Tis not content so soon to be alone ~ Leaving the Coronation

[Ashari]

Chyril 25th Late Eveningtide -- Posted with Wolfie permission

Whether or not Ashtillion followed was, indeed, completely his decision. He'd already taken the bait of coming as far as the door, so she assumed he'd continue on the path. There were things to be spoken of. What better time than now? It was a glorious night, full of festivities, and certainly a nice evening for a walk through the city. Although there were many people out and about, they were mostly foot traffic and nearly everyone was in their designated area - be it the ceremony in the Palace, or the street festival in Temple Lane.

If he did, she was prepared to engage him in the conversation he sought, unaware that a young woman followed them. "...Yourself? Did you enjoy the Ceremony? I'm sure someone of your magickal talents appreciates the fireworks display." She said with a coy grin. Ashari was hardly one unaware of the power of fire-related magick, but it was unpredictable in her eyes. This mage wanted more control.

The Headmistress gave the guards nods as she passed them - she always was a sucker for men in uniform. Moving closer to Ashtillion she slid an arm between his and his body, using their proximately to keep their converstion private, as well as to look like any other couple walking through the city. "But I doubt you wish to limit our conversation to the customs of the Citadel - as interesting as they may be. Do you know what happened to Fauna? All I've heard is rumors.. and the Banner? Did you stay after I left?"

[Ashtallion Urdil]

" Yes, the fireworks... ", he paused speaking for a moment, still walking beside Ashari, having deferred to her judgement about not restricting themselves to the room and follwed her. He knew that one of her considerable talents needed no escort within this City, however he appreciated the ploy all the same and took on the stance of protectiveness. He smiled lightly, more so to himself. " Impressive I suppose. Though I've conjured flashier myself. ", he grinned a little wider at this

" The ceremony was pleasent enough, the first I have witnessed and I pray to the Father not the last.....something about that man now on the Throne. I can't quite place the disquiet I hear within about him, nor the reason for it. ", Ashtallion shrugged it off. " I've experienced enough of those feelings to live with them. "

As the Mistress brought the conversation to his intended topic, he lowered his voice as the dark haired mindcrafter eased closer to the golden eyed sorcerer. One had to appreciated their Alliance, both from very different spectrums of magic, yet with an unspoken understanding of each other.

" As to the Banner.....I cannot say I know exactly how she died.... ", at this, Ashtallion stopped speaking for another few heartbeats, evidently thinking. " ...and I'm not sure how happy I am with that. My plan was to rid the Citadel of the dark witch myself, aided of course. ", he inclined his head to Ashari in difference to her. " But.....why was she killed? Perhaps the same reason I wanted her dead, the Father knows how personal my vengence was, and I doubt that I was the only one she rubbed up in the wrong way..... ", his memory swam back to the brothel and how Fauna had touched him, the very thought still revolted and enraged him.

" And yes, I stayed after you left. Unfortunately. I was in the cellar with some other people when the fire first started. Found myself trapped underneath the brothel with little hope for escape and certain death looming... ", he flashed another smile. " The others in that room had better be thankful they were trapped with someone as skilled as I am. I tunneled my out, ended up in the sewer though which I can assure is a far from pleasent experience.

" It was odd though....there was another magic-user, a woman, she was working magic as we entered that cellar room....but something struck her down just as she prepared to conjure something against us. It wasn't our dark enchantress though, she was still upstairs. ", the gilded magus frowned, but it did not last long. " To be honest I haven't given that much thought since, perhaps I should. I'm still trying to figure out who killed Fauna, who'd think it would be easier for a mage....but no.... ", he sighed, a little too dramatically to be real. " What have you heard? Anything that might be worth pursuing? Or do you think it best that we simply give her assailant our silent thanks? "

[Aerin Penna Seleratus]

All that glitters… Aerin thought to herself morosely as she walked, one hand twirling the pilfered bracelet lightly on her arm while the other opened and closed in a fist in tune with her footsteps. My hopes are not that high…, she thought, Some simple wine and song…maybe just a dance or two…maybe some romance. She glanced up at Ashari and Ashtallion’s forms, making sure that she had her bearings and allowing herself a small wisp of hope that one day someone like her would be following Aerin and her beau from a grand celebration with nothing o go home to but a pet that was not even fully trained yet.

