Familarity and Animation: Seeking your own kind

[Rojeck Harl]

Rojeck noted the odd behavior of the communicator Golem he did not know much about such constructs but he could not see the Sahovans who were acknowledged Masters at Animation letting a Golem malfunction, something was odd here. He was watching the thing spasm out its response when a flash caught his eye, some kind of projectile came from nearby and impacted with the Golem exploding it into fragments. This did not seem normal either as he had done nothing to warrant attack nor had the Golem that he knew of.

However he boarded the wagon as he was told to do and then he noted an Overseer Golem or at least something that looked fully armed come with several more Communicators and the men of the ship were disembarking, this was not what he had been told to expect either. He had a suspicion that things were changing on Sahova and he was about to be in the middle of it. He was also rethinking his decision to study here among his own kind, he had heard that centuries of living made the Nuit go mad, perhaps this was the Sahovans going ,mad with the boredom of existence as an undead . Either way he was not sure he wanted to be in the middle of a war which this was looking to become.

He was taken by the animated cart which had not driver nor horse that he could see to the massive Citadel where he would meet with one of the masters and be taught hopefully in exchange for a quest as he could not see the Nuit needing anything like money he expected to find a difficult challenge ahead as Familiars were a valuable asset he knew his mother's was to her. He also expected a high price for learning Animation as that too was very valuable when he finally mastered it, the ability to create servants to fight for and provide for him was of great value. He also knew that all Magic came with its own price as well. He pondered all these things while waiting

[Panna Cotta]

Rojeck Harl was silently driven through a long dirt path by a wagon that moved on its own. After a while he came face to face with the Citadel's outer walls. The walls of the enormous castle perfectly blended with the landscape. The facade revealed the majestic age of the place. There were tell-tale signs of ancient battles: old craters and explosions that were clearly visible. Watchtowers were equipped with giant wood and metal ballistas, poised and ready to fire. Visitors would likely feel threatened as multitudes of arrows and darts point towards the direction of the incoming animated wagon.

The ride halted in front of a half-opened portcullis. Hospitality was fast becoming a scarcity in Sahova. Once the visiting nuit enters, the portcullis will slowly close itself, locking Rojeck Harl inside. Past a second iron gate was another wagon which was also suitable for riding. The visitor had the option to walk or ride the wagon, either way, he will have to traverse the path into the Citadel. The trail was flanked by statues, most of them ruined. While there were a few that did not survive the last five centuries, it can be easily concluded that the statues portrayed important people and ancient rulers. The cavern-like passage would end before two huge double doors that was too narrow for any of the magical wagons to pass through.

In a corridor that was lit by two continuous strips of blue crystals stood a fellow in red wizard's robes. One of his arms seemed to be cradling a shiny gelatinous blob.

[Rojeck Harl]

Rojeck found it hard to relax while in the cart even though it fascinated him as to how it moved on its own. The Animators here were truly masters of their art and he hoped that one of them would train him in the course of time...which was something he had plenty of being a result of Animation himself. The path was long and winding and amazingly silent as the rest of the island appeared to be which only added to the mystery and anxiety of being in this place of magic and undeath. He would have shivered was he he living sort bu as he was what he was he simply sat and contemplated.

The cart approached the massive Citadel,and he was immediately made aware of the size and age of the massive structure as well as the fact that it was still inhabited. There were tell tale signs of past battles, enormous scorch marks as well as craters and explosion sites, but the most intimidating were the great metal and wood ballistas poised and ready to fire and aimed at his cart. He was aware that hospitality was at a premium here and he would most likely have to win any that he should seek.

They passed under a half-opened portcullis that shut behind him with a resounding thump and a clang effectively locking him inside. From there they passed a second massive gate with another horseless wagon nearby which he chose to enter and ride as his already used feet were not yet ready to walk. The statures,most of which were in ruins and of important people probably that lived before the Valterrain lined the path as they slowly made their way up to the Citadel.

They entered the structure by a cavern like entrance at the base of it that terminated at two huge double doors that the carts could not enter so he had to walk from there. He entered and followed a corridor that was lit by two continuous strips pf blue,glowing crystal and once again he marveled at the skill of the mages here with their ancient knowledge and centuries of practice and development. It amazed him the things they could make and hoped after 500 years that he would be as adept.


