[The Elements Sanctum]Questions and Answers [Mirage]

by **Annalisa Marin** on October 28th, 2013, 3:09 am

Anna felt the fear lift from her as the Embalmer took her eyes away from her, obviously deep in thought. The apprentice continued to observe the Embalmer, noting the undead's agitation with some surprise. Amaryllis had brief moments of emotion that occasionally slipped through her carefully crafted mask, Anna had witnessed the slips once or twice but they were always concealed quickly. This bout of agitation was the most unsettled she'd seen Amaryllis become and it was fascinating. So Anna stared, like she was looking at some foreign and extremely interesting discipline of magic being preformed before her eyes.

Again Anna noted familiarity used that linked Maelstrom and Amaryllis in some form, it was definitely something she wanted to look into. A pity she wasn't a hypnotist like Daren, curses could only go so far. Idly Anna wondered if a curse could be crafted to force the truth out of someone, pushing the thought aside for another day's musings as Amaryllis spoke her next words.

That this could possibly be linked to a method of dealing with dearly disturbed Daren, it was too good a possibility to seem true. If she didn't have her dignity to think of, or fear of incineration, she might have been tempted to wrap a big petching hug around the Master of Reimancy the next time they met. Considering Lector Qiao's power and influence, gaining his favor opened... possibilities. He was the Leader of the Council of petching Five, Amaryllis couldn't even match that kind of power.

The apprentice didn't let her thoughts wander too far down that path though, Anna knew that even if by some off chance she managed to gain the favor of Qiao she still owed Amaryllis a very steep debt. A favor that could take any form was bad enough, but Anna literally owed her the ring around her finger, her left arm, and any sway she currently or would hold. It would be a long time yet before she could escape the Nuit's firm grasp.

The question about the rest of Maelstrom's little chat with her had her silent for a moment, both trying to recall his exact wording and musing over whether or not she should tell Amaryllis everything. Sure, the Embalmer was her ally and patron, but giving too much still felt wrong to her. After a brief reflection Anna opted for the full truth, if for no other reason than to get another's take on Maelstrom's words regarding voices and insanity.

"He was really caught up on me asking him the 'right question'. I finally just asked him to tell me the answer to this right question and he lost it. Started howling with laughter. He told me that was the right question, to question the questions. The most insane question of all." Anna said, clearing her throat before continuing.

"He said that I am so close to insanity and remarked that I possessed a great deal of promise. Coming from a madman, I'm not sure whether to appreciate that or not. In any event, he went on to speak of the true nature of Sahova itself, saying that there are no real answers, just paths to more questions. 'That is why we research. That is why we perfect our arts. Can I make the fire bigger? Can I shape that flame? Can I extinguish it? Can I launch it into that man's skull and ignite it?" Anna spoke without Maelstrom's intensity, however if Amaryllis knew the Master of Reimancy well then likely she could add the effects in herself.

"He gave me my answer after that. The voices, that was his answer. 'The voices fight and argue, never get along. They love a calm mind, a calculating mind. Insanity is no fun for them, no fun at all.' If I may add my own conjecture there, he mentioned earlier in our conversation that Daren attempted to tamper with his memories but failed. Maelstrom stated that, 'my voices are louder than his'. So, in a way, one of my theories is that Maelstrom's insanity protects him from Daren's influence." Anna finished, staring intently at Amaryllis from her position against the doorframe.

It was indeed the most prominent theory, a possibility that outweighed the others and made the most logical sense in her opinion. The only issue here was that Anna was not exactly insane. Cruel, cunning, and ruthless but not exactly mad. If that was the actual defense against Daren it was a slightly more frightening prospect than losing her memories. It would mean losing herself, surrendering to the urges that came not just from her magic but from her mark itself.

"I'll say one thing. Three elements I command, yet for all that I barely walked out alive from our fight. His casting was perfect, flawless, effortless even. Whatever else he may be, he's the most powerful reimancer I've ever met or crossed spells with. He's beyond me... at least for now." Anna stated, still slightly ashamed for the loss.

