Closed Fireballs and Raindrops

[Taurina]

Early Afternoon of 3rd of Fall 517

Taurina had already decided how much she disliked the man. In fact, she might have even gone as far as to say that she hated him. However, she needed him and she hated that even more. Why could it not have been someone else who knew these things? Why did it have to be him? Did it really have to be him?

The Ethaefal fiddled with the cube of quartz that now hung from her neck by a thin, grey cord with a grimace on her face that showed just how displeased she really was. Despite telling herself that she was going to leave it to the gods if she ever saw him again, Taurina had sought out Aoren first. For the past several days since rediscovering the quartz cube she had been searching for him, but all roads had led to dead ends. Finally, she had just had to resign to the idea that he had gone. Probably back to Riverfall when the clans were nearer there during the spring or maybe he went somewhere else. The Ethaefal did not know and any she had asked had not known either. It had disappointed the woman greatly not to find him, but she had moved on. She had had to. Sitting around waiting for him to return or for their paths to cross again was not going to do her any good.

The only other one who Taurina had run across who knew of these things had been that one last season who had been so cruel with his words. She had thought of searching the pavilions to see if there was anyone kinder to teach her first, but that idea scared her. She did not know what the reception of her knowledge would be here. It was not something that she had ever talked to any in the pavilion about. Perhaps that had been foolish, but.. there really was no good excuse. At first it had not been important because she had not been using the magic, but now.. now she just kept her mouth shut and tried to ignore the way her heart ached when she thought about what she was doing.

Taurina hated keeping secrets from her family. Especially from Azmere. He did not deserve to have any of what went on with his family, the ones he was responsible for, kept from him. It was silly really that she had kept anything from him because it was he who was the one she trusted most in her life. Yet, she was realizing that there was more than one thing now she had kept from him. This magic she could wield and the kelvic she had bonded with, but not yet brought home. Taurina did not mean to keep these things secret. It was nothing against her ankal or the other Stormbloods. First it had just been a thing of timing. Wanting to find the right time to reveal so that things might be taken the best they could be. Now though it was just fear. Fear that there would never be a right time. Fear that she had waited too long and to tell now would sting because she had not told before. Fear that she would see a hurt in Azmere’s eyes like she had once before and know that she was the cause of that hurt. She never wanted to be the cause of such pain ever again.

The Ethaefal sighed and shook her head, pushing the image of those eyes full of hurt away. She would tell him. Soon, she promised herself. She was going to tell him soon. This moment, though, was not the time. Now she was far from her ankal in search of this other male. Thinking of it like that just made this idea seem like more of a bad one. Last time she had put her trust in another male, in a walahk.. things had not gone well. The image of that gaze so filled with pain had to be pushed from her mind again. Taurina promised herself that this was not going to be like that time. She was not looking for this man with brutal scars to do anything for her but teach. She did not want him to protect her on some grand adventure, to step foot outside of Endrykas with him, or even spend more time than necessary with him. There was knowledge she did not have and he did. She wanted that knowledge and she had decided she was going to get it. That is, if he was willing to teach it. Of course, she did have to actually find him first if she was ever going to get the chance to even ask.

Many had known the man when he was described. There was not many with scars so brutal marring the greater part of their face who wore a hat so important to them. Yet, though many had seen him or heard of him, none she had asked had been able to tell the Ethaefal exactly what he was called or where to find him. She had spent the greater part of the morning searching through the tent city astride Starfire just asking around. It had not been long before she had gotten tired. Before heat had drained her body of what felt like all moister and her stomach rolled with pains of hunger. Summer had passed and autumn had come, but Syna’s burning heat still remained. If it was even possible, the grasslands had grown warmer than ever before. The Ethaefal was growing discouraged that there would ever been a cool day again.

It was at Baultime’s Barrel that Taurina had found herself when Syna’s light was at its highest point in the sky. Her and Starfire had been too tired to make the trip back home before getting some food and rest, and this had been the closest place. Taurina did not like being alone here. The place was unfamiliar to her as it was rare for her to partake in any sort of drink and she was more used to the food of her pavilion. Still, food and a place to sit as well as Drykas-made shade outside the pavilion for Starfire was better than riding through the grasses under Syna’s scorching heat for another many bells before taking a break. Besides, the Ethaefal had been able to find herself a nice corner in the back to plant herself in while she ate and watched those around her. It was the best outcome of what she was currently considering an unpleasant situation.

