Completed [Sunset Falls] The Harlot and a Crown

[Matthew]

47th of Summer Blue eyes stared at the glistening golden waterfalls, a bit put off by how beautiful they were. A quick glance at Syna confirmed that she was the presence that made the waterfalls glow, but that didn't lessen the beauty of it at all. He hesitantly approached the waterfall, having been unaware of how big it was. He had thought he could come and try to meditate underneath the pouring waters, but with the height that the tumbling liquid started out from, he doubted he would enjoy being underneath it and at the mercy of it. Nipping his lower lip a bit in thought, he glanced around for an alternative, not wanting to have made his trip out here in vain. He had tagged along with a small sightseeing group that was now wandering up and down the river, sticking fairly close but managing to find some privacy. One young couple headed off to climb a bit up the mountain, wanting to get a picnic in. A few Syliras Knights roamed about, here to protect the small group from any sort of harm. Apparently the place was fairly safe, and visited quite often. The Wildlands made Matthew a bit nervous, but he did his best to rein in his fears. The Knights would protect him, right? He stepped towards the riverback, eyeballing the water. Chewing his lower lip with thought, he glanced down at his hands, an idea coming to mind. Summoning Djed from somewhere inside of his stomach, he sucked and pulled, willing the force upwards. He picked it from his veins and it obeyed his command, welling up into his throat. Heaving just a little bit, Matthew cupped out his palms, catching the soft shimmer that only he could see. A quick burst of Djed to his eyes lit up a few Auras around him, and the produced Djed became even easier for him to make out. He hadn't been told this, but he had a feeling that the shield was somehow a part of him. It was like blood, or breath. To make this shield, he was sacrificing a part of himself. Slightly discomforted by the idea, he headed up the bank towards the waterfall. His shoes sloshed a bit in some of the muddy shore, and he adjusted so that he kept more to dry land. He slowly moved his hands, absentmindedly weaving the strands of Djed between his fingers like they were pieces of thread. Pausing at the foot of the river, he kept just out of reach of the spraying water of the tumbling falls, glancing down to his hands. He carefully began to apply the strings to his fingers, painting on the Djed like a second skin. Soon, he had gloves made of the stuff, though he wasn't sure if he was going to able to do what he was hoping to do. Staring at the gloves, he slowly reached out his hands and willed a single thought at them. Block the water. The spray of the waterful hit his bare skin, ignoring the Djed shield. His apathetic face twitched just a bit, Matthew doing what he could to prevent the disappointment from welling up inside of him. He hadn't tasked the shield correctly. He didn't know how to task the shield. Mumbling to himself, he stared at the Djed glove for a few more moments and then let the Auristic vision fade. Slowly sitting at the riverbank, he stared out across the river and at the massive glow of the Sunset Falls, pondering to himself. A finger drifted into the mud, and he began to draw Glyphs, ones he had seen in the Alchemy book. He didn't know what they did or what they meant, he just slowly traced them, his mind wandering off to mull over various magical things.

[Aoren]

Aoren had been in the shop where he worked day in and day out catering to the medicinal needs of Syliras population when he'd heard of an outing being planned to the Sunset Falls. The need to get outside of the Fortress City was a growing one as of late. It had been many days since his last outing into the Bronze Wood. The feelings of wanderlust ingrained into his psyche on a blood level had been building up for quite some time. Thus, when he had overheard a young couple as they perused his latest batch of Arsyna cream he couldn't help but inquire. The ensuing conversation lead him to his present state. Standing by the banks of the Avitar river admiring the scenery.

The previous season he had attempted to make it to the Sunset Falls but his erstwhile adventure had been cut short and he'd never made it. Standing there looking upon the crystalline waters cascading over the rocks illuminated by Syna's light resonated with the Drykas on a level he'd been missing for some time. He waved to the couple who had made purchases in Stormhold Salves earlier that same day. They seemed lost in the innocence of new love. He inclined his head to two Knights who walked by intent on patrolling the area. There were likely fifteen people on this outing. Some of them must have been from the upper crust of Syliran society. Aoren couldn't remember the last time he'd seen a party being escorted outside the walls of Syliras for just a simple outing.

