Closed [The Empyreal Demesne] Out of the frying pan (Kelski)

[Wa'Djinnabi]

Travelling with the Svefra was never a dull time. Truthfully this was not the first time that Djinn has traveled with the sea faring race, but he was always amazed about the carefree an incidental way about them. There was something about himself that didn't understand that about them but he respected them and in turn, at least with this particular pod, they respected him. At least the Eypharian tried to help. More often then not it turned into wild gesticulation and broken common thrown about on both sides. But it was never boring.

It was the height of summer and they were travelling down the coast from Nyka towards Zeltiva. They were actually fairly close to Matthew's bay at this point; long past Sunberth on their journey. Honestly his time in Sunberth was best forgotten. The pod's ship, something unpronounceable to his ears, was changing tack as the various extended families caught the wind and the small fleet of coastal ships changed course. A young smiling man that Djinn thought was named Fred, or maybe it was Freud, whatever his name was the man always had a smile on his face and was one of the few of his sea faring friends that had picked up a bit of his mother tongue Arumenic. "We stop soon. Visit friend, you should meet. You like." He said waving his arms wildly about as if trying to convey ideas to a simpleton. Djinn smirked at the man's antics and shrugged and said in two of the three words he knew of Fratava, "Okay friend."

Fraed's ever present smile widened further on his dark weathered face. It was hard to believe the man was a few years younger then himself. He looked like he could have been Djinn's father with a sunbeaten face like creased leather and graying dreadlocks. They clasped arms and separated, Freid going off to do whatever it was that he did when they were about to make landfall and Djinn went off to gather his things. Luckily his things were typically not very useful to his kleptic hosts. Otherwise they would have been distributed amongst the pod. Even the D-wire he picked up in Sunberth was given a cursory glance and then was left alone with utter disinterest, even when the function of it was explained. Truthfully the find was exciting, he could actually try his hand at working with alchemy after all these years given the chance. Though he wouldn't be doing so with the risk of an explosion at sea and certainly didn't want to risk the health of any of his friends. With the ship stopping and him visiting the mainland, if he didn't gather up his things then he was liable to lose them despite the disinterest or should the somewhat capricious svefra choose, they could leave without him and take his things with them.

With his pack across his back and the coil of thick wire, a cable really, slung over his shoulder and held in place by a lower arm he went to pay his respects to Lia Zephyr. The woman was a marvel, more a force of nature then woman. It was she who sanctioned his status of guest on their way to Zeltiva, not that a few kegs of a dark ale didn't hurt towards their negotiations. It also helped that he knew the Lia's sister and had news of them from all the way in the Suvan, though the news was a year and half old.

The Matronly woman was sitting in a big wicker chair that oversized her by least half her height. It was as if she sat in a big throne in front of the wheel of her ship. Djinn had asked her about it before and she claimed it was simply the most comfortable chair on the ship. Apparently a noble or some rich merchant from Kenash was travelling to Syliras and the pod "bartered" for the ostentatious thing and every time someone passed the Lia so enthroned they sported a smirk or a giggled at the memory of that pompous man they "aquired the piece. Djinn knelt before her and bowed his head, peering at the decking as he waited for her to speak. She hated the ceremony and so of course the eypharian went to obnoxious lengths to be as courteous and formal with her as possible. "If you keep this up boy you will find yourself overboard before we make it to land." She said in her accented and twangy common. Djinn lifted his head with a grin. "Then I would have to swim back and beg your forgiveness for leaving without saying good bye." Lia Zephyr only rolled her eyes, "I take it Frett told you about the stop? I think you are going to like Kelski. She is building something up and invited us over whenever we, well any of Laviku's children, were in the area. Doing something with magic though." She shook her head with a frown that looked like she bit into a sour lemon, "Suspicious stuff magic, even if she has a good head on her shoulders. Hope she keeps it." Her eyes focused back on Djinn. "We'll count us both even, you and me. Zeltiva is only a few miles west from the plot of land Kelski owns. Even with all the monsters out there, you should make it in an hour or two at a brisk walk. After all, that's what your land legs are for, right?" She said with a cheeky grin.

Djinn was nodding along and growing more excited. Magic. Maybe he would have a place to practice alchemy after all. Though the Lia was vague, he now had the name of who he was going to meet. If he was honest with himself, he trusted Lia Zephyr with a great deal after the long journey. Even if things turned south between him and this Kelski woman, he would still make to where he was going. He had heard Zeltiva had a shortage of food and that would put him and his blessing in high demand. He only wished he could do more for the people of zeltiva. Still, the touch of Bala was a wonderful gift that could create multiple harvests more then usual over time.

"Thank you Lia Zephyr. You have been good to me this past season. It is always a good time travelling with your family both in and out of the water." He gave a genuine smile. "Perhaps this won't be a good bye, but thank you all the same."
Land was quickly growing larger on the horizon, as the boats drew close to the shoreline. Not far from the beach (I can change this depending on where the Pavilion is located) were people, industriously milling about and a large tent or cloth covered structure. There was even what looked to be the beginnings or perhaps endings of a dock, though it seemed completely unsuable at this time.

Wa'djinnabi waved to the pod's matriarch as he and a few others rafted across the breakers and made landfall. Another leg of his journey was done. What could this new adventure bring? As he turned, he noticed a few people coming down the beach to meet them.

