RP:Give an Elf an Umbrella, He Starts a War

Part of the Sage Forest Blood Feud Arc

Frostmaw Tavern

Landirion emerges into the tavern in the wake of a powerful gust of wind, snow being blown forth to blanket the tavern's floor with the fresh powder much to Drargon's annoyance. The druid, a known resident along with other wood elves, has become a stranger in the past year. His appearence has changed drastically from the almost boyish mold into one of a more barbaric styling. Were once robes of earthly tones drapped over a lean body, the skins and hides of various frostmaw animals cover a somewhat muscular and scar ridden frame of an elf who has lived in the harshest parts of frostmaw's wildest lands. His hair reaches damn well near his lower back, where once it graced his shoulders. His eyes, once full of saddness and pain for his people, are as hard and cold as the place he has had to call home over the past thirteen months of his elongated life. Gone is the simple staff, replaced now by one fashioned from the bone of a dragon, and carved with runes of power and elemental magic. Even a blade graces his hip, a scimitar of masterful make, a gift from yamamoto silverleaf to the elected leader of the wood elves. Indeed, the Landirion of now is a stark contrast to the Landirion of old. The aura that surrounds the elf is impressivly powerful, almost smothering in nature as he tries not to hide the power he has obtained in his training. Indeed, he is a differnt animal all together.

Kisuke was sitting at his usual table, tall mug of that delicious cider at his side to help combat the frigid cold that seems to creep into one's bones if you are not careful, while he pours over tomes and scrolls with intense scrutiny in his attempt to learn the mysteries of the arcane! As the door, which by no means is a simple sized door, given the giant sized residents of this land, is pushed open by the sheer force of wind, it is all he can do to save the loose papers from flying about in a chaotic manner, by flailing his own arms out in a comical manner to stop them! Of course, he is embarrassed now, and glows beat red as he catches a few looks from some of the massive sized warriors who only shake their head at the mageling. Magic wasn't looked upon too fondly by these types, he's noticed. but, it was perhaps the smothering aura of power that radiates off the elf that catches Kisuke's attention! My word! Its astonishing! And look at him! Whoo-wee! he'd hate to run into him in a dark ally! Thats for sure! Best to keep his nose down in this one's presence, in case he ends up a new addition to his clothing ensemble!

Near the central firepit, in a chair set apart from the others, resides the magus. The foxkin sits with a casual sort of ease within the armchair's confines, the amber flecks of her eyes glittering as she gazes absently into the fire. A vulpine ear twitches in the direction of the door at the druid's entrance, but aside from that slight motion and a quiver of whiskers, Satoshi doesn't outwardly show reaction to the sudden presence of strength. Unless one counts her cloak, a substance woven of mist and frost, as it draws closer around the magus' shoulders in a ghostly shroud. Instead, Satoshi's attention is caught by the frantic flailing from a nearby table, where an unfamiliar face is hurrying to gather his scattered paperwork. Although she can't read the papers from here, the kit can recognize scrolls and books of the arcane. "Hmm. How long's he been there, Aer?" From his place coiled around her neck, Aeron lifts his ermine head and glances between the druid and stranger, blinking uncertainly. Clearly, he hadn't been paying attention either.

Landirion allows pools of golden brown to settle upon a few, going from giants, the magi gathering his paperwork, before they find the only person the druid cares to see. Satoshi. Each step takes the wood elf closer to his destination, and each step the air seems to get colder and colder, causing that smothering aura to seemingly increase the heat about Landirion to counteract the drop in tempature. Fire meets ice, one could say. With a voice that is a lot deeper than previously, and without the edicate of bows and other such fascades given towards royalty, does the leader of the enclave say to the master magus. " It has been a while, Queen of Frostmaw."

Kisuke cannot help but feel really out of place now! The words of the wood elf cause his crystalline eyes to fall upon Satoshi for a moment, before realization of who she is sets in. Satoshi!? She was in here the entire time? She was not what he had expected, to be honest, but this does not mean the mageling is by any means let down when a name is put to a face. the power of the druid isn't forgotten, but it is only now, after he focuses for a moments, that the cenril native can place the subtle level of power coming from the mist shrouded foxish looking creature. Yup! " Well old boy, you are way out of your league right now!" Mutters Kisuke to himself, as he finally gets his papers back into place. Just being in the presence of these two, Kisuke can feel the difference in power. Its like a infant compared to a man. Lightyears away from his meager power and understanding. For now, he just keeps his head down, not sure as to how this meeting of powers will play out just yet.. one thing cenril has taught him, you keep your nose out of things until you have a better understanding of what is to come, unless you like ending up in a gutter with a knife in your back.

