Closed The More You Know

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

Day 23 of Spring 516AV

Brandon made his way through the streets of Zintia peak, where people were walking by with a slightly faster pace than usual, not quite willing to be out in the rain for too long. The bat could understand very well; the sky was a never-ending grey blanket of clouds where Syna hid behind, only taking a quick glance at the world below for a couple chimes at a time. During those moments, the rain ceased for a bit, and the temperature rose ever so slightly, but the Goddess’s rays alone were enough to make people feel as if it was just that tad bit warmer than before. Immediately afterwards though, she vanished from sight once more, Lhavit becoming a little darker, greyer, and wetter. Whether she found it a laughing matter or not, it felt like a cruel prank, making the city’s hope flare, only to stab them in the back and let rain fall down once more.

And it was cold too! Damn, if not for the knowledge it was Spring, Brandon would have thought it Fall, or even Winter. The start of the season had had snow, and now temperatures were low enough for Fall, and the amount of rain was more than fitting for said season. The only thing he was missing now was a heightened libido and the urge to mate with just about any suitable female in the vicinity. He sighed, passing a mother dragging her child along, her futile attempts to stop her kid to jump into the shallow puddles only met with failure. One of the jumps splashed water onto the bat’s pants, and he shot the boy a killing glare. The woman gave the thief a dirty glance as her child hid behind her skirts. Brandon snorted.

His brisk pace carried him away from the mother and child duo, and through the alleys and streets quickly, but he wasn’t running. Annoying as it was, running wouldn’t help one bit. He’d be drenched all the same when he arrived, so it wouldn’t make that much of a difference. Well, except the difference in time of arrival would mean a difference in time spent in a dry and warm place, somewhere inside, near a hearth preferably. Fortunately, the Dusk Tower was situated on the Zintia peak also, and the walk there wasn’t as nearly as long as it could have been if he had been heading for, say, the Twilight Tower.

Syna showed her face once more, and Brandon was grateful for it, knowing he would at least not be as wet as he otherwise might have been. The thought was pushed away immediately though; the naivety of it was almost sickening. For the brief moment the sun graced the city with her warm rays, his coat wouldn’t dry, nor would his hair, and it would hardly make a difference in the end, when rain started to fall again after a chime or two, and he’d be cold and wet once more. Or more accurately, he’d continue to be cold and wet.

Surprisingly though the Goddess did not leave to hide behind Makutsi’s clouds again during Brandon’s walk to the Tower, instead letting her light fall onto Mizahar, even though the blanket of grey did weaken her radiance every so often. But it remained dry, and the bat did arrive at the tower with slightly higher spirits than during his journey.

The double wooden doors were pushed open -the left one by Bran’s left hand, and the right one by his right respectively- to make for a more satisfying entrance than only using one half of the opening. Sadly, the entrance had lead him into a long hallway where no-one was present. Ah well. The hall lead to what seemed to be a garden, and Brandon was quite sure he wouldn’t find the person he was looking for there. On his left there were stairs however, and the Kelvic started climbing those without a second thought. If he wouldn’t find him on the first floor either, then he’d just move further upwards –unless he found someone to ask for the man’s whereabouts.

His name was unknown to Brandon, but as his information came from rumors and gossip and eavesdropping, that wasn’t a huge surprise. More interestingly, said rumors had handled about a new tutor employed by the Dusks, one that was not part of the house himself. According to some Dusk Tower students having a picnic in the Alheas, the new tutor was not liked by any of his own students. Brandon hadn’t listened after that however, all he had needed to know was that the man existed, and that he wasn’t part of the Dusk house. He’d spied a way to get his information without having to pay for a whole season of tuition, though he was fully aware he’d have to bargain to get what he wanted. And hard too, as according to multiple Dusk students, this tutor was more interested in bullying his pupils than giving them confidence in their abilities, and he didn’t look like he desired to be teaching anything at all. Still, it was worth a shot. Perhaps the notion that Brandon did not have any desire to learn and use the magic himself would appease the man.

A desk was found on the first floor, and Brandon approached the secretary, quickly gaining the man’s attention. “I’m looking for the new tutor,” the thief stated, adding, “Young, thin, tall, disgruntled, and disliked by most of the student body?” The man raised an eyebrow, his face straight, though his amusement obvious. “That would be Thomas Cosa,” he replied, giving the bat a name to go with the description. “What business do you have with him? Are you looking for tuition? Might I then refer you to-”
“That won’t be necessary, thank you. I just have something to discus with him.”
“Hm. He should be around here somewhere…” he started sifting through some files plucked from a drawer, which did not have any relation to the Kelvic, Thomas, or anything else concerning either of them.

