[Silver Silver Tavern] The Pursuit [Clyde]

[Clandestine Duplais]

Summer 8th, 512AV Spring was only but an obscure scar on the surface of Gallo's mind. After the return from the Suvan and the survival of the djed storm, Gallo returned to a semi broken Ravok. The temple was in ruin and the city was in turmoil. A mysterious group had made their presence known. Their graffiti littered the walls of buildings and spread propaganda of opposition to the spiritual father and his great city. Gallo's blood ran cold when he witnessed such slander drawn on one of his most treasured childhood play spots. But most of all, those two important people to him that made up a good majority of his childhood had gone missing. Gallo returned to an empty home that had been destroyed by hands not of his own family. It had took weeks to return most of the home back to its original state. But Gallo felt a short mourning period as he soon set out on his journey to become something that his father wanted. Even though gone, Gallo felt the need to honor his father's wishes and become something truly of worth to Ravoc. He lived a lifestyle of a homeless man and spent most of his time on the streets and in front of the Black Sun. He had caught rumor of mage who was in search of an apprentice. It had taken many moons to soon find the origination of the rumor. Many blockades met him on his journey, but something in his body told him that his journey was about to end as he stood outside of the tavern. His clothes were frayed and torn in spots, but kept as clean as he could manage. He entered into the Silver Silver, a place Vermsinthe promised he'd take him to once he was a bit older, and looked around the quaint drinking hole. He stood for a moment and let his eyes adjust to the dimmer atmosphere within the room. Smooth hardwood floor graced the bottom of his feet as he stood and watched the many people go about their business. Beautiful woman weaved their way through tables and small groups around the decorative tables. Their hands full of heavy mugs that they served to guests of all sorts. From the stage radiated a smooth tune that didn't compete with the noise of chatter within the tavern but instead complimented it. The ambiance was a stark contrast to what Gallo's life had been during the Spring moons. His green eyes soon picked out the long bar and later after that his feet began to move toward it. It was almost surreal as he approached the bar and was greeted by one of the tenders. He had just finished an order and passed along the drinks to one of the servers. He was a brute of a man and slightly intimidated Gallo when his eyes locked onto his own. Gallo paused his step for a moment, doubt began to creep up his spine. But that doubt was soon swallowed by a greater, stronger, purpose as he returned to the path less traveled. He remembered a mage that accompanied the group out to the Suvan Sea. He was a powerful man, he remembered the flash of fire that erupted from within the Zith and charred the beast from the inside out. Such a demonstration had Gallo fear the man. Yet with the fear, came curiosity. He had the fleeting idea that the mage he saw was the one in search of an apprentice. But he dismissed it shortly after, why would someone who apparently was close to the BS or Stryfe be in search of someone of lesser value? "What can I do ya for, kid." The tender's voice was gruff as he practically barked the word kid. The brown eyes and hard stare told a story, one that said that this man had been through a lot. "Perhaps my own will develop like his?" Gallo thought to himself before he began to speak out loud. "I heard that there was a teacher in search of a student. Someone told me that I may find answers here." Gallo rested his hands on the wooden surface. The man only glanced down at them as if he was mildly offended, "if I can get any information on the mage I'd really appreciate it." Gallo's voice hardly matched the man's. Gallo was only just a kid and barely off the starting mark of the race track of life. "Tsk, I don't know nothing. Buy a drink or go to Hai." Gallo felt the man knew something, or perhaps it was his own desperate imagination. Gallo looked down at his pocket and fiddled with a pouch. "Fine, I'll buy a drink from you. How much for a Silver Silver?" Gallo blurted something out that he recalled his father saying. The man only grinned wickedly, "a mug of Silver Silver will run you," again he punctuated the word you, "11 gm." Gallo was taken aback by the price and the look of disgust was not easily hidden on his face, "for one drink?" "Listen kid, let me tell you something. Talk is cheap, but information holds value. You want something, you gotta be willing to earn it. I don't want filth in here working for me so you get to pay the price." The man crossed his arms, "11gm, you're testing my patience and I may raise the price depending on how much longer I have to stare at your face." "Fine," Gallo grumbled as he began to thumb through the gold rimmed coin. He stacked the eleven pieces onto the bar and waited as the barkeep roughly poured a glass of the signature brew into a mug. He roughly set it down in front of Gallo, which startled him. But what scared him more was the man leaned over the bar as if about to attack. Gallo remained frozen in fear and found he was unharmed. "I've heard that the man you speak of started the rumor here and sits in wait near the stage over there." The man's eyes that were focused on Gallo's flicked to the side toward some of the tables. The bartender straightened back up and collected his coin. Gallo picked up the mug and found that the drink was mostly a thick, creamy foam. He left the mug where it had been placed and turned his attention toward the area he had been directed. He didn't hide he was in search for someone as he navigated the tables. But soon his eyes caught a familiar face among the crowd. "It couldn't be." Gallo whispered to himself as he began to approach the mage from the Suvan. With cautious confidence he approached the man. His heart raced in his chest, would he meet a dead end in the maze of his life or had he finally found the hall to the next chamber? When he was near Clyde he simply asked, "are you the one in search for a student?"

