Friendly (or not) Encounter (Reaver)

[Theia]

23rd of Winter, 512AV Gods, the night were always so cool, even this late in the season. Theia had though it would be warmer but that was a port city for you, too close to the sea and its ship sailing breezes. But it was absolutely wonderful at the same time. A long day at the tavern with heat and smell of kelp beer, she was glad of the salted air. Though she was surprised that her brother was not there to pick her up, the little brat had probably forgotten her. Again! Warmth seeped to her cheeks in the form of fond annoyance, her face twitching between the two emotions. Peering out she wondered why it was so bright so late and why so many people loitered around. Rubbing her hands she watched the buildings slip by. Not even a season had they moved to this area but she seen no difference really between the too. The buildings may not be kept up but it was still just working people, albeit angry working people most days. Her mouth stretched wide, she had joined that group some days so tired she only wanted to fling something to make herself feel better. But no such luck, no one was here to pick her up and let her pick on them. Humming to herself she picked up her step and surged forward towards her house. Soon they wouldn’t need the house over here; they could be rid of it and back in their little home. She missed having a hearth that actually worked! The thought of warmth had her spirits up once more and she moved quicker through the jostling peoples. The faster she was home, the faster she would be warm and in her own blanket. “Excuse me.” Theia spoke automatically, brushing shoulders here and there. For tonight perhaps she would go for a swim, it was cool enough and cheaper than a bath. Cheaper was better and they were supposed to be saving…well, she supposed it was fine. Spinning round she turned to go back the way she came and head toward the docks. OOCI’m pretty sure you would be able to hear her but not see her because she isn’t doing the whole materialization bit at the moment but she will shortly!

[Reaver Riatal]

Another bored night forced a sigh from a young man's lungs. Standing at six feet and six inches his long and thin red coated form was stark against the dark surrounding water. His dark hair that flopped around his head almost seemed to merge with the night itself. Though the sharp blue eyes gazed out hungry for knowledge and more so for entertainment. Reaver Riatal stood on one of the many docks, his body shivering in the cold off shore breeze. Each shiver and shudder forced his entire body to practically jump with each new blast of cold that bit into him. It sliced right though his red coat and through his bones, he had little enough meat on them. So the cold bit his skin and tampered with his strength to its leisure. He'd not stand for this though, he knew about the djed in flowing in his body. Since there was no one else around his mind sprouted two wonderfully new ideas. One was light the dock on fire and huddle near the inflamed remains. While appealing it would draw a little too much attention and he could guess that the Zeltivan authorities wouldn't much like his idea. Then option number two, shield against the chill.

With the most viable, and least likely to get him locked up, option set in his mind he prepared his djed. Closing his eyes and focusing as it began to leave his body. Forcing it out and around himself as it began to weave. The thickness of his shield varied, and it wasn't quite perfect yet. Not to bad, it was done in a chime and a half. The task was simple, keep out the cold. For a minute nothing, then a blast of wind came and the shield rippled lightly for a moment. It was working and rather nicely, though he was no master at the art, he was glad he could at least keep warm. Sighing he looked out at the black water, he hadn't really ended up at the docks on purpose. He had managed to lose himself in the city of Zeltiva for the umpteenth many time. Perhaps it would be prudent of him to buy a map or something else to assist in navigation around here. Groaning at himself now he merely shook his head and turned to, once again, try and find his way. Silently he wondered if the kelp bar was still open. At least he could then get intoxicated and stumble around in the warmth for a little while.

The appealing thought became his driving focus as he tried to weave his way through the objects and few people who decided to stay so late at the docks. Stubborn in his own thoughts he didn't think to stop one of them to ask his desired destination. Though he heard someone talking, taking a pause he stopped to look around. The person was being surprisingly polite, few people ever where in this city. With cause to find this person he looked around but when the crowed thinned he didn't hear or see anyone. His sharp blue eyes scanned around wondering if he had somehow managed to go into overgiving? It wouldn't have been the first time that's for sure, but he never remembered a side effect about polite voices appearing from the air. Squinting his eyes suspiciously he tried to think. Perhaps someone had discovered invisibility and was attempting it on the populace? Honestly he had no real idea but for some reason he felt he was being watched. He looked around again, his sharp blue eyes focusing hard on his surroundings. The docks, the many crates stacked around sporting goods for import and export. Boats that gently swayed with the motion of the many waves of the sea. The cobble stone of which he now walked on. Nothing? No one at all? Maybe he was going mad after all.