Well, that’s not true…, she corrected herself. Georgio did very well in training Carloni long before me, it is I who need the training. Saddened by the reminder of yet another shortcoming, she glanced once more at Ashari and Ashtallion and then moved her gaze to a point in the air between them so that she could keep the unnamed couple in her peripheral as they walked onward and not be staring straight at them the whole way like a mildly jealous little beggar girl.

[Ashari]

His comfort in his own abilities was charming of it's own respects. Ashari was glad for having met Ashtillion and for the fact that they didn't have to be shy about their gifts when around eachother. "I don't have much difficulty in believing that," she replied with her own genuine smile, something not seen nearly as often as her flirtasious one. Ash had no problem being coy, but it was only with her close friends she could be herself and she enjoyed the thought of keeping the fire-mage's company.

"I have much interest in Andolin, myself." The brunette's eyes turned up to her companion. "He seems a man with many secrets. No doubt that's why he has gotten where he is, but yes, I must admit, I have my own questions about him - about his allegiance to the Seven Isles... I just find it so strange that he be elected when he's not even from here." She shrugged losely, her shoulder rubbing up against Ashtillion's casually. "I'd like to get to know him more personally... he could be a good ally, especially with the troubles I've been facing with the Guild lately," she let that topic lie unless he were to ask further on it. The minx had never been the type to dump her own problems on those around her.

As the adhiel told her of the Banner, and of what happened that evening Ashari grew quiet only offering her own head nods and murmers of agreement to show that she was listening at all, for her eyes were forward, surveying the crowd and taking in their environment. Ash lead him down the road with ease, knowing the fastest path to the Red Rose Guild. It would be most content with her to speak there, in private, but it was her insatiable curiosity that made her probe for answers even as they walked.

"They should be, yes," she gave him a small wink. "Lucky that you didn't just abandon them. However, I noticed there were many heroes there that night. Do you think the magick user in the basement could have been someone that we know?" It had been somewhat bothersome to Ashari for her to see so many familiar faces at the Red Banner that evening - it had been part of why she left. Well, that and the fact that Fauna was running lose with no ways of Ash to kill her on the spot without a spot on the gallows waiting for her in the morning.

"I've not heard much aside for rumors about the fighting underworld. I don't know if Fauna was specifically targetted - or if it was just a case of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, employed by the wrong man." Thomas and Michael's war was becomming bothersome and it was costing lives. Ashari needed Andolin... she needed him to bail her out of it, for him to offer her the money to buy out Thomas' share and to be rid of their warring. "Fauna's body.. was it recovered?"

[Ashtallion Urdil]

" If it were recovered, I have not seen it, I've simply heard of her demise, if it has been, you can be certain it was burned to ensure she could not return and her ashes scattered on the winds of magic. In all honesty I wouldn't be surprised if she had been targeted by the University itself. She has caused no small amount of trouble for Faculty. ", the latter was said in an even lower whisper. " I will need to ask a few of the other Professors some questions about it....a couple in particular. ", the flicker of shadows crossed over his golden eyes, yet were gone as swiftly as they came.

Ashtallion had mused over her words regarding the Guild, " If you need any help with your Guild, I will be more than pleased to offer assistance if it lies within my ability. Even if you need 'names'. Feel free to use my nobility to your advantage......I will stand behind its opening. The name of Alrul will not be unheard of I would think. ", there was now a mischievious glint in his eyes, yet still there were persistent shadows.

