[Storm Shrine] Prospects Gather (OPEN)

[Nai'shee]

She didn't notice Benshira origin in his name, mostly because she didn't know much about Mizahar races. She knew to recognize most of common races and subraces, but she didn't know much about their culture. "Nice to meet you too, Satevis", she replied with a smile. "Oh, don't bother. I deserved it anyways, I do that to people all the time." And she shouldn't keep her guard down in this huge crowd. She doubted that somebody would attack her, but since The Winter Ball she tried to be more careful. And what if somebody appeared and saved her place in the line and she didn't notice it? "Well, you definitely should. This opportunity is free and you can learn from some experts that participate in this. I'm sure you would at least want to know how to fight unarmed, you never know what's waiting for you. Especially if you live dangerous life or travel a lot." She wasn't the one to give this advice, because she never actually traveled, but still she assumed it was wise advice. "Anyways, I always try to learn new things. It can't bring you any bad and it can serve you someday." His next statement replied to her implied question. Yes, he was a traveler. Or at least he had some family around here. However, it didn't mean he necessarily had to go around more dangerous cities. "I'm an old-timer", she replied somewhat sad about that, "I spent my whole life in Zeltiva. Well, since I was one actually." She loved Zeltiva and she never wanted to leave it forever, but a bit of sailing wouldn't hurt anybody. Except herself with her skill. She shook her head, reminding herself that she shouldn't ruin her self-esteem.

[Satevis]

She struck several good points. Learning was learning. What did it matter if he learned using his body instead of his mind? It would be just as useful in the end? Besides, for all he knew, he might come to a point in time where he would wish that he had taken this opportunity. There might come a point where he would need to save someone else's life, and magic would either not be practical or would potentially result in overgiving. His own life, he preserved only out of not wanting to die before fulfilling his purpose. Dying once before really took the novelty out of it all.

There was also the chance that Leth either would not or could not take him if he died again, and that was a risk Satevis wasn't willing to take. After living in a god's company for hundreds of years, returning to the cycle of reincarnation and forgetting all the memories of his past life sounded like an awful prospect.

He listened to her as she spoke of her home, smiling at her. It had been the same way for him as a child, with Yahebah. It seemed like such a long time ago, and it was. He had never wanted to leave, but when he had felt the call to leave the desert, he had obeyed. He was glad he did. Life might have been longer for him had he stayed in Yahebah, but then he would have never encountered Leth, and as much as the memory of those years in Leth's company ached, he would not give them up for anything.

"I was like that once, with my hometown," he said. "Have you ever wanted to travel?" He knew that she wished to become a sailor, but that would bring her back into the city about as often as it would take her away.

The Ethaefal looked away from her, glancing at the line. It had shortened someone. "The line is getting shorter. We should take a place in it before someone else does. Conversation will make the wait easier."

[Nai'shee]

She was in the line in second, already considering her weapons. She already had some experience with sword and considered it the most powerful item in a combat, mostly due to it's reach. Longsword, it will be. But she always wanted to be able to fight with a simple knife, it was easier to carry and less noticeable and it could be useful anyways, for cutting wild plants or ropes. And it could nicely assist a sword, if she ever maintains that level of fighting, she could protect herself with it while she attacks. And something she could easily hide, like finger razors. For surprise attack. Oh, she already made herself a bill again, and she is trying to save money! And she needed two scabbards, as well. "Are you buying anything?", she addressed Satevis, realizing she started to ignore him.

[Trente]

Trente was worried when Nai'shee belayed her approach up, he wondered if she would sign at all, he had hoped so. Even counted on it. He was pondering how he would take it if she for some reason denied joining the association when he spotted their esteemed guest.

Trente's heart stopped the moment he glimpsed the Head of Counsel. No doubt long after the majority of his audience had. He braced himself, fearful in truth. He had not spoken at the ball or in that day's speech words of kindness toward the authorities of Zeltiva, Maria included. He expected a rebuttal, a defiant attack on his cause. Public, and loud. Instead she remained silent, waiting quietly amongst the citizens, her personal guard watching the crowd around her dubiously, yet still holding the demeanor of proud warriors. Trente knew he was fortunate she had the poise and stature of a polite individual. No, she wasn't the type to sling mud in public, to make accusations or to undermine another. This humbled Trente, and he suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. What was this? Maria was some sort of sorceress he decided, to do so much with no more than an attentive and curious glance.

