RP:Breakfast And Dinner With The Outrider

Summary: Some short excerpts from the daily lives of Lanara, the Woodland Witch, and her fiance, Elioyahazer, the future Outrider.

Part of the Of Contracts and Families Arc

In The Morning...

Elioyahazer finds himself flipping through the pages of a dusty, old, leatherbound book, which shows the signs of age. Its wrapping has chipped away at the corners, and it’s binding seems to be fading away. The script within is written with elegant calligraphy, obviously penned by a masterful scribe. Regardless, there is no title written upon the book and Elioyahazer has failed to mention where it even comes from. Like the plethora of books he’s gathered on runes, and transferring magical enchantments. The desert born resides within the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee sitting next to him on the counter. He licks the index finger of his right hand, and then flips a page. That same hand moves to grab a bit of pastry and feed himself. Somewhere in the background T-ster can be heard still complaining about Aspen’s present, and the visit to the doctor. Pink-eye is definitely not fun. Thankfully Elioyahazer had quarantined the old codger to a small portion of the house - so he couldn’t infect everyone else. “TP, quiet down back there. I know you’re bummed that I won’t let you wander the house as usual, but that stuff is nasty. I don’t want it. I’m sure Lanara doesn’t either.” His mutated hues flick to the hallway that carries TP’s voice. “But sir, I’m not contagious anymore.” Eli was being extra careful despite his butler’s protests.

Lanara skips into the kitchen, wearing booty shorts, a tank top, and with her hair wildly framing her face. Clearly, the witch had woken in a cheerful mood, and her smile seems to brighten the room, as she plucks an apple from the counter and takes a loud bite. Toothpick’s complaints are heard, and she’s fighting the urge to giggle, as she doesn’t want to choke on her breakfast. The cub that gave the butler conjunctivitis rounds the corner, chasing after a toy ball that Lana brought home from the sanctuary, and he skids into the kitchen and collides with the chair that Eli happens to be sitting upon. The witch, not wanting her fiancé to sustain any burns, steps in and picks the cub up from the floor, hugging him to her chest, as he takes a bite out of the apple, which has now been claimed by Aspen. “Good morning, Handsome. Are you still researching about the tomb?” Bear on her hip, just-woke-up morning look achieved, and the witch appears to be adjusting to the lifestyle of living with someone and taking care of their young. She makes a face as Eli licks his fingers and then flips the page, as it’s a minor pet peeve of hers, though she doesn’t verbalize a complaint. “What are our plans for the day? I happen to be free of any major tasks…” TP groans from the other room, “Lioness! Can I please come out now! I haven’t been contagious in three days! And the vile creature –must- be kept outside! Heaven knows what you’re harboring in the guest room! It’s the stuff of NIGHTMARES!” He begins to cough, likely coming down with the common cold, as it was that time of year, and Lana rolls her eyes. “No, TP! Aspen lives here, too, now! And you can’t come out.” Did she enjoy having the male confined to one room?! It looks that way, based on the smirk she wears, and the mischievous glint in her gaze.

Elioyahazer finds TP’s imprisonment rather funny. Perhaps that’s why he’s still locked up. “Fine,” Elioyahazer rolls his eyes. “You can come out, just, you know. Keep your distance.” When Lanara comments on his book he sets it down. “Actually I found something rather interesting in the archives of the mages guild. Hasn’t been touched in years.” Eli flips to the first page of the book and taps the printed title within using his index finger. The book is titled ‘Outrider’. “It’s funny that I should find this now, considering everything that’s going on.” He remains elusive towards his meaning for a few moments. Taking a few idle seconds to eat more food and sip on his strong morning cup of coffee. What does an outrider have to do with anything, she might wonder? TP suddenly breaks free of the room with a boisterous huff of air. “Fiiiinaly. I’m free!” The butler meanders on into the kitchen, snags a bottle of wine and sits down at the table, far away from everyone else. His eyes drift to the beast Lanara is holding and squints. “Foul demon.” TP obviously has no love for that brutish cub who continually poops in his water basin.

Aspen is not amused when the elderly butler refers to him as a demon, and so he sticks his tongue out at the male and swipes the apple with such fury in his little paw that it bounces off the kitchen table and collides with the bottle of wine. The bottle shakes, nearly tipping over, though Toothpick uses his fast reflexes and manages to keep it from spilling. He’s breathing heavily, holding onto the bottle so tightly that his knuckles are turning white, as though the liquor were his lifeline. Lana shakes her head at the display between the cub and their butler, amused at their continuous banter, because she’s pretty sure deep down that TP adores Aspen, though he’d never admit such a thing. The witch peers down at the book, where Eli’s finger points and she squints to read the scripture. “Outrider… Hm.” He found this in the Mage’s Guild library? What was he researching that led him to this very book? Why was he mentioning this over breakfast? Lowering herself into a chair at his side, she shifts Aspen onto her lap, and looks into the mottled gaze, “So… What exactly is an Outrider? Tell me about what you’ve been researching…” A mug of steaming coffee is brought to her mouth, as she takes a slow sip, waiting on bated breath for Eli’s response.

