A Sliver of a Haunting (Reaver)

by **Liam** on June 9th, 2011, 11:56 pm

Sand and mud billowed out as Reaver hit the bottom, settling slowly around him. Liam listened to his host rambling on, confusion foremost in his thoughts. The man should be dead by now, his lungs unable to hold their breath any longer and filled with water. But it was not the case, something was wrong. Liam turned his focus inward, paying attention to the body he had possessed for the first time. To Reaver it would feel like someone was watching him. Suddenly Liam understood, Reaver was a Nuit, he did not need to breath. Liam had known only one other Nuit in his life, the man who had taught him his magic, and he understood why Reaver would want to conceal his appearance. If his body was in bad condition it would not be pleasant to look at, and would likely be met with hostility.

Liam finally took note of what Reaver was saying and decided it was time to respond. We do have other powers. Liam's voice filled Reaver's head, and his statement was accompanied by an exertion of control over Reaver's limbs, moving them in such a way that it caused Reaver to climb to his feet. Your body is mine now, until such time that I release it. Liam chose to exclude the fact that he could only maintain control for a few minutes, or that Reaver could attempt to wrestle it away from Liam. Liam forced his new body to move, turning it about as he examined their surroundings. You still want to learn. Learn this, I do not like being attacked. Were I a less friendly ghost I might have turned your djed into res and ignited it beneath your skin. But I have a soft spot for Nuits..

An image flashed across Reaver's mind, a young Liam stood next to an elderly man. Beyond mere age, the other man's body was rotting in some places and he had a lifeless look about him in all places but his eyes. It was a Nuit. The Nuit summoned a ball of Res, and Liam did the same, and together they ignited their Res and launched it at a nearby target. The memory faded as quickly as it came and Liam sighed inwardly. He was my teacher. I will make you a deal, Nuit. Promise not to attack me again, and I will bring you rope so you may climb out of this lake. Then we can continue our conversation if you wish. Otherwise I will leave you here and you can figure your own way back.

by **Reaver** on June 10th, 2011, 5:13 am

Reaver thought carefully, his open thoughts were readable, he was beginning to understand this, but he did everything he could to learn HOW. We can... talk here, yes? I meant no harm, an 'attack' you call it. I meant to cause more of a... small push. I wanted to see if I could... interact with your form, that's all. I found out, that such interaction is rather painful, so I shall do it no more. Reaver focused on his arm, still not attached yet. He moved the Djed he could to remove the fingers he managed to get attached. That'll take a while to attach. His thoughts swiftly returned to the conversation at hand, as he did his best NOT to curse at himself for his blunder. The differences in our forms was not registered in my mind, at that time. I'm still not completely sure as to how it works.

Reaver paused, doing what he could to keep his refocusing of his thoughts to himself. I am very fond of learning, but it seams you are curious as well. How about a more fun deal? In addition to my not attacking you, we walk to the edge of the lake, and do what we can to teach each other some interesting things. As much as I'd like to learn about ghosts, I think I've seen something I want to learn more. In return, I'll try and teach you something you'd like to learn. Reaver, forgetting his lack of control on his form, attempts to bow both physically and mentally. Shall we? He'll then mentally face-palm himself for his inattentive mind.

by **Liam** on June 21st, 2011, 12:18 am

Liam considered Reaver's offer for a moment, keeping his thoughts hidden from his host. It was certainly tempting, Nuit were known for their mastery over magic and Liam could use all the tools he could get his hands on. What it was Reaver hoped to learn from him he wasn't sure, but that didn't really matter. The only real problem with the offer was the walk. The shore was quite some distance away, and Liam would be drained by the time they got there, but he also didn't want to reveal his weakness either. But perhaps there was a way he could let Reaver do all the work without losing face..

Alright, your offer intrigues me. I'll teach you what you want to know if you teach me something. I am aware that Nuit are often practitioners of muliptle magics. The one I have seen is useless to me, since I can do that already, but do you know anything else? Certainly you do.

