Completed A Night of Ease

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky found his interest not only hooked but pulled into the subject the knowledge Castor shared with him about personal magic and world magic soaked into his mind like water with a sponge. From his own guess he used Reimancy and Shielding by the sound of things, and he remembered Miro's lesson on the Flux back in Alvadas. By the sound of it Projection had something to do with moving objects without touching them, for Ignotus somehow could pull that trick off on his own. Hypnotism by its very name gave Ricky a chill he felt sometime before, several times in fact when he happen to be around Ignotus. "I'll have to ask 'em about it when I talk with him." He confirmed to himself in silence as he continued to listen. Voiding and Leeching both seemed to be foreign magic principles he hadn't heard of, and he doubted that he would want to find out what they were exactly.

World Magic seemed to be rather interesting although he hadn't a clue what every one of them involved. He had to admit that there was a lot more to magic than he realized, a lot more he would have to be aware of if he wanted to be a protector. The fact he could use Shielding now had to mean that he must have some other form of keeping others safe, and even though it involved the use of Djed he would put himself at stake to keep his friends safe. Ricky didn't notice it now as it became more of a habit really, but he had subconciously took drinks out of his mug while listening to Castor. He focused on the processed information so much he literally failed to notice that he began to drink more beer, that is until he looked in to find it had come to be nearly empty. "It's different for one. When I first came obtain Reimancy, I'm guessin' that it involves the elements, I felt part of myself had completely changed. Somewhere deep inside I felt like I wanted to cast water, give into the temptation to carelessly use it. I definitely didn't like it when it came 'round, so I've avoided usin' the ability until I feel sure I can handle it." He sloshed the little bit of beer in his mug as he felt the tingles that numbed the mind travel down his body, the effect of alcohol finally sunk in as he just slightly transitioned from tipsy to drunk. "When I first used Shielding though... I felt like I put forth all my will. My desire to keep others safe became a fuel or focus of a sort, and my spirit just called upon the ability to make a protective ward with my will." He wasn't quite sure how to put it into words. Magic had always been a curious topic but when it came to explaining how things worked, he was better off being given the description rather then describing it himself.

"I only wanted to use the elements like other magicians could so I had the better ability to protect others, but after the initiation ritual I became too fearful of what might've happened. I don't know what my limits are with the ability, I just know I can use water when thr man who initiated me uses fire." It made little sense to Ricky, but then again if he had such a choice to begin with; neither fire nor water would've been his pick. "With Shieldin' though I've to learn what all I can protect with it, how it works and everythin' if I plan to use it more. The only drawback from that is that after a while I feel parched, maybe starvin' as well, along with drained of energy. So long as that's my only drawback then I won't've much to worry 'bout." He finally drank what beer was left in his mug, a plop heard as he set it onto the wooden table. "Can ye tell me 'bout Shieldin' a bit? I also wonder what Hypnotism involves if ye can tell me 'bout that." His eyes were full of interest now, his mind ready to learn more of what Castor had to teach him as far as knowledge took the scholar.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

[Castor Riley]

