RP:Black Magic Women

This is a Necromancer's Guild RP.

Summary: Raevyn makes her way to the east side of Lithrydel and finds herself in Cenril's grand theatre. Despite the fact that it's closed, the girl manages to find a very familiar (and helpful!) redhead who not only takes her on as a student in the Necromancer's Guild, but gives her a job at the soon-to-be-opened bakery in town.

Cenril Theatre, Cenril

Raevyn had yet to explore the city past the chasm on Milous, even though she had passed by it many times during her ventures between Kelay and that infernal forest on the outskirts of Vailkrin. Truth be told, ever since her 'accident' two years ago, she wasn't exactly all too keen on crossing bridges; Especially those that seems to span deep dark chasms. Still, if she were to settle down in this world known as Lithrydel, she would need to be familiar with the neighbouring cities. After a bit of mental persuasion and very small steps, Raevyn found herself finally inside the walls of the city known as Cenril. In one hand, she walked that that ghastly scythe still, while in the other she carried a piece of charcoal and some parchment- She figured that she may as well create a more up to date map than those that graced the pages of her encyclopedia. It had been a slow, casual pace as she navigated the northern side of the city first. The various shops and businesseswere visited with a mild interest of seeing all that they offered. When she finally found the street fair, she paused and a sense of nostalgia began to wash over her. When she was young, the city nearby used to have a yearly celebration; And when she was young, her father would take her to see the various buskers and musicians perform. So, to stumble upon something so reminescent of her childhood, Raevyn had to at least give it a tour. It wasn't exactly all that extravagant, she thought to herself. Much smaller and less exciting than what she remembered from her youth. Still, it was nice. As Raevyn wandered around the quaint little fair, she eventually found before her the doors leading into the infamous Cenril Theatre. A theatre! One thing she never got to experience as a child. Her family just didn't have the money, or the social status to be allowed entry. She approached the ticket counter, hopeful, but it seemed as though no one was currently at the station. She looked around then, pondering if the place was even open. The girl would almost feel guilty as she approached the door and pulled it open, quietly sneaking her way in without payment.

Khitti would probably have similar sentiments towards bridges as Raevyn, seeing as how she fell and died off that very bridge Raevyn had crossed to get here. But, it probably hadn’t been as traumatic, seeing as how she’s gone over it several times since her rebirth, and even after her memories returned to her. For now though, Khitti was on the eastern side of the bridge, in the very theatre Raevyn had just sort of snuck into. It wasn’t open just yet, and there was a skeleton crew for at least another hour or so, but Khitti was up on stage practicing one of her songs. ♪Oh, you know I did it. It's over and I feel fine. Nothing you could say is gonna change my mind. Waited and I waited the longest night. Nothing like the taste to sweet decline.♪ The theatre’s band played along with her, the guitars, both regular and bass, and even the drums sounded strangely… electric. It started first with just the lead guitar, following along with Khitti’s mezzo-soprano voice, and as it transitioned to the next verse, the rest of the band joined in, the rhythm of each instrument blending together perfectly, the music booming throughout the building. ♪I went down, I fell, I fell so fast, dropping like the grains in an hourglass. Never say forever cause nothing last, dancing with the bones of my buried past. Never mind there's nothing I can do, bet your life there's something killing you. It's a shame we have to die, my dear. No one’s getting out of here, alive. This time.♪ The necromancer from the Chartsend was also a bard, it seemed. Her words tugged at the souls of all present, infusing it with a weird sort of adrenaline, the type that makes you want to fight, to yearn for freedom.