He handed the materials off to the first women to step forward, he took a conscious attempt to look her in the eye. There was no smile, but a respectful nod was given. Then he walked away from her. They would sign as they would, he had to find out why she had come. What she would do to him for his slander. Was she to threaten him with her beefy guards, clad in expensive steel and wearing intimidating scowls? Quietly he worked his way through the crowd, looking to her, respectfully deflecting any other conversation that attempted to belay him. Finally he reached her, stopping a few paces short so as not to provoke her attendants.

A cool glare was set firmly upon his face, but still he gave an over zealous flourish of a bow, before righting himself. "Lord of Counsel." He spoke his formalities loud enough for those around, including Nai'Shee and her new found friend to hear. "I should most certainly be honored by your prestigious presence." He continued with a confident voice, strained mostly of his anger and fear. "Are you to sign our parchment, to join the Zeltivan people? To accept tutelage from those that would consider you an equal?" The words were barbed, clear as day to those that knew the danger of words. Maria being among this class.

Still, she did not look angered by the tactful assault. Instead her face looked almost hurt, and all those of empathy knew without a doubt that she had not come to stop Trente. And Trente now saw this, his anger melting to shame, and his mouth sealing shut for fear he might make the situation worse.

The awkward moment spread long in the area around Trente and the Lord of Counsel as she slowly absorbed the attack, giving Trente the time to think for himself, then finally she spoke at a casual volume, her words meant sincerely for Trente, though not at all vicious or ineloquent. "No, I will not be signing the paper, Mister Eclatante." Trente's skin prickled at his hairs stood on end, his mind desperately trying to calculate what this meant.

Then, she gave a smile, one of unclear origin under the circumstances, though genuine it seemed. "I was impressed by your speech. And very relieved to see that your purpose appears to be aligned with the well being of Zeltiva." The people watched as she spoke, and this did not scare her. She spoke flawlessly to Trente, both as if they were alone, and as if she were speaking to the people. Trente was dwarfed by her grace, and so he should have expected. She was true royalty, and he, just a farce.

Then, she quietly requested something of her guard, as all stared upon him, he reached toward his side where his weapon hung. Then past the hilt to a pouch, slung professionally about his wide chest. Out of it cam the flash of paper as he promptly, and respectfully handed the parcel to Trente. An envelope. It first past to Maria's hands, then toward Trente.

"I would, in the interest of Zeltiva, like a chance to discuss your views more thoroughly at a later time. If you would, Mr. Eclatante." Trente, stunned by the words, by the perceived complexity of the situation, reached for the envelope, and took it.

"It would be my pleasure, Lord of Counsel." He said, his face appearing still shocked, not in the lead reflecting his words.

And then her eyes drifted about the onlookers, and she gave an almost awkward smile. She hadn't actually expected her presence to be so impactful, and almost felt bad for her presence. Still, this was important to Zeltiva, and no doubt there were members of the Guild and Board there, she couldn't collect her information second hand. Not always. With a well practiced curtsy, in proper fashion for her station she bid farewell to the gathering and turned promptly to leave, leaving Trente with stunned expression as a firm grip around his envelope.

[Satevis]

Satevis's eyes moved towards the confrontation between Trente and the Lord of Counsel, but beyond that, the Ethaefal made no indication that he was listening. He had always been subtle about such things, content to observe and learn all that he could about a situation, without getting involved in it until he absolutely had to. He had been broken of that somewhat--he now no longer feared aligning himself with a cause or an organization that suited him--but he was still overly cautious as to what he owed his loyalty to.

It seemed like there was some conflict between this Trente and the government of the city. But Maria's face did not appear angered by Trente's accusation. Instead, she seemed almost wounded by his words. He relaxed somewhat, glancing back at the girl beside him for a moment before turning his eyes back towards the confrontation. It was clear that she had not come to put a stop to this, which meant that this cause hadn't met with her disapproval.

If she had attempted to put a stop to it, he would have turned around and left, because combat skills were not worth making an enemy with the lord of a city over. Not when he could learn those just about anywhere. As it was, he still considered it.

He watched as the exchange drew to an end and Maria gracefully left the gathering, his frown deepening slightly.

