to live. Generally, their lives were packed tighter than the oldest of dragons. The dragon may be twice his own age, but it counted little in terms of life experience. He hummed at Kaess’ philosophy on people, looking like he wanted to interject his own thoughts. Entering the tavern, he glanced about quickly, picking out a table. “I can imagine it would be, with the boiling rock, the insufferable heat, and the threat of destruction near every day. But it does have its own charm, I suppose.” The old man spoke with a bit of prejudice, having had one of his stronger experiences near the mountain. Frowning as the thought arose, he smothered it at once. The charred arm twitched in its sling. “As for your other statement.” Leander groaned as he sank into a chair, leaning his cane against the table. “I can’t wholly agree.” The old man pinched at the skirts of a passing waitress, giving her a wily wink. “It’s difficult to explain properly. But. That boy back there. If his experience had gone another way. If either of us had taken care of it on our own, rather than as a pair. What do you think he would remember more? The man who sent him on his way with a stern look and a few kind words? Or the man who broke his arm for stealing, and publically lowered him? I guarantee you he’ll always keep in mind the citizen who stepped in with force, and will certainly hesitate next time he’s tempted to take something not belonging to him, worrying there will always be another old man with a heavy stick waiting?” Leander smiled as their drinks arrived. Taking up his mug, the old man kicked back the mug, taking a heavy drink that few other than an experienced drinker could accomplish. Falling into a coughing fit, The old man lifted an old cloth from his jerkin, covering his mouth. Face reddening; he took deep breaths, a smile winding its way onto his face. “Not as old As I once was, I s’pose.” Leaning back, The old man rested his good arm on his belly. “I’ve seen plenty. More than any boy from a fishing village should. Ran off to join the Taras Guard. Spent a small time in the Legions before I realized I’d been happier protecting the city. But I’ve seen things in ‘civilization’ that soldiers wouldn’t think of doing. Things I don’t care to discuss. I got old quick, decided to start adventuring. Should’ve started sooner. Made my way across the countryside with my old Legion blade, Set on having a grand old time. Turned out I was too old to keep up with the life. Around the time Taras fell, I was in the mountains at the time. Encountered the results of the foolishness of those who have too little experience to know what’s good for em.” The old man’s face had twisted into a scowl, spitting at the floor. The saliva was tinged with pink from his coughing, smell of burning flesh emanating from the globule of spit. |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:48 am Post #8 |
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"Not nearly so bad especially if you get some good protection. Setup some powerful magics to keep any disasters away and the heat isn't as bad as you would think." He decided that the old man also had a right to his own opinion. Not everyone accepted his philosophies. He also considered what the old man said about those events. It was true people especially the shorter lived ones remembered the worst things that happened to them more. Still he couldn't quite bring himself to be that harsh. He continued to listen as the man told a bit of his tale noticing the man's experience with drink. 'Hmm... to drink like that is a sign of great burdens.' The man seemed to be well traveled, but obviously still wanted to be active. He was a man of action and he needed goals to reach for. He also felt pain, that was clear in his eyes at the mention of Taras. As the man spit Kaess wondered about the odd smell. He finished his first tankard needing it after the brief thought of Taras and the horrors he had seen there. He ordered another when the bread arrived. The dragon was fairly good at drinking himself, but that was more do to his blood than his own experience with drinking. "Hmm... Taras was a tragedy, that is one day I won't forget. It was probably one of the worst moments of my life. The city burning around me demons everywhere and I could do so little to save people. You may have a point about that thief remembering the bad more. That event certainly sent me down a path that lead to my current place in life. Still I guess it is also such things that makes me want to spare others from a troubling path without having to cause them pain. You definitely had a long life, but it sounds like you aren't really finished yet. You seem to have energy yet. Almost sounds like you were talking about yourself there near the end. I get the feeling that something is holding back much strength in you. He paused looking at the man's arm and just got a feeling. His instinct said this was a tough point, but maybe he could help this man physically a bit and in the process help a broken soul as well. That spit also didn't smell right. I will understand if you don't want to talk about it, but is it that burn. Being a specialist in the ways of fire I may know something that could help." Kaess was concerned and took a bite of bread. It wouldn't do to drink on an empty stomach after all. |
