Closed The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Alija is about to be a very busy businesswoman.

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Known as the Celestial Seat, Nyka is a religious city in Northern Sylira. Ruled by four demigods and traversed by a large crevice, the monk-city is both mystical and dangerous. [Lore]

The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Azmere on April 4th, 2016, 12:22 am

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The VanCurracas estate was far more elaborate than most of the other homes in the area. Nyka was a city that was built with symmetry and thus many homes, even the nicer ones were of equal size and stature. What made this particular residence stand above the rest was the elaborate landscaping and massively expensive additions. The windows were all trimmed in bronzed pieces that were etched and filigreed with elaborate designs. A huge garden of sculptured bushes and trees lined a brick walkway where several finely made statues leaned out to touch the visitors. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the home was one often overlooked. Amidst the glam and glitz of jeweled flower boxes and small ponds of exotic fish, the front doors invited the most speculation. Carved completely by hand from a time that goes back farther than any can remember, these massive pieces of black wood could withstand a second Valterrian and they depict the rise of the Celestials into Ukala. Each was nine and half feet tall, six feet wide and almost a foot thick. The hinges ran the entire height and huge bronze rings hung for guests to knock.

Once the ring was crashed into the wood, the echoing thump would rouse an attendant from the small guard house adjacent to the doors. A stout man with red cheeks and tired eyes hustled out and stood there gazing over the small woman who had come to his masters’ home. She seemed plain and that just didn’t fit with the vastly wealthy and political family. They had power and influence, what possible use could this commoner be to the great patriarch? It was odd but not the attendant’s place to judge. He was just a simple man who had been treated well by the affluent VanCurracas. He bowed politely to Alija and Theagans. “Welcome and state your business, please.”

Theagans was impressed by all of the fancy landscaping and craftsmanship that went into the property but he could smell the cigar smoke of the strange man who had placed the order. They were certainly in the right place but he could not see the cloud of smoke or the hat which would give the fiend away. He turned his head to look at Alija and gently placed his hand in the small of her back to usher her forwards. The work they had done recently had really confused him on where he stood with her but he loved every minute of it. Sometimes he wished his tongue was as quick as his sword but then he wouldn’t be the same man. When the attendant addressed them, he would let Alija answer. For now, he was merely content to observe. It wasn’t every day one got the chance to stand on a lawn that cost more than any ship he had sailed upon. A smile crept over his face as a few thoughts ran through his mind but he never let his eyes wander too far from the woman next to him.
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Alija on April 6th, 2016, 8:39 pm

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The VanCurracas estate was beautiful. It was exactly what Alija strived to had, that she dreamed and planned of while working on simple, menial tasks. Elaborate beauty, sculpted bushes and fine statues, mighty front doors echoing riches and status. She took a moment to run her figners down the carvings on the door, then wrapped her hand around the heavy bronze ring, feeling the solid metal in her grasp. She let it crash against the door, a thump resounding as she took an intake of breath, stepping back and feeling all at once small.

A short man opened it, judging her with tired eyes. She looked upon him, trying to appear important, but her nervous fingers playing with her clothes betrayed her. Her eyes darted around, trying to see into the estate, before realising he had asked a question. Alija stuttered with the words, finally introducing herself.

"I am.. I am Alija, Alija Piper. I was commissioned to make a carriage base, and have brought it with me to deliver it," she rattled out, taking a deep breath at the end of it all. This was terrifying, when she should have been brave. She felt Thegans' hand against her back and felt reassured, speaking again, much slower. "I own the Ocean's Forge, and this is Thegans, an assistant." Not really, but it was the best thing she could say. A friend who she housed who helped her occasionally was too much to explain.

Her eyes moved back to the distance, trying to take in what was there. Hopefully, this man wouldn't make their arrival too much of a bother, and simply let them in. Here was to hoping. Alija would wait until the man who greeted them said something, before acting. She wasn't confident enough to exert herself, not at all.
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Azmere on April 7th, 2016, 11:18 pm

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The doorman nodded as the woman introduced herself. He gave Theagans a stern once over during the course of Alija’s explanation. The hustled shuffle of little feet brought a message to the ears of the attendant. The woman hustled away and the man stepped aside opening the massive door wide. With a bow and the wave of his arm he ushered Alija and Theagans inside then closed the door behind them. He walked past them, “right this way” and led them through the house.

The first room was a small entryway with fancy candle holders on the walls and rack for many coats and hats. It didn’t seem like anything special but it opened into a great room with high ceilings. There were large windows along both sides that allowed Syna’s light in to reflect upon crystal structures that send the glow into every corner. If Syna had a temple, one could imagine that it would be lit in a similar manner. The rafters were exposed but ornately carved with the faces of the four quarters of Nyka. Triple crown and base moldings lined every corner of the hardwood floors and tin tile ceiling. There was not one single item in th room that was plain, unadorned or simple. Some might think such a massive amount of froo-froo would be tacky but the deisgn was a singular vision that not only conveyed a massive wealth but also an incredible taste and style that most would never see or realize.