“Well, I’m sure he’s teaching someone at the moment, so he’s probably busy. Do you want me to leave a message? Or will you come back another time?” Brandon frowned, not too sure what to do. The latter was doomed to be a repeat of this time, of that he was sure, however, he didn’t want to leave a message either. “Ah, my apologies,” the clerk said then, looking past Brandon into the hallway, “it seems I was mistaken. There he is.” He waved the lanky mage over, gathered some documents and tapped them against the desk to organize them into a neat pile. “Mister Cosa, you have a visitor,” he spoke then, once the new tutor was close enough so he didn’t have to raise his voice needlessly.

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Thomas Cosa]

"Again, Donald, please explain. I just can't simply understand why you believe yourself so special? You've routinely scored lowly on examines, you've no magical talent as far as I can see, and now I've heard rumors that you're putting the blame on me?" Thomas asked, his voice unexpectedly chipper and light as he questioned the red-headed man, pale and freckled and cursed with an unfortunate disposition to smiling. Gods, Thomas hated him; from day one he'd blabbed about how excited he was to be learning magic, and how blessed and privileged he was to be in here, all the way from some farming village to one of the founding towers.

"I wouldn't blame you, sir, I - I just think that, maybe, uh...," Donald started, stumbling his way into a pause.

"Donald, you idiot, you know that I can actually see you try to come up with an excuse?" Thomas laughed, all pearls and bubbles. It was impressive how slow Donald was, how delightfully yellow and molasses his aura trickled, fuzzing about his head in a pickled crown as he tried ever so to think of something that might force Thomas to back down. "I mean, if you'd the decenty to come prepared, to at least try to trick me, well, that's one thing," he paused, seemingly considering the hearty once farmer before him. Honestly, he did have something to him, the tinge of purple that hinted at the coming of Djed. Thomas had wondered if he'd managed something, and only just never been able to replicate it in class. Oh, well. Donald was soon not to be his problem any more. "But that was always your problem, wasn't it? You never seemed to try anything outside of class, and now, look at you? Half way back to the farm, empty handed and a failure. I bet your parents must be so thrilled, to have another mouth to feed," he sighed, shrugged and walked out of his classroom unbothered and relived to be one student less. It had surprised him, initially, at how many Lhavitans were willing to play pretend at mage. Now, he only wished they would give in to the fears of the rest of the world, and leave him well and good alone.

Thomas glided down the hall, his spell smacking ungracefully against anyone and everything that he passed. Potted plants, smugly green and vibrant under the caring touch of the passively bland staff that stalked the halls; students, coral and grey bundles of stressed energies, bouncing and mingling as they chatted amongst themselves; other professors, more stable than he, magical jades and purples mingling in a harmonious melody. He held his chin up, higher and more deliberate than rest, remembering himself their better and their envy. Thomas did his job well, despite what the rumors said -- after all, his students that did stay were talents, geniuses, and exceptional, the ones that stayed anyway. Sure, they hated him, but they were damn good aurists.

He was happily considering how he would try and make Izuyanai upset this time when someone called him over -- and as usual, his magic was far more interested than he. Thomas had long since grown aware of the desk clerc's aura, as dull and boring as they were, but his visitor had an aura of far more interest. Complex in the way Izuyanai's had been, a soft dense fur covering and hard-to-catch blackness made up the majority of the stranger's aura. There was an intense curiosity, shining pinprick lights that mimicked stars; something Thomas would have enjoyed in his classes. There was more to the man, his magic eagerly slurped up his aura, but Thomas would have to wait.

Introductions were to be had.

"And here I was, stupidly thinking I would know any visitors that called me at my place of work!," Thomas smiled thinly, his eyes shooting at the desk clerk like daggers. He was never happy to be bothered at work, not be strangers or students. "You, at least know who I am, but who are you?" He asked, his added mood making him sound more pompous than ever.

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

The tutor was annoyed, Brandon could see that clearly enough, even without the aid of magical means. Though mundane, his observations were usually pretty accurate, using the telltale signs of body language and tone of voice to read his targets. Of course, Brandon had not perfected the skill, but his Kelvic heritage, and occupation had made him rather adept at it. What good a pickpocket would he be if he couldn’t read his targets even a tad bit? Snatching their wallets without being aware they were on their guards, thus leading to his immediate arrest. Or well, you know, a mad dash for freedom.

