Closed Elementary

[Mienskil Ostovik]

11th of Winter Caverns, 7th Floor Navigating the caverns of Sahova was much easier than making one's way through the citadel itself. Someone had kindly marked the directions to almost every lab in the system at every intersection, providing a step-by-step trail for Mienskil to follow where he didn't need that little rat golem leading him by the nose. While he was willing to suffer through it for the sake of finding his way around, he eagerly got rid of it once he found that this part of Sahova was clearly marked and mapped. Grateful for the common sense of whoever made the signs in the first place, the magecrafter had a simple time making his way towards his destination. That destination happened to be the Elements Sanctum, as he had heard it called by a few pulser apprentices back in the Gug Andjak. Since he'd filed his request earlier that day, and reagents wouldn't start coming in until tomorrow, he had a bit of free time to look around Sahova for things he could find useful in his processes. Reagents were all well and good, but he'd ordered a vague amount that should keep him occupied for a while, especially with only five dirks, and so in the meantime he had to look into other things that could boost his magecrafting. One of those would be personal magics, as he had learnt a while ago how to guide an item's djed to teach it auristics and assumed the same thing could be done with any other personal magics. Say, reimancy. Ideas were abound in his head as Mienskil approached the iron double doors to the Sanctum. Scorch marks shaded the edges of the doors, and there was even a hint of some ice creeping around one corner. Very promising signs about the reimancy within. At a gentle push from his hand, the doors slid inward, apparently designed to keep the elements within rather than visitors outside.He stepped in, not one to decline an invitation, and after pushing closed the doors took stock of the huge barren room with alcoves lining the cavern, signs of various elements present in every one. There were a few apprentices sitting about, apparently resting for a bit or taking stock themselves, though for what reason Mienskil could only guess. "You there!" called a voice, and the magecrafter turned to meet the gaze of a grizzled man with wild eyes and hair, the dark dead blue irises staring into him almost icily. "Yeah, you! New servant! Over there against the wall." "I'm not a serv-" Mienskil tried to protest, but he was cut off rather quickly. "MOVE! Now!" the man yelled, and with the sudden commanding tone Mienskil couldn't help but jump and automatically obey, going to stand within one of the alcoves that the man had directed him to. He wasn't really thinking clearly, a little stunned by the abruptness of the wizard, else he might have realized what was happening. Already he was being ordered around and he'd only just arrived, though the truth behind the situation was out of Mienskil grasp at the moment. "I'm looking for someone interested in helping me out," Mienskil explained. "I'm a magecrafter see, and I'm looking for a reimancer since I don't know how to do it myself." "You don't need to know to be useful," said the man who had ordered him there, who began calling forth res into both his hands. "Now stand still, need to see what this does to a motionless body before testing it on a moving one."

[Miro]

Miro had recently broken many barriers with his Familiar, Ender. The main struggle in their lives was the risk magic brought. While Miro only saw the protection and benefits it would produce, Ender saw the cost, and most of all the risk of death. When not in conflict, over the seasons they slowly learned to tolerate interacting with one another and even to work together. The importance of boundaries and space was also established, tempering the relationship.

Circumstances had caused each side to level a bit, after damaging their relationship at times. Through the actions of Rayage, the wizard learned the importance of caution, the risk that even the most carefully prepared magic brought. But more than that, he learned that his Familiar came first. His partner would never trust Rayage again, which was something he had to accept.

Ender however came to realize the importance of magic in their life. If he was to work to control it, he would need to understand it. For now, this would mean diving deeper into understanding Reimancy and Flux, two disciplines his master specialized in. In Ender's mind he only hoped to understand the risk Miro took every time he manipulated his body's energy. While Miro would get spasms in his right arm from stressing his arm, Ender experienced symptoms in a much different way.

The Familiar would lose an area of sight on his right side, unable to observe anything from time to time. Without guidance, Miro could easily damage them again. If the kid needed anything, it was a magical conscience, and that was something Ender could provide. The goal was to identify the risks of casting magic and develop a solution or halt the wizard before a mistake was made.

Today was one of the days where Miro had decided to teach his Familiar in depth. It was Reimancy on this day, his specialization. This would consist of how to produce Res and to efficiently cast it. As with every new student of magic, he needed to know the basics of Djed. Luckily his observant partner was able to pick up the basics on his own, readying him for a lesson.

Miro held his hand out with his palms turned upwards. The gem released itself to take its natural form and hover above his palm. "Okay Ender, observe me. I'll explain the first step, everything I go through and feel, and you watch it happen." Ender hovered further up into the air, the various faint lights reflected off of his surface in white bands.

"Our Djed becomes Res, and then Res becomes elements. Res is expensive, but we can handle some casting. I already get this one, so it's best we just focus on the elements themselves." The wizard just smirked and took a stance, his feet shoulder width apart and hands facing each other before his chest. "No Ender, you need to understand for when you learn to cast for yourself."

Miro would normally allow Ender to protest, but they were well beyond that for now. "It will come in time, but for now just learn what I have to teach. The first thing I will do is flow the Djed through my body and to my hands, or wherever I wish to cast from. I can cast from my entire body, but it is quickly tiring and takes effort. When you experience the initiation, you find a new instinct. The instinct to manipulate Djed, but it takes discipline and practice to control it."

The wizard concentrated his Djed in his hands and effortlessly willed it to flow through his skin as a blue liquid Res. The two streams met before his hands in an orb that grew slowly and began to take form. The Elements Sanctum had plenty of targets, but they required a Reimancer to replace them. Roknus had been on about something, but Miro had his own things to do. For this target he would flow his Res to take the shape of a man.

He took his time to balance it and create a proper form, yet it only took a couple chimes. When the final touches were put into place he transmuted it to stone. Miro walked back away from it, signaling Ender to float back away. "Now, that is my target. Just your average guy, maybe he knows magic, maybe not. Either way, the result is always the same. I simply cast Res, aim and transmute it, then they die."

