Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:47 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

The woman's chuckle made Rugal rethink what he said earlier. Ever since he left his family home, he was doing his best to remain disciplined and level-headed, but at his young age, at his early stage of training, he could only do so much in that direction. There were still many occasions where he would let his excitement take over, and this seemed to be the one of them. Having briefly pursed his lips, the aspiring apprentice let out a lengthy, quiet exhale.

Then Kit went on to ask whether he acknowledged that he will hold full responsibility for his state by the end of their trek. With a tone much more composed than before, Rugal went on to answer:

- "I am most aware of that, and I was so well before I chose to depart from home…" - it sounded like he was going to say something else, had he not been distracted by a glass stood on their table, which had imploded into a pile of fine powder. Could Kit have done that, for whatever reason? Or was that someone else in the tavern, intending to direct attention of the two for some reason? Rugal idly turned around, scanning the few individuals that were present for any traces of recently released mana or any other signs of unusual activity. Seeing that Kit herself did not seem bothered much, the young man did not let the situaton bother him either. He turned back towards her, as she went on to ask whether he heard any rumors which could get them started.

- "I am worried that I had failed to hold onto anything of interest. Excluding maybe the supposed emergence of eggs composed of precious stones and metals worldwide. But I suppose you expected to hear something about more localised occurences?" - Rugal asked, before proceeding to finish his tea.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 10:45 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

She did not understand the defensive response from the young man, she had not been dissuading him in the slightest. But his determined statement did make her chuckle more than she probably should have.
"I could take you along on a venture, but as to seeing how you fair…" She trailed off with a careless sigh. She finished her drink in one last draught before she turned it upside-down on the table. "Suffice to say you will be responsible for whatever happens to you?" It was more of a statement than an actual question, she knew he was smart enough to understand the concept of death at least. Plus she thought to herself, if he gets in my way I could always just… Her thoughts returned as her glass in-front of her shattered. It smashed so fine it was nought but powder, but she had no idea where the conjuring stemmed from. She knew it was not a threat however. Threats always entailed real physical harm. Flippantly she swept the sand from the table to the floor, but rolled a few fine granules between her fingertips. 

"I can't say for sure that I know of any trouble around here as of yet, but seeing as you've been here a little longer than I, have you heard any rumours?" Sitting in such a cosy little tavern had made her restless, and maybe the human did have something in mind, considering his eagerness to hit the road. If not she could always set up in a snug in a less favourable tavern and read her tarot. She found that reading people's lives opened many intriguing lines of conversation. On occasion, a venture, if none were to be found anywhere else. 

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 7:38 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Rugal tried his best not to show that he had been taken quite aback, seeing how Kit spoke to him as if she wanted him not to take his desired path. However, he chose not to comment on this, instead continuing to listen. It was only when she asked him whether he would like to learn about departing from such an exciting path, the young apprentice finally voiced his thoughts:

- "No, it is definitely not. Most certainly not until I will get my first chance to test my skill and character in face of challenges which are to await me."

The woman's words had whipped out quite a brainstorm in a young man. While he was aware that the knowledge he had gained up until this point was barely enough to pull him through, he wondered whether he could actually manage to prepare himself for the dangers she had described. It did not sound like much, but as it was in the case of many other dangers he faced, they could turn much more severe than he could imagine. Was that actually the case? There was only one way he could think of that would help him find out…

- "Well, why will you not try me? Take me along and see how I fare?" - he had asked his question, the feeling of determination dominating that of uncertainty.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 4:07 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

She smiled at this "You'll find that it's not so much to do with luck as to do with being forthcoming. The longer you travel you will come to understand that opportunities will come to you, and eventually this life will make its way into your soul. Then, the real challenge is how to stop." Her eyes hazed out into the distance over his shoulder, not looking at anything in the room. Flashes of memories passed one after another through the front of her mind and she played with the glass in her hand absently. 