With that silent observation he noticed a man who definitely fit the bill of the more refined echelons of Syliras. There wasn't a rugged thing about him. His hair was neat. His clothing was tailored. He walked with a poise and grace not befitting the vast majority of common folk. If Aoren had to describe the man in a single word he would have said he was beautiful. The Drykas furrowed his brow and quirked his head slightly. That was an odd thought to have about a man but there it was. Of all the people here though that man was the likeliest reason the Knights were around. Aoren was about to kick off his boots and dip his feet into the water after the long walk to this magnificent location when he noticed that very man was doing something...odd.

It wasn't so much what the man did as much as his reaction to the action itself that caught Aoren's attention. He was gagging and gasping slightly as if he were about to vomit. Then just as suddenly as he'd done it he was fine again twiddling his fingers as if he were painting them with the invisible regurgitated slop. Aoren glanced around. No one else seemed to be paying him any mind. When he looked back the man was kneeling in the muddier portion of the riverbank doodling in the mud with one finger. Now Aoren was very curious. He could hear the voice of a bygone friend chastising him for his curiosity but he couldn't help it. Rather than minding his own business Aoren made his way over to the man.

When he drew nearer Aoren recognized the beginnings of something that was decidedly not a good idea in the immediate vicinity of the Knights. No matter what your standing with them. Quietly and with an air of nonchalance he came to crouch next to the man and whispered.

"If I were you, friend, I wouldn't be so eager to practice your art so close to the eyes of those most suspicious of wizards." He made no motion to the Knights standing a mere ten or fifteen yards away from where they both were. Aoren may not have been a master of Glyphing but he knew magic circles when he saw them. It was an innate resonance he'd been taught to understand by the one who'd taught him magic in the first place. That same individual had also taught him that magic was something the Knights of Sylir viewed with distaste. They only smiled on a mage if that mage donned their armor and swore the same oaths to their beloved god and city as they did. Even then Mage-Knights were still viewed with heavy amounts of suspicion. One just didn't go about Syliras practicing magic willy-nilly. Not unless you wanted any wandering squire or Knight to accuse you of crimes against the city and make you spend a night in the Tank.

[Matthew]

The sudden appearance of the stranger caused Matthew to jolt out of his thoughts. Blinking a few times, he glanced around, and then up at Aoren. The man was met with a blank stare, Matthew obviously a bit confused. He slowly glanced down to check out what Aoren was talking about, and then tilted his head as he saw the runes. "Oh. Oh!" Reaching down, he quickly slathered his hand in the mud, messing up the little runes that he had etched in it. He had gotten lost and thought and just instinctively started drawing them. He hadn't ever done that before. It was something weird that Isolde would end up doing, all the while tapping her other hand in that frustrating little beat. He offered a quick nod to the man, a small and polite smile moving across his handsome features. "Thank you. I am easily distracted out here. The Wildlands make me a bit nervous, so I tend to help myself get a little distracted. I am Matthew." He offered a free hand, his words crisp and carefully pronounced. Blue eyes studied Aoren's own gaze for a moment, and then suddenly the man was under some sort of quick analysis. Matthew's gaze flicked around him, from point to point, scanning little details and commiting them to memory. He took note of the body type, then of the way the man had spoken, and even briefly scanned Aoren's right hand. After a moment, his stare found its way back to Aoren's own, matching it politely. Lowering his voice a small amount, he spoke again, regardless of if the handshake was accepted or not. "You study then, I assume? I barely know anything. Just a very few concepts and theories. I work as a prostitute at the Herald's Arms, so it doesn't give me much time to pursue much of an education outside of pleasure." He was aloof and apathetic as he spoke of the profession, just like he was describing the career of a blacksmith or farmer. It explained why he put so much effort into his beautiful looks, though. Standing slowly, walking at a casual pace that would allow Aoren to follow along side of him, Matthew tilted his head and watched the man. He hadn't seem him around Syliras before, or at least he didn't think he had. He couldn't really remember, to be quite honest. There was nothing that really stood out about the man, besides his striking eyes. Then again, looks could be decieving. Matthew wasn't really one to talk, though. His looks pretty much summed him up. He paid attention to detail, put plenty of thought into the little details, and was a man whore. Simple enough, or at least he thought so. "Syliras is an odd place to find someone who is... studied. At least on that particular craft." He tilted his head toward the mud he had just drawn in, silently signaling what he meant. "It is strange that I was instinctively drawing like that. I am not so sure if I can even remember which one I drew." Matthew paused, furrowing his brow in a familiar blank expression. He turned to a nearby cliff face he had approach, and tried his very best to trace out the symbol he had before. A Knight turned to give him a cautious eye, but didn't watch for long before turning away. Matthew probably looked like any other random kook to the Knight, and it didn't help that his reputation as a harlot was slowly getting a bit more well known. The Knight had likely seen the posters scattered around the city that showcased Matthew's "talents". Matthew mumbled something in frustration and then shrugged, letting his finger fall from the stone. "I have no idea. I should purchase a book. Did you learn from a book?"

