RP:A Kind Exchange
Synopsis: Returning to civilization, Raevyn crosses paths with a helpful elven woman named Celaeno. After a helpful exchange in the day, they later meet up and Raevyn shows the woman around the Mage Tower.
Date: Nov. 15th, 2017
Elegant Bridge
A large, wild and gushing river separates the lands of Larket and Kelay-Sage but luckily a long and elegant bridge formed of sweeping arches crafted carefully of brick and stone links the two lands together. On the north side are a pair of Larket Knights in armor and on the southern a pair of Elven Rangers, neither side appear to be bothered by the other but it would appear recent events have led to the stone bridge now being guarded round the clock. The southern side of the bridge is bright with verdant growth; the beginnings of Sage Forest. On the northern side, however, is a bustling city of stone.
Raevyn slowly wandered along the forest path, her tired and weary legs barely able to push forward as she neared her destination. Tattered robes fluttered in the passing wind, the hood sitting atop raven tresses soon slipping backward to reveal that pallid, dirt coated face of youth. Slender and frail arms wrapped around the woman's waist as she struggled to hold onto any bit of warmth that she could, the long journey pausing as she came upon an all too familiar bridge. Raevyn collapsed upon the stonework railing and coughed in a sickly fashion, her dead blue eyes falling upon the river below. 'Hold on', she told herself. It wouldn't be much longer.
Celaeno walked further up the path than the robed woman collapsing just before the bridge, storm gray eyes flickering from one tree to the next as she took in the their various species and the quality of their limbs as they swayed. Despite her own fraying robes and hood also getting caught in the gusts twisting through the forest, she made no efforts to bring her drooping hood back over her face. Her hands stayed tucked in her sleeves, arms resting comfortably on her stomach. It wasn’t until she caught sight of the bridge ahead, emerged from the trees, and bumped the fallen person with the toe of her boot that she came back to reality. She knelt at the stranger’s side and gently shook the woman’s shoulder. Where Raevyn’s skin was pale, Cela’s had a tanner complexion. While the other’s hands seemed made of flesh, Cela’s resembled silver gauntlets covered in engraved runes that clicked as if no fingers filled them. “Are you...alright?” Cela asked, her voice catching as she took in Raevyn’s weak features.
Raevyn's entire body startled with the stranger's touch, that wild and frayed mane whipping around with the force of her head turning in Celaeno's direction. She looked at first afraid, but that expression would quickly soften as the question finally set in. "Yes. I'll be-" Her fist lifted and another hacking cough erupted, hand soon wiped against robe. "I'll be fine. It's just. It's been so long of a venture. I am tired and not quite as fit as thought." Just looking at the girl would confirm that statement. He cheeks were quite sunken in, bags heavy and dark under her eyes. She looked a mess- Completely malnourished and without much sleep, if any at all. A glance drifted over those intriguing gauntlets then, a deep breath to fight congestion. "I am on my way to see a friend. If... she still resides in the town beyond, Larket." Raevyn bobbed her head toward the North to indicate direction. "Do you know of her? A woman by the name of Artia?"
Celaeno ’s bulging backpack suggested she was accustomed to travel, as would the jangling they made as she took Raevyn’s arm and tugged her up. “Afraid not, miss. I am a newcomer myself to these lands and have been wandering for a few days trying to get my bearings.” Her grip was firm enough, but the left hand jerked with the force put behind it, so much the entire thing broke off at the wrist and clattered to the path. Where a hand should be, nothing but a forearm with a stump, covered in a black stocking, remained. Cela grumbled, heat rising to her cheeks as she took a deep breath and let it out. No reason to be embarrassed, she thought to herself, every new land has new attitudes. keeping that arm extended--for the stranger to use as an anchor if she wanted--while she bent and picked up her hollow prosthetic. “Larket, you say? I propose we make a bit of an arrangement. You find your friend and give me a lay of the land. I will let you have some of my provisions to perk you up on the way and make sure you do not suffer another one of those nasty falls. How does that sound?”
