RP:Young Mage at the Dig

From HollowWiki

Part of the Arctic Construction Arc



Characters


Chapter Four of Arctic Construction

Syrus, and a hooded man lead forth a group of four skeletons toward the construction site. Avoiding the holes, the elder mage speaks to the wizard in his soft voice, “Pardon me friend, are you one working on the construction of this establishment?”


Illanuss took an uneasy step back from the old man, her eyes wry and tense in anticipation to flee if needed. There was a look of sickness about her. Having just arrived only a hand full of minutes before the man, Illanuss wipes the snot dripping from her nose upon the back of her fur gloved hand, followed up by a sniffle. "I be not you friend. A stranger ye are and yes. I be working for the Queen." Another step is taken back to add a bit more space between them. There was something about this man that made her almost dizzy and a tingle to spread over her skin. It wasn't a new feeling, but one rarely felt so strongly. This man before her was a powerful mage.


Syrus remains with a smile as the artic wind washes over the small gathering of magical creatures. Ice clings to the wizard’s thin robs, wrinkled skin, and even his long platinum beard, which at this point is too heavy to flow as normally it would. Softly he spoke once more to the woman, “Pardon my words fellow mage, I simply call all that I do not wish dead a friend. I meant no harm by using the term. I have also been requested to assist the Queen. May I inquire what part of this construction you do?”


Illanuss had been so focused upon the elder man, that she did not at first see the entourage that followed him. A fearful chill prickles at the back of her neck and cascades down her spine to settle in the pit of her stomach. That was her logical side, the side that told her to run back to the tavern and return when it was safe, but a side she had no name for felt different. It tickled her mind with curiosity, like the soft brush of a feather, and piked a quick flash of inner thoughts and images. Just like the bursting of a soap bubble they where gone. Never did they never lingered long enough for her to sort a meaning from them. Illanuss was brought back out of a trance like state and blinked once as she registered the mans words. She snorts very unladylike like at the title he placed upon her. "I be no mage. Can't even levitate a half eaten rat most times." She thought it prudent to leave out the rare times she blacks out, only to awaken and find a strange occurrence around her. Taking a casual step back, Illanuss picks up a pick axe out of the piles of tools. Her eyes pointedly looking around at the dug holes and piles of frozen dirt before she turns them back to the man. Another swipe of her runny red nose before she continues. "What ever needs be done I do. Heard something about digging out the ground for the vaults at the tavern." Illanuss had missed the ground breaking, having fallen ill enough that she had not been able to leave the cot in her room. But being as stubborn as she was, Illanuss had tried. Made it almost to the taverns door before fainting proper. The next thing she knew was that Drargon was kneeling next to her as she lay on her cox and pressing a bold wet cloth to her head. The whole time she was in a near state of panic until he left her with a funny tasting liquid. Said it would make her better and for a few hours it sat untouched until she began to began to retch. It worked very well in the end, enough that she could ignore the lingering discomfort of her illness to work. She needed the money to much not too.


Syrus slowly nods with the words of the woman, understanding both her gumption, and motivation, though she had not spoken plain that she was in dire straights. Upon the completion of the woman’s words, the elder wizard claps his ice covered hands, sending the frozen moisture, along with a bit of skin, into the air. The sound echoes a bit, seeming to go forth beyond the whole of Frostmaw maybe even all the way to Kelay! Upon the clap however, the four skeletons snap to attention and run over to grab picks and axes so to start work right away. Respecting the distance that the woman had made between herself and him, Syrus remains in his place, his hooded companion seeming to also remain stagnant, “ You attempt in the arts, and you are able to draw the mana from the Plane of Knowledge. That is something that non mages can not do. Though your skill might be in question, your willingness still remains, and I can see that. However, you are quite ill, and this weather is not going to help with that. To truly be of use, you should rest until you are able to work without endangering your life as well as possibly spread your cold to those who work. If you have no teacher or superior other than the Queen I would request your assistance during my task of setting up first and second line security for the vaults. You know me not, and this I understand and respect, however I do request as an elder that you please place my worry at ease, get some sleep, and allow my companions to work while these men and you rest. If you will permit me, I will also send a healer to come and check on you, and administer medicine.” By this time several ice covered skeletons made their way into the frozen area, gathering up pick axes and shovels. A whole dozen tireless creatures, doing what they do best, tediously mindless work. They however did not venture too close to the woman, or obstruct her from departing if she wished, the necrocarnate knew that the woman was startled, sick, and tired.


