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[indent][color=lightgray][color=d68300]"Magic as a field of study was not known until centuries ago. Kareet is right about that, though... The history books do not tell of the first mage to walk this world. That would be me. I have lived long enough to witness the second, third, and every other mage to follow come into their own power. The Heat Domain, as the scholars call it currently, is the oldest form of magic. One could say that I invented Heat magic, and they would not be entirely incorrect in that assumption."[/color]

Shirk was, objectively speaking, telling the truth. When they nearly burned to death during the Day of Black Clouds, they witnessed experienced the first Awakening. Though, anyone alive today was likely to simply interpret the recounting of such a story as Shirik boasting about their magic abilities, or simply talking like a crazy old man. Even a more inquisitive mind such as Kareet could only dig up folktales, documentation of near-mythological stories telling of an Iriad who was one with fire. As far as the humans were concerned, Shirik could've been a literal deity and they'd be none the wiser. Still, they enjoyed storytelling.

Shirik's proverbial vibe was soured upon seeing Silbermine walk up to Nellara and her small crowd. Breaking bread was not something nobles did with the peasantry, let alone enemies unless they thought it was advantageous. [color=d68300]"Beware the warrior who walks with empty hands,"[/color] Shirik muttered, in their usual strange demeanor. He made his way over with no armor, and his escorts followed in minimal armor. Just enough to convey power, but little enough to convey amicability. Shirik's knew the phrase "shit-eating grin," courtesy of Ixtaro, and felt it was quite fitting for this situation. Upon hearing Nellara put the Lord in his place, Shirik [i]cackled.[/i]

No human could ever possibly prepare themselves for the reality that was a cackling, sentient, ever-burning tree with a voice like sandpaper. It sounded like a million pieces of charcoal crumbling all at once, mixed with noise reminiscent of a cancerous wet cough. It was absolutely rancid on the ears of everyone outside the ship, given how loud it was, but anyone could tell that it was, in fact, laughter. [color=d68300]"This day is going to be interesting, the soldier boy and his knights being lead like [i]animals[/i] around after intruding on the land of scared survivors... Oh, I haven't laughed like this in [i]centuries."[/i][/color] For better or for worse, Shirik's voice easily carried far enough that Silbermine and his companions heard Shirik refer to a Mythadian lord as "soldier boy." 

[color=d68300]"Keep your eyes on that one, Ixtaro."[/color]

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