[Kelski]

Timestamp 10th of Summer, 519 AV

Kelski hadn’t stressed enough that it was critical for their survival that they make the Svefra feel welcome if any happened to wander by. The Sea Eagle had spent enough time with the race to understand that they needed certain things when they landed their casinors on the beach and tied off. And to that end, the Kelvic had hitched up the horses – Moth and Shadow – and had gathered big fallen logs and dragged them down above the high-water mark with the animals to provide ready tie-offs for the ships the Svefra preferred. Then she’d dug large fire pits, lined them with stone to protect their dry grassland strips from accidental fire, and cleared off wide spots for the Svefra to make camp on Empyreal Beach. With convenient tie-offs, a place to gather, and stumps cut off in the form of seating for many people the Meraki were in essence rolling out the welcome wagon especially if they shared game, had a source of fresh water which they did in the form of a stream trailing off across the beach, and things they could trade.

When the ships were spotted by The Gem herself and Kelski was told, she headed down to the beach along with Ebon and Ember to see what the Svefra wanted and invite them to stay. The tide was in, there were virtually no waves, and it was perfect weather for beaching casinors though Kelski saw that the pod had wisely sent a raft and not brought in their ships.

When the group hit the beach, she smiled, waved at the tie-downs, and gestured at Ebon and Ember.

“I’m Kelski. This is Ebon and Ember. We are of late from Sunberth and the jewelry store known as The Midnight Gem. I’ve gained my Mastery and am setting up shop here instead of that lice infested city. You and your kind are more than welcome here. Will you tell your Lia that we have a fresh killed elk we can roast so her pod will have nice red meat in exchange for news and perhaps some music and celebration?” Kelski was honest with the newcomers. There was no point lying to Svefra.

“We hope to establish a Demesne here. A place of welcome for a great many types. We’ve done some improvements to the beach so you can beach and anchor your Casinors safely and rest here a while if you want. There’s fresh water, and the hunting’s good if you want to take a stop before moving on. Without your kind spreading the word we are here and open for business, we won’t thrive long. And I’d love to meet with your Lia to find out what would make this stretch of beach more appealing for pods coming in and out of Matthew’s Bay to stop a while so we can trade and do business.” She said, her eyes open warm and friendly.

Not all Svefra were thieves. But if this was the wrong approach, Kelski was well aware things might turn ugly. The Meraki were vulnerable without having a firm stronghold established yet. But if this Lia was generous with her advice and they were generous with their foodstuffs, then Kelski hoped they could each help each other and improve relations altogether.

She didn’t volunteer they were mages. That didn’t need to come up. But if she were directly asked, Kelski would be honest with the Svefra. After all the time she’d spent with them, she knew they were shrewd people, more than willing to get to the bottom of things and snuff out any potential profit or opportunity for business dealings. They moved around… most of Mizahar did not. Thus they were the ultimate traders when the necessity of it came about.

One man, in particular, stood out to Kelski as the group stood around. He had sun warmed bronze skin and intelligent eyes. But that wasn’t what set him apart. His multiple arms were…. accidental? Natural? Kelski had no idea. She’d never seen an Eypharian in her life, though she had heard there were races that had more than two arms. It was just that she never had never seen one… and she thought in Sunberth she’d seen it all.

“Hello.” She said, offering him a smile. “You have so many arms.” She blurted out then clamped her lips shut. Was that rude? She studied his face for signs of anger. “I’ve never seen such a thing. What amazing advantages that must give you. Are you a craftsman? I am a jeweler.” She said thoughtfully, her gaze sweeping by the others but simply picking him to talk too.

She knew she sounded simple. And Kelski inwardly cursed herself for not remaining cold and calm. But the sight was just unnerving and she wished he'd wave them about a bit so she could see exactly how the bones were jointed.

[Wa'Djinnabi]

To say his nameless Svefra companions were excited was to ignore the excited waving towards the ships. In the signaling Svefra's hand, she waved about a blue bandana that she had in her hair. Djinn supposed there was some sort of system to it, as each of his companions had a different colored, if brightly colored, strip of cloth on their person. Blue for... beaching? Red for danger perhaps? Whatever the case the occupants of the ships quickly changed tack and started all the complicated work the vessels required to get them to tied up and settled on the beach. Wa'djinnabi hadn't even known they were cable of being beached in the first place.

This woman though, the one the Lia referred to, she was an intriguing sort. Human, or least in appearance. She could have been a kelvic, but then again kelvics were pets and often were not as... mentally advanced as a proper person. So the eypharian concluded that she must be a human. Pretty, she looked like a noble's daughter, as if Syna's touch could not darken or burn her. There was something... about her lips, but her smile did not widen enough to see whatever it was that he was picking up. Either way, what did he know about humans? For all he knew this was normal.

His companions started milling about, some moving the raft to meet up with its much larger brethren, others helping bring in the great vessels. Others more taking up this Kelsi's hospitality and wandering over to the fireplace. Either Ebon or maybe Ember, Djinn hadn't caught which was which yet, split off to go chat with some of the svefra while the other stuck to Kelsi's, eyeing Djinn up and down with open and honest curiosity.

When Kelsi addressed him Djinn's wandering gaze focused on her and his eyebrows went up at the forwardness. The corners of his lips quirked up into an amused smile and he offered his middle set hand for hers to shake while his lower set clasped behind his back and his upper set settled by his sides in a comfortable, informal ephayrian greeting. "It is good to meet you, My name is Wa'djinnabi Psomatik re Ahnatep though you may call me Djinn," he replied in thickly accented common, "You are not the first to remark on my arms. I am what you humans call an 'Eypharian', and I come from far to the south of the deserts of Eyktol in the city of Ahnatep." His eyes met hers and he paused, taking in her intense, steely gaze before resuming, "I am unsure how to answer that, I am not a crafter as you are, making things from jewels and metals. I use this wire, "He shrugged his shoulder carrying the D-wire, "To make certain wonders. Though more often I spend my time gardening and farming these days", he unconsciously scratched at Bala's mark around his neck.