Raevyn tip-toed through the doorway and into the theatre, trying to keep an eye out for any that might eject her from the building for trespass. She didn't know that the theatre hadn't quite opened yet, and most likely looked like quite a fool as she tried to keep a low profile. it was the music that made the young woman forget her act of espionage, the beautiful sound already captivating her sense of hearing almost immediately. As she made her way down the isle, Raevyn watched the woman and her band perform, a bright smile stole over hear features- A first in days. She stopped a few rows back from the stage and observed with admiration, leaning against her scythe in a lazy manner. As soon as the song concluded, she seemingly could not help but to give applause, and soon realized her mistake. "Oh! I am sorry. I do not have a ticket! No one was at the station. And i just wanted to see inside." Her posture shifted as she placed her weight from one leg to the other. "But you were fabulous. I've never heard such music! It was beautiful!" As Raevyn got a better look at Khitti, her eyes began to narrow, and she finally clued in. "Wait. Are you not... You are! You're the woman from a week ago, yes? Out near Chartsend, in that terrible war. That was an amazing, feat, miss!"

The song ended and there was… clapping? And then a sudden apology? Was there something going on? Was she suddenly simultaneously on stage and in the crowd as well? Because immediate apologies is her thing (or was… no… definitely still is sometimes). Khitti blinked a few times and peered down at Raevyn, both brows raised in both slight confusion and a little bit of concern. A week ago…? Orite. Yes. “Oh, yeah. In Chartsend? That was definitely me.” Cue the blushing with the intensity of a thousand suns. The redhead coughed awkwardly, then ever so carefully jumped off the side of the stage--only because it wasn’t so high up though; what do you think she is… a vampire? “Yeeaaahhh…”, she scratched the back of her head and cast a side-glance at the ground, “It was… kind of a new thing. Found out about it while I was trying to resurrect a corpse one day, decide to use it offensively. Thankfully Brand was there in case it didn’t work. Brand was the blonde one with the fire. Not! the blonde one with the fire and the sword. That’s Lionel.” She had to make sure that was made clear because one was the guy she liked to smooch and the other was her brother, respectively. No smooching of brothers, okay? “You… took that scythe with you.” A few more blinks is gifted to Raevyn, “And… you also had an undead following you.” Khitti pursed her lips and nodded, the expression on her face likely saying ‘that’s cool’, but in a good way. “I’d be careful with that thing though. We obviously know what it can do, but there might be tons of other things we -don’t- know about--and that’s not always a good thing.”

Raevyn's winced momentarily. Some sort of synapse fired off when Lionel's name was mentioned, causing her head to feel all sorts of tingly. There was something familiar about it, and yet she did not know why. Brand was not quite as familiar, but still, she would make a note to maybe see if there were any history books that feature either of these names. The girl would address the latter of Khitti's words, a casual glance over her shoulder taken at the mention of the undead- He had not followed her in. "He still does... " The warning of the scythe was heeded next as she turned back to observe the redhead. "Oh, this? Yes. I... have been meaning to perhaps have it examined. Sir Brenwyn of the Guild of Magii issued a similar warning. Honestly, I took it because it was pretty. And scary. So maybe, if someone wanted to attack me, and saw the thing, they might think twice- As if I were some sort of ghastly power to be reckoned with. Even though in reality, I need so much more training." The corner of her lip curled downward in shame. She had been slacking for the last two years regarding her studies, but this year, she was trying! One particular set of words in Khitti's speech had stood out originally, and now Raevyn would ask. "You say you were trying to ressurect a corpse? Does this mean that you practice..." The next word was whispered; A fear still very much present of the possible repercussions for speaking of the art, "...necromancy?" While nervous, there was a tinge of hope in her features.

That weird little twitch of Raevyn’s head when Lionel’s name was spoken hadn’t gone unnoticed and Khitti was left to do nothing more than squint at it because it was very peculiar indeed. She shook her head eventually and shrugged--maybe she’d bring it up with Lionel later? Maybe he knew Raevyn? Who knows. She let Raevyn rattle on about the scythe and then she started whispering about the dark arts, to which Khitti would give several more blinks to the other woman, and even whispered a response, “Why are we whispering about necromancy? Practically everyone and their frakkin’ brother in this city and several others knows I’m a necromancer.” Khitti shrugged, then smirked, eyeing first Raevyn, then that newfound weapon of hers. “Don’t think the Mage Guild is gonna be able to help you much there,” she said a lot more loudly, her smirk only growing further--Khitti’s a bit of a mischief-maker as you can see and is sometimes prone to giving people panic attacks with the things she says just a little too loudly at times. “There’s a Necromancer’s Guild, however, and I just so happen to be one of the higher ups. A teacher, in fact, of all those pretty spells you saw me doing--they’re called the Black Tides.” Khitti summoned each one carefully in the palm of her left hand: shadow-fire (purple and black-hued flames), shadow-ice (grey ice with wispy tendrils of shadows lingering within and without the ice shard), shadow-lightning (the very same black lightning Raevyn saw in Chartsend), and even shadows themselves (these were interesting all of their own because the orb of eldritch magic seemed malleable and gave off an acrid smell). “And, I’m an expert on the Shadow Plane, so… I’m thinking it might be me you want to talk to, instead of some mage shut up in a tower in Xalious.”

