[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220416/07bb7fe0937c4f981a024d2a8b9366c1.png[/img]
[sub][color=8E939E]✧     Location: Soft Haven North Gate     ✧     Purse: 12 copper     ✧      [@Scribe of Thoth] [@Achronum]     ✧[/color][/sub][/center][hr][hider=Read this to find out why I'm here][center][h1][color=8E939E]Playing with Fire[/color][/h1][/center]
Eila and Kyreth parted ways when they arrived back at the Bounty House, the latter skirting around the edge of the entrance toward the stairs. He felt like an intruder climbing back up through the Bounty House without Vivian accompanying him, but nobody stopped him, and the few staff members who crossed his path simply waved him along. 

Arms laden with goods, Kyreth took a moment at Lord Mystralath’s door to do a quick accounting of things: he put in the order at the Six Spools, got the Ambrosia, dagger and alchemists’ goods, the signet ring was safe in his pocket, and… oh yeah, he’d potentially made an enemy of the son of the reigning Duke. Shit. He’d have to bring that up, right? It would probably be bad news if the Lord found out from someone else - or when he happened upon Kyreth’s desiccated corpse attracting crows on the top of the Soft Haven wall. Dammit! He probably ruined his apprenticeship prospects before they’d even taken root with that little stunt.

Still, he couldn’t make himself regret it. He understood Bruno’s reservations, sure - hells, he’d have acted exactly the same in the kid’s shoes, and had on many occasions - but if he could turn back time, he’d do it again. Bruno’s rare innocence was too precious to let him get shriveled and jaded like the rest of their kind. Besides, wasn’t Selene trying to get him to take risks? If this whole fever dream of a day didn’t point to that, nothing would. 

Turning over the day’s events in his mind, Kyreth shifted the goods in his arms and knocked on the Lord’s door. 

A faint scratching noise came from inside the room, followed by light footsteps and the gentle jingle of swaying metal, before the door opened. Lord Mystralath stood at the door, evaluating Kyreth for a moment. The faint aroma of almonds, milk, and a mild bitterness wafted into the hallway.

[color=FD7F02]"Welcome back, Kyreth. I was about to indulge myself in a non-alcoholic drink. Join me and we can discuss your trip and your future."[/color] Mystralath beckoned Kyreth inside and walked back to his desk. A chair, plush but relatively simple, sat in front of his desk where a teapot had been set out and steam rolled gently from the spout.

[color=FD7F02]"Place everything on the desk and make yourself comfortable."[/color] The Lord gestured at the chair, still standing as he poured a thick brown liquid into two elegant tea cups. The handles shimmering the flickering light, golden birds melding into the floral design on the porcelain. [color=FD7F02]"Do you take sugar?"[/color]

For some reason, Kyreth wasn’t expecting Mystralath himself to open the door; he also wasn’t expecting his new employer to be half a foot shorter than him, Kyreth looking more at the top of his head than his masked face. 

But the scent wafting out of the room concerned Kyreth much more than his principal’s stature, the heady scent of something delicious wrapping around him like a warm breeze. He muttered a dreamy thanks as he followed where Mystralath beckoned, placing everything on the desk as carefully as if it was all made of glass. He freed the box and dagger from their ratty canvas covering a little sheepishly, not letting his old cloak touch the desk, and retrieved the apothecary box from his inner pocket. The signet ring he placed on the desk alone, turning it so the symbol faced the Lord. 

Nodding, he took his seat somewhat hesitantly, although any reservations fled him when he sunk into the plush cushion. To Mystralath’s question, he wasn’t immediately sure how to respond; his usual fare was dried meat and spring water, and he had no idea what he was drinking. But hey, sugar was a rare commodity, and beggars couldn’t be choosers. 

[color=8E939E]“Oh, yes, thank you,”[/color] he replied, momentarily caught up by the ornate decorations on the cups. Goodness, even what the man drank from looked expensive. Kyreth wasn’t previously aware there were even this many things one could spend money on, but apparently everything in the world could be made opulent when the buyer was a Lord. [color=8E939E]“I… hope I didn’t take too long.”[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"Fret not. I did not impress upon you any sense of urgency."[/color] Mystralath assured, picking up a cube of sugar and neatly deposited it in one of the cups before gently stirring until it dissolved. He placed it on the desk in front of Kyreth and took his to his seat across. [color=FD7F02]"Do be careful. I rarely permit myself the indulgence of chocolate, let alone with another, but when I do, I prefer it scalding."[/color]

Before he took a sip, Mystralath reached across and retrieved the signet ring and dagger. [color=FD7F02]"Tell me about your time in town. I trust it was eventful."[/color] The Lord requested as pulled out the dagger and inspected it.

Kyreth had to laugh, though it sounded more like a cold huff than any expression of joy. [color=8E939E]“It usually is,”[/color] he couldn’t help but comment, picking up the cup offered to him. He could cradle the little cup in one hand, and while it did scald his skin, true to the Lord’s word, he didn’t mind. The burn was comforting, in a way, the memory of too many cold nights making him savour the warmth. The burn would help him remember the warmth the next time he slept out under the sky. 