[Theia]

She wanted to take a swim. Really she did. But there was something, just a little something that made her flinch back from what had seemed like a grand idea. It curled slowly in her stomach, reaching up and up until it grasped at her throat and her words shut off. This was just madness for she was not afraid of the water. But her eyes wandered desperately, looking for something, anything to get her out of her idea, leaving her hovering just awkwardly but luck! What luck! Because there was a man who looked either like he was up to something nefarious (if only, wouldn’t that make for a story?) but likely just lost and new to the city. Though she was surprised anyone would come to the city so shortly after the storm but likely they were trying to escape there cities own devastation. And would Eyris strike her with a book if he didn’t look a bit more intimidating up close though his face and the striking blue eyes more than made up for it. In that case…she tugged her fingers through her hair and dutifully ignore the sigh of relief that left her lungs without permission as she speed away from the docks. “Excuse me,” she repeated, “were you looking for a certain boat or just lost? The cities a bit tricky without a map. Though you’re so tall I’m surprised you can’t see over the buildings!” Theia meant it as a tease and belatedly realized she had forgotten to introduce herself. Again. She’d never hear the end of this if he was one of those higher ups folks. Her legs bounced, in perpetual motion, shifting from the balls of her feet to the tips of her toes. The longer she stayed at the dock the more the dreadful sense came creeping back. “If you’re looking for a boat you can ask one of the sailors, they usually go to the World’s End Grotto for a drink about this time. But if not, I can take you to anywhere you need to go, real quick like.” Damn if she didn’t inch both towards the man and away from the docks as she spoke, trying to convey with tone how much she would like to be anywhere but in this particular spot. OOCNext post she will be visible...maybe;P

[Reaver Riatal]

Once he confirmed no one was around Reaver began to walk again, he needed to find a way off these damn docks. Preferably to a bar with a nice drink, his mind was hurting and he was feeling a little afraid of actually being insane. Letting out a sigh he stopped to flip his collar and do up the buttons. The coat he wore was the best in his opinion. You didn't need a scarf because the collar could encircle the back of his head and at least get close to covering his nose. It was a nice substitute that made him smile behind the top of the collar. He felt so clever when he had found this as a lad. Having to beg his father to buy it for him was humiliating but so totally worth it as he snuggled into the coat. Reaver paused as he hear someone speaking again, turning around his sharp blue eyes surveying what was around him. There was nothing for a moment, he kept hearing the voice. He felt fear grip him, was this another type of magic or something? Quickly his black gloved reached into his coat and grabbed the hilt of his short sword. What was happening to him, had he somehow gone into overgiving? Was this the sweet whispers his father had warned him about?

He heard it again and actually drew his short sword clumsily bringing it forth. Though he had received some training in the use of a short sword he had found he preferred to hold it in reverse. Keeping his arm across his chest letting the blade act as a guard while he looked around. The blade was only slightly longer than his forearm and was useful for a quick weapon when needed. Though it was best used for intimidating his opponents he could at least try to use it from time to time.

He heard the voice again, it was pleasant and sweet. But that was what worried himself the most. However it didn't speak of casting magic, perhaps he was being delirious then? He thought it best not to take precautions, and since pretty well everyone had departed the docks he may as well reveal his trump card. At least while the privacy lasted, taking his left gloved hand he bit the tip of it and pulled his hand out letting the dark glove drop to the floor. Holding out his left hand, it was scared with old burn marks, evidence of his profession. Though what came next would confirm his status, concentrating an ethereal blue res formed in the palm of his hand. Floating gently up into a small ball he lit it ablaze casting its red light across the dock. Summoning up the courage he spoke. "Who goes there? Reveal yourself and cease playing tricks with my mind!"

Wildly he looked about seeing nothing, his sharp blues scanned the docks again and again but there where few places to hide. If he was going mad by Ivak he'd drink himself under the table tonight. A blast of cold wind came causing the fire floating above his hand to flicker. The shield around his body rippled and came into view as it blocked the cold from his body. Its shimmering appearance shown as the weave within it performed its task diligently. He shut his eyes as the wind stung into them. Opening them he looked around again trying to get his vision to readjust once more. The fire began to flicker back, bringing with it light for the situation at hand.