" Our Ceasar would indeed be a good ally, his power and influence must certainly be great.....though dealings with such men will often hold a double edge. However, I think you could handle him. ", he offered another flashing smile, chortling lightly. " I'd like to know more of the troubles you speak of, with the Guild. Still it faces opposition? I have only visited the Red Rose but once......quite some time ago....I found it a relaxing experience... ", even though he forced the words to sound non-chalant. The golden haired adhiel could not stop the colour that rosied his cheeks.

" As for the magic-user...I did not recognise her, though when I look back, for some reason I found the energy familiar. I can't place why however. I'm finding myself thinking that alot recently, too many things feel familiar, names and faces, yet I lack the actual memory. "

The sorcerer did not look over his shoulder, yet he allowed his mage-sense to flow about him and outwards, hoping to sense anyone nearby.

[Ashari]

OOC: I've written this post three times & it's subsequently been eaten by Taz, my brother spastically hitting a button & my word processor... it's going down hill, this is my last attempt.

IC:
Ashari nodded to the mage's comment that he hadn't seen the body, but it was followed by a sigh. "Fire.. has many aspects. Cleansing is definately one of them, and though I'd like to think she's been utterly destroyed, I also can't help but wonder how well she could be hidden beneath the rubble." The young woman looked heaven ward, briefly, and then back to the road ahead. "When Iorn and I left King's Court we were bound out by boat. Waiting in our cabin there was a fire on the ship. Using magick we came to the Citadel safely, but as far as anyone is concerned in Western Terra - well.. if I were to return there today, I'd return as a ghost." Ashari and Iorn had been heroes in their home and upon their deaths had recieved funerals of such status, or so Ash had come to understand.

"I've heard through the guards that they have been rummaging through what remains of the Banner, perhaps it's in our best interest to check that out ourselves. I fear I believe very little unless it's seen with my own eyes - and even then, I question what's before me." There was a whistful smile upon her lips as she remembered a time when things were easier, and when someone's word meant something. Now, she questioned everything. "Didn't the University send over some mages to help? If you're to question the faculty, then asking those students what they saw might not be a bad idea as well. I'm not sure who it was that helped, but I'm certain it'd be easy to figure out."

"The Caesar is a man like any other," she responded dully as if she'd expected more of him. In all reality, Ashari was incredibly intrigued by Andolin and very much wanted to get to know him much more personally. He'd seemed open to the idea, himself, and that was all the more interesting. "And like all men he has his weakness, and his just happens to be a pretty face," Here, Ashari gave Ashtillion a knowing look. "And I just happen to have one which I am not too shy to put to good use, especially if it helps my guild."

It brought them back to the topic of the RRG. "Thank you for the assistance of your title," It was a generous offer after how horribly the last Red Rose Guild had ended. His demeanor while mentioning the Guild, however, gave Ashari the feeling that he truely enjoyed himself there -even if it was but once. In the back of her mind she wondered who had taken care of him, but she didn't know any of the old members. She hoped that she'd be able to offer something to him in the future to repay his offers of help. "I've been targetted... I'm not sure precisely why, but I have reason to believe it stems from some of my funding which was not exactly from the most reputible source." Thomas Crane was more than some of the funding, he was the sole backer, and it had been his idea that she take on this responsibility.

Now, he left her here alone, to deal with the reprocussions of the Underworld's War. "Bricks have been thrown through windows - the paint on the doors hacked and scratched. I'll be lucky if I can repaint them, they may need to be refurnished entirely if not replaced." Her fingers itched with the irritation of it, and she found herself gripping perhaps tighter to the robes of the mage she walked with than she would have if the topic were upon something else. "Not only that, but I have Aeris to worry about... Isis demands her return." She wasn't sure if Ashtillion was aware of the reasons that Aeris stay in hiding at the Guild house.