Liam was sure Reaver knew something of use. At the very least he knew something of the art that created him. As far as Liam knew, all Nuits were versed in that art. And if it could be used to give Reaver a body, could it also be used to give Liam one as well? These questions and more floated on the surface of Liam's mind, easy picking should the Nuit try to listen, but rather than ask Liam addressed the second issue instead.

As for this walking back to shore you speak of, I'll let you handle that and just tag along for the ride. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to make a body walk? One foot has to go in front of the other, and then you have to put the oust in front of the first, and then switch again and again all the while trying to remember to bend the knees. And you have to keep track of where your center of balance is, and with the added complication of being under water it just doesn't sound worth the effort. Yes, I think I'll let you do the walking for now. Liam hoped he just sounded lazy rather than weak. Neither assumption was good, but Liam would prefer the Nuit not to think him weak so the ruse was worth it. As promised, Liam allowed Reaver to do the walking, and merely went along for the ride until they reached the shore. Once the water was dripping off them Liam finally asked, So, what was it you were hoping to learn?

by **Reaver** on June 25th, 2011, 7:28 am

Reaver was delighted to hear his offer taken up. The following thoughts, shallow. The art I could show you has some... very useful things to one such as yourself. I'll keep them to myself, though, I'd rather teach you something else anyway. A passing thought of the dangers he risks with the very arm he has loose pushed to the back of his mind as they started to arise.

He waited, waited for his body to head to shore... then, it didn't. laughed to himself, something Liam was quite certain to pick up. As he did, he thought he could pick up a passing thought... one of, the Daek-nuit? He briefly considered a lesson, but flicked it away as the ghost made another comment.

You can turn my insides to ash underwater, and yet you have trouble making a body walk? It's even easier under the water, you know. Fine, I wouldn't want to burden you with the task of, oh, walking. Again, he laughed in his mind. All the same, he walked to shore. He listened very carefully to the empty hollow in his mind, waiting to see what else he could learn from just that. As gravity's full effect was once again upon him, he was asked what he hoped to learn.

Oh, not much. Just... what your Nuit taught you. You can speak, send images and sounds, probably more, right into my head. It can't be that hard to teach someone with such a means. However, focus becomes a major distraction. Good for you, I have learned how to focus, so perhaps I'll be a decent student. Maybe I'll be an even better teacher. What sorts of things would you like to learn? Why is it you cling to this world, and what is it I can offer to aid that? Reaver once again pushed the Daek-nuit from his mind. I may know several magics, as the stereotype goes, but what of you? What list of skills can you offer me in addition? Oh, and I would very-much enjoy meeting this friend of yours, who can make this 'soul mist' you are made of. Reaver tried to hide his next thought. He might teach me things of ghosts you aren't so willing to share.

by **Liam** on June 28th, 2011, 11:47 pm

When Reaver made his quip about walking Liam laughed back and mentally shrugged. Burning you from the inside is a simple altering of your djed to fire. It would drain your energy more than mine.. and kill you, and would be over in seconds. Very little energy wasted on my part. Walking, however, requires several actions and is a continuous drain on my energy. If we are to work together, then I would rather conserve my energy for lessons. As Reaver walked Liam did note something rather curious. Reaver would notice his hand lifting before his face, his arm moving about. It was the one that had been astrally detached. I do believe there is something wrong with your arm, Reaver.. it offers almost no resistance to my compulsions. Perhaps you should consider a new body, this one seems to be defective. Liam let the arm drop and was silent for the rest of the walk, looking out through Reaver's eyes at the fish swimming around them.

When they reached the shore Liam exited Reaver's body as he explained what he wished to learn. Liam sighed, shaking his head. "No, I can't teach you that unless you want to give up your body forever. It is a power only ghosts are capable of, as far as I know it. As for what other skills I could teach? I have knowledge of Reimancy, the ability to convert ones djed into the elements. I could also teach you to use a sword and shield if that is a skill you feel would be useful. As for as my purpose..."

