A Meeting of Two Pulsers [Felicia]

[Annalisa Marin]

4th of Winter, 513 AV

Anna sat cross-legged in her small room in the Sahovan Quarters, her eyes closed to the world and her mind allowed a brief moment of relative lucidity. Meditation was the only practice that could restore and fragments of sanity she possessed effectively, the madness firmly rooted in her mind by this point. Each calming breath served to dispel the oppressive shroud, the price of her magic and of her faith. A shattered mind she was, a mirror of Roknus Maelstrom as she was confident it wouldn't be long before she matched the Mad Master of Reimancy in matters magical.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Clarity was especially difficult now days, especially since her mind was filled with various violent fantasies and Glyphing diagrams to enforce said fantasies. Not only that but her increasing itch really needed scratching, to the point where Anna was considering assaulting Daren himself just to get some satisfaction. She preferred the fairer sex, but he'd do at least until it was time to start murdering him for his affront of altering her memories. Petching little shyke.

Each breath sent more calming waves through her mind, the violent tendencies becoming a dull throb in the background. Anna felt more at peace, more in control, and certainly more calm for this little exercise. It wouldn't last of course, the madness was still there and was ready to creep into the forefront at anytime. The façade of sanity could be kept up of course, at least for now. Her faith in Rhysol was really the only thing holding anything together, the Deceiver wanted his servants to have some subtlety after all.

Anna opened her eyes and slowly stood, stretching up high, small wet pops sounding as her joints received use. The tall woman rolled her shoulders, loosing up her muscles. Her stretching exercises had been lost since arriving on Sahova, something she needed to pick up again if she were being honest. A strong mind required strong body to compliment it, and Anna's tall form was begging for some muscles.

The sorceress was dressed in her good attire today, her tunic over a shirt of chainmail, trousers covering her long legs and leather sandals adorning her feet. She fixed gloves onto her hands as she placed her sword at her side, mostly for the image of being armed. She had no petching idea how to use it yet, something she'd need to fix soon enough.

With a quick last check over Anna stepped confidently out into the hallway, her eyes flicking here and there as the paranoia gripped her. They were probably listening even right now, her unknown stalkers that were more dangerous than Daren. They were always listening, but that was nothing new to be perfectly honest. Let them listen, she'd destroy them all when one day she sat upon the top of the Sahovan political structure. When Amaryllis would bow and call her Mistress, when the councilors would recoil in fear at the mere sight of her, when Rhysol ruled over the Island. It would be a glorious day. She would see it done.

First things first though, best to have trip over the Dungeons and perhaps down into the Caverns. She had some stress she wanted to work out and another round with Maelstrom would be just the thing to top it off. Maybe she'd explore a little, who knew what laid deep in the depths of the Citadel? Horrors from beyond? Forgotten magic? The first part of the day was hers.

Anna strode the halls of the Quarters, an almost carefree expression on her face. She flashed a brilliant smile to those she passed, making certain to look at least a little differential to full Wizards if she saw them. The bronze ring around her right ring finger marked her as Amaryllis' apprentice, a powerful position but still only a mere apprentice. Her grin was especially bright to those without ring, visitors who would likely become apprentices. New pieces in the eternal game of Sahova. The question was which were useful, and which were worthless?

The sorceress noticed a shorter woman walking the halls, moderately dark red hair brushing her lovely shoulders. A gentle rise and fall observed from her chest identified her as a fellow pulser, drawing a very bright smile from Anna. A glance at her hands showed no ring, especially pleasing to Anna She looked tired, perhaps she could use some company from the resident friendly Chaon? Possibly a friend who knew the lay of the land? A fellow pulser in this harsh land of the undead willing to help her out? Perhaps, only one way to find out.

"Hmm... a fellow pulser. Such a pleasant sight to see, those others who come to this place despite the adversity! Might I have the pleasure of your name, my dear?" Anna said.

She made certain to keep her words as articulate as possible, allowing the air of educated refinement to flow from her with practiced ease. The smile she offered was cordial, her expression as friendly and warm as they came. It was a pity she lacked Daren's penchant for Hypnotism, at least for now, it would really come in handy here.