[Aoren]

Aoren accepted the mans hand giving it a firm shake. The calluses on his palms would be in stark contrast to Matthews smooth ones. Though Aoren hardly considered himself a warrior he trained often with the quarterstaff and practiced maneuvers in hand-to-hand combat. Everyone needed some method of defending themselves in such a harsh and untamed world. The Drykas often heard stories of men being ripped to pieces by monsters in the night or falling prey to beasts due to carelessness. He had nearly had such encounters himself. So he understood when Matthew spoke of how unsettling the Wildlands were.

At the other man being so straightforward about his...profession, Aoren could only arch an eyebrow and nod. His assumption about the man being from the upper crust of Syliran society had been way off the mark. However, given he was an entertainer of the physical pleasures it only made sense that he would pride himself on his appearance.

"You may call me Aoren." He arched an eyebrow slightly as it was apparent that Matthew was taking stock of him. Aoren was by no means a self-conscious individual but he certainly felt under like he was under scrutiny beneath Matthews analytical gaze. But with nothing else to really do and no one to spend time with that day he fell in step with the prostitute at a casual pace.

"You are welcome for the uhh..." He nodded to the mud discreetly. "...reminder. I study a lot of things. You might call me a scholar." He nodded to the Knight who eyed them both suspiciously. It was only after the man went on his way that Aoren thought about being in the proximity of maybe a known prostitute.

"I was taught. My teacher has since left Syliras. He was an unorthodox teacher but a good one nonetheless. I do not often get the opportunity to discuss the Disciplines. Mostly I just study and work as one of the apprentice apothecaries under Sahfri Blackleaf at Stormhold Salves." Aoren spoke with a very dignified air. His words were careful and he carried himself with a silent dignity hinting at an air of higher mystery. Aoren evoked many questions to those who spoke to him and his open easygoing attitude tended to catch people off guard in that regard.

[Matthew]

"Well met, Aoren." Once again his voice was firm and well-pronounced, as he took pride on even that small detail. He looked the part and even sounded the part, something he had spent many hours on practicing. He kept up the casual pace beside of the man, head tilting back and eyes aiming up at the sky. "A scholar, hm? You don't look like a scholar. Most scholars don't have the sort of body build that you do. You seem like you would be more fit for some sort of strenuous physical labor. I am defined myself, but only to be appealing to the eye. There isn't much actual muscle that can be used in any physically productive way. Well, outside of my skillset." In the bedroom, he meant. He figured it was obvious. Though his words could be taken somewhat offensively, he certainly didn't mean them as such. He was a bit ignorant when it came to social norms and standards, so he just spoke what was on his mind. It could be refreshingly honest or rather aggrivating. It was all up to how Aoren wanted to process it, really. As Aoren continued to speak, Matthew did what he could to keep up with the flow of information and apply it to his mental file on the man. First there was the fact that he was a fit scholar, then there was the Disciplines, then there was a teacher and then there was an apprentice apothecary. Matthew's eyes flickered as he processed the details and tucked them away, wanting to do his best to actually know the man. "Apothecary? That sounds interesting. I would enjoy seeing your work sometime, or discussing the disciplines. Have you had anyone to practice with? I try my hand at some of the accepted World Magics, and even have tinkered in the very safest of personal disciplines. There is an abandoned building in Syliras that has been deemed safe for research, you may be aware of it?" He was careful to keep his voice low, as Aoren had shown him. He was open about his arts as well, though mostly because he didn't see a reason to hide it. He was a novice, and a curious novice. He felt most of the World magics were much more accepted than the personal ones, though that was only his own opinion. Obviously the world didn't see things exactly his way. A faint chuckle reached their ears, and Matthew glanced over to a distant Knight. He was now smiling, if only slightly. Why did he find the two of them amusing? He had been suspicious just moments before. The harlot had a hard time figuring out all the different ways that a mind could work.

