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Post by Loex on Nov 30, 2023 14:23:17 GMT -5
Life in Dragon's Cradle had been less difficult than Lo initially imagined, though they still struggled to socialize with the children they'd been helping protect and care for. The physical malady that had debilitated them nearly completely was waning steadily but slowly, helped along immensely by the hearty meals and steady regimen of rest. To make things less jarring for the traumatized Draconynh, they were free to take time off as needed so long as they discussed it with Vinny and didn't have any obligations that day. Today had been one such day, and while Lo wasn't in a particularly bad mood, they took the day for themselves to reflect. In addition, they could practice the magic that had been aching to be flexed and used just beneath the skin.
Walking outside of town, wearing a simple pair of pants and a warm handknit sweater and carrying their staff, Lo tried to shake the chill from their body. Thankfully, it was only a partly cloudy day and the morning sun was steadily heating the rocky landscape. Once outside the village, the mage took a small foot path into the hills. Cutting across the top of one hill and into the valley below, they turned between a pair of large boulders that looked to be broken off from a larger stone embankment. Following this direction along the embankment led to a small secluded circle of stone. After sitting quietly in the sun, soaking in a bit of warmth, they stood up and began to stretch.
Once they felt limber and warmed up, Lo began to spin their staff through a series of slow motions. Each one carried the momentum of the iron banded pole, and the mage, through their range of motion. Using a sequence of these exercises, long engrained into their body from years of training, acclimated the Draconynh with the movement and the weight of the weapon. About midday, they switched to practicing the new and unusual magic that had been building alongside their recovery. Piling up a group of small, mostly smooth rocks, Lo concentrated on the top and used Telekinesis to lift it from the others. It bobbed and drifted about as the mage tried to bring it across the span, then drop it in their hand. It clattered onto the ground, nearly striking their now bare feet (a habit reserved for the warmer hours when the stone floor was warm). They kept trying, lift, move drop... clacking and clattering, thoughtless to anyone who might pass by and hear the strange sounds.
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 1, 2023 3:29:35 GMT -5
One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. He’d count, stopping after and restarting. It was this process that distracted him from the emotional pain that rhythmically pulsated in his heart. The process was thorough so much in fact he’d oftentimes have to take a moment to get an idea of his surroundings and figure out where he was. Though to be honest there was no real destination, he was biding time until one of his more favorable watering holes opened. That place wasn’t the biggest, the loudest, it didn’t serve the best drinks, and the staff wasn’t what you would call hospitable, but it was nice, relatively quiet, quaint, the bartender and him had rapport, and far enough away from any reminders or responsibilities.
One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. With weary eyes Quincy looked up and took in his surroundings. He was near the town entrance, or exit, or however you looked at it. At this time of day there was a little hustle and bustle but nothing really of note. The usual suspects going about their daily routines with the occasionally new character entering, or exiting town. Quincy stopped for a moment and just began to stare at a sign. Lost in thought. A sign for a small shop his mother once frequented. He always wondered why this shop was located so close to the entrance, it wasn’t until he was older that he realized it was one of the first and last things you’d see when you came and went.
One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. His scenery once again changed and this time he found himself somewhere outside of town. Where exactly he wasn’t sure. All he knew is which direction town was in, and for him that was enough. With a heavy sigh he finally felt the chill in the air. The cooler months were here and to be honest he was enjoying it. The one thing that would always make a cold day better was a nice warm drink to wash down the day’s trials and monotony. What time was it? He stopped mid step and looked deep into the partly cloudy sky until the sun showed.
…. ….
"I should tell time by the sun more."
Completely clueless as to what time it actually was an hour before noon is what he’d decided. Fully satisfied with his “calculation” he continued on his walk until he heard an odd clattering. Rocks smacking one another? Kids tossing stones? The beginning of some weird new rock whirlpool phenomena? He made his way over to investigate. To his disappointment it was just a man playing with stones. The discovery of life time, the rock whirlpool, would have to be a venture for another day. Magic? The question came to him fairly quickly as he just watched the person in silence attempting to understand the nature of their actions.
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Post by Loex on Dec 2, 2023 0:10:00 GMT -5
Lost in concentration, the mage kept up their training for several long minutes. Between the physical, mental and spiritual strain, the effort to move the rocks becomes too great to continue. Exasperated by the effect, they stopped and sat down on the cool stone below. Taking several careful, deep breaths, Lo calmed their body and tried to examine the progress of their training. Physically they'd improved a great deal, which in turn had made the flow of magic easier to control. They still didn't know much about this new magic though, other than it seemed to effect some part of nature and reality that wasn't as tangible as the elements.