For a couple ticks he studied the man before him, noticing the eyes just as black as his own. Otherwise, the aurist was almost identical to the description given by the rumors. Tall, lanky, grumpy-looking. Physically, the man was no threat, and Brandon very much doubted he’d use any sort of flashy magic such as Reimancy in public, if he even had that magic to his disposal. That did not mean however that he couldn’t use other magical abilities that were easier hidden from the mundane sight. Brandon was quite sure he did need to be on the lookout for any such tricks the man might pull. He was wary, though not that much more than usual when meeting people.

“I am Djas,” the Kelvic spoke, introducing himself with his alias out of habit, though he did not really regret it. There were few people who knew him as Brandon Blackwing, and even fewer knew him as Incognito. By far the majority of people the bat met knew him as Djas, and that suited him just fine. He felt a whole lot safer that way, as some individuals –who didn’t see him in a good light- wouldn’t be able to figure out where he lived by investigating the official documents. Heck, as far as the officials knew, there was no Djas. He didn’t exist. That was good, that was safe.

Brandon frowned at the tone Thomas had used, not caring much for pompous snobs. “I was hoping to get some chimes of your time to discuss something. In private, preferably.” He raised an eyebrow at the tutor while awaiting his reply, eyes darting to the clerk once too, but the man seemed rather busy with his work again. “Perhaps somewhere nearby too, as you obviously are a man with a tight schedule, always hard at work.” He smirked briefly, “As my unexpected presence here seems to have soured your mood.” Possibly even more than it had been already, if the rumors held a grain of truth in them, that is. Though, his first impression was determining the gossip was sticking close the original source. For the moment, he didn't believe it to be a good thing.

"It pertains your classes, should it interest you."

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Thomas Cosa]

Djas wasn't his name.

Two things happened almost immediately after the stranger introduced himself. One, Thomas' magic reacted, twisting and turning over the surprisingly deft aura, squeezing whatever information it could straight out like a python squeezed life out of it's prey. Djas, or whoever he was, was impressively quick; whether intentional or not, his aura danced around Thomas' advances, always quicker than his spell. He wondered, momentairly if Djas was like Alses, a master of Auristics, until he caught one of his colors -- a bright turpid yellow that bled slowly, like molasses as his magic pierced it; annoyance.

He almost laughed -- had he done something already?

And two, Thomas realized this was not a man to be trusted. His lie was hardly caught by Thomas, so either the man believed this to be his true name, which Thomas doubted, or he was a well praticed liar. If he had failed to catch such an obvious lie with his magic, there was little to way to ensure anything this person said in conversation.

"Yes; I do at least try to keep busy working at my job," Thomas offered, his only invitation a quick nod as he made his way back to his offices. Dusk tower had proven completely empty, save the aurists themselves, of any kind of recording devices. Sahova alone had walls that could hear and spill your secrets. He'd entertained the idea of bugging the place himself, but decided against it -- it wasn't like he could lie or mislead Ald'gare of his intentions. Or Alses, for that matter.

They passed the same plants, and as far as Thomas cared, the same people on their way back. So much of everyone was the same here; they worked hard, they studied, they progressed, and then they left. Or became professors. For whatever reason, people seemed to fall in love with the Dusk tower and it's family. Laria warned him against this, claiming it some kind of perverse trick, something about learning to care for your oppressors -- not that Thomas had felt the same way. Ald'gare had promised him safety and peace. Laria only cared to cling to the scars that marked them both from Sahova.

"So, Djas," Thomas said, a playful melody inflating his tone. He would play along with the name, at least for now. There wasn't anything particularly upsetting about the man's aura, aside the duality that marked him as a Kelvic. Izuyanai, luckily for the stranger, had long dismissed the long-held notion that Kelvics were inferior. Some, potentially the man before him, could be smart. "I would love to here about whatever has brought your attention to me, a simple professor," he started, offering Djas a seat as he sat down behind his desk. "I believe most people get their questions answered as they pay tuition, so I'm assuming you aren't interested in learning Auristics? ," Thomas asked, his eyes sharp with curiosity as he pricked and prodded at the aura. Something faded with old blood covered his back, a scar perhaps? But from what? He was obviously fit, but he hid it, strangely. A thousand and more questions popped up from each detail he fished out of the Kelvic's aura, which made him all the more interesting. "I would also love to know what piqued your interest about my classes, especially. Most people, I find, would like nothing more than to avoid them all together," Thomas smirked, fondly remembering stupid Donald. Pity that the animator hadn't stayed long enough to see the idiot cry.

