Role Play 12: Only the Best

Only the Best

Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 While looking at the jobs, Len sees one for a noble family looking for someone to help teach one of their members magic, for their particular branch of the tournament. It does note, however, that prior to being accepted to regular schedule, with good pay, that all applicants will have to prove their abilities to the family, and compete against any other applicant. They want only the best for their family, after all.
They are told, once they've taken the job through their guild offices, to report to the family's warehouse near the docks, for the trails. Whoever they select would be the only one invited to their actual abode.
Sai — 11/19/2021 They went the best for their family. That's understandable, after all. One should only ever want the best.
Len takes the job, and heads to the family's warehouse. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 He finds it waiting for him, with the notice that there are two other applicants who put in before their cut off time. He is asked to wait while the representative for the family gets prepared, and the individual providing the information is very clearly giving a critical eye towards Len, as if inspecting every aspect they can to find something wanting, Sai — 11/19/2021 Len keeps his robe up proper for now, wanting to give the best impression he can.
Some nobles were rather prudish about showing skin.
He waits until given further instruction, glancing at the other person lazily. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 There were two others present. One was of mixed heritage, but obviously partly elven. There was a slight bluish hue to their skin, and their hair was seafoam. They looked and dressed like someone comfortable with nobility, and seemed very relaxed.
The other was a young woman of human descent wearing darker colored clothing and with ample assets to try containing. Her hair was clearly not its natural color, and she did not look like one who was used to being around nobles much. Sai — 11/19/2021 Len felt a slight twitch in his eye at the first person present.
Between the two, they were more likely the most competent rival here.
However, they rather... Annoyed Len.
The woman made Len roll his eyes. She was obviously unprepared for nobility and those of higher stature.
He scoffed. She may have more land, so to speak, but what he had to offer was of far better quality. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 After a short time, a well dressed man enters the warehouse, and approaches the three of them.
"You must be the applicants to teach my daughter."
He looks them all over, giving a pause at the less nobly dressed woman.
"Lets start with who you are, and your backgrounds with magic. We'll start with you."
He looks to the half-elf.
The elf bows respectfully.
"I am Kysona. I was born during a strong and well known storm just over a quarter century ago. I kept some of the tempests fury and allure"
As they say this, some electricity plays about a raised hand.
"Magic of storms comes naturally to me, and I can help it come just as naturally for your daughter."
He nods, appreciating the display and words. he then looks to Len.
"And you?" Sai — 11/19/2021 "You may call me Len. I am a siren, just over 30 years of age. The magic of music is in my blood and heritage."
He takes out his hand held harp from seemingly no where, and runs a slender finger across the strings very lightly, producing a light and ethereal sound.
"I could teach your daughter the beauty of combining magic and sound, and the power that may offer." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 He nods again and looks to the last, hesitates, and with a bit of a sneer, asks.
"And what might you try teaching my daughter?"
The young woman looks at the man for a good second or two before she talks.
"That she can get strength without needing to be born with it. I wasn't, and that you're asking for help means she wasn't, either. Those two don't know what its like to learn without magic, but I do."
The noble looks back at Len and Kysona questioningly.
The woman adds on.
"And you can call me Onve." Sai — 11/19/2021 Len fought to roll his eyes.
This women knew nothing of him.
He waited for any other instructions from the noble. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/19/2021 "Well. This will be more interesting then I thought. Gentlemen. Lady."
He indicates to the three, as he turns and begins to walk a little ways away.
"I have hidden a book in this warehouse. Find it for me." Sai — 11/20/2021 Once the client has walked away, Len smiles at the other two. His razor teeth were on display, and it was difficult to tell if he was being friendly or threatening.
"Well, good luck to you two, hm?"
He walks into the warehouse to begin searching.
He hides his disappointment at nothing in particular. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/20/2021 Len can see the warehouse is full of crates, boxes, and packages of all sizes and types.
At least fifty of them! Where to start is a question. And looking about, he can see there are a number of things that are within easy reach for someone like a noble walking past to slip something into.
Or there are the crates stacked high up out of reach without climbing. Sai — 11/21/2021 He begins looking through those little nooks and crannies carefully, humming a tune to himself. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/21/2021 "Are all born and bred magic users arrogant like you two? Or are you exceptional cases?"