"But what of you, Kelski? I have heard from Lia Zephyr that you are building something, something with magic?" He asked with an excited glint to his eyes, "You are bold to tell others you practice magic, though if I know the Svefra, it could be simply gossip blown up from tiny grains of truth."

In the background more people were coming down to the beach to meet the newcomers who naturally were starting to spill out across the beach. The Svefra surely loved the sea, but even when you are in a hopelessly infatuated relationship. It can be nice to take breaks from such a love where one is in a safe environment. And to that effect some well armed and muscled fellows settled on the outskirts to watch over the place and prevent monsters and the wildlife from interfering. Music sprang up as fire was lit and musicians brought out their exotic instruments.

[Kelski]

Her welcome was genuine and as the Svefra made ready and beached some of their casinors, Kelski easily signaled the camp up on the point and as the group had talked about before, the elk hanging in the tower basement was brought forth between two strong men and carried down to the beach to make the Svefra feel welcome. Almost all of their people turned out, some bringing bread, some bringing gathered wild mushrooms and other foodstuffs to mingle and gossip with the Svefra. Kelski was pleased by this, happy that their well-thought-out plans were taking root. Plans now would equate to traditions later, and maybe just maybe if they were lucky: acceptance.

Without the Svefra, their plans wouldn’t simply work. They couldn’t remain independent and out in the wilderness without a party to trade with. And while they could trade in Zeltiva, they didn’t want to be dependent upon that city either. Independence was key…

She turned her full attention on the man before her. His name was incredibly long and complex though she did her best to remember it. Wa’Djinnabi. It had a nice ring to it and was a burnished sort of name like his skin. “I’m Kelski. That seems a long way away to be from. You must be widely traveled.” Kelski commented, her silver eyes taking in as much about Djinn as she could while they spoke. He’d given her a lot of information about himself and she did him the same courtesy. “I’m afraid I am not human, but Kelvic and these are my lands. Your companions are welcome here. We’ve just settled and are homesteading the wilderness here, trying to make a living at it without the needs of a city.” Kelski said, looking thoughtful. “Many of us are multitalented. I would not have taken you for a farmer, traveling with the Svefra. Do they actually garden and farm? Maybe secret plots hidden out in the wilderness?” The Kelvic seemed fascinated by this.

“My companion, Vasin, is clearing land for farming now. We are putting in an orchard, vineyard, and have plans to build a greenhouse so we can have food all year round. That’s what all the stacked lumber is laying around for. From the tower up top, we are building a manor house and flushing out things like a dock and boat house. Plans… so many plans. My group is called the Meraki. We are mage, most of us, interested in discovering, preserving and teaching magic to those who want to learn. It is far safer for us out here in the Wilderness outside of a city jurisdiction. And while I’m a mage, I’m also a Master Jewelcrafter so I’ve just got my workshop up and running so I can open a jewelry Store out here in the Wildlands. I’m hoping the Svefra will trade with us and start using our beach as a stopping point so we can exchange news and trade.” Kelski explained, then searched his eyes and lingered on the D-Wire over his arm.

“I do not know what that substance is, but it looks interesting. Will you tell me about it and what you make with it? I am interested in many different things… crafting only one of them.” Kelski said, then paused to listen to what he might have to say.

“Do you have any experience getting farms and vineyards up and running? We have young trees we brought from Sunberth to start an orchard with as well. We have a man whom we recruited who is interested in farming and being in charge, but more hands or at least advice is welcome. Perhaps while you are here you could find time to walk our cleared land, see what are plans are, and offer any advice you might have.” Kelski suggested, knowing a farmer away from a farm might long for one, even if it was just a short visit.

“I did not mean to be rude about your arms in pointing to them and their differences. I am just not used to seeing such a wonder. It must be a gift of the Gods. I have heard of your people… but sometimes rumors are so much less than reality. In this case, I am glad the reality matches the rumor. It might be like the rumors of us. We’ve been trying to spread the word we are here, so I’m not sure what your Lia heard, but homesteading is something people with enough experience should do. I don’t think its healthy to be trapped in cities. Space is limited, humans are dangerous, and we have a lot too loose. Here we can defend it better… and if we are honest with what we are, we might draw a few more people to us that are of like minds. At least, the Svefra who do stop will be forewarned and know what to expect.” Kelski said, hoping that expectation included generous mages who where hungry for information and trade.

Kelski noted, like Djinn, that bonfires and music had started up. Somewhere down the beach, Mosa’s violin could be heard. Kelski smiled, glad someone had helped the old woman down to the beach to join the festivities. The sight of the entire elk being spitted and prepared to cook made her happy. Game was plentiful and they could bring down another easily enough. But these people - confined to the sea as they were – probably got tired of fish, seaweed, and whatever else it was they harvested and included in their diets.

“How did you become interested in farming? What sort of crops have you grown?” She asked curiously. Then politely settled down with him at the nearest bonfire where the people seemed to know Djinn by name. She watched the Svefra in the distance bring out empty barrels and replenish their fresh water supply from one of the streams that spilled down to the beach. Had their well been ready, Kelski would have offered to let them use their well water instead. It wasn’t ready yet though… they were just in the process of planning, digging, and laying out the manor itself that the well they had yet to finish needed to support.