It was easy to get lost in thought while sitting there. At first the Ethaefal had been very wary of all those who were in the pavilion, but there were not many and she did not think any of them a threat for none had bothered her or even talked to her. Just the barmaid who had brought the Eth the food she had ordered. Taurina had hardly touched the food or the drink, though, despite how dry her throat was and how achy her stomach had become. She was simply lost in thought with that one hand still fiddling with the end of her necklace and that grimace returning to her face. She was beginning to worry that she would not find the one she had spent the morning searching for just like she had not been able to find Aoren. She did not know what her next step was going to be if that ended up being true.

Taurina sighed, her body leaning back into the cushions that supported her. She was worried about failing. About never being able to find anyone to help her. How was she going to gain more control if she could not find one to teach her? She did not trust herself to learn on her own. The overgiving she had felt already trying it on her own.. well, she knew it would likely only grow worse if things continued the way they were. One lesson had not been enough. She needed more, wanted more, and was refusing to give up on this until she succeeded. Well, until she had at least given it her best effort.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Ledger-5 SM for meal

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Konrad Venger]

Perhaps it was an extravagance, a luxury, but Konrad couldn't remember the last time he'd treated himself. A meal he didn't prepare himself, or aid in preparing... a mug of mead or ale or whatever the house had on offer... a quiet corner, people to observe, and all the chores and concerns he bore forgotten for a while.

It's hardly splitting my purse, he thought with a rueful smile as he hitched up Yeh Bugger in the shade outside the Barrel. Drought or not, still made out pretty well last season.

His tattered gelding was in odd company among the towering, beautiful Striders. The scarred man grunted and patted him on the snout, pulling his face around gently to look him in those soft brown eyes.

"Don' let'um mess youse about," he muttered, determined to have the horse understand his Common, not just that Pavi blather. "Mebbe I'll bring yeh summin'."

A low snuffle told him that wouldn't go amiss.

"Greetings, welcome to Baultime's... Barrel."

Ah, the pause. Konrad was so familiar with The Pause. A hostess launching into her practiced patter, sweeping out before him as he entered the premises... then she got a good look at his face. The scars. The hard, cold eyes set into them like stone orbs. The copper-skinned female faltered for only a tick, though. Konrad applauded her.

"I would like a meal. Drink."

"Of course!" She rallied well, if obviously. Injecting a little more enthusiasm, as if to compensate for her initial hesitation. With a sweep of her arm she took in the whole interior of the tent, replete with low tables and big, soft cushions, all filtered through red and gold made stark and bright by Syna pouring in from above. "If you would follow me?"

She led the way, and Konrad's antennae twitched. Someone was eyeing him up. He soon found the source, a tall man with sky like night, face set into a scowl as the walahk walked through his establishment. That must be Baultime, Konrad thought, giving the man a short nod. Doesn't like me.

He wasn't alone, unless he missed his guess. Eyes followed him as he walked, or stayed on him a few ticks longer than usual as he passed. Most of the clientele were Drykas, blooded and bonded, and judging by the attitude radiating off them, outsiders such as he were not welcome.

Konrad shrugged mentally as he settled down into a huge cushioned seat that could have been couch and bed both. They'd take his money all the same. Amazing how people's prejudices vanished when coin was involved.

"Today we have roasted rabbit, with goat's cheese, a fresh loaf and, if I may say-" The hostess leaned forward, conspiratorial tone shimmering in her honey voice. "-quite a refreshing ale. My brother brewed it himself. Had to scour the grasslands for the right crop, things being as they are."

Konrad nodded, setting his hat off to one side, adjusting his kopis and the other tools of his former trade as he got comfortable. The black man was still glaring at him, but no move was made to eject him. That was good: he was hungry.

"That does sound good," he said, Pavi careful and proper as one would expect from one who'd still yet to fully master it. "How much?"

Her lips pursed. Konrad could almost hear the "five"... and then she paused, eyes glazing for a moment... a serious of emotions passing across her face, flitting and dancing as she found a new answer...

"... eight silver mizas. Sir."

The walahk stared. Until the woman was almost uncomfortable. Took her right to the edge of that feeling with naught but his silent, unblinking scrutiny. He was willing to bet that wasn't the usual price, but what made him so unusual? The man smiled, and shrugged.

A tinkle of silver coins emptied from his purse, and into her hand.

"Good price. All things considered."

Keep staring, you black bastard, he thought as he grinned at the sour-faced owner of the Barrel. I'm eating your food and drinking your grog and putting coin in your pocket. Hate me all you want.

