Completed Trial by Fire (Crypt)

[Sybel]

“Not quite a merchant, Sybel, for your goods are missing.” He had a keen eye for the truth. She made a tragic face. “You noticed that, did you?” She swept one long arm over the pack of her horse, indicating it’s regrettably light load. “I am no ordinary merchant, but a treasure hunter at that. I plan on locating my goods rather than importing them.” Crypt’s mind was more acute than she’d initially realized. Then again, she kept misjudging him. He was almost mercurial in the way his tone would shift. “You are... Welcome to join me for the night, Sybel.” The way he hesitated made her somewhat unnerved. He was very accommodating, very charming – almost too much so. There was her natural suspicion interjecting itself. Seeing as it had kept her alive up until that point, she’d humor it. “The nights of Fall are cold, and a warm fire is better to sit by than a long, lonesome road on which to travel all night. Have a seat, and enjoy the warmth.” Slowly she took her seat, warming her frozen extremities near the dancing embers. It felt quite good, akin to melting. “You’re very poetic…” She observed, keeping her voice even. “Thank you for your hospitality.” For a time they say in silence. Not too long, but long enough for her to catch him lost in thought. He seemed to be concentrating, solving some sort of complex puzzle. The stranger and his motivations were completely unknown, so there was no way to fathom what he was doing. Shrugging it off, she stared resolutely into the flames. “Alvadas...” He responded suddenly, the question somehow pleasing to him. “Curious that you should speak of it. No, it isn't a City of Illusions. That would imply that most of what you see there is false. No, rather, there is not much difference between Reality and Illusion. Alvadas stands at the boundary of these two planes, and anything can happen there. I've thrown a flower into the air once and it blossomed into a new building around me. I've walked streets of diamond, sung with others in a harmony while swimming across a lake of cool lava and even played a few games with some children in a labyrinth with no visible exits. Yet we were able to simply step out of it any time we wanted. Does that answer your question?” His description thrilled her sense of wonder. Almost childlike in her excitement, she leaned into toward him. “It does…” She said happily. “How remarkable.” It was her understated way of being complimentary. “I would so love to see such a place. To reach out and interact with unknown.” Her eyes sparkled and danced with suppressed mirth. “Most especially the lava."

[Crypt]

Crypt grinned. Apparently he was succeeding at unsettling Sybel. It was one of his hobbies nowadays, pretending to be less sane than he was currently; people reacted to it in the most amusing manner - that was the sole reason he enjoyed doing it so much. “Quite so, Sybel. I hope you find what you are looking for, though... Sometimes treasure is not worth the cost in getting to it.” Crypt leant against the tree, idly scraping off a large piece of bark with the fingers of his right hand and started to break it into smaller pieces. Over the sound of breaking bark, Crypt listened to Sybel's words and inwardly chuckled as she continued to display her discomfort, albeit subtly and showing only hints that could be misinterpreted. “Thank you for the compliments, though I am more skilled at telling a story than crafting poems. You may or may not see what I have seen in Alvadas when you visit that lovely city, but you will not be disappointed. That I guarantee. Now tell me, Sybel, of the rolling sand dunes I have only glimpsed from afar; speak to me of the endless deserts that cover Eyktol, and what cities survive and thrive in the heat and dryness.”

[Sybel]

“Quite so, Sybel. I hope you find what you are looking for, though... Sometimes treasure is not worth the cost in getting to it.” Oh yes, he was truly wise. Sybel still didn’t know where to place this man in her brain. Normally an individual would fall into one of several categories within the first hour of their meeting. If you knew how to listen for it, a person would give you the finer points readily. Crypt was being intentionally mysterious, which she found suspect. He picked at the bark of his tree, breaking it up idly between his fingers. Was she so boring? His pointed lack of interest spoke to that end. Sybel continued to warm herself. If this meeting was strictly to be an arrangement of convenience, it suited her fine. The only think that truly plagued her mind was the uncertainty of what it truly meant. When she’d spoke he had chuckled, once more in his indistinct way. It was nagging at her. Sybel was too sure-footed to abide the generality. She made an effort to conceal this, attempting to exude nonchalance. “Thank you for the compliments, though I am more skilled at telling a story than crafting poems. You may or may not see what I have seen in Alvadas when you visit that lovely city, but you will not be disappointed. That I guarantee. Now tell me, Sybel, of the rolling sand dunes I have only glimpsed from afar; speak to me of the endless deserts that cover Eyktol, and what cities survive and thrive in the heat and dryness.” Well that was certainly a whole Yahal of a mouthful. Smirking, she elaborated for him: “They’re dry.” Chuckling at some private joke, she continued. “There isn’t much to see there, unless you’re fond of endless wastelands with no sustenance whatsoever. There are gargantuan sandstorms, nefarious mercenary bands and Hai – the ruined penitentiary.” With mock endearment, she sighed. “But ah, it is home.”

