RP:Bookworms
This is a Necromancer's Guild RP.
Summary: Khitti and Bradyn meet within the study of House Mahara to discuss abilities and plan their course of action to further hone and develop their abilities. They settle on paying a visit to Lorkain.
Vailkrin: House Mahara
A note would reach Khitti, delivered by a rather creepy looking skeletal pigeon. The note would be fastened around it's little leg, as one might expect, via a bit of red string and it would read simply, "Please join me at House Mahara at your convenience." This request would not arrive until several days after Bradyn believes that Khitti has completed her business in Frostmaw -- which he allotted a couple of days for. In truth Bradyn had no idea where Khitti was at this point in time. She could be in Frostmaw still, en route to some location after finishing her business, or even in Cenril. She had mentioned that she often spent time there, didn't she? Something about a ship? He was pretty sure this was mentioned. It was no matter, for even though Bradyn may not be privy to her exact location, this skeletal bird seems to have no problem delivering his message.
Ideally Khitti would take Bradyn up on the invitation and if she would, she would be greeted at the front door not by Bradyn himself nor would it be the Lord of the house. It would instead be a willowy vampiric woman with long black hair, dressed modestly as though she were some sort of hired help for the house. Her name is Kharis. The red headed vampire would of course be expected to introduce herself and explain her purpose at House Mahara, but Kharis would not voice these requests in a snobbish or rude manner. Politeness was key in her eyes. It would be only once Khitti gave her these answers that Bradyn's fellow necromancer would be shown inside and escorted into the study. Kharis would disappear shortly after, moving to other parts of the house to locate Bradyn and inform him Khitti's presence.
Khitti may have a few minutes to herself. House Mahara is what might expect of your cliche vampiric mansion. It was nice, it was ritzy. In this house, there seemed to be an importance placed on the study area for it was not one single room. It was instead two levels, with the second level open to the first and accessible via an elegant flight of stairs. The room was equipped with ample seating space on both levels, plenty of desk room, and of course a fireplace. And. A. Lot. Of. Books. Two levels with, numerous bookcases spanning numerous subjects. It's no Black Library though.
The skeletal pigeon found its intended target not long after she’d passed through the portal to Vailkrin and before she’d made it to House Dragana. Khitti’d still take the time to drop her belongings off at one mansion before continuing on to the other. There’s a bit of hesitancy before she finally made her way down Nightshade Avenue (she has a bit of a past there, you see) and heading on to the house. Khitti’d have another bout of indecision as she reached the door, but she did manage to knock and she was greeted by the aforementioned black-haired woman.
The younger vampiress lacked in snark department today, mainly dealing in uncertainty and shyness for the moment (and probably for the duration of the time here). This wasn’t at all her turf, and on top of that, she was what most would likely consider a rogue vampire as the one that sired her had no house of their own, and that didn’t sit well with most of those in the vampire houses. Khitti came with nothing this time besides the clothes on her back, that of which was the short black (the color was almost void-like and absorbed no light) sleeveless dress, her black duster, and the equally dark but well-worn boots. Her change of dress was always different to fit the region she travelled in at the time, and Vailkrin was no different--it was really the only way she felt like she could fit in, if only just a little bit.
The necessary exchange of words with Kharis would be made, albeit Khitti was a little less talkative, only saying what was needed. When she was taken into the library, though, there was a little more of a light in the green eyes of the vampiress as she beheld all of the books around her. It. Was. Glorious. That same line of sight widened considerably as she’d off-handedly thanked Kharis for directing her there and then wandered away to look around, Khitti looking like she was a kid in a candy store. If there was anything at all that she wanted more than to be human again (and maybe marrying that Brand guy), it was to have a house with a library like this. Even something half this size would be just as amazing. So, whenever Bradyn did arrive, he’d find her in awe of the vast amount of books and perhaps just a wee bit entranced by it.