He reclined, and nearly groaned at the sumptuous fabric he was almost swallowed in. Half the knocking shops in Sunberth would struggle to be as comfortable. He could fall asleep there, surrounded by noise and chatter and sizzling smells prickling his nostrils. The brew came before the food, and Konrad tipped the copper woman a little salute as he tasted... and smiled.

"Not bad at all."

Soon he was alone again, and Konrad took in the room. The Horse Lords nattering away, boasting, regaling, gossiping, griping, all the sounds of hardworking men the world over. He tried to listen in here and there, but the Pavi was thick and muffled by distance, so eventually he just sated himself with sweeping his gaze around until-

Someone familiar caught his eyes. Hair so red it seemed to be bleeding into the colors of the pavilion, tanned skin and that same haughty look of umbridge he'd seen her wear many mornings ago. Even though she'd been the one that went careening into him!

Ah. The wee water mage. Small world... smaller city.

Konrad chuckled, sound like rocks dropped into a pond, and favored her with a grin best described as roguish. If one were being generous. He raised his mug in a mock toast to her, and took a long swallow.

ReceiptMeal: -8sm

[Taurina]

An index finger tapped against the pointed tip of the quartz cube. Lips pursed and teeth bit into the woman’s right cheek. What was she going to do? There was a little huffed sigh, a feeling of doubt settling over the Ethaefal like a dark cloud. She continued to worry, to ponder all possible outcomes, and to fret over what her next step was going to be. Endrykas was large, but it was well connected. Everyone usually at least knew someone who knew of someone else. If no one knew the name of the brutally scarred walahk than.. well, perhaps he had never existed at all.

Taurina did not actually believe that, but she had been discouraged. It was almost easier to believe it had all been a dream or a trick of the heat instead of a man who simply did not want to be found when she so desperately wanted to find him. Needed to find him. The Ethaefal dropped the end of her necklace so that she could cover her face with her hands and give a low groan. When had things turned to this? When had she become a person who turned to another for help? Especially when that other was one who had been so cruel with his words their last meeting.

The Ethaefal was one who tried to do most things on her own. There were some things, of course, that she was unable to do on her own. Things like her tattooing she had been able to figure out the basics on her own, but needed help after that. Slowly, slowly, she was learning to accept that help. Last season she had taken to exercising her body through repeating motions she had seen others in the pavilion or around Endrykas do. It had been foolish to not ask for help in the first place. She had caused her body unnecessary pain, but she could be foolishly prideful at times. It had taken quite a few neck pains before she finally let Lodai correct her sit ups. He still had had to catch her in the act though before she let him help.

The magic was different than all that. From day one she had wanted not only to learn, but be taught. She had known that it was not something she could really do on her own. Not until she got to a certain point anyway. Things had not gone to plan, however. The Konti who had initiated her had been uninterested in being a teacher. The Ethaefal had been left alone and blind with her new magic for many seasons after she finally got ahold of it. Though she had still tried to practice. Had tried to do it alone. Then she had made it to Endrykas and in the tent city she had gotten one lesson. That lesson she had not sought out, but when she got it she had realized how much help she really needed with the magic. Seasons had gone by without practice, but then the quartz cube had been found. Aoren’s lesson had been remembered and the desire to be one equal to him in this ability resurfaced.

Hands were dragged down Taurina’s face, pulling her features down in a manner that was unattractive. The Ethaefal did not care. She wanted to reach her goals and did not know how to that without finding the one whom she searched for. The woman reached forward and picked up the mug of ale by the handle. The mug was brought to just under her nose where she swirled the liquid once. Water would have done just fine, but in a land so thirsty for water anything would do. The Ethaefal sighed and drank down a gulp that sent her wincing back. It was not that it was bad, she just did not have much taste for such things. A frown wrinkled her features as she set the mug down and reached for a piece of the bread. It was what she saw when she lifted her gaze up as she brought the bread to her mouth that caused her pause. With mouth still open, bread held halfway in the area, and eyes wide, Taurina took in the sight of the one for whom she searched so casually entering the very pavilion she sat in.

It took the whole time of the male getting his meal ordered before Taurina got over her shock and fixed not only her face, but put the bread down as well. After the shock came anger though. How dare he just walk in here like it had been his plan all along when she had just spent all morning searching for him?! Something like rage twisted the features of Taurina’s face. Then it slackened to disappointment before leaving all together. The Ethaefal shook her head slightly to herself. It was not his fault that she had spent all morning searching for him. This was actually a good thing. This meant that he was real, he was still in Endrykas, and he was still alive. All good things. Perhaps it even meant that he would be a willing teacher. Though, when he noticed her and gave her that look, Taurina was not completely convinced of that.