Onve says this while she looks around at the stacked crates.
Kysona was carefully and surreptitiously trying to open some of the crates, look as though they were hoping to find one loose and not fully sealed. Sai — 11/22/2021 Damn.
He keeps looking around, looking high and low, and in inconspicuous little notches.
“Your question already implies a bias, and so it would not matter what either of us say.” He sniffs. “Regardless. I can’t speak for…. them,”
He waves a dismissive hand in Kysona’s direction.
“But am I exceptional? Yes. Do you know anything else about me? No. Will that stop you from making more foolish assumptions? Also no.”
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 Onve had begun to sprinkle small amounts of fine ash on the tops of crates and boxes while she taunts Len a little.
"How testy and defensive. Must be compensating."
Kysona had moved to climbing the stacks and looking around. Len can see them moving nonchalantly in a direction. Sai — 11/22/2021 He rolls his eyes. And now she was trying to get a rise out of him.
How little she knew.
He ignores her words and keeps on, trailing behind Kysona somewhat, continuing his search.
There was no way this book would be in the open. It had to be hidden among here somewhere. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 He hears a voice in his head, now.
"Are you so sure it's that way? Or is the blind going to let the blind lead the way?"
He could hear Onve cursing quietly about something.
Kysona makes a breif sound of dissapointment as they ended up being fooled by an illusion. They quickly disguise it with a cough.
"Excuse me, miss. Is it necessary to be spreading that ash all over like that? It's irritating my throat." Sai — 11/22/2021 Len spares an incredibly displeased glance at Kysona.
”Hm.”
He keeps walking, in a slightly different direction, leaning down to look closer to the ground for the elusive book. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 "Oh, is it ash that's tickling that back of your throat? Here I thought it was something else."
Onve says in a mockingly casual tone.
Kysona apparently found this hilarious, and fell to their back in laughter.
That voice returns to his head.
"How cheeky. But stopping others won't help you find what you seek. Only a fool would seek with the naked eye what was asked to be found with the arcane." Sai — 11/22/2021 His thoughts remain vague and nebulous and as he continues searching around lazily, walking quite a ways into a third direction the others haven’t checked yet, for no obvious reason other than it hasn’t been searched yet.
Something catches his attention, but he continues his lazy pace, stopping every so often to search crates and areas, before he finally reaches the one that interested him.
He reaches out to touch the curious looking crate, so perfectly stacked amongst the others. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 He feels no resistance. His finger passes through the increasingly, to him, transparent box.
He can also hear Kysona's echoing laughter subside as the spell is overthrown by them. Sai — 11/22/2021 He reaches through to feel for a book, humming a soft tune to himself. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 He can feel a book in what would he the middle of the box.
He can also hear Kysona moving his direction.
"He went this way...might just have to give a piece of my mind for that! What even was the point for such a thing!" Sai — 11/22/2021 He picks up the book and slides it into his robe.
Looking casual, he sneaks away from the location, casting a minor illusion of his voice humming in a different direction to lead Kysona away, as he heads back around to the entrance at a leisurely pace.
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 Len can hear Kysona reach the humming, and more noises of frustration. Then the sounds of heavy winds whip about back in the area. Finally he can hear Kysona speak up, loud enough for their voice to be heard.
"So that's it. You taunt me in my head, make me laugh at my own expense, and now this. I thought we could work together, being both from the sea, but it appears you'd rather try and act the big fish. Let's see how well that works out for you." Sai — 11/22/2021 As he reaches the entrance, Len responds.
“Unfortunately, I disliked you on sight, and your invasion of my thoughts did you no favors for my good will.”
He walks out, pulling the book from his robe as he searched for the client. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 From behind he can hear Kysona continue.
"My invasions? I was invading how? You were in my thoughts!" Sai — 11/22/2021 “Right.” He says dully, walking away and ignoring them.
He had a book to return. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 A soft tremor in the ground gets his attention as a quiet nondescript whispering calls to him from the dark corners of the building.
The voice returns his mind.
"The little minnow thinks himself a Shark. How adorable. You should put the book down and just go. You're in far too deep, little minnow." Sai — 11/22/2021 ”So you are the voice from before.” He replies in his thoughts. ”If they were not so obnoxious, I may have considered offering an apology. Hm. Regardless…. Leave my thoughts. I do not care what you have to say.” Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 Another thrum of tremors, and suddenly a loud crack like thunder shakes the entire warehouse.
