Closed Deriving Directives (Annalisa Marin)

[Lenore]

TImestamp: Spring 514, 31st

To appear an anomaly in a menagerie of the odd was dangerous. Madness both benign and malignant arose among the Nuit from time to time. Still Lenore hadn’t considered that when it shoved the tip of a quill into a crack in table. Nor when it stared at the errant broken threads absent or drooping ragged from the stem, for hours on end.

Around the static animator the Common labs bustled only days until the season’s first judgment. Initially the cacophony cracked Lenore’s concentration. Over time the distractions became atmospheric; punctuated by the occasional crash and clatter.

The state the purpose is simple; To write as I dictate. A myriad of misconceptions reticently echoed back internally. What if it wrote a secret? What if it had memory? Was that a desired trait?

Surprising itself Lenore conceded laughter. ”It needs an ear . . . ” How foolish, without a concrete structure there was no telling what personal limitations would be required. This closed thinking had been a known variable at the commencement of the project. Judgment necessitated Lenore created greater than ever before and so preconceived strategies could only hinder.

Intellect seized the quill under the aegis of cadaverous fingers. Maniacally scratching ink over the parchment. An ear, a memory core, joints; how many? Was memory possible? How long was desired. Answers and questions sifted forth on the flesh of a blank parchment made profound by unrealized potential.

[Annalisa Marin]

The Common Labs were bustling with activity, though it was no surprise considering that the Judgment was fast approaching. Pulsers and Nuits alike scrambled to and fro as they worked on that project, amidst the mad scramble one pulser appeared to be unaffected by the chaos ironically enough. Grey eyes scanned the open floor space she had cleared for herself, staring down occasionally at a piece of parchment in her fingers. Upon the parchment was a small basic diagram, two lines moving out from a large circle and into two smaller circles. Her test for today was going to be a little difficult as far as Glyphing went, however the sorceress wanted to see how deep she could take Voiding.

The tall woman was dressed in common clothing, a simple outfit consisting of a tunic, trousers, and leather sandals. Twin glittering golden earrings adorned her earlobes, one in the shape of a crescent moon and the other in a sun. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, bangs framing her face ever so and her form was not nearly as marred by starvation as a number of pulsers. Wrapping around her right ring finger was a silver ring encrusted with rubies and possessing the sigil of a burning scroll, the sign of her full rank in Sahova as a Wizard.

Anna paced slightly around the space, her eyes lingering over certain areas where the sigil would split into two paths. She intended to separate the magical effects into two difference areas, halving the overall size of the Void Portals but perhaps teaching her a bit about Djed distribution. She had combined the effects of magic before, so why couldn’t she separate it as desired? It only made sense if one could combine the magic that one could also separate it, both had to be possible.

Supplies, she needed some chalk or inscribing paint to do this obviously though the former was preferable to the latter as it was inexpensive by comparison. Grey eyes moved to a nearby workstation and she searched over the space for such a thing, finding neither nearby as most likely the urchins preparing for their Judgments had taken them. Of course they would, petching leeches, there was real research that needed to happen after all and it was not the first time Anna was annoyed with using the Common Labs. Hopefully soon enough they would not be necessary.

Anna set off through the press of bodies, those that were apprentices already gave her space after a glance to her ring while those ignorant to the ways of Sahova did not. The tall woman was seriously just pondering forgetting this whole thing and just waiting until the Judgments were finished to get back to her research, it was defeatist but there was only so much she was willing to deal with in terms of frustrations. Sighing slightly as she jostled shoulders with a particularly ratty looking human man, Anna opted to continue the search as she checked each lab space and workstation she could looking for chalk.

She nearly tripped over an Observer golem as the little thing wheeled by through the cluster of people in this particular common laboratory, a light curse escaping her lips. As she composed herself she finally set her eyes upon a piece of white chalk, a smile finding its way to her lips as she crossed the space to the workstation and snatched up the drawing utensil. In her haste to do so she knocked over an inkwell, but her mind simply shrugged that off as being unimportant now that she had found her prize. She didn’t bother to note if anyone had been working near the inkwell… simply started to move back towards her area.

[Lenore]

Lenore never noticed the woman until the moment her lively arm snaked across the desk. Needing only the implements it had the nuit did not mind the removal of chalk in the least. On the other hand when the flood of ink spilled over the nearly complete parchment and Lenore’s hands, it was taken aback. Confusion halted the mad progress of the quill surer than the clangor of the lab. Swinging around the Nuit saw the receding back of the supposed offending party. Noting the hair, the clothes, the skin tone. . . what it didn’t notice although was the ring.

The parchment was a loss, acceptable though for Lenore would recall it. The issue was, as it tested by placing its inked stained palms on the surface of the table and leaving a hand print, the animator couldn’t write any more for at least an hour or two. The yet unwritten page was vital.