The thought crossed his mind that he might not have to worry about that anymore, but he shooed the idea from his mind, not willing to get his hopes up. Instead, he turned his mind to the topic at hand. [color=8E939E]“Well, I got everything done, which is usually a win in my book,”[/color] he began. [color=8E939E]“The tailor at the Six Spools wasn’t happy to see me, but he must have a lot of respect for you because he still took the order, even though he wasn’t happy about it. Not many shopkeepers I know could say the same; honestly, I’d say he was… quite professional. Oh, he said some of the pieces you ordered will take longer than others, and he… asked that you send someone else to pick them up,”[/color] he added. 

[color=8E939E]“Oh, I took Eila with me,”[/color] Kyreth remembered, [color=8E939E]“I… um… well, I’m not used to dealing with high class shops, so I figured she could help me navigate things. She…”[/color] he paused for a moment to think, not wanting to paint Eila in a bad light. But he couldn’t just lie, either. The last thing he needed was the tailor sending a note up with his good telling Lord Mystralath to keep the both of them away from his shop. [color=8E939E]“Her heart is in the right place, but I don’t think she made any friends with the tailor.”[/color]

Kyreth took a sip of his drink, considering how next to describe things. The richness of the drink took him off guard, but not in a bad way; it was sweet, almost sickeningly so, and decadently thick with dairy, but an unfamiliar bitterness and the sting of heat on his tongue balanced out the sweetness enough to stop it from turning his stomach. He’d never had chocolate before, but if this was what it was, Kyreth decided he liked it. 

[color=8E939E]“The White Lion was better,”[/color] he continued, having to stop himself from drinking the entire cup in one go. [color=8E939E]“I accidentally broke one of their rules - they don’t allow Tainted in the common areas - but the barmaid there was really decent about it. I’ll try not to insult them again; I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.”[/color] He nodded. 

[color=8E939E]“The blacksmith is very kind. He was actually happy to see me. He even gave me this,”[/color] Kyreth shifted in his seat to show off the brass cloak pin Tal had gifted him. [color=8E939E]“I wanted to pay for it, but he insisted. I’ll have to find a way to make it up to him. He says he was glad for the chance to work on quality ore. I think your commission made him very happy.”[/color]

Kyreth drew a breath; he wasn’t excited to talk about the next one. [color=8E939E]“And then, of course, there was Miss Hawthorne. That visit was… a bit more eventful,”[/color] he said sheepishly, buying time with another long sip of his drink. 

Mystralath listened quietly, sliding the blade back into its sheath and picking up his own cup of chocolate. He hummed contently as he sipped at it, well practiced at drinking with his mask on. [color=FD7F02]"We can tolerate the behavior from Six Spools and the White Lion for now. Technically, you are not yet officially my apprentice until we go through the traditional rites but once we do, that behavior will have to end. Keep this in the back of your mind, Kyreth. We'll revisit it once your second lesson is over."[/color] He placed down the cup and leaned forward to rest his chin on his bridged fingers.

[color=FD7F02]"I'm glad you found Talibar agreeable. When I discovered he established a shop here, I couldn't spend my coin quickly enough. It would have been a shame to hear his disposition changed over the years. I had the opportunity to meet him when I was a child; he was a different dwarf back then but he did not treat me as many of the others did."[/color] Mystralath explained. [color=FD7F02]"Though once I had overcome my initial shock, I found it curious he moved so far from his home and to such a quiet city. The dagger I commissioned is made of dragonscale ore, a rare and highly prized material that requires a lifetime of experience and no little amount of talent to safely and successfully forge. It puzzles me that such an accomplished smith found his way to the weary town of Soft Haven."[/color] 

Mystralath seemed to drafted into his own musing for a moment, picking his cup back up and sipping as he stared at Kyreth. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, his tone rueful. [color=FD7F02]"Apologies, please continue. I'm certain Miss Hawthorne was quite the character."[/color]

Kyreth opened his mouth to refuse, to assure Lord Mystralath that he understood the shopkeepers’ reasons and that he really didn’t want to rock the boat in Soft Haven, but he held his tongue, finishing off the last of his drink. This was probably more a matter of pride for the Lord than anything having to do with him; it was probably because a misdeed against his apprentice was the same as a misdeed against the Lord himself, and Kyreth couldn’t argue with that. And of course, it would be nice to have the townspeople treat him better, but he felt uneasy about forcing them to tolerate him against their will. After all, those shops were theirs, what right did he have to walk in on their life’s work and tell them to change on his behalf? 

But he kept his reservations to himself; he wasn’t about to bite the hand that quite literally fed him, especially since Mystralath seemed to mean well. The explanation of the dagger, on the other hand, was fascinating; Kyreth had never heard of such a thing as dragonscale ore, and that was no wonder if it was as valuable as the Lord made it out to be. Though one thing Mystralath said stuck in Kyreth’s mind; Tal ‘didn’t treat him like others did’? What did that mean? Surely the child of nobility would be treated with respect by everybody, right? Ah, but maybe that was the problem; maybe to a child, it was upsetting to have everyone treat him like a noble. Tal’s friendliness and familiarity would probably be a breath of fresh air to a kid raised in a stuffy noble house, if the highborn did indeed live the way Kyreth imagined they did. 