[Felicia Gamora]

There weren't many places on this island that Felicia was allowed to visit yet. This peaked her interests about the other pieces of the citadel, and what secrets were hidden from the outside world within its walls. Stories were the only thing she knew about this place, and some of them were inaccurate campfire stories passed along while her caravan traveled. Enough of them had finally enticed her to seek the island out, finally arriving during winter. There were some odd customs on the island, ones that the young farm girl wasn't quite accustomed to, never really spending much time around the nuit. Living being here were referred to as pulsers, something that was still taking some getting used to. Often times when called by the name, she didn't respond immediately. It was only her fourth day on the island however, and after a while longer, Felicia might finally get used to the new name. It wasn't often that anyone called her by the name she usually carried, but that was mostly because as of now, she was a nobody walking through these halls, and Felicia knew it. Change came with time, but first, the young lady knew she must find others to start setting roots with. No one in the citadel looked familiar to her yet, and she also knew none of their names. Once she had left her quarters, which were another thing she wasn't quite used to yet, Felicia set out for something to do. Not quite sure what would come, Felicia knew that if she wandered long enough, this island would surely present itself with many opportunities for success, but also for death. The inhabitants and structure of the entire building, along with the constant flow of incoming bodies, made abundantly clear the fact that this was not intended as a place for humans, or many other breathing things were meant to live on. Yet there were indeed humans here, and some of them seemed to thrive on their work. That was another thing Felicia wasn't so sure about. For magic, she had easily found herself what was the place to be for magic. The rules for it weren't really limited, unlike some cities, and everyone practiced and studied magic like their life depended on it. Unfortunately, Felicia was sure that this was true for at least some of them, if not all. Though there were magic users everywhere around the few labs she was allowed to be near, Felicia hadn't a clue as to who she should be speaking with to better her summoning. Summoners seemed to be the least abundant in the way of magic users, or at least so it seemed to Fel. She had a rough time in Syliras since the magic itself was banned there. Needless to say, after constant urging to the rest of her caravan, they spent as little time as possible in the giant city of knights. The one thing about the island that stood out to her so far, was the obvious holding of power. Everyone seemed to know their place, and others seemed to know which place they desired. Perhaps Fel didn't know the names of everyone in power yet, she would make a point to know them soon. Friends would also be nice. After all, in a place such as this, where it felt like vies for power weren't uncommon, someone to make sure you aren't getting stabbed in the back constantly would be a useful asset. With those thoughts in her mind, they became the farm girls goals for the day. First she would find a friend to guide her around the citadel, and second, she would find someone to guide her summoning. Hopefully neither would be too difficult. After leaving her quarters, it didn't take long for the red haired girl to find someone who might be a potential ally. A tall woman with long black hair smiled at her while they passed in the halls. Felicia felt as if she were being studied by the quick pass over from the eyes of the woman as they approached each other. Pulser. What an odd way to be addressed. One day she would at least make her name heard on some level so she wouldn't have to keep hearing that word. "Felicia. Friends and family called me Fel, but it seems that my new name is pulser, since it's the only way I've been spoken to with after setting foot on this island." Pausing for a moment, the summoner continued after a short yawn. "I'm a new summoner here, though I haven't much a clue as to where I should be. I know the wizards here have little time for babysitting, but if you don't mind helping me a bit, I would much appreciate a bit of guidance." After the short conversation, Fel almost regretted it. She had said too much without receiving anything in return, not even a name. Being careful with her thoughts would be something that the newcomer would have to become accustomed to. "I don't think I heard your name." She tried to say it as nonchalantly as possible. Really trying to be friendly, she needed a familiar face to visit in times of need. Offending someone was the last thing she needed right now.

[Annalisa Marin]

Oh, today was off to a wonderful start. Amazingly lovely and it was barely past dawn, it could only get better from here really. Just a few sentences in and Anna knew two things about the young woman before her, two key bits of information that would sway the course of this interaction most certainly. One being that she was most certainly fresh to the island, always a useful thing most certainly when on the look out for potential assets. The other, something that very much piqued her interest, was she was a summoner.

Summoning was a magic Anna had practiced most recently beside fellow Apprentice and Animator Pandaemus, a Nuit she regarded as useful and an odd study partner. They hardly trusted each other and their exchange had been purely practical. He disliked her overly arrogant way of carrying herself and she wasn't fond of his subversions to her authority. Yet they had collaborated, even if he wasn't knowledgeable they had succeeded in calling a Memosite and learning its purpose.