The butler moved to the center of the room and then turned right towards a set of painted glass doors. The artwork was that of an outdoor garden and depending on one’s angle from the light, some of the birds, flower and trees seemed to come to life. He opened them both inward, stepped back and bowed once more. “Mister VonCurracus will meet you in the study.” The man motioned for them to enter the room and then closed the doors behind them.

The study was a wonder all to itself. It had no windows but a solid glass roof. The walls were covered in rows and rows of books on the right side and back. On the left were maps of Mizahar, Nyka, the seas, the stars, drawings of the gods and many other wonderful things. There were several comfortable looking couches, some fine chairs and a handful of tables scattered about the place. The room itself was probably as large as the Ocean’s Forge if all of it were laid out into a single room. Every fourth foot, a brass support would cross the glass of the ceiling and from these supports hung crystalline structures of all colors that sent shimmering orbs of light around the room. In the very center, though, was the single most magnificent thing, so adequately placed to attract the attention of everyone who entered. It was a statue of crystal, glass, metal and earth of the four Alvinas holding up a scale model of the city of Nyka. It was roughly ten feet across and six feet high. There was a rotund platform built around it with steps leading up so that all could ascend and marvel at its beauty. Under close scrutiny, there was a simple shop nestled near the water with a sign that read “Ocean’s Forge” and there was a figurine of a map with a dark coat and hat placed outside of the business.

Several chimes went by, perhaps twenty or more for Alija and Theagans to browse the study before the glass doors opened once more and a simple looking man with a confident air walked into the room unescorted. “Greetings, Miss Alija. I am Byron VonCurracus and so pleased to finally meet you.” He walked right up and extended his hand in greeting. For the house he kept, the order he placed and how it was made; the man simply did not add up to expectations. He was medium height, medium build and moderately attractive bt there was nothing about him that was extraordinary. He was just…a guy.
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Alija on April 10th, 2016, 11:21 am

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The inside of the house was beautiful, even more beautiful, perhaps, than the outside, with large open windows and artwork everywhere depicting the four quarters. It conveyed wealth and power, and Alija found herself wanting it more than ever. This was what she was made for. This was what she would have, soon enough.

The study was even more of a wonder, Syna's light now coming from above. There were books and maps, chairs and tables of the finest quality. Alija found herself drawn to the shelves, looking upon them for some sort of insight on the owner. Would he have ancient novels, academic texts, on magic or on Mizahar?

Her eyes drifted from the map of Nyka to the one detailing the ocean she had sailed to get there, but then settled in the middle, the large statue and city. That was something truly beautiful. Following Thegans up, she moved above to marvel at the intricate details of the houses and buildings in Nyka. There was the Celestial Palace - and there, almost as beautiful as it was in real life, the headquarters of the monks of Xannos. Her eyes moved to where the ocean was, then trailed along the paths, searching for one shop in particular.

There. Alija frowned at it, moving over to take a closer look. It appeared to be so... Alija reached out, gently picking the figurine up. It was unmistakeably the man who had visited her, with the dark coat and hat. She stared at it some more, confused why he had this. Did he plan everything out using the great model of the city? Examining the model some more, she tried to uncover some sort secret behind it.

A voice startled her, Alija moving her hand to quickly replace the figurine as if she had never taken it. Of course, the move was obvious, but she still tried, turning around quickly with her hands tucked behind her back.

She was a little surprised at his appearance, so unlike Julius who had appeared the figure of wealth he was. This Byron was so ordinary, it shocked her a little, but she still took his hand, trying not to let it show. "Pleased to meet you," she managed to get out, surprisingly confidently. Perhaps it was the simple appearance of him that made her feel less in awe. "I was just admiring the model of Nyka. The detail is simple exquisite."

She nodded, then remembered why she had come in the first place, "But I'm certain you don't want to talk about that. I have the piece you ordered, just here." She moved down from the platform, to where the carriage sat, cloth over it. She revealed it, hoping he would be impressed. After all, the carriage had taken a lot of work. At least she was proud of it.
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Azmere on April 17th, 2016, 10:42 pm

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The man walked slowly about the room as if he still found time to admire his creation as if for the first time. He didn’t mind that she didn’t shake her hand but Theagans quickly reached around and offered his firm grip as a replacement. Lord Byron appreciated the effort by the young man and returned the gesture with a kind smile. The old man’s ears perked as he listened to the young smith. He nodded and oved to the walk around his scale model of the city. His eyes bounced around various locations and one could see the man connecting the dots behind his eyes. He walked with slow, deliberate steps around the ring and paused only to regard the eyes of his guests. Alija was admiring her work and Byron could respect that; the affection she showed towards her trade. This was the single most qualifying factor for his next statement.

The benefactor of the project stepped down and moved to look over the wagon base. It was very well made; the girl was gifted as he had been lead to believe. He took calculating gazes making figures move in his mind as if he was pushing them around on his city model playground. He gave several nods and made some mumbling sounds to himself. Obviously, the rich man was feeling good about his investment. Of course, an investment indicated some type of payment. The VonCurracas patriarch moved about in languid fashion until he came to stand not far from Alija and her male companion. He studied them both for a moment and then nodded twice. “It’s perfect for what I need.” He smiled suddenly and then began pacing again. The incredibly rich and powerful man was also quite quirky.