Miro took a deep breath in and began to concentrate on casting. With his exhale he pushed out a blue mist that continued to pour out for nearly half a chime. The wizard smirked and raised his hand up, his Res following behind. "There are so many ways to kill a person with Reimancy. The key is to use only the Djed you need. Just watch"

It took him only a few moments to size up his attack, the various methods he would use to kill his target. Just a simple decision of element and the method of delivery was instantly brought to mind. For this demonstration, he would coordinate ice, rock, lightning and lava to strike together. His mind divided the Res above his head into four different sections of various sizes.

Miro swept his arm downward and commanded his Res forth. The Primary gust of mist shot forward and condensed into the shape of a small spike and quickly crystalized into ice. The mage concentrated hard on the last moments of his control, aiming it for the throat. Next a cloud twisted into a long spiked shaft hardened into rock directed at its gut.

The ice struck the target and shattered, much in a similar manner as the spear, but it was to be expected. A large body of rock could easily withstand a minor strike. The next two however would be a bit more devastating, and more than that, they required care. Heat always bothered the Ice Reaver so much.

First it was three rods similar to the spears. They were quickly aimed and transmuted to lightning that cracked against the surface in the blink of an eye. The debris shooting away was attracted to a still by his remaining Res, while one of the dummy's arms fell to the ground and shattered. Miro followed up with the remaining amount in the form of a large mass that formed into a liquid blanket. It was flung across the dummy and transmuted to a bubbling coating of lava that slowly ran down its form.

"And as you can see, four elements, four kills. Knowing how to use each element is key in fighting. The elements that go into their creation have personalities that effect their customization. If you want offense, use fire, just be sure to create the right variant for the damage you want. You can see better than I the effects." Miro turned away and sighed, nodding to himself in acknowledgment. Ender watched every last instance, in as much awe as horror. By now he was happy to see Miro's skill in Reimancy. It had saved them more than a few times, and his control was quite masterful.

"I see, very impressive Miro. Your aim is superb, and you are skilled enough to negate elemental friendly fire when you have Res on hand. But of course I know all of this now, and understand it too. But I don't have your Reimancy instinct, so this is as good as it gets. I know all I need to on this for now, but not the Flux, so teach me of that. That spasm in your arm, it is a result of a mistake. I watched it happen while you were angry, banishing me from your arm. That is the discipline that requires the true balance and effort in your mind, now isn't it? Your emotions have no place when using that magic. Control and balance are far too important. In anger I have seen you injure us by striking things, just to let out some frustration. When you slip up using the Flux, the results are much more vicious however."

The arrogant look on the boy's face faded and was replaced by disappointment. "Yeah, well, you are right. I will temper my discipline and manage my emotions. I need to train hard, for we can not have any more mistakes." The reminder of that day, and more than that, the disease given to him. To not take advantage of it was a waste, especially after all it had caused them. He could always use a bit of recycled Djed.

Miro closed his eyes and tuned himself to the environment around him. The room was constantly filled with a strong magical scent, the feeling of magic around you at all times, and the evidence screaming at your eyes. So heavy and thick, enough to give him a boost. He took a deep breath though his nose and released it from his mouth. Then another, slowly relaxing himself and opening his body to draw Djed in from all around him.

The wizard sat there for a moment, pulling hard on this instinct so opposite Reimancy to lure in the Djed so carelessly thrown away. Though much of it came directly from him, it felt unnatural entering him. This impure Djed began to build within his body, and after a chime passed, his Familiar took notice. "No, stop this already. That magic, no, that curse, it is what brought us here in the first place. Please, teach me the Flux, not practice what THAT man taught you."

Miro raised his head, but he was cut off from speaking by the arrival of a visitor. Without hesitation Roknus started in taking advantage of him. It was as if he was ready to see him burn from the start, but this man was completely caught off guard. It was as if some fool had wandered in without any purpose at all. But after a few moments of stammering, his intentions became clear, though this did not deter Roknus any.

The wizard kept drawing Djed in, but turned his attention to Master Malestrom. "Hey now, give the kid a chance here. He is obviously not a Reimancer, or even any type of offensive magic. Just look at him, trembling like he can't defend himself." The Reimancer laughed to the Nuit master and advanced towards him. "Leave him to me, I am calling claims on him. If he needs help, you are best not to be bothered."

Miro walked up to the man with a large smile, revealing his long Symenestran fangs. His Vantha eyes were dyed deep blue, interested already in this curious intrusion. Master Malestrom hesitated watching the Mixed Blood advance on the man, obviously considering whether to test on two targets, but scoffed and turned back to what he was doing. The lack of quality apprentices weighed heavy on his decision.

This Pulser, he was slightly out of place in Sahova. Though, in actuality, he might pass for a Nuit if given time and maturity. It seemed he had not accomplished anything in his life, or else he might show a bit of worth in his step. Instead he came off weak, his scrawny appearance doing him no favors. "Well, what have we now? A Pulser, and you are requesting the assistance of Reimancers for, what was it, Magecrafting?" The wizard smirked and moved closer to the man, as if he were checking him over, but then moved past him towards he exit.

"Walk with me a bit, explain to me what it is you need," Miro spoke, easing a bit of arrogance into his words. "I think we can arrange something that will suit both of us." Miro focused hard now on the charisma he was putting out. The way he forced himself into the situation, how he took charge, it empowered him. The Reimancer held the door opened and waited for his new friend to come along, to introduce himself and take his bait. But he would not just let things go so easily.

Miro began to build emotion and Djed in his throat and behind his eyes. He would focus on his stare, push a feeling of trust into the man. The closer he would come the more he would feel this feeling of safety and security being put off from the young wizard, even if he did no acknowledge it. When he came near to the door, Miro would release the stored Djed in his throat. He would offer out a suggestion to the man, something to bring this man around to his side.

So hard he focused on the words, the will to make them stick in his mind, to accept them as the truth. "Help me to help you. After all, you do owe me one for saving you back there!" The statement was quickly followed by a laugh, the two wizards walking out into the hallway side by side. The effects of channeling Djed through his throat and eyes strained him a little, making his slightly hoarse and dizzy. His walk began to haze off towards the wall slightly.