[Theia]

Theia paused, honestly, was the man touched in the head? Reveal herself? What would he have her do? Strip? Not likely, well, perhaps in a different circumstance. The hand she began to hold out to shake snapped back to her hip along with her other, he was seriously holding a sword at her even! Now she was sure he was not from her city no one would be so…so…stupid. “If you don’t want the help just say so. No need to act like an idiot. Though if you don’t put that away I’m going to call the Wave Guard on you.” That or she was going to run like Zulrav winds and not look back. She even turned to leave off in a huff but the moment she moved farther away from the man and the dock the more the tension in her body left. Tension she hadn’t previously noted and therefore began to think maybe she was being just a smidge harsh. For a few moments she just stood there before patting herself down. She was all there, arms, legs, head and feet, she turned back to him frowning. She was there, perhaps a bit lost in the dim light of the afternoon but there all the same. “Obviously you’re drunk or blind because I'm right here. Where do you live? I can take you home or at least come this way and put the damned sword down before you hurt yourself.” Or me, she added thoughtfully. “Nice and slow this way, can’t have you drowning.” The word was a punch to the gut, so strong she felt spots dance before her eyes and her breath catch. Gods, the thought of it made her just want to flee to her house and curl up with her brother. Nice and comforting. Safe. Much safer than this mad man in front of her. But she just had to focus on him rather than her foolish plan to swim and she hoped to any Goddess that the man was drunk and not some crazy. Judging from the burns on his hands he might be a crazy mage, some of them had escaped during the storm or so she’d heard. The Wave Guard might be a better plan but…his eyes didn’t look crazy. “I’m Theia.” She restarted, “and you?” This whole thing was getting ridiculous and irritating once more, she might as well be talking to herself. Damned drunks. OOCAt this rate she might never be visible! Also, sorry my posts take so danged long! I just write slow so apologies for that.

[Reaver Riatal]

Reaver's eyes still held taunt with fear, the fire that danced above his scared hand kept illuminating the dark around him. He turned around again trying to see if anyone was there. The sword kept in position as he heard the voice again talk to him, but no one was there!? Truly he must be going mad if this was happening to him, he turned to face the voice that had spoken. His gaze was met with a semi transparent girl that was standing before him. It was hard to tell her skin colour but at a guess it appeared to be similar to his own. A shade of white though hers seemed a bit darker. Her hair as far as he could tell was brown with no real outstanding features. Same with her eyes though he felt an eerie sensation when he gazed into them. The rest of her body seemed like she had done quite a bit of physical activity. Though he had no idea what she actually did to gain such a figure, being a young man still in his teens he could think of quite a few things. His mind broke and focused, the revealed scared hand that was levitating the burning res steadied out. The fire slowly dying as night began to encompass around them once more.

Now at last with someone to see his guard was let down and he lowered his blade arm. Pushing aside his red crimson coat to pull his scabbard forward and sheath the blade. Letting it go it quickly rested diagonally across his hips. With his long body and red coat the blade was well hidden. And most wouldn't know it was there unless he was sitting down or without his coat. Taking his black glove he adorned it once more. Letting sliver of skin exposed as he produced a little more res, the ethereal blue floated out. He had rather good control over his reimancy now, at least competent in the use of such a skill. The res floated a little way before him, then it lit ablaze once more. The light casting once more over their surroundings. He looked at full view of the woman once more. Taking a long swallow he decided to proceed with caution. This woman was a ghost, he had heard only one story about a ghost. And it was something he didn't like remembering. With the fire illuminating he could see both the woman before him and what was behind her. It was a little frightening.

Straightening himself out he looked at her blinking a few times in disbelief. Deciding it would be best not to piss this being off he proceeded with politesse that hopefully would remedy his actions. "I assure you my dear, I am not drunk, though I am looking to become intoxicated if this evenings hour may permit. I apologize for not seeing you before, the night light plays with my eyes." He hoped she wouldn't realize the paradox of his words, as when he was turning about in a frantic to find someone he had a ball of res lit illuminating his surroundings. "And I am Reaver, Reaver Riatal. My hostility towards you was not intended, I was merely being cautious. The streets of Zeltiva are not as safe at night as they are in day. I may be new to this city but even I know that out of simple logic. If you'd like you can accompany me to the Kelp Bar. And by accompany me I mean maybe you can show me the way?" His sharp blue eyes held fear within them. Though the calm and cool manner he managed to project helped to mask his eyes.