"Our little mage-girl may be the best place to start. I don't like unknown magick users... especially if they leave you with the sensation of knowledge. Perhaps she was tutored by someone whom you know?.. Perhaps she changed her appearance. Questions. It all leads to more questions. Where are the answers, Ashtillion? Why is it up to us to find them?" She gave an enormous sigh as they rounded a corner heading closer to the Red Rose. "Maybe you would let me try to read your memory of the girl, sometime? I might recognize her. At this point, though.. if she's dead, maybe it doesn't matter - unless it matters to you." The twinge in the back of one's mind when trying to capture a memory could be overwhelming at times.

[Aerin Penna Seleratus]

Who were you? Aerin asked of the dead woman she had seen in the ruins of the Red Banner – not the one she had stolen the bracelet from, but rather the eyeless, lipless form that she had encountered when she had caught up with Morgan. Being a fresh implant, she did not know what the Red Banner was – she had assumed it to be some type of inn – nor whom this Master Crane was, but the presence of two dead women in his home seemed a bit odd to her, nagging her still as she glanced once more upon Ashari and Ashtallion, following them around the corner while keeping a respectable distance.

The two seemed to be deep in conversation and it was this conversation that once again stuck her like a hammer’s blow. Her job…her new pet…the bodies…her failed attempt at attending the Coronation if not for political reasons but simply for the human connection – any human connection. Someone to talk to who would do as Ashtallion was obviously doing to Ashari – actually engaging and returning the conversation in kind. Flittering about in her mind like a half-crazed and blinded butterfly, Aerin’s discordant thoughts returned to the second body.

One woman, alone in a bed, unable to see those who looked upon her, even in death. Unable to speak. A useless shell discarded by spirit. Aerin toyed once more with the bracelet. Why is it that only in the dead have I found kinship? True, she had held more than satisfying conversations with Duncan, Claire, Hadvin, Professor Pralix, Giorgio, and the young Adhiel woman at the university whose name currently escaped her mind, but those had been too fleeting for fancy. Aerin forced her eyes to avert from Ashari’s back, lest the woman practically sense the thick snake of jealousy that Aerin felt tightening around her throat and breasts, threatening to constrict even more tears from the redhead’s eyes.

Alone… she answered herself after a moment or two of walking. Bracelet, you were alone in death, your clothing half-off as if in anticipation of a lover who never arrived or one who left all too soon, leaving no-one around in your final flickers but yourself and the walls which killed you. Aerin thought, giving the women names based on distinguishing characteristics. And Blind, once beautiful Blind… You, too, died alone, your body uncrushed by stone and your skin unhurt by flame. Aside from the vermin who took advantage of you after death, I cannot help but wonder if it was someone who took advantage of you in life that allowed you to simply fall asleep in your bed and welcome the eternal darkness which came to claim you?

Aerin took two more steps and stole a quick glance at Ashari before looking back toward the palace for an even shorter time. Alone… she repeated, as if the word would somehow reverse her feelings of despondence and remind her of a friend that she could count on that was actually human or at least more human-ish than her absent furry companion. That is our bond, ladies… That is our kinship. Aerin was not crazy but, for a moment, she imagined the maimed Blind walking on her right and the headless Bracelet on her left, three sisters – of a sort – sharing a stroll as if life-long companions before a single blink of watery eyes washed the images from her vision and left her alone once more.

Alone and naked we are born and thusly alone and naked are we damned to be unborn, I suppose...

Those final words were the undoing of her mask for a short time as Aerin took a deep breath, looked skyward, and let the tears flow as they wished, her sobs balked from emergence by a lump in her throat where the snake had constricted once more.

[Ashtallion Urdil]

"Yes, I believe they did.", he tried to recall exactly whom had been sent to the smoldering ruins of the Banner. "I will have to enquire more....I feel I sometimes seclude myself within my chambers when I am not teaching.", which reminded himself, he had not done any actual teaching in some time. He doubted the Faculty would be pleased. "I'm pursuing a particular trail of research....and have found myself at a dead end it would seem. Hence, it has taken up alot of my time", not entirely true, he simply had to wait for the woman in the sand to reappear and tell him what he had to do, to take command of the Book.

