Closed Watching the Sickness Burn

[Reaver Riatal]

25th of winter, 512 AV Mid Morning

Reaver sat upon a crate gazing out with a bored expression. Wondering what in the name Tavasi he could do for fun today. Looking up at the over cast sky it seemed to agree with his mood, bland dull and boring. As his black hair draped around his head as his sharp blue eyes glazed over trying to think of a way to entertain himself. He could always practice his shielding though that lost its luster rather quickly. Glyphing was nice but it gets lonely without anyone to talk to for a while. He could always try to learn how to use his short sword a bit better, but in this city of learning he doubted there was such a place he could practice in peace. It was then he noticed the rats, small packs running and scampering left and right across the street. Where he not on his crate and walking the streets he would have quickly hopped up on one. He had seen rats before and had read a few stories involving them. As he remembered they where often, if not always they where associated with sickness and illness. Repulsed by them he just figured out a way to make some better use of his day. He remembered that with the increase of rats the chance of illness also grew. So if he started lighting a few on fire, thin their numbers. Surely that'd help prevent the mass spread of disease? And he had little fear of being called out by his magic if he did a public service?

With little reason as to not light things on fire Reaver gave out another one of his charming smiles. Taking a black glove off revealing his scared hand as he looked at the rats then at his hand. Forming his ethereal blue res in his hand he looked at another pack of rats ready to scamper off. Counting them in a number of four he got his res to levitate in a gel form, separating into four small spheres. Lighting the outer layer he predicted their movement. And the moment they began to move he fired off each ball of res accordingly. Striking his target each time the rats lit ablaze and squealed as the res fully lit on fire. Their fur came full fire with the ethereal gel. The rats burned and died. His accuracy had gotten much better than his previous res casting. He smiled as he watched them burn to cinders, fire was so beautiful a rightfully cleansing thing. However he caught another glimpse of more rats scurrying towards him. Concentrating the res in his body into his lungs, keeping it as a gaseous form. As it collected in his lungs he took a deep breath, now with him ready he looked to make sure no one would be in his way. Letting out his long breath the gaseous res flooded out with his breath. Once he knew it was all out he ignited the res away from his face. And Let out a nice cloud of fire that engulfed the group of rats.

He had missed one and it managed to scurry away, but the five he had managed to kill where all quickly burning nicely. He was slowly starting to rack up a nice little corpse pile of rats. Though as he looked around he noticed less rats than before. He only killed about nine of them, surely there where plenty more rats to burn up. Or perhaps they where starting to get smarter? No chances are he'd just need to. His thoughts broke as he saw another one of the little vermin and decided to experiment a little. Taking another bit of res as he focused into a small ball. Firing it off at the rat, moments before impact it exploded into a blast of compressed air. With almost childish glee he watched the rat soar away into a wall. Flinching at the sound of its small bones cracking though, perhaps using air would be a bad idea. He'd just stick to fire, and with that in mind he summoned just the smallest amount of res. Fired it at the rat's body and turned it ablaze like its brothers, and or sisters. A smile was quick to claim his face as he watched the fire dance on the corpse of the little rodent. He felt so at peace right now, he hardly noticed the people around him.

[Thomas Fairley]

Thomas had been floating around when he saw the bright flames of fire rise up for a few seconds and then dip down. He floated over and saw a man setting rats on fire. He turned into a black cloud behind him
"I see why you are killing them, but are you not just as bad yourself" he said materializing. He floated over to one of the rats that was just about to die and possessed it and ran into the water, before climbing right back out and then letting go of the rat.

[Synthira]

Timestamp: 25th of winter, 512 AV mid morning Synthira watched in horror as the man burned the rats. They lay in a little pile, writhing as they died. The man's expression remained flat, as though he felt nothing. Perhaps he even thought his actions to be justified? She narrowed her eyes. Typically she would not talk to a stranger without being first spoken to, but something had to be done. It was not acceptable to kill living creatures, even vermin. Another man walked up and she strained to hear what he was saying. It was to the effect of her own thoughts, but the one in red paid no attention. He simply smiled and they talked briefly. From what the konti could tell, the man had no intention to stop burning the creatures. Annoyed, she stepped out from behind the building and walked towards the two men. "It isn't right to kill," she murmured, " Though they too are killers, spreading poison and plague throughout the city. To you, the value of a human life may be much more than a rat's. Even so, their purpose may be greater than you know, and it may be kinder to use something else as target practice." She smiled. "I'm Synthira, by the way. And you are...?"