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| Leander Tristram | Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:25 am Post #9 |
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Leander’s face turned dark with the mention of the Demons of Taras. “Those responsible for hurting my people are going to go through hurts.” The old man tensed, taking another drink. He wiped the foam away with his sleeve. “Sparing others from pain only makes it hurt worse when the real thing comes around. It wouldn’t be doing them any favors. But that’s not my place to decide. I’m human. I could be wrong.” Leander set the mug more or less on the wet ring it had already formed on the table. “I’m not finished yet. Not ready to die.” His gaze drifted down to his arm, motionless against his chest. “Losing my hopes fairly quickly, however.” It was true enough. He had the spirit to continue, but his body was rapidly deteriorating. He resented those who he did not know, the unknown party who set free the demons, giving no thought to how it would affect the people of Imythess. To them, all Leander was, was yet another causality. Yet another victim of their foolishness, patched to the best of the abilities of the meager help the healers on hand could provide. Maybe if there had been a stronger spell caster nearby with the proper knowledge. But there weren’t. All they could do was slow it down. Leander’s temper flared at the man’s mention. He bit back a retort. Taking a deep breath, the old man sipped the last of his drink. Sighing, he looked around the tavern. Everyone was too involved in their own conversations or troubles to notice the odd pair. Leaning forward, Leander tugged at his sleeve shyly. “Nobody can fix the damage that’s been done. I’m too far gone. Crippled by some fool’s thoughtless actions. Victim to those demons who tore down my home.” Leander unclasped the buckles of the sling, comprising of several leather straps instead of a swath of fabric, and set it on the table. Undoing the brooch on his shoulder, Leander removed the sleeve gingerly. The arm was blackened, husks of ash covering scar tissue in ugly patches. The palm and underside of his hands were pink and raw. Where there was semi-healthy flesh, scarce as it was, there was a faint glow, akin to that of dying embers. The arm was still burning, but no smoke was released. The flame was devouring all fuel. The wound encompassed the entire arm and onto the shoulder, where it was ever so slowly spreading. “How much do you know about demon’s fire?” Leander asked quietly. “It started as just the hand. Knew enough healing to keep the flesh growing, slowing it down until I could get to a proper healer.” The old man touched a black portion, brushing away the ash. “The one I got to wasn’t skilled enough to get rid of it, and before a proper healer could get to me, I’d have died. So he slowed it down. It isn’t stopped, just spreading. It’s tainted my magic. Can’t use anything ‘cept fire and the most basic of general spells, and it all smells like brimstone. Spreading on the inside, too. Nearly reached my lung now.” The old man frowned, looking little more than a young man in confusion. “If I can’t get control of it. It’s going to kill me.” |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:20 am Post #10 |
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Kaess listened carefully to the man and found it actually quite interesting. He didn't agree with the part about it being harder, you just had to teach people and prepare them for what could come. Life would still surprise you, but it wasn't needed to add to such. Regardless he also thought it wasn't the time to argue. He had dealt with demon's fire before. It could be as terrible as dragon's fire. He remembered his last encounter with the Demon Xelothtith. The terrible being had burned several brave souls, before the succeeded on bring him down at last. Kaess had ended up being the one to fight him being immune to the flames. The thing never stopped burning until it's target was gone. Not even the best of healers could always fix it. "I actually know quite a bit, strong stuff that burns almost endlessly. The only fire I know as strong as it or stronger is a dragon's fire. It is impressive you survived even as long as you have. Most burn within hours of even a spark landing on their skin. If it is burning you inside already, that will be a tall order to fix. Though there is one solution I know of. At the highest skills of my art you learn to calm any flame even something as deadly as a demon's fire. Though it isn't easy to learn even the basics of The Burning Fist. Even if you do learn it all I can't guarantee that it will cure everything. I do believe that it will stop the flames from burning you further, but I don't know for sure. I just wish the old halls of the Burning Fist were not lost forever in the Istan Deserts, but they are so I can't find out if there was ever such a case before. You may even be better off trying to find another solution." Kaess also focused his own power while he talked letting his draconic blood boil with magic and leaned over after speaking touching the man gently, letting some healing to flow into Leander. The spell was his oldest and the first one that had manifested it's self in him. It had saved his and others at times and now maybe it could help this man a bit while they talked. "A little natural magic of a dragon's may help slow it down a bit more. I am unfortunately weak at healing, but I hope the little bit I can offer helps for now. Just from the brief touch he could tell there was a terrible battle going on in this man's body. He marveled at how much it must take to fight off such a force slowly creeping on your life. |