The Lord brought their conversation back on topic, although Kyreth could have stood to let that pause go on for longer; he really wasn’t looking forward to this next part. [color=8E939E]“Quite the character, yeah…”[/color] Kyreth admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. [color=8E939E]“Although, in her defence, I suppose I kind of brought that on myself…”[/color] 

He smiled awkwardly, a pained expression laden with pointed teeth, until finally he sighed. He had to be done lying for the day - he was [i]supposed[/i] to have denounced the practice altogether. [color=8E939E]“I mean, she was nice enough, of course. A little rough around the edges but it seems like she means well. And she doesn’t have any problem with my kind, seeing as she seems to treat her little apprentice well.”[/color]

Kyreth chewed his lips, thinking. [color=8E939E]“I think I got myself in some hot water with him,”[/color] he admitted, resolving to just lay it all out there. Better now than later, probably. [color=8E939E]“I mean, not him, himself - Bruno’s a great kid. But when I first came across him, he was in a scuffle with some local kids - er, not really a [i]scuffle[/i], Bruno wasn’t fighting, but still - [i]like an idiot[/i] I tried to stop it, and then it turns out that one of the kids is the Duke’s son, and here I am throwing [i]your[/i] name around on my [i]first day[/i] to try and get the kids to go away, and now…”[/color] 

He sighed heavily, pulling his hood down and running a hand through his damp hair, his modesty taking a back seat to his frustration with himself. [color=8E939E]“I’m sorry,”[/color] he apologized, [color=8E939E]“I think I made an enemy out of the Duke’s son, and I hope I didn’t make you look bad, but I think I might have… It was just all I could think of to get those kids to leave him alone.”[/color]

He shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut, locked in an argument with himself. [color=8E939E]“I know, I have no business sticking my nose into things that don’t concern me. It’s really unlike me. But he’s just a kid; I couldn’t just walk away.”[/color]

The Lord stayed silent as he processed. He continued drinking until the cup was empty, setting it back onto the tray. [color=FD7F02]"It is a precarious situation you found yourself in. The Duke of Soft Haven is not known for his gentle touch and both the boy's parents spoil him rotten. And involving my name…"[/color] the Lord sighed.

[color=FD7F02]"Before we discuss this problem, I have one question. When you received your instructions, I offered you a helpful piece of advice. Explain what order you completed them and elaborate on why you decided to complete them in that order."[/color] The Lord requested, watching Kyreth intently. 

The flames in the lamp burned a little bit brighter.

Kyreth shrank under the Lord’s gaze, replacing his cup on the table guiltily. Despite knowing every detail of the encounter, somehow the Lord’s way of putting it made everything sound so much worse. Kyreth cursed himself once more for his impulsiveness, but he had to recognize the harsh justice of the situation; that whole ordeal was nothing but him slipping back into the same dishonest, conniving habits he was trying to leave in the past, and it rightfully bit him on the ass. 

At the question, Kyreth nodded. [color=8E939E]“I figured the tailor would take the longest, so I went there first - that way I wasn’t carrying anything valuable while I was stuck in one place. Then I went to the opposite end of the market and worked my way back to the gate - less distance to cover with an armload of goods. So after the tailor’s I visited the White Lion, the Apothecary, and the Forge in that order.”[/color] He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, the Lord’s scrutiny suddenly making his methodology feel very inadequate. [color=8E939E]“That's how I learned to do it as a kid; in Buscon, it's the best way not to get robbed.”[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"In a new environment, it is common to fall back on long honed routines but you must no longer afford yourself the leniency to do so. I advised you to consider the order in which you completed the tasks. I would not do that if I did not believe there was a genuine strategy to achieve your goal with as few complications as possible."[/color] Lord Mystralath explained, an undertone of disapproval evident in his words. [color=FD7F02]"In any new circumstance, it is important to analyze your situation, gather information, and then execute your plan. It is clear you simply accepted Soft Haven will be the same as Buscon and engaged in the town in the same manner."[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"I will give credit where credit is due. Bringing another, despite it ending as the wrong choice, was the correct decision in this situation. Looking for support while executing your plan in areas you are weak is rarely a poor choice. That being said, the point of a lesson is to learn and as long as we learn from a failed lesson, it still counts as a success. So Kyreth, take a moment to consider everything that happened, every interaction you had, ask yourself why they acted like they did, and then tell me, what was the most successful order to complete your tasks?"[/color] The Lord held up a single finger. [color=FD7F02]"It all hinges on the first one."[/color]

Despite his genuine remorse, Kyreth bristled in the face of Lord Mystralath’s tone. Did he miss the part of their first conversation where he told him he wasn’t exactly an educated man? What was he supposed to do, read the minds of the shopkeepers to see which were the friendliest? Ask around to see who let Tainted into their shop? That line of questioning would just get him booted from the market before he had the chance to accomplish anything at all. Assuming Soft Haven would be just like Buscon was the obvious choice. It was what kept him safe. If anything, Buscon was friendlier; there, coin ruled all, and at least there was a decrepit little corner where he could be seen as a person instead of a problem. 