Ashari then mentioned the swan maiden, Aeris, and his thoughts focused once more on their conversation. "Miss Mourir....yes....my short time teaching her proved interesting. A keen, sharp mind, with a natural Talent for magic. She could be a powerful Sorcercess given the chance I believe. But....Isis....within meaning to pry, too much, what is the story there? You were somewhat sketchy on the details.", he smiled, making light of his latter statement.

Ashtallion was not sure how to answer the Guild Mistress, he had asked himself that very questions. Where were the answers? "I think it's what comes with having power, Ashari. Regardless of what kind. Politcal or magical. And as for delving into my mind.....", he paused, unsure whether he actually wanted anyone in his head. He had secrets to protect, currently, the Secrets of Creation, yet he believed he could trust the Mindcrafter. After all, he would be helping her where he could. "It is a generous offer and one I may well take you up on. I feel as though finding out her identity is indeed important, but not so much that it need be done any time soon." I hope.

"Perhaps I should visit the Banner myself, or rather the ashes and rubble of it.", he shrugged off the notion. "If I get the time. But a change of subject.....does a young man named Jesse reside in the Guild? You may not know him, it was some time ago I last saw him. "

[Ashari]

"Research?" He left it vague enough that it couldn't help but be poked at. "If you've hit a dead end and need an extra set of eyes, I'd be more than willing to help. Consider it a trade in light of your allowance of me using your name."

Even the name of Isis caused for Ashari's voice to catch in her throat, nevermind the sight of her at the Coronation. She veritably oozed power off of every inch of her tanned (and usually incredibly exposed) skin. "Isis..." She sighed, not entirely sure how to continue. "-Isis thinks of Aeris as a pet." The young brunette shook her head, somewhat disgusted with the thought. However much she mind find it horrific, however, she'd been keeping Aeris under similar lock and key. Ashari assured herself it was merely to keep the gentle pen safe, but she was hardly any better than Isis for doing as much.

If nothing else, she did have free reign of the Red Rose Guild - and Ash never once locked her in, but she did make it quite clear that if the girl left, and was found by Isis or her Immortals, then there would be little she could do to save her without severe political manueverings, something Ash didn't have a great aptitude with. She'd even tried to talk to Andolin about it, and he suggested that an outright defiance to Isis was 'just not a good idea'. Not surprisingly, Ashy agreed.

"Aeris escaped from her - using her powers." She didn't cue in any more to that, not exactly sure how much Ashtillion understood of her inherant abilities. "And Isis has no idea how she could've gotten away, but she wants her back. I think she only wants her because she hasn't got her." Ashari rolled her eyes, exasperation. "She's like a child who's lost a toy or something.. it's ridiculous. It just happens to be she's a child with a long reach and plenty of friends to send out on to find a lost pet."

The mage was guarded at her offer of mindreading. It made perfect sense. It was a personal thing - one's mind. Perhaps the only place to be alone, and for some, the only place they might keep their secrets. Ashari knew full well what it was to have secrets. Her past haunted her in visions of death and flames. To allow someone inside was to bring them to her nightmare - her shadowland. "You let me know," she commented. "And know that while I'll have the ability to try to learn your deepest, darkest, secrets, the memory of this girl is unlikely to bring me to such a place in your mind.." Sorcery and mindcraft, though both using energy, were quite different things. "There are compartments, almost, in your mind. Things go to different places, I'll be able to search out the night of the Banner with ease - much happened that night." That she knew just from what he told her so far. "It won't be difficult to find. Even though you're proficiency isn't Mindcraft, that doesn't mean that you haven't set up your own personal defences. Even those not trained know how to keep secrets just where they should be." She gave him a light smile, hoping to ease his worries at the thought of being taken advantage of.