"One last time, before I let you leave your shallows and suffer your actions. Put it down. Walk away." Sai — 11/22/2021 Len keeps walking, ignoring the thunder and cracks.
”Leave. My. Mind.” Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 "As you wish. But the depths will not care for your cries when the monsters come to feast."
The tremors, whispers, and thunder cease and fade as if never having been there. Sai — 11/22/2021 Len didn’t care.
Why should he listen to some voice that had the gall to demand things of him, without ever explaining why, or who they were?
He kept walking. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 He soon sees the client, reading a book while reclining inside an office, able to look into the warehouse from comfort. Sai — 11/22/2021 He holds up the book.
“I found the item you requested we seek.” He says to the man. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 He closes his own book, and stows it.
"Wonderful. And quicker then I expected!"
He turns to a nearby uniformed man.
"Go fetch the other two. Let's see of either of them can keep from falling any further from my good graces."
Then back to Len.
"Tell me, are you able to read it?" Sai — 11/22/2021 He raises a brow, and opens the book to look inside. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 The writing inside is a script he is wholly unfamiliar with. Sai — 11/22/2021 He closes the book.
“No, unfortunately. I cannot.” Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 "Then one of the others might have a chance to catch up with you. And speak of them. And they shall appear!"
He gestures as the others are escorted in. Kysona has made it a point to no acknowledge Len in any fashion. Onve gives Len a quick glance before she looks back ahead at the client.
The client holds a hand out towards Len, clearly silently asking for the book.
"Too slow. It seems Len here has already found the book. But you both have a chance to try again."
Sai — 11/22/2021 He hands the book over. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 The client takes it and hand it to Kysona.
"Can you read this?"
Kysona looks at it, and frowns.
"I know four different scripts, and six languages. And this resembles none of them. I'm sorry."
They hand it back.
The client hands it to Onve.
"And you?"
She takes it and then as she looks at its cover almost drops it as she lets out a few coughs.
"Sorry. Ash in my throat."
She looks at the first few pages. Then closes it and hands it back, the quickest to do so of all three of them.
"No, I can't read it either." Sai — 11/22/2021 Len glances between the three curiously, waiting for what the Client's next response would be. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 "Unfortunate. That's dissapointing. I believe this means I have no reason to do the final task, but I will anyways. Just so my time and effort aren't entirely wasted. We'll start with Len. Impress me."
The client takes the book and sits back down, looking at Len. Sai — 11/22/2021 Len hums.
With a graceful movement of his arm, water seems to form above his palm, a little at first, and then it became an orb.
The water moves from his palm, to around his head, and there it stays, formed in a reverse air bubble stationed over his shoulders and encompacing his entire head.
He pulls out his harp, plucks a few strings, and suddenly there's a low hum of what sounded like a voice singing. He plucks more strings, this time in a rhythm, beginning his song, and then he opens his mouth to sing. His voice, somehow amplified thanks to the water, sounds otherworldly and echo-y, helped by the sound of the second bodiless voice adding a layer to the song, building it from a simple tune to something that sounded like it may have come from a watery cove, the sound bouncing off the walls and the water and each other, to come together in one coharent, ethereal melody. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 It looks like all of those in the room with Len are captivated by the performance. Once he finishes, Onve and Kysona even give him a small applause.
The client nods very approvingly. Sai — 11/22/2021 He gives them a polite bow in thanks, and lets the water disappear, and puts his harp away, as the second voice fades. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 "I'm impressed. Kysona. Top that." Sai — 11/22/2021 He gets back in line and waits to see what Kysona does. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 Kysona raises their arms as a wind begins to whip around them. They raise up about ten feet from the ground as a small tornado seems to encircle them, and the sound of rolling thunder fills the room, making it feel as though a stormfront had suddenly sprang up inside. Sai — 11/22/2021 Len doesn't look particularly impressed, but he does raise an eyebrow.
Which means that he was, on some level, impressed, despite himself.
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 As Kysona lowers themself, a slight smile on their face, the client nods.
"Impressive in a different way. And you?"