Elioyahazer chooses to ignore the butler and his ill tempered, choice of names for the cub Aspen. It wasn’t his fault, and obviously someone of TP’s age shouldn’t even be bothering with a mud mask. Honestly. Who is he trying to impress? Was -her- name Steve? Such thoughts make him question the mans orientation. Rather than actually asking T-ster, he continues with his conversation. “I found this book while looking for ways to deal with Jez’s curse.” She’d know what he meant. The monsters. The doppleganger. Whatever else might come their way. “And I stumbled across this. It’s only been done one other time in history.” He taps on the name of the book again. “An Outrider, is a specialist class; Like a man on the outskirts of the herd to keep the cows from straying, so too does an Outrider exist as a buffer between mankind and monsters. They are trained in combat against mystical creatures. Armed with knowledge of their weaknesses.” He takes a moment to eyeball her. “Part of the reason for my enchanted glass project.” He could add all sorts of knowledge about monsters to it, and use in that endeavor. “It explains a different style of spell casting, and the sacrifice of others. It talks about alchemy and how the original was trained by a witch, in potion crafting. These potions are created with a specific monsters allergies and weaknesses in mind. Their weapon coated in the paste, where they would march into combat and slay the beast. Without even realizing, my own training towards this class has begun.” He closes the book to only continue a bit more with words. “An Outrider is a sort of rune caster and warrior, armed with the skills of hunting, alchemy and monster anatomy.” If she recalls, Elioyahazer’s ability with runes is well established in those pieces of glass. “And, I’ve finally worked up the courage to see if you might train me in alchemy.”

Lanara listens intently; her attention glued to Eli’s lips, as he forms each word and it connects in her mind. Mystical beasts. Potions. Runes. Hunting. Alchemy. Magic. It all makes perfect sense for the woman as to why Elioyahazer is so attuned to the literature in this book, and it’s not at all surprising that he would wish to follow this path, as his own had been wrongfully decided for him upon birth. Here was something that he had found on his own, researched, and already had the aptitude to full conquer, should he wish to apply and enhance his skills in such knowledge. Elioyahazer the ex-assassin, was well on the road to becoming an Outrider! Pride shines in Lana’s dark hues, and she gives a nod, following exactly what he’s saying, “Only –one- has ever made the full transition into an Outrider… Ever?! That’s…” Nearly impossible. Though she doesn’t voice this, as she fully believes that her fiancé can be anything he puts his mind to, as she had witnessed him working with the glass shards on several occasions, and it was rare to ever see him without his book in a nose, as of late. He seemed more at peace when studying, and if this meant that he was choosing a path, a purpose, a new way of living, she was fully supportive. “You really want to train to become an Outrider? That’s wonderful news, Sandman! I honestly can see you doing this, and I’m happy that your research led you to this moment…” Another sip of coffee is taken, and she nearly spits it out, when he asks if –she- would consider tutoring him in alchemy. “I-I… Well.” There’s a long pause, and the room grows quiet. Even TP and Aspen knew better than to interrupt at this moment, as the witch deliberates. The only student she had ever taken on regarding anything magical was Ansel, and it had ended in absolute disaster. Yet, Eli was to be her husband, and she had been with him every step of the way, in discovering his past, being a huge part of his present, and promising a future. How could she say no?! “Alright. I can show you how to make potions, which herbs are best for this and that and I can even give you some knowledge on animals. I have many exotics at the sanctuary, and a few of my own companions are what you would consider to be ‘beasts’ that you would destroy.” Her mind wanders to Hecate which rests on the opposite end of their manor. “When would you like to begin? I think the alchemical training is best done at the cottage in Sage, as it’s not as fancy as this place, and it’s set far enough away from anything to cause any serious damage.” She’s referring to an explosion, of course, as she’s expecting there to be quite a few mishaps, at least in the beginning.

Later In The Afternoon...