[Clyde Sullins]

Many a day Clyde spent in the tavern. Most of the time he did not drink, and when he did, he simply sipped at an ale or two. he had not gotten drunk since long ago, when he had met that odd man... And regained his magic... Perhaps he made the connection there, and was afraid if he got drunk again, he would lose his magic, by some perverse justice... Even he could tell this logic was odd... But better safe and superstitious, than dead... No he spent most of his time sitting there at a table, listening to the hustle and bustle of people in and out, to others conversations, keeping himself busy with small projects... And occasionally talking to others and being sociable. But mainly, he came, in case he needed to make contact... He had let slip the rumor of his wanting a magical apprentice... And if someone paid off the barman, he would likely say he had heard it from him... Then he could judge whether or not to test the person, or send them off on a wild goose chase... He had been in the middle of daydreaming, as he worked in his mind a complex sigil he had been working on, and had nearly perfected... He wondered what it would be capable of when he was done... But then someone was right near him, and asking a question. A quite direct one... Was he in search of a student? Clyde turned to look at who had spoken it... Which turned out to be a person even younger than him... Which considering all that Clyde had done, he was quite young to be so accomplished as he was... He supposed it did help starting at the tender age of 5... And while it had been traumatic and dangerous, he had survived... And look how strong he was now... He took a second look at the boy, and thought he looked vaguely familiar... Though he was not sure from were... Though really, he needed to be a bit less direct, if he hoped to ever weasel anything out of Clyde. Mages were far to protective of there reserves of knowledge for that. "If I was, you certainly would not have impressed me. Is that really the best way to ask? Do you have no grasp for subtlety? And do I know you from somewhere? Regardless, shouldn't you start with telling your name. And what kind of teacher is it exactly that you are looking for. That is not much info to go on." Clyde kept his face neutral, not on purpose, but as that was his natural expression... Looking at the boy... Judging... Trying to weight factors, and come to a decision... He tapped his staff a few times on the ground, which he held with one hand lazily, while still staring the boy down.

[Clandestine Duplais]

Gallo felt his stomach fall as he was reprimanded and grilled. Though he didn't mind it, but felt more frustrated with himself. "I meant no offense in my directness." He said a little timidly, but slowly he built confidence as he took the fact that he hadn't been flat out rejected as a positive sign. "I've just been on a long journey," he sighed a bit still calming himself, "my name is Gallo and I am looking for a mentor to help better myself in mind and body." Once Gallo began to feel a bit more comfortable around Clyde his eyes began to study the mage as well. He watched for any posture changes or facial expressions that would indicate the man's thoughts. "I'm surprised you recognize or even have a vague memory of me. I was a laborer during the Suvan expedition to set up the trade post for this great city." Gallo paused as he remembered the Zith attack, "I remember I saw a man who looked like you who burn--" Gallo paused and corrected his wording. He figured if Clyde was that cautious about being a mentor, he would probably be just as cautious about his abilities. "You fought a zith in the most remarkable way. It has been on my mind since. My father was able to give me some basics in combat and other skills, he pushed us to learn from a very young age. But that storm," he paused as he mourned for a split second, then continued, "well lets just say cut my lessons short." Gallo looked around for a moment and wondered if anyone had an ear in on their conversation. His eyes soon came back to Clyde, "Do you mind if I know your name? If you do, could I at least take a seat sir?" He added the last word more in respect than anything else.