Illanuss :: Though Illanuss did not feel such confidence within, she faked it by turning her back to the man and stalking over to an area that was away from the walking corpses, yet the signs of digging still present. Her steps falter and stop at the edge of the ditch, her mind turning over the mans words. In truth, she did not believe that her power would help him much so her street logic concluded that there was some other motive to the man's offer. Then again, there was a good change in learning something new. Even if it was only how to better control her floating trick. A powerful sneeze doubled the slim, short young woman over, causing her long blond hair to slip a bit from beneath the hood. Squeaks, quickly followed by a small hamster poking its head out from beneath her scarf. It's chatter soon begins to make Illanuss' head hurt and causes her to say more harshly than she intended, "I be dead either way!" A hand presses against her aching head until it dulls to a negligible throb. Then adds softly, as if to make up for her previously harsh spoken words. "I be knowing death like a babe know es mums tet. He be a scare no longer, only a meeting of long awaited friends." Illanuss ignores his attempts at offering a healer. That would mean she needed to trust another to make her better where her own body had failed. Trust was something that very rarely came from this slip of a woman. A working acceptance was what most had any hope of gaining. A new surge of determination fuels her stubborn streak and gives her the strength to straighten up and raise the pick axe above her head. A flex of scrawny muscles and the axe head swings in a downward arch, striking against the trenches ledge. Her shoulders heave up and down with the shaky breaths she took in, the cool air burning her lungs. The hamster nudges the cheek nearest it with a wet nose. Even its simple mind knew something was wrong with the woman he associated food and drink with.


Syrus’ head once more shook as the woman continued to work, seeming to be of the mind that if work was not found here she would indeed be but the drunken fool upon a street, a beggar better off dead to the world. A fate equal was upon the flip of the coin, her death due to the frost that was destroying her bodies chance of recovering from the illness that nearly caused her small form to buckle. Eyes then fall to Namu, who simply replies with a shrug of his own as his yellow orbs glow forth from his eternally dark hood. Such motivation was hard to find in any mortal creature, even if it was to gain simple bear essentials. Once more the male spoke out, taking several steps forward. “M’lady, you are strong willed, and wishing to work for your keep. Hand outs are not for you, and shame be upon one who offers. So please allow me to attempt at a second motivational gathering of words to have you rest. I seek an assistant, to learn my trade as well as help me with my work in the Rynvale library. I shall pay for your food, grant you a place comfortable to rest, and a steady pay. The project of security will be your first job with me, and I promise you pay for that job as if you were digging until your hands shattered, frozen upon the snow. I am not a man of cursed offers, nor would I expect trust upon meeting, but look into the logic of this situation and realize that you are only pushing yourself to a point where your gold will be used in medicine rather than the goods you sought when applying here.” Once more the man went silent, shaking off some of the frost that was making motions hard.