Taurina rolled her eyes as the male grinned at her and gave a toast of mocking. Nothing had changed with him it seemed. He was just as charming as ever. Taurina groaned internally, this was feeling like more and more of a bad idea. She began to think that maybe she should just go home. Not even interact with the brutally scarred man, but instead return to her ankal. Maybe even reveal her secrets and let him help her find someone to teach her. If anyone knew of others in Endrykas who knew Reimancy, Taurina was willing to bet it was Azmere. It made her feel better to think that anyway. Like if she failed here with this stranger than she would be able to be successful elsewhere.

The Ethaefal looked away from the male and stared down at her food. She had not even eaten a fourth of it. Just a few bites here and there along with just the one drink of the ale. The taste of the liquid still lingered on her tongue. Taurina sighed, unknowing of what she was going to do. She could leave at this moment and not even interact with the male. Go to her ankal and enact that new back up plan. Course, that would leave the food to waste and her stomach was still rolling with hunger. It was quickly decided that she was not going to leave till she was truly finished. Her caramel gaze shifted back over to the brutally scarred male. She still wondered how cruel a soul had to be to do that to another.

There was another sigh before Taurina stood from the plush cushions beneath her. She had not searched for him all morning for no reason. He had what she wanted and whether or not he was cruel with his words did not really matter. It would make it easier to not get into any sort of trouble that would cause her grief back home. They did not have to be friends. In fact, it might have even been better that Taurina did not think they ever could be. A strictly teacher and pupil relationship. Nothing more, nothing less. That was all the Ethaefal wanted. So she walked towards the man, having no idea what she was going to say to him now that she had finally found him.

“I have been searching for you all morning,” Taurina said in greeting, “and here you are, showing up right when I am about to give up. Should have just waited here all morning. Would have been cooler.”

That was too much information that the male likely did not want or care about. Taurina was still a bit grumbly though and still did not know how she wanted to approach the subject of what she truly wanted. Her common was clear and fluent, not accent to mar it. If it were not for the windmarks visible on her back or the wrap twisted through her braided, multi-colored, hair she would have likely put the others in the tent on the same edge the male walahk’s appearance had. However, she wore the same clothe bound around her chest with worn pants and boots she had all summer for clothes so her windmarks -though they were from a past life, but none actually knew that aside from those who had known her before Starfire- were visible. It was too hot to wear anything else and she would have forgone the pants for something shorter if she had not needed the protection while riding Starfire.

“Right, so, I have a request,” Taurina admitted as she plopped herself down on the floor across from the man, she did not want to get too comfortable by falling into more cushions. Besides, her food was still waiting for her back at her table. “I want to learn more and you are the only other I have run into who knows who is still here. The other.. well, I guess he went elsewhere. So you are it.”

Taurina had spoken quietly, but loud enough for him to hear. She still had not specified exactly what she was wanting because of potential listening ears, but she hoped he would get it. To her, what she asked for seemed logical. What else could she possibly be searching for other than more knowledge of the magic they both had? Made sense to her. The question was, would he understand so easily?

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Konrad Venger]

The unexpected sighting of a prickly acquaintance - and the compulsory head-petch that came with such a thing - was not enough to rob Konrad of his appetite. Where Taurina picked at her plate, the Sunberthian wolfed and tore and gulped, heedless to the queer looks he got from the cushions either side of him. Gods, but these blacks knew how to cook. He'd have to tell Sedon; see if the Pridesun could charm any secrets from the hostess.

Not likely, he thought with a chuckle, managing to laugh, chew, and gulp ale at the same time. She'd probably turn it around and drain his purse right-

Then the reds and golds were replaced by a single black shape, standing in front of him. Instincts caught him again; they always reacted before Konrad did. Moved his muscles, tensed them, readied them. He stopped in mid-mouthful and as he looked up, a hand dropped oh-so-casually down to his side... ready to snatch the kukri from the sheath at the small of his back.

Definitely not a man, not with legs like that. But that didn't mean it wasn't some other Drykas ready to pitch him out on Baultime's behalf. He kept looking up and up, face like stone-

Then saw whom it was, and that look derailed rather quickly.

“I have been searching for you all morning, and here you are, showing up right when I am about to give up. Should have just waited here all morning. Would have been cooler.”

