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 Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 12:48 am
 MISSION
Maiya Enslin, Grimm of the HatchetFellowship Entry Status - Augur
WHERE: Thorn, the Northern Fellowship-Council hub in Auvinus
WHEN: Late evening upon arrival, spanning the course of a few days
WEATHER: Uncomfortably warm, the sort of weather bugs love
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 10:32 am
When Miss Arcana Selwyn, a Seer in the Fellowship and ranking representative of the faction within the Thorn headquarters, received a letter directly from the Grand Magus, she reeled in disbelief. From that moment, she ran through the halls and announced this very important encounter, that they all had an important part to play and they must prepare. While those closely aligned with the Fellowship were a twitter, it was business as usual for the scientists and Professor Nicolas Bradshawe. If ever they passed one another in the halls, he would pat her fretting shoulders and offer to make tea but beyond that he kept to his work.
The exterior of the structure was built like a smaller versions of the castles so familiar to the North. Twin banners and flags were raised, elegant purple and gold alongside a deep green to signify the Council. Built up from limestone, the North Auvinian branch stood separate from most of the city, a clear beacon of magical and scientific learning. Within the structure were neatly arranged halls, floors of polished stone covered in long rugs which matched the mage tapestries. Torches hung along the walls, evenly spaced, while chandeliers hung down in rooms with taller ceilings. Interior decoration of the facility took many major cues from the Fellowship but it was not without the Council's neat and methodical nuances. It had most everything; a large kitchen, a dining hall, several wash rooms and indoor privies, a number of personal and grouped sleeping quarters, a self contained library and one great hall suited specifically toward magical practice. True to form, the majority of science-related rooms and personal laboratories were held in the lower levels, standing on their own, far from casual living. This place housed all kinds, from the council mages to the numerous affiliated with the fellowship whom had no magic of their own or were yet to learn.
In anticipation of their guest's arrival, the Seer Selwyn had all of the building, save for the catacombs, organized over the next few days. This envoy from the Grand Magus would be the first to grace them since she had been appointed head. She needed everything to be s**c and span for their arrival. A room was set aside specifically for her, with fresh sheets and plenty of storage space if needed.
Arcana had to admit that the request was a bit strange. Not only had the Grand Magus requested this person, a Maiya Enslin, be given room and board, but that she be watched carefully and dutifully questioned. All responses and behaviors were to be documented, then sent to the Grand Magus for review. Much to her discomfort, there was also mention that this person was one of the haunted. Precautions for others in the facility were made, but she could not ignore her duties despite any misgivings about the disease. In fact, there were many tiny bodies that scurried about the place like mice with no one to call their keeper, slipping through cracks in the stone.
With all their preparations complete in a few days from when their letter was received, things became strangely anxious when there was no word from their visitor. Days passed, then nearly a week. Arcana had half a mind to send a letter to the Grand Magus telling her the expected had not arrived. Over the course of the next few days, one such letter had indeed been drafted, but she sat on her hands and tried to be patient. As they waited, things returned to business as usual, except for the Seer. There she was, standing by the large front doors yet again this evening, waiting for a knock. What would happen if their visitor perished on the way?
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 11:28 am
Thorn was actually a city Maiya had never visited, never really heard of. To her understand, it was a bit of a mesh, a place where the alliance of Scientists and Mages was more clear. That was, of course, based on what she had gathered from people on her way there. Not everyone was willing to talk to her, to preoccupied with their travels and daily lives. Maiya figured that no matter how she looked or spoke, they would have all reacted the same, Recently, everyone; cultist, mage, citizen, what have you, was just too antsy for their own good. They didn't want to outright associate with the rest of the world, at least not without a lot of secrecy and questions involved, first. It dawned upon the poor Auvinian that her mission actually hadn't even begun yet, despite the difficulties that had already been thrust upon her. As that large structure wielding both signs of the Fellowship and Council, fingertips gently thumbed the preserved black feather, and then, ran up and down along the once undamaged silk, now frayed and covered in a thin layer of light brown dust.
As the distance between the hopeful initiate and the somewhat out of place castle closed, Maiya found herself in awe. It was rare to see something like this in Auvinus. While heading North, she had chanced upon similar structures, this was the most impressive. Was this really where she would go to receive assistance? Could this really be the next step? For just a short time, Maiya faltered, unable to shake the feeling that this looked more like a prison than a headquarters for Mages. This.. this wasn't even the main one, either! What if the one in the North was even bigger?