Once her mind returned to the room she fixed him with a sly smile "But that is not what you are really asking, is it now?" 
She let him mull over her words a little longer. She knew what he really wanted, a place to begin. She was once young and felt the call of the road. She felt the trickster in her rising to the surface- she had half a mind to give him what he wanted. 
She then studied his face with the painful attention to detail that all good shape-shifters did. Each discolouration, each minuscule blemish and each micro-expression all stored automatically to memory. She did not even do it on purpose anymore, she just could not see the faces around her without looking through the eyes of her own kind. 
From the moment she had offered to buy him a drink she had been testing his character, and she found herself perplexed. The youth that she had seen in this area of the world were versed heavily in theory and sheltered practice. She was not overly convinced that this Rugal was ready for the big bad world. He had no idea that the act of survival was going to be only the beginning of his problems…

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 10:14 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Rugal went on to contemplate the woman's words. At places, her description of the life of an adventurer was so much different from his own ideas on the subject. After all, who does not need a capable adventurer gracing them with his presence? As for the dangers in the wilds, while he was all aware of importance on keeping self sated, hydrated and warm, he would never had figured that these, rather than the various predators, are the main dangers in the wilds. He slowly sipped his tea, while putting thought into Kit's advice.

- "That will sure be of great help to me, Kit. You see, my idea of adventuring was much different from what you had just described. Now that I do know what to look out for, I shall spare myself much of the trouble early on. Thank you."

The young man continued to sip his tea and to continue thinking of the woman's words, even briefly imagining a hypothetical scenario which would require him to prepare for such a demanding journey. He realised that he had one more question to ask, when he found himself with no idea where to go…

- "And one more question, maybe, if I may ask" - Rugal went on to speak - "Do you happen to be employing a particular method for your search for adventures? I am asking, for I find it difficult to believe that blind luck is that much of a factor."

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 1:41 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Kit examined the tavern with small interest, it was much cleaner, and much more honest looking than what she found herself used to nowadays. She raised a questioning brow at the humans idea of a drink, but let it slide. Alcohol was not everyone's cup of tea after all. She ordered for him and a small glass of hard native liquor for herself. She settled her tab immediately and carried both drinks to a table of his choosing. Once sat his line of enquiry turned to that of the risks of travelling, and to those she found most severe.

"To be perfectly honest dangers you find along the way are constant and varied. For example, and not in any demeaning fashion, as a human there are many more risks for you than someone like I. Hunger, thirst, cold and the like are the main killers while out in the wild. Where in cities you'll find your worst problems being thieves, bandits and dependant on what you do, rivals or city guards." She stopped briefly to take a sip from her glass, the liquor was strong and burned with a comforting intensity as it ran down her throat. Her demeanour softened slightly as she addressed his second line of intrigue. 
"You will not always necessarily feel welcome wherever you go, there will be times when you are not wanted nor needed. But saying that, I have always felt at peace in all manners of situations and crowds. I do not find any trouble in acclimatising to the environment around me. Manners are essential when making a good first impression, even if it does not last for long." She advised warmly, leaving out the fact that her ability to belong when she chose was not so much pure charisma than the fact that she was a shape-shifter. A detail she almost always left unspoken, unless she needed to change in front of the person in question. 

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 12:50 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

A smile widened on Rugal's face, as he listened to the Elven woman's statement regarding learning, for it seemed she shared his own views on it. And so he went on to voice it:

- "I appreciate your preference for conducting the studies by oneself, while not neglecting the usefulness of written knowledge. See, I am applying such practice to my magical studies and so far, I am most satisfied with the fruit of my efforts. By applying the learned knowledge to my own experiments, I eventually discover the way of casting I find suiting me the most and as such, I find myself able to put it to the most effective use. Now I do realise that adventuring is much so distinct from casting, but I dare say that this way of learning can be effectively applied to many, if not all of the schools."

Rugal paused to allow Kit to negotiate a fair price for the smithy's services, before she turned to him and offered to return the favour. He was more than happy to agree, as he once again gestured the woman to follow him to the tavern he grew to like over that little time he had spent in the City so far. Having taken a few turns between the fairly tidy alleyways the two eventually found themselves in the unremarkable doorways leading to the tavern. The place was nothing particularly fancy or spacious, but it surely was well-kempt and nice on the senses.