Castor listened intently as Ricky described his experiences with Reimancy. After Ricky made the identification, Castor saw that it was logical by virtue of elimination; all the other personal magics did not seem to match. He shuddered a bit as Ricky described the desire to cast more that it had created in him, overgiving rearing its ugly head once more. He was relieved to hear Ricky's cautious reaction. "That sounds like a wise choice." As for shielding, he made it sound very benign, though the description confused him a bit; how did a feeling translate into magic? Ricky was making shielding sound too good, though, so Castor made a mental note to check the Asylum's Warning of Overgiving for the potential side-effects of Shielding. When Ricky spoke of an initiation ritual, Castor's eyebrows perked up. He'd never heard of magic initiation before. Auristics certainly didn't seem to have one, and he was fairly certain he could even do it, if he just concentrated... But, no! That's not what he wanted. He turned his attention back to the conversation, just as Ricky finished describing the side-effects he'd experienced from shielding. Castor couldn't hear enough of a note of concern in Ricky's voice at these, which made him even more worried for his sake. Ricky needed to understand why he was feeling parched or famished before he started disregarding the effects so off-handedly. As Ricky lifted his mug to drain the last of his kelp beer, Castor remembered his own mug. He did the same and lay the mug down with a short cough, as he'd downed the foulness down his gullet a bit too quickly. "Actually Ricky, I've only just begun exploring the different magical disciplines, as I said, so I can only really provide information about Auristics." Suddenly, and without checking with Ricky first, he got up, making his way towards the bar. "Another two kelp beers," he said. The woman behind the counter looked at him disinterestedly, as she drew up a couple of mugs of the stuff "One Nilo," is all she said. "Would a gold miza do?" he asked in return, fumbling in his pocket for one. She shrugged, "It's money," she said with a sigh. She was just a fountain of joy, she was. Castor took the beers and carried them back to the table, leaving one in front of Ricky and continuing the conversation as though he'd never left "You know more about some magic than I do though, that's for certain. I mean I didn't even know that people needed to be initiated to some magics, and I've certainly never seen a shield or something like that. What's an initiation like anyway?"

Receipt2x Kelp Beer - 1 Gold Miza

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky listened with curiosity as Castor spoke, and before he had any chance to respond Castor decided to go and purchase their next round. When Castor up and walked off Ricky only held a relaxed warm grin to Castor, rather impressed at how not only well he took a secret but developed interest for it as well. This proved that Castor definitely seemed to be the type Ricky could count on, a person he could lighten the load of his burden with should he really needed to. However it had been far too soon to simply open up about his situation so soon, he would very well likely undo the amount of progress they made tonight just by doing so. No. Ricky would follow his heart and his gut on this, whatever was to play out tonight he would only act upon the best impulses he received. It paid well to remain thoughtful, and at the same time vigilant.

"Only just enough 'bout Auristics then. At least I have a name for me newfound abilities. It hasn't been an easy thing to grasp that's for sure." He admitted to himself in silence, quite aware that he probably would seem mad for doing so. Yet when it came to thinking to ones self, did it really.make them less or more sane then the rest? It was a question he cared little to ponder on, as the buzz could be felt wearing off from the effort. Thankfully Castor returned with their second round, and Ricky nodded with a hearty smile as he held the mug up for the "cheers" notion before indulging in the rich taste of sour alcohol. Then came the question about the initiation he went through, a warm soft chuckle came from Ricky as he admired Castor's ability to admit Rickt knew more somehow. "Honestly I think ye would learn more than me in the short amount of time I did, I hadn't a clue how to use Shieldin' until it happened just recently. Reimancy required an sort of ritual the giver called the initiation, and I can honestly admit its a harrowin' ritual to live through." He shuddered as he recalled the feeling of Ignotus' Djed as it entered his body. Such a foreign and invaded feeling could never be forgotten in ones lifetime.

"I'd rather not go into further detail mate, but I'll just say that ya get quite a horrific experience if ya live through it; and leave it best at that." He assured Castor as he went in for one big drink, Ricky guzzled a couple of gulps as the beer burned his throat. He had to clear it after he shook his head a bit at the taste, a disdainful look at the mug as he sat it back on the table. "I've to ask ya mate, when ya look at me what do ya see? Be honest too, I'm curious 'bout yer opinion." He mused with a chuckle, he figured since their second mug had come around things would be interesting. After all they were on the way to getting drunk, might as well make the best out of it with some heart to heart bonding.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

[Castor Riley]