Maiya couldn't help but shake her head, dark bangs swaying across her brow. No, she was being ridiculous. After days of practically digging in dirt to get this far, she wasn't about to be swayed by just how intimidated the building was. In a way, it was impressive, and that deserved a bit of respect. Stalling no longer, Maiya removed the feather from her ring, laying it in her ribbon-wrapped hand and once more continuing her walk forward. Just the amount of confusion she had caused, or rather, the Grand Magus' had caused, were quite unknown at the time. Though she would certainly soon find herself in the middle of it.
The castle's interior was no less a mix of intimidating and impressive. People shuffled by, rarely passing her a second look as they discussed scientific formulas and gossiped about recent events. There were things Maiya had never even seen! She gaped at a dangling chandelier, tip-toeing around it carefully, as if expecting the glistening class and metal to come crashing down upon her head the moment she stepped beneath it. The woman she was to meet, this, "Arcana" - she had to be the leader of this massive castle. So, how difficult to find could she be?
As it turned out, more difficult than Maiya had anticipated. The halls were winding, too symmetrical for Maiya. Eventually, the copper-toned Auvinian just stopped. She wasn't too far in, even if she must have been a few days late.
"Hello? Miss Arcana?"
Maiya called, her voice echoing against the limestone walls that surrounded her. For some reason, the castle felt more empty than before.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:11 pm
In the time she had waited ever-so expectantly, the minutes turned to hours. The Seer paced nervously, practiced small spells with her hands to conjure up tiny, colorful lights, chatted with everyone who passed that she could just to keep herself entertained and pass the time. When it seemed this day was for naught as well, Arcana reluctantly tucked in early and made her way to the kitchens for a meal. In her waiting, she had missed lunch and it was yet another hour before dinner.
Of course, it would be that the one day she decided to cease waiting by the front doors for their guest that she would sneak inside. An Augur spotted Maiya far down the hall, instantly recognizing her as a foreigner to their building. The young man rushed to the kitchens and practically slid down the hall, calling for the Seer.
"Lady Selwyn! Lady Selwyn, a visitor's arrived. She's calling for you!"
The wooden bowl dropped out of her hands, thankfully empty, and the woman dashed on the move without a moment's hesitation. She hadn't think to ask if he had approached her and told her to wait, they had no time to waste. In the time it took for Arcana to be located herself, one of the scientists had located Miss Enslin and was speaking to her. Arcana slowed her pace far down the hall, giving herself time to tuck her hair back into place and adjust her ruffled robes, renewing her professional air as she walked down the carpeted hall with a far more elegant stride than she had displayed just a few moments ago.
Professor Bradshawe, a tall and older gent with short cropped hair and greying sides adjusted his glasses as he stood beside the dark skinned girl. "You're looking for Miss Arcana Selwyn?" he asked, voice calm. The man's gaze lifted as he heard muffled footsteps against the nearby rug and a muted smile spread across his stubbled face, "Look no further, then."
"A thousand apologies for the delay," Arcana asked, one hand reaching up to keep her long braid in place over her shoulder as she bowed to both man and girl, "And thank you, Professor, for pointing her my way. Miss, you are... Maiya Enslin, are you not?" The pronunciation of her name was a bit off, no doubt, more so with a Mishkan accent such as her own.
Holding a book at his hip closely, the professor bowed his head to the Fellowship Head, then turned and did the same for Maiya. "I'll leave you to your business, then. Pleasure making your acquaintance," and with that the man departed down the hall, heading for the catacombs and his own personal laboratory.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:38 pm
Maiya certainly had a tendency to wander, even if she was frequent wander in the wrong way. She was hardly the type to sit and wait for a reception. Luckily, she had not gone too far on all alone. While the mages and scientists would tolerate her wandering so close to the castles' entrance, there was little doubt that she'd raise some eyebrows were she to have gone much further. Around her, the people she did see were so different. Robes, glasses, books and the like. Even if her skin had been paler, as if she'd been just as much the studious bookworm as any of them, her manner of dress still would have given Maiya away as an outsider. Arcana was, well, Maiya was certain it had been a woman's name. So the man before her wasn't the person she sought. Yet, he seemed familiar with the name Maiya had called it. What a relief that was! So much so that Maiya offered a hasty nod, dark pigtails bobbing with each movement of her head.
When a feminine voice reached her ears, the Auvinian tribal turned on her heels, the steel of her boots grating against the hard floor beneath. This time, she found herself staring at a woman, and she could sense it immediately. All mages had a certain affinity for detecting other mages, at the very least at face value. As Maiya understood it, it concerned their connection with magic and the aether. No such "sense," had come to Maiya with the older gentleman. So, it was true - a place where science and magic coexisted. It was truly amazing.
"Yes, Maiya Enslin - I came with, oh, these!"