All manipulation aside, Miro was eager to meet this person and see what he had in mind. Magecrafting was a bit of an enigma, something heard of in great reverence but never witnessed in person. Surely deeper than his appearance there was something great about this man. With a scratchy throat, the boy continued. "I am Miro, a Reimancer, as you seek. Explain to me what you need and I will see to it that you get the assistance needed. I am quite capable after all. There is something about you I like. Let's see where Lhex takes us today, shall we?"

[Mienskil Ostovik]

Though Mienskil had never practiced reimancy or seen it in action before, he'd gone through enough fo the preliminary lecture to know that the man before him wasn't about to offer him a glass of water. Words were a jumbled mess in his memory from that half-bell he spent listening to his mother, transmutations and res and combination and things like that, but he didn't recall enough to fully understand what was happening. Not that he needed to, he understood enough of behaviour among scientists to know that it would be very unwise of him to remain still. Yet until someone else stepped in, he was unable to. Being reclusive meant not having much experience in interacting with people, and hence a lack of comprehension on saying no. Thus how he was so easily ordered to a corner of the room about to have gods know what thrown at him. Fortunately, his entrance had caught another person's eye, this one much more alive-looking with black hair and a generally healthier composition. Deep blue eyes made Mienskil curious as to whether the pigmentation was natural or not, but that was eclipsed by the relief that this stranger was now running interference for him. The Magecrafter was not, as a matter of fact, shaking quite as violently as was implied, but he was smart enough to increase the magnitude of his shivers slightly upon the other man's mention of it. Whatever got him out of here with his nerves intact, a little emasculation was a small price to pay. Not that there wasn't a single thing about Mienskil's appearance that wasn't emasculating in the first place. Still, whether it helped or not, he could see the other man's words have some effect on his would-be attacker, though it was clear that the violent one was the superior. The result was still favorable though, as the wizard simply lost his conviction and went elsewhere, clearly unwilling to be bothered to have to maneuver his way around this other man. Relieved, Mienskil visibly relaxed his body, stopping his miniature act and sagging his shoulders as he exhaled deeply. He smiled and turned to the one who had saved his hide, then was greeted by a slightly arrogant tone. Fair enough, he'd just arrived himself and personally had no stake in the pecking order thus far. He was also very self-aware about his diminutive appearance, not exactly having a very imposing structure or proud stride. Still, appearances and abilities were two separate things, and Mienskil was sure that the longer he spent here the more his worth and ability would increase. Until then, he was fair game to be disrespected by the more senior magicians here. The other man's change in direction prompted Mienskil to fall in stride beside and slightly behind him, establishing a subtle but important dynamic. For now, this stranger was leading, both physically and vocally. That might change slightly when he began discussing topics he was more familiar with, but for now he was just grateful for a pacified caster to talk to. His initial goal wasn't forgotten, but quietly hushed in the wake of his deteriorating reception in the Sanctum. So when the other man beckoned for him to leave, he did so with only a hint of second thoughts, falling in step behind the leading man again once he came out and started walking, directing them. For now, Mienskil was happy to follow. For now. "I'm simply a Magecrafter, a new one working out of Lab 37B," the wizard explained. "I don't need for anything, but I want for much. My lab is being supplied for now, so once things start trickling in I can get to work at once. What I'm here for is someone who knows reimancy and is willing to share their knowledge. Not with me, with my items. While I have ideas for projects aplenty, many require knowledge that I do not have, so I require people who do have it. I just need some help is all, I don't want to impose too heavily on anybody." The long explanation summed up his main reasons for being this far into the Caverns, a place where he would have little reason to go otherwise. As he walked alongside this man, Mienskil found himself feeling comfortable and relaxed, like that moment of relief just after he was made safe except stretched out to fill the time since then until now. Of course the Zeltivan knew of hypnotism, but he had no idea that it was at play or that this other man even knew the practice. When the man spoke, Mienskil's mind had an accompanying thought that felt very similar to what was said, along the same lines though not necessarily words. More of a sensation, a slight experience that said he did indeed owe this man for helping him escape the dangerous reimancer's intentions back in the Sanctum. He'd already been entertaining thoughts about how to thank the other man, but now his efforts were redoubled and what began as an idea became a cold hard certainty in his mind. He would pay back this man somehow. That's when his savior began to slow down a bit in his walk, his route wavering towards the wall slightly as if seeking stability. It wasn't enough to arouse suspicion in Mienskil's mind, but it was one count that the Magecrafter would not forget, his memory constantly etching things in to recall later. Aside from the terminology of reimancy it appeared. Maybe he really was freezing up back there. As Miro introduced himself, Mienskil began smiling wider. With or without the underlying emotion present, he liked that this other man was showing as much interest as he was. Not once did he take Miro's apparent age into account of his thoughts, thinking of him only as a man and fellow magician. "Mienskil," he introduced himself before continuing on. "For an item to be able to use a personal magic discipline once it is completed through the magecrafting process, the discipline must be taught to it as the process is happening," he explained. "Not quite the same as initiating someone into a discipline, more like directing the djed of the item so that it will work the same way. Uses can be very specific, so it will be easier than teaching general reimancy. While I craft the item, I need someone to tell me how and where to direct the djed I'm charging it with so that reimancy under the desired effect is possible. Depending on what level of personal magic is desired within the item, the reimancer may only need to be present for a few days or near to a dozen for some larger projects. Mine are all small though, so no need to worry about spending a quarter of the season in my lab." "It is simple work for the reimancer really, but requires vigilance as it take constant observation to tell if something is going wrong and where to direct the following djed. So I can't just ask it lightly of anyone at all. I would, however, be willing to offer my own services in exchange for theirs. A magecrafted item of the requester's decision, with the enhancements as desired by the requester, and I can forgo any charges that would normally come with such an item. I do expect a fair deal of help in return for an item though, as crafting them is by no means easy or quick. Plus, some of the items and reagents come out of my own pocket, and it would simply not be feasible for me to keep making free items." Mienskil looked to Miro's eyes. "If you have any alterations to my offer you'd like to make if you are the one to accept it, I am open to suggestions."

