Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2018 7:07 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

The story's she could tell was more than a night had time for but there were ways that she has simplified it. "The story is sample, I upset a pirate captain who put my head on a poster. The shadows thought that they could take me on with whatever poison they had. Though once there plan felled, thanks to you and i thank you for it, they knew not to change me head on." She said as she smiled. "I let them live because I do not like giving the goddess of death new people in her circles. I let them live because the one who hired them is not known to be kind twords failures. And I let them live because they are the second to actually poison me. I mean many have tried and the last only got as far as he did do to a curse I got and removed a while back.""I am wanted dead by almost all pirates and slavers for my work. Freeing slaves and sinking ships do that. My last name is feared by some and hated by others and I have spent years making it that way. Though my hands are not clean if any of my men are in danger I am not above a death or two to get them safe again." She stated as she sat down then went silent. 

She thought of the man, what she had done and the last few mouths and everything that she knew of his crew.

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 9:27 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

As Vinsue released the pair, Arannis held a hand towards his portal. It silently closed, the energies smoothly dissipating and collecting in his palm. The sorcerer bent down and plucked the gemstone from the ground, placing it back inside a pouch. He then leaned over the chalk markings he had drawn. He quickly swept a hand across them, sweeping up a small sample of blood that had been left on the ground by one of the assailants. He quickly flicked the sample into a vial and pocketed it. In the same movement, the mage waved a hand and a slight wind picked up, erasing the runic markings he had drawn. With the evidence of his spellcraft gone, Arannis followed his companion back inside.

“So what’s the story then? Regarding the attack?” Arannis asked with a half smile, “Any reason you allowed them to leave?” Arannis never did understand the taboos so many people had against killing. When your own life was threatened, you had every right to remove that threat, even if it was a potential threat. Arannis had learned this through his decades of negotiating with monstrosities across the planes. Mortals were the only creatures who seemed to have such qualms. Even the celestials that many mortals worshiped were perfectly happy to strike down threats to their holy mandate. Abstract ideas of ‘honor’ were foolish, in Arannis’ opinion. Honor was nothing more than a perception one could use to be held in higher esteem by one's peers. That sort of esteem was not worth allowing threats to survive.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 8:09 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Vinsue stood there as lighting ran down her arms with a soft glow in her eyes. The men looked at one another with a nod. They malted into shadow in the shape of ravens as they left the aria. Vinsue took a deep breath as her eyes returned to normal and the sparks stopped. The walls stopped and disappeared as she let out the breath. 

Vinsue went back to the table and sat down. This was going to be a long night of planing her next attack. And she may owe the mage a story in the least. If not more. "Probably better if we go inside were people will be less likely to attack." 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:09 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Arannis was going to close the portal when Vinsue rejected the offer of disposal. However as she engaged with the assassins he decided against it. Instead he rapidly drew a primordial rune of stability next to the translucent violet vortex, moving his concentration to the rune as he placed a small gemstone in the center of the structure. The gemstone began to glow with a faint light and Arannis relaxed. The portal maintained its stability as Arannis sat back down at the table to observe what happened. He kept a finger on his power, ready to draw upon a paralysis curse at a moment’s notice if things got out of hand, but to an outside observer he appeared completely relaxed.

As he relaxed and observed, his fingers drew more primordial runes in the air, tracing out arcane patterns. His movements were nearly indiscernible, but they were sufficient for the sorcerer to draw upon the latent arcane energies that permeated the area. Arannis used his meditative technique to slowly rejuvenate the energy he had utilized in his spellcraft this evening. Healing always took a lot out of him, it was far from his specialty. The illusory horror he had inflicted upon the intruders took less energy than the healing, but far more than his portalcraft. Arannis smirked slightly as his mind began to crunch through calculations and models of his spellcraft tonight, searching ever more for optimizations and improvements to his formulas. The arithmancy filled his thoughts as he attempted to find any further refinements to his portal.