[Crypt]

“Surely there must be more to Eyktol than what you have just said. Ah well, if that's all you're willing to say, that's alright.” Crypt shrugged his shoulders. “Others will tell me more, whether better or worse. Still, I am curious... How did you, or what made you choose this path as a treasure hunter?” Crypt threw away the pieces of bark once he had finished with them. He wasn't quite bored; he just wanted something to occupy his hands with. Sybel had been an interesting person to meet and have a conversation with, and so far he was not regretting the decision. Maras lay down beside him, obviously preparing to sleep. Crypt idly scratched him behind the ears, humming softly and soothingly to lull his Strider to sleep, while waiting for Sybel to reply. It had been a long day of traveling, and though Crypt had not been riding Maras, they had kept to a exhausting pace throughout most of the day. “Well, Sybel, do you have any family left? Or is that topic too... sore to speak of?”

[Sybel]

“Surely there must be more to Eyktol than what you have just said. Ah well, if that's all you're willing to say, that's alright.” He seemed disappointed in her answer, but it was an honest portrayal of her feelings. Her distaste for the desert had driven her forth into the world, and was strong a factor in her lifestyle choice. Sure, there was more to it… But she realized her inability to see portray it objectively, so there was little point. Crypt seemed to be on the same wavelength. “Others will tell me more, whether better or worse. Still, I am curious... How did you, or what made you choose this path as a treasure hunter?” Always the same questions. It was the accepted line of thought – your name, purpose, origin and profession. “I have a wandering spirit and an inexplicable wellspring of ambition.” That was the easy answer. It wouldn’t be fair to cop out of every question. Wrinkling her brow, she tried for a bit more detail. “Let me see. I have no immediate living family, no real ties anywhere. I enjoy being a vagabond, so why not make money at it? My Father was a merchant and therein lies my skill set. Might as well put it to good use.” When said aloud, it really seemed more incidental and less calculated than it was in reality. “I want to know everything there is to know. Not for the sake of knowing, but to truly understand.” That was her mission statement. “I live to experience, without fear or regret.” His bond with his steed was endearing. It was unexpected to see such tenderness from Crypt, but not unwelcome. Eplah wandered not too far off from where they sat, and Sybel smiled at her long-time companion. They shared their affection for horses it seemed. That was one of the dominating features of Drykas, and why she had spent such a long time among them. “Well, Sybel, do you have any family left? Or is that topic too... sore to speak of?” “Well, as I said no one immediate, but I do have extended family ties. Unfortunately.” She said this with a small laugh. “My extended family is numerous and overbearing. They can’t seem to contain their feelings on the way I’ve chosen to live my life.”

[Crypt]

“I understand perfectly. Traveling this world has always held this special allure for me, maybe just as it has for you. You and I... have similar goals. We both seek knowledge, but as for the purpose, therein lies the difference. I seek to master myself entirely in this life of mine, such that my body will do anything I wish. And even I am not content with that, I want to be able to become whoever or whatever I want be, and magic will aid me. Still, knowledge is fascinating to have, and I cannot deny that fact.” Crypt smiled genuinely as he watched the interaction between Sybel and her companion. If there was only one thing the Drykas understood, it was the bond between a horseman and his or her horse. Crypt could clearly observe it. Crypt's visage changed ever so slightly, showing a hint of anger, and his handsome features were twisted into something less handsome. “Bah. We all have the power to change our lives, live them as we choose to, and they do not recognise that and respect your decision? 'Tis your life, not theirs, and they would do well to remember that fact.”

[Sybel]

“I understand perfectly. Traveling this world has always held this special allure for me, maybe just as it has for you. You and I... have similar goals.” Sybel’s smile grew, untainted by her previous statements. “It seems so…” She concurred. “We both seek knowledge, but as for the purpose, therein lies the difference. I seek to master myself entirely in this life of mine, such that my body will do anything I wish. And even I am not content with that, I want to be able to become whoever or whatever I want be, and magic will aid me. Still, knowledge is fascinating to have, and I cannot deny that fact.” His mention of magic piqued her interest. “Magic?” She echoed, raising an eyebrow. “That’s a field I’ve yet to explore.” Her curiosity was flowing freely. “Tell me about your experiences with such a thing. What is it like to harness djed?” As she spoke of her family, his countenance darkened considerably. “Bah. We all have the power to change our lives, live them as we choose to, and they do not recognise that and respect your decision? 'Tis your life, not theirs, and they would do well to remember that fact.” Bemused, she laughed lightly. “My sentiments exactly. The Benshira are a very family-oriented society, with a very traditional view of women. I was once betrothed, even. As you can see, it didn’t work out.” Her eyes grew distant, engaged in some hazy memory. As they sat by the merry fire, Sybel grew more comfortable. After a bit of easy talk, she knew Crypt well enough to assess he wouldn’t try and kill her right then. It remained to be seen if he would barge into her tent as she slept, but something told her he’d mind his manners. Many had tried with her and none succeeded. What kept you alive in the Wilderness was sleeping lightly, a specialty of hers. There was no need to threaten him or anything. “So, how about you? Have you anyone to return home to?”