Raevyn;s knees were a bit wobbly on the rise, but she managed to muster all the strength that she could to keep sure that she did not end up on her rear once again. While she had been using Celaeno for leverage, as soon as the woman's hand snapped off, Raevyn recoiled, a look of fear mixed with shock fell upon her face. She didn't mean to, but all she could do was stare at the stump where the hand had been moments prior. "My goodness! I'm sorry! I didn't do that did I?!" She asked, as if she were responsible. When the offer was processed, the frail woman smiled and politely nodded her head, the satchel concealed in her robe brought to light as she removed from it a pretty hefty book of sorts. "Oh, well, in any case, welcome. I am... not quite so familiar with this land yet, myself, although I have charted some of the area thanks to this helpful encyclopedia." Flipping open a few pages, Raevyn settled on a loose piece of parchment, and upon it a map of sorts was sketched out. it seemed to detail a more modern set of landmarks. "The maps in this book are a bit... out dated. However, you can have this if you like. I know much of the layout by memory and can replicate it once I have shelter." When Celaeno would have time to look at the map, she would be greeted with a rough layout of the kelay-larket area, as well as much of the village of Xalious, including famous landmarks. With a bit of a smile, the pallid woman would gesture North, offering to lead the way into the town- She wasn't exactly sure what she would find, herself. It had been some time since she last ventured into this location.
Larket Town Square
The square, in stark contrast to its previous appearance, is beautiful and well maintained. Streets from the north, south, and west, cobbled smoothly, encircle a small area of land here, where grass and flowers grow. A small stone gazebo sits in the center of the square, raised a fair distance from the ground by marble steps, so that the structure can serve as a stage for public announcements. A board is fastened to its side, pulled from the wreckage of the old square. Vendors line the roads, selling a variety of wares ranging from food to clothes. East of the square stands a sturdy building of stone, its entrance guarded by armed men in Larket's livery.
Celaeno chuckled, though it was a wry thing without the right mirth behind it. “No, Miss. I just didn’t put it on tight enough. If you know a silversmith anywhere around here, I wouldn’t mind commissioning a sturdier harness.” When Raevyn pulled out the tome, Cela’s brows went up and her eyes lit with eager curiosity as she offered her shoulder instead and reached under the gauntlet to the leather straps that held it in place. Once she finished attaching the limb, she took the map, handling the parchment with excess care. From there she followed alongside her new acquaintance, her attention flicking up from the map now and again as she studied it. Once they did cross the town line aways, she folded the map, making neat creases so it formed a perfect square, and slipped it under the flap of her backpack. The cobbled streets, well maintained buildings, and even the quaint gazebo made her grin. “It seems your friend chose a nice place to live. How long has it been since you saw her?”
Raevyn seemed lost in thought as the traversed the oft traveled walkway, her dead gaze drifting amongst the buildings here and there as she tried to recall what was familiar, and what was new. "I am afraid I do not know of any sort of silversmith. Or, rather, I have not met one yet. But Artia is very familiar with this land, she would know of one I am quite sure of it!" As they passed the first set of buildings leading into town, Raevyn first pointed to the east- "Kyla's Eatery is over there. Superb treats in the form of cookies and pies. They don't have much to quench one's thirst, aside from wine." To the west, next. "I believe that is the local Inn. It is very nice inside. I have only been there once, however, so I am not sure of the pricing. It seems very well managed." With the newest question, Raevyn paused and thought. How long had it truly been? "I... am not sure, really. So, so long ago. This would be the second fall since I... left, I think. it's so hard to tell anymore." This revelation brought upon a look of sadness, but she would not be long to hide it as she continued the tour. " Um. Not sure what's over there, she points to the east, but over here takes you to housing and further wast from there is a wonderful little river." Then as she turned to face Celaeno, she would take a turn to ask, "Are you far from home? What brings you out to this part of the world?"