Satoshi lifts an eyebrow in a delicate arch at the druid standing before her, much transformed by his time in Frostmaw's wilds. The smile that tugs at her lips is one part predatory and one part amused, to see what her lands have wrought. Once a mild-mannered druid, not a honed warrior of Nature. However, after a moment, the smile turns downward with the slightest hint, even as azure eyes narrow and their amber flecks take on a smouldering quality. The change of facial features is subtle, easily missed in the uneven lighting, but what isn't subtle is the shift in temperatures, the chill deepening. It is an unspoken response to Landirion's own aura, and while not oppressive or obvious in nature, the frigid quality of air is one that snakes its way beneath warm layers, nips at exposed flesh, and steals the warmth of one's breath. A silent reminder to the druid that he's treading in territory bound to another Essence. "You've grown, Sage Druid." Briefly, Satoshi's gaze flickers to the stranger at the tome-laden table. In truth, she's curious how the unknown scholar reads the situation. You can learn much from the studiers of arcane, by studying their own responses to magic in the air. But just as quickly as she looks his way, the magus' eyes flick back to Landirion, "None can call you a craven now."

Landirion will not contend with the powers weaving before him, as even though he misses the facial expressions shifting and the tones soemwhat darkening, the druid does not miss the webbing of the elemental magic before him. He knew this was her land. But, at her statement, he replies with confidence. " In time, all will see what power my people hold." Indeed, all this training has been for that. His people. he has come to the mentality that his life is meaningless, he is a tool, and instrument of retribution. The flint in which the flames of war will ignite as revolution begins. " Sage will be ours once more." The bladed staff he carries gleams in the firelight, runic markings glowing with power in responce to his words. The weapon itself craves the blood of the dark skinned devils. Golden orbs find the magus again, as he says. " Words cannot express the gratitude me and my people have towards you and yours. We were unwelcome guests, but you took us in. We are forever in your debt." It is here, the elf offers a bow of respect, long hair falling to gingerly touch the floor as he rises once again to say. " If ever you need us, we will answer."

Kisuke listens, watches, observes. The underlying tone in his words, the way he carries himself. The mageling has seen this many times before in the streets of cenril. The druid didn't plan on coming back. He planned to kill, or be killed. This saddened the magi somewhat. Everyone needs more beach in their life, and less bloodshed! Ugh. the beach, and Kami's sushi! how'd he love to be lazy, and doing nothing but relaxing back home. But, he had made a promise to Cali, and he couldn't turn back now. It is here that Kisuke catches a glimpse of Satoshi looking his way. He blushes furiously! She is breathtaking! Such an exotic beauty, but, before he can really think on that, the drastic drop in the air reaches him. His breath comes out in a thick fog, he shivers as he feels it sink into his bones! " My, my, my!" Says the mage-to-be as words of arcane pass along his silver tongue to breath life into a simple spell that brings warmth to his lean body. But even so, Satoshi's elemental magic is powerful, and simple spells can only stave off the effects of her magic briefly. he quickly looks over a tome before him, relying upon the knowledge of long dead masters to look for an asnwer, before he comes across one. Seeing that no special ingredients were needed, the youth recites the long incantation with damn well near perfect inflections. The result, a pyramid like contruct of pure arcane magic appears around him, shielding him in a protective barrier from the outward clashings of two powerful beings. but, its quite obvious, and well, spoils his attempts at remaining out of the spotlight, given the fact the spell's power causes a somewhat blinding light, before the five focal points created give off a illuminating light that pushes back the shadows cast by the fire place. An awkward smile flashes across his face, as he raises his hand to rest behind the back of his head as he says. " umm... heh, don't mind me!" A single bead of sweat falls down the left side of his face, as he is incredibly nervous at this very moment!

