[Lyceum] Holy Smoke! (Nashira)

[Syllke Skyglow]

Fall 15, 511 A.V. He had thought that he had heard someone in the large, square room that made up the main teaching area of the Lyceum. Coming out from the hall that led to his own room as the resident caretaker and interim registrar for the establishment, Syllke looked about. The door was open. Then where was . . . His jaw dropped a bit. There certainly was someone here. Standing over to his right, looking at a portrait on the wall, slightly in the shadowy nook where the late afternoon sun did not penetrate as much, was . . . someone. Or something. Dark red hair was one of the first things he noted. But his eyes quickly went to the golden horns that even in the dim light shimmered softly with some illumination of their own. She – for he assumed the creature was female based on her garb and her . . . curves . . . was exceedingly tall – a bit taller than himself, he guessed, and stockier, though still slender – like a tall willow. Her skin was astounding – pinkish, with a metallic sheen – and when she turned at the sound of his entrance, her eyes were like tawny pools of gold. He could barely speak. The horns, he recognized, with a bit of a funny sensation in his stomach. He hadn’t really realized the Ethafael came in female form as well. Interesting . . . Trying to coordinate his mouth and his brain and his feet, Syllke moved forwards, smiling, already feeling the imaginary jade under his fingers as he carved this fantastical being. At least he hoped she would allow him to do that. “Hello! My name is Syllke. Can I help you with something?” His own eyes were flashing crimson, a sure sign that he was deeply moved – and excited.

[Nashira]

Nashira stood silently, staring at a large portrait upon the wall. It was done in what appeared to be several coats of oil paint. The painting depicted a middle-aged man wearing a simple black tunic. The fabric seemed to bunch around his portly chest, lifting a little around his hairy belly-button, just above which his folded hands rested. His eyes, a deep blue, seemed to follow anyone who walked about the square room. His skin, a peachy shade, seemed far more red about his cheeks and his lips, which were surprisingly pale. Perhaps, however, that had more to do with them being a thin wispy line than anything else. His nose, which hung just above the bridge that connected it to his upper lip, was rather large and bulbous. It seemed to protrude like a mountain in the middle of a plain, taking up the entirety of the central portion of the man's face. Altogether, his features seemed jumbled and uneven, set into a face that was far to round. A face that had yet to lose all of its baby fat. Being that it was framed only occasionally by a grouping of wavy, salt and pepper hair, and the paint that lined the edges of his flesh was clumped together, the man appeared all the more rotund. Altogether, the painting gave Nashira the impression that his skin was uneven and even, somewhat sickly; that in life, this man was not much to look at. In fact, perhaps it would have been best to divert one's gaze from the sight of him altogether. At the sound of footsteps across the floor, inching closer and closer to her by the minute, Nashira turned to face whoever it was that was approaching her. She didn't turn her body in its entirety, but chose to instead, turn it slightly from the waist up, and glance over her shoulder, allowing her long red hair to cascade down the side of her body, and her back, as her amber-colored eyes settled on the man's irises. She was surprised to find them to be a shade similar to her hair, perhaps a little brighter. Much as she was surprised to find him only marginally shorter than she, considering the fact that he seemed hardly older than a boy, and thus, not yet full grown. She pressed her lips together as she considered him, letting her eyes graze over the entirety of his form as her mind whispered. Perhaps he's a student here. Surely he couldn't be anything else. He looks far too young to have any link to the registrar... he's more than likely young enough to be your child. Nashira's eyes sparkled as she caught sight of his lips, still slightly parted, as though in awe. She was surprised then, not to see his eyes stretching open as far as they would go, as though such a thing would make his vision any more true. Nashira laughed softly to her self, as she tilted her chin down ever so slightly, casting her gaze down to the floor just in front of her step, before she looked back up at him again. She was smiling knowingly, bringing a warmth to her features that was merely exasperated by her fiery appearance. He is not used to the sight of one with horns, and sparkling skin, she thought, as she responded to him, her voice soft and silky. "Hello Syllke, my name is Nashira." There was a slight pause as she turned to face him head on. "I was hoping to take a few classes here- on astronomy, and perhaps a few magical disciplines as well. Do you know who to talk to about that?" she asked, as she stifled another small giggle. Close your mouth. It's best not to let it hang open, she relayed with the use of her magic. Letting it prod lightly at the edges of the boy's mind. A soft nudge, hardly noticeable. Something she doubt he'd notice; something she doubt would prove effective, considering how she didn't yet know him well enough to know how best to bend him to her will. Nashira's pupils dilated as she simply stared at the boy, waiting. If he proved incapable of helping her, she could always kindly excuse herself and go off in search of someone who could. OOCThe stuff in italics is Nashira using her magic. Also, you need to add a timestamp. Just about any day this season is fine with me.

