Closed A Playful Show (Alexander Faircroft)

[Theo Popcampio]

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Seventeenth of Winter, 515 AV

There wasn’t much time that wasn’t devoted to magic in the life of Theo. To start, Theo was nearing his next accomplishment in reimancy, the learning of another element. Ser Lester had conveyed to Theo an expression that there existed some discontent among superiors about the younger’s progress as a spiritist. Nothing too harsh, but it was the kick Theo needed to get back on track.

He sat there, examining the texts heavily at first. At first he looked at the entertaining notes he had written, which to Theo meant reading on the art of pyromancy. One Sera Wenley Gillard had laid out the proper signs of overgiving when engaging with fire in pyromancy, which was, among other common overgiving signs: A numbness to the flame, a willingness to feed all of one’s rez to the flame, etc. Lester had passed this knowledge to Theo via word of mouth, as squires weren't able to access the magical part of the library.

Theo held out his hand, trying to come to grips with the notion that he was at any point vulnerable to overgiving. He gathered rez in his palm and slowly began swirling the glob into a everlasting, long-fed fire. Even though he had only been feeding the flame for a moment, Theo felt the slightest callings of overgiving, deeply embedded into his soul they were. Somewhere in his mind, Theo heard the rattling for more power in the flame, and as he pushed in the silent library, well out of the sights of his compatriots, Theo began to truly feel the temptation of magic for the first time since he was a novice. It was in this quick moment of temptation Theo stayed his flow of rez, sweet whispers stopped on their way.

The tome was shut. There was a large sense of pride that washed over Theo when he got a feeling of importance, a break was due. Theo walked the mostly empty archives, examining everything he could as he sipped the second to last glass of brandy he would have that evening. Drink had made the words blur together, he realized, but they made the world distinct. It was a funny thing, the drink that was.

[Alexander Faircroft]

5:01PM The clash of steel rang out as Alex crossed blades with his tutor and patron. Crossed blades and crossed plans. Alex had asked his patron for a lesson on sword play. Knowing that the very shell of his skills could use some form still. Low, High, High, low. Alex had managed to hold his ground however he could feel his master quickly gaining ground with every clash of their swords. Each rattle against the steel shield at his side was ringing in his ears. The loud crashes of battle slowly wearing his concentration to a fine point. “Your swings are wide. Refine your hold on the blade.” Ser Greyheart spoke whilst bringing a smaller quick succession of strikes to Alex’s left hand side beating the poor boy back. A large impact from a big swing to his shield followed by a short sharp swing to the calf, robbing Alex of his balance. Alex brought his blade across in a similar manner however the larger reach of the weapon Alex was not taking advantage of. Striking his masters shield with a firm impact the follow up blow was intercepted by his master’s sword. Deflecting the strike he jabbed the hilt of pommel of his blade into Alex’s chest. Knocking the wind from his young squire he brought his sword down again against his back knocking him face first to the floor. “Focus, harden your strikes and use the bigger weapons range to control your own area. You faced ball the other day and the only reason why you didn’t get hurt any more badly than you did was because you controlled your area well. If you could keep a small pycon at range then you can do it with a larger opponent. The rules are the same keep the blade out of your range and keep yours in his.” Ser Greyheart reached down and offered Alex a hand off the ground. Which Alex gladly accepted. Brushing himself down and readying himself for round tow his master waved him off. “Unfortunately I’m out of time to assist you today, See yourself to the archives and find books on basic sword play. I can only teach you so much learn from the pages. Fill your head with the knowledge it needs to survive.” He smirked slightly and turned away from Alex sheathing his blade heading back to his offices. “Yes ser.” Alex spoke fumbling with the tip of his sword he eventually managed to get it into the scabbard and removing his shield he secured it to his back. If he needed to read at his patron’s behest he would do so. Any information that could be learned there would be of greater sum value in the long run. 6:39PM Alex stepped into the archives. His hands fumbling as he stepped up to the bench to ask for entry into the archives. Apologizing for what had happened and getting an earful irrespective of his apologies and sincerity. Eventually after much scolding he was allowed within. His head hanging a little low he stepped over to a large broad shelf of books. Flicking his eyes across them he garnered out a book based around the basic forms of wielding a sword. Written by a one Beldas Torren weapon master at arms. Flipping open the pages of the book he found it was less of an actual book but more of a step by step guide showing the forms of a sword and the basic stancdes and holds of each individual swing. With accompanying descriptions. A short leather bound tome holding such grateful instruction. Alex didn’t even give his mind the time to think instead he walked and read at the same time, by this point his practice over lightening his footfalls was paying off because there was only the mildest creak of his armour as he stepped. Following each form in his mind he read through. A swords grip was best when held an inch or so from the cross guard and the very base of the handle. Also the stance factored in majorly it seemed. Stepping in with the same foot that you held the sword with gave the greatest range control but compromised the power slightly. However there was a opposite effect with stepping in with the foot on the other side. It compromised power but offered the best opportunity for powerful heavy strikes. Alex only then looked up from his book to see himself lost within the archives. An empty and secluded section he’d found himself in. And at the end of the hall a dull orange glow. Alex found himself slightly enthralled and stepped towards it keeping himself as low and slow as possible quieting his movements as best he could. Peering around the corner lightly he saw a young man much similar to his own age holding his hand and a ball of flame aloft within. Eyes widening he ducked back behind the bookcases and then quickly scurried away knocking one of the bookcases as he did alerting everyone there to the possibility that someone else may be nearby. Deciding instead of trying to make it out of there as fast as he possibly could he chose to dive into one of the empty tables planting on a bench with a semi loud clatter and planting the book he thumbed through it following the styles quietly trying now to not draw attention to himself. Een though he was quite literally the only person in this section in full plate mail.