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| Leander Tristram | Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:26 am Post #11 |
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Leander sat in silence, considering the offer. He’d studied all he could on the subject for years, searched the major cities for any scrap of knowledge on the topic. He’d only found a brief passage on it in the library of Taras. After years of study, all he had found was that the fire would feed until its fuel was gone. As far as he knew, he’d been the longest to stand against the flame. But it was winning, ever so slowly. The magic was tied into his very core, eating at his life force. But this man was telling him he could control the flame. Halt its spread. So simple an offer, so blunt. After all this time, his answer was near Therab, the source of all his troubles. “I’d need time to think it over. This option seems a long and tiresome process, and to be honest, I don’t have too much time left to me. Too little energy to be spent chasing dreams.” Leander frowned at the man’s statement about the istan desert. It seemed his sources had been false. Or at least misinformed. The guild was real enough in itself. And there was a monastery in Therab. But it was not the original. It had been made by a later follower. Which left his wonderings of the fire goddess still in doubt. “I’ll need a few days to decide. This is a last ditch effort, but I may be able to take it at a later time. Soon enough.” |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:44 am Post #12 |
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Kaess looked at the man seeing that he was undecided and to practice the arts required dedication. He then thought that before the man considered things too far he should test him. It seemed like he was strong with fire, but he remembered that wasn't a guarantee that he had the affinity needed for the training. He pulled out a small red stone that seemed to pulse in his hand. "I understand, but before you consider further I would ask you to do a small test. It is simple harmless and quick. It also is a good judge of how fast you can learn the skills. Though it may also show that you are unable to learn it as well. I some how doubt this, but it is a possibility. Still better test and make sure before you take time considering this possibility." He waited for approval and handed him the small stone. "The test is simple, just concentrate fire magic into that stone and tell me about the properties of fire, what it is, how it works, not just the bad, but the good it can do too, even how it makes you feel. Just cut the magic at any time you feel you are done." The stone will react glowing and floating higher from Leanders palm the longer he talked and fed it fire magic, eventually dancing a bit in the air. When he cuts his magic the stone will float back to Kaess. OCC: I thought this a good place to do the first task. So either 500+ words for next post or two of 300+ shouldn't be a problem for you. |
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| Leander Tristram | Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:42 am Post #13 |
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Leander had doubts about the test, but he knew little of fire magic itself. He was never one to resort to the rampant destruction of fire magic. He’s always used magic in its general, unrefined form. But since the incident his grasp on general magic was slipping rapidly. It was barely in his limits to call out to the damned cat. And the rest of magic was far beyond his reach. He couldn’t even feel the attunement any more. Grunting, Leander reached forward, taking up the stone. Immediately he felt the warmth. A pull similar to some of the rocks far north which attracted metals. Blinking in surprise, the old man squinted at it, trying to extend his mind toward it. It felt repelled, as if he were trying to force the wrong key in a keyhole. A bead of sweat rose on his brow and his temper rose. The arm lying dead on the table gave a twitch Leander didn’t notice. Waves of heat-warped light rose from its surface. Thinking himself about to fail the test, Leander tried another tactic. He looked into his own mind, a trick he’d learned on his travels among healers, a way to look at the progress of the fire on his life. Finding himself in the midst of his magic, it felt wrong. Usually it was neat and enclosed; doors open to him whenever he wished access to a particular branch of magic. But the ways were closed, heat tainting their entrances. Fearing what he would see, he looked to his fire magic. What was once a small opening, a limited space, seemed to be a gaping hole opening into a vast cavern. Inside he saw his fears and resentment. He was pushing the magic back. Closing himself off to it. It was becoming a part of him, but