[Aoren]

"What exactly is a scholar supposed to look like, hmm?" He chuckled. Yes, Aoren admitted that he most certainly did not fit the bill of a typical scholar. He knew that very well. Part of him enjoyed the amusing reaction he got out of people who came to realize he was more than just a tall brute. "Would you rather I were a decrepit old man, bent over and wobbling alongside you with a wooden cane?" He shook his head laughing softly.

"I am a man who believes in balance. I believe that to have a disciplined mind one must also possess a disciplined body. Besides, physical activities help me to focus my thoughts and clear my head." He shrugged his shoulders offering the harlot an amused smirk.

"Apothecary? That sounds interesting. I would enjoy seeing your work sometime, or discussing the disciplines. Have you had anyone to practice with? I try my hand at some of the accepted World Magics, and even have tinkered in the very safest of personal disciplines. There is an abandoned building in Syliras that has been deemed safe for research, you may be aware of it?" Aoren dipped his head in agreement.

"It is very interesting. I am far from any degree of mastery but I have come to grasp a majority of the basic principles. Not surprisingly the craft has aided tremendously in some of my other pursuits. It requires a great deal of patience and focus. Tinctures, tonics, balms and potions aren't made quickly after all." He clasped his hands behind his back. This Matthew was an exceptionally observant person. Aoren could tell that much. The way he continued to study him was not unnerving in the slightest but it did bespeak a great amount of attention to details. The pristine condition of his simple clothing, the care taken with his appearance, the diminutive way in which he carried himself. They all told Aoren that he was a man built around a strong appearance. It made Aoren wonder at what lay behind the man's collected demeanor.

Maybe that's all there is to him.

Aoren seriously doubted it. There was always more to people than met the eye. He knew that first hand. He could See it on a whim if he so desired. He had no such desires at the moment beyond a stranger's curiosity.

"Ah, the Worldly Disciplines. I am more inclined to the Personal Disciplines myself but there are a few World Magics that have piqued my interest. The laboratory you speak of, the Inner Sanctum. It once belonged to the Magecrafter before Master Nightshade. Master Akvin Kultra. I would go so far to say that he was even more aloof and reclusive than Devandil." He ran a hand through his hair taking a deep breath enjoying the open air.

"Of the World Magics I have taken to studying Magecraft and Alchemy. I haven't really gotten very far in my studies. My time this season has been consumed with other projects so I have fallen behind in my pursuits in that regard. I will take them up again when the opportunity arises." Aoren ignored the faint chuckle from behind them. Likely it was that same knight who had been scrutinizing them only moments before. The fact that Aoren was in the presence of a known prostitute had probably just registered with the man. It didn't really phase the sandy haired blonde.

"If you don't mind my asking, what Disciplines do you study? I am well versed in the art of Reimancy, I have knowledge of Shielding and I am pursuing knowledge in Auristics, Magecraft and Alchemy at the moment. I am looking for more ways to apply my magic in my work as an apothecary." He quirked his head slightly turning so that he was walking sideways at an even pace beside Matthew. Aoren didn't seem at all worried about stumbling over loose rocks or stray roots. Indeed, he seemed quite mindful of his footing. He had the grace of his experiences as a mild acrobat to thank for that. Though if anything more hazardous than that happened to cross his path he would be in for trouble.

[Matthew]