Elioyahazer can be found in the basement of their home, the door left wide open for anyone who wishes to wander on down there looking for him. The desert born sits huddled over a large oak desk with a plethora of tools, books, and a stack of peculiar looking glass; all about the size of a thick magical tome. What is he doing? There is also, a much larger piece of glass that sits next to him, showing wonderful scenes of faraway places - changing of its own accord. His hands wave over one of his experiments transferring mana and arcane power into the device, when his attention shifts a bit. His right hand moving to the already enchanted piece to do much of the same. He’s been down here for hours, and failing at whatever it is he’s attempting. For a moment, it looks like what he’s doing might work, until the transfer of magic begins. And after only a few seconds his experiment cracks, and then shatters! Blowing glass shards and dust all over the room. “Dammit!” he bellows to himself. “Why isn’t this working?” His frustration is beginning to show a bit as a fist slams down on the table. With another verbal obscenity does he sweep all the broken shards off and onto the floor. Soon, he’s up and moving to the stack of glass and selects another. Paying close attention would yield the fact that runes have been etched into the side of every piece. Near perfect and each one is identical to the next. The glass is set down on the table where he begins once more.

Lanara finally has a day off from the sanctuary, as Venin is training a few volunteers so that the founder can be away from her workplace more frequently. Planning a wedding, leading adventures with the guild, being appointed as a tutor in magic from Daath, avoiding Cramer and his lackeys, and having a hint of a home life was catching up with the witch. This would be a welcome break, as she’d only have to show her face on adoption days, charity events, and a few times a week. Plus, those animals that required the attention of an expert, or use of her empathy, would always draw her closer to Sage. It pains her to have to spend less time in a place she loves, but until other areas of her life calmed down, this was for the best. Lana is in the exercise room, finishing up her last round of squats, keeping that delicious derriere in shape, when she hears the breaking of glass. “What the hell!?” Had Hecate broken the enchantment on the door? Were Aspen and Toothpick having –another- food fight? Stepping off of the rubber mat, the witch makes her way down the hallway and sees that the door to the basement is ajar, and her desert born seems to be delivering a flurry of obscenities at something that refuses to work. Moments later, she’s standing behind Eli with a brow quirked and a confused expression on her face. Lana’s reflection is in a few of the shards, showing off her workout attire of leggings, a sports bra, sneakers, and those long locks in a ballerina bun atop her head. “Hey… I’m not a huge fan of mirrors, either! Especially when I’m having a bad hair day…” The corner of her mouth lifts in a teasing grin, as she steps behind her fiancé and presses her chest to his back, as her arms coil around his waist in a loose embrace. “You doing okay? I’ve missed you. We’ve both been so busy the past two weeks. Why don’t you put –whatever- this is away and come hang out with me?”

Elioyahazer finds that his next trial of magic ends in much the same way. Despite all of his efforts and the masterwork quality glass - it blows apart shattering Lanara’s beautiful workout image. It wasn’t her words per se that ruined his concentration. It’s just that his limited abilities in magic meant that his experiments weren’t coming out the way he had hoped. His arm sweeps the mess off and onto the floor, like dozens before. Finally his attention shifts to Lanara and her comment which tugs at the corners of her mouth to reveal that teasing grin. “This,” he responds while tilting his hand in the direction of all the glass. “Is my trial for the mages guild.” He sighs but relishes in the embrace for a moment, trying to rid himself of all the frustration. “I have a wild idea, and am supposed to turn that enchanted bit of glass into a weapon, before I see Dyraxdiin again.” He’s referring to the glass that showing all these beautiful scenes of Lithrydel on its own. What a trial right? “But my limited ability with magic, means my experience isn’t up to snuff for what I’m creating.” He hasn’t even explained what he’s creating yet. Finally it dons on him that she had been working out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your workout.” Elioyahazer shifts in his seat to face Lanara with a smile. “Sure, I could use a break from all of this.”