There before him stood a man in red wizard robes, this he presumed was the master who agreed to meet with him so he could plead his case. The man was cradling a shiny,gelatinous blob that he presumed was his Familiar. Rojeck bowed low and respectfully as he was within speaking distance of the man.

Greetings Master, I am Rojeck Harl, a humble Nuit mage. I noticed your familiar, is it a Sarawanki? I only ask as my mother possessed a Fyrdenese of that species named Lyderia. It is of Familiars that I seek your council. I am a competent Summoner capable of reaching Fyrden and summoning a Fyrdenese, however my mother never did share the Astral Coordinates of that world nor the secret of binding with one. I also know little about caring for a Familiar nor what would be expected of me once we are bound . I would ask for training in the discipline of Familiarity so that I can bond with and work with one of my own.

I understand that nothing comes for free and that we Nuit have little need for material things especially coin. I have few skills but I offer them to you freely in exchange for the knowledge I seek. I am as i said a competent Summoner and a novice Webber,I also do a bit of fortune telling. Unfortunately that is the extent of my skills that I can offer. I am however a hard worker and would gladly perform any task or tasks you set me to.

He looked the master in the eye and awaited his response.

[Panna Cotta]

"Ooooh master did you hear that it knows what kind of familiar I am and it can summon other familiars like me but he does not know what Fyrden's coordinates are isn't that sad?" The whisper came out like a hiss, but the Sarawanki continued to talk without losing its breath, "Master Roghon are you listening to the poor mainlander, it wants a familiar like those other visitors we've had these past few days. I wonder why they keep on coming here in Sahova don't they know that they can summon familiars anywhere as long as they know how to? But I think that's okay since we are looking for other mages who can..."

"Enough, we don't want to scare our guests." Roghon replied, amused. With his cowl pulled low, Rojeck could barely notice his face. "Greetings, mainlander. I am Roghon. My familiar is right, however. These past few days we've been drawing a constant stream of visitors who wish to learn more about performing magic. You seem to know your trade, even if you a little incompetent. Come follow me."

Rojeck Harl was led deep into the labyrinthine Citadel, Roghon had a quick pace for a nuit. The bevy of corridors and staircases looked identical, no matter how many turns they have made. Deeper into the Citadel, they went, deeper into caverns and staircases. It was Roghon's familiar who did most of the talking during their walk.

"Had you not been a nuit you would have died as we walked down deeeeep down into the citadel because the air around here is not really breathable for other living creatures. You know Rojeck can I call you Rojeck I apologize that as a Lightfacer I cannot even remember who Lyderia is but maybe I can try and figure out if your mother's familiar was a distant relative. It's nice to know that your mother had a Sarawanki like ME we Lightfacers make really great familiars don't we Master Roghon?"

There was a nod and - perhaps - an affectionate pat from Roghon. "Do tell me more about yourself Rojeck Harl." Roghon patiently listened, and for a while it seemed like his familiar kept still, too. It disappeared into his robes and only went out after Rojeck Harl was done talking.

It took a couple of more corridors and staircases before they arrived at a swampy hallway which led to a dead end. The room in here was barely lit, and Rojeck would notice how Roghon's Sarawanki kept on peeking out of its master's robes. It was - Rojeck would know - somewhat scared of the dark.

Roghon turned and nodded to Rojeck, before holding out his left hand to the wall. He seemed to be searching for something on the wall using his hand. The familiar bounced on his hand, jumping wildly as Roghon touched a smooth plate with glyphs etched on it. The small device was almost unnoticeable, no doubt hidden from other nuits. There was a flash of orange that suddenly lit the room. When Rojeck looked, master and familiar were gone. It took a moment before Roghon - or at least half of him - reached out to Rojeck, the other nuit's standing against the wall as if it had consumed him. "It is safe to follow me. The wall you see is only an illusion." And he disappeared back into the darkness.

After Rojeck followed, he was greeted by a flurry of words, "Welcome Rojeck Harl to one of the secret lairs in Sahova this room is one of the many hidden areas of the citadel!" The hyperactive familiar was giddy, perch on top of Roghon's shoulder. "This is a small room that is dedicated to practicing the art of summoning I hope you will not cause a summoning mishap like the one who came before you who chose a Darkfacer yuuuuck for a familiar." The 'small room' was actually a spacious area of with walls of black granite that crept upward to a high and dark cavernous ceiling. The silver lampshades scattered around the room were lit with blue flames that do not seem to flicker. Dark shadows could be seen dancing around the walls. Perhaps there was a ghost out there, too.