Satoshi's eyes narrow sharply, not in response to Landirion's words but to the sudden flare of light from the mageling nearby. When the blaze settles into the pyramid's illumination, she blinks quickly and gives a curious twitch of her whiskers, as if they can taste and read the magic he's cast. As no sense of danger comes from spell or expression, Satoshi offers no retaliation. After all, a ward is only fairplay after she manipulated the air for all the tavern-goers. And so, the kit dips her head in acknowledgement of the mageling before she looks back at Landirion to offer him a soft smile. "Some of your people have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to Frostmaw in honor of that debt, Sageling," she says, voice musical in its peculiar mixture of formality and delight, "and contributed to the growth of this land because of it. If ever we have need, we will call, although I cannot offer aid in your quest. Nor do I think I should. It would be a hollow victory, if the Sage Elves did not reclaim their homes through their own strength, I think. You would forever me marked as those that hid behind the shields of Frostmaw. non~?"

Landirion nods his head, as he replies simply. " This blood fued is an elven matter. And shall remain so. I wish others would see it as such, but I think the enemy has more ace cards to play before it all ends." He was speaking on enchantment, and its Queen, who has always seemed to be an ally to the eldermage, and favored the drow heavily. But, it would not be an easy task, akin to climbing a mountain. All the odds were against them, but, when pushed into a corner, even the most kind of animals could become fierce killers. And the wood elves have been backed into corner after corner, with little ever knowing of how powerful a bite they have. " I asl only for a simple favor, if I can be so bold." He doesn't wait, as he continues with. " Supplies. Food, medicines, and weaponry. We've gathered most we have, but this will drag out. And we need to be prepared." He knew what he was asking, but he had no other options.

Kisuke got a nod! He exhales suddenly, remembering he can breath again! A light nervous chuckle escapes him as he wonders if he may have overdone it. But, seeing as none of this is his business, he returns to his studies, pouring over three seperate books that appear to be on the same subject. Compare and contrast! What one master knows, may or may not match what another says. So Kisuke simply gathers all the information he can to get a better understanding of the arcane world, in every aspect that he can.

Satoshi considers Landirion's request, and uses the time to eye the fellow with the books. After all, books of magic are enough to catch the magus' eye even in a library full of them, but here in Frostmaw's tavern where warriors, knights, mercenaries, and fighters of every sort can be found... books are a rarer sight. And so Satoshi finds her gaze caught, like a starving cat spotting a fish, although it isn't enough to divert her from the subject at hand. The look she levels on Landirion after a moment is calculating as she weighs her words before speaking them, "I can give you and your people the supplies, clothing, and weapons necessary to allow them safe travel from my borders to their home. How you choose to use them after is no business of mine. As such, what you are given and take with you are all you will receive. I will not take a side in this quarrel, for I have no reason nor desire to do so. It is not our fight." And if it were, the magus could not promise she's side with Landirion's people, when it's the Eldermage he contends with--a close and well respected ally of Satoshi. She will keep her whiskers far from the biting flames of that war.

Landirion said to Satoshi, "My people wish no retaliation to be brought upon frostmaw. This aid will be kept a closely guarded secret, and will follow us back to sage, or to our graves."

Kisuke exhales at the thought of war. Then remembers the civil war for power that the gangs currently have going on. It seems the only constant in this realm. Change. Bloodshed, a never ending struggle for power. Another sigh escapes the mageling. People should really get to the beach more often! It so relaxing! but, nooooo, they wanna quarrel and bicker and kill one another! And for what? nothing. Good people die, bad people live. Its an endless dance back and forth between those with power. " My, my, my..." Mutters Kisuke, as he tries to study these tomes. He is reminded why he is seeking power, and ponders upon if he will be consumed by the quest for power like so many others have, or stay true to his own morals and code that he and Cali formed while growing up together in the streets. He can see her face, Cali's, smirking at him, picking on him as she tells him her plans to change things in Cenril. So they could all live like they wanted, and eat all the sushi they could, and just lay upon the shore and fall alseep to the sound of crashing waves. Damn, those were the days...

Satoshi shakes her head. There are few secrets when words are spoken in a public tavern. "Non. This aid does not need to be a secret. It is no more than a means to allow you safe departure from our lands. It is not given in hopes you wage war, that is your choice to make. The same as we offered aid when you left your forests. It was not an offer given to oppose the drow, nor are these supplies given to strike against them. You have made yourselves valuable additions to Frostmaw, we have learned and grown much, and so it is only right to ensure you can safely travel when you leave. A host does not send their guest in the rain without an umbrella, Sageling." It is not the fault of the host if the guest chooses to stab some poor soul on the trek home, however.