He looks to Onve. Sai — 11/22/2021 He looks to Onve, wondering what she could possibly do. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 She shakes her head.
"Nothing that could top either of them. I don't think I'm a good fit for the job you want done, sir."
The client gives an arrogant smile.
"Well, I guess the common folk has seen her place, here."
He looks back at Len and Kysona.
"I'll have to take some time to consider before I make my choice. You both understand, I'm sure." Sai — 11/22/2021 "Of course. You want nothing but the best." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 Onve makes a clear facial reaction at the obvious insult the client directed towards her.
The client begins to walk towards the door, passing by Onve.
"You'll be seen out, and will be contacted should we choose you by the weeks end. Except for you."
He is about to put his hand in Onve's shoulder, clearly with the intent to forcibly turn her around.
He stops as she hisses a warning to him.
"Do not touch me. I can find my own way out. Not all of us need help to be independent like you." Sai — 11/22/2021 Despite the situation not involving him, Len did feel a bit disgusted at the man touching others without care.
He disliked that greatly about others. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/22/2021 The client only recoils for a moment.
"And here I thought you learned your place. Common folk like you don't talk back to nobles, like me. Perhaps you still need some lessons of your own."
He reaches to grab her face.
And unleashes a hell.
Onve's eyes darken to pools of inky darkness, and a pair of ghostly skeletal wings reveal themselves on her back. A soft tremor can be felt through the floor and a crack of thunder can be heard as Onve speaks, her voice booming and powerful.
"I SAID DON'T TOUCH ME! Try me, and I will not hesitate to show how little your nobility means to me!"
The client recoils and backs away quickly, fear clear on his face. Kysona backs away in shock and surprise, starting at Onve. Sai — 11/22/2021 Len gave no obvious response, unaffected by Onve's outburst.
He didn't care for her. But he agreed with her response. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 As quickly as she had transformed, she changes back, the tremors and thunder dissipating.
"I'll be letting the guild know I'm turning this job down, and won't take any payment. I don't want your money."
She turns and leaves on her own.
Once she's gone, the client stands back up to full height, and tries to smooth himself out so he looks less afraid.
"Well! Good riddance. This is why I'm so against this sort of mixing of the classes!"
He says this like he expects agreement. Sai — 11/23/2021 Len was going to disappoint him.
"You touched her without consent. Regardless of class, anyone would become agressive from that."
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 "She is still a lesser, and should know to keep herself in check. Regardless, she's gone. And not in my consideration at all."
He sits down, still looking like he's getting himself together mentally.
"I have half a mind to complain about her behavior towards me to your guild. I'm sure they'll sort her out for this embarrassment." Sai — 11/23/2021 He doubted it, and fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"I'm sure they will." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 He takes a deep breath.
"Now, as I was saying. I'll have you contacted, should we decide to make use of your services. Until then, you're both dismissed." Sai — 11/23/2021 He nods, and turns round to start heading back. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 Kysona does the same, and once outside of the warehouse, tries to ask Len a question that has clearly been bothering them.
"That wasn't you speaking to me in my head, was it?" Sai — 11/23/2021 "No. And it wasn't you speaking in mine, either."
He gives a wry smile.
"It seems I owe you an apology. And for that, I will. I apologize for casting that spell onto you under false pretenses. I still would have, regardless, however I had assumed it was you who invaded my mind, and that left me a bit... upset." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 "And here I thought it was because I fell for that fake book. Apology accepted."
A beat.
"But if it was neither of us, who was it?" Sai — 11/23/2021 "I have no idea. But whatever force it was, it certainly tried its best to try and get me to stop this quest."
He holds out a hand, straight backed and proper as he stood.
"For now, however. I am requesting a truce until we know what that was." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 "I agree. And even if we are both competing for the same job, I have no ill will should it go to you instead of myself."
Kysona takes the hand in a shake. Sai — 11/23/2021 He smiles, although it is not particularly friendly.
"It will go to the one who has earned it. The best suited for the job." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 11/23/2021 "And only the best. "
Kysona's return smile looked about as friendly as a storm at sea. Sai — 11/23/2021 Len smiles wider, and turns to leave.
"Farewell for now."