Matthew scrunched his brow, taking the rhetorical question a bit more seriously than Aoren had probably intended. "Well, I am not sure if there is a dress code, per say. There is usually a stereotype though. Nervous and bookish, usually with glasses. Or squinting like they could use glasses. I suppose that is only my perceived stereotype, though. I would never wish decrepitness on someone though. That would strike me as more of a wise old sage, or an elderly teacher." The harlot nodded at the little bit about balance though, a look of understanding dawning in his white-blue eyes. "That makes perfect sense. I try to practice meditation and simple flexibility exercises in order to keep my body limber. That actually helps in the bedroom as well though, so there is that." They strolled along, and Matthew listened quietly to all the words the man had to say. While he kept his ears focused, he let his eyes glance about the wilderness they were in. There were several little dirt pathways that looked like they led up to the Sunset Falls, so he opted to take one that he hadn't seen anyone travel yet. That would give them some degree of privacy, and looked quite normal to any watching eyes as well. What disciplines did he study? Matthew tilted his head, answering without pause. "Alchemy, Glyphing, dabbled in Magecrafting, and Shielding. The first three are a purely scientific interest. I don't have many grand schemes or plans or desires, I merely want to learn what I can. I enjoy knowledge, and I enjoy learning something is so seemingly complex. Like sex, for instance. I haven't gotten very far into any of the disciplines myself though. There are too many other things that I need to train for when it comes to my profession, so I have to divide my time appropriately. We should study one of the Worldly arts together at some point, just a quick session in a safe enviroment. I think there is much to learn since we are both perhaps at the same level? Unless you are just being humble with me." Hypnotism went unmentioned, as did Auristics. It was partially choice and partially because he truthfully didn't study the two. The first had become natural habit at times, which was slightly scary. The second had been learned to help with all the others. He didn't like toying with arts that he couldn't see. "I am actually very interested in researching the best way to create safe environments for casting. That is why I was looking into Glyphing and Shielding. In another life I would have gone to Sahova to study what I could, or perhaps stayed in Zeltiva. I was originally a student at the school there, before I came here to be a prostitute. My main focus was medicine back then." Matthew's eyes took a far away look for a brief moment, the look of a man remembering things. It hadn't been that long since he had come from Zeltiva, but here he was. He didn't regret his choice. Learning was learning, no matter what sort it was. He realized he was being a bit open with the man, and that puzzled him for a moment. He supposed it was just nice to interact with a male who was somewhat similar to him when it came to education. His only other experiences with males in this city had been very few. It just came with the job. Faintly, he remembered that Aoren had mentioned Auristics. He wondered if the man had looked at his aura yet. What would he see? Matthew had never taken the time to look at his own, though from what he understood, it would probably look different to him than it did the other man. Oddly, the thought wasn't all that invasive. He had nothing worth hiding, or at least he didn't think so.

[Aoren]

Aoren let out a hearty chuckle at Matthew's response to his question. The seriousness with which the man had approached the matter was very amusing. It had struck him as odd but nonetheless it seemed good humored. He shook his head still laughing softly to himself. Aoren pivoted on one foot so that he walked facing forward instead of sideways alongside the dark haired man. He brought his arms up to rest his hands behind his head interlocking the fingers as he assumed a very relaxed and leisurely pose.

"You have quite a way with quips, Matthew." Though there may have been those who might have found Matthew's straightforward bluntness rude or grating Aoren was no such person. Indeed, he found the blunt honesty to be a tad refreshing. So many people went about their daily lives speaking untruths or little white lies. He noted the turn they made onto what seemed to be a well walked path away from the main body of the people exploring the Sunset Falls. He kept up with the trail of conversation with relative ease.

"Humble? Well, I do like to think myself a rather humble individual but I can say that I have a considerable amount of expertise in only one discipline. That would be Reimancy." Seeing as they were away from the prying eyes of those who might run in terror at such mysterious displays of the arcane, Aoren opted to give a small demonstration of his abilities with the elemental art. As easy as taking in a breath he conjured gaseous Res into his mouth. The magical mist visible only to him and those who focused on it with the art of Auristics. He did not puff out his chest. He did not take a huge intake of breath. He merely blew shortly and pointedly expelling the gaseous Res from his mouth rapidly. Once it was a safe distance away from them both he transmuted the Res into a gust of wind with a flick of his thoughts. The resulting current of air sped forth with enough force to blast the debris littering the woodland path at their feet up from the ground. The wall of forest debris cascaded forth bending branches and causing bushes to rustle quite roughly along the way until the wind died down.

The young man gave Matthew a pointed look along with an amused smirk. He normally wasn't one for showing off but he hadn't really stretched his magical muscles in some time. At his level of competency with Reimancy however such a display was child's play for him. Wind was the element that came easiest for Aoren. He felt closest to it. The way it danced across open fields or swirled through the trees made sense to him. There was a great deal more he could do but he didn't think it wise to suddenly call forth a bolt of lightning on a clear sunny day.

"I have heard dark things about Sahova but I can understand the appeal of it to those inclined to pursuing magic. I have thought about journeying there myself. I have also considered traveling to Zeltiva to study at the University. As I'm sure you've noticed, Syliras isn't exactly the most ideal setting for those not already highly learned in the varied Arts." Upon hearing the man's desire to create highly efficient and safe environments that could serve as environments for casting Aoren's interest was piqued.