As politely, or rather, as nonchalantly as a girl such as Maiya could manage, the darker-skinned woman corrected whatever minor mispronunciation she may have displayed by repeating the name herself. Though immediately, she raised her fist, unfurling fingers once tightly balled into a fist to reveal the dusty ribbons, as well as the feather that had lead her to them. There was no doubt in the Auvinian's mind that this feather belonged to the crow, and despite being rather late on her arrival, Maiya had at least provided the first requirement asked of her by the Grand Magus.
Giving a passing nod to the older scientist as he began towards his own laboratory, Maiya's charcoal gaze once again settled upon Arcana. Now then, what else had the letter mentioned? Right, something about questions - both for her to ask and receive. The requirements of the mission she'd been given were still a bit of a blur in her mind. It had been vague in it's description to "deal with the House," and obtain some unknown artifact.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 4:26 pm
Arcana took care to memorize the correct pronunciation, offering the girl a knowing smile in return. Their visitor's exuberant reveal of the items so necessary to the Grand Magus' request caused the Seer to lose her breath in one swift sigh. She smiled and brought a hand to her brow, upon which was drawn the Fellowship's symbol in red. She smiled, long tan and green sleeves trailing over her arms as she folded them, and nodded at the two items in question.
"Yes, of course. We were told of your arrival ahead of time. I was going to ask about those, in fact," hesitantly, the woman took a few steps closer and examined the things in her hands. In the Grand Magus' letter, there was mention of their guest either bringing a ribbon, feather, or a black ribbon. There was no letter in Miss Enslin's hands, but the other two items fit the description perfectly despite being a bit scuffed and dirty. There was a distinct sense that something was wrong with them somehow, but she had no doubt that these were the ones their leader expected. "Now that you're here, you're free to do with those as you please. We've already prepared your room so you can rest. Supper will be in a bit less than an hour. In the mean time, why don't I show you to your quarters?"
Another bow of the woman's braided head revealed a thin scar down one eye as her bangs parted, the right being a distinct and pale blue compared to her brown left. With a wave of her hand for Maiya to follow, the Seer began her way down the hall, flowing robes and skirt trailing after her. The pair passed through a few large halls before reaching a wide and circular stone stairway tucked in the corner. Upon ascending, they reached a much less empty feeling series of halls with dozens of wooden doors closed. Sounds crept through anyhow, of hushed conversation and raucous laughter. As they turned a corner, Arcana gestured with a hand toward a larger door than most. "Through there you'll find our wash rooms where you can tidy up if you like. Journeying as you are, I would imagine it has been a while since you've last relaxed." Further down and past another corner, they reached a door at the far end which she opened and waved a hand for Maiya to enter.
The room inside was wide, complete with a double sized bed, its own table and seating arrangement, a wardrobe and bookshelf, but most importantly a fireplace which was currently unlit but had fresh wood placed inside and an arrangement of necessities lined upon its mantel. "This is where you'll be staying until your mission is complete. I would suggest sitting a spell before supper. But, oh, I was asked to see if you need anything. Anything at all? Extra blankets, food requests, some water perhaps? Anything you might be unsure of?" The letter in itself was vague on what precisely to look for but Arcana had a good enough idea of what the Grand Magus was afraid of. If there were any lapses of trustworthiness, sanity, or traces of a darker religion in this girl's grasp, then she would surely alert Lady Estratus. She was already on edge from the presence of the feather and ribbon, knowing all too well what they represented even if she was not a Grimm herself.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 6:10 pm
The news that she could do with the aforementioned items as she wished was the welcome sort. Weeks ago, when she had first received that letter, Maiya had discarded it on a rather sour note. Yet, staring now into her palm, with the amount of time she had wasted in possessing them once again, there was a moment of hesitation. Discarding them would be easy, and it should have felt more welcoming than it did. This ribbon... whoever had been able to track her as a Grimm, and sent that strange message, had certainly been in contact with it. That thought alone was enough to shake her doubts, and Maiya unraveled it from her hand, tucking it away in her belt so that she could dispose of it later.
"A room? I won't be doing the mission now?"
Maiya had conveniently forgot the bit of information that had delivered news of the Grand Magus' hospitality - a place to board while scheming and carrying out her mission. Now, Maiya may have been naive to how much of the world worked, but she was not quite so naive to human nature. There was undoubtedly a second reason to offer her a bed in their fortress. They wanted to keep an eye on her. Even after feeling confident enough to send a response, there remained an air of mistrust between the Fellowship and the young Enslin.