However, noticing that his fingers were tingling again, Kyreth quickly abandoned that train of thought. He supposed the Lord had a point - after all, abandoning his old ways was the whole reason he left Buscon in the first place. He needed to learn how to deal with people like an equal, not an outlaw. But where could he even begin if that was how they all saw him? 

[color=8E939E]“Well, in hindsight I’d have gone to the Apothecary first,”[/color] he finally replied. Frustration was evident in his voice, but it was unclear whether it was directed at Lord Mystralath or himself. [color=8E939E]“Miss Hawthorne’s got a mouth on her but she seems decent, and apparently her name carries weight around here.”[/color]

Kyreth desperately wanted to add the obvious question of how on earth he was supposed to know that beforehand, but he held his tongue. Thinking before speaking didn’t come naturally to a Tainted, but it had proved helpful in his travels. He sighed. [color=8E939E]“I suppose I could have asked someone up here who might be friendly in town,”[/color] he begrudgingly conceded. Trusting others was still a foreign concept to him, but he consulted Eila, didn’t he?

[color=FD7F02]"Aleka or Cerric would have been an excellent resource to lean on. Cerric makes connections with anyone he spends more than a few minutes with and Aleka finds maintaining information on the surrounding people a pleasant pastime."[/color] The Lord agreed with a nod. [color=FD7F02]"I understand it will take time to adjust to your new situation but the process cannot start without you taking an active role in that change. Going to Agitha Hawthorne first was the correct step. Her approval means a great deal in this town and it weighs far greater than mine to the common man."[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"However, the issue with the Duke's heir is something to consider. I commend you for your intervention; I would have done the same had I stumbled across the scene."[/color] Lord Mystralath took a moment to think, tapping his fingers on his mask. [color=FD7F02]"I'll send Lord Soft Step a letter with a brief explanation. That should suffice to keep the Duke from seeking retribution directly. As for the boy, we'll need to assess the situation as it unfolds in town. A child is a whimsical creature. Who knows if he'll even remember it by day's end."[/color] 

[color=FD7F02]"More importantly, the future. As my apprentice, you will be given room and board as well as a small allowance to spend on personal projects and items each month. The House maintains a small kitchen across from the rooms on the second floor so feel free to order something while they are open for your meals. Connect with the rest of the staff with any further questions you have regarding day to day living here. Here are the keys to your room."[/color] He placed a small ring of the keys on the desk. [color=FD7F02]"The first is to your door and the second is to the trunk at the foot of your bed. I've already taken the liberty of setting a few simpler books, parchment, and ink in your room so that you can practice your letters and numbers in your spare time."[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"As for lessons, I will have a tutor brought out from Soft Haven three times a week to catch you up on subjects you are lacking in. Three other days will be dedicated to aetheric training and you'll have one rest day a week."[/color] The Lord explained. [color=FD7F02]"How quickly you learn will determine how we adjust your schedule. Any concerns so far?"[/color]

Kyreth nodded along with the Lord’s reply, feeling a bit like a child being scolded. Well, at least this scolding involved fewer curse words than he was used to, so he'd take what he could get. He made a mental note to go to Cerritos and Aleka in the future. In fact, it would probably be wise to introduce himself to all of the House staff eventually, if he was going to be living there. If they'd entertain him, anyway; Vivian would probably be a tough sell. 

Speaking of which, the sheer generosity of the whole arrangement had Kyreth’s eyes wide. Room, board, and education, just as the Lord had promised and more - even with a set of keys to prove it! Kyreth couldn't remember ever having anything that needed a [i]key.[/i] He eyed them for a moment, half believing that they'd disappear if he reached for him, before eventually taking them as gently as if they were made of paper. 

[color=8E939E]“Thank you,”[/color] he finally said, lacking the words to describe the scale of his awe and gratitude. Any concerns, he asked? Ha! In that moment, it was difficult for him to even grasp how profoundly different his life was about to become; Kyreth’s only concern was that this was all a trick, and he wanted it too desperately to find out the truth. If the Lord was bluffing, he didn't give any tells. 

Despite his disbelief, though, something the Lord said earlier surfaced in his mind. [color=8E939E]“Oh, actually…”[/color] he said, shifting uneasily in his seat. He almost abandoned the line of questioning there, afraid of sounding stupid or ungrateful, but after a moment of thought decided to continue. [color=8E939E]“Earlier you said there were… ‘rites’ to go through to make me your apprentice. What does that mean?”[/color] 

[color=FD7F02]"It's an important part of any Mystralath aetherborn's journey. It's a ceremony that allows you to demonstrate your mastery thus far and connect with the rest of the family, opening up opportunities to further develop your aetheric knowledge through avenues not available to you previously. During which, you'll also accept the Mystralath name and all the responsibility that comes with it."[/color] The Lord explained, huffing out a laugh. [color=FD7F02]"Though, you don’t need to worry about it for now. You'll have plenty of time to prepare. I won't put you in a room with knowledge-thirsty aetherborn until you have the tools to defend yourself. Metaphorically, of course."[/color]

Kyreth’s eyebrows flew up at the mention of ‘accepting the Mystralath name.’ Surely that wasn’t [i]literal[/i], was it? Of course he’d heard of apprentices taking on their master’s names, especially when they didn’t have one of their own - hells, Bruno took Miss Hawthorne’s name, didn’t he? - but it seemed so far-fetched to think a noble family would follow the same custom. 