There was a look of embarrassment on Raevyn's face now for a second time this day. Khitti's straight forward and mischievous nature had the girl feeling like a bit of a prat. "I'm sorry." she says, allowing her tones to once more return to normal. "I guess Artia was right. It's just that... where I am from, such arts are considered heresy to the Gods. My town was a very religious and superstitious town, and if you were caught practicing necromancy, you were put to death." She fought hard to keep her emotions in check, even though she began to get glassy eyed thinking about it. "And some, if young enough... are forever exiled. There were some practitioners of the art that had done very terrible things with their power long ago, and so it had been forever banished from public practice. I guess I am still a bit cautious, and have much to learn of the customs of this outside society." Those dead eyes soon turned to Khitti's palm, an expression of wonder replacing embarrassment as she watched the various spells manifest one after another. Silently she would mouth the phrase 'Black Tides', but the next words were a bit more vocal. "Shadow Plane?" The things the redhead spoke were soon weighed upon and that look of hope once again presented itself. It would take a moment, but Raevyn finally worked up the nerve to ask, "Do you... teach any sort of classes, perhaps? Are you accepting any new students? I don't mean to be so forward, it's just... I have a strong interested in this school of magic." She then tried to plead her case. "I am not very well versed yet, but I am a quick learner! The magii of Xalious have been teaching me some new abilities. And the Mountain Dragon, Gheneroc... he set me on a path to strengthen my mind. Before my accident, I was told I was a promising student, because I worked so very hard!" Raevyn shut in her ramblings for a moment, feeling like she may be coming on a little strong. There was a deep breath taken and held, her composure slowly regained. With a swallow and her back straightened, she tried a more respectful approach. "Or, if you are a busy woman- and I am sure that you are; If you know of anyone that is looking for someone to whom they can pass on knowledge I would be so forever grateful." It then dawned upon the girl. She hadn't even introduced herself. "Oh. I'm sorry. Um. My name is Raevyn. Raevyn Mcgowan." she said, extending a hand.

Khitti’s playful demeanor faded somewhat as the girl spoke of her homeland, pale lips resisting the urge to twist into a frown. “My homeland was the same way--worse even. -All- magic was banned. It’s a long story that I’ll perhaps tell you one day, but the short of it is that necromancers attacked my home. I was given these powers straight from the Shadow Plane itself and was banished from that realm. I found this place, and many people that helped me see that necromancy isn’t entirely bad--it’s all in the way you use it. There a various forms of the dark arts that I don’t agree with, but others are not so bad.” A beat. “We’ll go over -all- the basic arts, and eventually the advanced ones, when we start your lessons. I may not be specialized in all of them, but where I may fail there, there’s research and getting help from the other students.” That, of course, meant that she would certainly take on Raevyn as a student. If Khitti’d read up enough on dragons, she might know of this Gheneroc, or if Larewen had not failed to tell her some things from her past, but for the most part Khitti didn’t care about dragons whatsoever--being captured by one at one point sort of puts a damper on that. At length, she finally reached for Raevyn’s hand and shook it carefully, “Khitti. The last name is of no consequence as I’m the last of my family.” The hand was released and a shrug given. “I am busy, to an extent. Mostly in such that I live and work on the boat the S.S. Tranquility and am wont to travel with them, but it’s only to Rynvale and Chartsend. That minor problem can be alleviated by a simple portal to Vailkrin, where the Guild’s headquarters is at, from the ship. Other than that, my business is here in Cenril and I can almost always be found here. If you’d prefer to not go to Vailkrin--you wouldn’t be the first really--we can have our lessons here, though perhaps not on the ship. It gets rather busy some days.” While that wasn’t -entirely- a lie, she wasn’t going to bring up Onyx, Brand’s seemingly genderless first mate who also just so happened to be the archer child that’d been with Khitti and Brand in Chartsend.