This certainly ran deeper than he thought...

Nai'shee's words shook him out of his thoughts, and he turned towards her, the serious look in his eyes diminishing somewhat as he offered her a smile. "I wasn't aware that we would be choosing our weapons here," he said. "I thought we were just meant to sign the paper."

Satevis stepped forward as he reached the foot of the line, picking up the quill. He leaned over, holding the piece of paper down with one hand as he dipped the quill in ink and signed his name in several smooth strokes.

His curiosity had been piqued. He wouldn't let the issue go easily now.

[Nai'shee]

Nai'shee noticed Trente leaving his place at the top of the crowd before, but she overlooked it due to the fact she was in the middle of conversation. But when she heard his voice not so far addressing Lord of Council she was surprised. She was familiar with Trente's polite way of fighting, but she was shocked by the nerve his words shown, even with his tone hiding any non-curious intentions. Her back was turned towards them, so she couldn't see their faces, but she tried to collect every word. They talked rather loudly anyways. The silence that fell almost got her afraid. She knew Maria will reply calmly, but it was still unpleasant to wait for answer on that question. She felt almost like Trente was mocking the lion. Marie's friendly answer was expected, but she wondered if she hid more behind it. After conversation was fairly over and she heard and she heard steps of Lord of Council and her entourage digressing she dared to look at Trente, obviously stunned by the event. She thought she maybe showed Satevis that she was looking, but he picked the right moment to sign the paper. She didn't know how to respond to his last sentence, so she remained silent. When it was finally her turn she took a quill, carefully taking some ink. She wrote her name with her messy handwriting, adding weapons she thought of before: longsword, knife, finger razors. Also, skills with those weapons, of course. And unarmed combat too. She had to dip quill into the ink numerous times before she made it, since she was slow with writing. After she was satisfied with the result she moved away to let next person in the line sign the paper. She wanted to call for Trente, but she wasn't sure if she should. He wasn't in best mood, clearly, and he seemed as if he wanted to sort his thoughts. She had a wish to help him, but she felt extremely awkward, anxious. It was a new feeling to her, she usually didn't care if people didn't want her company. But she did what she always does: first thing on her mind. "Excuse me...", she said to Satevis, and it was really noticeable in her voice that she was really sorry for this, but she approached Trente. "Hey", she said quietly, maybe little too softly. She didn't want him to notice that she noticed how he felt. "Look how many people you gathered! You'll have great job buying all of equipment we asked for!"

[Satevis]

Satevis frowned, staring down at the list. It looked like Trente was also planning on having equipment ordered for the people who decided to sign, if he was understanding Nai'shee right. It would be unwise to not take advantage of this opportunity, but what weapon would he want to train in? He had really never given it much thought. A knife was practical and easily concealable, but it had a very short range, and that made Satevis uncomfortable, so that was out. A spear was too long and unwieldy, and any ranged weapons were made redundant by his magic.

That left a sword. But what kind?

He picked up the quill, coming to a decision. If he was going to train in a sword, then he would train in the style of sword favored by his people. Even if he wasn't among them anymore, a part of him was still very much Benshira.

He wrote the word scimitar next to his name.

With that done, he looked up at Nai'shee and Trente. The two of them seemed engaged in conversation that he had no part in, and he didn't want to interrupt. It seemed like he was done with everything he needed to do. He set the quill back down and turned away, heading back into the city.

[Trente]

Nai'shee's voice jarred Trente from his state of dismay. He had misstepped, with the Lord of Counsel no less, in front of the Association no less. He felt a sense of dread shame, but upon a careful look around he realized that only about two bodies actually left do to the tussle. He imagined they would be the individuals who had no stomach for politics. He hated to admit it, but it was likely for the best. The Martial gathering of Zeltiva was a place for politics, a short dodge from the word gossip. Those that lended understanding looks filled him with pride, and even more confidence in Zeltivans as a people.

His eye's rested smartly on Nai'shee, then traced back to the man she had been standing with. She was there to console him after his defeat, to protect him via the safety of closed conversation. He smiled lightly, openly. She was kind, and friendly, and he remembered clearly the time they had spent together. He could also recall through the haze of the last several minutes that she had in fact signed the parchment. She was a supporter, and that would endear him to anyone. Equal or not, she was special, and he knew it. Still, he needed not consoling in traditional ways. It was much too late for him to hide from prying eyes and ears, or even to tuck himself into a safe conversation. He had to be outgoing, he had to show everybody the genius of community. What lay beneath each citizen's nose but had rare ever been taken a hold of.