[Reaver Riatal]

Watching the rats burn he watched a ghost intervene in his business he cared not. With the rat he seemed to disappear as well. The idiot though dead, seemed to know nothing of life and death. What he was doing was nothing compared to the larger picture. All sentient races consumed or killed animals, chances are that a humanoid person would kill at least one thing in their life. Honestly the ghost was just acting irrational, and what right did he have to mess with the lives of the living? The man should be in the care of Lhex, not puttering down in their world. Quickly he ignored the being and moved back to his own thoughts. Looking at his scarred hand he knew full well what he was doing, however in his mind this wasn't just a simple matter of left and right. As more ethereal blue res began to pool in his hand he was disturbed once more.

Sighing he turned to face his newest critic, though as his smile remained on his face he took pause. A Konti had graced him with her presence and he could already see the gentle scales that touched her skin. The smile faded as he took in her beauty, the look of her was clear he was displeased with him. But regardless of her position he would make it clear his thoughts standing from his crate and standing next to the pile of burnt rats he had recently acquired. His red coat flowing on his person gently like it where ablaze itself, looking at her with his sharp blue eyes. Gazing right into her own, his dark hair matted around his head as he offered the most charmed smile he was able to muster. Putting a foot forward slightly, he made a gentle motion with his thin arm and bringing it across his stomach while bending forward. Performing a bow to her as he lowered his full height of six feet and six inches nearly in half. Standing upright once more he kept the charming smile.

"A strange way to introduce yourself, open with criticism then speak and request names." Taking a pause as he racked his brain for Kontinese it was quick like lightning. Though he only knew a little, he still managed a greeting for the delight of a woman before him. "My honored lady, I am Reaver Riatal of Syliras, King of Fire." With this he held out a hand as the res that had pooled into his hand lifted up into a ball. Lighting ablaze as a demonstration of his prowess with fire. Reaver had little fear in this city for being persecuted now that he had justified it in his head. Besides she showed no fear with his talent for fire, the ball of res was burning up and would soon only be a wisp of fire. But for now it cast a glow against his features, his buttoned red coat brought to life by the fire levitating in his hand.

He took a long breath to explain his reasons and his logic behind it. "As for these rats, let me ask you this. Picture this, for each rat that lives, that's another mother, child, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and so forth. Picture them withering and dying, slowly and agonizing. With what plight the sickness would bring. These rats will breed and breed, making more of their kind. And in turn more lives will be put through worse treatment. Tell you what, a choice then. The life of a plague bearing rat? Or that of a child? I'm no father myself, nor am I much for family. But I'd rather talk with a child than a rat. A child would accomplish more in their life. What I find terrifying is your choice of inaction. That you'd simply stand by and chose apathy. I may not have skills to heal but I at least apply my skills to prevent greater loss of life. Or would you have me forced to do nothing, to watch others suffer?"

He took a breath, he found himself oddly passionate around this woman. Why did he really care? Honestly he just wanted to prevent a few deaths and light some things on fire. He supposed that in the end it all served the same purpose in the end. The flame began to snuff out as he looked into the woman's eyes. He wasn't able to tell her age, once they reached a certain age it was just about impossible, they all looked so young. He admired the Konti and much of their gifts. Though he knew little he had heard much in the bars and streets of Syliras. And really he had researched their language. While not to its fullest beauty he could at least get by. However his mind was sharp and anything spoken in common showed his intelligent. "My apologies if I became a little, aggressive in my defense. I just hope you don't think little of me due to my actions or my reasons." He offered his still constant charming smile to her, though his face was twinged lightly with an apologetic look. He wondered to himself, what would she say to him?

[Wrenmae]

"You mistake them, reimancer," A voice interrupted, cutting the winter air in sharp criticism, "Many fools blame the rat for the plagues, pointing to a swell in their population as a sure sign sickness has taken the land. But you are simply a child obsessed with the flame, no mind for observation or study."

