[Golden Dragon] The Rushin' Boy (Open)

[Drask]

Timestamp: 35th of Summer, 511 AV

If Drask had to use one word to describe his first day at work, it would be "Stressful". Most of the work had been under the supervision of a more experienced staff-member, but that didn't ease his worries. Several times he nearly dropped the serving tray he was holding, and twice he wrote down the wrong order was promptly scolded by both the customer and his supervisor. It was hard work. Drask was more accustomed to (and raised up for) hunting wild game in the cold tundras up north. That kind of work required a great deal of physical strength and stamina. Lots of stamina. His current job required much of that as well, but it also required much emotional and mental stamina. Having to deal with drunk customers, endure lectures, and avoid breaking dishes was enough, but the fact that he was nearly suffocated by the aroma of freshly cooked meals made it worse. Drask was use to starving in the frozen mountain-sides, but here where the food is just within reach... Oh, how cruel She can be. Drask let out a long sigh, pressing himself against the tiled wall of the ever-busy kitchen. A mess of people, pots, and pans strewn across a shockingly large space. At least, it seemed huge given the sheer number of things crammed into it. The owner of the Dragon spared no expense when they built it, as even the kitchen was decorated with paintings of past chefs, multicolored tile walls, and extremely meaningful-looking pieces of cookware. Even the floor seemed to sparkle. Drask felt honored to be able to work in such a fine establishment. Another waiter rushed past him with several trays along his arms, expertly balancing them with little effort. He shoved his back against the door and entered the bustling crowd of people, the smell of Dream Smoke and expensive wine wafting in from the open door. He glanced hopefully out the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ever. His stomach twisted as he thought of the night they were together, and what he had said to her afterwards. He felt like such an idiot for forcing that sort of thing upon her, expecting her to automatically agree with him. They had spoken several times while he had eaten at the Dragon, before he was employed, but Drask felt awkward to say the least. A bell rang it the distance, signaling the arrival of night, its 9 chimes somehow overpowering the sounds of the kitchen. "Just one more bell, and I'm off" he thought to himself, letting out a long sigh and pushing off the wall. Back to work. He pushed his way through the door and looked out across the sea of faces, spotting several tables that needed to be cleaned, and others that were occupied with waiting customers. Choosing to deal with the latter, he walked towards an occupied table and pulled out a small piece of parchment. "Greetings! What can I be helping you with tonight?" he asked, his thick, northern accent extremely obvious.

[Andresciel]

The Knight looked up at the Kelvic who approached, his eyes opening for a moment as he blinked "Sorry. I am just sitting, tired of my patrol." He chuckles, shaking his head as he took in the scent of the air around him, sneezing slightly. "I do so hate being in such a crowded place, ya know?" He asked jokingly as he placed a few coppers on the table "Ale if you have it."

With that, he crossed his arms again, before closing his eyes and resuming his quiet meditation and thoughts to Yahal.

Lord of Purity, Grant me strength to know where my courage must lay. Grant me the wisdom to know what is needed and the strength to do it.. He muttered quietly, mostly to himself, invoking his Lord's name at the end of the prayer, "By your Will, Yahal."

With his prayers done, Andre's eyes opened and glanced about the Golden Dragon, eyeing each patron. Always the watcher, Andresciel kept an eye on those that might cause trouble, as well as those that wouldn't. He also kept an eye on the boy who had spoken to him, his interest peaked as it rarely was.

[Drask]

"Well..." Drask replied shyly, fearing that his supervisor might have snuck up behind him, intently listening for anything bad he might say about the establishment. Of course, this was silly since his supervisor had left for home half a bell ago. "...I've always like having people around, but sometimes it does get too busy in here. I'll go ahead and get that ale for you" he bowed and picked up the 4 copper, and quickly scurried back into the kitchen, nimbly slipping past the many chefs and waiters to reach the cellar stairs. Several rows of barrels lined the walls of the cellar, the smell of alcohol and mold intruding his nostrils. He didn't have to read the small wooden signs to be able to figure out which of the barrels held the Ale, its scent alone was enough. He grabbed a mug from a nearby table and turned the faucet attached to the barrel so that the thick liquid flowed. He was back before long and placed the mug in front of his cusomer, a warm smile on his face. "There you are, sir." He stood there for some time before continuing. "Excuse me for asking... but are you a Syliran Knight? What is that like, if you are not minding me asking?" he had heard much about the Knights, as many of them patrolled the streets, always willing to lend a helping hand whether it be giving directions, or pointing out the best place to eat. He had thought about joining their ranks, but he was not suited for knighthood. He was more of a companion, a hunting dog (or wolf, rather). He could not imagine himself in a suit of heavy armor, dragging along a huge sword. It just didn't call out to him. But he found it fascinating nonetheless.

[Andresciel]

He looks up at the question as the ale was set down, chuckling. "I am a Syliran Knight, but not the kind your thinking of I'm sure. I'm a Mage Knight, a user of Djed and magics." He shook his head, glancing at the ale before picking it up to take a sip. Ah, Fresh ale, the kinda thing he always needed after a long day.

"Its a thing of a life time, to know you have brothers and sisters to support you. Guard your back and the lot." He laughs softly, as he looks up at the boy "Why don't I take you to the Knighthood office sometime, and I'll show you around. I'm sure a tour would be fine with my superiors." He chuckles, "By the by, I know not your name, son. I am Andresciel, Mage Knight of Syliras. A Reimancer." He brought his hand up and offered it to the serving boy, a gesture of equality.

He was being friendly, and most people still balked at him when he called himself a Reimancer. He's a Mage! Thats what he is!. He still remembered the curses and the hatred cast towards those who learned his art. "If I may ask, what is your own name?"