Guidance eh? Oh Anna was more than happy to oblige her, being the kind and infinitely generous individual that she was. This Felicia looked like a tempting and very tasty new piece on the board, a summoner in her pocket was something Anna desired. So it was that Anna regarded her question with another smile, amused at her question. No point in lying, being who she the girl would discover her name sooner or later, best to be honest now as loathe as she was to disrespect Rhysol so.

"Felicia. Feeelicia. A pretty name for a pretty girl, my good fortune you are among the living as well. T'would be a pity for such beauty to rot from the curse of the Nuit." Anna said, rolling the girls name around her tongue as though she were tasting it.

The tall woman winked at the girl somewhat suggestively, obviously at least slightly amused by this meeting. Anna was one for first impressions, after all one never got a chance at them again. Besides a bit of flirting never hurt anyone, the verbal arts were skills like any other and they always needed sharpening.

"I, my dear, am Annalisa Marin, Apprentice Wizard to Chief Embalmer Amaryllis. You can call me Anna if you so desire. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Felicia." The sorceress said, offering her hand for a shake.

The gloves were there for both her and anyone touching her, her nature as a Chaon giving her strong urges to curse those she touched. The gloves eliminated the urge through touch, though it could always be activated via vocalization. That was something she had more control over though, much more control over. She didn't want to break this new toy before its uses became apparent after all, that would be stupid.

She gestured widely down the hall, which was the path out of the Quarters and to the Courtyard. Walking and talking were her preferred mode of conversation, stimulation of both body and mind as well viewing the scenery. Anna was most interested in getting to know this girl, and not just for her arcane knowledge but for her potential political worth. Considering her own Wizard Examination was due on the 20th and the Judgment was on the 40th Anna might very well be able to back this girl, the question was of course what could she do for the Sorceress.

"Would you care to walk with me? Its so difficult to find good company among the denizens of the Citadel, most tend to be a little too dead for my tastes. Also, a summoner you say? I've dabbled there myself perhaps I can assist you." Anna said, starting slowly down the hallway.

The hook was there, Anna didn't say how skilled she was or indicate to being a full summoner but just that she dabbled there. That could mean any number of things and was there to serve to draw the young woman in. The Sorceress was in actuality a painfully inept novice as a Summoner, only knowing the bare basics of Astral Coordinates from her research with Pandaemus and the basic form of a circle. Felicia, however, didn't need to know that little detail.

Anna was however very proficient in Reimancy and also in Glyphing, so even outside of Summoning she knew her Djed manipulation. Arcane secrets were always best to tempt eager young would be apprentices. Anna wanted Felicia's own knowledge as well, so perhaps and exchange could be made if the woman played her cards right. No easy task when one was certifiably insane.

[Felicia Gamora]