Wrenmae had taken on the form of Hound, walking the streets as a thin faced man with pale cheeks and ravenous, green eyes. His black cloak across his shoulders seemed curiously weighted and the wide-brimmed hat on his head cast unexpected shadows across his sharp features. He'd stepped around the alley only when Reaver had begun speaking of the rats, leaning down to take one of their charred corpses in his hand before laying it down again.

"Rats are survivors, they know how to follow a food source. With the plague comes death, and with death comes bodies...food for the creatures. It is man who most often carries disease to each other, squirming, useless man who hugs a brother and sneezes death upon their shoulders."

Glancing up at Reaver, at the Konti, the man straightened.

"If you want to stop sickness, burn the humans...burn the carriers, burn the infected, and there will be no sickness left to spread." A mirthless smile spread across his features, a sneer at the reimancer.

"Only a mage like you, obsessed with your own power, would go testing it on rats for fun." Down went a hand to caress the handle of his long dagger, beating a suggestive rhythm on the pommel. "How about me, wizard? I may carry the plague as well. Do you think you'll find it just as easy to burn me as you can those rats?"

Pulling from his own Djed, Wrenmae summoned res to his hands and across his arm. Null for now, it waited to react. If he was a reimancer, untasked res would be a useful defense should the wizard choose to become violent.

"Well?" The mage said with a rasping chuckle, holding out his arms, "Do you have what it takes to burn an opponent who can fight back...or are you the kind who only pulls out your magical tricks when you have nothing to fear?"

[Synthira]

Synthira was slightly surprised that the Reaver figure spoke Kontinese. She herself only spoke it second to Common, though she'd spent most of her life in Mura. From what she could tell, he had a flashy and bold personality. He had already apologized for speaking with such ardence. She wondered if he meant to scare her with his power over fire. Either way, it had no such affect on her. She doubted he would have reason to use it against her. Though she did not practice magic, she had other means of defense. Momentarily she felt slightly guilty for her reprimand. The man was, after all, a perfect stranger. But the Konti's conscience would not allow her to witness death without saying something. She did not get the chance to voice any of these feelings before another man appeared. This one had the look of a lonely person about him. The words he spoke were wise, untainted with emotion. He had said all Synthira had tried to and more within seconds. He summoned some form of magic himself. The konti knew next to nothing about magic, and could not determine if she was getting herself into a dangerous situation. She watched the one called Reaver's reaction to the challenge. He seemed an unpredictable fellow, and she backed away so as to avoid any confrontation or fighting herself. She turned to face the newcomer, crossing her arms. "What would you suggest, then? Burning everyone who carries the illness? I hardly think that's a viable option. Very few people possess the courage or the cruelty to kill another person in cold blood. And once that started, who would be to say what the limit was? Would we be killed as soon as the disease was contracted, or as soon as we failed to fight it? Children would have to be killed, as well as the old and frail sages of Zeltiva. They are both weak. But what's to say there isn't a third party to this? After all, humans may spread disease, but they certainly didn't cause it. Even if you burned every sick soul in the city it would continue to devastate us all,"

[Reaver Riatal]

The voice from behind him quickly made his eyebrow twitch several times as he gazed above the Konti. He felt his blood boil and he had to resist strongly the urge to unleash fire, lightning, and air upon the man. He wanted to watch his face melt and burn, to see the fire cook his eyes in his own skull as he screamed in extreme pain. However rather than letting any sign of his emotional reaction show, he kept up his cool and calm smile. Though as he turned from the great beauty who seemed to feel the same as him in this. He felt his sharp blue eyes grow cold towards the man who had decided to pick a fight. Though to this man he'd not raise a finger. As it was though he knew he was arrogant and held a title proclaimed only by himself. Reaver was not a moron. If someone had seen his skills, his ability to toy with fire through a child with a doll. Any man would have fell to fear of it, that is unless they had means to out do his abilities. And that led to only two possibilities, either this man was a warrior, a fighter of ability to which not even his djed could match. Or worse, another mage who's delved one too many times into overgiving. However giving his suggestion of 'burn back' he had to assume mage.