[Miro]

Miro smiled kindly and listened to every word the man had to say. He had a lab, the resources, and most interesting of all, the knowledge of a Magecrafter. Well, the uninformed wizard assumed all of this true, for the two had forged a bond of trust in their short time together. He was kind, never pushing too hard, but under his quietness there was an apparent conviction. It took a real man to walk into the Elements Sanctum and try to deter Roknus with a kind plea. There was one thing that did not make a ton of sense though. How was it that he could teach an item?

Of course the man was quick to notice his confusion and explain further. Magecrafting could teach an item personal magic, and it only required a capable practitioner. It was not the same as the initiation apparently, which was both good and bad. He would have to learn something new, but it seemed much easier than violating an item with Res. Still, it was confusing, but he was not the Magecrafter here. Of course, the theme with world magic was time and resources, ever so costly.

How he would identify or know where to direct Djed would hopefully come to him when in practice, for the rewards made it well worth the effort. Mienskil would offer him an item, as long as Miro put in the work to help on it. Now that was an offer. Front row seat to experiencing a new magic and to be rewarded with an example of what can be earned from it. Everything this man said sounded great, really. Of course that would not stop him from asking how Miro felt.

"That sounds great, Mienskil, I am definitely interested. I help you, learn this whole process and teach your item Reimancy, and in return you will allow us to work on an item I can keep. This almost sounds too good to be true. Well, maybe not, when you find out who I am that is." Miro continued to peer into the likewise blue eyes for a moment before abruptly turning his head out of arrogance.

"This man you see before you, Miro, as you are allowed to refer to him as...He is not just some Pulser. He is a miracle of modern magic, really, I swear it true. By the time he matured into a man, he had matured his Reimancy skills to a masterful degree. All four base elements, as well as several custom elements are at my disposal. I am not sure if you can quite understand the depth of this, being a uh, well, an uninitiated, but it is impressive. Master Malestrom may have some knowledge and experience on me, but he lacks the life necessary for true Reimancy. There is no more capable element weaver in all of Sahova. And of course you know, that means the entire world."

Miro simply grinned back at the man so wide his eyes closed. When they opened, their color had changed, becoming a bright shining yellow. With a slight chuckle he returned to a relaxed posture. He linked his hands behind his head and allowed his elbows to hang out to each side. After a moment the yellow faded to a calm purple. "We should make a trip to your lab. I am dying to see everything, and to begin to understand. If you would be so kind, an introduction to the magic of Magecrafting would aid me greatly. I would even be so grateful as to teach you a thing or two about my skills."

Ender cackled in the wizard's mind, that unworldly voice of his that was so piercing. "Why is it that the person most impressed by your accomplishments and skills is always yourself? Sure, you are a great Reimancer, but...When we compare this to your arrogance and boasting, we see your true greatest talent."

[Mienskil Ostovik]

While Mienskil had said nothing about actually teaching Miro the actual process of magecrafting, he was not opposed to the idea and was actually interested in seeing what it would be Miro spent his time creating. Though if he were still an apprentice he wondered how much time the reimancer would have: it took five days for a novice to solidly impart a single step of improvement into an item, and though sacrifices to personal time and sleep and eating could whittle off a few bells it would still take a long time, time which that demanding wizard back in the Sanctum might not provide. Then Miro turned away, dropping a line that sounded like the beginning of a speech. Mienskil's lack of social experience left him with little comparison, but he was at least (partially) aware enough to know that Miro was about to launch into something. And so he did. The first signs that Miro's head was slightly bigger than he first let on was when he labeled Mienskil referring to him by name as something that was allowed rather than somrthing that came naturally, and of course referring yo himself in the third person was a bit of a giveaway. Indeed, a good deal of what was being said went straight over Mienskil's noggin due to the fact that his understanding of reimancy was making stuff that became elements. Was that transmuatation? Maybe, sounded right. Regardless, instead of being impressed by Miro's claims, the magecrafter found himself slightly confused as to what was meant by custom elements and who this Master Maelstrom was. One thing was clear however: Miro was quite sure of himself. Finally Miro had ended, so pleased with himself that he closed his eyes in what could have been satsifaction. Mienskil just waited for it to be over. Though he rarely had run-ins with boistrous people, he treated this instance like every other social occasion he did not wish to participate in - shut down and wait for it to end. Not that he thought any less of Miro for his bragging, it was simply part of who he was and something Mienskil could deal with as they went along. Though he hoped that the reimancer would be reasonable when demanding items in exchange for service - magecrafting wasn't cheap or quick, and Mienskil had plenty of his own projects to do. "There is no point really," Mienskil said answer. "I just received my lab earlier today, and it is not even fully set up yet." He shrugged his shoulders apologetically, moving around Miro so that he was closer to the exit in case the other man insisted. "I still need to position my pedestal and the mirrors and glyph with the chalk and all that, not to mention I have nothing stocked. No reagents, no tools, no weapons, nothing." Mienskil chuckled. "A magecrafter is useless without his materials." Though he did not know what being initiated into reimancy entailed, he was not too keen on learning anytime soon. He'd just arrived after all, and right now his focus was on his major skill: magecrafting. Besides, Miro seemed the kind of guy he would call up on any extra favors, and Mienskil wanted to make sure he was at least established before making any more promises. "I was just out here looking for someone interested," Mienskil explained. "We could still make the trip to my lab if you want, but you will find that there is not much to do there. Without my tools and workspace, I unfortunately cannot show you how magecrafting is done, which I feel is the point of what you hope to achieve."

[Miro]

Miro smirked to himself, shielding it from his compatriot, never wishing to demean the man. He could sense more than a bit of confusion, but that often happened when talking over head. The lack of a complete lab was a bit disappointing, but just as well. He only needed an introduction, and any wizard worth his salt could describe the process with their eyes closed. Being in the room where the magic happens was just an added benefit to get the heart pumping and helping it play out before your eyes. Finished or not, he was too curious to pass up on the offer to see his lab.