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021
A few days after his contract is signed for for Detrou family is signed, he is given the okay for his first meeting with his new student, Zoh Detruo, by a message directly from his client, Patro Detruo, the families patriarch. He is given vague directions and instructions to speak with the gate security when he arrives for further instructions. Sai — 12/04/2021 Len prepares for several hours prior to his meeting, being a perfectionist.
When he arrives, he's wearing fine clothing that covers him up proper, along with well fitted shoes. His hair is pulled back in a low, loose braid, which ends in a long tail that drapes to the floor.
He looks around for gate security and once spotted, walks up to them.
"I'm here to fulfil my contract." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 "Name, and proof of contract."
Right to business. Sai — 12/04/2021 "Len."
He pulls the contract out and shows it to them. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 The gateman looks it over, then hands it back.
"Go directly to the main house, wait in the foyer. Someone will collect you from there."
He opens the gate to let Len into the property. Sai — 12/04/2021 He gives a short nod and begins walking. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 The yard, at least in the front, wasn't very large, with just enough space for an opulent fountain, a carriage awning and drive, and what looks like a guard post, between the gate and home.
But the home was tall. A heavy brick, at least 5 stories in hight, maybe 6 with its pitched roof, and largr windows evenly spaced along the front.
The front doors look to be made of a heavy wood, with metal decorations throughout it.
A servent opens them as Len approaches. Sai — 12/04/2021 Len looked impressed with the look of the house. Simple, yet opulent.
He swiftly yet casually walked through the doors and heads to the foyer. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 He finds it empty save for a servent.
"Good morning, sir. If you could have a seat, and tell me your name, please?" Sai — 12/04/2021 He glances around at the chairs, settling on the one that best fit his standards.
"My name is Len." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 The chair is a high backed winged chair near a fire.
"Very good sir. Pardon me, sir."

And the servent turns and leaves the foyer.
Sai — 12/04/2021 Len folds his arms, crossed his legs, and waits. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 After a while, the client from before, Patro, enters the space, a young woman, no older then her late teens, following behind. This was no doubt Zoh, the student Len would be teaching.
Patro looks as excited as a noble of his caliber could.
"Wondrrful. You arrived much quicker then I expected. This is my daughter, Zoh."
He introduces Zoh with a gesture. Sai — 12/04/2021 Len stands, and offers a short bow.
"A pleasure to meet you, Zoh. My name is Len."
He looks to Patro.
"Of course I arrived early. It's to be expected, since I am to teach my new student. I need all the time I can get to properly prepare her." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 "Very good. Zoh. Lead your new teacher to the study for your first lesson. I have a council committee meeting to go to."
He nods to Len and turns to leave.
Zoh nods to her father. And gives Len a curtsy before turning and gesturing for him to follow.
"This way. Please, Mister Len. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can teach me." Sai — 12/04/2021 Len follows her.
"I am looking forward to teaching you. Tell me, do you have any prior experience with magic?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/04/2021 "Only what my father and uncle have tried to teach me, but they both confess to not be good teachers. I have read books on it, however!"
She leads him down a hall and to a three story study.
"This is our family's study. Our lessons will all take place here, unless my father says otherwise." Sai — 12/04/2021 "I see."
It was a nice looking study. Perfect for learning and relaxing in.
"And what sorts of magical were you interested in learning?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 "I'm most interested in conjuration. But my father would like be to be learned in all forms. What form of magic do you practice?"
She moves to take a seat in a comfortable looking chair. Sai — 12/05/2021 Len finds a nice looking chair to sit in not too far away from her.
"My specialty is more in enchantment, but I know a bit of illusion, evocation, and conjuration as well. However, it's in my experience that learning multiple forms of magic is not difficult in any noticeable way."
He focuses his attention on her.
"Can you perform any harmless cantrips?"
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 She makes a gesture and a magic word, causing a spectral hand to appear next to her. Sai — 12/05/2021 He nods.
"Not bad. Can it pick anything up?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 She uses it to pick up a book from a near by shelf and bring it over to a table.
"This is the most immediate magic I'm able to produce, right now." Sai — 12/05/2021 "You're off to a decent start, then."
Len stands, and where he sat is an illusion of himself. It almost looked like he had just walked out of his own body.
"Do you know what this spell is?"
He takes a step away from the second him. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 "Hmmm, is this a Silent Image?" Sai — 12/05/2021 The illusion nods.