When she lived in Kenash, Felicia didn't have anyone she really received any kind of affection from, other than her family. While living on the old farm, the young girl spent much of her time either working, or staying inside, not much enjoying the company of others. The only time she had really left the farm, were visits to town, in which she went with her family and didn't spend any time with the town children. It was only one day when she got separated from her ever-so-watchful parents that Fel managed to get her hands on the magical book which allowed her to arrive here on Sahova only a few days prior. The flattery however, was something that the summoner was not used to dealing with. Between the words and the wink, Fel wasn't quite sure as to how to respond. She had also never thought about a woman as the one to be giving her this kind of attention. Not wanting to offend her new potential friend, she took the hand offered, not questioning the glove for a moment, and smiled when complimented saying "Thank you, I'm glad a nuit isn't rotting my body too. I'm also glad to finally know the name of another pulser, not that there are many of us here." With the gesture of and a question, Fel finally felt at least somewhat convinced that she had made her first friend, or at least ally for the time being. Another summoner nonetheless, a magic user she hadn't actually met another of aside form herself, even after her arrival in Sahova. Jumping at the chance to speak with another summoner was something Felicia couldn't miss. Perhaps this was why Anna was being kind to the newcomer, wanting to help her become another summoner, which didn't seem too abundant to Fel. "You're a summoner too? What a relief, you're the first I've found on this island so far. Would you not mind too terribly helping me out then? I have no idea as to which lab I should be using, or anyone who might help me with practicing my summoning." Fel hoped that these questions wouldn't overwhelm or scare off the only person she knew on the island at this point. One friend was something that could go a long way, especially when she had no contacts on Sahova at all. Which was suddenly taking a turn for the creepier. Though they were outside, there was fog, and after a quick look around, it was easy to tell that this place was more a graveyard than any kind of courtyard. Chills were sent down Felicia's spine, as she was unprepared for such a location, though the idea of it wasn't far fetched for this place so far. This would be a place that the young summoner would make a point to avoid later. For now, she would not leave the side of her new companion. A trail wound through the courtyard, and though it made Fel uneasy, she ventured inward, hiding her dislike from the place with a smile, not too big, and not unnoticeable, but it was enough to hide her true feelings for the place. As uneasy as the whole place made her, it would have to be something that she became accustomed to. While she didn't like the place much, Felicia also had a feeling that this was not the worst that her experience on the island would yield. Something told here there were experiences and secrets far more dark and painful on the island, though there was nothing to immediately tell her, the stories hadn't been too far off as of yet. 'Only thirty six days until the trials.' Not the first time the date had popped into her mind. Within her short time in Sahova, Fel still knew plenty about the trials, and was constantly thinking about how she would impress the judges. Summoning would be a difficult magic to impress with, since it was never guaranteed that anything came through the portals. She could also open a portal to a world besides Fyrden. Maybe a strong eight circle to Swalden could be useful. Everything truly magnificent and powerful came from Fyrden, at least that's how Felicia saw it. "Do you know of any interesting astral coordinates, other than the common ones?" A simple question as they continued their walk, Felicia couldn't forget to ask this one. Coordinates were what made circles work, and if she could get her hands on some obscure coordinates to an amazing world, it could really help her gain the favor of the judges.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna was actually a little relieved that she was the one to have met this girl, Daren probably would have had her wrapped around his little finger. A mercy of sorts, though considering her god and her intentions perhaps it was not by much. She was so eager to trust, she obviously fresh to the horror that was Sahova. It only got worse from here, a pity too since she was attractive by Anna's standards. She preferred shorter women and Felicia had that covered.

The sorceress still smiled warmly, ever inch the image of the kindly wizard. If only one knew what kind of monster laid just under the skin, the kind willing to betray friends and family for the glory of Rhysol. Of course, if they knew then her act would be pointless as would her façade. A mask of sorts to hold back the madness.

"Don't take this the wrong way, my dear, but you are indeed quite new and it shows. You may wish to be careful with your words in the future, not all on Sahova are as accepting as I. Many might be as likely to take you to the Dungeons as to a Lab that supports summoning." Anna commented as they entered the Courtyard.

The sorceress noted that the woman stayed close to her side with some amusement, no doubt unnerved by the Courtyard. Anna, being one with basic knowledge in dealing with spirits, felt no such discomfort as her quick tongue and reimancy were always easy to access. Let Mistress Wanda have her domain here, it was pitiful really, the undead leading an army of the hopeless and lost. How pathetic.

"I've dabbled in summoning, I know the most common coordinates. You probably know a fair bit more than me my dear, the question is whether you would have known that if I hadn't just told you. Fortunately for you, I possess some degree of decency towards my fellow living." Anna stated, that probably being one of the biggest lies out there.

"My true talents lie elsewhere, the manipulation of the natural world and the interconnectivity of all magic. The magic of self and the magic of magics." The woman followed up, pretty much outright saying she was a Reimancer and a Glypher.

The woman led them through the Courtyard and towards Gug Andjak, the main worksite of the Citadel. The girl would likely find what she sought here, though Anna was very unsure if Summoning was permitted her. So she had a plan similar to her one with Pandaemus, only alongside a Pulser rather than a Nuit and perhaps one with more knowledge that the Animator had possessed.

"You'll be hard pressed to find a lab willing to take in a visitor, unfortunately. The Nuits aren't exactly accommodating. However, I might have a solution for you my dear, one that will grant all the space and privacy you could desire. At the cost of being a bit dangerous, but where on Sahova is not really?" She offered, already striding towards an empty workspace to gather some supplies. Namely, a brush and some ink.

The Common Labs were always a bustle of activity, experiments here and there in progress. Anna had conducted research here herself occasionally, though it was nothing so possibly catastrophic as Summoning. That kind of thing seemed rather Testing Grounds to her, or at least a private lab. The Prairie was rather accommodating Anna had found, at least as long as one kept to the fringes closest to the Citadel.

"Tell me, Felicia, how would you feel for a trip outside of the Citadel? A place open enough for you to conduct all manner of research in preparation for your Judgment?" Anna asked, offering the other woman the supplies and regarding her curiously.