Celaeno pursed her lips in thought as she considered all the new landmarks being pointed out. She met each one with polite interest, though the eatery inspired a slight frown before she too covered it in a facade. That would’ve been the first place they would visit when she was younger, anywhere with sweets. “Home was a cramped little wagon somewhere else in the world. Now it’s this.” She patted the top of her backpack. “As for what brings me, if I were to put it in story terms, a coming of age quest. I tend to walk awhile in a place, see what books or knowledge it has to offer, then move on when I’m through. This is definitely one of the more exotic locales, though. Everyone is so...diverse.” She quirked her head to one side, opening her mouth to shoot a counter question. Then she thought better of it. Better not to pry, at least not before exchanging introductions. “I think I’ll take my leave for those pies. Many thanks for the help!” She bowed her head and made her way for Kyla’s. “And if we should meet again, call me Celaeno. I wish you luck finding your friend again!” Once she received Raevyn’s reply, she strolled for the eatery.
Raevyn would smile and wave as Celaeno parted ways, her own moniker offered after, "Raevyn! Nice meeting you!" She would watch as the other disappeared and soon turned toward the north with hood drawn, ready to push forth and hopefully find a familiar face at the end of the lane.
As the night began to fall and there was still no sign of Artia, Nasada started her journey toward Xalious so that she may rest in the dorm.
Mage Tower
This room is huge, and the entire place is covered in blue and white marble, with many torches and eight pillars reaching up to the ceiling to reinforce the room above, and keep the tower standing. The columns are covered in mystical runes, probably magic to keep the pillars strong, making them able to withstand pressure that normally wouldn't be possible. In the center of the room, there is a spiraling staircase made of glass, and also inscribed with the same type of runes as the pillars, leading to the higher levels of this magical tower. Next to the stairs there is a small desk here with a sign on it. At the top the sign reads... directions for all new mages. There is a door to the south, and you now notice that it too, is covered in the strength giving runes, that leads outside and a door to the west leading to the dormitory, a place for young mages to rest after their studies here.
Celaeno had discovered the tower purely by accident, having gone one way according to the map she had been given earlier, and catching sight of it in the distance. Her boots took her steadily through the village until she waltzed into the hall. She stood under the pillars, jaw falling agape at the glowing combinations of runes covering them all. Once the young woman's senses came back to her, she strode for the nearest pillar and stopped mere inches away, studying the engravings as intently as a craftsperson studying a colleague's work. What could snap the knowledge hungry maid from such a trance?
Raevyn finally entered into the familiar tower landing, the hood atop her matted lock falling with the aide of her nimble fingers. She was finally home- Or at least what had passed for home two years prior. Although her feelings were still lingering on disappointment, she managed to smile and take a deep breath- that of which was immediately sputtered out in a dry hacking cough. As she searched out for faces that she could recall, a most reason form was caught in her view. Footsteps came to a halt and she called out inquisitively, "Celaeno? Twice meeting in one day- Perhaps this world isn't so big. Has the map been helpful?"
Celaeno would not be distracted from her mission of figuring out how the strengthening combination worked, not even by the unfortunate hawking that penetrated the tranquil hall. A glance was spared to her gauntlet where a few of the runes matched those littering the tower overhead. She smiled, teeth and all, in evident triumph. Then her slightly pointed ears perked some at her name. They got a light thwap of punishment, one for each side, before she looked over her shoulder at the caller. "Yes, and this is surely the best part of it," she replied, voice lighter than their prior meeting with an undercurrent of thrill. "The map has helped me gain my bearings some even in Kelay where I was assailed by far too many drunks making fools of themselves. The way here had some beetles of questionable size as well, but they went down easy enough. Raevyn, right?" The other woman's preference for dark tones helped cement the image of a certain carrion bird with a similar name. "Did you find your friend?"
Raevyn nodded her head with a more honest smile when her own name was spoken, "Mmhm, yes. And no... I.. fell asleep on the entrance stairs of the ranch. No one came home, even this late into the evening. I'm afraid that she may be away, or... perhaps she has moved. It's really strange, seeing as many people lived there at one time." A subtle sigh escaped as she opted to turn the conversation once more back to the positive. "Yes, the Tower is an amazing place. So many interesting and beautiful things to observe here- Whether it's magii training, or classes in meditation, or even just the architecture. I personally favor the library- it's where I found my encyclopedia." A tattered sleeve lifts and her hand barely passes the cuff as she motions to the west wing. "You can find it by passing through the dormitory, there." A bit of a wave is offered to Brenwyn as the administrator passes, the older gentlemen returning a nod. He seemed to be in a hurry as he made his way up the stairs. "I'm glad the map has been useful. I try to avoid the Kelay way, myself- for those very reasons."