Castor blanched a bit and drank his first gulp of his second beer as he listened to what Ricky would say of his experience of the initiation ritual. He wondered why people would even want to go through such a painful experience. He wondered why Ricky had. He patted the man on the shoulder "Sorry man, I didn't know it was such a terrible experience." He then focused on Ricky's question, determined to answer it as seriously as he'd been asked it. He thought back to their first meeting: Ricky looking for a book on parenting, Ricky going several different shades of red. Then, at the potluck, the second time they'd met: Ricky with Telion and his unborn child, Ricky with his mouth stuffed with food. Finally, he thought back to today: Ricky helping him up, Ricky trusting him. What did all these different sides of Ricky he'd seen amount to? He drank some more beer, barely noting the taste of it. He smirked as he began his response. "When I look at you I see... and I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I think I'd have to say a warrior teddy bear. You have something childish in you, while at the same time you're the most caring and protective person I know. You're just nice to be around." He drank yet another gulp of beer. Evidently, Castor was one of those drinkers that drank more and more as they progressed towards drunkeness. The alcoholic numbness had started going through his extremities. "What about you? What do you think about me?" He asked, wondering what sort of impression he'd made.

[Ricky Maze]

Just as Castor finished his drink of beer before apologizing to Ricky, he too took a guzzle out of his beer. His drunken stupor on the verge of increasing as he gulped down the beverage without a second thought on its taste. Kelp Beer just somehow had a way of numbing his taste first after enough had been drunk, but really he just no longer paid mind to the taste. He was more so focused on the conversations that he and Castor would be having. "I asked for the ability so I pretty much had it comin' mate, s'all there is to it really." He shrugged with a warm innocent grin, admittedly enough it was a lesson he learned well from. Not all powers could be given without pain, and not all powers could easily be used for the cause he wished them for. Still he was determined to keep his friends safe, and his family as well, so any means with good intention was all he needed. Just as he always would do, follow his heart and see to it the intent remained good.

Ricky listened closely with curiosity at best, Castor's words being rather honest about the guard before him, Ricky found that a pleased smile beamed on his face as he found himself laughing. "A teddy bear eh? That's somethin' I'll not be forgettin' for sure." He mused to himself as he took another drink out of his mug, the beer started to make everything seem lighter then it used to be. Life and all its troubled that plagued his mind, all of it seem to matter little now as he thought only the good thoughts that involved only the bedt things to come. The baby, a future wedding for him and Telion, a family made out of close friends; all which brought nothing but pure joy in his heart. Perhaps Castor was indeed correct, Ricky was in a sense a big teddy bear, a fighter or protected and loved everything dear to him.

Castor then asked what Ricky thought about him, and after a bit of deep thinking to collect on the thoughts, Ricky finally found the answer he felt honest about after he took another guzzle from his beer. "Well for one ye got a good sense o' humor 'bout ya, a warm positive attitude I like to see in people too. Definitely someone I like to keep 'round as a friend for sure." He grinned with a humble nod to his friend, but then a sincere look came from the vast deepness of his eyes. "But I also think yer a bit withdrawn, which I can wholey understand. Ye'd been through some tough times and just need a lil' bit before yer ready to freely open up to the world." He remembered the promise he made to Castor on the day that he met, the promise that he would be there should Castor need to talk. "I meant what I said back at the library that day mate, that I'm here if ya need an ear. I think of ya as a friend and I'm here for ya anytime ye need me." He reassured Castor with one more nod, another drink Kelp Beer to follow as he waited to hear his friend respond. His mug was already getting near half empty, and he already felt quite good himself.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

[Castor Riley]

As Castor spoke, he watched as Ricky's reaction unfolded. First, the beaming smile, then the outright good-natured laughter. The sound of it was one of pure joy and mirth. It was one of those laughs that people refered to as contagious, and soon Castor was laughing as well, making a mental image of Ricky as a stuffed bear with a sword. Some tears actually slipped out of the corners of his eyes. He dried his eyes with the palms of his hands and took another gulp of his beer, as Ricky answered his question. The alcohol was reaching the stages where it caused mirth to just bubble up unprovoked. Castor smiled fiercely hearing Ricky point out his good qualities. The smile faltered when he mentioned how withdrawn he was at times. Even such a roundabout mention of his father caused the bubbling mirth to get stuck in his throat. He became very serious after that. It was nice of Ricky to offer his ear for Castor, and he knew he was doing it out of a desire to help him, but there was never a way for Castor to think about his father without losing his good mood. If he thought about it too closely... No, he wouldn't go down that road. He felt he should open up a bit more, since he had been asked, though he wouldn't go into the details. That would ruin the night for certain. "Ricky... My father, as you know, he passed away in winter," he paused looking outside the window at that point. He didn't want Ricky to see the emotion in his eyes too clearly. "He had been sick for many years and I had been taking care of him. In the end... It wasn't a peaceful way to go..." Castor's eyes glinted as he sat there, staring out the window. That was enough for that night he hoped.