The Testing Grounds were always a danger, but considering Anna's considerable prowess she felt confident about going there. Besides helping this girl could only help her, for she was quite easy to get a read on. She wanted someone in this dark and scary new place, so Anna figured that it was best for her to snatch up on being that someone. The woman would have everything to gain and little to lose, a new place to work until the Judgment and a possible ally who was already established.

[Felicia Gamora]

While they walked through the courtyard, Fel tried to keep a respectable distance, but found herself often breaking it, perhaps getting a little close to her walking companion, but made sure they never actually touched. The way Anna walked through the courtyard as if nothing were wrong, almost confident, caused Fel to feel a bit more comfortable walking through the mist. Something about this woman was different from the others she had seen on Sahova so far. Most meandered about, doing their business, but Anna seemed to carry herself with purpose, and was far more friendly than anyone the young summoner had met on Sahova so far. This was exactly the person Fel had meant to find, she was sure of it. Everything was going her way now. They were on a trip to find her a lab to practice summoning, with someone who seemed to have nothing mind but to help with her success. This aroused some sort of suspicion in Felicia, making her wonder why someone would just help her around. There must be a favor that needed to be done, or something larger at hand. First steps were always the hardest to take though, and any help that was offered would be graciously accepted by Felicia, knowing that it might cost her something later. When Anna confessed that her skill was probably the lesser, all previous suspicions about the woman died where they were, thrown into a memory purgatory never to be seen again. The way Anna spoke, the words she chose, her honesty, warning Fel about the dangers of the island, and how others might not be so kind. The summoner took all of this to heart, and would be much more careful with what she said from this moment on. Not around Anna though. If someone trusted her enough, and wanted her to succeed so much as to warn her that others might have just taken advantage of her there, that would be enough for Felicia to trust them. All the words that poured from the sorceresses were awe inspiring to the summoner. Even though she knew some glyphing, the way Anna spoke about it made it sounds so much more grand than Felicia knew it was. Owing favors was something a farm girl got used to. If she ever wanted mizas from her parents, she would owe them chores. When nothing was needed on their farm, she would be sent to others in order to repay debts that her parents owed. All debts repaid, and chores completed, favors must be promised to gain anything. Even the book that came to her with magic had a hefty price and a favor. The price was leaving home, even though so far it had been worth it. The favor was also a simple one, once she had mastered magic, Felicia must seek out the man in Ravok, saying he would know when she arrived. Knowing the value of favors, and how much one must go through to complete all of them, Felicia was already prepared to make another to her new found friend. The only person besides that hooded man to help her get ahead in life. This was worth a favor. Finally passing through the courtyard and into the Gug Andjak, Felicia was a little disappointed by the idea that there was no lab with her name on it, no space waiting for her to paint a summoning circle. As seemed the case so far, Anna was not here to disappoint, offering to taker her outside to a place where there was space for her summons, and a lack of watching eyes. Felicia wasn't unaware of the dangers outside, but a visit with someone who was so confident that they offered to take Fel there didn't sound so bad. With someone to take care of her, summoning would be easy. Excited at the idea of already practicing for her Judgment, the past farm girl and present summoner took the supplies eagerly and prepared to follow Anna outside the citadel. There was so much going on, it was exhilarating for the young girl, four days in and she was already doing so well. Everything going much better than expected for the day, Felicia made attempts to hide her giddiness to finally summon again in quite some time, but at some moments it was uncontainable and shone through in wide smiles and almost silent giggles. She wanted to impress Anna, to prove herself to be worth going through all this trouble.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna noted exactly how excited Felicia was at the prospect of going to a place without eyes and restrictions. She was all smiles and that more than anything told Anna she was now firmly cemented as an ally to this Summoner, and they hadn't even known each other for a bell. No reason to soil these ideals so soon, so it was best to keep up the act. For it was indeed an act, even without her sanity being of questionable worth Anna was hardly friendly at heart. It was all part of the lie.

The Sorceress set a leisurely walking pace towards the exit if the Common Labs, heading back towards the Courtyard. It was a bit chilly but nothing as oppressive as the bitter chills brought down from the hills, Zeltivan winter rarely involved snow just extreme cold. Sahova was marginally warmer by comparison, still cold but warmer and that was reason enough for Anna to be comfortable. Even if she felt chilly she would keep her composure, it was always best to strike a confident image.

