Talking Shop (Mirage)

by **Kuvarakh** on June 26th, 2012, 2:57 am

86th day of Spring, 512 AV

Having received a basic description of the area and building 'Alchemmia Alchea' inhabited, Kuvarakh bid Miss Serenity goodbye and left the Sanity Center, turned left and ignored the fact that he was walking into heavy woods. They would pass.

He counted 37 steps in a straight line. Though the path wound somewhat, he struck no trunks, although he did have to duck several sizable branches. At step 38, he saw an inexplicable brightness on the tree trunk to his right. Not having expected to see it until step 40, he assumed it was his own eagerness stretching his steps. He turned and walked into a well lit plaza, not lit by lamps, but by the wide-open sky and the bright sun. There were no trees anywhere in sight.

It didn't matter. Even if he retraced his steps, there may well be no forest at all on the trip back. What there WAS were three streets peeling off a circular roundabout, equidistant in angle and position from each other. Instead of a fountain, there was a large spiral staircase going down into the ground, but he wasn't going that way today.

He examined the architecture of the buildings down each of the three streets and determined that the one appearing to head approximately northeast led to the sort of structures Serenity had described.

After a couple of blocks, he noticed he was no longer walking a street, but rather, the underside of an arching bridge, the stream running overhead. He hoped he would not be the first person to walk into 'Alchemmia Alchea' soaking wet as he lifted off his feet to fall headfirst into the water.

After a moment of disorientation, he stood up and saw that the riverbed was cobblestone, just like the description of the street where his interview was to be indicated. He flipped a Copper Miza and headed to his left. He approached a horizon and came to an edge. Looking down, he saw the street he wanted dropping vertically at his feet, the sign "Wanda's Alchemmia Alchea" hanging in defiance of gravity about 500 feet straight down on his right.

Not caring to take a leap of faith, he turned around and followed the stream back the other way. He crossed under the upended bridge and continued on, heading towards a waterfall. The mist at the base of the falls obscured everything. he walked straight through and found, as he expected, the street he was looking for, now running straight up before him into the clouds.

Yes, there was the sign, now only about 200 feet above his head on the left. For the hundredth time since moving to Alvadas, he acknowledged the truth of the old adage, "There's no substitute for experience", as he reached into his backpack and pulled out his rope and grappling hook. The streetlamps would give him all the access he needed.

Half an hour later, he walked into the shop. There was a sturdy, handsome woman behind the gated counter, which was painted black and ran the width of the front room. Shelves of books filled much of the space beyond, but a door could be seen in the back corner the led to a larger area where, no doubt, only employees were allowed.

The woman looked to be in her late 30's to early 40's, with hair that was probably much more vivdly red years ago, but was now partially bleached by sun and age. She carried herself well though and had a look that spoke of a 'no-nonsense' attitude that appealed to Kuvarakh immediately. She was currently involved with a young man that was filling a contract for a hundred enhanced arrows. She took a moment to swing a distracted smile in Kuvarakh's direction.

"I'll be with you in a moment, sir, I'm just finishing up here." Her voice had a clear, if world-weary, tone and rather than prolong her distraction with replies, he simply nodded a bow to her and stepped back to take up the corner away from the door while she attended to the young man.

"Now, what can I do for you, sir?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of resignation that his arrival heralded nothing more than the usual mundane, day-in and day-out routine.

"I'm sorry, the Sanity Center did not inform me of a last name with which to show proper respect, Miss Wanda. I am Kuvarakh, I have come about possible employment in your laboratory. I have gained what I hold to be considerable experience over many years in many cities. Not the least of which, in Zeltiva, under Professor Rayage, though I hope you will not hold that last part against me." he said this with a slowly building grin.

by **Mirage** on June 27th, 2012, 5:59 am

The woman appeared tired, worn and weary. Faint traces of darkness painted just beneath her eyes might lead one to suspect she received little sleep. Absently the woman ruffled through the pages of a large ledger on the counter, scribbling notes on the previous customer's order while she listened to this new arrival's words.

She waited for the man to finish speaking, and then a few chimes longer before finally setting down her quill and raising her eyes to inspect the man before her. Sighing, she took up the ledger and closed it, binding it with the thin strip of leather attached and turned toward the bookshelves, "I see. So you have come seeking employment then?" Wanda took a moment to place the book on one of the middle shelves, moving her hand then to un-shelve another, slightly smaller book from its place. Turning, she returned to the counter and opened the book, "I don't know any Professor Rayage, so his name carries no weight here, and in any case what makes you think I have the time or the mizas to take on an extra hand?"

With that the woman took to thumbing through the book, the tome encrypted in a strange language that was reminiscent of the Ancient Tongue. It was obvious that the woman would take some persuasion, but Kuvarakh already held an ace up his sleeve.

by **Kuvarakh** on June 28th, 2012, 4:31 am

"Oh dear, I seem to have been operating under a misconception. I had thought The Center had given me this location because you were actively looking for a hireling. Clearly, dropping names and opening with a joke are unlikely to sway you in this circumstance. I apologize."