“I know nothing of growing things. I’m hoping to learn, but I do have a couple of people here that know something of gardening and farming so that should help. What crops do you think are best for this region?” She asked curiously, hoping to tap his knowledge a bit.

[Wa'Djinnabi]

Djinn began to nod sagely, he was indeed widely traveled, from sea voyages to travelling with caravans he had been all over. Though, the world was a wide place and in all honesty he had merely traveled the trade routes on the eastern portion of Mizahar. And then he spent much of his years working to build up enough mizas as a laborer. He had nothing to lose by admitting so much, but he figured he would maintain his air of mystery to impress this pretty woman. However, halfway through his nod he paused and looked at the Kelvic. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion as his expression slowly morphed from perplexed to thoughtful.

In his lands Kelvics were not uncommon, but they were pets. They were less than slaves. The creatures bonded young and were simple, often needing a responsible adult to take care of them. Even Djinn had a kelvic playmate growing up, though the man could barely remember the time; the poor creature died in an accident and it was decided that Djinn would not have another one. All of Djinn's experience of the race was of cheerful, simple creatures eager to please their bonded in any way they could. He tilted his head to look at her at a different angle then peered around to see if perhaps he might have been mistaken and this was some sort of playful prank on the part of the svefra.

However, Kelski went on, and Djinn went from suspicious to intrigued. He had never met such an articulated kelvic and that was actually somewhat exciting. As he watched her, the signs that she was more than human became more obvious. He was so intent on observing her that he actually missed her first question regarding the Svefra. He blinked as she looked at him expectantly. "Ah pardon, I was simply, uh, admiring how articulated you are for a kelvic. I admit, that I am no farmer, though one day I wish to have such skills. I am not sure if the Svefra garden, perhaps they have floating rafts with plants growing their roots down into the water. Special... sea vegetables perhaps. I certainly have not seen more than a potted plant in my travels with them. They are kind to their friends, and I feel unworthy of their friendship, but if they have such secrets they have not told me." He flashed the kelvic a bright smile, still watching her intently as if she was some luxurious novelty, which in his lands she certainly would be.

She seemed to have put quite the work into the lands she owned. A land owning kelvic of all things! He nodded along, not realizing how exaggerated he was nodding, nor realizing the faint hints of condescension in his tone of voice, as well meaning as they might be. Though the mention of magic knocked the eypharian out of his condescension, "Magic indeed." He murmured, and to top it off, she was a master jeweler. Because of course she was. Utterly fascinating. Of all the luxury professions, jewelry making was perhaps the most respected from his homeland, and thus most highly coveted by his kind. The fact that she was a self acclaimed master, which he had no doubt was true, would make her status as a slave, pet or whatever else irrelevant and she would be set free from servitude. She would then be well funded by a patron rather then owned as property. After all, who could really own talent. Not to mention that it would be highly gauche in the higher society circles that his kind orbited to benefit from coerced talent.

"You are such a highly accomplished person, Kelski. I bask in your reflected glory." He grinned widely, "Already word of your... outpost?” He paused weighing the common word, unsure of its proper use, “Has reached the Svefra, their Lia Zephyr knew you by name. As for this?" He slid the coil of wire into his hands and offered up the coil. "This is a thing called Djed wire, it is a wonderous thing made by smiths and talented glyphers from copper or gold. It can do something that I have not seen in anything else. It can carry djed, and thus magic, across its length and transmit an effect. From one end to the other." He gestured widely with his arms and looked to the heavens, "So much can be done with such a thing, I imagine with some clever use and a great deal of gold you could create anything from traps to conveniences and luxuries that rival the ancients. As for what I can do with it?” He leaned in closer conspiratorially, “Well there is a secret to djed wire. When coiled into a closed loop and prepared properly, I can make wonders that nature simply can not produce on its own!" By this point his accent was growing thicker as his enunciation of proper common grew more precise; his excitement more and more evident. His tone suddenly dropped down as he whispered as if to share a great secret, "I use magic to transmute one thing into another."

By this point the party was in full swing, food was being prepared and svefra and others alike were dancing. Kelski and her guest were largely ignored, more interesting things flowing around them in social currents as families brought out children who ran about laughing, young couples spent their time with one another and elderly folk watching on in keen amusement. Djinn went on in a more normal voice though he did not release the personal space between them, ignoring or ignorant of kelski’s reaction, "Indeed, that coil is the key to a magic called Alchemy. It is a thing of making wonders out the mundane. With it I can make glass float, metal shine like stars or stone moldable like clay. But... it is not without risk, I imagine this is so for most magics." He leaned back and stared into the fire for a long moment, lost in thought. His face adopted an almost wistful expression but he gave a rueful smile to his companion as the conversation shifted elsewhere.

His eyes lit up as the conversation moved on to the cultivation of the earth. "I do not exactly have experience starting a farm. I worked under a series of farmers during my time in Syliras and then again in Nyka. I can only claim to be a gardener, a poor one at that but I like to think that I make up for it with enthusiasm." Indeed, a lesser man might have problems pointing out one's own weakness, but Djinn was not a lesser man. He did not mind owning up to the flaws that make one's strengths even greater. His hand unconsciously went up to his neck again to his mark of balas, he would not have minded boasting over it. But the mark was... personal. It did not feel right to talk flippantly of his budding relationship with the goddess. A shiver ran down his spine at the remembrance feeling of overwhelming and awe inducing power the goddess exuded. A man could grow addicted to such a thing.