- "If you insist on buying me a drink, I will have a cup of herbal tea" - the man said, waiting for the woman to place an order, before finding a table they could sit by. As they did, he went on to ask a few questions, such as ones regarding the dangers of adventuring she considers most severe or whether she feels welcome in whichever settlements she chooses to visit.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 11:54 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

The blacksmith's sign swung with an unforgiving creaking in the high wind, heat rushed from the open doors and out of the dark. The only light to be seen being the vibrant oranges of the forge inside.
"Well, I supposed we all start somewhere, and money is the cruel price for education in these lands." She digested his enthusiasm as they passed over the threshold of the workshop. "Tomes of knowledge can only take you so far, you'll find a out a lot more by learning the basics and then working the rest out on your own, believe me." The clanging of hammer and fired steel interrupted her train of though, and she greeted the blacksmith warmly. She knew the in's and out's of being a patron of a blacksmith and although the price and skill varied wherever she went, she had worked out the conversational side to a short and concise art. The blacksmith assured her that her dear blades would be well sharpened, cleaned and polished before collection and she left the shop with one less task to worry about.

"Thank you for your help" She politely thanked Rugal. "It is only fair that I return the favour. Let me buy you a drink while the storm moves overhead and you can ask me any specific questions that are within my knowledge to answer?"

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 8:37 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Rugal gestured the woman to follow, in answer to her own gesture. The two went on to move through the Market Square, in which the crowds of people proceeded to thin out in response to the rainfall growing more and more intense. The young man led Kit along the side of the Square, where there was the least traffic.Having faced yet another row of similarly looking stone buildings, Rugal paused for a brief moment in hesitation, before he finally turned and went towards the source of all the blacksmithy noises that he - and most likely Kit, as well - could hear all too well.

- "I am fully aware of that" - the young man said in response to Kit's remark on the specific, perhaps exclusive nature of adventuring - "Still, with some further preparation, I am confident that I will be all capable of braving the world's many secrets."

Rugal quietly wondered whether he still has to wait, now that he met an experienced adventurer. Perhaps in addition to wordly knowledge, he could gain some of the practical one, too? He thought better of asking about that, however, figuring that the woman must be weary, having recently arrived from another continent and all. However, the man was willing to engage in a conversation, and having listened to her and her offer of sharing her knowledge, he gleefully agreed.

- "I would be most pleased. All I have had at my disposal so far were beastiaries, chronicles and encyclopedia - of which none beat a chatter with someone who had been there and there and know their way around, I presume - let alone having a chance to find oneself in the heat of action. As for the magic arts, I am already satisfied with my progress. Still, I do realise that I have room for improvement, and I expect the lecturers at the City's Academy to aid me with that. This, however, costs money, which at the current moment I lack. I am not letting that stop me, though, and I seek to take every opportunity in my reach to be finally able to afford that."

Just as Rugal finished speaking, he and Kat found themselves below a large, anvil-shaped, wooden sign suspended from a weathered metal bar protruding from the building's wall. This seemed to be the place.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Sat Apr 8, 2017 9:43 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

"The pleasure is mine, Rugal" She smiled as she put her pipe away. She had no problems indulging in answering a few questions.
It appeared that she was correct in her assumption of his lack of experience, but perked up when he mentioned that his school of magic was Arcane in nature. 

"Not at all, I've come to Iria for some new adventures. I'd seen everyone and everything of interest back in the homeland, and I though it about time to have a change of scenery. As to my being 'geared up', that is testament to my taste of adventure. Meaning that it is not for every one." She paused briefly in gesture for him to lead the way to the blacksmith's.
The clouds above looked a lot heavier than they had previously and she reckoned that she heard the rumble of thunder in the distance.

"Yes I've been travelling for many, many years. More than I'd like to disclose actually" She laughed quietly to herself, "What sort of knowledge would you be looking to acquire? If it is indeed magic then I must admit that my dabbling in the Arcane is very specific. However, I have much worldly knowledge if that is what you are after?" She had no problem with sharing insider knowledge. She had wished that people had been so fourth-coming with their wisdom when she was just a little sapling.                             The market seemed to begin to thin in places. Particularly the perishable stalls, where everyone had already gathered what they needed for the day. A stall of fine fabrics was quickly squirrelling away their goods, weary of the oncoming storm. By now the rain was falling somewhere not too far off, it was not visible to any standing in the market, but Kit could smell the damp earth carried in on the strong wind. 
In preparation she also began surveying the surroundings for a tavern to take refuge in, while the sky had it's tantrum. 