[Ricky Maze]

The mood had been infectiously uplifting as the two laughed of course, they were both drunk and enjoyed the humorous idea that Ricky was actually a teddy bear. A lot of things could've bee funny now of course, considering the two of them enjoyed laughing so much. Yet Ricky's honesty brought the height of the spirit down when he expressed his observations to Castor, the man finally opened up a little about his father to Ricky with pain clear in his heart. It wasn't hard to see it in Castor, even when he looked away from Ricky the suffering he felt was in his eyes. It was enough for Ricky to want to comfort his friend with a hand to the shoulder with warm words, but instead the guard only remained seated and listened. When Castor trailed off to let silence grow, Ricky only allowed that silence to exist for a moment in respect. Then he too would share a bit abouy his own father.

"I don't remember if I've told ya this before, but I too lost my pa several years back." He only looked to his mug as he shared this but would occasionally glance to Castor, a small fragile grin on his face as he tried to show that he too understand the pain of loss. "He was lost out at sea a little bit before I turned eighteen. I was crushed for a long while that much I know, but with friends that were there for me things gradually got better. Our pain isn't the same but its not all too different mate, s'why I'm here for ya when ye need me." He reassured Castor once more, a balanced tone of humility and sincerety. He had fallen back into his humble nature with an eased grin to keep the light mood around, a drink out of his Kelp Beer once more as he waited to hear Castor's response.

"So enlighten me then since ya've got such a complimentive opinion of me." He mused to Castor with a chuckle as he wondered what his next answer would be. "Tell me what ye think 'bout Telion. Quiet as she is she can be fun to have 'round when she gets comfy." He enthused as he remembered the potluck again. Telion made quite an impression when he brought her along, considering the few people that took the interest in talking with her.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

[Castor Riley]

Castor collected himself slowly as the silence stretched, wiping at his eyes a bit once more, though he was sure it had only been the sting of tears. When Ricky broke it, he had returned to a more composed state and listened sombrely as Ricky talked about his own father. Castor's heart immediately went out to the sailor; not knowing for certain what had happened can be worse than knowing. Unless it isn't the dark thought rose in his mind, and he pushed it down violently in his mind. He wouldn't allow such thoughts to cloud his mind, not now, not tonight. He drank some more kelp beer letting his mind be distracted by its taste. He was finally starting to see the attraction of the local brew. "I'm sorry to hear that Ricky. It's good that you've made your peace with it though. I still can't, but... I'll get there. I didn't think I would, but I guess I've got a bit of help now," he said, smiling and trying to push himself back into a better mood. When Ricky asked about Castor's opinion of Telion, he couldn't help but give a wide smile, as she reminded him of plenty of funny situations. "Telion seems great Ricky! And you two are so cute together! How long have you guys been together? You already seem like a married couple," he chuckled, remembering Telion's exasperated expression as she dealt with some of Ricky's faux pas. Another swig of his beer left him with half-a-mug's worth and Castor was amused to find that his lips were beginning to feel slightly tingly. He leaned a bit heavily on his left hand, the elbow braced against the table and looking directly at Ricky.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky nodded as Castor spoke about how he would eventually find peace with his departed father, a respectful look to his friend as he felt sure it was only a matter of time. "Ye'll get there mate. Ya have me to help ya." He silently willed to Castor, his mind now set on being there for his friend. Ricky always had a deep sense about him when it came to his friends, particularly the ones he could connect with like he did tonight. He knew Castor suffered, he knew he still suffered. Which is why he took it to heart that he would help Castor through his hard times, just as he may likely do the same for Ricky.