He did not want to resort to hypnosis. Especially when a different approach was probably all that was needed. "I wonder, though, if you have considered the advantages of having an assistant. I remember numerous times my various masters were in the middle of a charging and a customer walked in. Such a nuisance." he shook his head sympathetically, "Having someone to do the mundane, everyday drudgery work like...say...enhancing arrows for hunters," he said pointedly, gesturing with his thumb at the door where the young man had departed, "left the master time to research more interesting paths. And honestly, looking at some of the works you have on your shelves, not to mention the one in your hands right now, I feel it likely that you had far more ...progressive...concepts in mind than simple commerce."

He took an appreciative look around. "Your library is impressive. It lacks the volume of Zeltiva, but much of that library is redundant. Politics requires that they keep volumes from dozens of cultures that all feature the same tired basics. They feel compelled to stock it all so that a prospect won't feel insulted and quit because they have the works of a neighboring city's renowned master, but not the master from his own city. You have no such concern.

"The shop itself is well ordered, not needlessly showy. The ring is as large as any in the university." He did not mention the hidden subterranean laboratory below the campus. "I would assume as well, that you have a stockroom worthy of a Pre-Valterian court mage. I suppose I sound as though I am now resorting to flattery. To be honest, I see such potential, both in you and in this lab, but, if I may go out on a limb, money is not the obstacle. Such provisions hint at very steady income. But a single operator having to do ALL the pre-charge and post-charge drudgery suggests that time is the obstacle. It's sad. You have the money, but not the time. A competent assistant would free you from that."

He found he was looking her directly in the eyes and she was looking back. He suddenly blinked and pulled back slightly. Direct eye contact was the first step of hypnosis for him. He hoped he had not affected her decision. 'What if she is also a hypnotist? She would surely be stronger and would know he had been linking with her.' It was only because he truly meant everything he had said that he feared he had linked. Sincere emotions always empowered his attempts, even when he wasn't aware of it. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so forward. How you choose to run your business is none of mine."

by **Mirage** on June 29th, 2012, 5:29 am

The man held a quick wit and a silver tongue, this was certain, and though he might never realize this Wanda took every word he spoke to heart. So long had it been since another had complimented her work, and bothered to so much as add a thank you to the end of their exchange. Indeed, this man was doing his work well, however... There was one matter that caused her to be wary.

Closing the book slowly, Wanda set it aside and leaned her cheek on one gloved hand, her eyes scorching up and down Kuvarakh, "You are one of them... Corpsemen are you not? One who steals the bodies of the dead to use as their own?" Yes she knew of them, those nuits. She had seen and worked with more than one while in Zelativa, but rarely for more than a few days. She did, however, know how to spot a moving corpse that held not an ounce of life in it. So this man, this thing... Well, though it mattered very little to Wanda what he was, she was still very curious to see his reaction.

With a sigh she waved a hand and took up her book once more, thumbing back to the page she left off, "Well, no matter how flattering your words are, or how persuasive you may be, tell me why I should care? Have you anything else that would make you any better than all the other flattering alchemist that have crossed my path over the years?" She looked expectantly up at Kuvarahk.

OOCYour CS states that your character is 96 years old as a nuit, and no real suggestion to his state of decay. As you know nuits change bodies often, and most citizens can figure out what they are just by the smell of decay or embalming fluid coming off of them, not to mentions any signs of outward decay. Enjoy this little twist. I enjoy seeing how you handle it

. Oh, and don't forget about your other card you can pay

by **Kuvarakh** on June 30th, 2012, 6:56 pm

Kuvarakh sighed. 'Well, here it is. It was bound to be brought up.' he thought, seeing less than the usual display of animosity, but distaste nonetheless.

"Yes, I am Nuit. I make no effort to hide or flaunt it. Is this to be a philosophical inquiry now? To say I "steal" the body of the dead is a personal view. Does a dead man still "own" his body? Has his soul not fled to be reborn through Lhex' contrivances? This man was a suicide, not a corpse stolen from a funeral before the very eyes of his grieving family!" Kuvarakh knew he may be undermining his efforts, but his emotions were brewing now.

"If your question is, rather, 'Why' I became Nuit, there are many reasons, some strictly practical, some altruistic, some obsessive even. But none malicious, and ALL personal.

"I have found, in the last few days, the obsessive one to have been an extensive exercise in futility and am now somewhat adrift in purpose. I felt that simply finding work, to put my years of experience to good use, was an appealing direction to go."

He found this break in his speech to coincide with a wave of her hand. He stopped to listen as she picked up her book once more and asked, "Well, no matter how flattering your words are, or how persuasive you may be, tell me why I should care? Have you anything else that would make you any better than all the other flattering alchemist that have crossed my path over the years?"

"Well, that same practical reason that led me to...my condition...is beneficial in that I am unconcerned over the long-term effects of accelerated djed radiation, since I won't be retaining a body long enough to sustain truly detrimental impact. I have both a patient, long-term focus and a sleepless drive. Most of my time, prior to a few days ago, was spent with a very narrow scope and, consequently, while I may lack a wide variety of applications, I have power at the ring."