[Theo Popcampio]

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Theo drank in his last sip of the glass. It was a large gulp, too much to taste enjoyably, and so he slid it to the back of his throat quickly. As he lowered his glass Theo could see the grain of the bookcases a little more clearly. Theo felt the side of one the sanded dark would. Perhaps they were jagged at one point, but now they were absolutely smooth to the touch, probably from years of subtle weathering.

As he felt the bookcase, Theo felt another presence nearby. Around the opposite side of the bookcase he could see someone in full plate, an odd sight in the library. Theo stepped around the bookcase and saw his fellow knight, the same who had rushed away when he saw Theo practicing pyromancy. It was funny, because Theo had heard him stumble into the spot in which he sat and had never put the whole course of events together until that moment. Wondering whether or not that men truly had needed to study or was held by his own anxiety, Theo laughed as he returned to his study station.

The last glass of brandy was poured and Theo was about to settle into his studies when he hesitated. He got up, and headed back to where his fellow was. Theo hung his body on the corner of the bookcase, staring at the man in an attempt to garner his attention. He smiled after a moment of inattention, and then took a sip from the glass in his short arm.

Open palm in front of him, Theo began to pool up res from his hand and he took his time doing so. The res swirled and twisted from two different points rising up from his palm. The room was dim and even Theo could hardly see the dark ichor’s beauty as it formed an orb in the dry air above his hand. And then Theo lit it on fire, holding the fire and adding more of his inner djed to it to keep the flame sustained. Then the fire was starved by a closed fist, the remaining res, slightly burnt and gooey, Theo played with until it formed a small ball in his fingertips.

“Tell me, was it that, or am I just scary? I didn’t mean to cause any panic, friend.” He looked at the knight, donning full armor, “By Sylir, you must be stuffy in that.” He himself was wearing loose brown robes that Theo barely managed to fit in, the Windoak stitched into the front. “Perhaps I could offer you a glass of this fine brandy? It helps ease the muscles after a day’s work and puts the mind at rest.”

[Alexander Faircroft]

As few moments passed, as Alex now glanced down at the open tome before him, trying his best to keep his mind focused and calm on the task at hand but that glowing orb of intense brightness and heat was still planted firmly in his mind. He’d heard about magic before how it was beautiful and terrifying but he didn’t understand just how much so until that exact moment. He thumbed through the tome, simple stances and techniques that had eluded him for some time, the basic forms and swings. He’d been flailing wildly like a mad man. Then he felt it. Almost boring into his side the stare.

He kept his head down hoping to ignore it and keep the glance from his mind, praying that he would just pass him by, that he hadn’t noticed. But apparently that wasn’t a thing. He’s been spotted or heard, whichever it was. Until that soft orange glow began to fill the room again. His eyes darted up from the pages to see the ball of fire, the dancing peaks of flickering light like flowing and shimmering like fast moving water. Alex’s heart skipped a beat for a moment unsure as to whether that ball of flame had his name on it or simply was a display of prowess with fire. Either way the ball of fire hung in the air like a punctuation on the silent conversation.