Despite his seeming inattention, he maintained a focus on the events as they played out before him, ready to grasp his power and intervene should it become necessary.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:28 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

She thought of what she would do with the men as he drew the portal up. "I am not them and refuse to take there level. Besides they are only the hit men not the actual guys that order my death, and trust me there are worse fates than death." She watched as his summoned cats leaped and turned ready to eat. Feeding the men to the cats was a very convincing idea yet that was not how she works. "troth" she said pertect in her tung so she would have no way of losing the fight or being effected by the circle. She slowly stepped in the circle and took there coin and a scroll from the leader. The belongings disappeared as she claimed them. But the scroll stayed as she read it. A simple wanted poster was all it was but it answered any questions she may have had.She put the scroll back than stepped out of the circle. She turned and faced them she than said release in draonic. The three could move again but did not attack for they knew they did not stand a chance against her. Actually they were potheadic. "I leave you two choices stand and attempt to earn the coin I'm worth or leave. The portal is opened." She said getting into her fight ready stance. A glimmering wall of static electricity stood between them and any other means of escape. 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 3:01 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Vinsue seemed surprised at Arannis’ grasp of the Draconic language. Her fluency was impeccable. She seemed more comfortable with the dragon tongue than with even common. As they spoke, Arannis stooped to the ground. He pulled the chalk back from his pouch and drew a rectangle. He filled it with sylvan runes, spiraling patterns and curves lacking any sharp angles or polyhedra. He worked quickly, drawing out the ritual he needed, and once he was satisfied with its completeness, he stood.

He flashed a smirk in Vinsue’s direction as he said, “Dishonorable to end their lives when they just attempted the same to you? With poison, mind, without giving you a chance to defend yourself.”

He then turned to the three fairies. They had been pacing, looking agitated at the lack of activity. The sorcerer spoke a command in the fey tongue, and then waved a hand over the ritual he had drawn, speaking one final word. A shimmering rectangular portal opened up, pulling upwards from the runes like a rising curtain. About seven feet high, it was translucent and shimmered with a vaguely violet color. Peering through it revealed a vast jungle. Odd foliage unlike anything in Revaliir populated the forest beyond the portal, and the muffled cries of fantastic beasts resonated. Arannis’ summoned fairies darted through the portal, and then all three turned to face the entrance. Their eyes grew hungrier, they arched their backs aggressively as they glared at the three paralyzed assassins. A slight hiss escaped one of them as its claws extended.

“Do what you will with these attackers,” Arannis told Vinsue, “However if they do require disposal, I can provide the option.” Arannis concentrated to maintain the portal while he waited to observe what Vinsue would do to her attackers, and awaited her reply.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:47 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

She took note of the felines and what Arannois said. Cutting down on the magic use in spells would be a very handy thing to know. That information could allow her to do a lot more damage to pirate property and slaver ships. 

Once he started talking in different languages she listened surprised at the languages he knew. She knew most of the words but never spoke celestial and never hurd of it eather. When he spoke her tung he spoke like any dragon blood would and had no trouble. Just he made no body movements which showed he learned the human version. 

She answered in her native language and used some hand movement. A dragon usually used it's tail and wings but she did not have them to use. "I learned from a dragon when I was growing up. Like you being fluent is a very important part of my job." 

When he asked if she had reason to let the men live she answered in the common. "I have no need but I am not one to kill. Despising 3 bodies in this place would not be easy. And it would not be right to do so with them unable to defend them selves." She said as she summoned her sword. "They came for me so let me show them there mistake." She said 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:25 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

“I’m glad you’re feeling well,” Arannis said, “I discovered these particular creatures on one of my journeys to the realm of the fey. They are a useful species, easy to appease and quite talented at a variety of tasks. They are also very simple to summon in a hurry, without a proper ritual.” The fairies paced around Arannis’ ritual circle, looking impatient.

When Vinsue inquired where he learned Draconic, Arannis’ tone shifted to the style he used when he once taught students at the guild.
“Knowing a variety of languages is key to my research. I’ve studied a wide variety along with their uses.”
“Infernal, the language of demons. A language of cruelty and malevolence.”
“Sylvan, language of the fey folk. Subtlety and manipulation.”
“Primordial, language of the elements. Raw power and chaos.”
“Celestial, language of the divine. Hope and benevolence.”
“Draconic, language of the dragons. Strength and domination.”

Each description the mage gave was in the language he named. Infernal was a guttural and twisted tongue, the language was grating to most human ears. Sylvan was light and majestic, like calming music. Primordial was a difficult language to follow, it sounded random and chaotic. Celestial was bright and hopeful, empowering. And Draconic sounded as it always did. A language filled with confidence and strength, and an edge of cruelty.