She gazed to her side and offered Felicia another smile, this one intended to be reassuring. This was hardly this first time she'd entered the Testing Grounds. It definitely wasn't going to be the last, however sticking closer to the territory nearest the Citadel hadn't served her wrong just yet. Besides, there weren't many things in this would that couldn't be put in their place with a healthy dose of lightning or lava.

"Now, while I don't expect anything unfriendly to assault us if we stick to where we need to, however I feel it prudent to ask you if you are armed or possess access to any personal magic that could defend you? The Testing Grounds, as private and away from prying ears as they might be are still plagued by a rather garish assortment of beasts." Anna asked.

It was a duel purposed question, concern masking her true motivations which were far more pragmatic. The first was that it gave her a feeling of just how useful Felicia would be should combat erupt, definitely a useful bit of information. It could also serve to get a better feel for the girl's talents and abilities, what other magic other than summoning she might have access to.

The approached the Vestibule, the main entrance and exit to the Citadel proper. It was the first thing most saw when they stood before the Citadel and entered it. Anna would be lying if she said that the sight hadn't intimidated her the first time she'd seen it. It seemed like a long past and distant time since she had arrived on Sahova, in actuality it had only been about 20 days since she first set foot on the Island. 20 days of fighting for one's life... it got tiring after a while but Anna was hardly going to stop now.

"So, what corner of the world are you from Felicia, my dear, and what brought you to this land where the Undead rule?" Anna asked as they crossed inside of the Vestibule.

There wasn't really a big reason she'd asked, mostly she just liked hearing the same story over and over again told in different ways. Looking for a place that accepted wizards, that practiced magic openly and mostly without fear of reprisal. It was always a variation of that tale, escaping the outside world that hated them. Anna had actually had a pretty good life outside of the Citadel, she'd been a Professor and had possessed the potential to usurp Professor Stonemiller as Head of the Magic Department. Yet she had tossed it aside in favor of coming here, to spread the influence of Rhysol and make herself a more able servant in his eyes.

Such was the way of things, life had an interesting way of keeping her surprised. As long as she had Rhysol, as long as she remembered what the mission was even through this fog of madness then she would be fine. The mission was to spread his influence, to gather more followers to his cause. Perhaps the woman following her might be a potential convert... it was certainly worth investigating. Now that she had her trust she would need to start working on Felicia. Amaryllis could have her petty goals unseen by Anna, the matters of the spirit were far more important. So long as they did not conflict then the Sorceress was fine.

[Felicia Gamora]

Felicia never had the need to fight anyone before now, and the prospect of the idea scared her a little. Kenash was rather peaceful, no one ever picked fights with her, and when traveling with the caravans, they always had fighters for guards. At the time, a young girl was just along for the ride, never having the use for a true weapon, or the skills to use it. The only thing close to a weapon the farm girl carried around was a dagger she stole from her parents, though stabbing anyone but herself with it was far fetched. The knife had only been used, up until this point, to draw her own blood for animation circles and summoning circles. With the idea of actually having to use it to draw someone's blood other than her own made Felicia a bit uneasy. "I have a dagger, but that's the only weapon I carry. It's mostly for my circles, but I suppose if it came down to dire circumstances, I know which end cuts." A bit nervous while saying all of this, Felicia continued to explain her magic, not wanting to disappoint her escort. "I don't really know any combat magic either. I know a bit of animation and glyphing, but not nearly as much as I know about summoning. I suppose loosening the leash could help if we needed it, but there's no guarantee that the creature I pull through is capable of fighting, or that it will even fight for us if it is." finishing with a bit of a ramble, the young girl went over the consequences of summoning. She knew them very well, each creature that came through her circle wanted the same thing. Release. Felicia wasn't a complete fool though, and could tell that letting loose these creatures wasn't in HER best interest, even if some Fyrden creatures tried to convince her otherwise. Even those she generally met with weren't the fighting type. Fel preferred the company of Gordios and Avavalvi as opposed to the Pascid. The way the question was asked however, gave a bit of confidence back to Fel. Anna had obviously been outside before, and knew exactly where they should be in order to stay mostly safe. Outside was still a scary idea, so Felicia would make sure never to come out alone. She hardly noticed this time as they passed through the courtyard, entranced in conversation with her walking partner, mind full of ideas as to which creature she might summon this time. The whole citadel was eerie, and Fel was not quite used to it yet. Every hall held potential for new dangers, and the Vestibule was the gateway to all of it. Being questioned of her past made for an upset homesick feeling in Felicia's stomach, but it was quickly brushed away, ready to recite the story. "I came from Kenash. I used to be a farm girl, working and living on my parents farm. One day, a book was given to me with instructions on animation magic. I practiced it for a while, but I knew my parents would never approve of magic. They were a soil and crops type family. I wanted more than that. So I stole some money from my parents, and that knife, and left with the next traders caravan to come to Kenash. After adventuring for some time, living freely, I came across a scroll that some wizard traded to us for a significant amount of money. I eventually came to figure out that the scroll was just the astral coordinates for common worlds in summoning. It was enough to have me interested, and so I began to learn how to summon. After quite some practice, I needed a place where I could bring up creatures without the disgusted looks from others. I also needed someone to teach more about the whole thing. And so I ended up here." Felicia seemed completely content to spout her life story to her new friend, not skipping a beat in letting out the details. Even after finishing the story, the summoner reviewed everything in her mind, making sure she didn't leave out anything important. It brought up a question that Felicia hadn't thought of yet. How long had Anna been here? It sounded like forever, though Fel knew it wasn't true. "How about you? What brought someone like you to Sahova?" it was an honest question, something she hadn't thought of yet. Perhaps Anna's past was sensitive. Felicia knew some people didn't like telling the stories of lost loved ones and things of the sort. Not completely expecting an answer, Felicia contemplated the possibilities anyway, and continued the walk with her friend.