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde's lips split a bit, not exactly in a smile, but almost... It seemed if nothing else, the boy could change tact quickly... Being a lot more discrete in his further words... "Well Gallo.... Everyone makes mistakes... But it is best to learn from them, and have as few as possible... In many lines of work, mistakes can easily get you killed..." Of course, this was very true in regard to magic. The slightest mistake could have huge repercussions... Caution when working with djed was a given... Better to measure 8 times, and cut once, than cutting wrong, and losing a limb, or life. "And finding a mentor... That is always a much safer way to do things... Learn from a teacher, and they can help you avoid many costly mistakes you might have made on your own... Better than forging along on your own." It was interesting to him though, to realize he knew him from the suvan expedition... Clyde of course, being a mage who had fought with magic, was well known by those on it, and easily recognized. He only vaguely recognized the boy here, as one of the members. If that was true though, that meant he already knew Clyde was a mage... So there was little point in hiding that... Though he also wanted to learn magic from him... He would need to ponder further to make a decision. "Yes, I recall that zith. It was a simple matter to do what I did... Though I suppose it would appear as amazing to you... I suppose that is what you have come for? To learn to use that skill as I do?" Clyde was not sure... He surely would not be teaching this boy for free... But it might be good to have him owe Clyde... To have an ally... But what could he give Clyde, that he could not do for himself? That was an interesting question... "I am Clyde... And I suppose you can sit if you want... Though you say you want to learn and be mentored by me... What can you offer me that would make me want to do so? I don't teach to just anyone, and not for free. So what would I gain?"

[Clandestine Duplais]

"I don't have much to offer. But I can give you my loyalty. I am interested in the craft and want to further my knowledge of it." Gallo sat back a bit, "I've read about something called dj...something or other, I don't remember what it was called. I was supposed to read it, but I just skipped over most of it when I had the opportunity. The book is no longer in my possession, it was only a loaner." Gallo felt a little more at ease with the conversation as he relaxed in his chair. "I would be over joyed Clyde if you'd teach me the finer points of this skill. If it is as dangerous as you say, I'd feel more comfortable to learn in person and not from a book. I'm still young and if I'm dead, my own goals will never be met. That outcome is unacceptable." A fire of desire and a thirst of knowledge burned brightly behind Gallo's green eyes. "I am prepared to turn over my loyalty to you in exchange for your services. I can work, I can fight, I can read and write, even in encryption if needed. But I only ask that I may be able to freely worship my second father." Normally, Gallo wouldn't fear the idea of not being able to worship. However, with the rebel groups that had made their presence known, there was a slight tint of paranoia in his mind. "Do we have a deal Clyde?" Gallo was eager to hear an answer and cut right to the chase.

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde smirked, as he started by saying he had little to offer... But perhaps with a little training, he would be an asset to him... Though what he said did interest him... What were these goals he had? They might be a good thing to know, to dangle out of reach for him, to perhaps help him along, and further gain his loyalty... "Yes, this skill you ask of, can be deadly. And a book can only do so much. It cannot answers questions. A person though, can answer questions, and show you paths you did not even know to ask for... Though everything is at cost... Also you speak of goals... What are these goals that you have for your life?" This really, was one thing he wanted to know... For a persons goals, told you a lot about the person in question... Clyde's own goals said so much about him, and what he wanted for himself... High ones showed reach, and a vision for the future. But to high and unreasonable, well could be the mark of a fool, or someone out of there bounds... And goals to low... And they were a sheep, to be fleeced and used, as a tool... Though his last words, once more seemed very direct... He was in a rush to make a deal... Which was not a good sign in a mage... Magic was safer and turned out better when one took there time... If nothing else, the long trial process he had planned for him to prove his worth, would teach him the virtue of patience... To learn that good things came to those who took there time and were diligent, and death came to those to impatient. "Turn over your loyalty to me? You may have to do that, more literally than you think... And who exactly do you mean by your second father?" Clyde was actually pretty certain of who he meant, but it did not hurt to verify, and get him to say it... Then a smile came onto his face, as he said the last bit... Which was a bit unnerving really... "Do we have a deal? NO! We do not! But perhaps in time, we will.... I am a patient and careful man. First you must be tested, to prove your worth... And possibly once I have seen your aptitude, we might have a deal. But I make no promises on a first meeting."