Watching the woman leave through the crowd the old nuit who was once a young boy found inspiration. Mischievous inspiration. Returning the inkwell upright and corked; Lenore borrowed the battered quill, the morsels of remaining ink, and a sheath of parchment.

Pursuing carefully, not to evade notice but to fail to bump into another worker, Lenore caught up. A black robe faded towards grey fraying on the bottom hem settled limply on its vessel’s feminine frame. In the remains of a largely ineffective bun, strands of burnt auburn hair fell unpinned. If anything at all was to be noted about the nuit that is Lenore, it was the spectacles, an old bronze set of round spectacles which had clearly seen more tender care than anything else it possessed.

If this woman would accede to Lenore’s polite demand disguised as simple request, the Nuit might just have found the tipping point in its project. What made average, novel. If not inventive then at least indicative of initiative.

“Magus?” For who else would be so crass as to spill ink on another’s works? Certainly no slave would be as careless. A practitioner concerned with research over all else, that, Lenore could understand. The odd voice was oddly androgynous for originating from a woman’s mouth, lacking all but the necessity of octave for feminine qualities. Lenore held up one inked stained palm and held the supplies gripped in the other. “That inkwell was quite prohibitive to continuance. “ No need for a ‘how do you do’, what a waste of time. "A moment of time would rectify the error."

[Annalisa Marin]

As Anna was hurrying away she noted that she was being followed, her grey eyes turning upon the Nuit that then addressed her. For indeed it was noted to be a Nuit, the dark circles around its eyes and the black tongue revealed when it talked being a giveaway. It was a female, or at least was occupying a female corpse for one never truly knew what gender a Nuit was. For all Anna knew, Amaryllis could very well have been a male when she had still been alive. It also did not assist in being able to find out the race of the undead, that much was a sure thing.

Magus… simply one of many titles used to denote a magic user, though it held not title within the walls of the Sahovan Citadel. Anna crossed her arms under her breasts, giving the undead a narrow eyed gaze to indicate this particular Wizard’s displeasure at interruptions. She simply quirked an eyebrow at the other Djed weaver’s dilemma, as though to ask how that was her problem in any way, shape, or form. The very way she carried herself screamed of self-assured arrogance, of confidence in her abilities as a sorceress.

The undead spoke in a fashion the sorceress found strange, its words taking a bit of time to understand and decipher. She thought she understood the final words though, speaking of a moment of time with Anna’s assumption being that the Nuit wanted to speak with her on some subject or another. The tall woman was in the middle of an experiment of her own at the moment, though she looked to give the statement some thought. A quick glance at the undead’s hands showed no ring of rank, meaning that it was an unranked and was likely preparing for its judgment which did actually interest Anna.

“A moment of a Wizard’s time is a precious quantity, Nuit. Why should this one deem to allow a fraction of it to any plight of yours? Speak quickly, I dislike wasting any more time than is necessary on minor trivialities.” The tall woman said, her voice smooth like honey.

In truth the sorceress was actually not nearly as displeased now that she knew this Nuit was untested, it was an opportunity for a bit of corruption and manipulation. Of course she needed to sound as though she was in the middle of something extremely pressing, added intimidation factor to hopefully make the undead slip up. The tall woman had learned from the very best after all, considering everything as a potential resource had its benefits. The question was, what could this Nuit do for her that would prove beneficial?

That was the way of Sahova Anna had long learned, to view everything as a potential tool to be used and expended just as easily. Emotions were needed to be lost as soon as possible; it was still something the Chaon had yet to manage. Simply severing her passions was not a possibility in her mind, if she did then she would become like the undead before her. Cold, unfeeling, dispassionate and without the ability to derive pleasure or joy from this life. That was a horror that Anna strove to avoid in everything she did no matter the cost.

[Lenore]

“Naturally your time is more precious, Magus.” Some might see it as a dig at Annalisa’s human state. Lenore simply meant it was a fact; the living were constantly dying and therefore had less time, which in turn made that time precious. “And since time seems to be one of your chief concern; I mention the future. “ The Nuit shuffled its supplies into one hand and moved to adjust its spectacles with its forefinger. It froze dead before touching the aged bronze with its drippy inky hands. Lenore’s eyes narrowed.Inconvenient “Potential, Magus, is the basis for the judgment and both are the basis for this cacophonous laboratory. For those who pass that potential is given fostered future. Who is to say which researcher’s potential can be quantified among the extraordinary?” The Nuit thought it most appropriate not to conjecture the phrase ‘minor trivialities’ because the woman had asked for brevity, any discussion on what the future might deem minor would encompass bells.