They stood up, turning about and coming to a frozen halt as their green eyes spotted a man watching them from the hill. Studying his appearance, the man had an air of battle about him and the weathered but well kept armor amplified the effect. A myriad of anxious and panicked throughts raced through Lo's mind... Who was this stranger? Why were they watching so stoically? What did they plan to do to Lo? A flood of traumatic memories nagged at their consciousness, though the Draconynh did their best to push the wild mess of thought and emotion aside... not everyone in this world was like the people of their past... nor was Lo the person they used to be, bound by the nightmares of the Tome. Some days it still didn't seem real... like another illusion, a ploy to trick the mage into a complacent state which could be exploited... but the Shadow, and the Tome, had not left Lo's side for more than a few hours. Even after tossing it into a raging river or burying it deep within the earth and running as far as their legs could carry had been enough to deny the Tome... 'caution and trust, you need to be willing to extend a hand to someone... but understand they may not take it... change starts with you Lo.' Vinny's advice echoed in their mind, clearing away much of the chaos.
"Well met traveler, what brings you to our small village on this brisk day?" Lo said, trying to put forth an air of confidence as they stood a little straighter, though their voice faltered a bit.
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 3, 2023 0:41:48 GMT -5
Instinctively his arm reached forward and landed square on his chin. Stroking his beard thoughtfully as he watched this odd exercise before him. Maybe this was a new way to train the mind? Maybe the rocks owed him a debt? A small smirk crossed his face as he let such a silly idea cross his mind. This was obviously some type of magical training, it had to be. If only he’d found out this whole magic thing maybe he’d have an easier way of distracting himself. Who knows maybe there was a teacher of magic nearby.
As the studious man finally noticed Quincy a slight look of disappointment crossed his face. The thought of conversation at the moment wasn’t high on his to do list, or rather his want to do list. The potential paths this meeting could go down began to unfold themselves before him. This could be a rather fortuitous meeting, perhaps something could be gained from knowing this person. Perhaps they help him find a new perspective on this matter of the heart that weighed so heavily on his chest. Although this could turn into a rather unfortunate encounter, people typically didn’t take well to being spied on. Finally, the most undesired of options, they could be aggressive and without a spear there was little he could do to defend himself.
Then the greeting was extended. His brown eyes transitioned from thoughtful to cold and observant as they began to scan up and down looking for chinks in the armor. With the straightening of his back a nod was given in kind and with the falter of his voice a very subtle wince. Embarrassment? An attempt at a facade? Social ineptitude? He’d have to continue the interaction to find out.
“Hail! Excuse my...interruption. My hearth and home lie in Thorock and I have been in need of a...distraction. So here I find myself. What was it you were doing with the stones?” There was a slight trailing in his voice as he spoke as if he needed to find the proper words and make sure they fit before presenting them.
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Post by Loex on Dec 3, 2023 13:46:16 GMT -5
Taking notice of the man's demeanor, Lo wasn't sure if, or how they should answer. Some folks paid little mind to mages, some revered their magic, and others loathed their existence. The question gave the mage pause in a secondary way, as what they were doing was unlike any prior experiences with magic or it's practices. Could they call this oddness magic, or was it some other underlying effect that had been suppressed by the Shadow. There were still too many unanswered questions...
"If I tell you I'm unsure of the exact effect, or it's nature, would you be willing to accept that answer?" Lo asked in reply. They knew it was massive risk, as any well trained official would perceive such an unknown as a greater risk than just someone practicing magic when they didn't have the means for formal training. Cursing their rotten luck, the mage sullenly accepted that they'd have to find a more remote area to spend their off days, but that would mean less time to train. It also meant not running the risk of an unpleasant individual hellbent on dragging Lo back to their old life.
Caution, patience, and a thread of trust... they'd spent the last weeks engraining those principles into their mind, even if they had no clue how to imprint it on their heart... whatever that might mean... Lo'd heard the expression many times, but it didn't make much sense... The heart, while powerful, was just another part of most living things to Lo. One thing was steadily becoming clear in all this chaos and mess... they'd lived through a nightmare of a life, very little of which was of their own volition, and it had severely warped their perception of others.
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 4, 2023 12:58:56 GMT -5
Would he accept that answer? The question itself seemed a bit odd to Quincy. What could he really do? If that was the answer the man gave there was little anyone could do besides accept what was given to them, or so Quincy believed. Unless there was information being withheld, otherwise one had to take what was given and could find little to no reason to be upset. Would this stranger withhold information for what Quincy thought to be such an easy question to answer? With a deep sigh he closed his eyes for a moment as he began to ponder this question. The stroking of his beard became more involved as he gave more thought to this than one really should have. The time it took to respond felt like a mere 20 seconds but in reality it had been a good long beat before finally he opened his eyes and looked back at the man before him.