Illanuss :: The chilled air caused Illanuss to fall into a fit of wet coughs. The pix axe falling from her hand and tumbling into the ditch to free her hands to clutch at her knees for support. The little gray hamster falls unnoticed from her scarf by the fierce spasms. Even the old mans approach and words are not taking note of. Luckily, the rodent did not follow the axe but landed safely in a pile of powdery snow. When her thoughts came back from the burning pain in her chest, there would be guilt at having almost hurt the only thing she considered a friend. After a few minutes, that seemed a timeless eternity, did the coughs alleviate and give her a reprieve in which to recover some what. Though now she looked more strung out and weak, like a milious weed addict who hasn't taken a puff in too long. When her breaths came as easy as they would, the young woman noticed the hamster first as it crawled out of the hole it made in its fall. Shaky legs buckle beneath her and slowly a hand picks the rodent up and holds it to a cheek. Kind soft apologies whisper from her lips and only when the rodent scurries back into it's preferred warm place in her scarf, does she know it had forgiven her. A tear almost falls from a a green eye, vibrant from the wetness, only to be swept away before it spills over. She sniffles again and clears her throat as the words of the man fully take meaning in her mind. The urge to scoot back from him was strong, but not strong enough to power her exhausted limps. A croak sounds as Illanuss tries to speak and only after she clears her throat, winching from the pain it caused her, she forces the words out of a sore throat. Soft as they where. "I be having no skill to protect something as important as be a place of books. Can not swing a sword and I be likely to shoot me own eye out with a bow. magic, well I don't have any more than a trick." It was not her intention to refuse the offer, indeed it intrigue her quite a bit, but she wanted to be up front about what she could do. Her head begins to feel light and the land and old man begin to sway. Her voice is distant and dreamy as she continues, "I be better at cleaning." Her eys began to narrow as blackness slowly entrap her vision like a hungry beast. Suddenly the cold is no longer noticed, nor do words or sound gain meaning through the dense fog. With no other warning, Illanuss falls backwards to lay limp in the snow, her mind have fallen into unconsciousness as it lost the battle against the fever that now burned hotly through her body.


Syrus listened to the words of the woman as he closed the distance that was between him and the sickly creature. All but three feet or so was removed from the spirit dragon and the withering human. Her words were as much as an acceptance as he was going to receive at this point, and this he knew with out a doubt. The mage was well aware that this woman was not long for the world if she remained out here, and before he could ask for her to come with him, her eyes rolled back, leaving a bloodcurdling white orb where the only color upon her face was. Slow was her decent in the eyes of the elder dragon as she fell from consciousness, and his reflexes were acting before even a foot was fallen. A frozen limb extends forth, not close enough to grab hold of the woman, however a force stopped her from falling into the cold, wet snow. With his art of telekinesis, the bearded wizard slowly moves the woman, and the hidden hamster, upon the shoulder of the robed man who seemed to be expecting the action. Namu, the silent lich, turns and begins to head toward the tavern which was not too far, while the blue robed wizard called out to his minions, “You shall work until a second death, where you shall be replaced by those whom rest in the endless pits of Vailkrin. You shall respond to the orders of the Queen of this land, and mine alone. When your job is completed, you will return to rest until a time I see fit to recall you.” With out hesitation, the two wizards, with the sick Illanuss, embark on their way to the tavern where a bed will be found. A healer had already been summoned from the mainland, and would most likely be there before they were.


Syrus:: Slowly the three make their way to the tavern, a blanket was placed over the small mage so that the cold would not harm her any further than it had previously. As they made it finally to the establishment, Syrus opens the door so that his cohort would be able to enter with little difficulty. Indeed the tavern was packed with workers all recovering from the harsh conditions of the construction sight. Dirrectily, the mage makes his way with swiftness to the frost giant, Drargon, “Sir, I am Syrus, the silver, Dracton, a highbred hand for the Queen with regards to the construction of the bank. This woman that my companion and I have with us was out working hard, but due to illness she has collapsed with fever. I know it is much to ask, but may we have a bed near the fire, a glass and some hot water please? I have a healer on the way who will help this woman.” A nod is given by the large bearded creature as he directs one of the wizards who has been helping with the tavern overflow. Quickly the helper works with the necromancer to ready the place where she had been days before, along with the items that were going to be needed by the pixie to come.