There was nothing that could very well be done to help it just yet, she supposed, relenting and following after the robed woman. Her appearance was.. curious. Well, the appearance of all outside folk was curious; but her eyes drew a certain attention, something that said she was just a bit more of an oddity than most. As they went, Maiya continued to cast an uneasy look towards those dangling, ornate fixtures above her head. Deeper within, Maiya found that the one seemingly wide halls were far more alive. The chatter of mages and scientists alike melded into a song whose words were unrecognizable. Yet, she was left with a restless stirring in her gut. Was she truly meant to relax? Maiya had been so anxious; she didn't want to know about what time supper was, or if she could request spare toiletries. Halted just outside the oversized room that had been offered to her, the Southerner stubbornly shook her head, perhaps with just a bit too much strength.
"I don't have time to sleep! I, the letter, it said to recover something. But, am I meant to kill these men, of the House?"
There were more questions she had! In a way, Maiya was positively confused why this woman, Arcana, had offered her such mundane ones. Where was she to find these cultists, or at least the ones who had stolen and now held this artifact? Perhaps, if they had summoned her to and wished for her to remain there, in Thorn, it had to be close by.
"I won't need such a room - only what I need to find this artifact."
To be honest, such a large dwelling was a bit intimidating. It was too big, yet somehow felt spacious and empty. Several people could live in such a space, yet they'd reserved it for just one? She'd yet to even stay at a tavern, and this was all a bit of a cultural overload. At home, each abode was well-built, but small. People learned to live in spaces that were accommodating, but that was the usual limit.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 8:03 pm
Maiya's question surprised Arcana, but the woman did not let it distract her. Both of them had duties to fulfill and, while they were intertwined, their responsibilities were extremely different. Her hands clasped gently before her, she idly ran her fingers over one another as she waited for their guest's response, but her nails nearly dug into her skin and her eyes went wide at the girl's sudden volume.
"N-not sleep, of course," Arcana corrected, raising a hand to slowly stroke the long, grey streaked braid dangling limply over her right shoulder. She supposed it was worth it to answer that sort of question, but Arcana could only wonder what sort of reaction its increased vaguery would illicit. "You are to do whatever you feel is necessary to complete your mission. Nothing more." Still, this foreigner was adamant in her resolve. How pushy she was about beginning this mission was either very good or highly suspect. Clearing her throat, Arcana straightened her shoulders and took a stronger stance, not allowing herself to be intimidated by idle suspicions. "The mission does not begin until tomorrow. There is nothing for you to do tonight, save for arrive -- you've already completed that task. You may as well do what you can to relax. Honestly, without rest and a full belly, you'll not be of much use to your own cause."
It wasn't unusual for those seeking asylum, particularly with the Fellowship, to be... desperate. The easiest thing to do in this situation would be to relent, but she couldn't leave this girl to her own devices just yet and Maiya certainly didn't appear eager to have such done either. After a moment's hesitation, Arcana bowed her head and clasped her palms together. "If you are feeling restless, there are other ways to pass the time until supper. Would you follow me, please?" If the Auvinian girl preferred not to be unproductive, then perhaps they could skip right into one of her more important responsibilities.
With a quickened pace, Arcana lead Maiya back through the hall, a few people exiting rooms and offering nods or glances their way as they navigated toward the stairs, same as them. Once back on the ground floor, the Seer directed the hatchet's keeper toward a hall she had not yet traversed. After a few times, they came to a locked door and Arcana fished through her billowing sash to remove a key. Pushing the door open, she offered Maiya first entry. Inside was a medium sized study with dozens of books, a desk and oil lamp, stacks of paper and quills, and a hand carved staff resting comfortably against a book shelf made from birch wood and inlaid with several gold chains, gems and accessories at its head. "This is my study," she explained, closing the door once both of them were suitably inside, "If you recall, another part of the Grand Magus' request was for us to exchange information. If you'll permit me, we can get a start on that before we're called to supper." Hopefully this would be more what Maiya was expecting, though Arcana could safely say she would need a refresher from the Grand Magus' letter to make sure she was asking the right questions.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 9:35 pm
That was one bit of information the response letter had left out. A 24 hour hold on actually beginning the mission. Maiya's expression did little to hide her confusion and subtle impatience, her lips tightening. Eventually, however, her at one point rather brazen attitude softened once again, the tension escaping partially covered shoulders and causing a faint slouch in her posture. If she was told to wait, there was little she could do to change it. It wasn't like Maiya could force them to hurry up and give her the remaining details she needed, or rather, permission, to begin her mission. She didn't have to know why they would delay her. The Fellowship had to know whether or not she was legitimate. It was far easier to act as a spy for but a few hours, as opposed to an entire night, Maiya supposed. Gloved arms instead crossed over her chest, tucking into each other at the hands.