“I have no choice but to accept what I am given. If that truly is your answer then consider me accepting, but I am definitely still curious.” A small chuckle escaped his lips as his hand reached behind his back gripping a rather mundane water skin. Taking a moment to drink plentifully from the waterskin and using the time to come up with the proper wording. “Why come all the way out here to dabble with stones? There are plenty them back in the village just lying around.” Why come this far out just to practice juggle stones? That didnt make much sense to Quincy, though with his recent issues he'd become far more ignorant to the world around him.
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Post by Loex on Dec 5, 2023 1:51:15 GMT -5
"The journey is the point... the trip to here takes me across the widest part of town, then I spend the rest of the morning training... body and mind... it's exhausting and I am ready to not need to... but this is the state I find myself, and so I fight the pain to heal it." Lo answered. That at least was the main reason, though it did have the secondary effect of giving the Draconynh a respite from the kids and a chance to rejuvenate their social energy. It had become a place of comfort, somewhere they could find solace with their thoughts. There was a lifetime of trauma, horror and bad decisions behind them, and none of it was going to just go away.
They pushed the rampant thoughts aside and focused on the situation at hand. So far, the man seemed to be true to his word, but he'd not said much other than being from Thorock. What to do? Did they just start for town and treat the stranger as they might any other passerby? Would he follow if they moved to a different location? Anxious thoughts kept prying at their focus, so they took a deep breath and tried to clearn their mind. Keep it simple, introduce yourself... what happens from there determines the next step... the mantra repeated in their mind for a few moments before they spoke again.
"Most call me Lo, as my name is difficult on the tongue in it's entirety. What might I call you ser?"
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 5, 2023 3:19:45 GMT -5
Quincy listened to what the individual before him said in its entirety. Wanting to try and understand what he was saying and what he wasn’t. Why travel across the widest part of town? What exactly made this arduous? Quincy stroked his beard. Training for the rest of the morning was something that was understood. Even this drunken lout understood what it meant to have discipline even if his current self was far removed from the word. Ready to not need this, the state he finds himself, he fights the pain to heal? These three things stood out and caused a myriad of questions to form. What pain did this one feel? Quincy stroked his beard. The two had more in common than he’d care to admit. Though would the crestfallen fool ever admit that the scaled one was stronger? Doubtful.
“You can call me Quincy… I have to ask… what pain are you trying to heal from? If that is too personal a question I apologize.” The apology was sent quickly without a moment for anyone to begin contemplating the question. He knew the question was pushing a boundary, but he needed to know if the depths of their pain matched. His eyes went from that of inquisitive to desperation as his brow furrowed and his focus intensified. If there was someone, anyone, that had an idea of how hurt he was he needed to know.
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Post by Loex on Dec 5, 2023 22:36:32 GMT -5
Lo watched the thoughts cross the man's face carefully. While they weren't sure what to make of his expressions, the warrior did not take on an aggressive or upset demeanor. His question came as both insightful and strange, giving the mage pause for a moment. 'One step at a time.' Vinny's voice reminded them, and this stranger offered Lo a unique situation. On the one hand, they knew zero about each other, on the other he could run straight to the authorities and bring trouble. Lo took a deep breath and let out a sigh, relaxing their grip on their staff and beckoning the man over to sit.
"Join me, and I'll do my best to explain the situation... understand there are some things I won't go into detail about, but you're welcome to ask questions along the way." Lo replied after a thoughtful moment, pulling out a woven basket with a lid. Within was a set of rolls, some smoked sausages and a small pastry with a wide dome over a short base. Taking out a small board that served as a tray, they placed half the contents on it and would offer it to Quincy if he joined them.
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 6, 2023 12:12:20 GMT -5
As the offer to join was extended there was a moment of hesitation or rather consideration. His question seemed simple to answer and this felt a bit more drawn out then he had anticipated. Though there was promise of more answers for the questions he had yet to even get to ask, and there was also the honesty of some of his questions not getting answered. The situation began to get weighed in mind the scales of his judgment tipping back and forth as he continued to consider the scaled ones offer. For a moment Quincy was in a deadlock; he couldn't make heads or tails of the situation offered. That is until he smelt something that smelled so smelly.