Lenore observed the ring briefly though lacked the knowledge too adequately comprehend its significance and so dismissed it. Shuffling over, Lenore placed its writing tools on the corner of a table. “If a ‘why’ is not enough although, I present you with a ‘what’. Given that ‘whats’ are paramount in the conclusion. From your time my query will take but a few moments. My work requires a writing sample; each figure of the alphabet and the numerals one through nine. I am unable to complete this task because my palms…” Lenore eyed its hands once more and then returned its inquisitive gaze to the crux causer, “drip.” What the animator failed to mention was that after receiving the writing sample it would try to teach the exact writing style to an automaton, one which would then write just like the human who it was taught to mimic. Whether Lenore has the skill to succeed in such a venture was uncertain, even to the Nuit itself but that would not stop the attempt. If the woman had been nuit, Lenore likely would never have attempted such as hoax. Its unawareness of the other mage’s rank allowed for the foolish attempt.

Already as it waited for a reply, the Nuit’s mind catalogued how a foreign writing sample might change drastically the nature of its automaton. There were several oversights unnoticed in its logic though, these would present major and insurmountable conflicts within the research. The Nuit possessed no abilities in forgery and furthermore had not planned any oculus organs, so while the project as doomed to fail the little mage had yet to figure it out.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna blinked at the Nuit’s odd manner of speaking, it was rather logic based she supposed though it sounded rather like it was attempting to appear more intelligent through using longer words. She had seen it a number of times at the University, those who used language to try and elevate themselves above others. The comparison was certainly not earning the Nuit anymore points with the Reimancer, though she gave the creature her indulgence. The Nuit continued speaking though it seemed rather like it was circling around the issue rather than cutting to the heart of the matter and what it wanted from Anna.

She had opted to ignore the slight against her humanity, humanity which made her inherently superior in her mind compared to the Sub-Human races. What it wanted from her caused her to raise an eyebrow ever so, it seemed a simple enough task thought things were rarely so upon Sahova. The tall dark haired woman leaned against a nearby workstation and regarded the Nuit with a rather frank look. If it wanted her to do this then obviously there was something more to the task than simply writing out the alphabet and numerals. Everyone had ulterior motives on Sahova, hidden agendas, and dark secrets down to the lowest apprentice.

“A seemingly simple task though why would you need such a thing? What part of your research could require such simple actions? A seemingly simple task that any number of individuals here could achieve.” Anna inquired.

“What gain have I to find in this venture then? What would I find to benefit me if I were to humor this desire of yours and graciously provide you my assistance? On Sahova something is always gained at the cost of something, even when it appears not. Especially when it appears not.” The dark haired woman continued without missing a beat.

Anna smirked at Lenore and then shifted her gaze to the side where her own project was to take place, a bit of longing being directed towards the space. Her liberal use of Voiding in the Common Labs was enough that a number of people in this place were made nervous by it. The dark haired woman looked at it as an accomplishment, managing to make Nuit uneasy about magic was something she took pride in. The undead always were such a pleasure to knock down from their imagined pedestal. The disadvantages of doing so were outweighed by the amusement, to Anna at least.

Her attention returned to Lenore as well as her opinion of the Nuit thus far. So far annoyed would describe her feelings towards the creature, it had slighted her once and its manner of speech was enough to pile more irritation on top of that. Still its words regarding the future had held some merit as she well knew that today’s visitors were tomorrow’s Apprentices. Or slaves in some cases though the two were rather interchangeable in Anna’s honest opinion given her experiences with the position.

[Lenore]

“The research requires a visual representation.” Lenore asserted. “Limiting errors.” It added. Shifting uncomfortably, this was taking longer than anticipated. Regularly humans in Sahova were slaves so they wouldn’t have balked at such a simple request. Dealing with a human with autonomy wasn’t something this Nuit did often. “No number of these individuals spilled ink on the sample I prepared.”

“Exchange then?” If the human woman still felt that she didn’t owe Lenore the writing sample, something could be added. Looking around the work space the nuit was at a loss, it knew nearly nothing about personal magic, not even the different divisions. With no concept of how to magically inspire the other mage’s cooperation, the animator fell back on her humanity. What do humans like? Dead eyes glanced over the woman’s form, she looked nourished. Providing a meal wouldn’t do. No Lenore had to reclassify her, she was not one of the human slaves. So what did wizards like? Exactly what Lenore sought now, assistance. “I will do one favor for you. Perform a service that does not hinder my own research unduly. Is that a fair exchange?”

Lenore had the vaguest sense it had just made a mistake. Still disconnected from the Sahovan society and hierarchy, the nuit hardly suspected that a favor could be just as dangerous as the writing sample, maybe more so. In turn, the animator hadn’t been malicious in its intentions with the writing sample. Naivety on the part of a five century old creature seemed almost awkward, but everyone had their weaknesses. Lenore simply had no intellect for social interaction or forethought. It could plan a research project seasons in advance but wouldn’t know how to offer condolences or why one would even want to.