he wouldn’t let it be. Returning to reality, he bit his lip and opened himself up to the flames. A searing heat flashed through his body, pulsating from his arm. Concentrating, he narrowed the heat’s focus, pouring the well of magic into the stone in his hand. As it lifted off, glowing, Leander found himself in tune with the flame, holding a greater understanding of the traits of fire. He let the fire have reign, a separate being from himself, connected with him on a deeper level than the flesh. It continued its focus on the stone while Leander explored this new aspect. The flame was consuming. But that was not all. “Fire is not a weapon, in purpose. Fire is… a tool of nature. It cleanses the old, leaving behind enriched grounds for new material to grow. It brings warmth to cold travelers. Fire forges tools for the smith. It is crucial to survival of all living things. It is a great ally. And yet is used as a great weapon. Fire extends beyond itself. It is the mother of passion, of anger, it fuels the hearts of the many, burns hot in our souls.” Leander looked at his arm in a look of pure confusion. “I understand. Gods know I do.” A pearly tear ran down his cheek, falling into the trail of a long wrinkle. He felt the flames in him now, a hot warmth burning in his breast. He released the flow of magic to the stone. The inner flame remained. A new twinkle shone in Leander’s eye. The fire burned throughout his body strongly, warming him, deciding his course. “Teach me how to have this? To control this?” The old man muttered. His concentration broke, the heat retreating behind the seals placed on his arm, raging behind the dam of magic holding back the burning. He felt cold in its absence, alone. The faint smile remained. |
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| redfiver[Mod] | Thu Aug 26, 2010 7:46 am Post #14 |
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Kaess smiled as the stone floated back to him. It was his in the end. Leander would be having to find his own in time. It was interesting how it had effected the man. Most were not effected in that way. It seemed though that he had another student. 'Interesting it must have released something in him. Maybe the conflict will lessen in him for a while. It might also be the reason he has survived this long.' "It seems that you have the abilities and you know fire for what it truly is. Though I must say you are the first to halve such a strong reaction to the test like that. That spirit of fire may be one reason you have survived your wound so long. As for training the next part is never easy. It is best you travel with me back to the monastery, though I do need to finish my own shopping, since I doubt anyone wants to starve up there. Gather what ever you feel you need for a trip and meet me back here in about two hours I should be done then." Kaess put what was left of the bread he had payed for into his bag of never ending space and got up after finishing his drink. He didn't mind if the old man followed him, but he did finish his shopping when they arrived back in front of the inn, he pulled out a large metal disk. He saw the old man visit the boy and doubted there was any need of helping the boy as it seemed to go well. He set it down and it floated next to him. "This is a hover disk it should be able to carry you while I fly and it is faster to travel by air. Though if you don't feel you can handle flying I can give you direction to the monastery. Otherwise we should get there late tonight." He waited for Leander to decide and then took off for his monastery. OCC: You can start a topic in my home(The Burning Fist Monastery) if you want after this post or I can start one for further training. Edited by redfiver, Sat Aug 28, 2010 2:54 am.
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| Leander Tristram | Fri Aug 27, 2010 4:01 am Post #15 |
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Leander nodded in thanks, following Kaess out of the inn. From there he walked to the market on his own pace, taking several days’ worth of provisions. Storing them in a leather pouch he strapped onto his back, the old man headed towards the town wall, to the guardhouse. The tower was squat and wide, but a tower nonetheless, made of clay bricks. Entering, he glanced around the entrance room quickly. There was a cot in the corner, on it lying the young man from earlier. Leander spent the next few moments talking with him, laughing as he left. Despite the broken arm, bruised pride, and theft charges, the boy smiled too. Checking the sun’s position, Leander began to head back to the inn. His two hours were nearly up. Upon entering, he sat at a chair and waited on the other man to finish his resupplying. When he entered, Leander was rubbing his thumb over the back of his burned hand, beneath the sleeve. He felt the warmth, the heat within. Glancing up, Leander chuckled at the proposition. “I’m a bit old to fly. I’m sorry, but I’ll take those directions. The day is early yet. I can leave this afternoon.” When the two left, Leander bowed lightly and took out his cane, walking toward the gates of Kellen. He’d only been a day, but already his journey was nearing its end. But the adventure was just beginning. |
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1:22 AM Feb 10