"Yeah, I understand it isn't complete yet. Still, I would very much like to see. You show me a behind closed curtains look, and I'll return the favor. I am sure you are dying to see what a real Reimancer can do. Of course I am sure you are aware of the four natural elements, water, wind, fire, earth, but that is simple. The real technical part of the magic come from their combinations to create an endless amount of new and unique combinations. My first custom element was ice, created from water and wind, but as I came to master more elements, I was able to create more. With every custom element, the amount of possible combinations increases further and further."

Miro flicked his right wrist downward and forced out a small puff of gaseous blue Res, about the size of his fist. He repeated the process again, doubling the amount. Then again, but with more effort, further doubling the amount. The Res separated into four parts that revolved around his wrist. "Alright, Mr. Mienskil, I'll start with the first lesson now, in case you don't know the basics." The Reimancer displayed his wrist and the substance floating about it. With a slight effort of will, its form changed from a gas to a liquid.

"This is Res, the key to Reimancy. This amazing substance is controlled with my will and mind. Everything from its form and movement, to its actual purpose. Of course, I am sure you have figured out that this is what becomes the elements themselves. The process of changing Res into an element is called transmutation. I will show you four transmutations, but don't tell anyone I was casting out of the Sanctum." Miro grinned, as if he really cared at all if anyone knew. Things were always more fun when they were against the rules and presented a bit of risk. Well, a careful risk at least. He would avoid using the erratic element of lightning. "Just watch"

The wizard halted his pace and pointed his finger to send out the first of the four Res masses. When it moved a few feet away he willed it to combust outwards into a burst of flame that disbursed almost immediately. The next was willed into his hands, and just as quickly transmuted into snow. With his other hand he packed it and launched it at the wall. The third was pushed towards the snow remaining on the wall at a crawling pace.

Miro turned to Mienskil, his face showing a slight bit of concern. "Careful now..." he warned, "This one is dangerous." The Reimancer forced the Res forward with his full speed. A moment before it hit, he transmuted it to a flare of molten rock, the element of lava. The liquid earth splashed against the wall and sizzled for a moment, the red streaks shining bright. "That is the element of lava, one of the most dangerous in my set. Just that small amount is enough to end one's life."

But the last bit of Res would not be displayed so freely. While the transmutation of the previous element was happening, he retracted the liquid substance along his arm, into his shirt. It snaked up his right arm, down his left and into his hand. Miro grasped it, as much as he could, then tossed it at Mienskil's face. He transmuted it to a warm gust of wind that would brush past him.

Miro immediately let out a deranged cackle, his words clearly showed the amusement did not fade. "Alright, that is all. Let's continue, ya know? If this has you interested, I can even show you a bit more." The boy took a deep breath and gathered himself. "If we are going to be working together, I guess it won't hurt to show you a thing or two. Like maybe your Glyphing. I am no expert, but using chalk sounds dangerous. I use a special inscribing paint, it costs a bit, but it works well. It really makes your runes pop, if you know what I mean."

[Mienskil Ostovik]