To say that it did not cross his mind that Khitti would not be keen on accepting his invitation was both inaccurate and accurate. It was a very fleeting thought that she might feel some amount of discomfort, though the fact that she was a rogue vampire was not exactly well hidden from him. She had expressed to him that she was not one of Larewen's and had also no apparent interest in much of the politics of Vailkrin. Yet here she was within the walls of House Mahara, in the study awaiting his arrival. Or so Kharis has informed him, once she located him in some other room of the house, of which there were many.
It's not to say that Bradyn has one outfit, he probably has numerous articles of clothing in that bedroom of his but if one were to look in his closet it would become clear that he has a very defined style. He probably has several pairs of very similiar white shirts, etc, etc all the way down to his socks and they were probably all freakishly organized. The point is, his look was much the same as it was the last time and it would be the same just about every other time Khitti sees him. Bradyn enters, steps meticulously carrying himself to where Khitti is standing only to find the woman staring in awe at the collection of books. "Every house has their niche, so to speak. House Torrador seems to have an emphasis on the arts. There are numerous members of House Mahara who might claim the title of historian or bookworm. You are more than welcome to browse the shelves at your lesuire." This is as far as his lesson will go for Khitti has interest in those details, or so he would seem to believe. "How was the rest of your business in Frostmaw?"
Bradyn’s style of dress, or the repetitiveness of it, was not unlike things she was already used to with other folk. Lionel always wore the same black cloth shirts and pants and Brand had his sort-of business casual attire with the long-sleeve button up shirts and waistcoats (which was kind of odd for the mage-type that he is, but also who the heck wants to wear those robes? ew). Khitti, on the other hand, went many years without nice clothing of any kind (it happens when you’ve got to scrounge around for monies just to survive for that long span of time in between the destruction of her village and when she came to Lithrydel), and so she makes it a point to have -something- nice. But, this one dress in particular looks to have been repaired in various spots, that might’ve at one point been holes made by daggers of some sort, albeit not as well as an actual tailor could’ve done, but it was wearable. The younger vampiress spun about, blinking a few times at the older male and taking a step back from him, if only out of surprise. She’d been that engulfed in the vastness of the library that she’s not even heard or smelled his approach. “Oh, um, zhank you,” is all she could manage at the moment. Her tone was certainly different than before--that is to say, without the snark--and her attention not entirely settling on him, “Zhe feast vas cancelled, unfortunately.” She just shrugged at it, though, not really having a reason -why- it was called off. “I, uh, got your letter. Vhat did you need me for?” Of course, she’d forgotten by now that they agreed on talking about what she knew with regards to necromancy.
"Hm," Bradyn begins with a hint of disappointment to his voice, which was a rare change of inflection in his voice, like he were actually trying to make his disappointment known. The feast was not his actual interest, nor why he was inquiring, nor was his question just a matter of social pleasantry. She had mentioned a chat about Vailkrin with someone who was close to Queen Hildegarde. This issue would not be pressed further for moment. While Bradyn had no qualms with being rude, he also had no reason to risk egging on a potential argument with Khitti. Again. She looks like she -perhaps- may be in a decent mood, if only because she was in awe of the library. A library that Bradyn has spent years in....Which is evidence that he probably has had nice things for a very long time, unlike the redhead in the room. Down to business though. "What do I need you for?" Comes his puzzled response before realization settles upon him. "Ah, you have forgotten. Well, last we spoke we had discussed that you had wanted me to read up on the area that you specialize in. We had also discussed the fact thaty ou would not be opposed to receiving any amount of homework from me as well. However in order for me to be able to decide what might be a useful read for you....or perhaps a fun training project that might prove good for the both of us, I would need an understanding of where you stand as well."
This meant that the two of them could be engrossed in conversation for a chunk of time, perhaps. Perhaps not. Despite this uncertanty it seemed more polite to Bradyn to motion toward one of the seating aeas that occupy the study. It is of course the one nearest to them, which is the mean seating area that is stationed around a grandiose (but unlit) fireplace. "Wine while we converse?" Blood wine, of course, but it always felt so tacky spelling that out in Bradyn's mind.