"So, mainlander, you said you wanted a familiar. Let's talk about it. I want to know your reasons for wanting to obtain one."

Once again, master and familiar went quiet. What Rojeck did not know was that neither master nor familiar cared for his tale, they were only trying to scrutinize their would-be student's abilities. And they would recognize a lie if they wanted to. After the visitor finished his reply, Roghon continued.

"First of all, you are wrong. We nuits do have need for coin." Roghon did not say why, and it seemed like he had no intention to tell either. "So for accepting you as a visitor, you will have to pay me 20 golden mizas." He lowered his cowl and revealed the handsome face of a well-toned man, blond hair tied back into a pony tail. "You have to pay now. I am sure you have coin on you. Enough to pay me five times over."

Roghon's Sarawanki jumped, shooting out like a projectile in the air. It landed onto Rojeck's face and splattered down his chest. The droplets quickly gathered together on his neck. "I shall take your payment with our without your consent but since I'm nice and patient I'll allow you a couple of chimes to get your mizas and hand it over to ME."

As Rojeck pulled out his payment, Roghon continued, eyes narrowing. "You can just imagine how persuasive they can get sometimes. Still, you intend to get one of these chaps. I'll be holding onto your word, and I quote that you said, 'would gladly perform any task or tasks you set me to'." He nodded. "In exchange I agree to guide you to summon your own familiar and accept you as a student of Familiary. I believe we will both benefit from this mutual endeavor."

"Since you have shown eagerness to follow and obey without hesitation, I shall honor you with your part of the bargain first." He threw a couple of silvery charcoal pieces to Rojeck, "I shall hold you to your debt later."

"Mister Rojeck now you have to draw a ritual circle for summoning but I bet you already know that after drawing a circle you will have to subdivide it into sixteen parts and then you'll have to mark the sections with your glyphs and then you'll draw an inner circle where you will mark each of the sixteen points a glyph. Wait... wait wait wait! Master Roghon did you forget that he does not know Fyrden's astral coordinates are you really willing to let him draw a summoning circle just like that how will we call on to my relatives?"

"Is it not a bit assuming of you to think that he would indeed want a relative of yours? We'll let him choose the kind of familiar he wants," Roghon shook his head, "since that's the only free will he'll be allowed to exercise around here." Back at Rojeck, he said, "I was also trying to see if you really have experience in summoning aliens. Well?" Roghon tipped his chin, as if goading Rojeck to continue and draw a ritual circle.

[Rojeck Harl]

Rojeck could not help but smile at the hyperactive blob as it did remind him of Lyderia who he could only remember through the haze of a century of unlife. He did recognize the Sarawanki as he said since Lyderia was one of that species. He wondered why others came to Sahova, his reason was to study under his own kind since he would be at least not having to worry about people figuring out what he was, that and he knew Master Roghon possessed knowledge he needed about the care of familiars and how to bind to one of the creatures as well as the location.

He did not seem to flinch as the creature hinted at there being a need for mages here. He figured the price of obtaining a familiar and learning Familarity would be a steep one and simply put he was like most Nuit and possessed little emotion so fear was not something he felt easily. He spoke to Master Roghon

It is an honor to meet you Master Roghon. It does surprise me that there has been such a steady income of main landers, however Sahova is known for its Masters of the magical disciplines, perhaps that is what draws them. I am drawn for another reason as well, you are of my kind, though we will never be more than Master and Student you know what I am and do not persecute me for it. It is nice to not have to hide for a while. He did not speak to the being incompetent as compared to Roghon be probably was .
I learned my trade from my mother, she was Expert at calling aliens and taught me most of what I know. She also knew the secret of Webbing and taught me that.

He followed Roghon down deep into the Citadel, through winding stairs and labyrinthine corridors. He knew he could never find his way down here much less back to where they began and Roghon had quite the pace for a Nuit of his age. He listened to the familiar speaking non stop as they descended. The Roghon asked him to tell of himself.