".. Alright, then. I'll wait."
Despite her words of agreement, Maiya certainly didn't look entirely willing to wait. She was a truly impatient girl, or perhaps was just too wound up from her fervent search for the ribbons, and the following relief when she had located them. Well, washing some of the dirt from her sun-kissed skin couldn't hurt, and she had been curious of the food outside her home, prepared in large kitchens with people who had spent their lives learning to do, of all things, to cook for others. Maiya could barely believe it - on that you couldn't survive alone!
Before she knew it, however, Miss Arcana was beckoning her elsewhere to fulfill another requirement of her initiation. Each step was followed by a little too much noise, at least compared to the Seer's nearly silent footfalls. They were again on the move, back to where they had started, it seemed. Although this time, their path altered, headed not to the dorms but to a study. While Maiya had never seen such a collection of books all in one place, although for once, her attention was drawn first to Arcana's words, rather than their shared surroundings. While previously the other mage's questions had been to ensure her comfort, now it seemed there was something of more substance behind her words. They had things to discuss.
Right, information exchange. Maiya couldn't figure entirely what they would want from her, though from the letter's tone, a deal of interest had already been placed in her plagued hatchet. Was it an interview, then? To poke holes in a hypothetical lie, were she a spy for the cultists? Stepping inside while Arcana described her intentions before closing the door behind the two of them, the Auvinian was drawn towards the well decorated book shelf, reaching out to gently draw a finger along the spine of a book as she read it's title.
"That'll be fine, but, I want to ask my own."
Maiya certainly didn't cut corners, which likely made Arcana's dealing with her all the more difficult. So far, she had heard only whispers of what had been going on within the Fellowship as of late. So naturally, she had to know why they were suddenly so suspiciously selective.
"The former Grand Magus was.. assassinated, right? Is that why things are this way? I never expected this would be such a long process."
No, maybe long wasn't the right word. It felt... needlessly complicated. If it weren't for the murder, would her mission have even involved the House at all? The fact that Miss Arcana's answer on how to handle the retrieval had been so cryptic, as if to allude to the fact that there were no qualms with violence, also reinforced this line of thought. Though, for the moment keeping these theories to herself, Maiya instead approached the desk, instead looking for a place to sit.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:40 pm
The robed Seer watched her guest expectantly as she walked toward the book shelf. Arcana kept her eyes glued on Maiya, though was quick to seat herself behind the desk covered in papers and begin straightening the assortment. An empty chair was waiting for Maiya whenever she was ready just across from the woman. When the Auvinian spoke again, her voice was firm but not quite forceful. Arcana offered her a stiff nod in response, gesturing a hand to the seat waiting for her.
"Of course you may ask. We have questions for you but it was to be expected you would have questions for us as well." The woman leaned back, crossed one leg over the other, then rested her hands comfortably in her lap. That question was not one she anticipated the mage-hopeful would start off with, and her brows lifted in mild surprise. "Ah... yes," she began, shifting slightly, "That is one cause of the Fellowship's mistrust and its current state. However, there are many false stories centered around this event. Public statements were issued but details are sparring. The current Grand Magus, Lady Estratus, was one of few who bore witness to the event in person. She would be able to answer your questions more properly in that regard, should this mission go well, but I will tell you what I know..."
Arcana's hands unfolded and she rested them on the edge of her desk, eyes glancing about at the haphazard paper stacks as if they would assist her. "The previous Grand Magus was Lady Benedikta Waldgrave. She was very powerful and very accepting but spoke vehemently against the House of Obscuvos for its extreme behavior and heretical beliefs. However... it seemed that, despite her efforts, the House was able to infiltrate the Fellowship under her rule for many years and slowly set about poisoning it, weakening it." The Seer bit her lip, taking a moment's pause. Acknowledging these truths made her chest tighten. "Early, the previous year, the House took action -- and so did Grand Magus Waldgrave. She infiltrated the queen of Shyregoed's castle with the help of a Plague and this is where details become hard to come by. I only know the result of this encounter, which was Lady Waldgrave's death by Queen Valhalla's blade. I do not know her motives, or those of the queen, but this began the Shyregoedian riots which plagued the North for some time. This was also the catalyst by which they discovered just how far Obscuvos' claws had been dug into the Fellowship's flesh. Grand Magus Estratus is trying to weed out as many Obscuvian loose ends as possible and we're attempting to help her as best we can."
