Lamplight and Lamentation

by **Seven Xu** on May 11th, 2012, 1:15 am

“I feel …”

Greasy eyelids fluttered, as pale as white lilies, “Nothing, I don’t feel anything.”

The room swam all shades of grey and black. He came back, piece by piece, fingertips twitching, toes curling against the boots that held them. For a moment, it looked as if the halfblood was going to retch as he doubled over, face damp with sweat and drained of color—but Alric would soon realize it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Curious hands went to work on his burned leg, peeling back what charred flesh remained with little concern for the shiny pink that began to weep red. It should have been excruciating; Seven did not flinch. Regardless, he seemed to realize the care that such a wound required, and worked slowly. His shirt was shed from his back, a dagger emerged from his hip—thus naming him a liar—and sleeves were cut and torn and wrapped about his leg.

When the leg was dressed and his shirt was in place on his shoulders again, he looked positively scrawny. But, he was smiling. “Bloody magic.” A heartbeat passed. The grin faltered, burdened by some unspoken realization. Then, he spoke it. “I knew you were going to hypnotize me,” he still dared not stand on burned flesh, and instead leaned forward, elbows finding his knees. “And it worked. I thought it wasn’t supposed to work if I knew.”

by **Alric Wilmot** on May 11th, 2012, 2:25 am

Alric ended the trance when Seven showed no negative signs. Alric was proud of himself, even now, he could help others. Even now when all hope seemed lost, and all questions led but to more questions. He could still carry on, and be useful. However, Alric's mood soured when he saw Seven pull a knife from his hip. He had lied.

Alric did not bother to call him out on it though. Surely he would have attacked as soon as they had met had that been his intention. Unless... with his leg now painless, he would be encouraged to-

Alric shook his head. He wouldn't do that. And, if he did, Alric had a sword he could use. He dismissed his paranoia and quietly observed Seven as the pale man continued to pick and ply at his wound. It made Alric feel quite special to know that he was the cause.

“And it worked. I thought it wasn’t supposed to work if I knew.”

Alric was surprised at his words. Seven had encountered a hypnotist before?

"Well, it becomes stronger, when you don't know it is happening. And in the case of Novices that might be enough to shatter the connection. But generally, a hypnotist can still use his abilities regardless if you're aware of it or not. It becomes stronger, however, if the subject is relaxed, or unknowing. The most talented hypnotists though, can bypass both of those things."

by **Seven Xu** on May 13th, 2012, 10:55 pm

“You could make me do whatever you wanted me to do, then.”

Seven’s head dipped, palms propping up cheeks as he stared between his thighs at his feet. He considered what it meant to have control over someone’s will; the power that one man could have over another was daunting. One with such influence could turn pain into pleasure and friends into enemies. A dry tongue flicked over teeth. Seven exhaled.

It would weigh better in his gut if he changed the subject.

“I’m glad I found you, Alric,” he remarked conversationally, “I’m not sure I remember why I left in the first place. We’re holed up three doors down in an abandoned house not unlike this one. Candles, water, stale bread Victor managed to find when he left once. I suppose we’re doing alright, all things considered.” A sweaty palm clapped the side of his neck, fingers scratching at milk-silver flesh too pretty to be a scar.

I lost . . . everyone I’ve ever loved.

Alric’s words clung to the front of his mind. Seven shook his head, tried to smile. “If you ever need anything of me, please—don’t hesitate to ask.”

by **Alric Wilmot** on May 14th, 2012, 1:23 am

"You could make me do whatever you want to do, then."

Alric nearly spoke up, to say that Hypnotists who could truly manipulate someone who did not want to be, were exceedingly rare. But he did not. The pale man had lied to him. Why should Alric bother clarifying something like this? Especially when it made himself seem so much more untouchable. Seven had hidden his knife, so Alric would hide this. Besides, if anything, this would simply make Seven more wary around future Hypnotists. A valuable lesson to learn

“I’m glad I found you, Alric. I’m not sure I remember why I left in the first place. We’re holed up three doors down in an abandoned house not unlike this one. Candles, water, stale bread Victor managed to find when he left once. I suppose we’re doing alright, all things considered.”

"You're quite welcome. It was nice, doing what I love again."

“If you ever need anything of me, please—don’t hesitate to ask.”

Alric considered Seven for a moment. He didn't attack, or accuse Alric of misdeed. No, he seemed grateful. It had been so long since he had a grateful customer. Alric hadn't realized how much stock he put into that. How much he measured his self worth by usefulness. His one measure, was the gratitude of others.

Alric though for a moment; did he need anything? He had a place to sleep at least. And a roof over his head. But, now that he thought about it there was one thing he wanted.

"How much stale bread, exactly?"

by **Mirage** on June 27th, 2012, 5:08 am

The Truth Within the Reality

Alric Wilmont :

Seven Xu :

The Truth Hidden by a Mirage :