[Syllke Skyglow]

Syllke’s open mouth snapped shut, as if with a string pulling upwards on his chin. But he smiled still, and at her inquiry, he nodded. “That would be me.” He said happily, more than content to just keep looking at this exotic, beautiful being. “Pleased to meet you, Nashira.” He pronounced the name carefully, as it wasn’t one he had encountered before. “I’m the acting registrar here, as far as that goes.” Looking around, he seemed to consider the modest building of learning. “I’m afraid our offerings are kind of hit or miss, for now. Captain Astrid is actively trying to attract scholars to come to Denval, if even for a short visit. There are many people here anxious to learn what they haven’t had access to for many years.” With something of an apologetic look, he added, “I’m afraid we don’t have any instructors in astronomy at the moment. There was a visiting lecturer from Zeltiva, but he left last month. Which is a pity, as I meant to sit in on a few of his classes. But I never got around to it.” The explanation for that, Syllke failed to add, was that he was too busy running around the environs of the little town and exploring his surroundings, looking for inspiration and adventure. “We do have two masters of Lhavit, fairly expert in geomancy. They are here mostly to help with the building of the road.” The young artist gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I know a small amount of ice reaving – I’m Vantha.” He went so far as to pull the collar of his shirt down a bit, exposing the very top of the blue snowflake mark on his upper chest. “Morwen.” He said simply. “Was there any type of magic craft you were interested in specifically?” Stepping just a bit closer, he spread his hand outwards, in inquiry. “There are those about who do some casual teaching, here and there, as needed or requested.” Tilting his head to the side the slightest bit, he looked at Nashira thoughtfully. Syllke certainly was no expert on Ethafaels, but it could never hurt to ask. “Or – perhaps you yourself might like to share what knowledge you have brought with you? Have you ever considered teaching? The Lyceum is always looking for instructors in just about anything.” And for obvious reasons too.

[Nashira]

"Figures. Luck never does favor some of us, does it?" Nashira asked as she tilted her head slightly to the side, sending several strands of her red hair cascading down the length of her shoulder. The ends tickled her arms, the sections of flesh left exposed. "For the sky is what is of interest. The way Syna's sun shines for us every morning, only to make way for the milky sheen of Leth's moon. The way in which they, together, give us all life. Give us all hope. But let us not, of course, discount Zintila's shining silver stars, for they too, are a marvel in and of themselves, are they not?" She paused for but a moment, giving her words a moment to take root within the Vantha's mind before she went on, "and those are merely the things the gods have lain claim to. There is so much more to the sky- comets, meteors, asteroids, to name a few things. The phenomena that occur because of them, as a whole- the eclipses, the seasons..." The Ethaefal sighed, she was more than likely boring the youth with her little speech. Something she found often occurred with the likes of them. One simply couldn't keep their attention when it came to anything, unless of course, they were bribed with some sort of toy or baked good. Quite the pity it was really, for it kept them from learning anything. Or at least, so it would seem. "Forgive me Syllke, but geomancy does not spark my interest. Nor can the abilities granted by your gnosis be taught to another being who has not been marked by your goddess," Nashira commented, simply, her tone rather neutral. "Morwen, you say... is she the one who watches over your people, much as Syna seems to have taken a liking to half of mine? Or is she one whose favor you acquired in another way? Not after lifetime upon lifetime of service to the goddess, I mean." Nashira raised her right hand and ran it through her long red hair, tearing any knot she came across by ramming her fingers through it. "I've spent a long time in Syna's service, living in her light, basking in it," the Ethaefal explained, not truly in a mood to get into any more detail than that. After all, if the boy were truly interested in such matters, he could always ask another of her kind, or pull out a book and read about it for himself. Nashira's amber-colored eyes seemed to flash with a slight sense of irritation as the boy neared, as he continued to question her. "If you believe that a gnosis can be taught, then surely you know naught of magic," the Ethaefal went on. "Perhaps you should be attending this university for more than what you are taking now," she continued, lacing her words with the message that he should back off. Hoping the gentle prodding would get him to take a step back, away from her, at the very least, if it failed to get Syllke to quit prying. After all, on some level, she did not believe him to be telling the truth. She doubt he was associated with the registrar, he simply seemed, too young and naive to fill the post. "And if I had intended on teaching at this fine establishment, I doubt I'd be asking for lessons. Don't you agree?" she finished, her tone taking on an edge of ice. Now back off, and quit prying. Child. OOCYay for yet another cranky mage... ehh I think it's more embarrassment. Who wants to admit, after all, that they can hypnotize you, and basically, manipulate your mind in the hopes that you will do their bidding? Ruins all the fun, destroys the magic, does it not?