And finally the bright light was snuffed out, a closed hand smothering the flame, as it did Alex could almost feel his heart start to beat again. A voice now called out from the direction of the fire. Was he that scary or was it just the mulled flame. Honestly it’s a combination of both. Is what Alex wanted to say but he calmed himself trying his best to not look like a giant coward, even as he shrank a little.
“No, it was the flame…I’ve never really seen a mage nor magic before.” The tone of Alex was soft and light, possibly much softer than one Theo’d possibly expect from a man of his height. Still the other man continued commenting on the fact Alex was cooped up inside a suit of armour like a can of sardines. Alex’s response was something a little more thought out than usual. “As far as the armour goes…I have to wear it. It’s part of my training as a squire…But yeah it is a little warm which given the time of year…isn’t really a bad thing.”

An offer of a glass of brandy Alex knew of the stuff but had never been one for spirits particularly. Shaking his head lightly he eased up a little at the offer. “I’m sorry but I’ll have to decline the offer. Spirits don’t really agree with me.” He smiled lightly and edged back in his seat a little not enough to be noticeable but enough to allow him the freedom of movement if he needed to make a break for the door. “So…Mind if I ask what exactly you’re doing using fire in a place filled with…Highly flammable books?” A small look of worry breaking through his forcibly calm demeanour. He was trying to not show concern and worry but it wasn’t working.

[Theo Popcampio]

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Soft speech, a straight manner of speaking, a brief, forced smile, Theo could tell the man had his nerves working against. Why? He had not the slightest idea. There was a smile from ear to ear on Theo as Alex talked, trying to spread some comfort into his heart. A soft chuckle slipped from his mouth after Alex finished speaking. Theo, for whatever reason, felt true empathy for Alex, he wanted to help him.

“They don’t expect you to wear that thing all day, ya know? I squire as well, and I can say I don’t look forward to the day I wear that junk, light as it is, all the time. I think the tree’s petchin’ awesome, I just like these robes a little better.” Theo giggled, he felt a little corny. “And I never met a squire who didn’t drink, more for me I guess.” Theo took a swig and swished it around his mouth.

“You asked about the fire. Don’t believe what they tell you, just because mages go mad from time to time doesn’t mean all of us do. That candlelight on the wall poses more of a threat to these books than I do, that’s for certain.”

There was a pause in the air. It hadn’t occurred to him how to talk to someone entirely unfamiliar, even frightened by magic. Theo wanted to make a good impression.

“See, the whole thing is no one really knows the limits of this stuff, ill be frank with you on that. Do people die by using magic? Yes. Do people kill with magic? Most certainly yes. But does magic save lives? Without question. A pyromancer of skill can save a burning house in a near instant. That’s the kind of magic practitioner I want to be, and the first step is learning to use it responsibly. You have my word that I mean this place no harm.”

“That being said, do you want to see something cool?”

[Alexander Faircroft]

Time stamp

Time

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

A small smile appeared on Theo’s face which began to rapidly crawl into a broad one. Something unsettling sat behind it. Alex couldn’t quite put his finger on what though. Alex had almost unintentionally shifted back along the bench. His muscles tensing as the mage before him took a small step forwards. Apparently they didn’t expect him to wear the armour all day every day? Alex almost shook his head. But instead kept his eyes glued to the fireball wielding man before him. A simple thought crossed his mind in response to the man’s words about not having to hide within this tin can every day.

“That may be because you’re a mage…Which means to me at least, that armour isn’t quite as important. Mostly because you could just use your fire there to cook any enemies before they even got close. The robes probably would help you stay back by keeping you light.” Punctuating his statement about the refusal of the alcohol Alex just responded with a almost involuntary reaction. “It’s not that I don’t drink, spirits. Grain alcohols, are something that disagree, so I usually stick to ale, or just normal beer.” Truth be told if he was being completely honest that above both of those Alex much preferred the taste of cider.

His point about the flame was now being brought up. Just because mages went mad? Did that mean that magic inherently had a negative effect to it? Alex tried to control his mind racing off into hundreds of different pathways finding the worst possible outcomes of the situation. But according to The Squire in front of him he said the candles were more likely to ignite the books than he was. Alex made a conscious note of where his hidden blades were located over his armour should the situation turn sour. But did that simply with a mental check list. One in the greave of each leg one in the rebrace of each arm and one in the belt on the right hand side. Theo then began to explain the stance of magic. And how it was about knowing how to know where ones outer limits lie. Apparently he wanted to use his magic to save rather than destroy…Alex had only ever heard stories about mages from his father and how they could turn small villages to rubble within a matter of chimes. But the more Alex listened to the man before him the more calm his nerves became.

And then something shot down his spine. Did he want to see something cool? Every fiber of his being unilaterally screamed. NO! Still though Alex’s mind pushed forwards with its ever ready curiosity.