"I would love to walk the land, that is, if you would have me. You seem to have things in hand and are building something very interesting. I would... like to get my hands into the soil once more and if you allowed me a place to settle in, I would make wonders for you like I did before I started my travels, though admittedly I was an apprentice at the time and I would have to learn much of the craft from nothing. Whatever the case, I would work with you and your friends and allies given the chance." He said with simple and honest earnestness.

What took him off guard was her... not an apology, she did not apologize for rudeness. And Djinn would not have considered it rude in either case. It was more of a pointing out of intention. Which Wa'djinnabi appreciated the directness, though his upbringing did its best to quash such things. He merely nodded, "It is no rude thing to remark on my arms. It is only natural to find them different. After all they are indeed a gift from the gods, or so the legends claim. I am inclined to believe them, though perhaps you should ask me to tell you the story some other time. It is somewhat long and I fear I would bore you." That rueful grin was back as he settled his many arms about himself. Throughout the conversation his limbs moved to accentuate his portion of the conversation with many gestures that really only translated well in Arumenic. But if Kelski was versed in the language, the actions would have expressed the layered nuance all without any conscious thought. In its way, talking with the humans in common felt like Djinn was talking to an emotionless, masked character. Lacking the extra arms was like lacking a face to pull social cues. But… it had been many years since he left his homeland and Djinn had long gotten used to the humans and the other races.

He smiled politely as some of her, albeit reasonable, questions started to stray close to sore and personal territory. “I have some ideas, but I think that I would best defer to this other man first. But if pressed, in this part of the world, if it is anything like Syliras, should be ripe for many of the staple crops, perhaps a vineyard for grapes and wine, as well as orchards. Again, I am new to well, the Zeltivian area and can only guess. So…” he paused and drew out the syllable to give himself time to think, “In that way we are students of a common cause.” He finished in a bit of a rush and with a smile thinking himself clever for the turn of phrase.

Food was being carved out and passed out, one of Kelski's lot made themselves in charge of carving up the elk and wood plates and bowls of stew were being passed around. There was a cheer as a cask of wine was spigotted and some nice pewter mugs were graciously donated by the Svefra for the cause. Djinn watched with amusement as his erstwhile companions mingled and enjoyed themselves. It appeared the Lia had made an appearance and had managed to bring her throne onto the beach. If he wasn't mistaken the woman was slowly making her way in their direction.

In the meantime.

Wa'djinn turned to Kelski, "Tell me Kelski, have you heard of the island of Sahova?" He looked at the kelvic intently, interested in her response.

[Kelski]

Kelski was so hopeful, so determined, to make the Svefra and their guests feel at home. For her, this budding relationship had to work or else The Meraki couldn’t survive out in the Wildlands outside a city. Trade had to be the key, and they had to throw out the welcome mat without letting someone stomp all over them. It was a delicate balance, one the Kelvic wasn’t sure she could get right… but she was willing to try. And while Wa’Djinnabi was open to a dialog with her, she could immediately detect he had some preconceived notions about her race.

“You know, Djinn, when a race is enslaved, for the most part, treated as pets, traded like exotic animals, and used for just pleasure or entertainment… its hard sometimes for the individuals of that race to realize they can rise above that nonsense and make something of themselves. I take… pride… in seeing someone born to privilege floundering while someone born with the expectation to just look pretty or lay on her back while someone pleasures themselves on her…. rise above. I take profound deep and extensive pleasure in showing the world that Kelvics aren’t stupid, lazy, or just pretty.” She said with a slight smile.

“After all, it just takes hard work and dedication to make an endeavor work. Most humans – I don’t know about your race but I do know about them – are just flat out too lazy to even contemplate such things.” She added, shaking her head slightly.

In her own way, she was giving him as much attitude as he was giving her… though it was in a way that wasn’t condescending. It was instead telling, revealing, and completely open and honest. She was offering him bits of her truth.

She smiled that the Lia knew her name. That was her aim. Svefra weren’t always treated fairly – though for some good cause. Their interactions with others weren’t always honest. But if they were treated fairly and openly, there was more of a chance that they too would reciprocate the behavior. Kelski wanted to make sure at least at the Empyreal Demesne, they would get a fair trade and a respectable welcome.

“Thank you, but I don’t feel accomplished. I feel like I just simply survived.” She said softly, offering him a somewhat muted smile. It was the truth after all, Kelski worked hard to get out of her slavery and the conditions in her life that were less than optimal. It wasn’t something unique. It was something everyone did.

“Djed wire?” Kelski queried and took the wire, turning it over and over in her hands. Truthfully, she’d never seen anything like it before nor heard of such a thing. The thing about Djinn, Kelski noticed immediately, was that with one small visual aid, he was more than able to paint a vivid picture for her… of palaces and magelights and magical wire stretched from one end of it to another. “Can you make it?” She asked curiously, handing what she now considered a treasure back to him. “Because more of that could be really handy when we set up our Manor.” She said thoughtfully. “It’s no palace, but it will be a luxury out here in the Wildlands.” She mused, at least hopeful that it would be a luxury.

Kelski tilted her head at his whispered secret. She’d never heard of such a thing and opened her mouth slightly in a confused gasp. “Truly? I’ve never heard of such a thing. But then again, I’ve been living in a city afraid of magic and hunting out any form of it they can to destroy.” Kelski admitted softly.

“This group here… us mages… once we get settled, have a goal to search out magic… new and old forms… and learn about it, reproduce it, protect it. This Djed Wire is that sort of thing we’d want to find and learn about, preserve, or even learn to make. We lost so much with the Valterrian. Now it is time for us to get it back. And here… we are far enough out we can safely study it, learn about it, and when we understand it… preserve it.” She said softly, wistfully, then looked at him sharply.