The real Len speaks. "Correct." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 "I see! My father uses illusion magic often, though I have never been very good at it, and my only known exposure to it is through my readings."
She looks at the illusion intently from afar. Sai — 12/05/2021 The Len illusion stands up next to the real Len, and they circle each other until it's not certain which one is which.
Until one of them pulls out a box.
"Now, do you know what this is?"
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/05/2021 She shakes her head. Sai — 12/05/2021 Len lifts a hand and waves it into- and then through- the box.
"This is also an illusion."
He closes his palm, and it disappears.
"It was a minor illusion. What I want for you to do today is to learn this spell." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Minor Illusion. That is not a ritualistic spell, is it?" Sai — 12/06/2021 "It isn't. Though you will need a bit of fleece to cast it, if you don't have a spellcasting focus." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Besides Mage Hand, I've only been able to cast spells ritually. I do not have any focus, but I believe I have some fleece I could try using." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Getting a focus in the future will be extremely helpful for you." He recommended. "Otherwise, you'll eat through more than a handful of components and ritual materials."
Len finds a chair and sits down again, his illusion sitting down with him, and seems to vanish as they 'merge.' Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "The cost of ritual materials has never been an issue for my father." Sai — 12/06/2021 "I'm sure. But it's less of a hassle, and time wasted. And unless you get a Wish spell, regaining lost time is rather difficult." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I do not believe wish is a ritual spell, so I'm not sure I could cast it as I am regardless."
She opens a drawer of a desk, and looks through it, pulling out a small bit of fleece.
"Would this suffice?" Sai — 12/06/2021 He looks it over, and nods.
"Give it a try." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She makes an attempt to replicate what Len did, but to no effect. Sai — 12/06/2021 He frowns.
"Tell me what your method of casting the spell is. What's going on in your head?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Ritually. I follow the formula for manipulating the Weave of Magic. It does not always seem to work, though." Sai — 12/06/2021 "You're thinking too hard about it. Feel out the magic instead. Make yourself want an image to appear, and make it. Don't ask the weave with rituals." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "But I can't feel the Weave? How do I feel magic?" Sai — 12/06/2021 "What did you feel when you made that hand?"
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Nothing. I followed the rituals and formals needed to create the hand from the Weave, and then it is simple mental commands." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Hm."
He folds his arms, sitting back.
"Perhaps we should go about this differently. You said you've never felt magic before." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She shakes her head.
"I have not." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Have you ever had magic cast on you?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I do not believe so." Sai — 12/06/2021 He purses his lips, looking like he doesn't want to say what he's about to.
"I don't like to ask this. But would you allow me to cast magic on you?"
He puts a hand up.
"The spell itself is non harmful. It causes the target to find everything hilarious and laugh. If you're uncomfortable with that, then we can move onto another idea." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I do not mind. I am curious how magic feels." Sai — 12/06/2021 He nods.
"Alright."
He hums a tune and swishes his arm, casting Tasha's Hideous Laughter on her. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 He notices something off as the magic fails to effect her.
She continues to sit patiently, waiting for the magic. Sai — 12/06/2021 He raises a brow.
"Hm. Does your father, perhaps, have certain anti-magic charms on you? Or something else that prevents magic to be used on you?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Not that I'm aware. Why?" Sai — 12/06/2021 "There's something... off. Normally, my magic would have affected it's target in some way. Either they would resist the magic itself, or they would fall under the spell. But it failed to touch you at all." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I see. What does this mean for me being able to use magic?" Sai — 12/06/2021 "It will make things more difficult. You can use ritual magic, which means you can use it to some degree. But pulling from magic itself without that helping you..."
He frowned.
"Lets keep trying. Using ritual magic, do you feel any connection to the power you're summoning?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "0nly when I conjure something, and then it's a mental link to whatever has been summoned. I do not believe I've done any evocation magic, either?"
Sai — 12/06/2021 "I see."
He stands and looks at her books.
"Do you have a list of all ritual spells?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I'm not sure if it's all of them, but I do have an extensive list compiled."
She motions to a book on the shelf. Sai — 12/06/2021 He picks it up and looks through the pages until he finds a list of divination ritual magic.
"Here. This one."
He shows her the spell he pointed at.
