[Flashback] A Taste of that Summer Sun (Hadrian)

[Faraluun]

Timestamp: 15th Summer, 508 AV He walked with confidence in a city he had only just begun to set foot in, not because of pride, but for the strong sense of purpose that fueled those very steps. The fight to get the the city had been long and hard but at last he could claim his minor victory in reaching what had proved to be such a perilous goal. All that was in the back ground now though, for now that he was finally here new problems reared their ugly heads, and found him quite unprepared for what to expect, or even what to do now that he had arrived. Without his determination, he would have sank into despair long ago, but even that hard one singular mindset was hard pressed to contend with the growing boredom that so strained his mind that hungered for any pursuits to entertain it. The road had been long getting here, and even though it had much lacked in the entertainment variety, it wasn't exactly the entertainment he strived for. As fun as struggling for your life amongst fellow men was, he yet desired the intellectual pursuits that so drew him here, and even more so for simple rhetoric with someone more knowledgeable than the sell swords he had spent day and night with for the past few years. Absentmindedly he played with the tawny strap that kept his backpack securely across his chest, and his steps slowed as he started to examine the aged buildings around him with more than just casual glances. "Leth guide me"

[Hadrian]

The nineteen year old student had done his best to go native since he arrived almost two years previous, wanting nothing more than to identify himself as a Zeltivan scholar rather than the son of a Syliran merchant, but then he was at an age where defining himself became important, at least for those whose families had enough currency and influence to be allowed such luxuries. He loved the ancient buildings of the Old Quarter, thinking he had never seen a thing as majestic in his life, and walking in and among them helped him think his way around some of the stickier problems Professor Stonemiller set before him. Each one was another challenge, and each one successfully divined became another feather in his cap. He was not well liked by his peers, but he was excelling in the eyes of his professors and that was more important to him in the long run. Turning a corner, his eyes were dazzled by the sun burning the surface of the waters of Mathews Bay and so he stumbled into the other man. "Oh, sorry."

[Faraluun]

Century old architecture stood silent and resolute before his eyes, each building truly a magnificent work of masonry. Every nick and crack that ran through the across the rough surface of the stone, a testament to a instance in time both important and mundane. Time with his eyes turned towards Eyris had taught him that, and bolstered the desire that already taken such a hold in his heart. His mind spun at the sheer amount of history in the stones around him, seeing such age reflected in things such a rare things now days, and even brought into perspective the lives forged on these very streets having each their own importance no matter how small. He was struggling to grasp the beauty of such age when a young man turning a corner bumped roughly into him, knocking the man back a few paces. Apology, and setting kept Faraluun's hand well away from the blade strapped to his hip, and instead his kept his palms clearly before him while his teal eyes sought the strangers. "Think nothing of it friend" The words tumbled from his lips but still yet sounded sure and strong should his own ears be keeping true to him. His hand slowly lowered to his sides, falling causally across in front of him so that his forearm rested against the hilt of his blade, wildland etiquette still influencing his mannerisms. He wasn't quite sure what the customs where around here, but as he had learned in Riverfall and again in Syliras, it was best to be polite and nonthreatening when among the people of the city. This wasn't the harsh wild lands when your very life depended on how fast you could draw your blade, and strangers couldn't be readily trusted. "The magnificent stonework drawing your attention as well?" he asked, his words as much of a statement as they were a question.

[Hadrian]

The gawky teenager was further surprised by the strange man's calm demeanor. He was much shorter than Hadrian, but compact and, as Hadrian had found from unintentional impact, hard with muscle. The young enchanter was hardly an imposing presence for all his elevated height. He had the vague sort of tension in his shoulders that prophesied a self-deprecating stoop if he did not learn to stand up straight rather than apologizing with his body language for being awkward. But Hadrian didn't have any friends, not really. At least, that was what he thought. There were several who called themselves his friends, but it was easy to forget somehow. "I, ah..." He looked up at the nearest building, then back. "Well, yes, I've always admired the pre-Valterrian architecture. The city council does well keeping what remains in good condition. I know students from the University study them, as well, both as works of architecture and engineering, and as works of art. "Are you...?" But it was impolite to ask too many questions. His mouth snapped shut.