It wasn't so much that she lost to Maelstrom but it was that she had lost yet another fight against a reimancer. First it had been that idiot Tallis, and now against Maelstrom when she had been free to fight unconcerned with collateral damage. Two duels, two losses, it stung her pride immensely to reflect on it.

by **Mirage** on October 28th, 2013, 4:47 pm

The Embalmer listened in silence, not interrupting and adopting a thoughtful expression. Her eyes were distant, and while her agitation was gone she still seemed a tad distracted. When Annalisa finally finished her tail Amayrllis would nod, resting her elbows on her desk and setting her chin on her steepled fingers, "Master Maelstrom was once one of Alahea's greatest talents in reimancy. A genius in many ways, a mandman in many more. He was, without a doubt, one of the greatest men to have ever graced these halls..." She said this with some tenderness in her voice, but just as quickly as it appeared it was whisked away as she continued, "He is just a shell of his old self. The master has lost much of his former glory, and power, and all that remains is insanity and some reminiscence of cunning. Still, he is useful at times."

Straightening Amaryllis took a quill and a blank sheet of parchment, dipping her quill into a jar of ink next to her write hand as she began to scribble notes, "Insanity and Voices, Questions and Answers. Everything fits together in some grand scheme, a puzzle, a work of art that only Sahova may create. We know how Insanity plays its part, and we have the answer to the biggest question of all, or at least what Maelstrom deems the greatest question. There is still one piece missing from the puzzle." She paused in her writing and looked up at Annalisa, "What is the question?" She let her words hang for a moment before continuing, "We have but one final piece of the puzzle to solve, and we will have all that we need to strike back against Daren Marlow. Annalisa Marin, my apprentice, you must find out what the right question is. Once we know that, we will know everything there is to know about our opponent, and we will be able to device a strategy against him."

She scowled, looking back down at her parchment to continue writing furiously, "In the mean time, we must put ourselves in an advantageous position... whatever the cost. Daren Marlow will die, that is certain, but until we put ourselves into Qiao's favor we are powerless to act. Thus... We must seek out Kierra Doma, despite my own misgivings in doing so."

The nuit fell silent then, lost in thought as she wrote with a furious passion, as if trying to get out all of her negative emotions upon the page subjected to her hand.

by **Annalisa Marin** on October 28th, 2013, 7:38 pm

Anna was silent as she listened to her mistress, merely observing the Nuit's reactions in this instance. Who knew when Amaryllis' mask would fall again? Best to gather as much information as possible in the meantime. More credence to her theory regarding the relationship between the Chief Embalmer and the Master of Reimancy came to light, clearly the Nuit was fond of the other master. Pity Maelstrom was simply a shattered vessel for the power he wielded as merely by fighting him the apprentice had learned a good deal, though Anna hardly regretted her apprenticeship to Amaryllis. The best way to gain position in Sahova was equal parts politics and talent regarding magic. Anna had talent down, politics were the domain of the Embalmer.

The right question... there it was again. What piece of information was she missing? Insanity, voices, questions, and answers these all were bound up into each other. The apprentice decided that some meditation and reflection would be in order before she decided to record today's findings. Likely she knew the answer but the strain of the earlier casting and the damage sustained from Maelstrom's assault were muddying her normally sharp mind.

Once she discovered the question though, everything would fall into place and hopefully this nightmare would be over. Daren would be dead, Anna would be well on her way to becoming a full wizard and Amaryllis' game would enter another phase unknown to her. Whatever came next, Anna just wanted to be able to sleep without fear of her memories being altered. If she never met another hypnotist it would only be too soon.

I understand, Amaryllis. The pieces are starting to fall in place, little by little Daren is losing ground. I'll find out what the question is." Anna said, already fantasizing the horrors she'd love to unleash upon the hypnotist for his transgressions.

Again Anna noted some distaste in Amaryllis' actions and voice when speaking of this Kierra Doma, whomever this individual was the apprentice could only imagine what had been done to offend the Embalmer so much. Perhaps this person had information that Amaryllis would rather not be known, perhaps the two had crossed paths and exchanged political blows. Whatever the case Anna wanted to know more about this mystery woman, now more than ever.

"Indeed. Undermining Daren's political support will cripple his mobility a great deal, it should also make his life more than a little uncomfortable." Anna stated with far too much glee, obviously pleased at the prospect of dealing an actual blow against the hypnotist.