“What is your transmutation magic called? Will you tell me about it?” She asked quietly. Smoothly moving from one conversation topic to another. Like him, she was largely ignoring the party that was manifesting all around them. Her group, however, was not. The folks had already turned out, glad for the distraction. They had no city taverns to visit after work and no festivals or holidays to celebrate in a city full of celebrations. Instead, these gatherings were their releases, and already several of the musicians among them were playing and her own cook had jumped into help with the Svefra that were also setting up spits. Food would be flowing soon. It was astonishing to Kelski how abundant the Wilderness was compared to Zeltiva’s constant food shortages.

“It’s a good life, living unfettered from society's constraints.” She added, gesturing to all of them. It’d be a glad thing to have you offer an opinion or two, even if you aren’t a farmer. You’ve seen what others do, and that’s more than most of us here… and invaluable.” She added, then looked thoughtful.

“Do you live with the Svefra or are you just traveling with them?” She asked easily, curiously. “You could absolutely stay here, at least while it suits you, see if it’s a good fit for your life. Maybe help us out… and perhaps join if you like. We share knowledge. We help each other. I’m sure there are things we could teach you. We even have access to things long lost to Mizahar. It's part of why we’ve come together.” Kelski said gently, studying the man and his strange arms. His burnished skin was odd to her as if he were built for a totally different climate. But his confidence drew her too.

“And I’d be ever so grateful for your thoughts. Would you like to take a tour right now? It might help you decide.” She said, knowing there wasn’t actually much to see. The construction of the big dock was underway. The Tower was being refurbished. And the manor was outlined but not built yet. The only thing actually growing was crops, though the orchard had been planned out as well as a small vineyard. “We definitely want a vineyard. I love wine.” Kelski confessed.

Then she beckoned him to follow her. She’d start a tour for sure… “Lets walk and talk. I’ll take you on a tour and then we can grab food.” She said, knowing there’d be plenty. So, she led him up the cart path from the beach to where the tower stood, its concealing shield completely down and The Midnight Gem thoroughly installed within.

“No, I’ve never heard of Sahova. An Island, you say? Where and more importantly what is it?” She asked curiously. She loved learning new things so this was of an interest to her, along with the type of magic he practiced.

Kelski was not the best hostess, but she did make an effort to explain what he saw. “We all lived in that Pavilion when we got here. We’ve since made it a stable for the moment. The Tower was here… we are making upgrades to it. It has a sort of personality, so be careful what you say to it. The tower will become one of the endpoints of a manor that will be here. We are going to build it with Earth Reimancy. I’ve got my water and air elements. I just need to train up and see which I get next. If fire is my next element, I suspect the Manor will be a long time in coming. But if I get Earth first, then it will happen sooner. I have a friend, Gilthas, who can work on it in the meantime when he gets his own home finished. He’s an Eth who fell just after the Valterrian. He knows much about magic.” Kelski said, then gestured.

She showed him where they had a vineyard laid out, an orchard staked out with a few trees planted, and then main cleared land for the crops. Then she strode with him through rows and rows of various vegetables past where a greenhouse was being constructed. It looked like there was a million projects going on, none of which were quite finished, but many of which were well underway. A lot of thought had gone into the planning. And when they had circled back to the tower, she gestured.

“Do you want to go in? Otherwise we can head back to the beach and eat.” She said softly, leaving it up to him. She was enjoying Djinn's company. He was attractive to her because he was from somewhere far away with a whole different set of knoweldges and a whole different perspective. She was eager to learn what he knew and hear his thoughts on the Demesne.

[Wa'Djinnabi]

Kelski pushed back against Djinn and that only caused the eypharian's smile to stretch to a grin and he nodded along with her. It was a subtle push back, not the outright anger and sharp words that he was used to in these human lands. No it was sharpness so fine that one might not even know they've been cut, and it reminded him of home. He could not say whether or not it was welcome, as the political and high society games that resulted in such subtleness could be tiring and... the people there were not very kind to one another.

"Unfortunately I think I would have to agree with you, though I am not sure I would attribute it to laziness." He looked up to the blue skies once more, thinking, "I will be the first to admit, being laid low was perhaps the best thing to happen to me." His hazel eyes turned to kelski's intently, her words were a grain of sand in his logic engine gears. Something that would no doubt need to be processed over the course of time. One's notions of the world did not simply disappear over the course of a conversation, as much as Djinn might wish for it.

But for now he would admire the fire in Kelski's spirit.

He took back his djed wire, watching the shorter woman inspect the substance like a curious bird. It was the little, unconscious motions that gave the impression. "Unfortunately no, I have no skill at either blacksmithing the wire or doing whatever glyphing is needed to make it. Truthfully, I am puzzled because I have seen no glyphs anywhere, even if you look closely." He shrugged helplessly, "The particulars to its creation are a mystery to me. But, still it can be used."

Djinn remained attentive to Kelski's words as the sounds of music and conversation swelled around them. He nodded along, for the most part agreeing to the sentiment. He would love to know how the mysterious substance was made and the loss of knowledge, hurt on some metaphysical level to the alchemist. If he could make such paltry wonders like ice that does not melt in the sun, what could the ancients have done with their knowledge? After all, much of what he is capable is largely a temporary luxury and minor curiosity, suitable for court patrons and making baubles for the amusement of his betters.