[Faraluun]

His head remained casually so tilted to take in the stranger's soft features. The boy had over a head on him, but his tone held not the athleticism he saw many other teens his age possessing leaving him to guess this one had far more gentle work to get him by. He kept his posture relaxed around the young man, his shoulders slack with loss of tension but he kept his posture with his shoulders appropriately aligned with his own two feet. Just because he had spent years on the road, it didn't mean he had to behave like an animal when in more civilized company. The youth spoke, and he listened, his mind spiraling among the ancient stonework to the accompaniment of a scholar's words. Students. Council. Seemed he had much yet to learn about this city against the waves. He mused for but a moment that the fellow before he was a student at the university he had casually mentioned. It would explain the softness in his form at the very least. "The very same, consider me a visitor looking for perhaps a more permanent place in this city I'm so new to. Are you a student, or a traveler like me?"

[Hadrian]

"A student," he agreed. "And I traveled from Syliras to get here, but I haven't done much traveling otherwise of late. My studies keep me here." He too gazed about, finding favorite finials and other details from the wealth of architectural artistry around them. It was a shame that sometimes he was too distracted to notice what had once dizzied him with aesthetic appreciation. "But I hope to travel again after I graduate and receive my certificate. If, ah, you're looking for a place to stay, you might try to find a place where the students live. Our places aren't far from the Old Quarter here with its rich history, but we also don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a hole in the wall, so there's that." The man had an odd way about him that piqued Hadrian's interest, but he was too schooled in etiquette to boldly ask personal questions. One could only hope that with time details would reveal themselves.

[Faraluun]

Patiently he kept his hand at his side though he had a curiosity budding inside of him, yearning to know what secrets those aged stones held. To have such history at the tips of his fingers raised the hairs on his flesh, and set fire to the desire to know he had carried with him for all his time on this world. His palm itched to be placed upon the fine grains of the aged stone, and his eyes never strayed long from it's arching windows. Presence of mind is something he had learned well to keep though, especially in company though that didn't necessarily mean he couldn't appease his own curiosity and keep up conversation in the same breath. "How old might you say these buildings are?" Faraluun asked almost absentmindedly as paced to the left slowly and with measure before finally reaching out his left hand to hover just before touching the stone, but let it drop before he could too overcome by anticipation was he. It would be better to view the stone with knowledge prevalent in his mind, and more valuable still to the cause with which he aligned himself. There was much to be learned of this city but all in time, and all approached with absolute care for what was to be brought to the light, and the preservation measures that were to follow. Perhaps the lad could help him in that matter, for to throw open the doors to knowledge and understanding so fully would need more than he could do in many years worth of work. It would need help. "What does a student learn at this University?"

[Hadrian]

Hadrian looked up at the nearest one, but he felt a little out of his depth. Architecture was interesting, but it was not his area of focus and he hated to be called out on something when he was unprepared. All the same, he looked for clues and made his best guest. "You would have to speak to an architecture professor or a student of the history of art, perhaps, but I believe this one at least comes from the dynasty before Queen Kova's. I could be wrong." He hated to admit that. "As for what a student learns, well, just about anything." Unsure if it was a rhetorical question meant to draw him out, he offered, "I specialize in magical theory and cultural anthropology. Did you need directions to somewhere within the University? If you're interested in taking classes, you would want to speak to the Registrar. If you're interested in teaching, I would speak to the dean of whichever school fits your bailiwick."

[Faraluun]

"Such knowledge does not come cheap, no? How much do they charge for their services?" Faraluun asked, raising his hand to press against he wall, and slowly lean against it. The stone was cool to the touch, though the days sun surely had been beating down on the city for quite some time, warming the very foundations of the city up. His mind yearned to set free all thoughts and simply reveal in what he could know from the stone, but his mind needed to stay open to hear the scholar's words, for indeed they carried much weight.

His time on the road had left him little worse for wear, but he had gone soft under the studious gaze of the guards that traveled with him, ever guarding him on the orders, and pushing him place to place in search of that he had be sent to find. It gave him rare few chances to read or even learn about the cities he was shuffled to and from, so given the chance to learn while he was to stay was a blessing indeed. Perhaps then he wouldn't be so incapable, and be able to do away with his 'escort' once and for all, though he doubted they would leave his side even then. Something drastic would have to occur for that to happen, something far beyond his power.

[Hadrian]

"Ah, it is not so very expensive as things go," he hazarded. Having grown up the son of a wealthy merchant, he knew that his idea of capital was a bit skewed, but his father was no longer footing many of his bills. "They will take coin or they will take trade as they do for me. I am a research assistant for a few professors and I tutor some of the newer students in more basic topics. If you can teach or assist, you will not have to pay or not so much as you would otherwise. But I really find it to be a reasonable amount that the require given how valuable knowledge is." But then he said more quiet prayers to Eyris than any other deity, though he had received some instruction in the Temple of All Gods in Syliras during his youth.