“Oh, right. I forgot about zhat. Sorry.” No, she didn’t. Khitti hadn’t forgotten about it at all. Wine? Oh yes. Wine would be amazing. She’ll need it before, during, and after this conversation. “Yes, please,” was said with a nod as she moved to sit down. “I don’t expect zhat you’ll be very happy after zhis conversation.” That’s probably not the way you should start this, Khitti. Nevertheless, it’s been said and when the wine is offered, she’d take it and set to draining a small portion of the glass. “To be honest, I really only know about my branch of necromancy. Zhis magic vas not something I vas born vith. Necromancy itself is a touchy subject vith me.” That was a whole other tale of course; one that he’d likely have to inquire about further if he really wanted to know.
“Vhen I finally got past zhe barriers zhat kept me from learning further, I -did- end up studying more, zhough it’s really only been since zhe beginning of zhis year.” Even she seemed a little unsatisfied with this, but it wasn’t entirely her fault. “It vould’ve happened a lot sooner, had Larewen kept her promise of teaching me vhen her and I first met.” Khitti sighed heavily, sunk a little further back into her chair and peered up at the ceiling, avoiding what was likely a disdain-filled gaze from Bradyn. “Out of zhe basic arts, I know nothing of curses, incantations, or sigils, zhough I definitely vould like to learn as I can use it vith my music. Potions and poisons vould be easy enough. Zhe Black Tides is obviously vhere I excel and I have some skill in resurrection and summoning. Zhat vould also be zhe branch zhat my ability vith communing vith ghosts vould fall under too, I suppose. I intend to continue my studies in music as vell to further combine zhe two arts.” There’s a pause before she adds one more thing to her admission, “Zhe advanced arts are out of my league. For now.”
Wine was not present within the room at the time of offering but the wait would not be long. A familiar willowy vampiress will enter the room, balancing a silver tray expertly within the palm of her hand. Centered on that tray is a crystal decanter and two matching glasses that have already been filled to the half-way mark. How did Kharis know to bring these items? Probably some psychic link between herself and Bradyn. Maybe a spell. Maybe he did that annoying disembodied voice thing to Kharis and made his demands. Did it matter? There was wine to be had. That silver tray is set on the table between Khitti and Bradyn, giving Khitti full freedom to drink away once she is settled. Bradyn leaves his own glass resting on the tray, instead finding his way into a seat on the opposite side of the table. His focus is not on Khitti's facade but instead on the fireplace, as boring as it may be right now with no flames dancing within. It would be nice to assume that he was looking so intently at the fireplace because he was trying to help alleviate Khitt's nervousness by not watching her so intently while she speaks her piece.
She is not mistaken, he would not be pleased with this conversation but through no part of Khitti's. Larewen had assigned him to learn from someone who perhaps did not even have the same skill level that he did? What was Khitti supposed to teach him exactly? How was he supposed to further his own skills? This did seem like a mistake on the part of the guildmaster, but surprisingly Bradyn would refrain on taking this upset out on Khitti herself. Her words would end and there would be an uncomfortably long bout of silence before Bradyn will even speak up. When he does, he is simultaneously reaching for his own glass of wine. "I am not Larewen, but I do have knowledge in the areas that you do not. Just as you seem to have knowledge in areas that I have not yet had the chance to learn. There are many things that I will perhaps never learn to master either," like using music blended with necromancy. "But that does not mean I would not like to understand it." There was never any harm in having an understanding of how something is meant to function. "So perhaps we can come to a mutual understanding then? What Larewen has not been teaching you, I can provide insights on. And in exchange, you will offer me the same for the areas of necromancy you excel in." He may have needed a moment to get to this response for Khitti, but it was an even and tempered response which was...well more than she seemed to be expecting, not that he was fully aware of that.