Well I was born 100 years ago to a Talderan family,my father was a warrior and a farmer and my mother a Mage and tailor. I was tutored in the discipline of Summoning from an early age. When I showed a talent for Magic she chose to pass on the secret of Webbing. I heard of a process for immortality in Sylira I went to find out about it, being human and short lived I wanted to live forever and sought out this process. I was turned in to a Nuit as a result and have spent the past 100 years simply trying to keep the boredom of existence away from me. I have a talent and interest in Magic and hope to study other disciplines while here and work on the ones I have.

One he was done he followed Roghon into the swampy corridor and smiled as the Sarawanki peeked out of his robes, he did know the creature feared the dark as did Lyderia. He watched as Roghon felt along the wall for something and when he found it he seemed to fade into the wall and then appeared moments later to motion him into the room.

He followed and then entered the room to a flurry of comments from the Familiar. The room flickered with blue flames that seemed not to flicker and the Familiar mentioned a summoning accident which he wondered what that was and was pretty sure he would not make any serious mistakes this time. He then answered Master Roghon's question.

Why do I want a Familiar? Well Master as I said I observed my mother and Lyderia for my entire life before my new life. I saw that she had a companion who was loyal to her and gave her power in return for the affections she gave her, there was a bond between them despite their differences. I am alone in this world Master I wish companionship and the aid that a Familiar can give such as watching a summoned creature to be sure the leash is still there and making sure things are good with the circle, not to mention the other abilities that Familiars can bring which are as varied as the creatures themselves.


Do I know that a Familiar is a difficult creature to handle and to bond with? Yes, Lyderia and mother did not always see eye to eye on things and the constant chatter would annoy her from time to time. Lyderia was very needy but as long as mother kept her active and allowed her quirks like talking she was not jealous. If she was forced into inactivity she could be dangerous. There are risks involved in having one but I feel the support and companionship outweigh the risks. I hope that is satisfactory to you Master.

He nodded when Roghon demanded coin and gladly would have paid the 20 Gold Mizas but the Familiar was on him in a n instant telling him that he would take the coin if Rojeck did not comply. He smiled at the creature and saidIf that is the price then so be it he did not need a chime but simply paid what was demanded of him

Yes I see how persuasive they can be, Lyderia had her own way of persuading as well, actually she had many ways none of which was she afraid to use. I am set on getting one and I am grateful that you will assist me in that endeavor. I meant what I said..I will pay the price you ask of me. I grew up around Mages. I know that Magic has its price, the better the teacher the higher the price depending on what you wanted.

He smiled when Roghon tossed him the charcoal and the familiar proceeded to tell him he would have to draw his own ritual circle. He was fully competent in the act of Summoning and thought that this might be a test by Master Roghon to see if he was telling the truth about his skills. He caught the charcoal and smiled thinly.

I will require the coordinates Master Roghon. I presume you would want a Focused Circle? I would also need to know which part of the circle represents the Lightside and which the Darkside and the symbols for that since it is possible I might wish to interview both kinds of Fyrdenese before selecting my Familiar. I don't know much about Fyrden's surface so I cant cast a specific line it would have to be more random. My apologies to your Sarawanki if I do not choose family nor even a Lightsider. I have my requirements for my Familiar and it may be that a Darksider would work better.

He smiled and knew he could draw the circle without those things but it would be more stable if he could put those symbols in at the proper time rather than later. He also spoke to Roghon

Before I go casting lines it would be probably prudent to go over my needs in a companion as we Nuits don't heal our damage so poking myself to gain ichor for summoning is not something I want to do more often than absolutely necessary. I have heard that Lightsiders are much like the Sarawanki, they tend to be active and bubbly though the Sarawanki are the most so. I have heard that Darksiders tend to be more contemplative and more like the side of Fyrden they come from, cold and unemotional though on both sides there are exceptions. Once I have the coordinates and layout of the circle as to light and dark sides I can draw the circle. Then I can decide which side to access first.

Once Roghon gave him the required information he began to meticulously and carefully draw the circle making sure that no line was out of place and all were connected correctly. He put inf the astral coordinates when they were provided and stepped back



Well? do i pass the test Master? I know it is not as good as one of yours.

[Panna Cotta]

Roghon gave Rojeck a false coordinate and watched the other mage draw his own circle.