Raevyn's nose wrinkled as if she had touched something gross; An act of displeasure when Khitti revealed a bit of her story. All magic banned? That just seemed to unnecessary and totalitarian! This would be something she would want to inquire about at a later time. As Khitti went on, Raevyn's jaw fell open and her eyes widened- Did she just hear right? 'When we start your lessons'? There was a defined excitement all over her face, and she had to bite her tongue to hold back a celebratory squeal. "I will go wherever you feel is best! I-I-" she stammered with the elation bubbling forth. Deep breath. Fingers fanning her face. Calm yourself, Raevyn. "I have yet to venture into Vailkrin. And, I've been meaning to go there, as I am looking for the Black Library. There is ...someone I am hoping to learn about. So, this might work out well! Although, I have heard of a possible war coming to Vailkrin. I do not know much about it, but Lady Larewen told me to be careful if I were to ever venture out that way." She smiled. " At any rate, you point and I will follow, no matter what. I promise!" Curious now, Raevyn thought about the other things that were spoken of, and decided to pry. Just a little. "May I ask, what sort of work do you do on this boat? I've never been on a boat before. it sounds really exciting! Also, may I ask, what or where is this Rynvale? I am trying to educate myself on all these differing regions so that I may one day visit each."

The Dhavislaavian woman shared in Raevyn’s excitement with a bit of a grin, but that would disappear once the Black Library was mentioned. “The Black Library? That’s pretty much off limits to all, especially those outside of the guild, and brand new members. I’m not quite sure Bradyn, of the vampire house Mahara, would allow it. His family are the keepers of the Library.” She crossed her arms, and thought on it a moment, “Who is it you’re wanting to look up? I could do the research on it for you and get back to you on it.” She studied Raevyn for a moment--not an entirely suspicious manner, but one mixed with skepticism and curiosity--then shrugged and smiled at her, “I’m the head chef. I don’t do it all by myself--won’t be able to do much at all here in a few months--but it’s definitely fun. I love baking. One of the things that’s keeping me busy here in Cenril is that I’m going to open up my own bakery here pretty soon. It’ll be a couple streets over, near the other shops. Another bakery, called Mrs. Mallard’s, used to be there. As for Rynvale--” Khitti motioned towards the east, “--it’s an island off that way. There’s ships that can take you across. It’s not a long ride there. A few hours to maybe a half day? All depends on if the ship you’re taking is enchanted for speed, like the Tranquility is.”

Raevyn felt her heart sink. Two years she had been planning to find this Library, only to find out that it was off limits? She wasn't exactly too keen on the idea of having someone else do the research for her. Mostly because she loved to read, and she did not want to have to reveal the name of the one that has been a blight on her life ever since the accident that altered her cheerful disposition. The name had been spoken to few before, and each that knew of the name, only sought to use the girl for whatever selfish reasons they harboured. "Bradyn? House Mahaha? Is it possible to perhaps seek some sort of audience with this person? Or see if they might maybe make some sort of special exception? This is extremely important to me." Those slender black brow knit and she mulled over the obvious road block for a moment, trying to decide what sort of options were at her disposal. She really did not want to have to speak its name, but, maybe Khitti could be trusted to help. She was willing to teach the girl, wasn't she? "If... this Bradyn is unwilling to help, then the one I seek information on is a man, I think, named Nasada. I do not know of a surname or anything else about the person." She quickly added, "Though, I do insist, if you could see if Bradyn will grant me access, I'd much prefer it." Raevyn suddenly seemed a bit ashamed of herself for being so instrusive. "I am sorry, I don't mean to be so demanding. I just... it really is important, is all." Opting to focus on the positive now, Raevyn opened the satchel that hung off of her hip, a piece of parchment and charcoal removed - the very parchment she had been mapping the city upon earlier - And scribbled down the words 'Rynvale' and 'East'. "A bakery? How exciting! I used to love baking with my mother. I haven't been able to do much of that since I came to this land, mostly because my place of residence doesn't really afford me much use of an oven." A slight pout. "Although if I can find a decent paying trade, I will more than happily be a customer for your baked goods! Nothing more fufilling than hoarding a parcel of home made goodies in bed with a good book."