Liam paused for a bit, considering what he should reveal. So far being honest about his reasons to sticking around had worked out fine, but perhaps he was just lucky. But then again, this Nuit did not appear particularly dangerous. One of his arms didn't seem to be working, and he possessed little knowledge of ghosts. And it was highly likely Rhysol was already well aware of his presence. Truthfully he had nothing to lose, he was already dead, and his very existence was misery most of the time. Finally Liam decided to do as he always did, throwing caution to the wind and revealing all.

"I remain in this world for one reason, revenge. Rhysol and his Black Sun have had a hand in my life since the day I was conceived, made me believe they were the only ones who could save me, and then committed the ultimate betrayal. I will not leave this world until every last Black Sun, Ebonstryfe and any other child of Rhysol is dead. And then I will come for him, and if it takes me a thousand years I will have my revenge. You help me and I will help you. Turn against me and, be it today or some day a hundred years from now, I will destroy you."

by **Reaver** on June 29th, 2011, 5:54 am

As Reaver noted his hand waving about, he thought of a way to convince him to stop, without bringing up thoughts as to why it was so. Having fun with my arm, there? this one seems to be defective Reaver made his mind quiet, it was rather hard NOT to think about it with a line like that.

Reaver waited for him to finish his speeches and talking, or at least until the pause seamed to prompt a response. Reaver grinned, though the ghost may not have picked up on that outside his body. "I have an acquaintance that has a similar goal in mind, though I know not the reasons. Perhaps... I should introduce the two of you. He might know a whole ring of people. Is that, Nuit of yours still about? He might be an interesting person to meet."

Reaver frowned, and folded his arms. "As far as that training, though, I suppose I'm out of luck, then. Creating things out of nothing could come in handy, but using a sword and shield could also be of use. I have found myself needing both of those things in my, recent time. Is a lot of strength needed to use the sword/shield combination as you know it? If so, I'll take the magic. What is it you were hoping to learn from me then? You don't want to learn of my simpler art, I could teach you of Voiding. If you can pick up on my thoughts and emotions, you may be able to learn quicker then most. It took me, quite a while."

by **Liam** on June 30th, 2011, 12:03 pm

Liam considered Reaver's questions for a moment, unsure which route to take. The sword and shield did require some physical strength, and the Nuit were not known for their physical prowess. However, the magic would drain the Nuit just as quickly, leaving him with little djed left to teach, and Liam wasn't certain of how to activate it for him. Would simply casting the magic be enough? He knew he could activate it, but normally for one to learn to activate it themselves they had to go through a process. Liam decided to address the other things Reaver said first.

"I would indeed be interested in meeting this friend of yours. I will need allies in the fight to come. As far as my teacher, I do not know where he is. The last I saw of him he was headed for Ahnatep."

Liam decided their lessons may have to be done one at a time so neither party over exerted themself. As much as Liam wanted to learn more it wasn't as if he didn't have time to be patient and Reaver was one of the few people he had met who could claim the same thing. "I do not have a sword on hand, so I will try to teach you what I know of Reimancy. You will have to let me possess you again so I can... prepare your body." What harm could trying do? The worst that could happen was nothing. ..right? "Also, I recommend that we do not do both lessons in the same day. I'm sure you know how dangerous it can be to overgive when using magic." Liam knew little of voiding, but from what he did know he doubted a mishap would be very good for either of them. And the Reimancy he was about to teach Reaver could easily go just as bad.

OOCBleh.. this is a kinda crappy post. Sorry

by **Reaver** on June 30th, 2011, 6:41 pm

Reaver considered the advantages of letting the ghost know Ren... perhaps he should help lead the ghost to the rebellion instead? He should ask Ren if he knew of that. "This friend of mine is fun to be around, I'd appreciate it if he was... STILL around. Not everything can go my way, though. When I meet him next, I'll mention you. Is there a way to get your attention once I do?" Well, he might just keep Ren alive a bit longer, it may be worth a shot. I still want to learn from him.