[Syllke Skyglow]

Syllke nodded vigorously, though her words weren’t something that he would necessarily have found so very captivating. He wasn’t overly interested in the path of the celestial bodies – or he hadn’t been until Nashira spoke of them. Perhaps he had just not thought about it in the proper perspective before. Perhaps he had just never stop to realize how fascinating such things could be. Certainly, as she spoke, her voice deep yet melodious, her skin shimmering in the dim light as she moved slightly, the young artist seemed enthralled and could hardly think about anything half as wonderful as what Nashira described so briefly yet so very eloquently. “Of course. The earth seems rather dull compared to such mystical beauty.” He saw that now – he really did, somehow. He kept on staring at the Ethaefal, his eyes shimmering with red and gold. “Morwen . . . Morwen, she . . . “ Syllke had to force himself to think. Who was Morwen again? Oh, right – “Morwen marks most Vantha at birth. It’s not a big deal, really.” He was totally discounting his goddess, the patron, mother and protector of his people, in an offhand tone, his thoughts for some reason consumed by an image of fiery Syna. Why had he never paid the goddess of the day more attention? She was so beautiful, so mesmerizing . . . “Of, of course the ice and cold would be of little interest to one – to one . . . such as yourself.” His voice trailed off, his expression both shy and enraptured as he glanced away from the tall beauty. “You are right,” he added, after an abashed pause. “I know very little of your lady, or the others that share her heavens. I should though.” He sighed gustily. Tapping his fingers lightly on the top of the table nearest him, he looked speculative. “I – I understand. That you wouldn’t want to teach – here.” He looked about at the large, square room with some new sense of distaste, as if in the blink of an eye it had become quite shoddy. Finally, though, he dared turn his gaze back on Nashira, his expression wistful. “I – I don’t suppose, though, that . . . that, you might take on a private pupil – for tutoring?” He pointed at himself. “Like, me?”

[Nashira]

Nashira's right brow rose into a high arch, as she folded her arms over her chest. There was something rather peculiar about this boy. He was not only persistent, but entirely clueless. Two things the Ethaefal knew never mixed well with one another. Not only that, but the way he spoke unnerved her, it was almost as though she had gone back in time. To the day she had first fallen from the sky, into the waters that surrounded Zeltiva. The day in which she had gotten caught in a series of nets, and was hauled onboard a ship. The day she met Caleb... Nashira remembered that day as though it had only just occurred. She recalled it in a way that she didn't recall many of the other days of her past, her life with Caleb... it was as though she were still there now, curled into herself, sitting on the boat's deck as all of the sailors simply stared at her in silence. Their eyes growing wide as they drank her all in- the sight of her hair, her horns, curled like a ram's. The boy was looking at her like that, with a sense of awe, it seemed. Coupled with how he spoke, Nashira got the impression that he liked her. The Ethaefal blushed a little, although it would be difficult to tell with her complexion. It has been far too long since someone has found me attractive, she thought. With the horns and all... and now that someone does find me beautiful, I am finding that I wish they didn't. He is far to young, too naive, to know what he is dealing with, her mind mused as she forced her facial muscles to relax, in the hopes that it wouldn't give her thoughts or feelings away. "It's unlikely your goddess would appreciate such talk," Nashira responded somewhat cooly. "If she feels the need, the desire, to look over you and your people. To mark each one of you, then surely, you mean something to her. Surely your kind holds a special place in her heart." There was a slight pause, "you should do the same. Respect your goddess. Pray to her. Cherish her. She marked you for a reason. Don't give her a reason to regret it," she hissed, her eyes flashing. She could not so much as begin to think of speaking in that way about Syna. Know that you will always have my love and respect, Nashira thought, lady of the sun. That which gives all life, life. "May Syna bathe each of us in her light," Nashira whispered. "Grace us with her golden rays. Let us feel her warmth on our cheeks, on the tips of our fingers. In our toes, as we wiggle them to ward off the cold touch of the incoming fall, of winter." There was a slight pause as Nashira looked down at her feet. "May she guide us. May she teach us. May she save us from the dark." The Ethaefal looked back up, and into Syllke's eyes. "You have much to learn, Vantha, and a vast amount of time to learn it all in." There was a slight pause, "I doubt I am the best teacher for the task. But if you truly wish to learn, I can show you the sky. I can point out what little I know. Explain the ways of the goddess of the sun." She smiled weakly, as she returned her arms to her sides. She was feeling generous today.