Regardless of this he knew that if either was likely that meant that it would be best to battle with words rather than fire. And so Reaver began his own verbal assault. "You sir, are, an absolute, and without a doubt, an utter moron. A dullard who more than likely doesn't THINK about whats around him or what an action can affect whats around him. I agree with the young woman here. Where I to burn every man, woman, and child in this city the plague would continue on. And its just as you mentioned, because rats are survivors and they seek food. They would eat our diseased dead only to spread infection further and further. It's clear to prevent more plague is to eliminate the amount of death. I'd be burning the corpses of those infected if they let me. But I can only do the rats for as its just blatant stupidity that would encourage me to murder at random. Perhaps then you are the madman who would be responsible for murdering a city. Perhaps then it is you who should be struck by blight and to wither and die like many of the people within this city. And why would I waist time fighting you? Why would I put everyone and everything around us at risk. As I said before sir, you are a moron. I'd not spend my energy fighting some stupid shyke for what reason?"

He took a pause merely to regain his breath as he gazed down the man with a look that steadily grew bored. He did think himself better than him but not in skill. He had little doubt this man would challenge him without guessing and believing strongly he could win. But his eyes conveyed the rest of his mind, he merely just thought of this man as another thug. An idiot looking for a fight to prove something that Reaver was sure didn't matter. With renewed vigor he continued on. "You posses no logic, no reason, and you seem to even lack the intelligence to hold a decent conversation. And as for you little taunt, light yourself ablaze. This world has few few things. Though men like you, who lack reason, have power but lack the intelligence to use it. Mizahar has more than a plenty of you. So do us all a favor, do this city a favor, Mizahar, by words even the gods! A damn favor! Light yourself ablaze and roll in the rats you hold such love for. There are far more important things to do and far more intelligent people to talk with, you are not one of them. However if you do prove to have some intelligence, you wouldn't be picking fights in the street while people die horrible deaths. You'd be trying to prevent this plague from spreading further."

He needed another breath as he made a bow to the man before standing upright and looking at the Konti then the man. He had a feeling this man may indeed try to attack. While he spoke he began to focus on letting his djed flow off of him and surround himself. Weaving itself into a shield with a simple task, repel flames. It would take a chime or two to fully form but he started from the front end of himself. Putting as much focused as he could while talking at the same time. "Now if you'll excuse me good sir, I've company to attend to. And a plague I'd like to try to contribute the prevention of without being some mindless murderer. So your pardon is required." He had stalled long enough the shield was formed just as a little bit of added protection. Insurance to prevent the worst damage, he could at least step in front of his newest acquiescence and prevent her harm. He'd dealt with the pain of fire. The burn scars on his hands where evidence of that, however he just hoped the man saw the reason behind his words. In all seriousness Reaver was trying to be polite. It was hard but he was managing, though his passion in his voice was hurting his attempt, it still held strong serenity.

Reaver wasn't liking this, while in the presence of a Konti he had let his passion ride forth in his words. He rarely let such a feeling like this overtake him. Only when in the presence of beauty did he get feel passion run in his blood. But this man, though he used his magic as he saw fit he saw it first as a pursuit of knowledge not unkindled acts of violence. Not to mention he preferred to enjoy his surroundings, to smile and make friends. He hadn't moved all the way from Syliras to Zeltiva for trouble and fear. It was the tales he had heard of the University, that he could freely study magic without being persecuted by others as he had in the past. But that didn't hold his attention half as much as the man before him. Wondering what his actions would be. If he got into a fight he'd have to focus more on the defensive rather than offensive. He didn't want this to go south to terribly. Besides he was never much for violence himself. He was always more for the bars, a good drink, laugh, and good company. His sharp blue eyes kept on the man, his bored expression holding.

Surely he would prove himself not be the idiot he had spoken of. Every man had pride, though he damaged his through words and not violence. If this man reacted negatively, if he raised a sword as it where he would prove Reaver's point. It was a challenge of intelligence, if this man had a mind he would use it. Though he knew little of other wizards, he knew one thing almost factual in nature. There was no way he'd be willing to refuse a challenge of the mind, all wizards after all had to have some intellect in order to learn their disciplines. It was a gamble yes, but at the very last he could hope to avoid the wrath of a moron with some ability to spark up some flames. His dark hair kept around his head shagged gently as his blue eyes examined the man before him. Wondering if the man would accept his challenge of the mind or simply instead decide to resort to a brutes option.

[Wrenmae]

For a moment, the stranger's face twisted in a grimace. It was only in that moment that the impulsive boy from Alvadas considered lashing out, just a moment before he was reigned in by wisdom born of the past few years. Whatever offensive grimace he'd had before melted into a wan smile and a quiet chuckle. He shook his head, shrugging back his shoulders in the face of Reaver's attack.

