A Vantha's Place (Flicker)

[Darren]

78th of Summer, Year 511 (Midday) The Valintar was really something to be admired. Never before did the small Vantha ever seen such a majestic structure that big. Towering higher then any hold in Avanthal the building seemed to be the epitome and pride of the Inarta. Spending most of his time gawking at the structure alongside his new companion. He would barely have time to relax and get used to the dignified air that the place demanded. Reflections of light glimmered in different hues in every step and when he finaly stood still was he able to pick out 10 or even 12 distinct colors from the given light and angle. But he had to focus, he had to get himself registered, get a job, a meal schedule as fast as he can. Not wanting to make others wait wasn't his style as he breathed in quietly. Above him he could hear the crying of a bird, though he didn't want to see. Already he found he had a severe dislike, superstition even, with the feathered beasts. Twindling his thumbs ineffectually, he looked back and forth as he saw the man he would have to see. Half wondering if he had to be the one to approach him, he half-raised his hand before closing it hesitantly. I wonder if he speaks Vani like the gatekeeper he thought as he watched Kaden Avin do his daily motions.

[Flicker]

Kaden glanced up as the young Vantha entered the reception area, his quill pausing for only a moment in its even scratching against the parchment of the thick tome spread over the desk. The well used tools of running the city, counting gadgets, books, ledgers, extended around the large desk in neat order on masterfully crafted furniture. A lone bird, large, waited in beautiful plumage on a perch strategically placed on the office. Its keen eye, sharp enough to see into the very soul of the superstitious Vantha, closely inspected the newcomer when Kaden finished his task and waved the boy in. Setting the quill next to the ink pot, a leathery hand closed the tome and slid it toward the end of the desk as though to illustrate the owner's focus on the impromptu meeting. Brilliant eyes, unchanging no matter the mood, glowed with a kindness that Darren shouldn't expect to find often in the walls of the volcano. If he had practice at all in reading eyes beyond just the tell tale coloring. "Welcome to Wind Reach, lad." And, having concluded the pleasantries, continued on to what really mattered. "How long are you planning your stay with us and on what business do you visit?" Kaden listened, fingers extending to find a mostly empty tea cup and lift it to his lips. "Ah, long enough to warrant a caste and a job." The delicate glass cup clinked softly as he returned it to its saucer to free up his hands to pull an even thicker volume from a shelf to his left. Leather creaked in protest and pages crinked in dangerous threat of crumbling. Well accustomed to the care necessary for the ledger, he flipped it open with ease and took up the quill once more. "Tell me, then, what skills have you?"

[Darren]

"Thirty days, possibly more. I have come to broaden my horizons and learn much about the mysterious world" he answered in a rehearsed speech. That was the plan at least. Already his first day and Wind Reach showed him a so many things that he doubt he have his fill before moving on. Architecture, living on a upraised terrain, looking as if they carved into the mountain itself. This city and it's people seemed to be full of surprises he noted as he took a quick glance at the girl gazing over him. Kaden quickly snapped Darren to attention as he perused though an heavy ledger. They even have books, I have never seen so many in one place he mused as he took look at the shelf. ...seems like I really am not in Avanthal anymore he thought as he heard Kaden's query. "I am very strong, I train regularly but job is a masseuse. I was borne into Avanthal's medical family and grew up to learn how to ease the tension of others." he pursed his lips as he wondered if he had anything more to say. "Is there a magic registry? I remember reading that there are some cities that need one. I am also wanting to learn magic theory, maybe. What do the Inarta use?" he asked as he leaned forward. Perhaps he could learn a bit about the Suvan, the complexities of magic and live decently if this man would allow it.

[Flicker]

Thick fingers, gnarled from years of hard labor but softened by recent years as a bureaucrat, adeptly flipped to the correct page as the Vantha outlined his experience. One finger dragged down the page, thin chapped lips moving in silent recitation of the words he read until he came to the correct entry. Abruptly those clear eyes snapped up and caught Darren fast, the charismatic and commanding man stilling as his entire attentions swivelled to the Vantha. "Reimancy? What magics are you skilled in?" Not many magic skilled visitors came to share their skills with the Inarta. Well, not many that they could use. A lesser man would have shown the apprehension flickering through him, they really only had need for one or two different kinds of magic and everything else could stay the petch out of their city. Flux was one of them. Disappointment only flashed across his face for the briefest of moments before his casual demeanor returned and eyes dropped back to searching the page. "The majority of our magic users are stone reimancers," he said shortly, not picking up on the earnesty with which Darren spoke of learning more. "They hold importance in our city, it won't be hard to find them." "Now, I'll need you to report to the Dreaming Lady, the Tisserand sisters run it. Ask for Chemar. Massuese skills will be prized there. However, if they don't need help, report to Aidara at the infirmary. If she doesn't need help either... What other skills do you have?"