Lanara studies the shards that Eli speaks of, and for a long moment she doesn’t answer, she merely observes her ex-assassin’s demeanor. This was important to him. He wished to impress Dyraxdiin, the most powerful magister in the realm, at least according to those in Lana’s inner circle. Eli was still trying to find his path, and it led him to the Mage’s Guild, and unless he figured out how to complete this trial, he wouldn’t be fully accepted. Hugging him tightly, Lana sighs, “I don’t understand what is it that you’re trying to do… Can you share your idea with me? I’m afraid that I won’t be much help though, as it’s –your- trial…” It was a task that he must accomplish on his own, though she’d be happy to offer advice if she could, or even just listen to him vent his frustrations. Slowly sliding her hands up his form, she gently kneads the back of his neck, seeing the beautiful landscapes that gaze back at them, as though taunting the poor desert born to continue his work. “I was just finishing my last round of squats, you didn’t interrupt anything! And… I fully intended to come and whisk you away from whatever project you’ve been working on the past few days. I miss you, you know?” Her smile softens, as she continues the slow massage, to ease the tension he surely was feeling. “So, um, we actually haven’t discussed this… But, I was approached by an associate of Dyraxdiin’s… A drow, who goes by the name of Daath. Anyways, he asked both my sister, and myself, if we’d be interested in joining the Mage’s Guild, and if I’d accept a teaching position in the weeks to come. I accepted… I feel that they really will help to pave the wave for the acceptance of witches, and that I can properly show others how to safely practice their craft.” She doesn’t mention Hecate, the matagot, that lurks down the hall, behind an especially enchanted door. Eli would likely make her slay the beast, or question why Daath had taken such an interest in the pretty witch. Neither idea she wished to entertain, so she continues, “So… Once you pass this trial… We’ll be in –another- guild together! Isn’t that great?” Lana waits for him to reply, before she releases her fingers from his flesh, and helps him to clean up the shards of glass. “Want to go out tonight? I heart that the restaurant in Kelay has reopened!”

Elioyahazer stifles back a chuckle - revealing rows of ivory teeth in a genuine smile. “Well, I’m already in the mages guild. Have been for a little while.” He eyes the unknown project for a moment, thinking how best to describe the task he had been appointed by Dyraxdiin. “This trial isn’t an entrance exam, it’s just the first task asked of me as a member. Like if you asked Scandal to do a little research for the Adventurers Guild.” He further explains. “It’s a difficult situation for Dyraxdiin and myself. I’m the first spellblade to have ever been accepted in the guild.” When he shifts his gaze back to Lanara, he stumbles for a moment. She was in the Mages guild now too? He really didn’t have to hide his training anymore? “I see, I’ve heard of Daath. Some of the scribes that work in the tower have mentioned the Drow.” His emotions however don’t seem to adjust or change; still resembling the smile he carried before. After a long pause, he gives in and pulls a book from a bag on the table. The weathered item is offered to Lanara with a nod. The book itself offers up the details of a creature known as a doppelganger. Its history, anatomy, magical abilities, weaknesses; everything. “Basically, this enchanted bit of glass shows scenery.” He points to the working enchantment that currently shows a scene of Kelay. “I’m going to alter what it shows, and attune it to that book and several others.” He points to the rune etched glass, and it’s individual markings. “The problem is that when you combine a lot of power, most items cannot withstand the force. The runes will be used to activate certain pieces. The enchantment of the donor glass, will be spread to one of these, and then altered. When all is said and done, I can attune hundreds of books to this device, to have a never ending well of information at my beck and call. A weapon of knowledge.” Without describing anything else this project will do, he cuts through to the meat of it. As for the restaurant of Kelay, he offers a funny looking expression. "Sure... But no funny business at the diner. Just us right?"

Lanara is slightly surprised to find the Eli has been in the guild and hasn’t mentioned it until this very moment, as they weren’t the type to keep secrets from one another. The book is briefly breezed through, until she sees the familiar beast, known as a doppelganger. A shiver runs down her spine, as this was what threatened to kill the love of her life, and nothing seemed to harm it, aside from light magic. She knew Eli intended to meet with the dragon, regarding the attack on the day of their engagement, though he had neglected to inform her that he had offered his services as a spellblade. Lana had only recently been contacted by Daath, and so she told Eli as soon as the moment as right, whereas he had been working on a private project and a member for a little while. It has the witch slightly frowning, though she focuses her attention on the glass shards, and nods when appropriate. She follows his line of thinking, and a light goes off in her head, at the sheer brilliance of her fiancé, and wanting to make a magically enhanced, book of knowledge, which would store various books, all while being perfectly portable. “That is genius, Sandman! I love your idea, and I’m sure that Dyraxdiin will love it, too! I hope you can figure out how to transport the data, without the glass breaking… I have faith you will complete this task. Maybe a break is all you need?” They lock eyes as he agrees to dinner at –THAT- particular place, and she gives a slow smile. “There won’t be any casualties this time, I promise.” Lana leans in and places a chaste kiss to Eli’s cheek, before heading over to the stairs, “I’m going to change out of my workout clothes, and I’ll be ready in about thirty minutes? Do you think we should bring TP along? I heard the hostess is a real looker, in her fifties, and who knows? Maybe we can play matchmaker! Or it can just be the two of us, whichever you prefer.” Without waiting, she runs upstairs into their shared room, where she’d pick out a plum dress, heels, and a lace shawl, which would be suitable for their date.