“House Mahara, yes. And, I’m not quite so sure I’ve got that sort of leverage with him, to be honest, despite the fact that he’s my student. Bradyn can be rather… difficult. Not long ago him and I had a bit of a disagreement and it’s yet to be resolved.” Khitti thought about it for a few moments, then moved to the seats in the front row where she’d left her things. She pulled out a small notebook with lined paper with her left hand and summoned up an odd pen from a puff of purple smoke in her right, and began scribbling a few things down. The shadow ink flowed smoothly across the paper, leaving a vivid, yet dark purple hue display of Khitti’s thoughts.

‘Bradyn- I’m back. The spell worked. The woman that accompanies this letter, Miss Raevyn Mcgowan, has been admitted to the guild, and I’ve taken her on as my student as well. Please be civil with her. It’s my understanding that she wishes to do some research on a particular subject aside from necromancy itself and your library is the only place to get some decent info. I didn’t say you would let her in, as it’s not mine to give that permission, but perhaps you could help her? With it not pertaining -entirely- to the dark arts, perhaps she could just be monitored? This is entirely up to you. As for the guild, perhaps you can aid her in her studies, as you’re obviously gifted in the art of resurrection. She has a… friend… that’s following her and you might be of some assistance there, if nothing else. I’m sorry we’ve not spoken yet. We’ll do so soon. Find me in Cenril if you wish because it may be some time before I can go to Vailkrin. -Khitti’

Khitti had to resist the urge to also ask Bradyn to not be a jerk, but that was asking a lot of him, really. She ripped the page from the book and handed it over to Raevyn, then set to scribbling something else on a new sheet. “These are the directions to House Mahara. It’s on the west side of the Dark City, just past the jewelry and clothing and the pet shops. And this--” Khitti continued writing, “--is the directions to where Mrs. Mallard’s used to be. It’s nothing but rubble right now, maybe a bit of foundation. I’ve still got to get things sorted, but I can let you know when we open up. You’re gonna have to know, anyway, if you want a job there.” The last thing written was the directions to the Guild’s headquarters, down below the surface level of Vailkrin. “And, I’ll write to the Guild tonight when I return home so that you’ll be supplied with your own copy of the Minor Book of the Dead. It’s for beginners, but I still use it even now.” She paused finally, letting Raevyn take in everything before she’d continue.

"Oh." This would be the only word as Khitti revealed the unresolved dispute between herself and the one that barred entrance to the Black Library. Raevyn thought that maybe now, she was in fact asking for a bit much, especially from someone that she had just met. As Khitti sat down, the young girl moved down a few rows until she was standing next to where her new instructor was writing; That fancy little trick with the pen observed with a quaint admiration. She would definitely want to learn how to do that! Once the note was relinquished, Raevyn read over the purple handwriting with those blackened lips curling into a grin. It was absolutely perfect! She did not know how this Bradyn would receive such a request, but the girl would hold onto as much hope as she could. She HAD to get in there at any cost- her life, she felt, depended on it. Once Khitti began to scribble down directions to the various locations of interest, it would take a moment before the words actually sunk in. 'If you want a job'. Raevyn struggled with everything she had to not just leap at the woman and give her a huge hug. The emotion had to be contained, lest her new teacher and potential employer think she was mad! "I... I..." She was so overwhelmed that the thought was a bit difficult to spit out- Yet she persisted until she got it right. "I... just don't know how to thank you, Khitti. This is more than I could have ever asked for. I will read that book over and over again. I will know those pages by heart." If anything, she would at least show promise and dedication. "And yes, please, as soon as you have news about the opening of your bakery, please let me know." She was beaming brightly now, and the scythe held in her left hand twirled round and round intuitively as a response to the excitement she now felt.