"... youse expectin' an apology or summin'?"

He honestly didn't know what to say, or what she wanted, so he decided to stick with the obvious. Namely, just what she'd said to him in that moment... and he didn't feel very apologetic for not doing something had had no idea he should have been, or any inclination to do. So he swallowed his food and spat out the line but, no, that wasn't the end of it.

“Right, so, I have a request.”

"Nah, please, siddown, ain't like m'eatin' or anythin'."

Sarcasm was as useless against her as guilt was against him, apparently. Down she plopped and Konrad rolled his eyes, only rolling them back when he had his mug of ale in front of him. He guzzled as she spoke, deciding that he needed the full measure before he came up with an answer. Besides, listening first before he agreed to anything was the smart plan.

Because she wouldn't be here if she didn't want something.

“I want to learn more and you are the only other I have run into who knows who is still here. The other.. well, I guess he went elsewhere. So you are it.”

The watchful, ruminative silence was not something he had a problem with. If she did, well, tough. She'd sought him out, not the other way around. Konrad didn't need to waste much time on obvious questions, especially when they were even less obvious after a few seconds of thought. What did she want to learn? What had been the only thing she'd seen him do that she could learn? She'd been initiated into Reimancy, that much was clear, but she was apparently not at his level.

So, she wants an instructor. First it's brawling and blades, now it's djed. Looks like I'm getting... attention.

"Popular" didn't quite fit. And because it was never a factor for him, anyway, and he wasn't a sodding charity, his first question after he'd smacked his lips was hardly unexpected.

"Was' innit fer me?"

Don't Make Me Repeat Myself.

[Taurina]

In another place Taurina would have shied away when that hand fell towards where she knew the male’s dagger to be. She had been threatened with that dagger before. Had seen it drawn out from where he hid it, and had it pointed in her face. There had been fear that day. A great and terrible fear that had had her thinking her death was near. He had not killed her that day, though. Had not even done more with that blade besides point it in her face and then put it away when he realized she was no threat. She still was not, but the Drykas around her would surely not remain idle while one of their own was threatened by an outsider.

There was comfort found in that thought. Comfort and a peace that blocked out fear. The Eth was suddenly glad for where she was and no longer uncomfortable for being there alone. Sure, her family was not with her. Not even her bondmate was with her, but fellow Drykas were. No harm would be allowed to be brought against her here. Of course, it helped that the dagger was never drawn. The male who had tensed looked at her and remembered who she was. Taurina watched as he relaxed and allowed him to reply, but did not react much until the end.

The male was just as he had been before, but at least this time he was not reminding her over and over how she had run into him despite how many times she had already apologized. That was good. Maybe he was one capable of letting go of the past. Or, at least, able to ignore it in the present. His attitude was much the same, though. His words dripped with sarcasm and unhappiness. Taurina tried not to let it phase her. She just kept going, plopping herself down and letting what words would form come.

There was a silence that settled after Taurina was finished with her request. An uncomfortable silence the had the Eth second guessing herself once more. Had this been the right decision? Had he been the right choice? It was too late to take her words back now. So she was forced to wait. An ache to do something itched at her hands. She was not one to sit still for long in the presence of others. On her own or when it was just Starfire keeping her company, she could do it. Sit still for bells at a time with only the sounds of Endrykas breaking the silence. When the silence was so weighted, however, with an answer being waited for.. well, it was a mild form of torture just to sit there and do nothing.

Words finally came to break the silence after a handful of ticks that had stretched on to feel like many bells. Taurina breathed a heavy breath through her nose and looked at the brutally scarred man with a contemplative stare. Now it was her turn to be the causer of silence for she had not thought that far ahead. She had planned to look for him and make her request of him, but now that those things were accomplished she realized she had not made plans for after that. She understood the need for trade though. Very little came free in this land, and she had always hated to be seen as a taker who had nothing to give.

“Coin,” she answered him before very much time had passed, knowing there was nothing else she had to give that might satisfy him in exchange for what he knew, “how much, well that depends. How much do you think your knowledge is worth?”

Taurina did not have a whole pavilion of coin from which to draw from to pay him anything grand. She did have a decent amount, though, saved up from what she made at the Lilacwind pavilion. The Eth was not willing to part with all of it or even a majority of it, but she was willing to give him some. Hopefully enough that he would be satisfied and teach her well. Having watched the way he consumed the majority of his food and ale while she sat across from him, though, Taurina realized something. He was a greedy man, and those who were greedy could be hard to please. She just hoped what she was willing to give would be enough.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Konrad Venger]

“Coin. How much, well that depends. How much do you think your knowledge is worth?”