[Clandestine Duplais]

Gallo listened intently as Clyde explained the dangers of magic. He didn't fully understand everything that Clyde said, but he eagerly hoped that it would be explained in the future. He only needed a moment to respond about his goals, something that was engraved into his heart. "My goals are simple, become strong enough to be of value to Ravok, like you were during that attack. I want to help expand Ravok past the lake we sit on. I want to help spread the love of Rhysol and the Voice." He paused for a moment, "I'm not ready to join any groups, I feel I am still inadequate to even approach the military I respect. I want to show them my worth before I go to the Black Sun or Stryfe." Gallo was a little dumbfounded when Clyde questioned who the second father was. But before he shot off an answer, he calmed himself and reminded him that others have different views. "I meant Rhysol by the second father. I've lived here my entire life, and he has kept the city from falling into utter destruction. True the storm did devastate us, but it would have been much worse if father wasn't there. I as a citizen of Ravok feel it is necessary to do as I can in the name of Rhysol and Ravok. That isn't to say you wouldn't get the same treatment, eventually." Gallo added before he went quiet again. He was eager to get started on the new path that has been presented in front of him. Whether it be courage or youthful arrogance, Gallo was prepared to face death itself if it meant he'd grown closer to his own goals. "Whatever tests you have for me I am willing to take without question. I am confident that I'll pass them. You're very wise for the age, you almost remind me of my father." Gallo couldn't help but compliment Clyde as he sat back in his chair and relaxed as if he had just completed a long journey.

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde listened, as the man spat out his goals. The way he spat it out, it seemed like he had done so many times before, almost by wrote. Well, at least he had not changed his goals a lot. Even if he was young and neigh... They were not so different from his own really, though he seemed a bit more fanatical about his religion. Clyde was certainly thankful for all Rhysol had given him, but he did not think he was the kind of god that expected fanatical worship. Not when self interest was actually more in the interest of Rhysol. And Clyde working in his own interest, working to better his own position, would in the long run help out Rhysol, since he had allied himself with the god. He just took a different route to religion, a different way to reach chaos. "I figured that is who you meant, but I had to be certain. Best if I hear it from your mouth, so I know exactly what you mean. Less misunderstandings. I believe I see Rhysol in the same way you do, and certainly would not want to hinder you in worshiping him. That would certainly be within a deal." Clyde took his last bit with a bit of mixed feelings... This boys desire for glory could easily be harnessed for his own gain... Having someone who was willing to go as far as needed was good, though also dangerous when you considered magic... Some restraint was essential. As for the bit about being like the boys father... Well Clyde had enough issues with his own father, to not know how to take that. Though it sounded like he was more fond of his own father, than Clyde was of his. "Well, I see you are eager to get started. But like I said, patience is a must with this... Skill we plan to work on... If you want we can go ahead, though this is not the best place for it... I have everything I need, do you have a place were we could be alone, and away from prying eyes. A house or whatever?" oocIf he does have a place, you can assume Clyde follows him there.