"So, who is this Kierra Doma? A master of some sort? What can they do to help us even the political playing field?" Anna inquired, deciding to lean fully against the doorframe.

She opted not to remark on her mistress' foul mood, there was only so much she suspected Amaryllis would let her get away with there. It was bad enough that Anna had witnessed that moment of weakness, where emotion had ruled the Embalmer's mind. Insulting or poking fun at the powerful Nuit would not be doing the apprentice any favors. Still, it had brought her no end of pleasure to see Amaryllis so unhinged.

by **Mirage** on October 29th, 2013, 5:27 am

The scribbling stopped, and Amaryllis carefully set the quill aside so as not to damage her document a second time. Neatly she folded the paper over itself once, then twice, and placed it within a drawer before turnign her attention back to Annalisa. Her mask had settled back in place once more, and as diplomatic as ever she said, "Kierra Doma is no Master. In fact as far as the politics within Sahova go she is no one at all."

Amaryllis chose her next words carefully, tone even and not a single crack in her mask appeared,"Your time here has been short, and you might not have heard of all that exists here on the island. Surely though you know of the testing grounds." She said this in a very matter-of-fact way, as if it was common knowledge and those who didn't know surely were dim, "The Testing Grounds are a place not directly overseen by any power within the Citadel. In fact you might even say the Council of Five has no real power over that area, or its overseers, at all. These grounds are watched over by the Wardens, powerful battle mages of the highest order, perhaps the greatest in combat magic Sahova has to offer." Here Amaryllis paused, changing tact a bit, "The Citadel cannot directly command the Wardens, but then neither can the Wardens in any way interfere in the politics of Sahova. Think of it as a mutually exclusive relationship. You will quickly find that Sahova is far more than simply what you see within the Citadel. There are many different factions, powers of influence, that exist on this island, both known and unknown. Those who can claim influence in all of these areas may very well be said to hold more power than even the Archwizard himself." Her smile broke upon cold lips, an prideful smile, a smug smile that said in suggestive tones that Amaryllis herself held such power. At least she felt she did.

Sitting back in her chair and crossing her legs the Nuit rested the elbow of her left arm in the palm of her right hand, gesturing with her left hand as she talked, "Now within the Testing Grounds there is an even MORE secret location, a place that only a single person knows thoroughly. The Heartlands, the center of the Testing Grounds, the most dangerous place on the entire island. It is said there are ancient and lost treasures, secrets locked away in the depths of this place. Lector Qiao has shown obvious interest in this place and what it might hold, but since it is within the Warden's territory it is beyond his grasp." Amaryllis pointed at Annalisa, "This is where you come in. Kierra Doma is the Warden of the Heartlands, rumored to be the greatest and most powerful combat mage of all the Wardens. I believe that Maelstrom mentioned her with the intent to send you into the very heart of the testing grounds, become favored by this Warden, and in doing so make yourself invaluable to Lector Qiao as a piece within the very place he has lusted for."

The Embalmer looked at her nails, saying as almost an after thought, "Though the chances are high that you would not even make it far enough in to meet Kierra Doma, and if you did I doubt it would be a pleasant encounter." She chuckled, an irritated light glowing in her eyes once more, "She once made Maelstrom admit she was his equal, though she did this by besting him in every spell he cast. They never did finish remodeling level 16 in the caverns..."

by **Annalisa Marin** on October 29th, 2013, 4:55 pm

OOCI'm fairly certain just reading 'The Heartlands' made my heart skip a beat! Also nice new Ava and the boxcode is just plain ominous!

Anna felt slightly confused, if Kierra Doma possessed little political sway then what made her so important? The apprentice nodded when the Testing Grounds were mentioned, she'd made a very brief foray into the Prairie once and heart of a most of the other locations in passing. The Warden's though... that was a new set of information all together, something she hadn't known just by listening and watching.

The apprentice had operated under the assumption that the whole of Sahova fell under the influence of the Council of Five or the Archwizard. This included the Testing Grounds, now that theory was made to stand on its head with this new information. Apparently, not only this, but they were also the greatest combat wizards on Sahova which more than caught her interest. Anna herself was no warrior, but reimancy was a rather destructive art and one that she focused on only destructive means. Destruction was one of the purest expressions of Chaos, beautiful and an art form all its own. This tended to make most reimancers geared towards combat it some shape or form, her only granted some academic worth via glyphing.