Konrad couldn't help but chuckle around the aftertaste of good ale, hands absently patting himself down for his usual after-meal treat. That was what it came down to, wasn't it? How much your skills are worth. For novices, it was coppers and meals, maybe even silver and a woman. For a professional, it was gold, and fancy contracts on real parchment. Maybe even a retainer, for services rendered and to be gained.

All of it was for knowledge. Knowledge and its application. It applied to everything in the world. Cooking, cleaning, dressmaking, fletching, blacksmithing, law, architecture, magic...

Killing. Call it soldiering, call it chivalry, call it protection. It all comes down to knowing how to kill, and do it well, over and over and over. People pay well for that, too.

He made a ruminative little sound, looking up to the sky hole in the top of the pavilion. Beneath his gaze, unseen but well-tended, was his worn pipe. Callused fingers packed the bowl with that pungent Cyphrus tobacco he'd scrounged from here and there. Not a patch on Swamp Vision, but good enough.

"I'm thinkin'... twenny gold mizas sounds pretty reasonable," he said, and kept going inexorably when she saw the surprise widen her eyes. "Back... where I was-" he still dared not give specifics; not out of deliberate mystique, but simple safety in anonymity "-I used ta' charge ten fer sword lessons. Dat wuz jus' swingin' some steel aroun'. But dis...?"

He didn't need to close his eyes anymore. Didn't need to focus quite so keenly, nor mediate for the better part of a bell like he did with Morphing. He kept his eyes on the woman as he breathed in, feeling the air seep down into his lungs, and below, far below, into the invisible well of djed within him. He put the pipe stem to his mouth and when he exhaled-

Come.

-sickly green-black res seeped from two fingers on his free hand, waving gently like grotesque, gassy fingernails until he-

Snap

Burn.

His fingers snapped a green gas became yellow flame. Burning merrily at the end of his finger, fed by the strand of res still seeping out of it. He held his personal taper to the bowl, and sucked gently, quick, short breaths to get the flame going. And when he was done, and he'd filled his lungs... he exhaled again...

Out.

Darkness again, save for the glow of the tobacco. It was a trifle, really. A gesture, but like all gestures, there was meaning behind it. Proof of ability, as it were. Evidence of knowledge that he could impart. Smoke curled and twisted from his lips and Konrad chuckled again, regarding his hand. He spoke, and his tone was unlike what she'd heard before.

"Y'know, back where I grew up, they'da strung me up frum a roof fer dat," he waggled his fingers and grinned. "Wiv' me eyes cut out an' me cock stuffed in me mouth. Shyke... I'da helped 'em, if it were anyone else. Place dint like mages. Not even a lil' bit."

Tobacco crackled. Burning plant matter reflected in his eyes, like jade stones set aflame. When he spoke, it was with smoke and fire, and the smile did not leave his face.

"Funny ol' worl', innit?"

Don't Make Me Repeat Myself.

[Taurina]

Before it had seemed that her opinion of this male could not go any lower, she had been wrong. Hatred was the word she had used for it, but now she could not think of a good word. It was more than dislike or disgust. More than hatred. Her insides crawled at the idea of needing him. Of relying on him not only to teach her more about reimancy, but also having to trust him to keep her secret from those she was not yet ready to tell. She realize, of course, that he had known for many days now. Had known she was a mage and could have used it against her. He had not done so in that time, however, but she simply attributed that to the fact he did not actually know who she was. Did not know the people closest to her heart.

Twenty gold mizas. That was he thought was reasonable. Taurina’s eyes did widen, but not necessarily in surprise. That price was reasonable; for someone highly experienced. In both teaching and in the subject they were teaching. Taurina did not know that he was. All she knew was that he could create some orbs of flame with more speed and control than she could even get a marble size of res to pool in her hands. He could only have known the one element for all she knew. Could have been a terrible teacher or one of those mages who Aoren had warned her about. Ones who went into everything hasty, not thinking about the details, always dancing on the brink of their own undoing.

The Ethaefal crossed her arms. He was going on, speaking of how it was truly a reasonable sum. Taurina exhaled, a small headache throbbing in her temples. She did not enjoy this. The arrogance of the man who would not even reveal where he had come from. The not knowing if he was actually going to be any good at being a teacher. The having to decide what she was going to do. How much she was willing to risk.