[Clandestine Duplais]

"Urm, yes I got a place to live in. It isn't much," Gallo stopped in thought, "but no fire in it please. It is all I got," he said it jokingly, but it was obviously laced with hesitation. Gallo was indeed a fanatic, whether it be young ambition or blinded pursuit of something unobtainable, it didn't matter to him. His entire life up to that point was dedicated to the god, but not by force. Vermsinthe's wants were pressed upon both of the twins at a very young age. His hopes that they'd become something that he wanted in the past. Prizes to flash around in public and gloat about at the local pub. "Well then, since I'm ready and so are you let us be off!" Gallo stood from his seat with eager haste and began to walk toward the exit of the tavern. Almost to quickly though as he paused and waited for the more patient and controlled mage to rise and follow. It was only a hop and a skip to Gallo's home, the location of the stone building where he resided was near the docks. The circular layout of the city made it convenient to get to one point of the city with haste. A circular labyrinth to those unfamiliar to Ravok. The many curved alleys led to bridges over the great canals or lead to other parts of the city. It was easy to get lost, easier for others. But soon Gallo and Clyde stood in front of a wooden doorway. Gallo took the straight piece of wood and inserted into a slot in the wood then levered it up. A loud creak echoed in the tight path as the old door opened into the dark nook of a home. "After you," Gallo stepped to the side and politely offered Clyde entrance. The home was not remarkable or lavished for that matter. Wooden screens created walls that divided the square room into sections. Each of the specific sections were almost like that of a cottage. A sleeper area off to the corner, next to it an area with a basin and close to the large wooden tub was the kitchen. The rest of the area, were Clyde stood was clearly set up as a study. A table as a desk with a wooden chair nearby. Some parchment was strewn across the rough surface of the table. Scribbled on them were various, cryptic puzzles and writing. The young Gallo loved to sit and think of creative ways to disguise words through puzzles. It wasn't much, but the game of encryption interested Gallo almost as much as being able to conjure an element. He soon walked into the home and shut the door behind him. "There is an extra chair to the right over there. You just gotta go behind that wall and it'll be there." Gallo directed Clyde to the necessary area. He couldn't help but feel a tad awkward, he wasn't used to company. "Pardon the mess on the table, I enjoy puzzles and word games." Gallo attempted to rationalize the cluttered mess. Some of the papers had common written on them. If Clyde would care enough to look over them, he'd find that they were journal entries with some of the words garbled up in series of numbers. Though the basic gist of the what was being said could be extrapolated due to the context of the sentence. They detailed the first instance that he had caught word of the rumor and gave vague details on his journey to where Gallo stood now. "I hope this will do for your training Clyde?" Gallo felt almost like a stranger in his own home. oocSorry about the wait. I'm probably going to slow way down in posting again with work and life roadblock taking up most of my time at the moment.

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde smirked a bit, as the boy reminded him not to start a fire there... Ha, like at his level he would let a fire get out of control? He could as easily control and kill a fire, as create and use it. Reimancy was much more flexible than many knew. Clyde followed along a bit more sedately, deep in thought as his staff tapped along on each step... trying to decide what he should do... Hmmm... So many options... So many things... Well, he had a few ideas, for what he could do with the young mage to be... He almost did not notice as they arrived at his home, and Clyde watched as he used some odd mechanism to open the door, much simpler and easier to cheat than a key, though in a different way. Not that he cared, he could easily blast the door down if he needed to get in bad enough. Clyde only took in a bit of the place, not caring for the details of the papers and such, the chaos within that was the house full of disorder. For some magics disorder and chaos worked, for others, it would end in your own death... Best to know which kind of magic a magic was before using it. First though, before anything else, he needed to know what he was dealing with... A blank slate, or something else... Turning away, Clyde would root through his bag for ink and a quill, and would speak without even turning to him. "Now, strip down to your underthings, I need to put some glyphs on you." Not waiting for him to do so, Clyde would dip his quill, and draw on his own forehead a glyphing focus, his current one of a odd sun like thing, which consisted of a circle, with wavy lines emanating from it. That would help him a bit with his magic he would cast. And assuming Gallo did as he was told, Clyde would move over to him to do the same to the boy, placing a similar glyph on his forehead, his belly, and the palms of his hands, pausing only to refill his quill. These would help the process also to be easier, for the boy to be easier to read. Finally ready, and only a pace or two away from Gallo, Clyde would begin to concentrate, calling djed to his eyes, channeling and controlling it in himself... He felt that joyous feeling once he finally managed it, that great enjoyment of using magic, as djed finally filled his eyes, and he was using his djed vision, looking at Gallo much more deeply, inspecting his aura... He wondered what color it would be... The color of ones aura said a lot about a person...