Idly she wondered just how powerful these battle mages were, Amaryllis, despite her previous misgivings, obviously considered them very high tier wizards. The apprentice most certainly preferred living in the Citadel to a life outside of it, her interest laid not with combat but politics and research. However, knowing every angle of the Island's political structure was the key to mastering the twisting and tangled web.

Anna nodded like an eager student, pleased and certainly desiring to know more about what laid beyond just the Citadel. The Wardens... definitely something to look into as soon as possible. Yet Amaryllis seemed to indicate yet more factions existed, and subtly that she possessed a great deal of sway over most if not all of theme. It didn't really surprise Anna to hear of that, the Nuit always seemed to have a way of figuring these things out.

The Heartlands... for some odd reason the place most certainly did not sound welcoming. The ancient and lost treasures bit certainly sounded appealing, but it being called the most dangerous place on the island turned her a little off of it. Anna had experienced danger while on the Island, the Citadel was the most civilized place here and yet her life was at risk just by walking into the wrong lab at the wrong time. The rest of the Testing Grounds were said to hold beasts beyond horrible and vicious. Calling a place the most dangerous place on the Island was certainly a claim to make, yet Amaryllis seemed very sure of that classification.

Anna felt her heart skip a beat, fear most certainly creeping in on her logical mind. Maelstrom once again proved that he had plenty of ways to threaten her life without being in the room, with the suggestion of her being sent to the Heartlands. Not only that but to try and gain the favor as someone Amaryllis touted as the most powerful combat mage on the Island. It seemed a rather fantastical task, a rather life threatening one too.

The apprentice had half expected the disinterest the Embalmer displayed regarding her chanced, by this point if she didn't expect such things from Sahova then she obviously hadn't been learning very well. Her eyes did widen though at the mention of this Kierra being Maelstrom's equal, having bested him spell for spell. Anna thought for a moment, her memory taking her back to when Maelstrom had stood over her after his final spell against her. She had been delirious but she could have sworn he had said something along the lines of 'so much like her...'. Had this been his plan all along? Or was it simply the whim of a shattered mind?

The tall woman chuckled, allowing herself to lean her back against the doorframe and sit down against it. This was really terrible but at the same time it was rather amusing, just how bad things had become that this was the path she had to take now. Her grey eyes glanced over to Amaryllis, weary but with that chaotic flicker in them.

"Let me see if I comprehend the full picture here. In order to touch Daren properly we need to undermine his support. To do that, I need to gain Qiao's favor and notice. The way to do that is to send me into the depths of the Testing Grounds, into the most dangerous and unknown place on the Island and meet with its Warden who may or may not kill me for my trouble if the Heartlands don't already. Am I leaving out any parts?" She asked, her tone sardonic once more.

"If that's the case I suppose there is nothing left to ask but how do I get there?" The apprentice asked, pushing aside her fear with the knowledge that this was the only way.

Unless she subverted Daren's political support he was untouchable. Even if she did kill him, Qiao's rage would end her as sure as Syna's light fell upon the world. She was tired of being on the defensive, she needed to actually move against Daren and this was a great way to do it. Without Qiao's support he would become vulnerable, weak, much easier to take down and that would put him right where she wanted. It would also put her in a good spot, Qiao himself would become her benefactor which might open a few interesting doors after the whole Daren situation was dealt with. She needed to risk it all to gain it all. So she would, everything was on the line here. It was either a sure end at Daren's hands or a possible one in the Heartlands.

by **Mirage** on November 1st, 2013, 11:37 pm

Amaryllis laughed and gave Annalisa one of her very rare looks of approval, before looking back down at her nails, "Perhaps you are learning after all. On Sahova nothing is ever as easy as we might wish it. For now there is little for you to do but to prepare for your journey. I suggest you make preparations starting tomorrow, create anything you feel you might need for the trip, and feel free to enlist the aid of any contacts you have made in your short time here. I would rather you sacrificed one of them than to have you fall so soon after you have come into my possession."