[Syllke Skyglow]

If he was making the lovely creature uncomfortable with his direct looks and ridiculous words, Syllke was oblivious. He nodded at her wise advice, though only half taking it in. The tone of her voice as she invoked the blessing of her goddess was mesmerizing. Syllke, who had never been very spiritual, felt moved, despite his pre-occupation with Nashira’s outward appearance. Her quiet acceptance of his request for some instruction was greeted with a sharp intake of the young artist’s breath. “That – that would be most appreciated. I can pay you. I don’t make much here but what I have is yours.” Was there ever such a fool as a young fool smitten with a beautiful set of horns? “I do have a lot to learn – it might take quite a while. But I’m sure you are a wonderful teacher.” If nothing else, she was bound to hold his attention no matter how long the lesson. “When can we start?” He asked, ardent enthusiasm to learn all there was to know about Syna – or Leth – or the stars – whatever she cared to speak about, written in every line of his face and body.

[Nashira]

Nashira raised a single brow once more, curling it into an arch. Perhaps we should have passed on the lessons... the Ethaefal thought, as she noted how the Vantha's eyes seemed to glaze over. It was as though they were lost behind a well of water, which simply magnified her beauty, in the light of his ever-changing, vibrant irises. Simply for the sake of our own sanity... and the cessation of this boy's lust, and heightening level of awe at the sight of shimmering flesh, cascading down the length of a rather tall, and relatively elegant woman... two horns poking outwards from her skull, curling like a ram's... Nashira sighed. As much as she hated it, she couldn't blame Syllke for practically drooling over her. It wasn't as though her kind were particularly common after all. Nor did the people here seem to get out much; to see much. Part of that, was of course, the fault of the city itself. It was still branching out, thus, not many outsiders seemed to know of its presence. Not many were drawn to it, even if they were the scholarly type. After all, they could always find their place within the halls at the University of Zeltiva. "That won't be necessary," Shira replied, as she glanced up at the ceiling. Her eyes looking for any cracks in its make up. Any faults, but found none. When she looked down again, she flashed a weak smile. "Tonight. Once Syna's sun has fallen from the sky, to be replaced by Leth's moon, and Zintila's sparkling silver stars." Nashira paused a moment, "we can meet as soon as the sky's colors have dissipated- the pinks and purples have been replaced by a dark blue... we'll meet in front of the Lyceum. On the front lawn." She paused again. "That should be more than enough time for each of us to get everything we may need together- our packs with some food, and perhaps, something comfortable to lean on." The Ethaefal offered the Vantha a wider, warm smile. It seemed to send her dark red hair into a series of soft crackles. Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the radiance of her goddess. "See you tonight Syllke," she whispered, as she slipped past him. Brushing his left should with her right as she headed out the door, as silently as she could. _________________________________ Nashira was lying on her back, her bag nestled beneath her head as she looked up at the stars. Her dark brown hair cascaded over the side of her belongings, as she laced her fingers together, resting each of her hands on her chest. It was rising and falling slowly, softly, with each of her breaths, sending her hands up and down with it, as she smiled weakly. The silver stars sparkling in the dark expanse of her pupils. Caleb's sword was resting in the grass beside her, on the right. It sunk into the green, much as the Ethaefal's body. Although, the vegetation failed to tickle the sword the way it did Nashira, causing her to shift her weight ever so slightly from time to time, simply to avoid the touch of its shriveling fingers. Everything was beginning to die now, the grass, the leaves in the few trees she could see. They were changing color, from a lush green, to a bright yellow, to a sickened, sad brown. Like her hair. The ends of everything seemed to crunch beneath her. But it would grow worse yet. For this was only the beginning. As Nashira stared at the tops of the trees, and the sparkling silver stars in the sky, she grew more and more impatient. More and more determined to share the beauty of this divine world with someone else. She missed sharing it with Caleb. Her one and only love... Now where did that boy get too? Shira wondered. OOCI figured we'd use the shroud of night... forgive me if that seems like I got a little too ahead of myself. And why yes... I did just personify the grass.