Landirion smirks as he listens to Satoshi's reply. Remembering the precarious position politics can place one in. He has been there before, haggling with the eldermage for his people's survival. He knew his people wished to reclaim their rightful home. But he knew still they may not have the power to do so, just yet. And let us not forget the possible backlash the lich-drow has placed somewhere in the forest, should wood elves try to settle there. Many things go into being a leader. Many, many troubelsome things. So he respected Satoshi's responces and position. Hell, he respected the hell out of her! He wished he has half the leader she was. if so, maybe his people would still be in the forest this day. But, for now, he had obtained strength to lead, be it in war, or in forging a new path to a new home. Only time would tell. All Landirion did know, is the enemy was still there, and moving an entire people would be no little matter.

Kisuke is still doing the same thing he was doing a few moments ago. >.> Lazy post! ^.^

Satoshi nods to Landirion. "I wish you luck, in whatever you choose to do. ...Well~," she adds in light tones as she shifts into a teasing remark, "so long as what you're choosing isn't to declare war on Frostmaw." With this said and a dulcet laugh following, the kit pushes herself out of her chair and meanders to the tavern's message board, having only now remembered to check the recent notes. A few moments are spent muttering and nodding in response to what is read until she gets near the end. Vulpine ears perk forward in an expression of interest as she inspects the paper, head cocked to one side. "Oh, Ashen darling," comes the trilled reaction, "who are you sending my way this time~? Not another blade-totting, would-be assassin, I hope~." Admittedly, that last assassin had made a splendid meal, but it was hardly worth the effort. And Satoshi is a creature that prefers to expend as little energy as possible in meal-catching.

Landirion seeing that the conversation has reached its end, makes his way back out into the night. Many things needed doing, and he would have a full plate for some time.

Kisuke watches as the woman reads the board, and pipes up with a sublte tone. " Ahem! Excuse me!" His voice is kind, sweet even, such is his nature. Unspoiled, save that one event in his life. " I.. umm... I left that last note!" A big, warm smile is plastered upon his face, as he hopes she hears him.

Satoshi turns a face with lifted brows toward the book fellow. "-Are- you?" Fangs are flashed in a quick, whisker-turning smile. She had hoped as much. Nothing says 'not hard to find' quite like being a human surrounded by books and scrolls in the middle of Frostmaw tavern. Without missing a beat, and without invitation, the magus drops into the seat across the table from Kisuke. The grinning, bright eyed kit staring curiously at him is an entirely different creature from the aloof and dignified queen that had been enthroned near the fire moments ago. "That was an interesting ward you conjured, master Kisuke. Haven't seen that spell in a long while. Impressive cast-speed, considering that spell isn't generally considered a combat-effective technique due to its lengthy incantation."

Kisuke does not miss a beat as he has rarely had the privalage of talking to someone who knows there stuff, I mean he did live with orphans and thieves after all! " Finally! Someone who speaks common!" He jokes. Before going into conversation. " It was never meant for combat, you see, when Arthosus first created the spell, it was made as a protective ward when dealing with powerful elemental magic that effected large areas. You'd cast the ward, then begin working on more powerful spells, thus free to utilize the full extent of such, while remaining safe." He is just giddy! And nearly doesn't give the magus a chance to speak as he continues. " As I am sure you know, there really isn't a better place to study a spell of power than right in the epicenter itself!" He catches his breath, having gone on for a little bit without pausing. He was excited! And it showed! A real master! Right here! And impressed, somewhat! It was just so overwhelming he couldn't contain himself!