“Languages were the first thing I studied in my youth. Specialization of verbal spell components provided for much finer control when I was in training. Draconic was one of the first I picked up.”
His explaination had continued in fluent Draconic, and he then asked, “Where did you pick up the language?”

Walking to the paralyzed would-be assassins, he switched back to Common and asked, “Do you need these three alive?”
Muttering a word in Infernal under his breath, violet tendrils of energy stretched out from his fingertips to each of their throats. The energy halted, awaiting release.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:44 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Vinsue looked at him and nodded. "I am ok I think." She said slowly testing her balance. She close her eyes and mentally checked her health. Satisfied with her wellness she looked at the food. She was well confused at what type of poison that used for usually it was as harmful as water to her. 

Vinsue than walked over to the circle and 3 begging men. She walked around as she figured out who they were. "I can't believe they sent the shadows after me at a party, I mean seriously one night to forget life and have fun and they show up." She said.

She noticed the glowing symbols and was quick to recognize them and the language it was in. "We're did you learn this?" She than noticed the fay cats. She did not try to talk to them or pet them as animals had a way of knowing what she truly was and usually tried to attack or cower. "Those are pretty, they yours?"

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:23 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Arannis’ summoned fairies danced around the three attackers, distracting them and occasionally swiping at the figures with viciously sharp claws. These feline fey were not bred for combat, and would not last long when the attackers adjusted to their inhuman movements and managed to land strikes on them. With that in mind, Arannis hissed another command in the ethereal tongue of the fairies. The cats broke off combat. Two of the felines stood between the attackers and their would be victims. The last blocked the exit of the balcony. Gently releasing Vinsue, and allowing the smallest sliver of magic to remain and assist her in not falling to the ground from her seated position, Arannis walked up to the cloaked figures. They drew weapons and approached him, but the finely dressed man simply spat out a word in the twisted tongue of demons.

When the infernal word met the air, a darkness filled the area and the attackers’ eyes filled with an acid green energy. The three men screamed. They turned to charge Arannis, who stepped back behind his summons. Upon seeing the felines, the trio screamed again and turned to flee to the exit. They froze when they saw the third fairy awaiting them. They screamed one last time before dropping to the ground and clutching their heads, whimpering. Arannis took that moment to act. Drained of power, he quickly pulled a stick of chalk from a pocket. He drew a circle around the three attackers. He wrote nine Draconic runes around the edge of the circle, and then focused his will and spoke a word in the tongue of dragons, “Hold.”

Three at a time, the runes lit up with orange energy, and each figure in turn froze, still as stone. Satisfied with the results of his ritual, Arannis turned back to Vinsue.
“How are you feeling? Is the poison purged?”

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 3:07 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

"Thank you. It will be nice to not go through the blizzard." She responded to his offer. She was glad he stayed sober as she knew what alcohol does to people and would rather not trust a drunken man's magic. She had only felt as she did when the poison took hold once. And that was back when she was cursed to human form without any magic or her birth power. It was a temporary poison that nocked her out. She awoke chained last time and did not want to go through that again.The healing magic was strange yet worm. She wanted sleep. Her whole being wanted to die but she had will and a strong one at that. Once the poison was out of her thanks to her dance partner she looked at him than at her hands. "Thanks." She said knowing she would owe him. She noticed the sounds of a fight and looked over as she slowly stood up. Once she finally could see and had her balance she looked at the man holding her. "What's happening."

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Tue Jan 9, 2018 10:16 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

“I would be happy to assist you,” Arannis replied, “Just tell me the destination and I can drop you off.” It would take but a fraction of power for Arannis to accomplish the task. He prided himself in his specialty.

He continued his meal as they chatted. The conversation was pleasant and the variety of flavors in the different meats and cheeses were quite invigorating. He drank only crystal clear water, avoiding anything that could cloud his thoughts. Inebriation and teleportation did not mix well, he had taught students before who had severely injured themselves in flawed teleportations. Whether they left a part of themselves behind, or ended up miles off course, it was never a pleasant situation to resolve.