[Brandon Blackwing]

x

A nod was the only sign that the bat’s words had been considered, and his request had been accepted. Thomas turned around and led the way back to what –Brandon could only assume- was a spot the Dusk Tower’s newest tutor could enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, in private, where he wouldn’t be bothered, and where he wouldn’t be overheard by casual passersby. Brandon wasn’t willing to let the Dusks find out about his inquiries, even though he wasn’t quite sure if it was actually allowed or not. Perhaps it was, maybe it wasn’t. Lhavit was fairly open about magic, but that did not mean that the mages –let alone the Tower families, which were without a doubt the most powerful in the city in terms of ability- were willing to share their knowledge and tricks with people who were not a mage themselves, nor were desiring to be one.

And that was exactly why he’d thought of approaching this particular tutor. According to Brandon’s information, Thomas was still relatively new to the city, and had no connection to the Dusk house except for his occupation. As he’d based his conclusions on rumors though, there was a large chance there were many things he didn’t know about. Peculiarities, less obvious connections. There was also a chance that Thomas wouldn’t be willing to tell Brandon anything, but if he wanted to get the information he needed and desired, this man was his best bet. Or so the thief believed.

Thomas wasn’t buying the alias, Brandon could tell well enough. There was a slight change in the tutor’s tone when he spoke it, a slight tilt in it that he was sure his voice wouldn’t have had if he’d thought it his name. Kaik, for example, hadn’t had such a change tone, nor had Levi. However, neither of them had been schooled in auristics; Levi would have told him, no doubt, and Kaik would have used it on him already if he had possessed the magic. The bat suppressed a grin, more amused than bothered. Whether Thomas knew about Djas being an alias or not, his true name remained hidden. With a hint of a smirk, Brandon sat himself down in the chair, analyzing the look in the Aurist’s eyes as he posed his questions. It was a spark of intense curiosity, one that usually did burn in the Kelvic’s as well.

“I am, indeed, not interested in learning Auristics,” he agreed, glad that the tutor was quick to catch on. Good. A clever person usually had their own mind they followed, and not someone else’s they were blindly led by. Which, in turn, probably meant that they had their own agenda, their own plans. Thomas Cosa should have those too, if the bat’s reasoning was sound. “But I do wish to learn about it.” He made a gesture with his left hand. “As they say; knowledge is power. So, the more you know…” Bran didn’t bother to finish his sentence, letting it trail off, the intent clear. He leaned back in his seat comfortably, steepling his fingers.

“Your classes in particular interest me,” the thief spoke, deciding not to bet around the bush, or make excuses an aurist would see through as if they were glass, “because, one, you are not a Dusk. Two, you are new to the city. And three, you did get a spot as a tutor despite those two points.” He raised an eyebrow at the man. “Which is quite a curious happening. For as far as I know, people who did not belong to the Dusk Tower –either as part of the family, or as a student- aren’t regularly accepted.” Brandon didn’t ask anything, but it was clear that he was more than curious to know about it.

x

credit goes to Euthisa

[Thomas Cosa]

Djas had come to negotiate information; suddenly, Thomas found himself in a much more agreeable mood.

"Not very subtle, Mr. Djas," Thomas began, his tone more careful and polite than before, "But yes, as you so correctly observed, I am neither a Dusk, nor was I a student at this institution," he replied, offering only a simple nod of affirmation. His own magic began tearing desperately through Djas' own aura, forcing it open to his inspection and inquiries. Djas, whoever he was, had started the negotiations in a far more favorable position that Thomas, whether the stranger knew it or not. Djas had already shown he knew more than a few things about Thomas, and about the Tower's previous hires, while the animator had little besides his own magic to help him guess at Djas' own identity. Avalis may offer him a vision, if She willed it, but his own gnosis magic was wildly random when it came to his deliberate use. For now, his Auristics and his experience would have to be enough.

"I applaud your efforts to educate yourself, Mr. Djas," he said, watching closely for any change in the Kelvic's aura. Anyone who came to broker information with alias was hardly a stranger to the more underhanded human natures, and thus, someone to watch. Still, it hardly met that such a person shouldn't be considered useful! "But I do think you should know that my classes, theoretical or practical, are hardly free," he paused, tapping his finger lightly against his chin. It was for obvious effect, a hint of drama that Thomas so loudly appreciated, "As you said, 'knowledge is power' and what comes from power gained freely? Nothing short of abuse, and hardly any appreciation for what is had, I'd tell you," Thomas shook his head, adding emphasis to his statements, "So, I wonder, you surely understood that the classes here aren't free. You must have understood that the Tower is a business," his words were crisp and pointed, "I would assume you've come with some kind of offer then? Perhaps you were hoping to educate an obvious foreigner about the oh-so-different Lhavitian culture and peoples?" he asked, subtly trying to show what he expected in return. Negotiations, were after all, a careful dance. Most of the time, anyway.