[Drask]

Djed? The word sounded familiar. Often he had heard it coupled with the term "magic". Yet, he had no idea what on Mizahar it was. Magic was rarely used in the Blackridge Clan, save for it's developing years when they had chosen Naomi as "'Mother". He knew the tale all to well, and how real it was. The Goddess of the Sapphire. The Mother of All. Drask felt a wave of sadness pass through him. There was not guarantee that she survived the so called "Cleansing" of the Blackridge Clan. Drask sighed inwardly. Thinking about it only made him depressed, so he returned his attention to the self-acclaimed Reimancer. What a fun word. "Oh. That's very kind of you sir. I would be very much liking that. If it wouldn't be too much troubling, I would like to go after my shift. I will be done in one bell." Drask replied, a little shocked at the man's sudden kindness. Many of the people he served where drunk, and were generally not expected to be very nice. It made the boy smile, knowing there were people like Andresciel. "Brothers and Sisters?" He thought to himself, immediately seeing the similarity between his own Clan and the Knight's. Of course, using the aforementioned terms to describe one's closest allies was common, so it didn't strike Drask as more than a coincidence. " I am Drask Amberhold Blackridge. But you can be calling me Drask." he stated, giving a small bow. when he rose up again, his bright yellow eyes seemed to give off a sparkle with interest. "Is there anything else I can be getting you? We have Dream Smoke, which would be good for helping you to relax."

[Andresciel]

Andre shook his head "No thank you on the dream smoke, and I can wait a bell. I have no place to be this day except in my normal prayers to Yahal." He smiles, offering his hand "Nice to meet you Drask. I'd be honored to give you a tour of the Syliran Citadel." He smiles, friendly and kind. But if one paid close attention to his eyes, they could see the hint of distrust, and sorrow.

So many people would call him a freak for his love of Magic, because apparently it had broken the world. Not that he cared. A Responsible Mage is a learned Mage. If it came to it, yes, he might overgive, but for now, He was sane as the next Knight. "Just come to my table when you be done, Drask. And We can be off."

With those words, the sapphire eyed Knight sunk back into his thoughts and prayers to Yahal, his eyes closing as he sipped at the ale. "By the by. May I ask of which race you come?"

[Drask]

Drask tilted his head at the outstretched hand, confused by its meaning. While Drask had spent quite some time in Syliras, he hadn't been able to yet decode the gestures people gave on another. Of course, he had lived in seclusion for most of his life. "I am Kelvic, sir. Wolven." he answered brightly. Well. I suppose I should get back to doing duties in the meantime. It was good meeting you, Andresciel. If there is anything else I can be getting you, just ask."[/b] He nodded towards him and went off to complete his tasks, hurriedly rushing through them in anticipation. The last bell seemed to come much too slowly, as most of his work had been finished by then, so all he could do was do small helping-hand jobs around the kitchen with the chefs. When the 10 chimes echoed into the Dragon, Drask felt a weight lift itself off his shoulders. Without hesitation he made his way back to the table Andresciel was occupying. "I hope I did not keep you waiting for too long."

[Andresciel]

He chuckles as he listened to the bell, before turning to his new friend. "Hardly felt like five minutes." He joked as he pushed up from the table, "Come, my friend, let us go to the Knights stronghold."

With that, Andresciel turned towards the door, his eyes going towards the other strangers for a few moments before he opened the door, and stepped out into the busy street. Even at this hour, the Streets of Syliras were not empty. Knights still patrolled, people still walked the narrow roads. But, it was a bit less crowded then normal, and for that Andre was grateful.

"Ah. Is there anything more relaxing then a peaceful walk through the city?" He asked Drask, his sapphire eyes lighting with joy as he turned towards the Kelvic.

[Drask]

Drask gave the man a polite smile, his eyes staring out across the street. He could, actually, imagine a hundred other things that were more relaxing that street-walking. Not to say it wasn't relaxing. "Lying in the snow can be rather calming, if I say so myself." he admitted, giving Andresciel a sideways glance. Typically, Drask wouldn't have been so willing to go with a stranger to a place he'd never been to before, but he felt that he could let his guard down in a place like Syliras. He worried that he might become soft, and easily susceptible. The Summer night brought warm winds, which was oddly refreshing to the Kelvic despite the hours spent in the hot and steamy kitchen. He did enjoy the cold, but he loved warm nights as well. "So... Andresciel. Is it tough being a Knight? Have you had to fight much?" he didn't ask out of fear, but he did hope he would say no. Despite being only 4 years old, Drask had seen more action the he'd be willing to admit. to be honest, he was tired. He didn't like fighting anymore. He had done it so Damn much that it felt trivial to him. So may lives could be saved if people resorted to using words instead of weapons. Drask wasn't a pacifist, mind you. He'd get his hands dirty if he had too, especially if he were trying to protect someone. It was a trait that made him (and the rest of his clan) good Bodyguards.

[Andresciel]

"Not really Drask." He chuckles, stopping for a moment to look up at the moon overhead. "Father Yahal, watch over us tonight. Let your servant impart the wisdom sought by this young man." He stated softly as he lowered his head in a quick prayer.

He began to walk once more, "I've not fought much since I became a Knight, but I don't know about the Weapon Caste, whether they fight often or not." He turned towards the barracks at the crossing street lighting a flame with his Djed quickly enough so that he could see in the dark night. "Plus, with so many of us, its not like people get too out of hand."

The Mage Knight pushed open the door to the barracks, closing his hand to douse the flame he had created for his vision "After you, my friend"