“Alirght?” He wasn’t sure what he was saying or what prompted him to say yes but some deep part of him was curious interested. And even wanted to hold the power a little. But that wasn’t him. He wouldn’t use magic. He wouldn’t compromise his beliefs.

[Theo Popcampio]

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Post speaking Theo noted a pondering look on Alex’s face, like there was some inherent mistrust between the two. Perhaps Theo should have been more cautious, but he figured a fellow squire would at the very least be interested in the talents of his brethren. We all come from different walks, but this man’s clearly a little squeamish, Theo thought.

Alex gave his justification for wearing the armor, and perhaps he could have been right about wearing it as much he did. It wasn’t really something Theo valued among squires, however, he had numerous dormmates who took every chance they could to shed their armor, not all of them mages. Drudging around in that burden was something only for the know-it-alls, wanna-bes, kiss-asses, pushovers, and, worst of all, show-offs. Theo still didn’t get why he didn’t like liquor.

A reluctant acceptance was all Theo needed to get ready to show Alex his magic. Truthfully Theo didn’t care, Alex was getting a crash course in Mage one-o-one this day. “You just wait right there, I’ll be quick as a biscuit.” Theo said to Alex.

He walked out of the archives to maintain some dignity, but as soon as he left the roomhe dashed for his dormitory. Theo didn’t want to give his new friend the chance to run off. Left, right, right, left. The walls became a blur, the steel clad compatriots hardly had time to make note of Theo with how quickly he dashed around the bends. He never ran quickly except to humor himself or someone else or it was important stuff. The architects blessed Theo: He never had to leave this level of the citadel.

He burst into his dorm. He found his chubby new roommate’s nightstand. The boy was always being picked on for his constant snacking, little did they know Theo was sneaking them for both magical purposes and snacking as well. Lucky for Theo, he didn’t have the look of a glutton. He took a swipe and grabbed some knick knacks. And stormed out the dorm.

Right, left, left, right, and Theo was back, not ten minutes gone. He turned the corner around the bookcase, and attempted to conceal his panting breath with deliberate breathing. Not saying a word, he grinned at Alex. Laying out the objects from his tubby bunkbuddy’s draw, Theo tried to save face.

“Pick three,” Theo said coyly, rejoining the brandy to his lips. Looking desperately at the split bread slice, salted beef, and hard cheese wedge, Theo hoped to death Alex wouldn’t choose the near-green soft cheese or the leftover dry noodles.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

Alex followed theo outside of the archives, checking the book he’d acquired with the scribe at the entrance and asking him to watch it closely until he returned. A simple thing to do he was sure but with what had happened last time he couldn’t be entirely sure that the scribe wouldn’t just say no. Rolling around the simplicity of the situation he’d been left in he watched theo dash off after asking him to wait. Alex had almost nothing to do simply waiting outside the archives. As he did he drew his sword the steel glinting in the moonlight as he swung the balde back and forth lightly rolling the blade around his thumb being extra careful to not cut his face on the supremely sharp blade.

One chime…One chaime had passed since he’d been asked to wait and true to his word he did. Instead now he was testing out practice forms with his blade his usual stance arm raised with shield, then two hands on the blade tow hands southpaw style, blade over arm southpaw. Low angle stance. Low angle stance southpaw. Six basic forms from which every attack he knew of or could possibly be taught would be launched from. He began following through the basic strokes following through a combinations strike. High diagonal, low angle southpaw horizontal, low angle to high two hands, high two hands to low southpaw. A basic formation shift combination. Each strike part of a greater combo. After a few motions he began to step into each strike cutting the air with a loud “vwip” sound. Three chimes passed and Alex had followed through several of the form strikes that, quite simply he’d checked again and again from the book. And then a thought occurred to him. He gripped the blade with his mail hand holding the sword tight he went for a short swing. He hadn’t cut his hand? But he’d effectively halved the travel distance but kept all of the sword’s power. Smirking he continued a few more practice strikes for the next few chimes. Eventually when theo’s form crested the horizon Alex had followed through several of the techniques within the book and now his new acquaintance had presented him with a choice. To pick three of the items he’s “procured.”

“O…k…” Alex paused a moment looking at the array of oddities all food items…Glancing across all of them he eventually settled on. A few strips of smoked salmon, the salted beef, and the small pile of dried rice. A strange assortment of items but still something he was more than curious to know about. “So Mister? What exactly do these items have in common for your reason behind dashing off to go get them?” Alex folded his arms across his chest now cocking his head to the side with sheer curiosity.

[Theo Popcampio]

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Alex must of been a meat lover, or hater, Theo thought as Alex picked out the objects.