"Detect magic. Try to cast this one as a ritual. I'll cast magic while you do." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 There are many spells in the book, including some written in scripts he can't read, though they look familiar.
Zoh looks at the spell, and it's ritual requirements, and sets about preparing the ritual .
"It will take me ten minutes to finish this ritual." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Take your time. Once you're done, I'll cast another illusion." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She performs the ritual from her book and at the end of it, what looks like glasses made of pink glass appear just infront of her eyes before fading from view.
"I am finished with the ritual." Sai — 12/06/2021 Hm. Interesting.
"Alright. I'm going to cast another silent image."
He makes an illusion of himself again, making it walk towards her and then around her in casual circles.
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She follows the illusion with her head. Sai — 12/06/2021 "Can you feel the magic at all?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "No. But I can see it." Sai — 12/06/2021 He casts a minor illusion of a shell in his hand.
"And this?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "That...is another illusion." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Yes. But no connection?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She shakes her head. Sai — 12/06/2021 The illusion fades, though the silent image of Len continues walking around.
"Tell me. Do you know anything about your family? Any history or mixed heritage?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She shakes her head.
"Only that my father and uncle can both use magic naturally, as could my mother." Sai — 12/06/2021 That was some odd wording.
"Is your mother still around?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "No, she died when I was young, too young to remember her myself." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Perhaps you could ask your father about her later. You never know what latent genetics may show up that neither parent displays."
For some reason, the line seems to have a personal ring to it. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "I may. He doesn't like when I ask about family history, usually. But he may if it's for my lessons." Sai — 12/06/2021 "It could explain why you're having difficulty connecting to it."
He looked through the book again.
"Lets try this one. Comprehend languages." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She does the ritual and just as it ends, a pair of green glasses and ear muffs briefly appear before fading from view.
"Finished." Sai — 12/06/2021 Len begins speaking primordial.
"Can you understand me?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Yes I can." Sai — 12/06/2021 Len pulls out a mirror.
Why was he carrying one? Because he's Len.
He holds it up to her, still speaking primordial.
"What do you see?"
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "My reflection." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Do you see anything different in your reflection?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "No." Sai — 12/06/2021 He tucks the mirror back, for now.
"Next time you cast a spell, I want you to look at your own reflection when you do." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She nods.
"Okay." Sai — 12/06/2021 He points at a few passages in the book that were written in various other langauges.
"Tell me what these mean." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 She runs her fingers along the words, looking at them intently for a few moments.
"This is a spell to conjure a beast.
This one a spell to conjure an elemental.
This one is a spell to...a spell..to..."
She then groans in discomfort, rubbing her eyes with her hands. Sai — 12/06/2021 He frowns. "What's wrong?" Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Just...a headache is all."
She continues to cover her eyes with her hands. Sai — 12/06/2021 He makes a mental note of the passage she was trying to read, before closing the book.
"We can take a break for now." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 The script of the passage looked familiar. He had absolutely seen it before, but couldn't read it.
Zoh nods.
"Perhaps I should go lay for a nap." Sai — 12/06/2021 "Go and rest. There's still plenty of time to go over more, over the next several weeks." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Yes, we do have time."
She gets up and with a brief stagger at first, starts to slowly make her way towards the door. Sai — 12/06/2021 Once she's out of the room, Len goes back to the section from before and quickly writes down the unknown, yet familiar text, and sticks it into a pocket. Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 Shortly after he slips the passage into his pocket, a servent enters the study, and gives Len a bow.
"My deepest apologies, sir. It seems the young mistress is feeling most unwell, and her lessens foe the day must be formally concluded. I will see you to the door, now." Sai — 12/06/2021 "I do hope she regains her health soon."
He nods, and follows the servant out.
Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 The servant leads him to out.
"We will let you know when she is well enough for another lesson. And I have told to assure you that you will be paid in full for today's lessons, even though they have been cut short." Sai — 12/06/2021 Another nod.
"That is good to know. I have much to prepare for next time." Rapidly Approaching Bear — 12/06/2021 "Very good, sir."
The servant bows again, and closes the door behind Len
–END–

Parent Plot

Rookie Knights Arc

Related Characters

• Len
• Onve
• Patro Detruo
• Zoh Detruo

Related Organizations

• Detruo Family
• Knights of the Wrequeners