Again, picking up the ragged quill from the supplies on the table the nuit held it out to the woman. “Do we have an accord?”

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna merely balked at the idea that she should feel any sort of guilt regarding having interrupted a lesser wizard’s research, not even an Apprentice by the looks of it. She had no obligation and the Nuit was certainly not making the deal seem any sweeter, by all right she could simply turn upon her heel and return to her own research. However she opted to give the Nuit a little more time to explain her side of this, to convince her that it was in her best interests to assist the undead. That might take a bit of promising and favor broking to be sure.

Black brows raised in mild surprise as she was offered a rather open ended bargain, bringing a smirk to her lips quickly. The favor was worded to not interfere with the Nuit’s research, however the sorceress could think of plenty of things she might want her to do for her. Having debts owed to her for tasks done was most certainly useful, it was part of how one gained power on Sahova. She pondered over the offered deal and slowly nodded to the Nuit. It was good enough for Anna to consider, so she would do this relatively simple task for the Nuit.

“A favor you say? Very well then, should I have need of whatever talents you may possess I will seek you out and you will repay me. In exchange I’ll grant you your writing sample.” The tall woman affirmed.

“A rather dangerous thing, to promise me something like that. You know how the old saying goes; one is only as good as their word. I’d probably have just done it for hard compensation, but this works just as well I suppose. Though, it makes me wonder, Nuit, at how long you have been upon Sahova if you are quick to make such promises and surrender the advantage to me?” Anna drawled on, pacing a bit closer to the Nuit.

The sorceress had learned very early on in her stay upon Sahova that promising anything was a very dangerous thing upon the island, for one’s word was indeed what made them. Without it they were left with very little in reality, Anna knew how very easily one could be entrapped by their word. She was bound to Amaryllis by her own promise, one that could very well bring about her demise. Anna had held a number of people to their words, increasing her own influence through the Citadel by margins to be certain.

The sorceress strode past the Nuit to the area where the undead had been working previously, gesturing for the creature to approach in order to instruct her upon what it desired. She plucked the quill from the undead’s fingers and smoothed the quill out as best she could. The tall woman was not fond of being used over much; however sometimes there were times when allowing oneself to be used was more advantageous than fighting it. Watching and waiting was a valid stratagem, for instance it would gain her a better understanding of what exactly the Nuit did and how good it was at it. The sorceress possessed a wealth of magical knowledge, but even she did not know all there was to know.

“So then, how exactly do you want to do this? I find it hard to believe that you simply require me to write upon a piece of parchment and that is it.” The tall woman stated, obviously looking for guidance in whatever the Nuit wanted her to write. It had been a long time since she played the part of a scribe.

[Lenore]

“Dangerous? Danger is relative.” the nuit looked at the woman truly for the first time. Not as a resource but as an adversary. It was no longer her value to the project but her potential for harm. “I offer you one favor which may not impede my research. Only This, And Nothing More.” For the briefest of moments the strength of soul which had known slavery, known what it meant to command another being’s every waking action, and known a world ripped asunder by a god’s whim gazed out at the wizardess. Lenore blinked and it was gone. Back was the young mage, oblivious to the world around them. Different facets of the same person, like tools in a tool chest employed only when necessary. Some tools were too heavy and painful to utilize for long. No need to employ the exceptional when the mundane would do. “My word is good. I have no reason to break it as my research is all that matters Magus.”

Following the woman who had finally agreed to Lenore’s proposition. “How long? I have arrived this season, but once a multitude of seasons before you were born I was here before.” Upon further inspection of his promise, Lenore could only see the positive outcomes. If this woman wanted a an automaton that was not such a difficult prospect, indeed it could only further the animator's research. The clause in the favor offered should be enough to keep the puppeteer safe from any dangers beyond the pale, although that woman had hinted at them. She might be as wily as she implied, in which case Lenore might have found someone worth knowing. Even if that someone was alive. Her rank within Sahova didn’t overly concern Lenore, what did was her abilities. If she had the aptitude and the knowledge to be something so fearsome then onyl good inspiration could come from knowing her.

Lenore handed over the writing supplies. “We are indeed only as good as our words” Lenore echoed, “All I require is the full alphabet, each character evenly space and numerals 0 through 9. Common will do. That is truly all I require. I will wish to observe as well.”

The animator stepped back to watch, looking for hand movements and just how the human wrote. It would be important for teaching the automaton the muscle movements. “So what is the name of the wizard that I owe a favor to?” Lenore would not forget how she looked, but there was an off chance that the favor not be called due in person. “I am known as Lenore, I am an animator.”