[Darren]

He drew back as he heard that Reinmancy was the major magic in the region. It wasn't that Darren didn't like it, he just really didn't knew too much about it. "Ah very good. Learning is very important." He said avoiding the question for a moment. "That is very nice I do not know much of Reinmancy. Friend back home used it. Not very nice. Better here?" he smiled as he gave his noncommittal poke on the subject. "I just ask because of ice. I know how to work with it" he explained as he showed the snowflake like tattoo given to him by the Ice Queen. Otherwise satisfied with his diversion from other magic he went to continue. "I thought you might need help from a Vantha for it. Moving it to better place? Maybe help clean houses or move ice but now maybe not a good time" he continued as he laughed nervously. Should have quit while you were ahead. It's the summer you dolt he criticized mentally all while trying to pass himself off as normal to Kaden. He would nod as he listened to Kaden's suggestions. Dreaming Lady and infirmary I'll try out both, I prefer a bit of freedom he thought as Kaden's next question stumped him. "Other skills?" he frowned as he considered anything else he might be good at. Granted he would be able to tell a good story but I doubt that would be useful outside his usual line of work. "Not really?" he laughed as he gripped the back of his neck anxiously. "I'm a quick learner. And very devoted." he nodded as he was at lost to say anything else.

[Flicker]

The deflection had worked well until the Vantha continued on about working with ice. Kaden paused, hands relaxing on the tomb, and his eyes slowly lifted to the tense man. He moved on to clearing up the job question before acting on his instincts. "We haven't the time or resources to train you. If the Dreaming Lady can't use you, and the Infirmary can't either, you will report to Vala in the Enclave and then Eoin in the kitchens. The first two will place you in the Chiet class, the latter two in the Dek class. You can rent a space in the Darniva Commonrooms if you have the money." Kaden firmly explained, wanting there to be no confusion regarding his options while in Wind Reach. While he was direct, his tone was still open. However, finishing this up led him back to the magic question. "The only magic you have access to is your Gnosis?" the leader of the city asked with grave forthrightness, blue eyes hardening and compelling the visitor to speak honestly.

[Darren]

Darren's eyes glazed over as he heard about the possibility being a Dek and one working under the very person who led him into the city. His eyes twitched at thought as he let Kaden carry on about the commonrooms. That was something he needed to take care of. "Would I have to make arrangements there? Or can I possibly just set things up with you right now?" he asked. After being given the answer he gave his best poker face as the issue on magic was brought up again. Kaden knew he was hiding something, why else would he ask? He tilted his head as he gave an easy smile, a blatant attempt that he was playing coy. "No, was there anything else you were looking for?" he said. Not too many people knew much about his personal experiences with magic but there was always one reoccuring theme behind magic. A veil of mystery, mystique and underlying danger. The last part being shown in anyway humanely possible. Though others, the side effects, the journey to find a way to surpass it. Ever since he learned the ability to do so every day was more taxing then usual. If anyone ever actually knew who knows what they would do with that leverage. "Is there even any other magic would be good here?" he asked dismissively, playing the part of the otherwise ignorant traveler. "I mean I know a few things from Suvan times but I doubt that's relevant" he continued as he shrugged his shoulders. "Right?"

[Flicker]

Kaden shook his head. “You’ll have to speak with Eva Skvina, she’s in charge of the commonrooms. I can tell you, however, that the room will run you about fifty-five Pinions a season.” Closing the ledger before him, the Valintar carefully returned it to its place and folded his hands atop the desk where it had laid. For long moments he let the Vantha’s questions hang in the air, let the dishonesty drape heavily over the furniture and pollute the atmosphere. Finally, his voice issued forth to cut the haze Darren had created. “Then you have no magic, traveler,” Kaden informed him gravely, and quite literally. He expected no rumors to drift his way regarding magic and the Vantha. Whatever the lad hid, he had forfeited his ability to use while he stayed in the city. “Chemar will be able to get you set up, see her directly,” he dismissed the Vantha, not unkindly, and silently sent a wish of goodwill along with his departing figure.

[Darren]

Darren cringed slightly at the words, Kaden didn't get his little cue. That doesn't work I need to be able to practice, my constant training compels me. "Eh... hold on" The Vantha sighed tired as he tried to find the courage to admit his knowledge of his bodies inner workings. "When I said Suvan things I meant something in particular. A type of practice extensively used by the Suvan empire in particular. Whose uses would inevitably shorten one's lifespan." Looking hard into Kaden's eyes, Darren's heart was racing as he disclosed one of his well kept secrets. "If anyone asks or reports me doing something... unnatural. It's due to my knowledge of the practice known as flux." Swallowing hard, a wave of perspiration started through him as the vantha said the word aloud. This was a great leap of faith on his part, made even harder that Kaden didn't disclose similar practices before. This was the first time Darren had admitted his teachings without any coverage or protection. Darren's gaze didn't deter from Kaden's gaze, he needed to know, to read what might happen. If it didn't bode well he would have to act.

[Flicker]

Kaden didn’t have to get clues; the boy was lucky he wasn’t tossed out of the city immediately to avoid whatever disruptions his Suvan things might cause their city. The man once more turned his thoughts from city business to this visitor at the entreaty. This wasn’t the first outsider to attempt hiding certain knowledge. “My people are a very physical race, Vantha; they don’t take much before resorting to violent solutions. I can’t afford to lose a handful of them because you can’t keep from getting into trouble. Either you fight without your” cursed “skills or you don’t get into any fights at all. The first hint of trouble I hear you’re involved in and you’re out.” Apparently, Kaden had heard of Flux before. His sharp eyes flayed the skin from Darren, harder and more dangerous than the young man could hope to be any time soon. The original ledger he’d been working on flipped open. The Valintar blinked. The patient fatherly figure returned. The boy nearly trembled from fright. “Aside from that, try not to cause too much of an uproar with it.”