His face beamed with a wide smile at Castor's opinion of Telion, a bashful blush appeared at the comment of the two being cute. It was odd how all the time they had been best friends he would've thought them being a couple strangely odd, but now that they were together there was nothing but pure love between them that just never seemed to end. "That's tve crazy thing!" He enthused with a bit of excitement, it became apparent that story time from papa teddy bear finally rolled around. "We've been close friends for several years now, since year five o eight I believe. It wasn't until somethings happened between me and Hannah last season that we became a couple, and that was the day I came back from my trip to Nyka." He arranged himself to where he could relax and continue with the story, enthusiasm in his voice as he took a quick swig of his beer. He had to clear his throat after he swallowed his alcoholic beverage, a burning itch in his throat made itself known when he drank.

"See Hannah took an interest in me but didn't want to be in a relationship, so she had the bright idea to get me and Telion wasted and leave. We both spent the night together and I couldn't remember it at first, not until I arrived in Nyka anyway. I'd went there to persuade Hannah to come back to Zeltiva, by the time I got back ready to profess my love to Tel she already had a surprise for me as well. Thus what I call our beautiful accident happened." He finished with a chuckle, he enjoyed telling stories to others. It had been one of his favorite things to do, to entertain others with a good story he had to share. He had quite a bit to share of his adventures, but more so wanted to find stories he thought great to tell. Of course this story had a hidden truth to it so Hannah's intention would look more for the best, plus the truth was just too sick and twisted to make any sense for him right now. He understood how it came be and whatnot, but the reasons pertaining to why remained a cloaked mystery for Ricky. He planned to change that when he would confront Ignotus about it.

"We're both happy to be together now, I never knew she had feelin's for me until last season. I'm actually plannin' on marryin' her before this season's over." He shared with a wink to Castor, his grin suggested that it was a planned surprise he wanted to give for Telion. He then looked to his mug and went in to guzzle the remainder of its content, the beverage finally mellowed his mind and thoughts out as the alcoholic effect flowed throuhout his body. Pretty soon he would bbe hammered just like the intention of the night, he had already went on the verge just by finishing his drink.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

[Castor Riley]

Castor could feel Ricky's excitement in the air as he began telling the story of how he and Telion got together. It brought a smile to Castor's face to see him so happy. He gulped some more beer, bringing the mug lazily up to his mouth, his attention taken by the story. "Wait a sec! Something happened between you and Hannah, so you and Telion became a couple? Explain!" He exclaimed, incredulously, before drinking more of the beer. As Ricky did just that, Castor guffawed, spluttering into the mug. "Come on now! How drunk did you get?" He was happy that everything had turned out for the best. Sometimes you couldn't see what was best for you, even when it was right in front of you. Thankfully, Ricky had, with some help. At Ricky's revelation, Castor clapped his hands together gleefully. "Wow, that's great man! It sounds like it's about time you got a Connection with her! If I don't get invited, I'll be very disappointed, 'cause I wanna see it." Another chug from the mug was doing nothing to help with Castor's enunciation. As Ricky finished his drink, Castor snorted "Man, you drink fast, I've still got like..." he looked in his mug, only to find it empty. He laughed out loud. "Well, I guess we both drink fast!" He said, a bit more entertained by that fact than was strictly called for. "Hang on, I'll get this one, 'cause you're my good friend, Ricky-Rick" he chuckled to himself, appreciating the hilarious new nickname he'd come up with. It did not even cross his mind to think that he might already be quite drunk as he made his non-linear way to the bar. "Two more of the usual," he said chuckling to the woman behind the bar. "You break anything, you buy it" she said, a tad menacingly. This went over Castor's head entirely. "Why would I break anything? I'm a fun guy, I only do fun things not breaking stuff." After fishing another gold miza out of his pocket with a bit of difficulty, he took the newly-filled mugs and headed back to the table, a small amount of the liquid slopping over the sides of the mugs.

Receipt2x Kelp Beer - 1 Gold Miza