"Sir! Nai'shee's friend." He called out before he wondered too far. "Don't be in such a hurry. Join your neighbors here, and introduce yourself." His eyes slipped back to Nai'shee, with a look which gave nearly any sign that he had been simply obliterated by the Lord of Counsel's words only moments before. "Yes, I suppose I will. In time all of us can pitch in, but for now I want to ensure the quality of goods which is bought, and of course fair handling of your coin. So administration will be taken up by me." Each word was an announcement, not simply a response. Those prying ears were at work, he could feel them lapping at the words spilling from his mouth, and it made his stomach churn lightly. For sake of civility, and allowing Nai'shee and himself to move onto a less loaded subject he decided to dismiss such talk of logistics.

"I'm glad you came to attend. I was hoping you would perhaps offer lessons in your-" He paused a moment to choose his words wisely, not wanting to out her sorcery if she didn't wish for such to be known. "Special tactics." He paused again unsure if he was clear enough. "Your enhancements to combat would be in no doubt high demand, and would help many Zeltivans feel safer. I myself might even attend such a lesson, if no other reason than to see your fashion of teaching." To the last he smiled. He was in good spirits, despite his unrequited quarrel with Maria, much the mood he felt the night of the ball. He began to wonder if it was in fact Nai'shee who put him in such a mood. He dismissed this with the thought of the ball's conclusion. All of late had gone to show that disaster lurks just outside of one's sight, he should not over indulge in his happiness.

Still, he smiled. Her eyes were simply too blue to frown at. Like frowning at the high sun, or the lapping of calm waved against a strong boat.

Regaining his wits he turned back to the Banshira. He hoped he could find the other around. They were intimidating at times, but a strong sign. He hoped to instill in the people that even foreigners could become Zeltivan, not just those that originated in the city. This was pinnacle to success, for he himself had been born in a room far from any citizen of Zeltiva, from the loins of a women who considered herself a citizen of nowhere. He regarded himself the opposite, a citizen of everywhere.

[Satevis]

"Sir! Nai'shee's friend!"

Satevis paused in his walk, glancing back at Trente with a puzzled look on his face. At first, he wasn't sure the man had been talking to him. He had only just met Nai'shee, and didn't think he could be considered a friend. But when he realized that Trente was looking straight at him, and that no other mysterious friend had come forward, he nodded and walked towards the two of them. Trente said something to Nai'shee as he approached, but he was too far away to hear what it was over the crowd.

He was sure it was important, judging from the way he said it. But he was also sure that it was none of his business. He didn't ask about it as he neared. He would learn what he could from the organization, and along the way, he would see whether or not it was worth committing to in the long run.

"Forgive my rudeness," he said as he reached them, a friendly smile on his face. He spoke with a noticeable Shiber accent, although his Common was fairly understandable. "I wasn't entirely sure you were addressing me. I am called Satevis. It's a pleasure to meet you."

[Nai'shee]

At the first glance Nai'shee wasn't sure if Trente was faking his smile or not. He realized what did she came for, she was pretty obvious, but it seemed like he really cheered up and she was happy for that. Yet, she felt somehow guilty when he called out for Satevis. She wanted him to join them, but she wondered if it will look like she tried to escape back then when she apologized and left. It would look very rude. Except in case he heard Trente's conversation, which wouldn't be hard if he payed attention. She made a reminder to herself not to mention how loud it was to Trente. She smiled when he defined her abilities as 'special tactics'. "I'm willing to teach, if somebody is willing to learn, but I guess it wasn't to logical to put on a list", she said with doubtful face, "and about combat skills I'm the one to be taught those. I have some experience, I was actually taught as a kid, and I had a great teacher, but you wouldn't want to go trough those courses". Satevis joined them soon enough, he didn't approach too fast. She wondered if he wanted to give them some more time or he just didn't see the reason to hurry, which didn't exist after all. She paused when he spoke, because his words were mostly directed to Trente and she knew she should give them few minutes to get to know each other or it will be her own fault if she has to force the conversation.