He was listening to Vinsue recount the tales of the exotic land she had visited, when suddenly her words trailed off. Her eyes turned glassy and she swayed as if she was about to faint. He immediately stood and steadied her. He looked into her eyes and noticed the tell tale signs of a poisoning. Drawing upon his power, Arannis poured positive energy into her body, willing it to purge the poison from the woman. Healing was not Arannis’ strong suit, and it took him time and effort, pouring energy into her as three cloaked figures emerged from the shadows. They drew twisted black daggers of an odd material Arannis did not recognize and moved towards his companion.

Arannis lifted a single hand and diverted a portion of his power. He slashed his hand downward and spoke a single word in the fey tongue. A cyan tear in space appeared, and three feline fey leapt out upon the attackers. Arannis turned his attention back to Vinsue, purging the last of the poison from her and steadying her as she regained her senses.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Jan 9, 2018 4:39 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

"Is there any way I could catch a ride? My right was a one way ticket." She said as she looked at the pictures. She caught a glimpse of one piece that really summed up her life. Men in chains ran from a fight and the gallows as a single woman fought off men. She looked away not saying anything about it or the fact it resembled most of her life. 

She sat her food down and started eating. "The most interesting place I have explored would definitely be the island of four seasons. What was it called horse island, or something like that. The fay that lives there have some rather cool tree…" She started to say more but got quite dizzy all the sudden and almost fell off her chair. She grabbed her stummic slowly looking up with a fog in her eyes. 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Tue Jan 9, 2018 1:53 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

After collecting some food and drink, the pair continued to walk through the magnificent estate. They passed hallways of fine tapestries and paintings. Arannis did look over the art pieces as they passed them, but did not comment on any.

“I am quite adept at creating portals. Teleportations and summoning via portal is what first grew my interest in the field. I portaled here from my inn, and at the end of the night will return the same way.”

Eventually the pair arrived at a balcony overlooking the estate. Arannis sat at a small table and slowly dined on the food he had collected.

“What is the most interesting location you have explored?” Arannis asked.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Jan 3, 2018 5:36 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Vinsue gladly walked beside the man on there way to find the food and drinks. She smiled as they had found the food. She was surprised at how much there was. 

She grabbed a plate and started stacking food on it. Crackers, cheese, and verying dishes were there. She put some of the more recognized foods on her plate and took a small bite of a cinnamon bun.

"You said you studded portals right? Does that mean that you can create them?" She asked. Looking around to see were the whine was. Unusually she goes for ale but at balls and other parties she had noticed the lack thereof and the white that seemed to be a favorite was always present.

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Wed Jan 3, 2018 8:36 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Arannis quickly scanned the hall, “I’m sure we can find where the refreshments are hidden,” he smiled as the pair walked.

“I would be happy to show you more of that style of dance. It is a favorite of mine.” Indeed, Arannis had many fond memories of balls of the past. He was never one to host them himself, he preferred privacy in his home, but had been invited to many as his name became more well known. He had a few favored dance partners over the years, and Vinsue had a natural grace that lent itself very well to dance. He had quite enjoyed the night and would look forward to another.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2017 6:59 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

"I must say it is more interesting than some things I have done. Spint a night shorting plants for some rather odd reasearch just to get off the streets once. But at least your research can help" she said a little sad the song was over. "You do not know were they are hiding the drinks do you?"

Vinsue was enjoying the dance and the man's company. "Perhaps you could teach me some later." She smiled than looked around. The dance had brought back a lot of memories from her mate and how they met to her childhood. 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 4:25 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Vinsue.” Arannis continued to lead the pair in a series of closed whips, keeping to the beat as the song started to come to a close.

“I quite enjoy my work, though most of it is rather dry. I usually focus on optimizations to portal formulae to utilize significantly less magical energies, or to cause less disruptions at the origin and destination point,” Arannis’ voice resonated with increasing passion as he described more of his work, he was clearly highly invested in his field.

“One of my more well regarded works is a general purpose portal formula capable of transporting people, creatures, or energies such as flame or wind, across planes. It is flexible enough to bring a creature from a distant plane to ours, or to tap into one of the primal planes of raw elements to burst with pure flame, or wind. The formula uses relatively little power to accomplish the simplest effects, leaving the caster far less drained than a typical summoning.”

Arannis laughed and slowed the pair down, leading one final turn as the song ended, “As I said, most of it is rather dry, and I’ll cease boring you with the details.”