Satoshi finds herself smiling wider. The mageling's enthusiasm is infectious, really. She nods along to his words, familiar with the source and intentions of the spell, as well as being delighted in seeing someone else familiar with it. In Frostmaw, it is uncommon to find a scholar of the arcane to speak with, aside from her Coteriemate, Svilfon. "It's a very useful ward for studies, certainly. Well suited for experimenting from within its protection, although I've found its underside is something of a weak point if you're dealing with outside forces. I prefer the security of Circle Wards, if my subject matter is wide-spread or potent. Circles hold out wonderfully well against pointed and blunt forces alike, and you can specify the exact protections you want in their sigils~. Most especially if you develop your own Mage Mark." The ermine seated on the kit's shoulder blinks at this and shuffles to the left slightly, where Satoshi's own is tatoo'd on her shoulderblade--serving as the spell source of her mistweave cloak, among other things. Satoshi doesn't pay Aeron any mind, aside from the flick of an ear, her attention on the mageling. "So, your note says you're looking into the Mage Guild, oui? And that Ashen sent you? How did you come to meet that fellow?" Satoshi almost sounds like she's suspicious of Kisuke as she asks this question, eyes narrowing slightly and carrying an odd glint.

Kisuke is somewhat knowledgable, and has heard, or read rather, a little on Mage Marks. But he has much to learn, and thus his mind is like a sponge, taking everything she says into his memory, remembering every word, every inflection of every syllable in noted. Its a unique gift of his. Between a photogenic memory, he easily stores away massive amounts of information down to almost every detail. Them her questions about the odd fellow Ashen. " Oh, yes!" A warm smile comes across his face. " You see, he is a dangerous fellow! We had a discussion. And like you, and the other gentlemen who came in, its obvious you all hold tremendous power." He keeps going, somehow very comfortable around this person. " You see, I was born and raised in cenril, where you'll run into people who claim to have some kind of power, but most rarely do. You've the ones who brag, and the ones who actually have power, well... they act like Mr.Ashen." It was odd, the way he put it. " You see, he is very care free, but the thing about having such tremendous power, be it arcane like yours, or seemingly other worldly like Ashen's, is that its hard to hide. Auras give away this most of the time, and if it were not for this ward, yours would make it hard for me to even breath, let alone keep the blood in my veins from freezing over!" The warm smile is still there. " But, Ashen is care free, relaxed. Comfortable. he knows he has power, and thats why he is dangerous. he isn't a braggart, or simplton, he is himself. he's earned such power, and possible had to use it. He knows it. So, when most see a person bouncing a fez on their head and nose, they may ridicule him or her, but what I see is a man who is not to be crossed. I met him, because well, I told him I thought he was a dangerous fellow. Not like a wild animal dangerous. No, he is dangerous for the fact he has such power, and chooses not to flaunt it. thus, if he were able to be my enemy, I would have to be very, -very- cautious while approaching him, due to my own lack of such power. Knowing ones limits, and knowing those who are not to be trifled with, are very important things to take note of in this land riddled with braggarts who claim power, and few who actually have such terryfying power like Mr.Ashen and yourself."

Satoshi listens as intently to Kisuke as he had to her earlier. When he finishes, the kit is leaning forward with her chin propped atop her hand, an attentive audience. And a grinning one, as she lifts her left hand to waggle its fingers at the human, a gesture that causes the frost-wrought ring on it to glisten. "Ashen is all of those things, and he's also my husband~." She pauses long enough to let that sink in before she continues, "You're very shrewd, master Kisuke, and clearly clever. Those are uncommon and valuable traits. Traits that are more important than raw power, if one expects to survive in this world. Power is well and easy to obtain, but possessing the wit to adapt, thrive, and -live- is much, much more important. You obviously have that. So tell me, then, aside from these traits, what do you have to offer the Mage's Guild? I'll assume your interest in it isn't purely a power-hungry one. You don't strike me as power-hungry, rather than knowledge-hungry."

Kisuke is a bit caught off guard by the sudden realization that he has met more royalty and important political leaders in the past few days than he fancies himself to! It is here, when asked what he can offer, that he questions himself momentarily. It takes only a moment, but he replies with. " I can only say, to a master of the arcane arts, that I offer an open mind, a determined soul and the will to better myself and attempt to master the arcane, and help it move forward." he really didn't know what else to say. He knew of the current masters only through reading up and word of mouth. He has heard Satoshi has mastered cryomancy to such a level never before seen. That Svilfon was a creative and dangerous man, while being somewhat unique in his application of magic. Lady Tenebrae was the leader of the Necromancer's guild, and has been rumored to have brought about many innovations in that particular branch, while the guild itself was lead by Rheven, whose is the lands most powerful mage, and then there was Tiphareth, who was just as seemingly powerful, not to mention a lich, which is no small feat in of itself. So, what can a human, who is just starting out, bring to the table other than the willingness to give one hundred percent? Well, nothing. " I only seek a means to appease this constant need that calls me, even though I'd much rather be at the beach, I've... well... I've always found a solace in magic."