Giving pause, she allowed the information to soak in. It was a lot for anyone to take in, let alone someone not previously aware of the political situation and Miss Maiya Enslin did not seem well versed in such things from looks alone. "Is that a suitable answer for you? Would it be alright if I asked a question next?" Arcana attempted a smile but the weight of the previous topic held it back. "It would be prudent to ask where you are from and if you could tell me a bit about yourself." Discussions concerning the tainted item could wait, as far as she was concerned, but she knew Lady Estratus put great importance on those who were haunted.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:48 pm
They were both seated, and for a moment, the air seemed less tense, normal, even. After all, one look and you could say that they were just two women having a conversation, though you didn't need a keen eye to notice the two were quite different, and there was really nothing mundane like the weather to discuss. However, as Arcana began to explain the situation, Maiya found her fist tensing, fingers curled into her palm. While she had little affiliation with the Fellowship prior to now, hearing this story filled her with, well, something difficult to describe. Was it anger? All Maiya could say was that it left a sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. From what she knew of these Obscuvos worshippers, she had guessed them fanatical creeps, but nothing more. The news that they had spent years infiltrating the fellowship, and then carrying out such a dastardly plot alleviated a bit of Maiya's curiosity. She now felt that she could understand the many loops she had already been made to jump through, and the many more she would be faced with.
Still... how did this religion, the queen, and the murdered grand magus all tie together? How had it all happened, in the end? Maiya's nagging curiosity made her only more eager to gain entrance into the Fellowship in order to meet this Lady Estratus. Despite being aware of the Seer's own desire to question her, before the tanned woman could catch herself, she blurted another question. Maiya did have a tendency to ask the unexpected, even if it was often a little inappropriate.
"Then, what became of Queen Valhalla?"
This much she had to know. Without even realizing it, Maiya found herself on the edge of her seat, one hand's fingers pressing deeply into the material of the chair's arm. Forcing herself into a more relaxed posture, the southerner exhaled deeply, nodding before taking in Arcana's own inquiry. It only now dawned on Maiya that she had actually included very little about herself in her request to join. Perhaps it was time to remedy that, though, where to start?
"Uhm, my family, as you would say, came a long time ago from Dalae. I was born in Auvinus, near the very bottom, er, South. Though I couldn't really name what city I was closest to, I've never actually lived in one. We're a bit difficult to find, but that is preferable."
Maiya found herself biting her lip, as if contemplating what to let slip. While she expected the Fellowship to be more accepting of her practices than it may have been in the days of old, with the concerns over cults, was it really alright to reveal so much about her magic and religious practices? So far, simply describing herself had proved the most difficult part of her joining the Fellowship. Turning her head in order to casually avert her charcoal gaze, Maiya instead eyed the book case once more. What to say, what to say..
"I practice magic, though I do not believe it is, hmm.. conventional?"
She tested the word against her tongue, wondering if it was natural for the language. Maiya had become much better at the native tongue of much of the continent since the beginning of her pilgrimage, but there was the occasional hurdle.
"Oh! Yes, I am on a pilgrimage, away from home to learn. That is why I wish to join your people, to learn, as well."
Maiya seemed almost excited as she snapped her head back to face Arcana. That was an easier subject to discuss, what she wanted to learn.
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Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:15 am
At the interruption, Arcana's lips became taut in the midst of her question. Though her guest was eager, the act was less than appreciated. This girl was certainly out of the loop. It was expected to her for most not to know the machinations of what occurred the previous Spring, even she lacked all of the details and her understanding of the events was minimal at best, but was it possible for someone to be so out of touch with Panymium's politics that they did not know the fate of Shyregoed's queen?
After a moment's hesitation, she cleared her throat. "Why, Queen Valhalla still leads the North. She still sits upon her throne. I cannot speak for all of Shyregoed, nor all of the Fellowship, but I believe Queen Valhalla did what she had to in order to protect herself, her kingdom, and her people. Regardless of who it was that fell to her blade, there was a direct intrusion in her castle. I would personally consider that alone a threat on her life and her rule. However, I would suggest you reserve judgment until such a time as you speak with the Grand Magus." Offering a small smile, Arcana waited, nodded, and then asked her question again.
This time Maiya seemed receptive, though uncertain. She could sympathize, but it would still be something she noted to Lady Estratus. Any hesitance could be misconstrued, a simple pause for thought allowing a spy to fill in the blanks of their personal story with a grand fabrication. The way the Auvinian girl tripped over her words, it was clear either she was uneducated -- which in and of itself was perfectly normal -- or that Panymese was not her native tongue despite being a native to the country. Arcana's fingers itched to write these details down but, for the sake of professionalism and not putting undue pressure on her guest, she refrained and instead kept these observations to memory. She nodded to Maiya's explanation, blue-green eyes keen with interest and a soft smile on her lips.