Taurina watched as the brutally scarred man pulled out his pipe. She was interested to find out that he did not seem to care who witnessed his manipulation of res. So casually he lit his pipe, showing off what he could do. The Eth had already known him capable of using fire. This just showed her the extent of his control. So much more than her own. Was it worth what he was asking, though? Maybe it was. Maybe his teaching and his silence were worth that much. Though the silence part would not have to last for long. Just until she got up the nerve to tell her family. To tell her ankal and her new bondmate. Those most important to her. Why had she not just told them already? Taurina wished that she had. Then, at least, that would be one less thing to worry about.

“The world is a curious place,” Taurina agreed slowly, shaking the particularly vivid mental image the male had created for her from her head.

Teeth pulled on the skin of the Eth’s inner, bottom, lip as she tried to decide what she was going to do. Was this a smart decision or a foolish one? It was hard to know the answer to that. She did not know the male well. What he had shown her did not really hint at this being a good decision, but people had ways of surprising those that surrounded them. Maybe there was something beneath all that hard exterior, but also maybe not. It was a gamble.

“I’ll give you fifteen. For the teaching and for keeping your silence,” Taurina finally decided, “if I am satisfied, the other five.”

It was still more than those sword lessons he thought so much less than this. Less than what he requested, but she would give him all he wanted if she thought he deserved it. He just had to be good enough. Teach her well enough. Be as knowing as he claimed to be.

“Deal?”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Konrad Venger]

Horse-trading, are you? Good girl.

Konrad was aged enough in the ways of folk that haggling told him a lot. Not just the how or the what, but the very fact of doing so in the first place. Not haggling spoke of desperation to him; he'd seen the predatory gleam in the eyes of merchants when a customer didn't argue, didn't debate, just produced the money.

Then there was haggling without seeming to haggle. Like, oh, for example, parceling up the full payment in two amounts. Not making it seem too easy, but not too hard either. Konrad watched the young woman as she delivered her ultimatum, eyes unblinking and bright through the haze of smoke.

Not desperate. Eager. And oh, dear. Shouldn't have said that last part, darling.

"No deal." He lets the two words hang there like a portcullis slammed shut before her, until he was ready to speak again. Timing was important, in all things. "I'll be gettin' me twenny a'fore we start the lesson, an' me keepin' me mouth shut should be a bonus. I'mma be nice an' not charge y'anythin' extra fer it."

He grinned, teeth once yellowed now white after a season of cleaner living... though the black and gold relics and replacements still stood out.

"Y'should learn not t'tell folk more than they need t'know. See? Givin' yeh good advice fer free. Dat's me bein' nice. Or y'could walk away, find someone else... an' mayhap tomorrow, I get t'telling folk about this girl I know, who wanted help wit' her wyrd. Makin' water with her hands, I'll say. An' I'll say what she looked like. Her hair, her eyes, her voice... her Strider, too." He shrugged, caricature of innocence curdling into something horrible on that face. "After all, jus' a man talkin' to his fellows around the fire, innit?"

It wasn't quite intimidation. Konrad more than most others in all Endrykas knew what that tasted like when it filled the air. Blackmail was... more subtle. More insidious. As a relatively honest man, at least when it came to how much of a bastard he could be, Konrad found the notion... unusual. Unfamiliar. But he slid back into that voice with ease that startled even him.

A year or more away from sellswords and alleys and all the muck of the underworld... and apparently, it was as close to him as ever.

His hat came off and he laid it on the table between them, upside down, so the crown faced her like a bowl that needed filling. Burning herbs hissed and sizzled, fresh flame gleamed and another cloud issued forth from the walahk as he spoke.

"Twenny," he said, nodding at the empty hat. "Den we'll get started."

Thanks to Sloane for my awesome new template!

[Taurina]

The Ethaefal should not have told him about keeping his silence. Giving such valuable information away had only given him something else to use against her. What a fool she had been. What a fool. Blood boiled both angry and embarrassed. Whoever -whatever- this man was and wherever his past had been written, he had learned how to be much more clever than the woman who had come to enlist his help ever had. She should have been smarter. More prepared. Not so careless with her words.

Now she was stuck. If she wanted to ensure her secret staid a secret until she was ready for it not to be a secret anymore than she had to use the male before her. That hat on the table told her that as much as the words the male had spoken did. He knew he had her now and she knew that she was had. That caramel gaze of hers raised slowly from the brim of that hat to the marred face of the man. She met the moss-green eyes, a brutal defeat echoed in her gaze.