[Theia]

Patience was not a virtue she possessed much of at the moment but the mans’ toying with magic was something she had rarely seen. He must be one of those, she thought, the ones who were just beginning to go mad. It would explain his odd behavior but again he thwarted her thoughts by speaking. Theia felt her own tension dissipate as the light came back and she made to move away from the waters. “You ever had a beer in Zeltiva before?” Probably not if he was looking to get drunk, not even some of the natives could handle kelp beer, you had to be drunk just to drink it! Still she waved him along with her, “Got to turn about, the Kelp Bars behind us.” “I don’t mind showing you. Though you should get your eyes checked.” She teased him as she began to lead the way. “And it’s not really too dangerous here unless you were in East Street, might get some trouble then.” But she to be cautious just as he had been, if he wasn’t drunk and he couldn’t see she loathed to be the one to run into him drunk. But maybe he was blind then? That would account for why he came from the direction of the bar and couldn’t find it, can’t be from around here then. But something about him seemed just a bit off, maybe she would leave him seated by some of the Guard, they’d keep watch on the sword happy, what was his name? Reaver. “You’re here for the university then? You got classes tomorrow, my brother goes and they don’t care for your hangovers.” Now and again Theia patted herself, almost unconsciously, reassuring herself she was still there. Obviously she was but she couldn’t stop the prickling nor the urge to ensure her body was there, tugging and pressing at whatever feeling came from her gut.

[Reaver Riatal]

Reaver paused for a long few moments as he took in what she said, he wasn't sure how he felt about talking with a ghost. And now to be led by a ghost to his favorite drinking establishment. Though he did feel rather curious, silently wondering if his reimancy could harm a ghost. Chances are no, considering ghosts are, well ghostly. And unfortunately as far as he knew fire, even conjured with res, is still just fire. So he'll have to rely on his social abilities and politesse to at least try not to get haunted. Or whatever it is that ghosts can do to people, with a twitch of his eyebrow he thought it would be best to answer her. Stepping to face her side by side, the ball of flaming res remained a few feet away from him. Focusing his attention on the ball he drew it closer letting it light the way for both conversation and the transparent form before him. It was hard to pick up a lot of detail of her features. It was also difficult to focus on keeping the reaming res in the air and the conversation. If Reaver ever failed at magic he could at least pride himself with being a diligent and talented multitasker. With only a small and slightly awkward silence he proceeded to answer her questions.

"I've been here for about twenty days, I've drank from the taverns before and a lot more than once. It has a peculiar taste yet I find myself drawn to the intoxicating liquid. Besides its a lot cheaper than anything the market sells. And my eyes are fine, just a little difficulty seeing in the dark." The truth and lies, always a good combination. His eyes worked perfectly well in the dark, for a human's at least, but even in the light the largest problem was just trying to see the woman. Her form held consistency but it was just eerie being able to still see her and what was behind her. Honestly he'd rather be drunk and insane then sober and dealing with, this. He actually had no words for this situation, though he had a feeling he'd be spewing plenty of verbal excrement to a friend. "Thank you once more for showing me, I have more trouble with direction than anything else." Reaver smiled politely, even pulling down the front of his coat to show it. His sharp blue eyes trying to focus on the three things at once. A gust of wind came blowing the cold around his shield, causing it to ripple into view once more. Distracted the ball of res began to lose altitude. Quickly he turned his eyes to it, the dock had almost caught fire! Oh he'd have been in trouble for that. Though he'd have loved to feed the hungry little flame he had going. He loved the idea of not being imprisoned and working the rest of his days rebuilding what he had destroyed.

With his attention to her once more he smiled again. Listening to her before answering, his words carefully prepared. His pleasant tone gentle and polite, another attempt to avoid the ghost's wrath. "Ahh well I'm mostly unfamiliar with Zeltiva, as mentioned I'm terrible with directions and most of Zeltiva is still strange to me. Though I've already had an experience of almost being mugged before. Not quite so pleasant as our encounter this eve." He kept up his charm as much as he could. He watched her pat herself down, his mind worked up his imagination again. Could she realize she's not dead yet? If so that would be a major advantage. Because if she believed she was alive perhaps she wouldn't know of her ghostly abilities. And she might not try to haunt me. His imagination went wild at the thoughts this ethereal being might have. Sweat gleamed his brow, hidden slightly by the dimming light of the blazed res and his dark locks. Offering a gentle chuckle he mentioned for her to lead the way. "If you'd please, oh and as for the University. I am indeed here for lessons though I'm not yet signed up. So hangovers are the least of my worries. Mrs. Theia I must ask if you also frequent the Kelp Bar? A beautiful young lady surely has better things to do?" He kept trying to be as polite as possible, his fear firmly secured. Thanks to the grounding thought that if she thought she was still alive, she would not harm him. At least probably.