There was something in the air after the basket was revealed, something familiar. For a moment all his thoughts stopped and his stomach began to place it. There was some kind of meat, how did this man know one of his weaknesses? No this had to be a coincidence. With no thought at all Quincy quickly made his way over. There was some kind of meat to be had and his empty stomach was sure to partake.
“Alright Lo, you twisted my arm. I couldn’t possibly turn down such an opportunity. I’ll try not to be too invasive with my questions. Please enlighten me.” He nodded as he finished speaking and began to wait patiently for just the right moment to get smackerel of what all was inside that basket.
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Post by Loex on Dec 10, 2023 9:37:12 GMT -5
Handing the tray over, Lo gathered their thoughts a moment before beginning. They'd been hesitant to speak even a little about their past, knowing they could easily end up facing the law. Still, nothing about this stranger seemed to indicate they might be ready to squeal to a guard...
"This story begins with a young draconynh, whose life was a mess from moment one. They find themselves in the Arcane Academy after being given refuge, barely surviving the machinations of a mad noble. While many of the others rescued in this operation had homes to return to, a few of them were once more orphaned. Those with magical inclination were taken into the Academy, while those without were sent to Military school. At the academy, we were trained in both martial and magical proficiencies under the tutelage of the Mage Slayers Corps. In our free time we were allowed to study on our own, or work with adventurers and other members. This young lizard practically lived in the library in their off time, enthralled by both stories of fiction and scientific research. Often they would dig into obscure, dusty and barely used corners of the library, fascinated by subjects most wouldn't give much thought to.
Here, they found a Tome unlike any other, bound in a rainbow of bizarre leathers and written in some sort of magical ink. Within it's pages were grotesque and deranged subjects, horrors one's mind and soul should not be exposed to... but that wasn't the nightmare. The nightmare was what lived within the Tome itself... a Shadow of sinister manipulations and diabolical machination. The Tome haunted the mage's days, corrupting their mind and forcing them to experiment in the dark subjects within it's pages. One day, the Academy found the mage alone after a break in classes... surrounded by the horrible experiments they'd been manipulated into..."
Lo took a deep breath, their body trembling as they dredged through memories they'd barely been able to come to terms with. Taking a sip from their water skin, they continued.
"They threw the mage in jail, appalled by their discoveries... left them to rot away... though the Tome's influence had other plans. After evading further capture, the Shadow dragged the mage through the muck and mire of the world. It drove the mage mad, while corrupting their mind, soul and magic. One day, the mage thought they'd found at least a temporary reprieve when they'd happened upon the remnants of a battle of some kind. During the process of acquiring 'subjects' this mage encountered a holy knight. One thing led to another, and the Shadow attempted to assault this kind stranger after manipulating the mage... though said knight was far more than they'd seemed, overcoming the Shadow by banishing it and the Tome... but the monsters tendrils reached deep within, and were not easily uprooted... so the mage's body paid a heavy toll... My body, stripped of most of it's muscle mass and left in an atrophied state... That was only a short time ago, and the pain of recovery is still more than I can bare at times... but my mind, body and spirit are my own again, and I would be spitting in the face of the overwhelming amount of help that's graced my days since if I gave up..."
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 10, 2023 19:24:06 GMT -5
As soon as the tray was passed his way his hand swiftly swiped a succulent smoked sausage. There was something special about a meal and a tale, the two together made for just a rather splendid time. All this needed was some ale to wash it all down with. Grabbing a roll with his free hand Quincy started alternating one bite of sausage for one bite of roll. He could only hope he didn't seem more enticed with the food than the story unfolding before him as he continued to look either forward or at the food before him.
His attention, though seemingly elsewhere, hung completely on the Draconynh’s every word. A grimace came across his face at the mention of nobility, Quincy never was one for them too much money not enough salt. The story started to take a dark turn just as he finished his roll. The sausage began to seem less appetizing. For a moment he found he had to think on the matter. Was he a danger to those around him? What were these experiments that were being done?
Quincy’s empty bread hand slowly stroked his beard as he continued to listen to the mage’s tale. As the story continued a sigh of relief escaped his sausage stained lips. His throat felt dry as the story came to an end and without hesitation his water skin touched his lips. The long gulps from the container gave him time to think of what to say, but what do you say to that? Without hesitation or looking over to his companion he placed a hand on his shoulder. Gripping him firmly, reassuringly.
“That is one tale I did not expect to hear today. You sound as if you’re on a different path now. Honestly listening to you makes my problems seem so small. No offense of course, I only mean that you’re much stronger than I think I ever was. What is it now you find yourself doing beyond practicing?”