“Never heard it called wyrd before,” was all Taurina said as she reached back for the pack that she had not taken from her back through the entirety of the day.

There were no other words that needed to be spoken on the matter of payment. Taurina was not willing to risk having to give him even more than what he had already asked for. Not that she was unwilling to pay a worthy instructor, but this one in particular had sent something crawling beneath her skin. He was not one she wished to pay more than what was necessary. She did not want to give him a miza, but now she was stuck. She was stuck until she told Azmere, the pavilion, and Alekxandra of the magic in her blood. Which would have to be soon now. There was no way in the plains she was trusting this male to protect her secrets. Not when he had no reason to.

The caramel eyes did not drop until the pack had been opened and a hand reached inside. The Ethaefal did not have all her coin with her, having left most of it at the pavilion, but she had more than she needed to pay the male what he asked. That did not keep drawing the mizas from the bottom of her pack one by one from being a pain filled process. Her chest ached a little more with each one she gathered in her palm. How had she let it get to this?

'One…

Five…

Fifteen…

Eighteen.. nineteen.. twenty.'

Taurina could not hold back the look of loathing that twisted her features when that twentieth coin landed in her palm. It only lasted for a tick, but it was enough. Enough for anyone who had been looking to see. The hand was lifted and as it was, the caramel gaze was. Taurina focused her eyes on the male’s face again as she let the mizas drop in that rotten hat. She let each one fall with a heavy thunk into that hat. After the last one had dropped she returned her attention her pack and closed it up before returning it to its place on her back while her eyes drifted back to see what the walahk was doing.

“Paid. Now we begin. Not here. Somewhere else,” Taurina’s tone was sharp, direct, but not hate filled; just demanding, “You can pick, I do not care.”

Taurina stood to her feet, her gaze drifting over to her unfinished food. She would regret not having eaten more later, but right now the idea of food made her want to hurl. Her belly was full of fire and disgust, there was no room for anything else. Arms crossed and eyes shifted back over to the male as the Eth waited expectantly. The reigns were in his hands, but she had not quite let go either. The worth of those twenty gold rimmed mizas was going to be collected. No matter how long it took.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

Ledger-20 GM payment to Konrad

Boxcode credit goes to Azmere

[Konrad Venger]

Something he'd learned young was that, while men in his world couldn't afford things like honor and morality, standards and professionalism were things to be prized. Reputation was as important for a sellsword as skills: who wanted to hire a man who would invariably betray them, after all? That or prove to be woefully unworthy of the coin paid to him.

Konrad peered into the crown full of gold, and nodded firmly to himself.

You pay for a service, you get it. Only problem you have is if your enemy can offer the help more... and that isn't the case here.

The woman got to her feet and spoke, clearly unimpressed and hacked off with him. He ignored her tone and focused on her words. No-one liked to be muscled, and he could allow her a little steam to be blown off. He listened and got to his feet, carefully tipping the crown of coins from there... into his purse... and then put his hat back on his had.

"Follow me, den."

He left the table without a tip - gouge me for a meal, don't expect anything extra, wankers - and strode around cushions and Drykas, drinking in or ignoring stares as he came across them. Within a few ticks he was back outside in the humidity, sweat already springing on his brow, and the woman was at his hip.

Konrad started walking, seeking a quiet, private spot. The girl wanted to keep her talents to herself? Fine. She'd paid for mentoring, and for silence, and since she had provided the coin, he'd keep up his end. The mismatched couple passed pavilions and animals and people, riots of color and noise and stenches, until they were in the grasslands. He didn't wait for her to follow, just kept walking, tramping down the head-high vegetation until they were alone... and Endrykas was half-a-league behind them.

"Here," the walahk said, turning on his heel to face her, fast enough that had she been following any closer, she would have smacked right into him. "Dis'll do, methinks. Close 'nuff dat we can run f'anythin' comes at us, far 'nuff dat youse keep yer secret, eh?"

No sneer or smirk, that time. Just a simple statement of facts. Konrad's veneer of playful extortion, hiding that core of ruthlessness, had vanished. Transformed. Now he was all hardness, observation, a man contracted and sliding into the role demanded of him. He pushed his hat back a bit to get a better look at the girl, rolling up the sleeves of his tunic as he nodded at the woman.

"A'right," he said again, flexing his fingers and feeling a ghost of djed brush against them... from the inside. "Lemme see what youse can do."