He began to pace, his voice growing in conviction. "I have nearly a century of practice empowering acceleration, but it was largely in one direction. Now that this obsession is removed, I want to do it ALL!" He refrained from pumping his fist, though his eyes flashed with enthusiasm. "I see us as perfect compliments for each other. I have more than twice your years learning acceleration techniques for quicker, purer activations, and you have a much wider variety of knowledge. We each possess what the other lacks. Together we could do wonders!" He flung his arms wide as he finished and a glint of white caught his eye from the left inside pocket of his coat.

The letter Serenity had given him back at the Sanity Center...He had forgotten all about it.

by **Mirage** on July 7th, 2012, 4:11 am

Wanda's smile was hidden as she pulled the book before her eyes, "My my, you are quite the orator are you not? It has been some time since I have heard someone speak to me as you have."

The woman grew quiet for a chime or two, the sound of flicking pages the only thing that broke the silence. Speaking softly from behind her book the woman inquired, "Tell me --Kuvarakh was it?-- do you know WHY my little shop is not as grand as I had always dreamt it would be?" The book was placed gently on the counter, but the woman's face spoke of quite frustration that did not seep into her words as she spoke, "It is because, Mr. Kuvarakh, in a city of Illusions alchemy is little, if ever, needed. Why would someone pay me to create wonders for them when they can simply wait and experience wonders for free? Why would one bother requesting a color changing dress when they can simply have one of the illusionists of the city do it for them?" Wanda huffed and folded her hands over the book, looking at the man with eyes of one who had seen much disappointment, "To put it quite simply, my skills are not needed in this city..."

The woman's eyes darkened, drained of life as she seemed lost in thought. She would allow Kuvarahk to speak his mind, but her expression would not change. When he finished she would absently she finger the edge of the book, "...I suppose an extra hand could not hurt business, however, I am afraid I require some form of documentation of your merit. Have you anything for me?"

by **Kuvarakh** on July 7th, 2012, 6:34 pm

Kuvarakh's smile contained just a hint of sadness. "I've been told that. I used to bore my daughter to tears with my 'orating'." He paused while she paged distractedly through the book she held. He sensed an upcoming disclosure of some sort.

It was somewhat dispiriting to hear her assessment of the value of alchemy in this city of illusions, though he could understand it. "Yes, Miss Serenity said much the same thing. And while, for such things as color-shifting attire, or scented house paint, I agree in part, there are a number of ways in which the reality of alchemical enhancement surpasses illusion. Chiefly, duration, and often, distance relation to the crafter. Nor does alchemy require the patronage of a god.

"I realize these things are somewhat beside the point if the bulk of the populace is content with illusion to meet their needs. So we must attend to the adventurous minority. Even the lad wanting enhanced arrows is such a one. He is not going to practice his archery in an illusory setting. He would never know if he is actually improving. Is his aim true? It looks like a bulls-eye, but did he truly even strike the target?

"These are the sorts that MUST have alchemy. For sailors, a sail that fills itself with wind in a calm. For climbers, a cloak that catches the same wind to slow a deadly fall. This is not beyond our capabilities, and I have yet to see such items in a store. A truly adventurous climber would not wish to have to rely on a master illusionist to accompany his every effort. Nor would the illusionist wish to be "on call" at the climber's convenience. There are needs for alchemy in this city, but they do not include color-shifting dresses. Nor, I think, do crafting such mundane items bring you much satisfaction."

He saw the hint of defeat in her expression and decided to scale back his enthusiasm somewhat. "I admit, I paint an optimistic portrait. It is my nature to do so. In fact, I take steps daily, to cull the depressing views on life so many of my kind possess, to maintain that optimism. I believe things will improve for us both."

She seemed willing to delay giving up, at any rate. He contented himself with that, for he truly believed all he had said. He would give it time and anticipate an upswing in her self-esteem. "Oh yes, documentation. Here, I was instructed to give you this." He handed her the letter Miss Serenity had given him back at The Sanity Center. "I would love to claim that I wished to persuade you on my own merit and "oration" alone," he grinned, "but in truth, I forgot I had it."

by **Mirage** on July 12th, 2012, 6:31 pm

This time the smallest smiles did show through. Wanda closed the book for the last time, accepting the letter and breaking the seal. Her eyes scanned a few lines, and she nodded as if something had been confirmed.

"You talk far too much for one of your kind, and your positivity borders on naivety..." She folded the letter and set it within the book. Looking up at Kuvarakh, Wanda's smile widened ever so slightly, and she laughed, "But I suppose it would not hurt to have one more within my lab to aid with the incoming orders. Very well Kuvarakh, you begin tomorrow. Do not be late."

Turning, Wanda returned the book to its place on the shelf, adjusting her robes and striding through the door behind the counter. In her eyes there shown the slightest glimmer of excitement. Perhaps her fire for her craft could return, given time.

by **Mirage** on July 12th, 2012, 6:45 pm

The Truth Within the Reality

Kuvarakh :

The Truth Hidden by a Mirage :

Completed Talking Shop (Mirage)