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Post by Loex on Dec 10, 2023 21:56:30 GMT -5
"For now, I devote myself to recovery primarily, and help out when the kind souls who are watching over me have need. Beyond that, time will tell, though recent days have been bemused in many unusual ways."
Lo responded to his question, then pulled out their own roll and split it carefully with a claw. They plucked the plump sausage from the basket and stuffed it into the pocket of roll. Chomping down on the juicy, savory meal, Lo let out a sigh of relief as their body rejoiced for sustenance. It was only in recent weeks they'd really been able to appreciate meals... for so long it had been a matter of survival, of dire need, which stole the joy of flavor out of every bite. Now that they were putting those days behind them, the world had be come a vibrant and marvelous place. Little by little their strength returned, one day, one trip at a time.
Days like this, when there was little else for the mage to do but try to improve their condition, reflect on the past... hope against hope that some part of what they would do today, tomorrow and beyond might bring peace to those tormented souls. They sighed softly, wondering if any of this effort and training was doing much more than keeping them distracted from the real issues at hand. It hadn't felt like it, in fact Lo felt better now, practicing in their own way. They were learning to follow the flow of their own motion, not fighting for every motion with an iron will. Sometimes they'd get so lost in the sensation, they could swear some sort of chimes or bells were playing a tune. At first they considered it some beacon left behind by the Tome, an ominous reminder of it's hold on their mind... but each time, those clear notes would drive back a little bit more of the lingering darkness. It was steadily becoming a welcome part of their days, and in time, they might even grow to find comfort in it's peaceful sound.
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Post by Quincy Demir on Dec 12, 2023 21:09:57 GMT -5
Recovery? The bearded lush wasn’t familiar with the word. A feeling he wasn’t familiar with overcame him. He closed his eyes and fought back the deluge of tears waiting to burst force. Recovery. That word. Had he allowed himself to recover? No. He knew without even giving the question a single thought. In the sea of pain and despair he allowed himself to drown, letting its muddy waters fill his lungs and the undertow to drag him low. The part that scared him the most he took solace in that drowning feeling that cold embrace of the sea felt more comfortable than any bed at this point.
As if it had a mind of its own his hand reached into a breast pocket on his left side pulling out a smooth ovular container. A flask. He removed his hand from the shoulder of his new companion and opened the flask. The smell of the hard alcohol burst forth from it filling the immediate area giving him pause. This was the life’s blood of his coping, the palliative that allowed him to continue his meager existence. He did not live well.
Putting the flask to his lips he began to drink. Taking loud large gulps. The burn from the drink a reminder that he was still here, his lungs full of air, and his blood still hot. As he finished he let out a large sigh of relief, and for the moment the pain was gone. What was that word he used earlier?
“Tell me friend, what bemusements have you encountered in the recent days?” his breath now heavy with the smell of alcohol that could put down a yak.
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Post by Loex on Dec 14, 2023 6:30:47 GMT -5
Lo considered stopping the man from drinking from his flask, but could see the pained expression it brought to Quincy's face and thought better of it. Personally, the mage didn't find appeal in such libations though that was likely because of their experiences in the past with drunkards. So long as Quincy didn't get too sloshed, they figured it wasn't a big deal. As he finished his swig, he posed another question. Lo pondered the answer for a moment, as there hadn't been a given event to explain what they meant.
"It is difficult to put to words, as the sensation, the experience, is fleeting. In moments of difficulty, when my emotions and memories spiral into darkness..." Lo paused, clearly cautious even of the idea. "A soft and gentle tone rings through my mind... resonates within, and clears away the maddening spiral... The thoughts don't go away, the emotions still gnaw... but the tone settles the storm, brings clarity when it seems there is only chaos. At least, that's how it started... Now, it happens at all manner of sporadic moments, whether stressful or tranquil. I've done my best to learn on my own what it might mean, though there's only so much time I get for such pursuits. All I can do is recover, try, practice in hopes that I might do some good in this life now that it's once again my own..."
Taking out their muffin from the basket, Lo carefully carved out a chunk with their claw and savored the sweet confection. This was only the second time they'd discussed the chiming tone, not that it'd been happening for very long. Vinny and the others did well to make Lo feel welcomed, but there wasn't a lot of opportunities to chat... Everyone tended to keep the past or personal conflicts out of the conversations, at least in proximity. It also meant there wasn't really someone to discuss what they were going through, or how to deal with what had happened. Still, it was better than rotting in a cell and gave the mage a measure of purpose to fill their days, so they were intensely grateful to both Sylvari and Vinny for all they'd done in recent weeks.
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