"You are a very eager student, which is something I haven't seen in a while. However, your eagerness is almost equal to impulsiveness. You are here to learn from me, I, the Master, you, the student. I shall pilot this lesson in the pace I want and in the way I want, not dictated by your personal necessities. Look, I don't mind you opening up a portal to Fyrden. You are not in the liberty to know Fyrden's coordinates, if only because I do not want to give it to you... yet." Roghon's face turned dark, looking every bit disapproving of Rojeck's audacity. "Not because I ordered you to make a summoning circle, it means that we are to summon already!"

The Sarawanki slithered away, returning Rojeck's payment to Roghon. Still bubbly, it interjected right after its master spoke. "Ewww Darkfacers are ugly cold-hearted beasts who torment their masters to no end trust me sir you would like to have a Lightfacer like me and Lyderia because we are all loyal and friendly."

"Choosing your familiar is yours to make, as it is you who will be bonded to it for eternity. Even if you have lived with your mother's familiar, played with it or studied it, that is not enough reason to think that you can already handle one." Roghon lamented, "You should not say 'My mother had a familiar and so should I', you shouldn't think 'I want a companion' and summon one. Back then Familiars were only awarded to exemplary students, such as yours truly. Even then, we were not even allowed to choose our Familiars. If you aren't good enough to train one then you do not deserve one. So, let me ask you: Are you truly, truly prepared to bond with your own familiar?"

The nuit's face was less stern as he mumbled, "Very well, I shall give you only that which you ask for. Fyrden's coordinates are 6701984710485453. The upper half of the circle is the Fyrdenese Darkface. You should know how to fish the chaps, right? The rest of the summoning ritual, I have no doubt you'll be capable of."

"Knife!" Roghon ordered. From behind the shadows a small wooden dish with wheels came creaking. It brought a small sharpened knife and a small candle. "You make cut yourself however you want. See those lights? They are like ordinary fire, with a rare aesthetic value. You may light that candle and singe yourself to close the wound."

He added some cautionary advice, "Just remember, all the creatures in Fyrden are very eager to go out of their world. They will be in their best behavior when you first meet them, so you may want to talk to them a bit longer. Get to know them, somehow. Also, they will have no knowledge of Mizahar. Their world, Fyrden, as you should know, is a wretched planet. It would be your duty to teach your Familiar everything it should know about this world."

He leaned back at the wall and ordered Rojeck, "I'll give you another chance. Draw another summoning circle with the coordinates I gave you, this time explain what you're doing thoroughly."

Roghon stepped a little closer the moment Rojeck began calling out his chosen familiar.

[Rojeck Harl]

Rojeck put in the coordinates that Roghon gave him and something did not look right the circle did not feel like it usually did. He then heard Roghon's words and inwardly flinched as he was sure he had displeased the Master Way to go Rojeck you are going to Dira before this lesson is over at this rate. Not that she will be unhappy to see you mind you, you are a century overdue. This joke allowed him to center and smile as he was nor sure he had been given a false coordinate and did not attempt to open a portal.

He nodded as Roghon spoke of his enthusiasm and compared it to impulsiveness. He lowered his head as if in shame and bowed deeply to the Master, however he was not capable of feeling any shame so he really did not. He spoke

Forgive me Master, it was brash presumption on my part and you are right to chastise me. I presumed that you wished me to fish for my own Familiar for two reasons.: One to test me to see if my skills were worthy of a Familiar if I could not get my own then I do not deserve one. Two I thought that your fluid would be too precious to waste on a mere student and hoped to spare you that unneeded injury to your rather handsome body. I apologize for any presumption on my part I should have asked permission as well as other questions. I will not do that again.We will proceed whenever and however you do order sir.

He hoped that that would placate the Master and he humbly waited for his next chastisement or order.

If you wish me not to have the knowledge to summon my own Familiar of course that is your right Master. However it would mean that when you deem me worthy of one you would have to injure your own body to do so. I would hope that you would allow this now humbled student to show you my skills and keep your body unharmed.

He smiled in amusement at the Sarawanki as it still tried to get him to choose a Lightfacer and he knew it would prefer he find one of its family. He also knew the Master to be correct that only the bets of the best could hope for a Familiar.