"You both take me too seriously, I think. Burn the living? Obviously I was jesting, and your revile was...unexpected as a rhetorical response." Leaning down, he hovered over one of the squirming vermin before plucking it off the ground. Squealing, it writhed, biting into his hand, drawing blood. Hissing quietly, the mage walked over to the water and dropped the creature into the sea.

He stood there as the rat streamed through the water, gnawed at the stone wall, finally grasping onto the wooden supports of the dock and pulling itself back to safety one claw at a time.

When it had reemerged from the water, a shivering angry mass of hair and beady, flaring eyes, he turned back to the two of them and scowled. "Most human beings do not fight their fate. Unlike the rat, they fall into the water and drowned. The plague will cut the weak from the strong as is decided in the natural order. Burning rats one by one doesn't make you a hero, nor does it help with anything besides creating moldering corpses. Quarantine the sick, Burn the bodies, enact strict curfew, and enforce daily examinations of the healthy. You will find no easier way to stop disease than in order...because disease causes chaos from which only the strong will rise."

The stranger sneered at Reaver, at the Konti, eyes unused to pity or mercy regarding them as one might look at refuse. "I am not helping this city. I am watching it burn from within. Zeltiva will rise from the ashes of their dead and become better than they have ever been before, or they will collapse into nothing. I am a visitor, here, and I have no love for the weak or the indolent...like those who argue pointless battles or burn vermin for the fun of it."

He approached them, stalked them, hands at his side, toying with the blades at his waist. Pale green res clung to his hands and arms, prepared to react to a moment of change. His boots clacked against the cobblestone, his grin only widened.

"You think me too stupid to see you blustering? You believe I will not unleash my power on you and leave your body for the rats? You've earned nothing, mage, nothing in this city. You live because you breathe, but you have not proved to me you can struggle to be any different than those others who would drowned when dropped in water. Give me a reason I should not test you. Here. Now. Give me one single reason not to test you."

His gaze fell to the girl, then back to Reaver.

"Or to test her."

[Synthira]

The konti, despite her fear, stepped towards the man. She wanted to clear things up before she got into even deeper trouble. He seemed to possess great knowledge, and even greater power. His anger was mostly directed to the hot-headed Reaver, and she quite understood where that was coming from. Sometimes it was better to hold one's tongue. But here Reaver was spewing off insults to this clearly dangerous man, and Synthira felt the situation had to be amended... at least for her part. "Forgive me," She murmured, "I did not mean to anger you, or to scold you in the way that this mage has. I believe you have both misunderstood me. For one, I didn't understand you were joking. For another, I did not mean to defeat your argument, outsmart or insult you. In fact, I doubt I could. Only, you seem to have very strong opinions, and I was curious." She smiled in the most charismatic way she could, hoping to ease the tension between the two men as much as possible. She wasn't going to show either of them that the situation worried her.The first seemed impulsive and passionate, the second more cold and reserved. Fire and ice never mixed well. Whatever happened would be interesting, to say the least. She turned once again to face the newer man. "Test me if you will, but I don't think he's worth your time - his threats are empty."

[Reaver Riatal]

Reaver felt his passion swelling once more as he heard the Konti speak. Blood running hot as he felt it course though his veins. Even despite the fact he saw the man was better than him. And appeared to be itching to put a few new holes into his torso. Reaver was starting to open his mouth to insult the man for acting so rashly like any common thug. Though not without a contingency plan at the least. His blue res began to coat the underside of his arms. If he drew his blade he could bring forth fire then add compressed air to make a blast. It'd probably remove his own eyebrows and perhaps damage his entire front end. But he'd at least prove a point to the man. That though he hadn't much to offer in a fight right now. If he could force his opponent to his knees or even cause more damage with an attack that harmed them both. He'd do it. The idea became more appealing and he was starting to think this would be the only outcome. A truly disturbed smile spread across his lips, the idea of fire and explosions bringing out a less appealing nature in him. However he gave pause, perhaps he could learn something from this man. He started this as an intellectual duel, which now was escalating. Why not shift moods?