Satoshi's face is impassive, showing neither approval nor disapproval in response to the answers given. Instead, when Kisuke stops speaking, she has only more questions waiting, delivered so quickly one might think she didn't even hear what had been said already. "Do you find yourself drawn to a specific field of magic? Or do you seek the art of the diverse? What sort of training have you had: formal, under an instructor, or self-taught, through reading and experimentation? And lastly," but most importantly, "a theoretical question: you are faced with an arcane experiment, it promises to be extremely dangerous due to unknown variables, however, should you triumph, the results are likely to be quite favorable. How do you proceed? Cautiously? Charge in? Perhaps another method?"

Kisuke ponders upon her words for a few moments, his face twisted in heavy thought for a moment before he answers all those questions in stride, matching her pace as if it was a game between the two, but really its just him being excited. " I find myself lacking proper knowledge of each field to say i am drawn to one specific one. I have taught myself thus far by trial and error, mainly error." The last question, it was a doozey, but he answer it without hesitation and with a serious and unemotional mask upon his fine features. " If I was on the brink of a breakthrough in the arcane, I would devote myself whole heartidly to accomplishing such a task, due to only the fact that it has never been done before and would thus better the magical community as a whole. i would take any and all means, methods, applications, and use all resources be they practical, impractical, or I had to make them myself. " He pauses, and a darker, more serious look crosses over his usually jovial self, as he finishes with. " And morality has no place when it comes to such breakthrough that could benefit the majority of the realm."

Satoshi sits back, her expression thoughtful but otherwise still unreadable. After a time, the magus lifts her gaze to deliver a scrutinizing look on the human, the stare matched by the ermine accompanying her, as if the creature were more than just a dumb animal. Whatever the Wintry pair find, they do not say, both just nodding once to themselves. "I think," Satoshi eventually says, her words slow yet certain, "you are on the correct path, if you speak truth. And I have no reason to doubt your honesty." Not when her Empath husband has already had a chance to glean any obvious marks of deceit, and not after her own instinct has told her to take Kisuke at his word. "I will not offer you a position as an entered apprentice in the guild just yet, mind you, however I think if you continue as you are, I or another will offer it in the near future. Do as you are doing, learn and grow, try to meet the others of the guild. And prepare yourself. Tests strike when you least expect it, master Kisuke, and how you respond to them will speak more volumes about yourself than words can ever. I have a feeling we will cross paths again, and when we do, if you've grown, I will offer you membership."

Kisuke nods his head, knowing fully well that getting in was no simple matter, but to have one of the masters of the guild give him such inspirational words of encouragement! That was enough for now!. " I thank you, Satoshi-chan!" He bows his head, out of respect, and says. " I shall continue, and prove my worth when the time is right!" Oh man! If he smiled any bigger his face would rip in half!

Satoshi's ears perk forward with interest. -chan. It's been a long time since she'd heard the honorific, or spoken it herself. As if this mageling couldn't be more intriguing, now he's speaking snippets of a dialect the foxkin knew in her childhood. She'll have to learn more about that sometime... For now, however, Satoshi stands and stretches her arms above her head, as casual as anyone. "I look forward to it. Keep on your toes, because I have a feeling the wizard Svilfon will find you next, and he usually doesn't introduce himself as eloquently as I do~." Which is to say, he'll probably try to set the poor fellow on fire to see how he handles himself in stressful situations. Satoshi tends to save the violent, lethal methods for lessons rather than guild entry tests.

Kisuke nods his head to the magus, and offers another bow as he says. " Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for your time, Master Satoshi!" Oh, he would study and practice alright! A new fire having been lit in his soul, as Satoshi has given him a great gift. Motivation! Its like when a child meets a hero of theirs! This day begins Kisuke's climb to obtaining a place in the ranks of the land's leading mages. He will not be a disappointment to himself, Satoshi, the Guild, or most importanly Cali! Who believed in him all the way.

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