[Syllke Skyglow]

Syllke swallowed hard, slightly shaken by that lightest of touches as Nashira departed. Or perhaps it was the whisper of her voice – or that smile - or maybe the fact that she had said she would begin imparting her astral enlightenment this very night, which of course meant that in a few short hours he would be in her company again. He couldn’t help but watch her go, she was as entrancing from behind as she was from the front. But an odd sensation gripped him the moment that she passed from his sight. It was as if a hand had been clutching him – about the heart and the mind – and had suddenly let go. He felt – relieved, somehow, that she was gone. Yet in the next breath he felt equally as bereft, as if he was chilled inside. Shaking his head a bit, he stared at where she had just gone through the heavy front doors, wondering if he would be happy to see her step back through them. For the life of him, he couldn’t say. For the rest of the afternoon, as he went about his duties at the Lyceum, his mind constantly went back and forth over his encounter with the Ethaefal, though he did not think of her in those terms. He knew that somewhere in his growing up years he had heard tales of such strange, horned creatures, and their legendary beauty. But never – never – had any story related within his hearing done justice to what Nashira embodied. She was like a goddess. Horns – the word itself made him think of the white sheep that lived on the craggy hillside, with great muddy brown, chipped, rough instruments of battle poking from the sides of their wooly heads. Nashira’s adornments, on the other hand, reminded him of certain sea shells that he had seen down on the pier. Though as rough and ugly on the outside as the rams’ horns, when turned over the softly luminous opalescence gleamed in a myriad of colors. Mother of pearl, the fishermen called it – and it was rare indeed. Just as Syllke was certain that Nashira’s kind must be unique amongst the beings of Mizahar. And the rest of her . . . well, the rest of her was equally as perfectly designed to take a boy’s breath away, and make the blood pound in his veins thinking about her . . . everything. Still yet, at the very edges of the Vantha’s mind, he felt unsettled – in a different way. Something told him that Nashira could be quite . . . dangerous. There was something about her that muddied his thoughts and blurred his perception – or so it seemed. In the end, he dismissed this vague disquiet as just being shy around someone so lovely. As evening approached, he found himself thinking more and more of the moment when he would see her again. At the last minute, it seemed, he was called away for upwards of a half hour – dragged off by a visiting agronomist to come assist with taking measurements of the plants still left in the research plot of the garden. Anxiously, Syllke tried to hurry the doddering fool along. Finally, he was done and sped into the building to collect his things and dashed out the front door, his eyes eagerly casting about. His heart sank into his boots. She wasn’t there! Had the old idiot kept him so long that Nashira had given him up as a lost cause? Or maybe she hadn’t come at all. Perhaps she had never meant to – having just voiced words she did not intend to honor? With her image and her voice in his mind’s eye, Syllke found this possibility hard to believe. If nothing else, Nashira seemed a painfully candid and upfront kind of being. Then his eyes spotted the dark silhouette of a figure recumbent on the lawn and he smiled. But as he took the first step towards . . . whoever it was, he paused and the smile faltered. It wasn’t Nashira – his eyes had adjusted to the low light enough to see that. But then – who was it? Why would some other person – a woman he could see as he stepped closer – be lying here as if . . .as if – she expected something, or someone? Each step brought him closer until he could see that she was indeed a woman – a pretty one from what the evening darkness revealed of her – and one who was a stranger to him. “Excuse me,” he said tentatively. “Can I – can I help you? Are you – waiting for someone?”