[Crypt]

“Harnessing Djed...” Crypt pondered her question for a moment before replying. “I feel free everytime I use it. The rush of power, of Djed, through my body, though still meagre for me, is intoxicating, and I have to be careful not to overdo it, or I risk injuries or even death. It may be different from other mages. They would consider me insignificant, for I am an amateur at magic. But someday... I will achieve my goals, and return home for good. Or I could continue traveling the world, helping others in need. I'd like to do that.” Crypt listened with some amusement. The views of the typical Benshira, it seemed, were petching stupid. “The Drykas have it better than you, though we are bound to obey the word of our Ankal, the head of our pavilion. We more or less consider women equal to men, as they occupy an equally important part in our life in Endrykas. Still, I'm much more luckier than you in that respect. I have a loving family and relatives, still patiently, albeit eagerly, waiting for me to bring back news from outside, regale them with tales of my adventures and whatnot. I have a Konti cousin living in Mura - I don't know if she's still there, for I met her two seasons ago, but you may meet her somewhere in there.”

[Sybel]

“Harnessing Djed...” He explained. “I feel free everytime I use it. The rush of power, of Djed, through my body, though still meagre for me, is intoxicating, and I have to be careful not to overdo it, or I risk injuries or even death. It may be different from other mages. They would consider me insignificant, for I am an amateur at magic. But someday... I will achieve my goals, and return home for good. Or I could continue traveling the world, helping others in need. I'd like to do that.” Her face was rapt as he spoke, trying to channel the feelings described. That same feeling of exhilaration thrilled through her veins when she would ride, fight and drink. Perhaps magic could be another item to add to the list. Sybel lived to experience, after all. If it were truly that fulfilling, then she would have to try it. It was impulsive, but before she could censor herself she asked: “Could you teach someone?” For a moment afterward, she considered withdrawing her query. But it had already come out, and if he considered her rude then she’d deal with the consequences. Life was filled with repercussions, many of which she’d already encountered. His amusement reflected her own. “The Drykas have it better than you, though we are bound to obey the word of our Ankal, the head of our pavilion. We more or less consider women equal to men, as they occupy an equally important part in our life in Endrykas. Still, I'm much more luckier than you in that respect. I have a loving family and relatives, still patiently, albeit eagerly, waiting for me to bring back news from outside, regale them with tales of my adventures and whatnot. I have a Konti cousin living in Mura - I don't know if she's still there, for I met her two seasons ago, but you may meet her somewhere in there.” As he spoke she nodded along, having some background with his heritage. “Oh I enjoyed my stay in Endrykas very much… In fact, it was difficult to leave. There were some suitors who asked me to stick around, but in the end the idea drove me off. I have a flighty nature.” It was a fond memory. Drykas men were certainly strong enough for her taste, but had too much fire in their blood. They tended to act rashly in certain delicate scenarios – like declarations of love. It had been more than once that one had swore to protect her until the end of days. Promises she had found held as much weight as the breath with which they were said. “It’s nice to hear that you have a family though. Unconditional love is a very rare thing I’ve found.” She said conversationally. “Families are lovely in certain areas of the world.” Dreamily she sighed. Sybel lived vicariously though others. “Tell me of your cousin, so if I meet her I might say hello.” She was taking to this stranger.

[Crypt]

Crypt shook his head slowly. “I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I can't. I am not experienced enough in any aspect of Magic to teach anyone magic. I'm afraid that you'll have to look elsewhere for a teacher. The University of Zeltiva, my uncle used to say, have a few of the best teachers for magic, though they tend to concentrate more on the theory, rather than practical uses.” Crypt leant against Maras' warm body, heaving a sigh. The stallion appeared to be asleep already. Sybel's next words filled him with amusement, and he chuckled again before replying. “Well, never let it be said that we Drykas men are meek and quiet. Quite a few of us take more than one wife, the Ankals more often than not. If you had stayed in Endrykas long enough, you would have found out that we migrate around the entire region of Cyphrus. We are on the move more often that you'd expect. Anyway, my cousin Kyarni has some of that fiery blood in her veins. Unlike traditional, stiff-necked Konti, she travels quite a distance from Mura on a horse, she doesn't want to just stay in Mura. You'll find that though she's quite silent at times, she will surprise you.”