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 8:17 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

- "A pleasure to meet you, Kit" - Rugal said in answer to the woman's introduction - "I am Rugal. In all honesty, I myself have not been around here for long, either, but still, I think I can help. I remember seeing a blacksmith having his shoppe on the other side, so perhaps I could accompany you here?"

The young man was secretly relieved that Kit had put out the incandescent bits of tobacco off her pipe before setting off. As she did, Rugal asked:

- "If you'll excuse my curiosity, may I ask what brought you here to Iria? As for myself, I seek to develop my knowledge of the arcane arts, which would help my future career. Geared up as you are, I presume you have been following this path for a while, which is all good news to me! See, I could use some pointers from someone with knowledge of the subject before I move on."

He looked expectantly at the woman, hoping that she will not choose to cut their acquaintanceship when she will finally find the blacksmith.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 12:46 PM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

She could guess the mixed opinions that were swirling around in the human's mind, but she could not say no to a friendly helping-hand.
"I'm looking for a blacksmith, as it happens. I need some blades sharpening and I may as well have them in the shop while I spend this afternoon catching my bearings. I've only just landed, you see." She responded honestly, her eyes still searching independently. 
She had already made some observations of her own. The human seemed quite green, she assumed still a member or a recently graduated member of the country's esteemed educational system. He looked like he was now searching for his own path to make. 

"Now that I think about it, I didn't catch your name. I'm Xavier, but for ease everyone just calls me Kit." She introduced herself, courteously as she tapped the excess embers of her pipe out onto a nearby stone wall. She was planning on getting directions from him and then moving on, her business was not something people new to the trade could ever be comfortable with.

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 11:57 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Rugal found himself relieved that the Elf's reaction was in no way hostile. Then she went on to say something that suggested that she led what seemed to be an interesting life. And the young man was happy to voice his thoughts:

- "Seems the life you lead is far from boring, then. Cannot say that I am not envious of it, for I have yet to practice before braving the challenges this world has to offer…" - Rugal paused, seeing the woman shifting her attention to the nobleman and his towering guard while she produced a smoking pipe and lit the tobacco that had remained inside. He took an opportunity to sneak a cough when he joined to turn around and watch the two as well. Just who did the nobleman think he was, trotting around like he owns the place, just because he is able to hire some mean muscle? Then the young man heard the Elven woman asking him whether he knew who the two are.

- "Got not as much as an idea, madam" - he went on to answer, as he turned towards her - "But it is a strange sight, if you ask me. I had not yet seen a noble being accompanied by a lone guard."

Rugal had mixed feelings about the woman. While she seemed to be rather friendly, she also seemed and acted like the type who draws more trouble than needed. However, he was willing to let that slip, for if his suspicions about her are right, then she surely had plenty of experience gained from various adventures, and some of her knowledge might be of great help in kick-starting his career one day. And so, having taken notice of her appearing to be searching for something, he asked what was it she searched for, all willing to lend the stranger a hand.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 11:18 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Xavier turned to address the apologetic Human. In all honesty she had not even noticed the domino effect that had rippled through the store's patrons. She was used to pushing and shoving and general heavy-handedness. 
"It's truly no trouble, my love. If I got upset over every time I got knocked about a little I would not pursue the life I do." She stated politely with a small injection of cheerfulness. A little bump could not spoil her pleasure of finding a good replacement for her tarot cards. Her attention then moved to watch the nobleman who had so brutishly passed. She watched him with all the intensity of a hunter as she retrieved her smoking pipe from her rucksack. 
She lit the remaining tobacco and puffed contentedly as she slung her bag back over her shoulders.
"I do not suppose you know who that pompous creature was just then?" Her speech was directed at the human, although she was not particularly aware that she was talking out loud.

The giant thug continued to part the crowds of market-goers for his master. He most certainly had his job cut out for him, the way the lord brandished his bloated gold purse with hands cast in jewels. He was asking to be robbed, and with her keen eyes she saw many lurking in the shadows ready to take that chance.                                                           She however, thought better of taking on a guard of such a stature, especially while her trans-formative abilities were still exhausted from all the travelling. 
That reminded her, she needed to find a smithy to sharpen her twin daggers. She exhaled another large cloud of smoke as her eyes scanned the permanent shop-fronts for such a blacksmith. 