"That would definitely appeal to a great many societies. Especially Syliras." As Matthew gained a very far off look Aoren glanced away. He allowed the man his privacy. More importantly Aoren did not like to look upon people who became deeply entrenched in their emotions if he could help it. There were times when the emotions became so powerful he was drawn into Seeing things he would rather not. He was slowly working his way back to full confidence in using his Gift but it was a slow road. He had nearly lost himself once and he was deeply afraid of the possibility of getting lost once again. Should Matthew take the time to peruse Aoren's aura it might reveal that he was slightly disturbed with underlying emotions of either fear or a melancholy disposition. When he felt an appropriate amount of time had lapsed he glanced at Matthew to see the moment was gone.

"Going back to your offer of studying together, I wouldn't be opposed to it. There are not many within the city that I know of who would be interested in researching magic. At least not citizens. I know the Mage-Knights do research but whatever they do is only at the discretion of the Order itself." He shrugged.

"I am versed in Glyphing. Enough to make rudimentary Glyphs but it usually takes me some time to draw them. Shielding is something that is coming slowly to me and while the prospect of pursuing Magecraft seems very tempting the resources it demands are beyond my reach at the moment. At least not without incurring a debt to the Knighthood and I would rather avoid owing them anything at the moment. Alchemy and Glyphing seem like the most viable options right now. Though I would need to gain more familiarity with Auristics along the way so that I could keep an eye on whatever we worked on. I have only just begun to touch on that magic though." Aoren looked around at the scenery. They were surrounded by a decent congregation of trees all of them standing like silent sentinels of the forest. He dropped his hands at his sides rolling his shoulders slightly. As his hand dropped the shimmering Lily of Avalis glinted slightly in the sunlight that streamed through the trees.

"Might I ask you a question?" He blinked at Matthew considering his words carefully for a moment before proceeding. "You are obviously a highly intelligent man. Of all the professions available to a man of your caliber why did you choose the work of..." He smirked slightly. He would have called Matthew a harlot. Or perhaps a prostitute. Maybe even a whore. Several words came to mind but none of them seemed appropriate for polite conversation. "...an escort?"

That seemed like an appropriately polite word. It was after all still what Matthew did.

[Matthew]

"Quips?" Matthew looked momentarily confused, then quickly tried to cover it. Instead, he nodded slowly, blue eyes darkening as he tried to piece together the puzzle of where exactly he had made a joke. He was bad at jokes, or so he thought. Whenever he actually tried to make one, no one ever seemed to laugh. And when he had no intent of making one, then people somehow found one and laughed at him. He often wondered if perhaps he should have tried to be an entertainer as a profession, but then just perform his daily laugh. There was obviously some amusement to be found in it somewhere. Amusement was always a good thing. Reimancy, hm? Matthew knew of it. It was oddly one of the more common disciplines he seemed to encounter, which surprised him. It had been part of his studies at Zeltiva, enough to know just how incredibly dangerous it could be. He would never dream of touching it. The sudden gust of wind that Aoren kicked up caught him by surprise, and he stepped back a bit, blue eyes blinking rapidly as his mind processed the sudden blast of air. Like everything else, his show of surprise was quite reserved, though not by choice. It was just how he was. He had been quite surprised though, and quickly looked back and forth from where the air had gone and Aoren, having a new puzzle to try and piece together. He hadn't really seen any sort of motion or movements from Aoren, but he had obviously done something. It was impressive, to say the least. It still terrified Matthew on a very instinctual level. It was silly in a logical sense, too. But then again, wasn't all magic slightly silly in a logical sense? The harlot nodded at the mention of Sahova, pausing a moment to gather his thoughts before addressing the subject. "Sahova does seem like a dark place. I enjoy the focus on learning and science, but there are quite a few rumors. I suppose if I ever get to go there I will get to see how many of them are true. How very exciting." His voice was a monotone as he spoke, not really showing off any sort of excitement at all. In truth, even if he would be delighted to learn at Sahova, he would also be terrified there. Not only did most of them practice all sorts of magic, they were also all dead. And from what he understood, if they ever decided to respect him, they would want him to be like them. It was an odd and scary thought. All of this information was mostly second hand though, from the trading ship that passed from Sahova to Zeltiva. He had listened to many a story back when he had helped his father out with Harbor work. His attention was distracted by the shimmering Lily on Aoren's hand, and he stared at a bit as he responded to the idea of studying together. "Glyphing might be a good place to start, then. I wrote a thesis a long time ago that I could discuss with you, and it involved Glyphing. We could try and draw some that would perhaps contain some of this air you lord over." The question about his choice of profession was next, and rightly so. He tilted his head, connecting eyes with Aoren. "Do you think the work of a prostitute requires no intellect? It just requires a different kind, or at least I believe. You have to know what sort of person you are trying to bed, find out what they like, find out the way they like it, find out the best way to bed them. Some like a chase, some like to leap in. From there it is even more of a puzzle, and then after there is still a bit to solve. Imitating the act of intimacy in one of the thousands of ways that people can possibly like it is a puzzle, and one I can find some enjoyment in. It requires knowledge, and I like knowledge. It is unique as well. It is a different sort of stimulation for me. Not the average puzzle." He shrugged, glancing away, studying their surroundings for a moment. "And it made sense. I believe sex is a science, as is seduction. I practiced it, trained it, and honed it. Even my medical skills come in handy when dissecting a human body in a very precise and sexual manner. Perhaps I should say intellect is required if you want to be a good prostitute."