Let me? He reveals information once again. I could fight it, I suppose. Reaver thought about the offer, after the new information. "Well, before we part, I could have you start attempting to learn the... requirement to start voiding. It would be nice to have that available before our next lesson then. But that's then, here is now. I suppose I'm ready." So, this is a draining magic as well. Perhaps more-so then Voiding. I hope he's rather careful.

by **Liam** on July 7th, 2011, 12:09 am

Liam considered Reaver's question for a moment. There wasn't really any sure way to get in touch with the ghost. It was something he decided he needed to remedy. He rarely stayed in one place for long, and there was only one spot in Ravok to which he regularly returned. His chest. And Reaver was perhaps one of the only people in Ravok who could actually visit him there, as it was at the bottom of lake Ravok. But what if others needed to contact him? Aello, this person Reaver mentioned, future allies?

"Hmm.. I do believe there is something we could work out. Perhaps a message in a bottle, dropped into a certain portion of the lake? But we can discuss those details later. Let's get to your training."

Liam vanished but as Reaver soon discovered he was not gone. Joining the Nuit in his body once more, Liam quickly spread himself over every inch of Reaver's body, into every nook and cranny, and even into his blood. Alright.. so I assume you already know about djed, right? Djed is life, or in your case it is whatever energy that sustains you. Res, which means The Thing, is djed that has been altered into something else. Normally to create Res you would go through a rather traumatic experience involving cuts and having foreign res forced through every hole in your body. But... I think I can do this without being so dramatic.

Liam honestly wasn't sure what was going to happen. He knew that Reaver's djed needed to be stirred up, awakened so to speak, in order to become res. That was what his teacher had done to him, basically, only Liam was going to use Reaver's own djed to do the stirring. But the other problem was that Liam wasn't nearly as skilled at manipulating djed in his ghost body. It was as if he was a novice again, even if he had once been an experienced caster. The same went with his swordsmanship. While once he was a skilled fighter, he had to relearn everything after his death. It was quite frustrating, to know how to do something but being physically unskilled and unable to actually do it.

Okay... let's do this..

Liam's voice was unsure but he started the process nonetheless. The first thing Reaver would notice was the tingling in his fingertips. It was Liam gathering djed, drawing it into Reaver's hands. The tingling grew warm and Liam held Reaver's hand out palm up. A translucent mist began to form in the palm of Reaver's hand, it was Res, and it swirled slowly in the air. Liam lifted Reaver's other hand, pulling his mask off and getting it out of the way. It was all rather complex on Liam's end, having to manipulate the djed while also controlling Reaver's hands and making them do things. Okay, this next part is probably going to feel a bit strange.

Liam put Reaver's hand to his mouth and forced the Res inside. It was almost like breathing in on a pipe, except that the smoke kept coming and it did not come back out. Liam blasted untransmuted Res into Reaver's body, filling him to the brim with his own djed. It would drain Reaver, but not so much as if he were casting the Res out of him. What it felt like Liam could only imagine, as he did not feel anything his host felt, but it was likely unpleasant. Liam did not stop until nearly half of Reaver's energy was drained, perhaps more though Liam could not really tell. He simply stopped after he thought it had been long enough. The churning would likely continue in Reaver for some time after until he got used to the feeling of his newly empowered djed, and it may never truly go away.

There... Assuming that worked, you may now create Res by yourself. Being that you are a mage, you should already know something about controlling djed. But I'll demonstrate the process for you. Consider yourself lucky, you get a firs person view of how his works instead of having to figure out my explanation.

Liam began to focus Reaver's djed again, this time going slower so that the Nuit could follow what he was doing. You can emit Res from anywhere, but it is easiest from the extremities or mouth.. hands are usually best. First direct your djed to your hands. This may require some concentration, but again you should have an advantage over someone with no magical background. Liam began pooling djed into Reaver's hands, the tingling in his palms letting him know it was working. Next it is simply a matter of pushing the djed out. Will your energy out of your hand. You will still be able to sense it and feel it, as if it were still a part of you. That is because until you transmute it or send it to far away, it is still a part of you. Liam pushed the djed out of Reaver's skin, and a small ball of liquid Res appeared in Reaver's hand. Think of what you want the Res to be: solid, liquid, or gas and it will become that. Liam dispersed the res, pulling it back into Reaver's body. He was growing tired, so instead of continuing to possess the nuit he exited, reappearing in front if Reaver.