[Annalisa Marin]

So, another animator and one with knowledge of Glyphing but not a personal wizard. Well, at least according to Felicia herself, it was possible that she was in fact a very good manipulator. That her naïve act was indeed just an act to make Anna feel secure, such was the way of Sahova nothing was as it first seemed. It was something for her paranoid mind to chew over as she conducted her own manipulation. She was armed at least, maybe she'd get a stab in if this went south though again she was travelling with a powerful Reimancer.

She also used terms Anna was unfamiliar with in regards to summoning, specifically this so called 'leash'. The Sorceress thought back to her experiment with Pandaemus, that cord that extended out from the portal to the Memosite. Was that this leash? Perhaps, but who could really say properly? An inquiry would need to be made to Felicia later, she obviously knew much more about summoning.

The woman gave her background up rather easily, as Anna expected it was a variation of the same tale. That didn't really bother her, if she were being honest as it was at least a consistent theme that the Island brought in. Anna loved magic, but she pursued her studies with a goal and purpose separate from the knowledge itself. Rhysol's influence needed to be spread and others always needed to be brought into his fold.

The Sorceress idly considered her own past and motivations, how much to give away and how much to keep to herself. The basic at least, something to give her hope that she would not be alone so long as she was with Anna. If she played her cards right the woman might even turn a deaf ear to slander against her name, already having been warned about others and their intentions. For all she knew, and would know for now, Anna was simply a selfless individual among the grim and dirt of Sahova. A friend, a position which would certainly be useful to assess her aptitude for being brought into the fold of the Deceiver.

Being one of the Lord of Lies few active servants on the Island, that she knew of anyway, was certainly trying. Conversions were a tricky thing, especially considering the presence of Uldr's priesthood here. She needed to be a bit more subtle in how she went about that, though with her mental condition subtlety was a little more difficult now days.

"Though I'm certain I don't look it, I am a former professor from the University of Zeltiva, my dear. Used to teach Glyphing actually. I left because, well, University policy can be very constraining for wizards that actually wish to go far in their field." Anna explained simply, striding through the Vestibule towards the exit confidently.

She turned a bit and started walking backwards, getting a good look at Felicia. She smiled again as she appraised her tossing her yet another wink.

"You know, I don't say this to every girl I happen across but your are cute for a summoner." The tall woman commented, turning back face forward to see where she was going.

The irony of this situation was not lost on her, nights ago Daren had done what she was doing now. Preying on insecurities and desires with compliments and promises. The only difference here was that Anna did not want Felicia to die or gain a fractured mind, rather she wanted the girl to be made into a useful tool. It would be a work in progress but Anna had confidence in her own abilities to weave a web of enticing lies.