She sighed and shook her head, crossing her arms once more, "I will need to make the arrangements for your journey as well. You will have to pass through many of the Warden's territories, and some are more forgiving than others. I shall have to create a path for you to follow first, and that will take some time. I will inform you when my preparations are complete."

Clucking her tongue Amaryllis raised a finger, a smile playing her lips as some of her previous good humor returned, "Now before you brought such annoyances to my desk I had some rather good news to offer you. It seems my contacts in the Council of Five have deemed fit to offer you an early examination of your skills, thus giving you the chance to vie for your Wizard Rank 10 days earlier than the required 40 day apprenticeship." She chuckled and recrossed her arms, looking up at Annalisa with smug pride in herself for her work, "They will be expecting your presentation on the 20th of Winter. Have you thought of what you will specialize in, and have you put thought into your Wizard application presentation?"

by **Annalisa Marin** on November 2nd, 2013, 12:52 am

Anna was pleased and displeased by this turn of events, a paradox among paradox's it appeared. She was pleased because this all meant that she still had a chance, an actual chance at making it through this alive. She was displeased because the odds were so stacked against her that the chance barely seemed like a dream. If she did actually manage to pull this off though, it would mean that she would be a rather powerful woman very soon. A pulsar with a fair deal of sway. It was the chance she needed, her best chance.

The preparations would need to be extensive of course, an arsenal of scrolls prepared before the journey would need to suffice. It would need to be her finest work yet, it would also likely take all day tomorrow to accomplish. With the scrolls her casting potential would be doubled, if not tripled, which would make her that much more safe and likely to survive. Luckily the Common Labs had everything she needed and more, ink, parchment, and scroll cases.

As for allies... she had Kouri of course. A potent ally to be sure. There were one or two other possibilities as well, a favor owed here or there that she might be able to call in. Anna had been a busy little pulsar ever since her first meeting with Amaryllis. Hopefully it would pay off, at least if her contacts yet lived.

Amaryllis would be able to pave the way, which would give her at least tomorrow to stock up on supplies for the journey as well as feel around for her contacts. It was going to be a busy day, one that she couldn't very well spend in bed casting fatigue be damned. Already glyphing designs were flashing before her eyes, possibilities endless.

The apprentice was brought back to reality by Amaryllis' news, which certainly brought a good deal of joy to her. 10 days earlier... that was wonderful, it would mean that she would get ahead over any other apprentices named at her Judgment. It was time that she could use very well. Very well indeed.

"I thank you for this opportunity, Amaryllis you have my assurance I will not falter." She said, making certain to keep just the right amount of subservience in her tone.

The wizard actually did give the Nuit's quest regarding specialization some earnest thought. Up until now all she had cared about was day to day survival, making alliances with those she could out of possible need against Daren. Specialization was a difficult subject to broach really, though Anna did have a vague idea.

"I am a rather talented reimancer, however simply specializing in a personal magic is rather difficult as I understand. I'd like to specialize in weaponizing reimancy through glyphing. So I would likely intend to display a means of glyphing to create reimantic weapons. Scrolls are obvious ones, but I was thinking something larger with much more explosions. More intricate and advanced in terms of layout, with sophisticated triggers." The wizard said, nodding to herself.

Scrolls were certainly a sign of a talented glypher, however more advanced and intricate sigils could yield far greater results. Then of course there was the trigger to consider, it needed to be much more specific and advanced than her previous ones. Another thought occurred to her, it seemed equally possible as well.

"I could also try my hand at crafting a Grand Oath, it might very well assist in proving my worth to include such a high tier glyphed product." The apprentice suggested, shrugging slightly at the thought.

Anna had run across talk of the Grand Oath in her research when she had still attended the University, indeed her mentor had taught it rather early in their lessons. It was relatively common knowledge among glyphers, however crafting one took a great deal more skill than a simple scroll. It was something to consider at the very least.

by **Mirage** on November 4th, 2013, 6:26 am

Amaryllis nodded, not really listening any longer. Her mind was beginning to wander over plans and plots. Rather absently she waved a hand at Annalisa, twirling her finger in a fashion that showed that dismissal was eminent, "Ah very good then, very good. We will meet again shortly then to discuss the details, and there are some forms to fill out. That is for another time, however, as there are many things that must be prepared."