"Now you try it. We will work on your element next, but first we need to see if you can even create the res."

by **Reaver** on July 7th, 2011, 9:48 am

Reaver sat quietly, he was ready to opt a suggestion as the ghost vanished again. He sat a moment, and as he went to speak again found himself stalled by the ghost's return to his body. Reaver did what he could to free-up his control, though he had little practice. The cold shiver he felt was much harsher this time around.

The ghost explained the process, and Reaver knew the problem swiftly. Hold a minute or two then, I'd prefer all my Djed in my body. Reaver focused, hard, to get the Djed from his astral body back from his left arm again. It took a touch longer then he promised, it even hurt, but he managed to get it done. He looked it over, the ghost didn't have free reign over it like he did before, so he summarized it must have worked. Alright, now you may continue. The Ghost's thoughts and worries went unnoticed by Reaver, given he had his own focus to work on.

Okay... let's do this..

Reaver felt the flow of Djed in his fingertips. He was curious as to why it was there, why it felt so different. His hand went out in front of him, and Reaver studied, thought hard, listening to his body's Djed movement and the thoughts Liam carried as he manipulated it. He watched his hand raise, and the mist that formed and swirled. His mask was removed, Reaver repressed the urge to resist. Okay, this next part is probably going to feel a bit strange. Like everything.

His hand went to his mouth, a strange place fo~GAH! His body screamed in pain and torment. Laughter came to mind, but he repressed that as well. He felt his body weakening, suffering, and all around losing something... but he focused, listened: He heard every scream, ache, movement, and convulsion of his body. Side point, he felt every movement of his Djed as well. It never left his body, it circled around, and yet, he could feel it dwindling away. Half of his maximum energy drained away, leaving him dangerously close to losing control.

The control over his body stopped, but the pain did not, and he fell over onto the sand. It hurt, he hurt, and his body refused to give in... but he felt something, the change in his Djed. It WAS still there, and different from how it was before. It almost tingled, as if turned to this 'Res' he called it continually. He stood, against his screaming body.

He spoke again, a demonstration. With his own Djed once again. As long as I don't wake up in another fire. He tried to push the thought down, though it was harder in his drained state. The ghost, Liam? ...That was it. Liam explained how the process worked, and controlled the Djed much more slowly the second time. The tingling he could feel throughout his entire body centered on his hands, much stronger then the rest of his body. It then left, and another addition to the explanation came out. Reaver felt his Djed well, it was true. Even though the ghost held it out of his body, he could still feel it. It was a strange opposite of his Projection, he wondered how the two were related. As he did so, the Djed returned to his body, and the spirit left. The cold shiver that left was replaced by a cold emptiness... so close to the same.

"Now you try it. We will work on your element next, but first we need to see if you can even create the res." I suspect I may need rest... I tend not to bring myself this close to over-drawing often. Though, I suppose a quick try couldn't hurt. Spoken like a true addict... Magic will be the death of me after all. He was having trouble fighting it, however, the desire to learn was very strong. FINE! As soon as I lose any physical control, even a hiccup or something stupid, I stop.

Reaver let in a deep breath, and sighed. He felt the tingling within his body, and drew it twords his hand. It was... intense, and almost painful. He let go, too much. He drew a lot less, a touch, into his hand. It wasn't as strong as Liam's demonstration, but it would do. He pushed it out, thinking to himself. The glowing gas formed as expected, hardly visible, but that wouldn't do. He tried harder, and it became a small ball of liquid Res. It's strange dark red glow looked foreign to him, but felt right. He tried again, and brought it to a solid, a very small cube too small to put dots on. "It's almost cute." He lifted it up, it hovered for a moment, and he set it down. He let it roll around his hand, along the back underneath, and back onto his palm. He smiled, that alone could fight off a long night. He drew it back into his body as Liam had done before. A mirror of Projection indeed. He let out another heavy sigh, and looked to Liam once again. Breaking focus for a moment, He reached down and picked up his mask. Once back in place, he nodded to the ghost.