“Oh, I’d love to tell you, but then I’d miss the contemplation of stabbing me hanging over your face, friend.” Theo said in retort to Alex’s speaking of curiosity

“You really need to take it easy, you think I’d kill you here?” Theo said dryly. If that wouldn’t set of the alarm, he didn’t know what would. “All that worry makes for is a nice, quiet, short life.”

“By the way, my names Theo.” Theo said as he scooped the food parts in his mouth. He chewed it slowly in a rotation around his mouth. He looked at Alex with a still gaze. A grin hung on Theo’s face, and he chewed until the food was mush.

“Tada!” Theo said through the muffled sound of food parts as he hung his tongue from his mouth. Under his nose he could see the light brown mixture, and Alex could see it better than he.

“Your monster,” Theo began to chew it again, slower this time. He grabbed his assassins dagger from its holster. Theo had developed the habit of carrying the dagger, not for its practical use, but for moments such as this. Still, this was the one moment Theo turned a cautious eye to Alex: You could never trust a jumpy person when weapons were in the air.

Blood drew from upper palm as he carefully made an incision, trying to avoid his reimancy mark. Red fluid dripped into Theo’s old brandy glass as Theo’s life weaped the size of heavy rain drops. Theo held the blade then with his bleeding hand’s fingertips. Letting the blood now pool in the palm, with his opposite hand Theo pulled some res from inside of himself, just enough to create a lasting flame. The fire was sparked and was let to burn on the long edge of the blade so that it ran up its length. After only ten seconds Theo let go of the flame, touched the blade and quickly snuck his finger away, flicking it. Then Theo cauterized his small wound with the heated metal, an old Spirtist’s trick passed down to ensure that one did not make skin weak with their bloodletting.

“Now the magic happens!” Theo said as he took the blood to his lips. He mixed the blood into the food mush, closing his eyes.

Soulmist, soulmist, craving-spirit’s soulmist. I’ll give this to a girly ghost and please her much as a bull (the mist I mean, not me), just after I finish with this nervous character.

Theo opened his eyes, holding his hands out in front of him. From his mouth smoothly came the eggshell colored gel. He played with it in his hands, squeezing it so it leaked from the his fists into the other, passing it back and forth like he was rolling a meatball.

“Everything you expected?” Theo smiled silly at Alex.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

Alex watched Theo lift up the three items he’d chosen not much between them but still, he’d love to tell him but…Wait. At Theo’s next statement Alex paused a moment, his left hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. If Theo was telling a joke it wasn’t a funny one if he wasn’t Alex could probably draw hiss word faster than the moment it took Theo to draw that black goo stuff and ignite it. All the worry eh? Alex just had a distrust for magic ever since an event back in Nyka had led to the scar on his face.

His Entertainment today was called Theo. An odd character to be sure still. But he watched him mulch the food amongst his face. “Names Alex.” He said in his usual soft tone. The words rolling like soft clouds now that he’d calmed a little. The follow up of tada now made him almost grimace as Theo produced a mulch of food which quickly put him off of eating for the next couple of hours. His monster was it? There was nothing of him about that abomination of food stuffs.

Theo reached behind him and drew a small blade. Instinctively Alex took a half step back, just enough to be unnoticeable but enough to actively allow him to help avoid any direct stabbing motion at him. Instead of taking a mad swing at him Alex watched Theo take the blade to his own palm. Drawing blood from the edge of his hand directly into the glass which he had the alcohol within prior. Alex then witnessed his blade erupt into flames to heat the steel. Was he going to…Apparently he was. He cauterized the round on his hand almost instantly with the edge of the heated steel. Having been subject to an instantaneous healing technique such as that himself. His mind drifting over to his shoulder. He knew just how much it hurt and given the fact that Theo’s face hadn’t so much as flickered. He was probably used to this by now.

In a strange quotation of now the magic happens. He watched Theo imbibe his own blood, and mix it with the mulch of food within his mouth. Not sure whether to be curious, horrified or sceptical Alex chose a mix of all three and after a short moment Theo lifted his hands and spat out a strange pale white glob of gel. Working it behind his fingers Alex almost heaved then and there. But somehow held back his lunch upon hearing was it what he expected.

“Given that I’ve seen you make fire from almost nothing this is a little odd…But nothing less than I’d expect.” He spoke with a small stop in his words every so often fighting the urge to puke. “So what exactly is…that?” He felt his hand tighten around the sword handle out of reaction he wanted grip just to hold back his lunch. And a firm hold of something solid severely helped.