In any case, it was a relief; based on the wording, Kyreth thought the ‘rites’ were going to be some kind of archaic blood ritual or something, not a social event. Not that rubbing elbows with nobles was much less daunting, but at least he’d keep his blood on the inside.

[color=8E939E]“Wow,”[/color] he huffed, slumping back against the chair. The reality of the situation was still far beyond his grasp, but some of it was starting to settle in. [color=8E939E]“This is… definitely not what I expected when I woke up in the graveyard this morning. In a good way, I mean,”[/color] he added quickly. 

Lord Mystralath chuckled with a shake of his head. [color=FD7F02]"Fate turns our lives upside down at the most incredible moments. However, as we are on the subject, let us discuss your first exercises. They are relatively simple, meant to stretch your aetheric muscles so to say. The first you will need nothing but your mind and a willingness to learn and the second, you will need these."[/color] He pulled out a long candle and flint and steel.

[color=FD7F02]"The first exercise is simple. As I'm sure you are aware, Primordial aetherborn intrinsically sense the aetheric density around us. Variations from our norm can lead to headaches, exhaustion, sluggishness, and so on and so forth until we acclimate to the new density. However, there is a way to mitigate the effects. It requires a higher level of control than you have but it starts with active awareness. For the next ten days, I want you to open your mind and focus on the area around you, focus on how the aether feels and flows in the areas you pass and commit it to memory for a report. Being able to identify aetheric fluctuations is important to the next step."[/color] The Lord gestured to the space around them. [color=FD7F02]"Take a moment to try it now. Feel the room and how the aether flows."[/color]

Kyreth listened intently, although the Lord seemed to be making a lot of assumptions as to his knowledge - he was pretty sure the first time he’d ever heard the word “primordial” was today, not counting any street corner preachers pontificating on how the Tainted were destined to burn in the primordial fires of the dragons they pacted with in ages past. 

Of course, that wasn’t to say he wasn’t interested. On the contrary, the whole thing was fascinating in a macabre sort of way; he was surrounded at all times by the very energy that could kill everyone around him in a fiery blast if he wasn’t careful. If there was no escaping it, it made sense that the Lord wanted him to learn to control himself. 

Resolving to try his best, Kyreth let himself relax against the back of his chair, closing his eyes. For a few long moments, all he could feel was the buzzing in his extremities and the nervous quivering of his heart, the agitation he’d formerly written off as stress but that neither went away nor changed in intensity since he arrived in Soft Haven. Was that because of the ‘aetheric density’? Was it working him up just because there was so much going on he didn’t realize? 

He drew a deep breath, trying to think past the feeling. Open his mind, whatever that meant. He focused on his breathing, on the feeling of the chair beneath him, the smell of the chocolate drink still heavy in the room. In, out. And after a moment, he felt a breeze; or, at least, something close to it. He didn’t feel it on his skin, but he felt it  - [i]sensed[/i] it. Like a morning fog shifting slightly in the calm of daybreak, before the sea winds had the chance to chase it off. In any other context, he would have assumed it was just that, but now he wondered if that was the sensation he was supposed to be watching for. 

[color=8E939E]“It feels like fog,”[/color] he explained, eyes still closed. He could almost picture it swirling around him, almost imperceptibly slowly, congregating in spots around the room…  

[color=8E939E]“The lamps?”[/color] he asked suddenly, brow furrowed even as his eyes stayed shut, [color=8E939E]“is the aether attracted to the lamps?”[/color] 

[color=FD7F02]"Primordial aetherborn are capable of manipulating the existing aetheric environment to create effects related to their elemental nature. Rather than being attracted to them, the flames are a result of the aetheric movement I instigated."[/color] Lord Mystralath explained, waving his hand dismissively at the nearest one and commanding it to go out. The flame sputtered for a moment before disappearing. [color=FD7F02]"You'll notice the brief delay between the casting of the spell and the resulting effect. That brief second of change is what we are interested in. Not only could it save your life if you got into a duel with a fellow aetherborn but the effects of aetheric density are on a similar delay, allowing us to mitigate its effects before the worst of it is able to hurt us."[/color] He gestured once more, allowing the flame to spring back to life.

[color=FD7F02]"Since developing this skill is critical and twiddling your thumbs at the House wouldn't give you much diversity in an aetheric environment, you will be accompanying those who came with you during their evaluation. The Snakeburrow Wood is home to a peculiarly diverse aetheric environment, giving you an excellent opportunity to observe the differences between them."[/color] The Lord informed him. [color=FD7F02]"And while you aren't traveling, you'll have a second exercise but I have a question before I set it before you. Do you believe you are ready to face fire and the fact that you are its master, not the other way around?"[/color]

Kyreth kept his eyes closed as the Lord explained, observing the brief pause in the movement of aether toward the lamp that he must have extinguished. It was a small gesture, but to Kyreth, it was amazing. This was a man who commanded the very aether around him; maybe that was unremarkable as Aetherborn went, but without much more knowledge, Kyreth was awed and intimidated in equal measure. And that would be him someday, he realized uneasily. 