At least, until the word "conventional". Her brows furrowed in confusion and Arcana lightly chewed her bottom lip. As a Seer, she considered herself well versed in magical theory, specializations, and its fundamentals. With all of her knowledge, she found it quite difficult to imagine a form of magic that was unconventional or strange, save for that of the Plagues whose magic seemed to work in a completely different way than a human's.
These thoughts were cut short by another exuberant exclamation from the Auvinian girl and Arcana leaned back in her seat, brows raised and eyes wide. "A pilgrimage," she repeated. This was something that wasn't mentioned to her and something that likely contained a wealth of knowledge for the Grand Magus in regards to understanding this girl's motives. "I would very much like to discuss your pilgrimage. First, though, I must request at least a small explanation of the magics you practice? How, exactly, would you say they are unconventional?" Just a small sort of teaser on this information would do, anything to give the Grand Magus better means to prepare for this meeting or casting proper judgment. If it was so unconventional that it was impossible and failed to follow the basic functions of magic as understood by the entirety of the Fellowship and even theoretical students at Trisica then it would easily be claimed as an imaginative rouse. This would be an easy means to see through any falsities, considering how young and enthusiastic Maiya appeared.
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Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 6:34 pm
If there was one talent Maiya had, it was getting under the skin of others. Often unintentionally, her clumsy, worldly naivety left her stepping on figurative toes. The Auvinus woman didn't even seem to realize just what little information she had. Her own family had never worked within a hierarchy beyond following the conduct lain out by their elders, so it was no real surprise that she had a difficult enough time getting interested in the politics and leadership of Panymium; at least until now, where she found herself vying for entrance into a faction closely entwined in the country's current affairs. It was so exciting, like a carefully written drama. Maiya's desire to join the Fellowship was added to be the expectation of learning more and becoming involved with it, too.
"Ah.. yes."
This was something that Maiya could agree to, to stay her eagerness and conserve her energy for the mission ahead. Showing her willingness to at least allow Arcana a word in, those final words came more as a utterance to herself than a bold question as before. Though the conversation hardly moved from it's tense tones, as a number of Maiya's statements seemed to elicit the same excitement from Arcana as the older woman's mention of the happenings between the former Grand Magus and Queen Valhalla had from the younger. She had tried to ease into an explanation of her magic, hopeful for a positive reaction. Though Maiya's vagueness had in the end only dampened her cause, and she almost seemed to wince as Arcane requested clarification. Well, it was now or never.. more stalling wouldn't help, even Maiya was not so naive as to miss that.
"Well, that is... if I were to be honest, what is unconventional to you, I'm not sure. I have just always been told that a long time ago, people were not always so welcoming to it."
Yet, it seemed easier to demonstrate than to explain. After all, Maiya could count on more than one hand how many times her poor word choice had resulted in a dangerous misunderstanding. She raised a hand, fingertips just barely grazing the soft material of the material that sheathed her arms before finally coming to rest against one of the carefully tucked away vials. Even as awkward as the air around her was, the uncanny, magical warmth that seemed to emanate from the liquid within came as rather welcoming. Right, she wasn't alone. Her entire pilgrimage she had not been alone. As long as these little pieces of home were with her, she could prove her sincerity.
Maiya wiggled the vial free, before holding it before herself. There were no attempts at hiding it's deeply crimson contents from Arcana, and the woman was certainly sharp enough to deduce what it was. So the Auvinian did not yet utter a word, opening the protective leather material that kept the opening tightly sealed, before pressing one fingertip to the vial's rim. The once static blood seemed to jump to life, moving as a wriggling, watery mass towards Maiya's dark fingertip. It made a small arc, dancing across the smooth surface of her less-than perfect fingernail before continuing to spread down her knuckles, finally stopping after thinly coating three whole fingers.
"That is not the only thing I can do, but, the easiest way to say it is I can.. effect the properties of the blood. I can even make it do as I like."
Maiya did her best to remain calm, though the complexity of her demonstration was left slightly strained by how anxious she was. It wasn't like she frequently displayed her magic for the pleasure of others. Maiya did not halt, however - pulling the vial away, she closed her reddened fingers together, the once stored blood moving back towards her fingertips before beginning to harden. Within a matter of a few short seconds, Maiya had formed a small, compact blade from her fused fingers, extending just short of an inch passed the length of her fingertips. It's texture was almost scaled - slightly imperfect with the wave-like movements of the once fluid blood now frozen into the hardened "blade". Though Maiya did not keep this weapon for long, abruptly pulling her fingers apart, the life fluid returning to it's liquid state as it cracked.