I am not what you are Master, that is why I am the student and you the Master. However I have studied the Summoning for some time and perhaps my skill at that warrants my having an alien like the Fyrdenese. I ask you again..please help me to train the one I choose. I have desired a Familiar since I first laid eyes on Lyderia, there was a hunger in my for the creatures that I could not identify. I know only what I have seen and even then I wish to bond with my own, I will train it and care for it as if it were my own child. After all is it not my child? Even more so as my life will be bound to it and its to me. I am strong enough to exert my will as it should be. I am ready Master.

He nodded as Roghon finally acquiesced and gave him the information he needed to fish for his Familiar.
You are most generous Master.

He began to redraw his circle, this time being sure to tell Roghon what he was doing each step of the way

I am certain that a Master Summoner like yourself knows what each part of the Summoning Circle is and how it works far better than I do so I am sure. However it is I who is being tested this day.

He drew the outer circle.This is the protective circle, it contains the portal and the summoned creature if it is broken the portal ceases to exist. It also is where the symbols go for the Astral Coordinates of the world you are seeking. So this part of the Circle also establishes the location of the world I am opening to, in this case it will Be Fyrden thanks to your generosity.The coordinates would be placed int he circle in a counterclockwise order. This is to ensure that the portal is one that can remove an object from the other side

He subdivided the outer circle in to sixteen parts and drew the inner circle also divide into sixteen parts.He began to put in the symbols for the Astral Coordinates given him by Roghon for Fyrden in the prescribed counterclockwise order within the circles.


He began draw lines in the center connecting a point in the center with the lower half of the circle, he knew what he was fishing for and only hoped to find one and would find which one suited him.

I do know how to fish for a creature Master, I presume the Fyrdenese are acquired by similar means. These lines determine where on the planet I am casting a line. In this case it will be the Lightface. Since I am not familiar with Fyrden's surface the line would have to be somewhat randomly cast and we shall see what is on the other side.


He continuedThe lines determine where I am going to cast my own line so to speak when I go fishing for the creature. They also will serve as a draw to draw the creature to the portal

He finished with other symbols and lines so that the circle looked similar to the one he had before but this time with correct coordinates.These are safety precautions to strengthen the portal so that creatures i don't want to cross it cannot until I will it so.

He looked at the knife and took it chanting softly under his breath words of focus that would really have no effect on the portal simply clearing his mind so that he had control over the portal.

The final step will be to place some of my own Ichor on the outer circle to energize the circle and open the portal. This also allows me some control over the creature as my own life force is now bound to the magic of the portal.

Before he cut himself he lit the candle form the blue flame and said to Roghon Master you spoke of responsibility and ability. I know that whatever I choose I am responsible for it and its actions. I must teach it what it needs to know and I must have the will to keep it from taking me over and doing what it would will rather than what I will and with that.

He pricked his right ring finger with the knife and squeezed until a single drop of white Ichor appeared on it. He then touched the Ichor to the outer circle as he had been taught to do by his mother and done many times in the past century.

The circle flared into life and began to take on the watery appearance that it should when connecting to another world. The peculiar oily smell of activation permeated the room and Rojeck knew he was doing something correct as the portal shimmered and became a mirror of the world on the other side.

[Panna Cotta]

There was a puff of steam from the portal, as if a bag of flour had been thrown towards Rojeck. White smoke-like dust clouded the summoner's vision, but it never settled down. Soon there was visible twitching and an audible androgynous soprano voice could be heard. It seemed to be mumbling, "Waaan, waa, waa. Who's there?"

Within the barrier, a small invisible being waved at Rojeck, "Hello hello! Who called for me?" Upon closer inspection, there was nothing but a ball of steam with some semblance to flickering flames. If it had hands, it seemed to be waving them, since a part of it was shifting, dancing up and down. "I'm called Amiki, and don't you think it's such a darling name? I'm really really looking forward to be your friend!" There was something prim and proper about the bubbly summoned creature, which elicited a response from Roghon's familiar.

"Disgusting! I think it's an Avavali one of the most stupid familiars one will ever have. They are not good for anything most of the time they even forget their own names and they do nothing but talk about themselves, Master Roghon. You know what maybe I could provide this thing with a good fishing line or two and we can instead call upon a better familiar I suggest one or two cousins of mine who will no doubt be very eager to assist and help this thing?" The little blob impatiently danced on Roghon's shoulder.