That was just it; as the Lord asked, [i]was[/i] he ready to embrace that part of himself? For a lifetime he’d been under the impression his ‘accidents’ were the product of a curse, a stain on his very soul made manifest in uncontrolled evil deeds. When all this time, it was just him being aetherborn - but did that make a difference? He was still dangerous, he reminded himself. There was still something within him that, if he couldn’t contain it, needed to be strictly controlled.

The truth was, he didn’t see himself as anything close to fire’s ‘master.’ At the very best of times, he was a timid interloper tiptoeing around a slumbering beast - at worst, he was himself the monster.  

[color=8E939E]“I… I don’t know,”[/color] he answered honestly, finally opening his eyes. He eyed the flint and candle warily. [color=8E939E]“I’ve been avoiding fires my whole life. Too… unpredictable.”[/color] Guilt flashed in his eyes, and he looked away, studying the wood grain of the desk. [color=8E939E]“It was bad enough when fires started by accident; how do I know it won’t be ten times worse when I’m trying to do it on purpose?”[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"Unfortunately, you won't know. Aetheric manipulation, especially for us who have the world's lifeblood at our fingertips, is a tricky and complicated thing. It is wise to be wary but it is reckless to ignore or avoid it. This is something you have to do; otherwise, everything that has happened will repeat over and over until it comes to a point that you too are consumed by the flames."[/color] The Lord spoke softly, the weight of experience heavy in his words. [color=FD7F02]"As such, you will begin with a simple exercise. Existing flame is significantly easier to manipulate than conjured flame, thus the candle."[/color]

[color=FD7F02]"Before that, you need to understand how aether is manipulated. Manipulating aether, or more commonly known as 'casting a spell', requires focus, determination, and concentration. A failure to maintain any three of those results in failure at best and a horrific mishap at worst. In order to do so, we have developed a three part system: the word, the will, and the wave."[/color] The Lord counted each one on his fingers as he continued to explain. [color=FD7F02]"All aimed at maintaining the proper focus, the word is a verbal command. It should be simple and to the point, nothing more than a few words. There are no standard words, they can vary from aetherborn to aetherborn, but keep it in line with the goal you are seeking to achieve. Dim or Brighten are excellent ones for the exercise we will discuss momentarily."[/color] 

He held up a second finger. [color=FD7F02]"The will is your determination to achieve your goal. Do not waver or your spell will waver and you never want aether charged with purpose suddenly going out on its own. Make sure you have a decisive course of action in mind and the vision to execute it."[/color] A third finger popped up. [color=FD7F02]"And finally, the wave. This is a physical motion of any kind that allows you to direct your intent towards the appropriate recipient. Like the word, this can vary greatly between aetherborn but should serve its purpose to maintain your concentration and focus on the end goal. Watch me."[/color] Using dim and brighten, he waved dismissively again at a lamp to soften the light and then snapped to intensify it again. 

[color=FD7F02]"While these are truly just tools to direct and maintain your intent through the entirety of the process, it has been proved that those who fail to employ them rarely survive to tell how they've done it. It takes decades of training and intrinsic talent to eschew them completely. I only know two aetherborn who have managed to consistently and safely ignore the basic principles of casting. Questions on casting?"[/color] The Lord offered Kyreth, giving him a moment to process everything.

Listening intently, Kyreth was surprised to find that he could manage to understand everything Lord Mystralath was telling him. It was a testament to the Lord’s ability as a teacher, even if this was the sort of material covered by children in their vaunted aetherborn schools. 

He was surprised to learn that casting was as simple as focus, determination and acts of his own choosing; Kyreth would have thought he needed to be able to read ancient tomes in dead languages and understand the workings of the world to make aether move at his command. He wondered where Lilann learned her magic. Surely she didn’t attend any fancy school; did she have a teacher? Did she teach [i]herself?[/i] Was such a thing even possible? 

[color=8E939E]“So… in other words, it’s all up to me,”[/color] Kyreth confirmed slowly, the wheels turning in his mind. His voice had an uneasy edge to it. [color=8E939E]“There are no set rules or methods to follow. I succeed or fail on nothing but my own will. Is that right?”[/color] 

The thought was intimidating. At least when he was mending a fence or thatching a roof or milking goats, there was a method to it; he could be good or bad at it, sure, but there was a right and a wrong way to go about it, and all he had to do was learn the right way. For casting, it seemed like there [i]was[/i] no right way - the “right” way was whatever got the job done, and he’d just have to figure it out. Maybe that should have been freeing. It didn’t feel that way.