Celaeno quirked her head to one side, her curiosity perking again as she recalled Raevyn's mention she had been away recently. She pushed it down. No one in her experience liked her style of prying. The subject shift suited her well enough as she nodded along with mentions of meditation classes and training. When the word "library" left the other's lips, her eyes got big as a child's when tempted with a new toy. Without thinking, she hooked her arm in her acquaintance's, the old habit from when she had regular female companionship rearing its head. "Accompany me there. Dusty shelves are much warmer than cold stone."
Raevyn probably didn't smell as good as she looked- And she didn't look all that great at the moment. Yet, she didn't have time to shy away from the elven woman, and soon the pair would be off to where most the young woman felt comfortable. "So, this is the dormitory. Plenty of cots, usually. Or, well, at least from what I can recall. Many travel from all over to study here, but not many stay." She took the time to find her own cot, memories from encounters with her friend Diryon stirring in her thoughts. The makeshift bed looked clean, and better yet, like it hadn't been touched! Perhaps there would be good news from this day yet. "And in here..." she started, pushing open the large door of the library, "..is home." A large area with books as far as the eye could see, a few tables scattered around with the odd student invested in their studies. "I spent a lot of time here. You can find so much information about this world. Various school of magic. I'm sure they have it all." She glanced over at Celaeno and asked, "Being a traveler... I am sure you enjoy such places?"
Mage's Library
As you stand here, towers of bookshelves completely surround you. Most of them look to be magical in nature, but there are books of more mundane subjects in the library. Some are for spell research, some are about the history of spell casting and magic, while others are just lists of spell uses and objects. The cases are of a dark oak or pine, and glow a little at the ends, where runes have been placed to protect these sources of information from aging and decay. There are tables all over the room, with people of quite a few races sitting and studying. You notice a small door behind the rows of shelves to the north, and as someone opens and enters the room you see that it is the dormitory for those who stay here and study. To the east are two massive doors with designs carved into them, a golden dragon on each door.
Celaeno didn't seem to mind, though her arm shifted when her senses did come back. But she too was caught up in her own motion until they came to the library. The cots gave her some pause as she pursed her lips in consideration. Some of the emptier ones did seem hospitable. Perhaps a short rest wouldn't hurt, in the absence of a proper wagon. Her heart leaped in her chest as the doors to the library creaked open. The light shining through was only the start, and all those books made it catch in her throat. Different colors, and she breathed deep of the smell, letting go of Raevyn and walking ahead, deeper into the massive room. "So long as I breath I enjoy such places," she said, her voice dropping to a reverent whisper. She gazed on the shelves upon shelves as if a worshipper entering a temple. "I've never seen one so big."
Raevyn beams in a proud manner, she was very much excited to see someone else that loved the library, maybe as much as she did. "Me either! Where I come from, is such a small town. So, we didn't have anything like this. We bought our books from the city. And even then, the city near my town, its library was a fraction of the size." Pale blue irises lift and begin to search amongst the various tomes of information. "I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep reading in here. I... look forward to diving in again, once I get myself situated." The woman lifts her arm and once again coughs into it, a personal reminder that she would need to soon visit a healer to discern if this was naught more than a mere cold, or something more concerning. "I hear that there is a Library, in a place called Vailkrin... It features books that you would not find here, as Vailkrin is, from what I hear, a city of the dead. I had plans to visit once... but they fell through."
Celaeno could hardly fathom it, a library bigger than that. It had to be the largest in the world. "I have seen cities, but all of the libraries of this size were reserved for social elites, not simple nomads. My mentor journeyed for fathoms to get the small collection he had." She glanced over her shoulder, her brows hooding her eyes. Some of the enthusiasm dropped from her voice, though it never raised to its normal volume. "A whole city built on necromancers and their creations?"