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 10:27 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Satisfied with his purchase, Rugal was ready to depart through the city gates. On his way there, he passes a sizable stall, where many different magical supplies were sold. Although Rugal himself had no interest in these, opting to enhance his capabilities solely by physical and mental training instead, this time he chose to stick around, curious with different methods different people employ. And as for the different people, there was a vast variety of them browsing the wares. There were mages clad in robes one would expect them to wear - mostly the young apprentices, without much of a clue what to look for, but the more experienced ones could also be seen, dropping by and quickly finding what they need, eventually asking for eventual substitutes, before departing to tend to their further business. Many of the apprentices Rugal could recognise as students of the fabled Mage Academy.

There were also the more ordinary folk, looking to buy magical devices which would aid them in their daily lives. And then, a person fitting neither of the two descriptions caught Rugal's eye. A leather-clad, tall Elven woman of fair complexion examining stacks of tarot cards that were on display. The way she examined them suggested that she had a good share of her own magical knowledge - something the young man felt he would not be able to tell, judging from her attire. Yet another valuable lesson on how looks can deceive.

Having returned to examining the merchandise put on display, he found an item he found very interesting - a leather glove, plated with what seemed to be odd-coloured wood and a reddish-coloured metal. Copper, perhaps? Interestingly, there were no runes carved into either of its plates, which led Rugal to assume that it does not have power of its own, but amplifies that of its user's. He reached out for the glove, intent on examining it further, but as he did, he felt a strong push against his side, nearly knocking him into the Elven woman. He turned to the side from which he was pushed, only to see a row of other annoyed-looking folk, looking in the same direction he did. Apparently they were all shoved aside by a passing, pig-faced giant of a man, making way for a fancy-dressed noble he was presumably escorting. As soon as the two had passed, the shoved people turned to each other, either apologising to the ones they were shoved into, or expressing their anger over what had happened. Rugal, being an apologetic one, was quick to turn to the Elf and voice his regrets towards her.

Author: Xavier Kit, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 8:56 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Xavier impatiently ducked underneath a barrel being offloaded by the air-ship's crew. She was desperate to get off of the transport, she was extremely suspicious of anything that was not a horse or cart. The market town that met her eyes was much more pleasant than what she had been expecting. Albeit the day was gloomy at best, but she enjoyed the prospect of an on coming storm. Her hair blew wildly in the strong wind and she fought it away to sling her backpack onto her shoulder. 
She knew for sure this time that she had truly left nothing behind, as she had on her sea voyage between her homeland and Canelux. 

The docking yard opened up into the towns central market and she easy slipped into the assorted crowd of colourful beings. The bell hanging from her ear chimed as she made her way up the stairs to the middle-most portion, where she knew there to be a stall of magical items.                                                                                                                                    She had yet to conjure the funds to replace her lost arcane spell-book, but she examined the selection of hand-painted tarot decks with awe. Her hand floated above each deck for a few moments at a time, her eyes shut, focusing on a pack that would call out to her.
At last she settled upon a pack that looked much similar to the one she had lost to water damage on the coast of Vilpamolan. She opened her eyes and handed the vendor the coins without hesitation before slipping the deck into an empty deer-skin pouch in her bag.

She continued to browse, letting herself merge with the busy crowds. Her eyes observing and scrutinising indiscriminately. A trait well engraved with her desire to shift-forms.

Author: _h0rseradish, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 8:17 AM, Post Subject: [Private] When Personalities Collide

Having read another few chapters on manipulating magical energy back in the library, Rugal though it would not hurt him to finally put his arcane knowledge to a practical test. Had he been a student at the Academy, he could have used one of the training facilities back there. For now, however, all he had was the great outdoors. The weather that day was nothing that most people would have described as a nice one, with the sky coloured ugly gray. Still it was no discouragement for Rugal, who went off to the market. He wanted to buy himself some supplies before setting off.

As usual, his strange outfit easily distinguished the young man from the crowd, as he walked from stall to stall, eyeing the available merchandise carefully. There was one particular item which had drawn his attention - a canteen carved out of what seemed to be hardwood. It looked really solid and as such, Rugal figured that it would make for a fine replacement for a waterskin that ripped up on him a few days ago. Having discussed the price with the stallkeeper, the young man reached for his coin pouch and went on to count the ten silver pieces the vendor wanted for the canteen…