[Nashira]

Nashira had closed her eyes, and soon drifted off into sleep; tired of her wait. It did not take long for Nysel's webs to drag her into his realm, a realm where dreams became one's reality. A temporary release from what was; a door into a world of various possibilities. Endless possibilities. In this place between words, between various states- wakefulness and slumber, Caleb was still alive in more than the Ethaefal's heart. His heart still pounded alongside her own, maintaining a passionate rhythm, a solemn song, as he cradled her in his arms. They held Nashira's wrists by his strong, callused, sweaty palms, folding her arms delicately into her chest as he pressed her back into his form. She could feel his chin on her right shoulder, as his face turned into her lightly turned neck. She could feel his hot breath on her skin, causing it to tingle as he pressed his lips lightly into the center of her neck. She could feel his eyes linger on her cheeks, the sight of her caramel-colored skin. She could sense them drinking her in, as her heart fluttered happily, and she struggled to keep her breathing even. Nashira tilted her head back, into Caleb. Resting it on his shoulder as he traced gentle kisses down the line of her neck. She could feel a thin sheen of moisture line his tender lips as he worked on her flesh. She could feel herself trembling slightly, from sheer pleasure as he pulled her more tightly to him. "Caleb..." she purred, as he moved down to her shoulder, and gently rubbed her arms, from wrist to elbow. He didn't stop. He wouldn't stop. Caleb simply kept on going, ignoring how Shira's dark brown hair cascaded down his arm, his back, his chest, tickling his flesh. Ignoring the sound of her whispers; betraying her enjoyment, her pleasure. How much she longed for his touch, and never wanted him to draw away, for this moment to end. "Caleb..." Nashira whispered again as his kisses trailed a little lower. __________________ Nashira's eyes twitched. Her muscles clenched and unclenched. Someone was calling her out of her world. Someone was calling her back into reality. But Nashira didn't want to let go... she wanted to keep her eyes shut, even though the image of him was fading. She wanted to hold on a little longer. It was too late for that though, and reluctantly, Nashira opened her eyes, slowly. She blinked several times, allowing them to adjust to the darkness of the night, the fact that they were now being called back to work. She took several deep breaths, before easing herself up into a sitting position. She lifted her legs at the knee, bringing them somewhat closer to her chest, as she raised her right hand and ran it through her hair several times. Before stopping it in the middle and shaking her lockes out, in the hopes that if anything had gotten caught in it whilst she was sleeping, it was now gone. Nashira's eyes had settled on Syllke's own, by the time she finally pulled her hand out of her hair, and set it on her knee. She recognized him from before, although he didn't seem to. She smiled weakly, up at him, a part of her happy he had finally decided to show up, another portion of her somewhat annoyed that he had woken her out of such a wonderful dream. "Don't recognize me now that the sun has set? Now that I have reverted to what I once was?" Nashira asked, her tone rather neutral. Her smile widening, as her green eyes reflected the light of the stars. The Ethaefal fell silent for several moments, waiting for the Vantha to put all the pieces of the puzzle together as she rose steadily to her feet. She then bent to pick up her bag, and toss it over her shoulder. "Don't you remember, Syllke, that when an Ethaefal's patron god or goddess sinks from their high place in the sky, their children become something else? They return to the state of one of their past lives. The most recent one that corresponds with their Ethaefalen gender?" The Ethaefal waited another moment. "Or have you encountered so few of us, that this is the first you have heard of such an occurrence?" she inquired, before raising her right hand to her bag's strap. She tugged it downwards, pulling her bag to a loftier place upon her back. "In which case, it's probably best that we're going on this little expedition. For you have much to learn." Her smile widened a little, before she took a few steps forward, and past him. "Come, surely there is a darker place to watch the sky from. Somewhere where we could really see Zintila's beautiful, sparkling silver stars." OOCUm... if you want, you could have heard the second "Caleb" Shira whispered in her dream. Also... I figured it would have been ok for her to have dozed off a bit... partially because of the wait, partially because it seems unlikely your pc would have been able to tell in the dark.