Before Mienskil could interject any further comments, Miro launched right into his beginner’s course of reimancy, immediately beginning to outline the elements. Not that Mienskil minded, but he was hoping that he really got across to Miro the real incompleteness of his lab. After all, he’d just received it today and hadn’t had much time to move things around. The golem had been awfully helpful in moving some things, but the special mirrors had yet to arrive and he only had a few of the tools that he needed. Without the fundamentals there was little he could actually show, though he supposed he could pantomime. Miro explained about what he thought of as the point of mastering reimancy, and that was apparently the combination and influence of elements on each other to create new substances, which could in turn be used to create more. The idea that elements could combine was foreign to Mienskil, who had only ever known of the primary four, but he believed that it was possible as Miro had much more knowledge and could speak from experience. Simply the concept was hard to grasp though, that elements could affect each other in ways that weren’t physically possible. For example, ice was simply water that was cooled to a certain temperature, so how did adding wind or air affect what reimancy element that was? Was there a certain aspect of wind that allowed for it to become ice? There was probably more to it than that, but Mienskil for now only had an outsider’s understanding. Wordlessly, he watched the reimancer jerk his wrist, and suddenly a small ball of blue gas-stuff flew from his arm. Not it appeared to fly out of his arm as in it materialized just off the surface of his skin; it looked like it had literally been pulled out of his arm. It had to be some form of djed, some extension of the reimancer’s internal djed, that was the only explanation that Mienskil could come up with. As Miro increased the amount, the magecrafter realized that this was probably the stuff that was made into elements. Little of what he had learned in Zeltiva to do with reimancy stuck for very long, but he knew that it had to do with something actually becoming elements. This little gas must be it. That Miro conjured it so easily surprised Mienskil though, as it looked as if the reimancer was pulling out some of his self, which couldn’t have been a simple matter. However, according to Miro he’d been doing it for a while, so it was probably second nature at this point. Now he had a name to go with it too: res. Mienskil watched as the reimancer guided the little collections around his wrist, explaining the process and how it was used. So that was what transmutation referred to, the changing of res into the elements. If res was controlled completely by will and mind, then theoretically all that limited what could be done with an element was range and accuracy, one of which could probably be improved by practice. This informed his idea on the discipline so much, and gave him many new ideas for what he could use in his items. A mad grin accompanied Miro’s request to keep the spontaneous and impromptu lesson, which Mienskil could not help but return. He watched as one of the res masses was sent out into a vacant area a few feet from both of them, observing how it moved easily and without much fluctuation or resistance. Suddenly it exploded in a burst of flame, surprising Mienskil and prompting him to take a step back. The change was instantaneous, or at least as far as he could tell. Any weapons he made would be able to change it just as fast, or if he preferred would be able to keep it in that res form and control it as Miro had. The possibilities from that simple fact were tremendous. The second demonstration was a good deal less flashy than the first, but displayed an understanding about various combinations as Miro had earlier mentioned. Snow, while harmless, wasn’t one of the four primary elements. What fascinated Mienskil about it was the way it flung itself at the wall even after being transmuted already. Did res have a pull factor as well? He smiled at Miro’s concern. “Aren’t they all?” he asked jokingly, but he did take the warning into consideration and shuffled back a bit. It was a good thing he did, as burning element that shot forward towards the snow splattered a bit and gave Mienskil quite a jump. It was fiery, yet definitely wasn’t fire. What kind of element was that? He watched it on the snow, which had melted quickly, and as he did the red streaks began to cool and turn to a grayish brown like normal stone, though orange lines still marked where intense amounts of heat remained. So, it was stone, but dripped and splashed like liquid and burned hot like fire? What a curious element. Miro’s label was quickly adopted as he had nothing else to call it, lava, and already vicious and demonic ideas were entering Mienskil’s head about how it could be used. Just as soon as he turned, he was met with a large gust of wind that cast him into confusion and caused him to look around for the source. Wind in these tunnels? The thought was ridiculous, until he remembered that Miro had divided his res up into four collections, not three. So, he could easily have some childish fun as well. It was good to see he wasn’t always the prodigy that he described himself as, that he knew about how to be a person. Though the cackle was carried slightly longer than may have been necessary. Nodding, Mienskil began walking, taking a gentle lead but making sure that Miro was right beside him. “Things are still coming in,” the magecrafter explained, “so I will be unable to give an adequate demonstration or one that yields results, but I can at least show you the physical technique for it. As for the internal technique, that will have to be visualized. There is no way to really see the process happen internally unless you know auristics.” He turned to Miro. “Do you?” He lead the way through the tunnels and back up to the Citadel proper, where he began to trace his steps back to the Gug Andjak and eventually his lab. While he may have needed to follower golem to lead him to new places, Mienskil had a fairly good memory and could backtrack to his lab at least, especially from the tunnels. The two very distinct locations were important to know, so he had to memorize the route between them as he planned to make the trip quite a few times this season. Not necessarily to visit Miro either, just to explore and see what else on the island there was. The importance that he be a productive member came through, but there was no reason he couldn’t produce a few things for Mashaen on his workdays and then take some off. Productive didn’t necessarily mean incessantly working after all. Shrugging at Miro’s suggestion, he explained the action. “My glyphs don’t see a lot of use,” Mienskil replied. “All that I need to do is mark a barrier around my workspace to keep contained any escaped djed and hopefully directs it back into the target item. No volatile absorbing or tricky triggers, I just need to worry about containment. Once my workstation becomes more permanent I will probably ask to have it carved into the floor so as to make it part of the location itself, but until then chalk will do fine. Barriers aren’t dangerous unless done wrong, and I just need to worry about frays of wild djed here and there, nothing very volatile at all.” Eventually, Mienskil had worked his way back to the thirty seventh floor of the Gug Andjak, pushing open the doors to his immediate left and guiding Miro into Lab 37B. The work hall was huge, the stone ceiling towering over them and the wall stretching up to the height. A table had been set up in the center of the room near the entrance, its length remaining an equal distance from both walls so that anyone from either side could access it. Several alcoves lined the space, but only one was currently in use, and all that was in there was a simple stone pedestal that had been hauled in earlier. On the table were a few tools and knickknacks that he called reagents, though there weren’t nearly enough for a single item anyway. There were a couple tools on the workbench as well, though not nearly as many as he would need eventually and he was still missing the tub of water which would be eventually needed to finish the process. With a grand sweeping gesture, Mienskil made announcement with plenty of humor and implied irony. “Welcome to the productive Lab 37B, zero days since opening.” He walked over to the table, looking over what had been brought already. Earlier that day he’d filed in a request with the Synch Office and hoped to have the rest of his necessary things within a few days. This was a good start, especially for his sudden and immediate arrival, but progress in procurement would have to be made for his costly discipline. At least the Archwizard was willing to chip in. “Just let me know when you’re ready to get started, there’s quite a bit to get through.”

[Miro]

As Ender swung back and forth, he watched this odd wizard. With each pass he grew more and more suspicious. The way he acted, it hinted that he was a hard working sort. He wanted to push further and further into Magecrafting, which from what he gathered was a desirable magic. This man, a Pulser, he was able to have a lab space just for him. He did not act pompous like Miro, yet he was in demand enough to have so many supplies delivered for him. "Miro doesn't have a lab, of course not. He is forced to work with the only person to surpass him in both power and madness. Things need to change if I am ever going to survive this place."

The Irylid watched the look on Miro's face as he walked down the hallway. He could easily tell just how proud his master was by his stride, and even more so by the smirk on his face. It was a treat for him to explore more into magic, so he would be lost and doomed to make horrid decisions. Gambling for the sake of knowledge gathered by staring at the sun, as usual. This man who offered so much, he seemed well off for a Pulser, something Ender was not accustomed to seeing. Since their arrival, all Pulsers had been treated like a nuisance, second rate citizens. There was a strong pressure to save everybody the hassle and turn Nuit. Not this man, he still acted powerless, yet had everything he needed. Either he was well connected or this magic was truly desirable.

Curiosity bloomed in his mind, a rather odd thing for the Familiar to feel. He was almost as excited about learning of this magic as he was figuring out the odd fellow taken to leading his master into a dark forgotten place. The wizard asked Miro a question, about Auristics, a magic Ender knew of. The Reimancer knew the magic as well, but was untrained. The look on his face proved how awkward the subject was. It was obvious he was considering lying, but he was rarely so predictable. "I uh, well, that's a complicated question. I don't think I will be of much help in Auristics." How humorous it was to watch him twist about and speak his shortcomings.

The other wizard continued on to comment on Glyphing, which seemed reasonable to the Familiar. Miro however shook his head and ridiculed the man internally. Something he had said set the boy off. "I really think you should look into some inscribing paint. If you carve those runes into the ground, prepare for it to crack when they are all used up. Paint simply fades after some use, and then you just go over it again to keep it fresh." Suddenly the Irylid was jerked up into the air, Miro shrugging with an arrogant smile on his face. "Whatever suits you though, I am not the Magecrafter."