Moonlight was panting as she ran into the tavern, it had been a busy day and she really want to rest but knew that when another needed her she had to go. Huffing and puffing as she entered the doorway she couldn't really say much for the cold air had gotten to her lungs. Stopping at the door way and closing the door behind her only to wait a few moments in order to catch her breath. Looking past the ones she didn't know the wind fae finally saw the white haired old man and made her way over to him. Slowly and gracefully she made it to his side and whispered* "You called me Sy? Is there something this pixie can do for you this early in the morning? Or is it just late at night?" *pulling the hood off her head and rubbing her hands together as she cupped them blowing on them with her breath as if that was really going to warm them up. Her body shivered for she had not been in the snow much and always forgot just how cold it really was in Frost maw.*


Syrus follows the mages as they guide the uncurious creature to the room, Namu remaining at the door to direct the coming healer he had summoned. Upon her arrival, the master necromancer stands, moving out of the way before offering a bow, “Thank you once more Lady Moonlight. I know it is late, but you are the only healer I could contact. This woman has a high fever, and her life is need. Mind the hamster in her hood, and once more I thank you.” The wizard offer a final nod before turning to one of the other mages to gather a quill, ink, and parchment, so that he might leave a note for the woman for when she awoke.


Illanuss drifted in the thick nothingness of forced sleep and knew not what was happening around her. Even the hamster did not object to the happenings. Upon their arrival the conversations amongst the tavern goers peppered out to hushed whispered questions to one another. Some recognized her from the days she had spent in the tavern and looking about their city. Had the strange beast resurfaced once more to claim another victim? Did something attack her at the construction site? It was hard to tell what injuries she sustained with the two robed fellows blocking their view. Shortly after their entrance, a woman burst through the door and made haste to speak with the elder mage. Mean while, Illanuss' body began to shake and quiver as small moans sound in her throat, not making it past her lips. The once near porcelain skin, dotted with freckles, began to turn red as the illness tightened its hold upon Illanuss. Her skin radiated heat, even through her thick furs, and one standing close by would feel its presence.


Moonlight made her way closer to the bed side of the woman she did not know. But not knowing some one had never stopped the wind fae before. Rubbing her hands over and over on her robe covered legs to warm then she placed them to her own checks to test them before placing one of them on the woman's forehead. Shaking her head right to left as her hand was placed on the blazing hot skin Moonlight sighed. Looking over her shoulder to Syrus she said lightly spoke* "How long has she been sick? And could someone get me a fur to put over her? These blankets are not enough." *Moon kept her hand on the woman's forehead and waited a few more moments to see if the hot spell would fade some. But, it did not. Taking her hand back and reaching for her cold water glass she pulled it closer to her and started to go through her bag that was resting on her side. A few small pouches were pulled out and laid on the table and a flash was also placed there. Slowly taking a spoon from her bag as well she opened each small pouch and added some power from each to the cold water. Stirring it a few times to make sure it was mixed well before she placed her free hand under the woman's head and the glass to her lips. Lightly and sweetly she said as she helped aim the liquid so that it could be drank.* "Please try and drink this, my friend." * the pixie said to the woman*


Syrus:: With hast, the helping mage retrieves the requested components, and with a nod, Syrus begins to scribe a note to the woman. Several glances are given toward the woman, and away from his letter, as he wrote. There was grate concern for this woman, and that is why the elder mage had summoned his own healer to act with such swiftness. Time is not long before the note is completed, and after folding it in thirds, he readies to place it in the pocket of her most outer garment, after the fae was finished with her work of course. Words are then given to the worried onlookers, as well as Drargon, as to what had happened to the woman so that they might report it to the Queen if she so wished to know. Whilst his companion was busy talking to those wishing to know more, Namu moves through the crowd of people to the side of the druid, so to assist her where she needed. A blanket was handed to the fae before his gruff voice sounded off, “Recently faded only consciousness her but, Moon Lady ill been has she long how know not do I.”


Illanuss was still in the land of dreamless sleep. Her mind did not stir when the cup of water was placed against her lips for her body instinctively knew there was to much pain and illness running rampant through her veins. It was a couping mechanisms that the human genome had since near the beginning of its creation. The little gray hamster decided that this was a fine time to scurry out from her hood and defend the woman who feed and played with it. A sharp, but small bite would puncture the fae's hand if something was not done about the wound up rodent.