Mystralath nodded. [color=FD7F02]"The Gods must have had a sense of humor, granting some of their creations power above others and yet neglecting a methodology to keep it in check. Perhaps they like to watch us scramble, perhaps they want us to prove our worth. Whatever the reason, your success, and the safety of those around you, are mostly in your hands. I recommend you not explore your abilities without making sure someone who is able to counter them is nearby, such as myself or Cerric."[/color] Mystralath advised. [color=FD7F02]"However, the reason you need to know this now is because your second exercise is controlling the flame on this candle. While you will likely have a cooking fire available on your trip, such a large source of fire is more likely to get out of control than a simple candle flame."[/color] 

[color=FD7F02]"Your task is to simply dim the candle until it is nearly out and then to permit it to return to its normal strength. A spell like that, where you are manipulating an existing flame with a standard resting state, will only maintain itself so long as you concentrate on the effect. Since you are dimming a flame below its natural brightness, the flame will return to full strength once you finish focusing your will or intent on it."[/color] Mystralath explained, picking up the candle and lighting it with a snap of his fingers and a murmured command. [color=FD7F02]"Close your eyes again and focus on the flow of aether. Dim."[/color] The candle grew dimmer, nearly going out, before brightening again.

[color=FD7F02]"Notice how through the entire process, the aetheric flow changed slowly and evenly, including when I released the spell. It's important you maintain that control through forming and ending the spell, otherwise you run the risk of heightening the effects. If you "push" too much of your will into dimming the flame, it'll go out completely but if you simply end the spell without slowly pulling away, you'll create a small gout of fire instead. For a candle, this isn't necessarily the worst outcome but imagine a torch, a bonfire, a fireplace, or even a forest fire you jump into to assist with. The results can be catastrophic."[/color] Mystralath waved away the flame and continued. [color=FD7F02]"Cerric will be with you in the event anything gets out of control. Make sure he is aware and only practice after you make camp for the evening, understand?"[/color]

Kyreth nodded gravely as Mystralath confirmed his fears, staring down at his hands. It certainly did seem like a sick joke for the gods to lay such a heavy burden of responsibility on unsuspecting mortals, and even more so on the ones they hated most of all. Maybe that was the reason; just like he suspected, it was a punishment meted out as a reminder of his ancestors’ crimes. He wondered if whatever type of aether Lilann manipulated carried the same dangers. 

At the mention of the trip, his eyes shot up, panic threatening him as he finally registered what that meant. [color=8E939E]“Wait, a-are you sure that's such a good idea?”[/color] He asked, clearly unconvinced. [color=8E939E]“What if they're attacked? I-I’m useless in a fight, what if I panic and start a fire? There's so much more aether here, the whole place is a tinderbox-- what if Cerric can't stop it?”[/color] 

Visions of Straithmoor assaulted his mind, memories of stalls burning, the roof burning, and running into the darkness before he even knew if everyone was okay. Never finding out if he hurt or even killed somebody. And all over a petty insult - what would happen if someone was actually trying to kill him? 

He shook his head, wringing his hands. [color=8E939E]“I’m not ready. I can't. I'm too dangerous, just like you said. I don't want to hurt anybody.”[/color] 

[color=FD7F02]"I appreciate your concerns. The consequences of whatever past incidents you've encountered were unmitaged due to the circumstances but I wouldn't send you out if I wasn't confident Cerric could handle any mishaps. You will go."[/color] Lord Mystralath spoke sternly but his tone softened. [color=FD7F02]"It is important we develop a baseline for your abilities before we start training. You are older and less experienced than those in the family and it will do us no good to throw darts in the dark when we have the opportunity to collect the data. No one will come to harm with Cerric supervising.”[/color]

Kyreth seriously doubted the Lord’s judgement, but nonetheless, he solemnly nodded. Maybe he should trust him a little more, with all his obvious experience and knowledge, but Kyreth wouldn’t be able to shake the horror of his capabilities lightly. More importantly, the Lord’s tone made it clear there would be no arguing. 

[color=8E939E]“Okay,”[/color] he conceded, drawing a deep breath. [color=8E939E]“But… let me try it here, first.”[/color]

Without waiting for an answer, he closed his eyes once more, trying to get back in touch with the aether in the room. When he thought he had it, he opened them again, staring intently at the candle. He held his hand out toward the flame, making a squeezing motion. 

At first, nothing happened; the occasional sway of the flame could have been as much from his breathing as from his manipulation. That was probably because Kyreth had no sweet clue where to even begin; thinking hard was useless, and the little flame was undaunted by his squeezing hand. Giving the candle a harsh look, he closed his eyes once more, trying to visualize the aether around the candle. Maybe, if he could just try to get it [i]away[/i] from the flame… 

Abandoning his squeezing motion, Kyreth instead tried simply sweeping his hand, as if he were pushing the candle aside. Again, there was no effect at first, but this time, for a different reason: having found what he thought was a foothold in the aether, he was scared to push too hard. As such, his touch was too gentle; the candle sputtered once, twice, as if blown in the wind, but every time it responded to him, Kyreth was startled, and his focus was broken. 