"I have more than just one container, as you can see. So, I do not desire to do things such as... steal blood."
Swallowing as she struggled for the words, out of reluctance to associate herself with such a practice or stereotype rather than out of any difficulty in finding the right words. Maiya continued to idly work her magic, looping the deep colored liquid around her fingertips, occasionally allowing it to take on even a stringy consistency as it moved. Perhaps if her efforts to describe her pilgrimage were quick enough, her magic could call for very little thought or worries.
"The pilgrimage is to learn many, many things. About magic, but about the world, too. The plague is a very scary thing, yes? I was sent to learn of that, as well. I have seen little men, born from it! We had no idea such things existed!"
As Maiya's excitement bubbled, her concentration faltered and the one carefully manipulated blood lost it's lively motions, splashing upwards before dripping down Maiya's palm into her lap. However, the copper-toned girl only seemed slightly phased, looking only towards her wrist with an expression that said she had seen such mishaps many times before.
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:24 pm
Once more, Arcana watched as her guest hesitated. Her words and actions were clumsy and she didn't quite seem to understand just how important this sort of thing was, nor the importance of good first impressions. Arcana wouldn't say Maiya was a suspicious sort yet, but she herself was highly unconventional and that alone could make entry into the Fellowship difficult. All in all, it was impossible to tell what would happen with this girl until her mission began properly.
As Maiya righted herself and began speaking, suddenly choosing her words very carefully, Arcana pulled her chair closer to the desk and held her gaze. Hands placed gently over one another, fingers intertwined, she nodded to the girl's words and silently urged her to continue. If it was something only considered strange a long time ago, as she said, then it could be any number of things that would now be considered normal or even standard. Time often made fools of everyone and opinions changed as swiftly as the winds between generations. When Maiya fell quiet, the mage tilted her head slightly and opened her mouth to speak but quickly silenced herself as the Auvinian began moving her hands, reaching up to her arms and plucked a vial from beneath her cloak. Brows raised with interest, Arcana leaned back to get a fuller view of the scene that was about to unfold.
Dark red sat content within the vial, completely still until one tanned finger dipped inside. Arcana's breath caught in her throat as the liquid was drawn out and a scent of copper lined the air. It swirled around her fingers, snaking and slithering, altering its shape constantly and bending to her will, before coating her fingers. When Maiya spoke once more, Arcana's knuckles were white but she kept her attention split between the girl's eyes and the liquid on her fingers. Her explanation confirmed the mage's suspicions and, at the same time, caused her stomach to clench and roll uncomfortably. A soft sound left her lips when the blade was formed, then a quiet sigh of relief when it changed back. Arcana's olive skin looked pallid amidst the display, an ill feeling settling in her gut at not only the sight and smell of blood so close, but the implications that arose in her thoughts.
Where had she gotten the blood? Who taught her how to do this with it? Was this... necromancy?
Maiya's assurance that she had no intention of stealing blood hardly offered Arcana any comfort. Instead, she lifted a hand to cover her mouth and nose to keep from being assaulted by the blood's scent and make sure nothing unpleasant would escape her lips. Her gaze shifted, first down to the desk and then back to Maiya's face as she explained the purpose of her journey, a much better topic than the blood still wriggling between her fingers. Even the topic shifting towards the plague was welcomed by comparison.
"Y-yes," Arcana mumbled, wincing and giving pause when the blood spilled into Maiya's lap. "The plague is frightening... for many reasons." She swallowed hard, leaning back in her chair to calm herself. Blood was decidedly unpleasant to the woman, no matter who it came from. It made her feel ill and lightheaded, a slight dizziness permeating over her and she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I... M-Miss Enslin, I must tell you -- your magics are still considered highly unconventional. In fact, it might be better to say they're controversial."
Her breath came shakily as she pushed her chair out and stood, careful not to look at the red stain pooling in Maiya's lap and seeping into her white fabric. "You -- you seem well intentioned. I believe you truly do not understand how controversial these things can be. However, what you are utilizing is considered by the Fellowship to be dark magic. It can be extremely dangerous. I cannot say what the Grand Magus will think on the matter, but I do think it may hurt your chances."
Knitting her brows with sympathy, Arcana glanced back to Maiya as she stepped towards the door and held it open. "However, there is still your mission to complete. Please do not lose heart. Why don't we take a moment to clean up, then we can discuss the specifics over a meal. How does that sound?" She dearly hoped the girl would at least take the time to clean up her freshly stained robes or she could ask one of the servants to drop off a change of clothes for her.
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