The summon was still disgusted by his partners attitude, always so crass. Not all people were tolerant of his arrogant attitude. Ender watched the man closely for any signs of wishing his foolish master any harm. Before long they came to a set of doors that led to the lab they sought. Inside were a set of tools, some strange objects and a mass of water. There was room for plenty more materials, but he had little idea what they would consist of. The room was plain and revealed little, and his partner was eager to hear more. Miro walked up to Mienskil and stood beside him, flashing an excited grin. "I'm eager to hear it all, so let's get to it. I want to know everything you can tell me."

[Mienskil Ostovik]

This was not Mienskil's first run in with someone who felt as self-important as Miro. By comparison, the reimancer was more modest than some of the people Mienskil was forced to interact with in Zeltiva. Since Magecraft was so expensive, Mienskil had to work in the university worskshop alongside others and occasionally underneath the professors. Most were alright, but as with any collection of people there were those who constantly had to prove themselves superior to those around them, boasting about relatively minor feats and taking every opportunity to point out shortcomings in others while simultaneously hiding their own. The owner of the workshop knew to keep people like that apart from each other. Not that Mienskil let that come in the way of what he loved doing, so nor would he let it bother him now. Simply accepting where one might be wrong was the best way to handle oneself around others, this was a philosophy that the scrawny man had picked up a while ago to avoid coming to blows with some of his coworkers. So of course when Miro delicately danced around the subject of auristics Mienskil simply stated the fact outright. "It's fine if you don't know," he replied, shrugging. "It's largely supplementary anyway, it simy helps you observe the process as it's happening to see what exactly is happening to it." On the other hand, it allowed him to easily set aside his pride when Miro offered his advice on glyphing. Honestly Mienskil knew little about glyphs aside from his trusty barrier, and even then all he'd ever done was draw chalk on the floor. Instead of defend his point of view, he simply nodded and sought to learn more. "Is that how it works then? Barriers can be run out? Is that how scrolls work? In that case, I may go after that paint you mentioned." No ill will, no impatience. Just so long as it didn't become as grating as one particular man had back in Zeltiva, they'd get along fine. Nodding his acknowledgement to Miro's readiness, Mienskil gestured to the array of random materials and supplies scattered across the table. "I assume you are somewhat familiar with the concept of Magecraft, but just to cover our bases I'll describe the basic principle. Simply put, it is using reagents like these here to augment normal items, giving them special reinforcements or abilities that would be impossible otherwise. The way this is done is better shown than explained, so I'll get right to it." Picking up the charged hammer and tongs he'd requested - and hoping it was the right kind of charged hammer and tongs - he then lifted up one of the reagents and brought it over to the pedestal that had been placed in one of the alcoves. No mirrors were set up yet, nor were glyphs marked on the floor, so the workspace was incomplete. It would still be enough to teach the fundamentals though. "These tools have been charged with fragmented djed from previous Magecraft processes," he explained. "This allows them to interact with the reagents on another level, and lets the crafter slowly charge the targeted item. Now, I don't have anything here and I don't have any projects to start yet, so I'm just showing you what I do usually." He set the tongs on the pedestal, turning to Miro then. "That's really all there is to what actually needs to be done. Simply hitting the reagent over the item with the hammer will charge the desired item with djed." For emphasis, he mimed bringing the hammer down on the tongs and reagent. "All you need to do is transfer the djed into the new created item, directing it with your mind as you do so through the tools. The real cost of Magecraft is in both time and resources. A single step of advancement would requite hundreds of these reagents, and would take a novice about five days to complete in its entirety. Of course this time decreases as you grow more used to it, but the physical price in terms of reagents does not." Placing the hammer beside the tongs, Mienskil walked out into the open hall again. Hands on s hips, he looked around on the table for some chalk to draw with finding none. "This next part really would help if I could draw it out... Oh well. I mentioned earlier something about a step of advancement. That's what I call it. There are various areas in which an item can be improved, and crafting is done in steps in each field. Each extra step requires even more reagents and usually doubles the time for novices, so most starters stick with single steps to get familiarize themselves with the science." "Specific enhancements fall into these generic fields, which cover a whole range of individual boosts. Sharpness, durability, weight, and anything to do with enhancing the existing item in physical ways are under the blanket category of structural steps. Behavior affects things like movement speed as well as anything else that can be done independently of a user - a chain spinning on its own for example." As he spoke he began to wander around the table, looking through the reagents he received, occasionally gesturing for Miro's benefit. "Magecraft can also be used to impart a mild intellect to an item, not the sophisticated thought process of advanced Animation though. At lower levels this is simply reacting to stimuli and adjusting reactions based on other stimuli. Then there is magic, which is why you're here, which can be taught to items in steps as well. Howeverm that usually requires behavior for the item to actually do anything with it." Turning to face Miro head on, Mienskil exhaled sharply, finally over with his first lesson. "Well, that's pretty much it. Not the most advanced magic, but it's hard to get into and pays off the harder you work at it. Any questions? I'm bound tonhave missed something." Process : This process follows mostly what is currently in the lore, if the lore is updated then this is completely overidden by the new lore. Obviously.

[Miro]

Miro was rarely pleased with people who assumed him inept, but ignored the grating comments the man made. Until now that he thought he had Mien's respect, but now he was not entirely sure. He never said he didn't know Auristics, and for him to be so crass was uncalled for. It was not as if Miro would ever do such a thing, and it more than scratched his ego. At least he still respected his opinion on Glyphing, and not be forced to act in defense. "Yes, Glyphing is simple in concept, but advanced in the application. You may find barriers to be the best runes to be familiar with, as it contains and controls magic. The greatest perk of the magic is this ability for stability and defense. A magic scroll however will almost always contain at least the following three runes in its sigil however. A focus to store a magical effect, a barrier to restrain it, and of course, a trigger to deactivate the barrier and release the effect."