“I have a proposition for you, Miss Alija.” He gave her a very penetrating stare. “Now for the matter of your compensation. My man tells me that you make a good wage and I’m more than happy to pay you what you feel you deserve.” The brilliance of the man was revealed when he was negotiating terms. “Of course, I have other means of repayment; for instance, I know people who can help you with your little quest.” Byron moved away from them and stood up over the model city and peered at his own residence. Without looking to address their unspoken questions, he continued. “Nothing happens in my city that I don’t know something about, you understand.” He spun on his heel and a dark shadow covered his expression but quickly passed. It was certainly more than a hint that he was indeed powerful. He lowered his gaze to the woman . “I leave the choice to you.”
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Alija on May 2nd, 2016, 10:38 am

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The man moved around with calculated glances, joining up parts of the map with some unknown motive. Then he looked over at them with a smile, making her almost forget why she had feared him in the first place. The unsettled feeling, the drastic measures, the cold blade she carried, just in case. They didn't seem to make sense, not with this man. He was so normal and nice.

He stated her creation was perfect, then began pacing. Alija grinned, delighted with her work, then stopped, thinking over it. What did he need it for? A carriage? Or was it a test, of sorts? The request for the weapons first, that made her doubt the obvious reason. Something greater was still happening here, something she didn't understand. Honestly, Alija didn't know whether she wanted to get involved. She was curious - definitely curious - but scared, too. She was a blacksmith. Not someone who got mixed up in the finer doings of the rich. Even if she hoped to join their ranks one day.

The man offered to pay her what she felt she deserved. Alija's eyes widened at the prospect of money. She had almost forgotten it, with her interest in the actual creation. To her, the real payment was the creation, and being the creator. Of course, she wasn't going to let anyone know that. This could be worth a hundred mizas, more, if she asked for it. But he had another proposition. Alija found herself focus in on her breathing, letting djed run up her arms, tingling as it met her eyes and focused in on the man. To an untrained eye, she simply appeared to be watching him as he talked, something normal. To other aurists, other her level, they would know she was focusing in on his aura, the swirling patterns around him. It told her things, many things. That he was telling the truth. That he knew about her mother, about her search for her. It unnerved Alija, how he knew about both. She had tried so hard to hide it, just as much as she had tried to hide her father. Did he know about him too?

As she pushed further with the auristics, she tried to bury into it, forcing her way through the layers. It took time and he continued to explain, Alija fighting to uncover just how much he knew. Would the aura even tell her? She wasn't certain. His intent shifted to his house, the little model. Then she stopped, overcome with fatigue. She shouldn't have focused so hard. She knew that. Yet Alija also knew that she needed to know.

She needed to know where her mother was. Money was tempting, but she knew it was the wrong choice. "Help me," she said simply, trying to keep her gaze on him and hide the fatigue, "Help me find her." Her gaze lowered, taking a deep breath. She needed to find her mother.
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The Ties That Bind [Alija]

Postby Azmere on May 4th, 2016, 9:47 pm

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Alija
Experience

  • Observation: +5
  • Socialization: +5
  • Blacksmithing: +5
  • Leadership: +4
  • Organization: +3
  • Auristics: +3
  • Teaching: +3
  • Business: +2
  • Weaponsmithing: +2
  • Investigation: +2
  • Sewing: +1
  • Tactics: +1
Lore

  • There's nothing funny about the Aperture
  • Alija: Takes offense to being overlooked because she’s a woman
  • Alija: Doesn’t flirt with rude people
  • Leadership: Delegation is key for bigger projects
  • Alija: Loves her work
  • Blacksmithing: Working with Lead
  • Weaponsmithing: Turning a tool into a weapon
  • Alija: Prefers unique items to quantity production
  • Theagans: Perfect timing
  • Sewing: Sometimes it’s best to start over
  • Nothing is what it seems
  • Theagans: A friend but much more
  • Business: The direct approach is best
  • Alija: Dislikes smokers
  • Tactics: Offering a substitute
  • Business: Conferring with others on large tasks
  • Organization: Prep well to make a job smoother
  • Blacksmithing: Making an axle
  • Blacksmithing: Making a spring
  • Teaching: Recognizing acceptable levels of craftsmanship in an apprentice
  • Blacksmithing: Nuts & Bolts
  • Alija: Pride in work yields satisfaction in creation
  • Alija: Has big goals in life
  • Alija: Appreciates finery
  • Some choices are harder than others
  • Alija: Payment is secondary to creation
  • Alija: Seeks answers
Item Log

  • +15 Laats
  • -6# Lead
  • -10# Steel
  • +45 Laats
  • +40 Laats
Notes

  • I had a blast doing this. You're a fantastic and entertaining writer! Once things get a little more stable for the two of us, we can move on to part two!
  • Let me know if I missed anything!
  • Enjoy your loot!
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