[center][color=92278f]MERLIN[/color][/center] [center][u][b]In[/b][/u][/center] [center]Salty Sallymans[/center] There was a puff of rising duct from a book Merlin pulled from her shelf a title illegible to the human eye long lost and forgotten by mere mortals. She had been observing with the Eye of Gideon an orb which saw anything she chose that was unshielded by unconventional means and the siren that lived in Lost Haven was of great interest bending the natural flow of leylines and being fed directly from them to sustain her lifeforce likely Merlin mused unknowingly as the creature who began calling itself Bernice was ignorant of her own ability. But more interesting than that was the people who gathered around her as she tore chaotically through the daily lives of innocent bystanders. The Young Alchemist who scavenged buildings was unimportant a useless side character in Merlin’s eyes, but the bearded man. He was someone she had met in another life and the reason she herself had yet to swoop down and swipe this creature for her own personal studies. Salamander, what a quaint title he chose. But it was time to say hello and see how this version differs from his otherworldly doppleganger. A door opened on the edge of Lost Haven it was an unassuming apartment just next to a chinese restaurant wearing a little more than a thin robe covering the essentials she floated above the masses and past the forests would soon catch Salamander’s eye. The old man didn’t bother opening his eyes, leaning against a tree and looking for all the world like he was just taking a nap. One eyebrow quirked underneath his hat, however, and he mumbled under his breath, though perfectly audible to his new visitor. “This is becoming quite the popular spot for something most know as the ‘quiet’ countryside. What, precisely, are you doing here?” His eyes opened slightly, and he fingered the pommel of the sword at his hip idly. “Mind you, of course, the siren is under my protection, not a loose player.” [color=92278f]”I didn’t come for a serenade. I came because you were wanting people to see you, and I was keeping watch for who would come for this interesting specimen. Lo and behold the Crow of all beings. I called you friend for lack of a better world in an alternate universe. Surely you have begun to notice things are changing in this new age. Magic is beginning to awaken like it was once long ago, oh and the Fae are in a tizzy thanks to foolish humans.”[/color] The Salamander chuckled. “Go figure, you’re the first of all the spectacularities in this town to notice I showed up. Well, it’s not like I was planning on throwing a party, really.” He struggled up out of his prone position and glanced up. “You certainly know how to make an entrance, I’ll grant you that. What’s this business about the Fae, though? This humble joke I’m stuck in doesn’t let me have too much of an awareness these days.” Stepping on the soft earth with her bare feet.[color=92278f]”I should, I’m almost as old as you are though I keep my youthful appearance. As for the Fae it’s not too significant to beings like us humans calling themselves the Hounds of Humanity burned down a Fae nightclub a dance tavern I suppose would be more familiar a term. They’ve been killing those they deem unnatural. As if they have that right to decide when we have been on this earth far longer. I suppose though I’ve yet to introduce myself forgive me I nearly forgot. I am Merlin one who has seen other worlds and ascended from magics practiced by mortals. Speaking of which, have you seen Solomon’s Ring?”[/color] The old man peered at her, eyes flicking back to their bird state. “Mighty high up there on your chair, mortal. However powerful you might be, you haven’t really gotten past being one of them [i]yet[/i].” He waved his hand dismissively. “Nevermind, didn’t mean to insult. No, I haven’t seen that ring, nor would I let go of it if I had. I suppose you already know who I am, then, seeing as what you called me earlier, though I’d prefer if you didn’t call me that in front of anyone else. Salamander will do just fine until I can wring Coyote’s neck myself.” “As for threats from those...what did you call them? Dogs? Anyway, them. If they’re good enough to piss off the Fae instead of being amusing, you may very well have to step in yourself. Not exactly easy to raise them up. I know. I’ve tried. But they do sound like the same stupid bastards who have been around as long as humans have, always the ones in a crowd who can’t stand to see people as miserable as they are. Nasty bits of work, usually. I still remember the Forties vividly.” “And,” he added, “You still haven’t answered my question. Can’t trick a trickster, madam.” [color=92278f]”Very well. I have knowledge to transcend mortal magics, but not the ability. Bobbles filled with magic are always within reach and I often switch between sources to best ensure victory. I have the training but lack the pool with to draw magic from. While not an issue for mortals if I wish to entertain beings who have called themselves gods I need to properly ascend. Solomon’s Ring would go a long way to achieving that. And you. I’ve had little interest though with these Hounds I felt that’s not something I should concern myself with at the moment. Tis why I keep Arthur’s heir by my side. She’s the one who’ll deal with this and the Fae and if she fails perhaps I will step in.”[/color] Merlin noticed Crow raise a brow, and realized he had yet to notice Excalibur’s return. [color=92278f]”You don’t know do you? Excalibur has chosen again. A young girl of Arthur’s bloodline is to be the next Champion. Perhaps I will introduce her to you soon.”[/color] Salamander stood there for a second, sorting through that information. His eyes glazed momentarily over the thought of having the sword, though he knew better than to try and take it directly. And then he laughed, long and loud, bending over almost double for a moment. Once he had calmed down, he said, “You white people and your damned ‘bloodline’ this and ‘heir’ that. Man, you guys crack me up. But,” his expression sobered. “If you want her to meet me, I’d be fine with that. Blood or no, the blade picking a person is pretty impressive. So sure, bring her by. I’ll be here.” He gestured expansively at the hill behind him, upon which rested the cottage ruins. “And if you want her taught a few tricks, that could be arranged too, though it’ll cost you, of course.” Merlin smirked. [color=92278f]”And you’re love of shiny things shines once again. Maybe I’ll dangle a quarter next time I visit. And your, what do you call her, protoge? Can meet the girl, Evangeline or Eva as she prefers. We could do well to test their potential against these Hounds. However, you’re ties with other gods. If you learn something about the ring I’d quite like to know.” [/color] “Yes, tempering them in the fires of battle could be good. A way to see how far yours has come along and where I need to start with mine. As for the Ring, I’ll keep my eyes open, but no promises. You’ve probably got a better means of finding it than I do at present.” He gestured at himself. “Fucking Coyote has a few centuries to pay for with this one.” [color=92278f]”I wouldn’t mind helping with that, I could find a spell in the Arcanium Magisterium.”[/color] “Ha! If you can find a spell in your book to undo one of his pranks, you’ll be the talk of the town, missy. Up top [i]and[/i] down below. Now if you’ll excuse me,” he said, getting back into his former position, “I have napping to catch up on. These old bones, you understand.”