[Theia]

“You’re a stiff one aren’t you?” she looked at him curiously, he seemed so tense for someone about to go drinking, it all seemed to be confirming her urge to report him when they arrived. His behavior was simply too bazar. “But a maps all you need, they show you everything around here. Might want to ask one of the sailors, might even get one for free or trade. Though if your direction is as bad as you say that might not even be much help.” Theia teased him some more, it was strange to talk to someone, strange to not be going home but it was wonderful to not be at the docks. Every step away gave her a new relief and perhaps she would even take a drink before heading back. Reaver made her both suspicious and pleased, he knew how to talk as most university students did but he was too…too…smarmy? Still… “Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Reaver, but I don’t favor walking drunk and alone back to East street, I’m not that foolish. You’d be surprised at how little I have to do lately.” A note of irritation and sadness crept in, she felt so drained lately, sudden bursts of it and after dealing with people at the tavern all day she couldn’t stand to drink in one. Maybe she wouldn’t get a drink for even thinking of it marred her face into a frown. “But what of you?” she found her speech beginning to match his in formality, in carefulness, he did have a sword and magic after all, “A soon to be student should have more to do than learn to love the taste of our beer! No lady to keep you company?” Just ahead was the Kelp bar and that was all it took for her to want, to need, to be back at the docks. It was madness for her to be this ridiculous, she was not a child damn it all and she would stop behaving as such. And perhaps she had been propositioning him a little, strange man or no he was an attractive one. All the small talk was making her uncomfortable; she was never good at it. Her brother said it was because she had a loose tongue, at least she didn’t have his loose breeches! Theia would just set him with a guard table and let them know about the jumpy man, no need for any accidents. Then she would need to get home.

[Reaver Riatal]

Reaver only offered his charming smile again as his sharp blue eyes looked over at the partially visible woman. Reaver knew very well that she was teasing him, albeit a little mean but it was just teasing. With a careful and silent wonder he looked at her a little more carefully, it was hard to tell her facial features. The transparency of her person was playing with his eyes something fierce. Was she smiling? He couldn't quite tell himself, it was hard to see what she was feeling. Oh she was going to scare the shyke right out of a lot of patrons at the kelp bar. Quick as a whip, that was a great word to describe Reaver's mind, however he felt it stop and stall for a moment. There where no thoughts for a moment, it was pure and utter clarity. Then the next moment it was back and Reaver's smile turned a tad devious. It was a sight he would love to see actually! All the tough sailors and bulky shipbuilders turning pale as could be. Oh yes, yes he was going to like this trip to the bar. "Maps are all well and fine, unfortunately unless I recognize the buildings around me. Well lets just say although I'm a bright as Syna's light, I for some reason cannot find my way for the life of me."

Reaver offered a kind chuckle as he took the teasing in a more positive manner after inflating his ego a little. He listened to his new acquaintance, she was an interesting creature. Silently he was starting to wish she was alive, she would have been a very fun friend. And although his face remained unflinching in his ever joyous smile, inside he felt that pang of sadness. Like he had missed an amazing opportunity or screwed up in his use of reimancy. The feeling was quickly removed as his mind worked like the lighting that he could cast. A sentence was on his lips before he realized he was speaking it. "Well, a wise choice though I'm sure more than a few men would cry. Considering that most of the locals I've seen use only booze to" He paused and cleared his throat. "Get with a woman, lucky someone of your looks doesn't fall prey to their simple schemes." Another attempt at flattery, he was probably laying it on a little too thick again. But better safe than ghostified, did that word even exist? Well it did now, at least in Reaver's head it did and that's all that really mattered at the end of the day.

Reaver chuckled lightly and ran a black gloved hand through his hair, the ball of fire he had conjured had gone and died off. It was getting more difficult to tell the woman's facial features. And if he couldn't see them then it would be hard to make sure he was saying the right things. "Well I find the beer rather, entreating, I've yet to discover if I actually like the. The substance, you refer to as beer here. As for the women, well I've flirted with a few but nothing more. There are many women in Zeltiva, though I haven't found one that actually peeks my curiosity, or my intrigue." He looked at her with a calm and cool smile as they approached the door to the Kelp Bar. This was going rather well, and now that what light there was began to flood around them. He could see her features better now, still transparent. But enough that people will see her. Oh this was going to be so spectacular.