Reaching in her drawer she drew out a fresh piece of parchment, and dabbing her quill in the ink near her right hand she began the makings of a letter. Without looking up she said, "Begin to finalize your plans for the 20th, and make your preparations for the journey. It will take some time yet to arrange things for your little expedition, so do take the time you need to rest and heal your body as well. It is suicide to venture to the Heartlands if you are not in your peak of health..." She pause din her writing, raising her eyes to rake Annalisa up and down. There was something different about this examination. Her eyes lingered on Annalisa's curves, down the contours of the apprentices' body and any bits of exposed flesh. At length Annalisa asked, "You are growing too thin... You do not fill out your robes as you once did. That is... Not optimal. I will see to it that you receive two meals a day up until the day of your journey. We must fill out that figure... she let her words trail off as she continued to examine Annalisa, "And there are some other skills I shall need to teach you as well..."

More cryptic than usual, Amaryllis offered no explanation for her words, waving her quill at Anna to show she was free to go before looking back down at her parchment.

OOCFeel free to do another post, and if Annalisa asks any questions I will post once more as well. I think this about wraps up this thread ^.^. Also the trip into the Heartlands will not take place until after season change, so it wont be a real rush IC or OOC XD

by **Annalisa Marin** on November 4th, 2013, 12:47 pm

Anna noted that Amaryllis wasn't really paying attention anymore, not really a surprise as this turn of events did indeed merit more thought than her examination. The 20th was something Anna could handle on her own, considering the threat to life and limb the trip to the Heartlands could pose Anna much would much rather Amaryllis was focused on that. Glyphed diagrams were swimming on the surface of her mind, each one more promising than the last. This would merit a great deal of testing.

The apprentice nearly chuckled at the talk of her health, she would indeed likely be laying off of extensive casting in terms of reimancy for the next few days. Not because she was so petching tired, though that played a part, rather it was because she didn't trust herself. The battle against Maelstrom had drained her a great deal, to such a degree where Anna was unsure whether or not it had left some hidden long term effects. Caution was the better part of valor after all, it was best to just play it safe for at least two or three days.

When Amaryllis began to eye her body up and down Anna felt more than a little uncomfortable, the nature of what the Nuit were rising to her mind. As far as Anna was aware she was still more useful walking around and alive than she was dead, so it was unlikely that was the reason the Embalmer was so preoccupied with her form. Still, considering just who and what Amaryllis was Anna couldn't help but feel some discomfort.

The apprentice felt her mind awash with some relief when the Embalmer made mention of more frequent meals, though still a bit leery about talk of her form. Getting fed more often would certainly be a relief, the tall woman's rations had vanished the day before yesterday so really all she had was what Sahova granted her. Getting fed twice certainly placed more odds in her favor, the journey to the Heartlands was looking less and less terrifying by the tick.

Anna was still a little wary of whatever was going on inside of the Embalmer's mind, whatever she had in mind might benefit her now but just how long would that last. Some might call her paranoid but there was no petching way she was stupid enough to actually trust the Embalmer. She was helping her now, but what would happen after Daren was slain? What grand stratagem did Anna fall into for this little game the Embalmer played?

She still had a multitude of questions, however it was unlikely Amaryllis would have the answers she wanted at the moment. So the apprentice simply got to her feet when bidden and offered a slight incline of her head in difference to her master. It was an action she still very much disliked, however appearances were still rather important. With that done she turned and walked from the Embalmer's office without another word, her mind focused on two things: writing down todays events and then passing out. The passing out bit was probably going to be the most pleasant part of her day.

OOCExcellent... plenty of time to prepare.

by **Mirage** on November 4th, 2013, 5:41 pm

Annalisa Marin

Reimancy	5
Negotiations	2
Interrogation	2

Lores :

Great thread!! Lol there was a lot I could have given you as far as lores go, but if I did you would have to spend about an hour organizing them lol. So I chose the ones that I felt were the most important and relevant to you. If you would like any particular ones then feel free to PM me. And the mystery deepens!