The master ignored his talkative familiar. "Good work, Rojeck. Now you may want to talk to your prospect and interrogate it. Remember that once you choose a familiar it will be your companion for life. In our case, forever." He stepped aside and allowed Rojeck to continue his ritual.

"Who else is there?" It was trying to see past the portal. "I beg to disagree through, we are actually very friendly familiars unlike some others!" Clearly, even among Lightfacers, there was some form of rivalry. "I myself am a very simple familiar, skilled, actually... waan waa waa. Umm. Umm. I'm not talking to you, whoever, whatever you are! Hello hello! Who called for me? Like, who really called for me?"

[Rojeck Harl]

Rojeck stepped back from the portal as the puff of white steam escaped not wanting to be damaged by anything dangerous expelled from the portal. He noted that the flour like substance that resembled steam did not settle, but clouded the portal he wondered what it was like on the other side and what he had drawn to him. He would soon have his answer as the thing on the other side began twitching and mumbling.

He could get the impression of a wave within the steam and a small androgynous voice spoke again, this time he could tell that what was against the portal was a small,ball of steam that looked like flickering flames. It seemed to be waving something that he thought might be hands, and it was definitely dancing up and down. He had to wonder about what he summoned and would have many questions for his first Fyrdenese. It called itself Amiki and there seemed something prim and proper despite it's bubbly nature.

The Sarawanki responded with disgust and Rojeck expected that he was seeing that even among Lightfacers there was some strong rivalry. The Sarawanki called the steam thing an Avavali and called it stupid. He unfortunately was beginning to agree as Amiki seemed to be not very bright.

He also knew that the Sarawanki would want its relatives removed from Fyrden and if he did not like the Avavali or simply wanted to take the damage to talk to other Lightfacers he would ask it where he might cast a line to find Sarawanki he did have knowledge of them from Lyderia, however he knew there were other species of Fyrdenese out there.

He was pleased when Roghon actually said good work which he did not expect the Master to say. he most definitely wanted to talk to Amiki and chortled as it asked who really summoned it and called itself simple but skilled. He stepped back in front of the portal and spoke to Amiki.

I summoned you Amiki. I am Rojeck and it is a pleasure to meet you. Before we talk about being friends I want to know about you. You describe yourself as simple. I presume that refers to your physical form? You also describe yourself as skilled, what are your skills?

He waited for a response from Amiki before continuing. He looked at Roghon indicating he had more questions before deciding whether to pass on Amiki or let it through, at this point he was considering casting a couple more lines into the Lightface before casting at the Darkface. He hoped to get to talk to several species of Fyrdenese before deciding which to choose, Roghon's familiar may still get its wish and he might select one of its family...if it met his standards.

[Panna Cotta]

"Why," it giggled, "Hello hello Rojeck! The pleasure is mine." It continued dancing, as if showing off.

"I'm simple because I'm a natural!" And that was as vague as it can get. "I'm pretty young, not more than a few years old, but I've already showed the capacity to transform myself... Umm umm. I can will myself to disappear," And the ethereal smoke seemed to dissipate for a while, before it continued, "Or appear!" Puff! Amiki manifested itself in the form of a whirring solid ball. "For now this is the only form I know, and though I'm a slow learner, I'm quite interested to know more things!"

Once again, Roghon's Sarawanki interrupted them, what with its loud voice, "Hey mister please do not let that translucent being fool you you know Avavalis naturally know how to bring themselves into their solid state." Roghon only stared at his familiar, and if he was surprised that his pet knew about this things, he just kept silent.

In an effort to redeem itself, the Avavalis retorted, "Well at least we make good companions because of our pure intentions. I can assure you sire, I will make a very loyal friend! I'm docile and I'm a good listener! It's actually quite sad around here, nothing but this boring land with even more boring creatures. Wan waa waa. I want to have somebody to be with, I long to bathe in a new world, have a life of adventure. Though I'm a slow learner, I'm quite interested to know more things!" Amiki certainly had a knack for repeating something which she had already said.

"And besides," it continued, "wouldn't you like to have a familiar who can do swell stuff?" And once again, it showed off its dancing talent. It gracefully danced for Rojeck, waving and flickering as it gave quite an entertaining show. "I've got good rhythm, yes?"