They reached the stairs that led out of the Vestibule and Anna started down them, the chill of Sahovan winter falling over her quickly enough. They wouldn't have ears out here, whoever the mysterious 'they' were. They couldn't here Anna plot out here, couldn't hear her work on Felicia away from the Citadel. She was smarter than Daren could ever hope to be, more resourceful when she needed to be.

"If you'd like, Felicia, I could show you some more interesting areas around the Citadel later. Give you the lay of the land if you will. You know, if you actually want to." The woman dropped, a faint red tint to her cheeks as she made the offer.

That embarrassment was half true actually, it had been a long time since Anna had so brazenly put herself out there. Velia had been the last true attempt and though she was mostly just trying to manipulate Felicia it was still something to consider. Felicia was attractive, she was alive, easily trusting, and that was really all Anna needed in someone. The island had a way of instilling that mentality in her, 'you could be dead tomorrow, might as well have fun while you can.'

[Felicia Gamora]

Other than the few cities she had been to while traveling, and Kenash, Felicia hadn't been around Mizahar much. She had never heard of Zeltiva or it's University. After hearing the few campfire stories about Sahova and it's restriction-less magic, the young Felicia began to make her way towards the island. It took a good amount of effort considering that few boats were actually allowed to Sahova. The only boats that were allowed were given a mark to carve on their boat, the same one Felicia noticed on the side of her boat while crossing the waters to the island. Thinking back to it, she wondered what would happen if someone tried to make it to the island without it. She would make sure not to attempt it until she knew the answer. Glyphing was a magic that was rather strange to the summoner. She didn't quite have a firm grasp on them yet, it would take a serious amount of practice for her glyphs to be come truly useful. Until then, Felicia had a tendency to stay away from that magic, unless completely necessary. Usually only the most complex of her circles managed to have glyphs in them, something she might need to do when the time of her Judgement came around. She would truly have to do something spectacular. Something to consider for her Judgment might be learning more about glyphing from Anna. When she was winked at, and complimented again, a wave of embarrassment washed over the girl. She hadn't a clue as to what Anna saw in the summoner, not having received anything like this sort of attention. After just a moment, Fel replied to the compliment jokingly saying "Yeah, I bet, since there aren't many summoners on Sahova." With a little laugh, she brushed off the embarrassment and continued walking along with the sorceress towards the exit of the citadel. Outside was cold, and as soon as the intrepid duo left the citadel, the cold picked at Felicia's skin. She shivered, not really having brought any coats or such to the island. The cold caused her already pale skin to go shade in the bright red direction, mostly on her shoulders, neck, and face. Wanting to grab her arms to keep in the heat wasn't too plausible however, since she was still carrying the ink and brush. Toughing it out, she still crossed her arms, putting the ink and the brush in the same hand. Winter's usually weren't too bad for Felicia, spending most of the snow time indoors, either at her house, or in the nearest city once the travelers made it there. It might have been a smart idea to bring more of her things with her after departing from the caravan. "Yeah, sure. I'd love to see more of this place. I really don't know much about it at all, other than campfire stories." Though she replied with a warm smile, Felicia wasn't sure if it was a pickup or a genuine offer. The cold attacking her face made it red, and it wasn't completely improbable that the same thing was happening to Anna. Agreeing was most likely in the summoners best interest, no matter which situation was true. Neither wanting to turn down a chance to explore the inner workings of Sahova, nor wanting to offend the friend she had just made. A followup came to mind though, so she continued with "Where do you think I should summon? I've been dying to try it out again since I got to this island." Continuing to smile, and waiting for instruction on where to start painting, Felicia started going over different circles in her mind, and coordinates for different planets. Rehearsing different lines, different ways to talk to all the beings that came from Fyrden. The idea of summoning always excited her, she loved having control of the creature, and trying to negotiate with it, even if she knew that she wouldn't be loosening the leash at all. All creatures had an interesting way of trying to get Felicia to let them go, to get rid of the chain entirely. But she hadn't done anything of the sort so far, and had no intention to as of yet. "You know, I do appreciate all the compliments. No one gave me attention like that in Kenash." It was a terrible way for her to try and make up for the awkward way she responded to all of the advances Anna had made so far. Felicia was terribly inadequate when it came to any kind of flirting, though she wasn't sure if she was really flirting. Just trying to assure Anna that the summoner wasn't giving a cold shoulder to all the compliments. Felicia hoped the sorceress wouldn't take her the wrong way.