That uncomfortable silence felt like it went on forever. She’d nod quietly to the things Bradyn had said as she sipped her bloodwine, “Yeah, ve can do zhat.” Khitti mulled over her thoughts and Bradyn’s carefully as she chewed on her bottom lip, “My magic is usually used for combat. I’m a part of zhe varrior’s guild--” and I get myself into massive amounts of trouble but you don’t need to know that “--so I use it in conjunction vith veapons often. You, of course, don’t have to do zhat. Zhere’s more practical uses for shadowfire and ice for someone zhat doesn’t do zhat sort of zhing, if you vere inclined to use it in zhe future.” The redhead paused and considered something else. That long stretch of silence hadn’t sat quite well with her and she finally decided to address it. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t zhink Larewen did zhis out of spite. I’m just one of zhe only people she trusts right now, even before zhe assassination attempt happened. She knows zhat despite my shortcomings, with how little I know compared to most, zhat I’m dedicated to studying and using it to better myself. Zhere’s a lot of selfish people in zhis town, ones zhat vouldn’t be so villing to help others, and she knows I’m not like zhat. I’m sure before you know it, I’ll know as much as you, and you von’t have to vorry about it anymore. I learn rather quick as I’ve almost always got my nose in a book.” She adds a faint smile, hoping to reassure Bradyn somewhat. “I’m sure once upon a time I vould’ve fit in quite vell vith your house.” If I wasn’t trying to be human again, that is.
The justifications for Larewen that Khitti provides does not seem to sway his opinions of Lady Dragana -- they are rooted deep at this point. "Your thoughts of Larewen is far kinder than my own at this point. I am sure you would have fit in quite well with my own house but with how things stand with House Mahara and House Dragana, a relationship like that with my own house could cost you a trusted friendship with Lady Dragana. But you have already expressed you have no interest in Vailkrin politics, so let us not dwell on that subject for longer." Lest they start drifting toward topics of Khitti's want for a cure. How would Bradyn take -that- revelation. A pallid finger taps against the stem of the crystal wine glass he has claimed for his own. "My concerns are not meant to be a reflection on you ability to learn. You seem like a sharp woman." It's just, how much could he be expected to advance his own skill if not partnered with someone more learned than him. No matter. Well there was only one way to find out, by giving Khitti half the chance. "While I have known many necromancer who are not afraid of combat situations, most would not make the claim that they are also part of the warriors guild." No judgement to the title, no want to know how much trouble she may find with that guild. That was her own business, she could find her way in and out of trouble with them as she saw fit. "Most necromancer I know would rather keep their distance from close combat." Instead casting spells from afar. "Interesting. We'll provide a few examples then, for how you use your magic in combat, close combat and ranged. And then explain to me ways in which a person such as myself may be able to utilize the form of magic you excel in in non-combat situations." Wait. Who have who the homework last they met?
Khitti just sighed at Bradyn. She’d get nowhere with him with regards to Larewen. There didn’t seem to be any possible way to explain things to him from her point of view that he’d be somehow fine with. Instead, she shrugged at his mention of her being a ‘sharp woman’, her line of sight shifting to the room around them again. “I do both. Vhatever zhe situation calls for. Sometimes I don’t even use my magic at all and lean towards using zhe black ice bow I vas gifted awhile back. Magic isn’t always zhe answer and vhen you’re given powers zhat you don’t understand for quite some time, you have to make use vith other vays of fighting. It may not necessarily be your or other spellcasters’ vay of zhings, but sometimes it’s necessary.” She’d nod in response to the things he’d like done, adding soon after, “Zhat’s fine. Ve can do zhat. Did you read about zhe Black Tides?”