The sudden change of expression on Kelski's face momentarily startled, though it was only shown in the twitch of his lowest set of hands. "Pardon Kelski, I could have sworn that I... ah, I suppose I did not. It is the art of Alchemy. And I would be delighted to tell you about it. Few have expressed interest in what I do- well, did. I am a few years out of practice." He admitted in an apologetic tone. "Allow me to gather my thoughts for a moment." He said, letting them talk on other subjects before he expounded on the virtue and method of his, admittedly dangerous form of magic.

"I've only been travelling with the Svefra, a kind Lia on the Suvan gave me a chance originally and I was able to do her a service. That service was what introduced me to this pod's lia." He nodded along as she spoke, answering questions and giving his own as the conversation ebbed and flowed like the sea they were so near. It was intriguing to say that they had things that were long lost. It was a common enough claim, from the Sylirans to the Zeltivans, they all seemed to have some shards of the past that they jealously guarded. But, Kelski's claim was... different. Over the course of the conversation she gave no hint of exaggeration or dissembling. He had the sense that she was being completely open and honest about everything he was told, which in turn made him take the suggestion that they had lost knowledge and relics very seriously. "I am grateful Kelski, for the opportunity to help and stay here, even if only temporarily."

Djinn stood and offered her a hand to pull her up and then an arm to take their walk when he caught up with her. He smiled at her confession of her love of wine, "Making your own wine... that is really novel. I have only ever seen wine made in riverfall. Syliras might also have it but the knights there are very protective of their croplands." He mused as he looked about the stakes and thread used to mark out the designations for future growth.

He was taken from his musings as she brought back up Sahova. "Ah, yes. Sahova, it is a place that worries me, if we pursue lost magic." He was caught off guard for a moment, already thinking of himself apart of kelski's merry band of mages. He recovered and continued, "Sahova is an island off the coast of Sunberth. And if there were two other places so fundamentally different I could not name them. Where Sunberth abhors magic, Sahova is a place specifically made for magic. Granted much of this is hearsay, so I can not verify the truth of place. But, It is supposed to be an island filled with ancient undead wizards. I wonder if by building up a place for mages here, if we might come into conflict with them. On the other banks of the river," He gestured with the three hands on one side of his body, "They might be open to sharing knowledge and trading, so there is risk, but also great potential for gain if the rumors are true." He turned a smile on Kelski, "I apologize, that was just something that occurred to me, the Svefra as far as I know do not travel their waters. Sea monsters and superstition about evil magics."

They went on with their tour. When she said that the tower and eventually the manor would have a personality to it, he absolutely believed her. After all, he was no expert on what magic could or could not do. Why not a living building? It seemed fitting that they would construct their manor with magic, though he wasn't very familiar with whatever reimancy At the mention of Gilthas's name he perked up, "What is an Eth? And for that matter what is Reimancy?" He peered down at the kelvic in curiosity.

The land was filled with natural beauty, even within the prescribed borders of their little settlement. There was something very interesting to the combination of growing things and the orderly rows that they were set into. His head swiveled about to take in the various features, the cleared out lands ready for plowing and sowing, the orchard, the plotted out vineyard. It really would look grand once it was all completed.

He nodded and smiled, "Ah, while we go in let me speak about Alchemy. I have very little knowledge of the other magics but Alchemy does not come from within, not in the conventional sense. It is all about changing once kind of object into something new. It's... a dangerous magic. I misstep can cause the object to detonate, especially if a material paradox is introduced. Think of a paradox as... two contradictory facts about something, like making something both red and blue. Something can't exist in both states at the same time, sure you could mix the two and make violet, but it wont be both at the same time. It is difficult to explain. Anyways, once I introduce a keystone to this djed wire I will use the stone to inject my djed into the wire and spin it around as quickly as I can. Once it gets fast enough it will pick up... traits?" He wasn't sure if that was the right word to use. "From the objects connected to the circle, the djed in the wire will then be infused with the trait and then when it is ready, the energy captured in the wire is pushed towards the target and hopefully that trait is added to the object. It is of course more complicated then that, but that is the basics to the magic. This is how you can create iron with the traits of say, the lightness of wood. Interestingly, the object donating its trait lose the trait, usually in unpredictable ways."

He was distracted by his explanation that he was fairly unaware of his surroundings. He looked up at the internals of the tower. The place had the heavy feeling that ancient things had. It clearly was in desperate need for repairs, but it was sturdy. Hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he felt... something peering at him sleepily, with mild curiosity. He looked about but could not pinpoint where the sensation came from. Djinn shivered a bit but honestly, he was impressed. If this would be part of the manor Kelski had in mind then the manor would have good bones. Sure, it would need work, but all good things did. "Looks like an excellent start Kelski, I can now see why the Svefra are keen on your company. You have big plans and the drive to see them through." He turned to smile at her, "And an excellent find in this tower. It will make for an good home once the manor is finished. When do you think the tower will be ready for you to move into?"


My words

Their words

[Kelski]

Kelski tried not to stare at Djinn’s arms, but she was finding the way they moved and how they fitted all together into his skeleton interesting. Her eyes kept roaming politely away, but she watched him balance as he walked, gestured as he talked, and his general mannerisms to try and figure out if there was much benefit in having extra arms. The mental task kept a half smile on her face as she moved with the man, giving him a bit of a tour.

She nodded to his words about being laid low, and offered a full smile at the fact she immediately understood he was confident but didn’t take himself too seriously. It was a lovely balance of personality. So many times, the confident could so easily sway to the side of arrogance, which was off-putting to the Kelvic.