[Aoren]

Though he was a little put off by Matthew’s analogy of sex as a matter of science he could see the logic in it. Aoren certainly wasn’t someone to judge. He’d witnessed far more bizarre and horrific things in his time but that was neither here nor there.

“That is certainly an unusual approach to the subject. I didn’t mean to say that I expect a prostitute to be lacking in intelligence. It merely struck me as odd that an individual such as yourself would pursue it as a career. I’ve not much experience with them but they are usually not quite so…”Aoren considered his words carefully. He didn’t want to offend the man. “…withdrawn.” That seemed like an appropriate word. He nodded happy with how it fit into his description of Matthew thus far. From the way he carried himself, to the way he spoke and even how he spoke it Matthew, by his actions didn’t seem like the type to lose himself in a passionate moment bringing pleasure to people in the sheets.

“Then again, one can never judge a book by its cover.” He chuckled shaking his head. The world was certainly filled with interesting people. He pondered for a moment considering the offer to study Glyphing. “Glyphing is certainly a very useful tool in supplementing other types of magic. I have used it several times myself but only in an effort to empower my other disciplines as they apply to myself. I’ve yet to explore actually trying to contain magic within Glyphs at the present time though it is something I have contemplated now and again.” Aoren tapped his chin in thought as he considered some of the applications of the magic.

“I would be very interested in discussing your paper some time. I always appreciate the chance to expand my horizons so to speak.”He glanced at Matthew and noticed him staring at his right hand. Aoren followed the harlot’s gaze to the gnosis mark that shimmered in the sunlight. His expression softened. His eyes grew slightly distant as he thought about the connection it represented.

“Ah. Yes.” He brought up his hand into a more level view. “Are you familiar with this mark?” While Aoren was aware that the Seer’s Lily was something members of Knighthood would be very familiar with given the presence of the Konti women amongst their ranks he wasn’t always certain of just how widespread knowledge of the Goddess of Divination was amongst the general populace.

“It is the Lily of Avalis, Lady of Visions. I do not know when she marked me but I have had it for as long as I can remember. So I would assume she marked me at birth. For what purpose? I cannot say. She has guided me though. I have been known to go astray sometimes but I always end up back where I am supposed to be. Her blessing reveals to me the truth of every man or woman’s past. All I need do is meditate to find the answers I wish to bear witness to.” He brushed his fingers over the Lily before dropping his hand to his side then looked around.

They were approaching an area less crowded by trees opening up to a small meadow of flowers. The din of the waterfall had become little more than a pleasant background noise. Aoren took a deep breath enjoying the scenery. He clasped his hands behind his back.

“So then, Master Matthew tell me once you have achieved your goal of creating safer casting environments what exactly do you intend to do? That can’t be your only ambition with magic? I would go so far as to guess that your desire to make such safer environments comes from a want to study a discipline that has potentially volatile results?” He arched an eyebrow glancing at the man as they continued their forest walk.

NoteNot my best work. Sorry for the lack of depth. Lol, random tangents for the win!