Raevyn wrinkles her nose at the thought of knowledge being shuttered off and hoarded by the social elites in the world, but she understood all too well. "Your mentor? What were they like? What did you study?" She seemed authentic in her interest- the young woman loved to learn about strangers. Especially now that she was in a new land. There was surely so much more to discover- Things she probably could not even imagine. Then with a gentle shrug, she answered, "I am not sure, really. I did not get much of a chance to learn about it. The book I carry, as I mentioned before, is a bit out dated. I could not find it on the map. I just heard tell of it from a couple of friends when I was searching... for.." she took a moment and she began to recall those events that initially made her long for home. "..information." she finally concluded.
Celaeno 's lip curled as she inwardly scolded herself at bringing up the memory. "He was an aspiring necromancer, stingy with his knowledge, and I picked up the scraps he left as an eager assistant. It did afford me the chance to pick up enchanting with these." She held up a gauntlet, wiggling her fingers. The runes etched on them subtle glowed with the motion. "He didn't have a very good head when it came to runic combinations, so I came in handy. Not the kindest story, but it got me started." That inquisitive tilt of her head came again. Since they seemed to be trading questions... "What arcane arts do you practice? Or do you only harbor a fascination of reading?"
Raevyn stared upon those metallic appendages much like she had earlier that day. Those were 'hand-crafted' (hah!) enchantments? She was more than impressed. In fact she wanted to badly to inquire about what had happened in the elven woman's life that would lead to such need for enchantment, but seeing as they were still fresh in each other's lives, the young one would respectfully think better of it. "I... practice. Or well, I did." she admitted. "It has been some time since I put my mind to work. Before coming to this world I started with simple spells. Levitation. Pyromancy. I was just getting into my lessons." She lifted a frail hand and showcased a gentle flame; Yet when she looked down there was a genuine expression of surprise plastered upon her face. The flame should have been orange. Should have been. But lo and behold, there was this apple green fire dancing upon her palm. Raevyn's fingers snapped shut to extinguish the little party trick as she continued then to reveal the things she was to be studying. "I met a dragon in this world, he was teaching me how to... use my mind. But I have not seen him in some time." Then, feeling guilty, she lifted a hand and placed it over the top of her left breast, a gentle scratch through the tattered remains of her robe. Beneath, hidden from view, a mark that served as a reminder of what took place when she delved into the more forbidden arts. "I also... once tried necromancy." That last word was nearly whispered, nervous eyes glancing around as if waiting for someone to bounce up and declare for her arrest. "But I swear, I have not tried it again." The conversation turned back to Celaeno once more, "Is.. enchanting difficult? Is it your primary study? Or have you learned other schools as well?"
Celaeno / smiled a bit, more similar memories of her early days coming back when she sampled those simple things with stones and candles, how they seemed so difficult at first. "To be taught by a dragon? Consider me jealous." When necromancy's mention came up, the expression turned grimmer, more fitting of the topic. "I wouldn't fault anyone for trying it. The science is fascinating. Speaking with the dearly departed, playing at being gods. Graves and the like are for the living, bodies merely tools once the souls have left. Granted, I have never met Death, if they have a form, so I wouldn't know their opinion on the matter." She tucked both her gauntlets back into her sleeves just then. "There is going too far, though, I agree. The power can infect as much as help. That's why I decided to specialize in runes instead of following in my mentor's footsteps." Her attention wandered toward the shelves, gaze hungry enough she wet her lips. "I hope you don't mind if we suspended this conversation in favor of reading some. So much to study...so few years left in a life."
Raevyn shakes her head. "No it's fine. I am feeling a bit weak. I am not sure when I last rested through the night. I think I may go rest. It was nice to chat with you, Celaeno. I hope we can do it again. You seem to have similar interests and I would love to learn about the things you have seen." Pulling her robes tight against her frame, Raevyn half bows to the woman. "I hope you find something great to read! Have a good evening." With that, the young woman turns and heads back into the dormitory to finally get a good night's rest.