Moonlight patted Namu on the back of his boney hand and just smiled up at him before tossing the other heavier blanket over the ill woman on the cot and tucking it in on all sides. Namu had often helped Moonlight before and he was quick to help hold the woman's head up ever so carefully so that Moon would only have to worry about the glass she was holding to the sick ones mouth. When the pet popped out of the hood the healer giggled for she was not worried a bit for she loved animals. Using her now free hand thanks to Namu a small cookie was placed on the ill woman's shoulder for her small friend. Talking to the hamster sweetly as if it was one of her children this was said* "I 'll tell you what my little friend. If I hurt her in any way you may bite me. But, If I help her you have to let me do so with out showing me your teeth." Namu was going to reach for the pet, but the healer woman would not let him and shook her head no as he tired to. It took some time to get the sweet liquid down, for it was tiny drops at a time so that she would not choke. But, once it was in your body the wind fae knew that she had be able to at least get her started on a recovery. Placing the empty glass on the table and reaching for the flask, shaking it good a few times before putting a little bit in the glass she had just used. Looking to the hamster she said as she started to place the glass back to the woman's lips* "Please, I am helping her I promise you this. If I can just get this much down her throat it will reduce the fever by morning and allow her to get better on her own. Try to trust me my little friend. For I would not hurt her, I give you my word on this." *again her head was lifted by Namu and the glass filled with red liquid was placed to woman's lips. It seemed to take forever to get her to drink all of it. Taking the rag from the cold water dish Moonlight rung it out after she placed the glass down and drew it across the woman's forehead and checks as Namu lowered her head back on the pillow.* "See hamster friend, I told you I would not hurt her." * Looking up at Syrus she spoke to him* "I will leave the rest of this flask here for her. I am sure her feaver should brake by morning as long as someone keeps a cool rag on her forehead and has her drink just a cap full of this flask again in say four hours. I am sure I got to her in time and the herbs will help her greatly."


Syrus then returns to the other side of the druid, to help where he could. As the little hamster came forth, and the fae offered a cookie, a look is given to Namu letting him know that if the creature did not calm there was to be magic involved. The lich, understanding the look from the other wizard, readies the sleep spell in case the woman’s pet did not cooperate. After all is done, the wizard places the note next to the resting woman. The note reads the following: “Dearest mage, I request that you remain in the tavern, recovering from your illness for the remainder of the dig. When it is time for me to act my part, I will come for you and have you assist me then. Your skills will not be challenged, nor will you be asked to do anything that would go against your morals. Your healer was Lady Moonlight is the one who had cured you and requested you stay in bed. I, Syrus the silver, Dracton will find you soon. Syrus” With a nod, the two men inform the mages as well as good ol’ Drargon of what do with the second vile of red liquid. A nod is given to those who helped, before the wizards escort the druid out.


Illanuss :: The hamster was a simple minded creature, so the words held nothing for it. The tone however it recognized. It was the soft and gentle sounds that Illanuss often used with it, especially when giving food or affection. Needless to say, when the cookie was sat before it, the little gray one relaxed and munched on the cookie. When the woman spoke the last words to it, a head raises with two large bulges on either side. It was saving the sweet tasting treat for later... but that left it in a conundrum for there was still half a cookie left. Never mind the look the mages where exchanging over his fierce display of loyalty. At first the slowly administered drink showed no outward sign of helping Illanuss. Then slowly, as the minutes drug by, her soft whimpers and moans faded away like a distant memory. The threat was still present however since the fever had yet to break. Maybe the medicine took longer one such things. Drargon decided to offer an opinion to the healing woman. "Miss, would it not be better to have her out of the noise and rush of the main Tavern? She has a room in back and I can bring in braziers to keep the room warm through the night."


Moonlight got up off her knees and Nodded to the one that offered the ill woman a better place. Sweetly Moonlight answered back* "Yes, It would be much better for her and truly thank you for I didn't know she had a room. If she is lucky the herbs will start to kick in, in about an hour or so. It's hard to tell right now. But you will see." * Looking back at the woman once more before following Syrus through the many people and tables to the door. Pulling her hood back over her head and tightening the robe around her body she headed out, but not before looking over her shoulder one last time to see that the ill woman still had the cool rag on her head. Should she worry? Would someone take care of her? She hoped so for she couldn't stay all night and really had to get her own sleepy children in bed.