The Reimancer was getting slightly excited from the lesson, breaking apart the art and peering deeper. He now got more technical, explaining the most advanced rune. "The remaining rune is rarely used, as it is involved with more complex uses. A switch, as the rune is called, has two uses. It can not only split magic, be it for power or effect, but it can even do the opposite and combine magics. This can mean two focuses containing different magics could combine, or to dispel a powerful attack into several runes. Often times to channel these flows of Djed from one rune to another, a path is used. That is simply a set of barriers to lock and contain magic so it might flow along a track between runes. With creativity and understanding, many great things can be achieved by these simple runes. Even in applications of world magic are possible to achieve greater control and effect, as you well know."

Miro simply looked away and cleared his throat, having an awkward sense about him. He did not intend to give a speech, but Mienskil seemed as if he could benefit from it. He shrugged off his jitters and walked to stand beside the man, feeling confident once again. The wizard closed his eyes and focused on the barrier of his body, his skin. There were two pressures on his skin, both his internal pressure and that of the room. He allowed his skin to open and pull the outside sources of Djed to penetrate his skin and seep into him. For a moment he got goosebumps, opening his pores to pull in the energies that resided within the air. He let his mental focus on willing the effect of drawing in Djed to slip from his mind while still Leeching from the environment. His magic quickly began to feel natural.

Mienskil had since readied his tools. He had tongs, a hammer, and one of those odd objects he called a reagent. His explanation of Djed transfer seemed to make sense, as strange as it was. Alright, he had the boy's attention. When the man made contact with the object, he could sense a release of Djed brush against his skin and be taken in. Miro focused to sort everything shown and explained after this. He bowed his head, imagining every last thing explained. Structure, things like physical traits. Weight, sharpness, durability, it made sense to enhance these things for weapons. Behavior, it taught the item a specific action, much in the way Animation could. The idea of an Animated chain enthused him greatly, now having it planted in his mind. Then there was also the intellectual enhancements, which allowed it to react to stimuli, again much like Animation, further stoking his curiosity.

Of course, the last category of effect was one that Miro was aware of, magical enhancements. It seemed that he would have to program its capability for magic, then give it the ability to use the magic, and possibly even the intelligence to use it. Such a complicated process almost seemed as if it would be better suited to be handled with Animation. Such a combination seemed more than appropriate. The transfer of knowledge necessary for the item to gain control over its abilities was one the wizard was used to, and he even wondered if these steps could be skipped with the combination of these disciplines.

Through the means of an Animators circle, he would not only be able to forge a soulcore and astral body within the item, but a persona as well. Through the persona he could program all the knowledge necessary for the item to understand the magic, though admittedly he had never heard of a golem casting magic. He could however create an astral body and teach a behavior such as movement, allowing it to react to stimuli. So much of the process was wrapped in theory, it made him doubt that it was applicable. Mienskil had already made him feel inferior once, perhaps it was best to keep this insight to himself for now.

The man looked at Miro and sighed at him, as if to taunt him. The wizard was well aware of how grueling and costly the magic was, which brought up some concerns with him. Did Sahova give him so much freedom as to give away these supplies in return for magical services? If so, how much time and money was allowed to be shipped Miro's way? But mainly he wondered just what kind of hoops he would have to jump through to find a real reward. A slight bit of worry began to rise, and he was aware of the talents this man held. It was always wise to push things in the right direction.

"I am wondering a few things, but they are not on the process of crafting. You did well to explain this all to me. I am just wondering what you hope to see from our relationship. I must say, I am far more impressed with you now than I ever was before." Miro flashed a sincere smile his way, looking almost apologetic. "I have yet to make any friends here, or even find somebody I can trust." The boy focused his Djed to his right hand, centering his mind on an emotion of longing. In a casual gesture, he reached out and tapped Mienskil playfully on the shoulder. He concentrated, keeping eye contact and flowing the emotion through. "You are really quite the wizard Mienskil."

But then the Reimancer hesitated for a moment, looking down. Again, Miro focused on the growing painful emotions. He thought of the people in the past who had used him for his talents, never really caring for him. All of the people who had left him or been lost due to his weakness. It caused his eyes to gray out in sorrow. He lifted his gaze to meet the Magecrafter's and began to flow his Djed through his shallow gaze. "I do hope you are planning on treating me fairly, I know many other here would not. I hope you wont use me for my talents and take advantage of me." An emotional response of pity was sent through to the man across from him, the boy channeling the wrenching pain in his chest. "I just wish that for once I could relax here without worrying of betrayal or death."

A reminder of the friends he lost flashed through his mind, furthering his grief to form tears. For every ounce of pain in his performance, it was equally fueled by the guise presented. Every word and tear, just as much real as forced. In heart was real pain, but presented in the most artificial way. "I was squired as a Syliran Knight by the truest man I had ever met. Well, I had to, since I lost my best friend. He took me in and raised me as a brother after I lost my mother to magic. But he is gone now too. It is easy to feel so lost without them." To finish things off, Miro once again aimed to reestablish contact with a reassuring hand on he shoulder. A final emotional response of relief was flown through the charged touch, and his eyes regained their purple color.

"I am not sure I can last forever on this isle of corpses, but while I am here, you can rely on me. Just know that I expect you won't take advantage of the kindness I am issuing you. Together we can learn and achieve a lot, but I do not open myself to sharing knowledge so easily. I can show you things you will not find elsewhere, if properly befriended."

Miro broke his gaze for a moment and brushed his hair out of his face. He looked back at Mienskil with a gentle satisfied smile. "Thank you sincerely for showing me everything you have. I feel our business is done for now however. You can find me in the Elements Sanctum when you are ready for my assistance." Miro bowed and readied to depart. He listened to all Mien had to say before heading out the doorway. It was a simple matter of following arrows back from there.

"The recoil of that Hypnotism on your mind afflicts me as well you know. The pulsing headache in my mind should remind you just what your limits are. Using that tainted Djed will continue to show you just how unnatural this power is. The magic you cast takes a heavier toll on us because of it." It was a taxing skill for him to use, admittedly. But the power of Leeching was just unwinding for him. Sooner or later he would find balance in it too. His future in Sahova depended on gaining more control.