"No.. no Jesse. Most of the inhabitants of the previous Guild were run off... they fled to places as distant as they could, but I do have contact with another guild, the Lilies in World's Mouth. Some of the previous Guild members took up there and established their own place - I contacted them merely out of their competition, but they are so far away, I don't see it being much of an issue. I could ask if any of them know where he might've gone..?" Her voice trailed off, leaving the question hanging of whether he might want to check on his companion.

[Ashtallion Urdil]

"Unless you are a highly skilled user of sorcery specializing in the ancient sorceries once used by the long dead Archmages....", he smiled, not needing to finish his sentence. "Although..", his eyes glanced away for a moment, seeming to search for some distant thought, "I would imagine that your branch of magic will focus much on mental barriers to prevent others invading your mind? If so you may be able to help me there... possibly by teaching me? If I am to let you into my mind I would be keen to know how to do such myself....such talent would certainly come in handy for what I see lies ahead of me.", as he turned his head to look at Ashari, close as they were, she would no doubt see the fire lighting behind his golden iris'.

"It would certainly be an interesting experience for me....and in turn I would be more than happy to school your good self in the Path of sorcery. If it would appeal at any rate."

"As for Isis, I know next to nothing of her, so I will defer to your assessment of her. How long can you hide the young Miss Mourir from her old mistress? And as for Jesse.....it will not be necessary to find him, I was simply curious." The sorcerer smiled once more, something he found came relatively easy with Ashari, and for that he was glad."

[Ashari]

"But I do, Ashtillion," she replied. "Do you think I invented my particular brand of magick?" Here, she gave a beaming smile. "Well, I suppose I have my own particular flare, but sadly you're unaffected by most of it's sway." Ashari laughed precociously. She was smart, she was gifted, and she was stunningly beautiful, but she was still a woman, and thus of no interest to her companion in the way that every other man she'd ever come in contact was. For some reason, that made Ash all the more comfortable, and it made it much easier to talk about her magick, something she usually kept quiet about. "But I do know quite a bit about the history of my magick and it helped me unlock it's power. I'm sure it would help you with yours, as well.

"If you want to learn mindcraft it's going to be difficult, I guarantee it... mostly because you're so capable of pulling energies from other places. It makes you less interested in the inner workings of your own mind, but.. it can still be taught. I'd happily help you. As far as the sorcery is concerned, I've got some skill already, but need some guidance. I think we could work something out." Youthful and exuberant, Ashari nearly chirped with excitement. She was feeling good. The night had gone expertly and she'd left the Coronation without a hitch. Now, she was walking back home with a friend whom she was becomming close to. Nether knew she needed it. She just needed someone she could actually trust.

Taking in a deep breath, Ash was about to continue on the topic of Jesse, and even poke a little fun at her friend for asking about his daliance with the Guildmember, but her mind was sidetracked. "Do you smell smoke?"...

OOC: Shall we call this fin & continue onto our next thread (after your last post, of course)? I think we've gotten across all the conversation we need to for now.

[Ashtallion Urdil]

OOC: Good idea.

IC: "Hmmmm. Interesting....sounds like it would certainly prove challenging. Something I never shy away from. I will think on it further though.", the adhiel mage smiled again."Learning to at least be accomplished in both Arts would be useful, if for nothing else other than to increase ones own power.", his eyes burned with that inner fire that appeared when thinking of dreams and aspirations. Ashtallion had never tried to fool himself, he wanted power. The kind that derived from his sorcery, he wanted to be Archmage.

"I do smell smoke actually.", brought out of his wandering thoughts, he sniffed the air. If Ashari smelt smoke, his keener senses would detect it. There was a stirring of unease in his stomach. Unconscious of doing so, the mage increased his pace, which would force Ashari to do so as well.

OOC: Finished? Aerin you may want to do a finishing post also?

[Morg]

Archived with no skills awarded.