When he showed her the Djed Wire, Kelski was curious but honestly had never seen it’s like before. “I do not know about Gyphing. But I suspect some of the other mages around here might. I can, however, make wire by the mile.” She said with a smile. It was true. Wire was something she needed to make quite frequently as a jeweler. “I wonder if anyone knows how your special wire is made anymore. It looks old.” She said thoughtfully, not knowing about the djed wire in and of itself, but indeed understanding the nature of wire itself.

She perked up at the offer of him talking to her about Alchemy. Though she didn’t know what it was exactly, learning new things were something she was always interested in. “Time permits and restricts all things. The secret to happiness, I suspect, is manipulating it so we have more permission of what we like and restriction of what we don’t. I’d be happy to hear about Alchemy and in turn perhaps talk of something you don’t know about. The trading of knowledge is always important. And there are things here that others don’t know. You just have to stop being a stranger to learn them.” She said quietly, then nodded.

The conversation moved on. He told her a bit about himself – traveling with the Svefra. It was something they had in common. Though, to be honest she suspected he hadn’t traveled in chains with them. He seemed to confident and a tad arrogant for that to be possible. Arrogance wasn’t a turn-off to Kelski. She thought of it more as a tell that someone hadn’t been through humbling experiences as much as more humble people had.

It was a new experience, threading an arm through anothers, and strolling as equals. If given the choice, she would have pointed the way and fell into step with him or allowed him to range forward which was more comfortable for males. “I won’t be able to make my own. I’ll have to hire someone to do it. A vinter, but I don’t know why they can’t teach what they know.” She said, thoughtfully, glancing around. “The goal would be to be self sufficient here. What we have is what we need, other than more people. We’ll always have the need for those.” She said carefully, enjoying pacing beside him and getting a better feel this time for how he moved with his arms. Djinn was interesting. The cadence of his voice was genteel, something she rarely got to experience firsthand. Mizahar had no real aristocracy, but his race as a whole had higher standards and lived differently than most. She only knew that from those she’d ran into in Sunberth – true people that lived outside of their society but had trouble shedding it. They were customers, most of them, who bought her jewels in all sort of price ranges, but always demanded quality even if the piece was inexpensive. As a jeweler, she appreciated the culture. As an ex-slave, she was at war with it.

Kelski refocused on what Djinn was saying about Sahova and nodded. An island of mages? Why did Djinn sound so cautious of it? “Undead? I don’t understand what that is at all. Did they die and come back?” Kelski said, never in her life having ran across a Nuit or even rumors of them. “How would it be a risk? Would they want what we have or something else?” This was the first she’d heard of an island of wizards. There was no talk of it in Sunberth and the Svefra she been with never spoke of Sahova or even a sanctuary for mages.

She was almost glad they walked on and Djinn asked questions. “I was stunned when I first encountered an Ethaefal. They are actually a race, but its not a race I’ve ever seen the like of before, Djinn. They are magical and immortal. They can be killed, but they don’t die… they don’t age… naturally at all. My djedfather – the man who inducted me into the magic of Reimancy – is an Eth and he explained it to me like this. The Sun and the Moon have children. Those children are close to them, live with them in act, and are so beautiful you cannot even imagine. You can always spot one from their beauty and their horns. They each and every one has beautiful horns. And they change from season to season… their coloring and their horns. But that’s not the crazy part of it. They have two forms. They call them ‘seemings’. One is a mortal seeming and one is an immortal seeming. The immortal seeming is the beautiful horned one. And those that are children of Syna are beautiful during the day when the sun is out. Those that are children of Leth are beautiful at night, when the moon is best seen. At those twilight times… dawn and dusk… they transform. Their immortal seemings fade and they take on the appearance of the races we all know… human, Konti, Kelvic, Symenestra, Isur… they can be any of the known races in their mortal seeming. And the weird thing is that they aren’t born. They ‘fall’ from Syna and Leth’s realm… from the sky… normally into water. It is considered amazingly good luck to find one who has freshly fallen and assist them. They normally fall with nothing… just their bare skin, no food, money, no possessions. Gilthas thinks they fall because somehow the Valterrian damaged their realm and gave it cracks and the fallen Eth are children that have fallen through. Gilthas is old, Djinn, though he looks no older than you and I. He fell right after the Valterrian when the world was still burning and djedstorms were still raging. He’s told me the most incredible stories.” She said softly, shaking her head.

“And Reimancy… its something he taught me. It’s a magic that involves the elements. You can call up a wind storm or fill a vessel with fresh clean water… or even conjure fire or manipulate earth with it. I have air and water right now… which is not surprising since my Kelvic form is an Sea Eagle. We are at our best in those things.” She said softly, then glanced at him.

“What do you want out of life, Djinn? You strike me as someone restless, searching, someone who wants to move through the world with something in his hands… what is that something?” She asked carefully, not wanting to be so straight forward with the questions, but still wanting more from him than just questions of her.

She led him by the greenhouse, showed him the sawmill, and then they walked the staked out manor that wasn’t even started yet. The round tower was next, with its four stories and she carefully and quietly gave him a tour, introducing him to The Midnight Gem as if the tower itself was a real person and not a stone building. The tower didn’t speak to him, didn’t acknowledge his presence, but Kelski seemed unconcerned with it. She showed him the first floor which was the kitchen and gathering room, the second floor which was more of a floor for the women to stay on… the third floor which the men all currently lived together on and her top floor which was her private chambers and her jewelry workshop.

“What else would you like to see?” She asked, curious as to what else would strike his fancy.