That sigh is met with a heavy frown, the subject of Larewen is one that the two may never see eye to eye on but it is not entirely his fault. The male lifts a had to run his fingers through dark strands of hair, trying to find the words to explain. "It is complicated, with Larewen. Yes I sought admittance into the guild that she runs but that does not mean much here. I do not know if you are hoping to sway my opinion of her for the better but that is a task that is not going to be easily accomplished. She would see my House destroyed for her own gain. While I frankly have no interest in trouble with her, I am also not going to give her any ground. It could cost me in the future. With all of this in mind, the only one who can change my opinion of her is...her." And it would not be hard to accomplish, all she needed to do was stop threatening his house! "I try and steer clear of discussing her with you because I do not want to seem like I am wanting to sway your opinion for the worse." This is explained despite his thinking that it would be better to avoid this political subject with the hope that maybe Larewen will not be such a weird topic for them.
This matter aside, Bradyn is not silent for long. This was not an issue he wanted to dwell on, he would rather delve into the topics of their preferred field of magic."The simplestest answer is that it is a manipulation of the shadows. Surface level readings suggested to me that this skill is more of a defensive skill than an offensive one but I suppose when combined with melee tactics it could be quite useful to step into the shadows and appear right behind an opponent." A slight pause. "Admittedly at first I was wondering what set the Black Tides apart from your average mage who has a knack for shadow manipulation...until I got to reading about the Dark Elements." Which may or may not be the thing that sets The Dark Tides apart from your average shadowmage. He is looking to Khitti to correct him if he is misunderstanding.
Khitti didn’t dare set foot any further down that path that’d lead towards her having to ultimately admit that some of her friendship with Larewen right now wasn’t even exactly that; it was more a means to an end--with the end being her cure. None of that’s gone into with Bradyn, and instead she let him continue on with speaking about her special branch of necromantic magic. “Correct. Zhe Dark Elements are quite different from regular fire and ice magic. Mine might even be further so, as my magic comes straight from zhe Plane of Shadow.” Flames alight on Khitti’s fingertips as she lifts her hand to show Bradyn; a void-like black lies in the middle, the hues of the flames fanning outward, starting from a very dark shade of purple just outside of the black and continuing on to a pale lilac. “Shadow or dark fire is cold, much like shadows and the void itself, but it can burn like real fire--and zhankfully I’ve got zhat regenerative healing, and had a bit of a salve too, or else I’d have zhe scars to show for it.” She snuffed out the flames finally, and leaned back in her chair, “I should probably start you out vith dark ice first, just in case zhe flames affect you too.”
It is not in awe that Bradyn watches Khitti, this land is full of magical feats and both vampires in the room seemed intrigued by such things. It is out of respect, for the man could find many reasons to respect someone who wishes to further their own knowledge in all areas while trying to master others. Khitti clearly was not without her talents. He would listen and watch, intrigued but his expression did little to reveal such. "It does stand to reason that barring some magical means to prevent the burns, or ways to hastily recover," he at least that had much working in his favor, "That I would probably suffer the consequences of fire just like any other individual." The cold he was more likely to withstand, yes. "This does seem like a suitable place to start to me." Did he have a choice? Maybe not but he was still trying to voice his willingness to cooperate. "So just speak up and send word when you are ready to begin such lessons." But what about the understanding they had reached? "Is there any place in particular that you would like to start with your own learning? Surely something calls to you more." Curses. Sigils. Name it, Khitti!
“Alright. And, if you happen to realize during said lessons zhat you don’t particularly care for it, zhen ve’ll find something else for you--especially if combat of any sort is not particularly up your alley.” Khitti couldn’t quite decipher Bradyn’s lack of an expression, but she was certain to not let it deter her. “You have as much choice in zhis as I do. Vhile I don’t have as vast of a knowledge vith regards to necromancy as most do, I’m likely about as enthusiastic as you and your house are about learning and vill do vhat it takes to help you learn as vell. Ve could perhaps even go to Lorkain from zhe Mage’s Guild for assistance.” She paused, considering the last of his thoughts, “Zhe topic of curses, sigils, and incantations comes to mind first. It honestly sounds more like something a vitch vould indulge herself in instead of a necromancer, but I’ve read zhat it can help vith zhings of a bardic nature as vell. Spellcrafting in general vould be a handy zhing to have. I’ve practiced a little vith it, even managed to create a link between two items to act as an emergency portal vhen it’s needed--”And it -was- needed “-- but it vasn’t something I vrote myself.”