Khitti grinned a bit at Raevyn’s excitement. The girl kind of reminded her of herself, with that enthusiasm for books and learning and the like. She wondered if she might’ve been like that too had things not taken the turn they had with Larewen in the beginning, had not discord sowed itself between the elder vampiress and the redhead. Instead, she had to be her own student and teacher in one. It was trying at times, but somehow she’d made it this far, even with a little thing like death stopping her for a bit. “Of course, of course. You’re perfectly welcome, dear.” Khitti stopped and thought about her usage of the word ‘dear’, looking off into the distance at the stage. Was that pesky maternal instinct kicking in already? She was only a couple months pregnant... Oi. Khitti blinked a couple times, then shrugged, and returned her attention to the younger female, “I don’t doubt that you’ll do very well in anything I place before you, Raevyn. When you receive the book, skip to the section on basic resurrection and summoning. If Bradyn’s not willing to help you right off the bat--he’s enough of a sourpuss, so he might need to warm up to you a bit and that could take time--that’s where you’ll want to start first should you want to figure out controlling that shambling friend of yours. But, don’t neglect the other basic arts either. There should be tasks on the board in the HQ for you to work on and other instructors that might be able to assist. Lorkain mainly deals with the basics and Ky’loriel is a bit of a know-it-all; they’re both in the Mage’s Guild as well, though Lorkain is usually found in the temple south of the cemetery in Vailkrin and Ky’loriel in Xalious. There’s also Seymour, who’s a member of Bradyn’s house, that specializes in the advanced arts, and funny enough, a dryad who’s also named Rhaevyn. Her specialty is healing and carnomancy. As for the job? You’ll get a employee discount on stuff in the shop and time off and all that when you need it. Working and being a student is rather difficult at times.” Khitti knew all about that, what with being in two guilds, working on Brand’s ship, doing the bard thing, her own research, -and- opening up her own shop. Oh, and, you know, being in -another- war. “I will certainly let you know when things get close to the grand opening. But, for now, I should get back to practice. I’ve got a gig in a couple of days and the drummer is new and not quite entirely used to this sort of music. Not much of a surprise really, since I heard it in a dream.” She shrugged nonchalantly, as if everyone else has alternate universe dreams like her and Brand. They do, right? Totally.

Raevyn was quickly jotting down her own notes now, taking in every name and piece of study mentioned. Resurrection and summoning. Bradyn's a jerk. Tasks in the HQ. Temple in cemetary. Xalious. There was just so much to keep track of, but the girl knew deep down, she could do this. She had to do this. Not only to show those that trusted her that she was capable, but to prove to herself that she had the ability to do so. When the information that Khitti had given was all noted, she grinned like a simpleton and those ebon tresses waved with the quick nod of her head. "I can hardly wait!" she replied with the talk of the job. There was a brief look of confusion as to those last words spoken, but she felt as though she had taken up enough of the redhead's time and didn't want to be a bother by asking her to clarify. That could be something for another time. If this were some sort of moving picture show, this might be the part where the girl would run off to the tune of some theme about a'Golden Ticket', dancing and twirling as she went. And knowing her, given her penchant for clumsy actions, she would probably trip and fall and maybe hurt a breast. She'd have to sit on the ground for a moment, clutching said breast while she made noises like 'hsssss' and 'aaaaaah'. However, this wasn't a moving picture show. This was her life. And so, a deep bow was taken and she offered one final thank you to her new mentor. "Yes, of course. I will leave you to it. Thank you again, so much Khitti. This means the world to me." Raevyn tried to maintain her composure as she finally departed down the isle with that terrifying scythe, the giddiness only stifled beause she had bitten her lip really hard. Yet, as soon as those heeled boots set foot outside that theatre door, there might be heard a loud and extremely excited 'WHOOHOO' screamed at the top of her lungs.