Besides he was only acting this way because he was letting his passion cloud his judgement and reason. Everyone had logic and reasoning, and from these two are born knowledge. Yes, yes this would be a far better way to resolve everything than lowering himself to the aggressors level. The eerie smile faded from Reaver's lips and instead became charming, pleasant even in the situation he was stuck in. His mind began to formulate his words and indeed his entire argument in less than half a chime. Once done he spoke, but no hostility was in his voice. It was something far more dangerous, curiosity. The one thing that granted ultimate risk and reward. "You say that human's do not fight their fate yes? Then explain why we're all still here? Why would we have fought so hard to survive the Valterrian? And why do you think we've been trying to make a living from what remains of this world? Humans have more fighting instinct than most other races. We can force ourselves to survive unlike others." He gave pause and smiled at the Konti, he was employing every aspect of his personality into this conversation. His sharp blue eyes gazed at hers, no fear in his eyes. Rather it was joy, and as he spoke they became apologetic. "I mean no offence to the other races of course, they do strive quite well and have been able to do much humans cannot."

The pleasant smile focused back on the man before him. Reaver was young, but his intellect gave him an edge over most young men his age. And although he was arrogant he knew how to weave words into his own little works of art. "I know I've not earned anything in Zeltiva, I also know for a fact that killing a few rats won't make me a hero. Though as mentioned the rats eat the dead, the dead who carry disease. Since I'm unable to eliminate the infected bodies, I'm left with either burning people alive. Or I could remove those that have access to multiple areas and carry the plague. My logic was sound, though my method wasn't very effective it was still something I would be able to pursue without law enforcement dragging me off as a mad mage. I aspire to earn plenty here and to use that knowledge perhaps to better this world. I want to learn as much as possible before my end." Reaver took one of his burned hands and ran it through his dark locks. Pushing the tidal wave of black back for a moment revealing the full of his face. Closing his eyes for a moment as he worked up his next sentence. His sharp blue eyes filled with a bit of joy as he focused once more on the task at hand.

Looking back to the man who was threatening him he was determined to get answers and learn from him. "I do have questions though. Why do you seek to strengthen humanity and other races through disease? There are other more viable and simple options. And using disease is a double edged sword, as it works in two ways. It strengthens a will to survive but it stalls progress and development. I'm not saying that its not an effective tool, I am however saying it does hamper growing to another level. Zeltiva was over crowded, however it could have expanded to make a middle post between here and Syliras. Sure it would be dangerous but I'm willing to bet a strong few would have left to try. Though they'd have to face the beasts of the wilderness would that not prove strength?" He looked at the man, there was no hostility, no like before. Reaver had rid himself of the almost insane look he had a moment before. What had taken its place was simple curiosity and the calm to control his questions.

"As for that final remark of yours, to test me. I've gone through my very literal trial by fire." Reaver held up his hands, the burn marks that encircled them looked old. A few years, perhaps two or three years old. "You're looking at my first experience with reimancy. I had been so excited I kept casting fire everywhere around me. After a bell I hand't realized I'd fallen to overgiving, on my next summon my hands lit ablaze instead. I could have died in the prison of fire I had made for myself, the fire on my person could have spread and consumed me. But rather than die like a mutt in an alley. I survived, I did everything I could to save myself. Back then I could have had this easily healed by a follower of Rak'keli. But I kept them, just so I'd remember the price of magic, and that to survive one needs logic and reasoning. To survive someone needs knowledge. I've no real physical strength, I've had to relay on a talent I was thoroughly persecuted for. I used my mind to survive. And that is what you test isn't it? The will to survive? The will to over come an obstacle? You want to strengthen people by rooting out weakness of body and will." He gazed back now with hungry eyes, wanting to know what the man would say. Reaver didn't give a flying shyke about the man's opinion, he wanted the man's reasoning. He had offered no real critique to his work, only sought what drove him to make this choice.

Unintentionally Reaver had leaned in a little more towards the man. Like a child who had discovered something new and fascinating. Almost entirely forgotten was the threat this man posed, that he could and probably would do him harm. This was his pursuit of knowledge taking hold of him. An aura of silent wonder engulfed him as he sought information. Other questions boiled within him. Why come to Zeltiva to spread sickness? How did you spread sickness? Was it a form of magic or a more mundane method? Why target a more human populace? Was the sickness striking Endrykas also his doing?