Bradyn's reaction is minimalistic at best, in his classic fashion, which may make it challenging for Khitti to make heads or tails about the man's thoughts or interests in practicing with the dark ice first. "We could make a trip to Lorkain and see what assistance could be offered." It would be training that would likely be beneficial to the both of them. It would seem their list of possible training activities is growing rather than shrinking, which is also a good thing for they aren't the slacking sort. They both have invested interests in their arts. "Your observation that witches employ sigils and curses is correct." He is not trying to sound arrogant, hopefully by now Khitti has learned that Bradyn has a more rigid and formal way of speaking. "I believe that witches can often commune with the spirits as well." Depending on the witch, each likely has their strengths and weaknesses that differ just like the two necromancers in the room. "So it would make sense that we find a lot of commonalities in our arts. And you are correct, I believe that sigils, curses and incantations would lend more to your bardic abilities and the ability to craft your own spells that studying potions." And trying to memorize ingredients - potions were easier to gain basic understanding of in Bradyn's view. Mastering it perhaps more challenging. "So it seems like we have settled on our course of action. I will find materials for you." Within the vast library they are sitting in. "And then we are going to attempt to seek audience with Lorkain?"
“Zhat sounds about right. I’ve read zhey’re more or less a jack-of-all-trades in zhe magic vorld. Herbalists, elemental magic, and necromancy--a little bit of everything.” Khitti nodded as she added her own input with regards to witches. If she could ever get a handle on elemental magic, she wondered if that might be a profession she could take up at some point, but no; if she focused on any other sort of magic right now besides necromancy, it’d be bardic. “Materials vould be lovely as I don’t have a library of my own. House Dragana has one, but it’s not as vast as yours.” If this was an alternate timeline where Khitti remained as a vampire, she’d almost certainly seek to join House Mahara. While she still wasn’t entirely sure of Bradyn, or anyone else in the House’s alignment, their focus was knowledge, whereas House Dragana tended towards greed and power and that really wasn’t something Khitti was interested in. She hoped, at least, that she’d still be allowed within these walls once she was no longer of their kind. If not, well, it wouldn’t be the first time that someone disliked her because of her race. “And, if you vould like to seek out Lorkain today, zhen ve can. He teaches in zhe Death Cult Temple, rather zhan in zhe Mage’s Guild headquarters, and it’s not far from here.”
Would Khitti be allowed within these walls once she is human again? Every so often those who are not vampiric do pass into the boundaries of Vailkrin, they are not always unwelcome guests. The same may very hold true for Khitti but the truth was it was not yet the decision of the man sitting in the room with her. The Lord of the House would be the one who has the ultimate say and it is a mystery to Khitti was to what his stance on the matter would be. How many vampires are receptive to a cure? "I have no immediate plans so if this is something you would like to do today, then it sounds like a suitable task for the both of us." Bradyn rises from his seat with no move to finish the remainder of his wine, his years living in wealth have made him indifferent to waste. What did it matter? He could always purchase more. "In that case, after our visit to Lorkain, if you have no where pressing you need to be...You can return with me and I will leave you to explore the library. With the understanding that whatever books you decide to take will obviously be returned." Not that Bradyn truly suspected the books would not be returned, yet because they were still new to one another's company, he still felt it was the safer route to spell out the obvious. "Shall we then?"
Khitti’s brows furrowed a bit at the insistence of bringing back the books, looking like she might’ve take the minimal amount of offense by this. Books were her life, man, of course she’s gonna bring them back. But, of course, Bradyn didn’t know that, and Khitti only nodded in response rather than trying to stick up for herself. “Yes, ve can go.” And, go they did, but only after Khitti finished quickly draining her glass because… well… she needed it.