After another moment of trying and a few more sputters, he finally dropped his hand, shaking his head as if to clear it. Even that little bit was taxing, and he could already feel the strain on his mind. [color=8E939E]“Is that right?”[/color] he asked, [color=8E939E]“Is it supposed to be that tiring?”[/color]

[color=FD7F02]“You’re moving in the right direction.”[/color] Mystralath confirmed. [color=FD7F02]“And it will be for a short while. A simple exercise like this should become second nature rather quickly. It is only tiring because you’ve never done this consciously. You’re engaging your abilities in a way you haven’t before. Exhaustion is expected but with plenty of practice and focus, it should quickly fade away. How did you feel about it? Are you still terrified of it now that you’ve attempted it?”[/color]

[color=8E939E]“Yes,”[/color] Kyreth blurted out in a breathy laugh. After the ordeals of the day, and capping it all off with working an aetheric muscle he never even knew he had, he was too tired for subterfuge. But he did concede a sigh. [color=8E939E]“But I do see the concept, I think. Putting out fires is better than starting them, at least.”[/color]

He shook his head again, feeling like there was fog in his brain. He was saying everything wrong, and he didn’t want to sound ungrateful. [color=8E939E]“I’m sorry-- I’ll practice, I will. It’s just… this is a lot for one day.”[/color]

Mystralath chuckled, almost fondly. [color=FD7F02]“I remember when I first started learning. Nothing quite like your situation but the weariness catches up fast in the beginning. I recommend an early night in; the group leaves at sunrise and you still need to wash up and get situated in your room. I’m more than happy to have something sent to your room if you need some time to process it all.”[/color]

Kyreth nodded gratefully, relieved. Fatigue was setting in fast, and truth be told, he was excited to call it a day and see his room. [i]His own room.[/i] [color=8E939E]“I… I mean, that’s not… if it’s okay--”[/color] he stammered at the offer, feeling self-conscious to be given so much and offered even more, but he stopped himself. Eila had just chided him for this: it was rude to refuse a gift. 

[color=8E939E]“That would be great, thank you,”[/color] he finally sighed, standing. He paused a moment in thought, then added, [color=8E939E]“for everything. Thank you, truly.”[/color]

[color=FD7F02]“Then enjoy the rest of your evening, Kyreth. I have faith you’ll overcome the fear and the uncertainty. You may not have confidence in yourself but until you see the potential I see, I’ll have enough confidence in you for the both of us.”[/color] Lord Mystalath dismissed him, starting to put away the items Kyreth brought him.

Mystralath’s calm words stunned Kyreth for a moment, stopping him in his tracks. He couldn’t remember when someone said something like that; even Berta, for all her saintlike kindness, expressed it in stories and hospitality rather than in words. It comforted and terrified him in equal measure, both warming his heart and steeling his resolve to live up to the Lord’s expectations. 

[color=8E939E]“Thank you,”[/color] he repeated as he left, closing the door behind him. 
[/hider][hr]That was the first night since rooming with Berta in Straithmoor that Kyreth could remember sleeping under a roof, and the first time he could [i]ever[/i] remember going to bed with a full belly. More than that, he was blessed with a warm bed and above all, security. It should have been the best night of sleep he’d ever had. 

But it wasn’t. Quite the contrary, in fact. His sleep, if he could call it that, was fitful and sparse, diced up by worries and wonders alike; his awe at all the blessings he’d received battled with his fear of what the morning would bring, a deep, primordial dread filling him that something would go awry to put his fellow travelers’ blood on his hands. On top of that, anytime he started to drift off, he remembered the stories of the monster that harried Lilann, the very same spectre that left the claw marks on their sleeping spots the night before, lurking somewhere off in the distance of the forest. The thought alone was enough to make a man think twice about ever leaving the safety of his shelter again; he was grateful to be sleeping inside some walls that night, even if he wasn’t really ‘sleeping’ at all. 

Eventually, a long and harried night gave way to a dreary morning, and despite his reservations, Kyreth was happy at least to put the tossing and turning behind him. He was even lucky enough to catch the second floor kitchen open at such an early hour, and true to the Lord’s word, they gave him a hearty breakfast with no expectation of pay. He’d downed it just as politely as the bread with Eila - which was to say, not very - and profusely thanked the cook before making off for their meeting place. 

Defying his restless night (not to mention the less-than-comfortable walk down through the woods), Kyreth wasn’t much the worse for wear when he arrived at the north gate; he was accustomed to fitful sleep as it was, and having a full belly more than compensated for any lack of rest. He looked substantially the same as the day before, except that his clothes were clean and he carried his pack underneath Eila’s gifted cloak, giving him the silhouette of a particularly tall and lanky hunchback.  

Cerric got there before him, as did the brigand - or maybe he should start calling him Ceolfric, if they were going to be working together - who was already talking with a woman Kyreth didn’t recognize. The heiress they were escorting, he inferred. She looked younger than he expected, but ready for travel, and chatted amicably with Cerric. Nevertheless, Kyreth made a wide berth, wary that her demeanor would change the moment she realized he wasn’t the traveling Drow he was pretending to be.

[color=8E939E]“Good morning,”[/color] he greeted quietly, as if not to disturb the morning mist. He had hoped Lilann would beat him there, but no such luck; he felt oddly exposed without her. Hopefully the lady wouldn’t question the extra tagalong and nobody at this hour would be feeling too chatty.