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2017 9:53 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

She actually had fun with the dance. And surprisingly she was quick to understand the dance and kept in step flawlessly. "Arannis is a nice name. They call me Vinsue" She was having fun but at his statements she had to be careful on how she replied. "Bet that is a fun job. Especially when you first try things like the portals." 

"That's a rather hard question. I like to explore when I can. But I mostly deal with law and order. It can be dangerous but I quite like it." She said leaving it true yet not giving away a lot of it. As a vigilante she knew not to let any one know much about her but she did not like lying. She smiled back. 

She thought it was funny how much the dance and her fighting stile were alike. Letting the other lead as she spun and kept step. "So what is the most interesting thing you discovered." 

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2017 11:11 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Arannis lead his partner out onto the dance floor as the song began. He bowed to his partner and took her hand and shoulder, leading her in a traditional style of waltz from his homeland. The style was different from most of the other dancers on the floor, but it matched the beat of the music and had a smooth appearance that fit the ballroom perfectly.

“My name is Arannis,” Arannis opened, keeping the count of the song in his head as he began conversation. He led her through a set of passes, adding matching turns to the end before pulling back to closed position just as the verse ended.

“I’m a researcher,” Arannis explained. He lead her into a series of outside turns culminating in a dip and continued, “I mostly specialize in portals, rituals, that sort of thing. I quite enjoy my work, there is something new to be found every day.” As the chorus of the song began, Arannis pulled her into a close whip leading into a series of rotations. “What about yourself? Outside of fine balls such as this, what do you occupy yourself with?” He punctuated the last statement with a smile.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:54 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

She was surprised when a nicely dressed man had asked her to dance.  She looked at the dance floor than at him. Again it would be rude to decline. "I would love to. But i must warn am not very good  at it." It was in her blood to dance just it was to the music not the dance. She was tought the dance when she was little years ago but did not remimber most of it. 

She would allow him to take her to the dance floor if he chose to. She could detect his aura as he could hers. The coin on her dress would show there purpose as they danced. They would join the song as they clicked and simmered with her movement.

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:25 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Making his way around the hall, Arannis did not yet see anyone he was acquainted with. The music that filled the hall was not any song he was familiar with, but its structure was of similar timing to countless songs he had enjoyed at balls of the past. He contentedly immersed himself in the music as he continued to wander the hall.

As his mind wandered and his eyes scanned the jubilant crowds, the odd sound of jingling metal reached his ears. Turning to the source of the noise, he saw a pale woman with a thin figure and white hair. She wore a skirt adorned with coins. Her odd sense of dress was not the most prevalent feature Arannis noticed, however. Instead his attention was drawn to her intense magical aura. It was of an odd sort, one that Arannis could not at first place. However, before he became too lost in analytics and the arcane, Arannis shook his head gently. Tonight was a night for relaxation and socialization, not for research and magics.

Arannis made his way across the floor to the woman. He extended a hand with a warm smile on his face, and just as the next song was to start, he confidently asked, “Would you care to dance?”

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 9:15 PM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

Vinsue was never one for a party but knew it was quite rude to not show up when the gods themselves. So she had dressed her best and came. luckily a friend had opened a portal or she would not have made it so far in the cold. She entered with less terrible than she had had in a really long time. Someone was quick to take her coat and walked off leaving her to find the party. 

The coins hanging on her skirt clicked as she walked to find a drink and an empty place to sit. The music was lovely and called to her but she was not one to dance in public.  

Author: Arannis Falone, Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 9:37 AM, Post Subject: [O] A Mage on a Winter Night

All was silent outside the grand cathedral. Snow slowly drifted down in the moonlit sky, dancing on the winds in imperceptible patterns. Not a sound could be heard in the icy calm, not a soul in sight. Then from nowhere, a man appeared. He simply walked out of the night, as if from nowhere, dressed impeccably for a party. He brushed snow off of his fine clothes as he confidently strode to the entrance. He nodded to each of the guards in turn, and entered the ball.

Music filled his ears, and Arannis gently moved his left hand, counting the rhythm. He smiled and made his way out onto the dance floor. He moved gently to the rhythm of the music, thinking back to the countless parties of the type he had been to in the past, and the dancing lessons of his childhood. The steps came naturally to him as he sought out a dance partner.