Closed [Warehouses] Shade seeker

[Fallon]

There was only the creaking of wood for a few moments, the subtle shift of weight as the careful movement across came. Her eyes only looked to the woman behind the blink of sweat, the quick rise and fall of the chest as she tried to find some cooled normality. Already she was down to the shirt and the trousers - she could not exactly allow herself to remove much more in terms of layers. At least, not without a possible awkward look from Zandelia. Her head still throbbed, stronger and more definite than before - no doubt her brow was creased enough to show the discomfort of it.

"Integration, blend in, become a normality," She muttered the words between parched lips and revelled in the slightly cooler temperature. She had not noticed the dust in honesty, her mind was too set on finding cool and recovering from those higher temperatures. Fingers gave a pull at her shirt collar, trying to force the air to circulate - and promptly failed to do so. The arm promptly slapped back down to the floor after that, "Hidden within plain sight."

Her head turned properly to face the woman at that point, seeing the closeness that had come and the outline of a frown. Was there concern there? Possibly. No doubt it was unusual to see one crippled by the hot weather so easily, but that was simply the way it was. She had been this way for as long as she could remember and whilst in her youth it was thought to be something she would eventually grow out of - which was then proven in correct. And so, Fallon became a shade seeker within the season of summer. There was the faintest of groans as the woman reclined and relaxed, observing almost in what was before her, "If you want to purchase this fine building and bedroom from me, I'm sure we can come to some arrangement of suitable payment."

There was the faint darting of the tongue, before her shoulders rolled once more to find some semblance of comfort. In the process however, she listened to the woman's words and turned them about in her head. Business, investigation, problem solving, mercenary, combat, tongue and written. Her eyes gave a narrow, a service over a product, the best use of her abilities in which to gain the maximum potential. She licked her lips again, the cogs turning through the rebelling, aching mind, "Private investigation, Information Acquisition and threat protector all rolled into one. Being hired to solve problems, to produce an analysis of the situation beyond that of simple mercenary means." Her eyes blinked then, her head cocking to one side, "To look into claims and activities, through various means. Including the more brutal when need be."

Fingers drummed, her brow raising as she let the subtle curling of lips fill her face. It was an idea to say the least, and with the thought of a strange combination of business, home and headquarters for the Scars was an appealing one to say the least. Of course, it came with its own set of issues. The first was the financial, how much would such a thing cost to set up? What were the implications behind such a venture? And the second, was a lot more personal in nature, could she give up the life of travel and wandering for such a project? Her stomach knotted at that thought, rebelling almost at the thought of such a notion.

Still, the words continued onwards regardless and the mask of neutrality that the woman wore quickly fell away to the posing of her last question. Fallon eyed her carefully, a focused attempt to bring the breathing down to a more steady level. The gaze slipped briefly, looking down to the hand that begun to fiddle with the blouse and the shapes that existed beyond it. Her imagination flared up the images for a moment, a slipping into a state of mental lull before she turned her gaze away. She had to focus.

"It isn't alright though. It is an issue," she mumbled after a few moments of silent thought. Her lips pursed into a line, the forming of a pout in protest, "I mean, you came back to me earlier when I asked you to. And now, well... you miss me." She promptly stumbled over her words at that point, a feeble attempt to try and make some sense of them and explain herself, "I mean. I... it isn't fair. Petching Summer." She rubbed at her brow at that point, a slight weight of guilt resting within. Her thumbs twiddled, her eyes flickering back and forth almost looking for an answer, "I want to be there. But I can't even stomach the early heat of the seas-" Her face grew still for a moment at the mention of mines, her brow creasing before she simply said, "No mines."

"Wait... take full advantage of me in the Winter? Of... In what way?" Clearing her throat she quickly continued on, the flickering of thoughts. It took a lot of effort to pull herself up, and even more to turn her head to Zandelia in the dull light. There was another suck in of the air, her head cocking to one side as she let the beginning of schemes and ideas grow within, "I want to make it up to you. Here. Right now. Whilst I'm capable of being cooler. And with my head being able to work partially straight. Somewhat."

Shoulders rolled, her head cocking to one side as she tried to way up her options. What could she do? What could she not do? It was a wrestle of picking out what the correct options were. Her chest gave a heave, the clothing still sticking to her form. It was cooler here, at least, that was what she felt. Lips were licked, a gentle shift of weight as she took possibilities into consideration. But before that, she had to edge her way around and put out the feelers. Eyes took the woman into her gaze, the gentle lean in closer in the gloom and the bare finger being placed beneath her chin - what was within her power to do?

[Zandelia]

“Well not so much hidden I suppose as just unnoticed, no one cares about Stumble Alley really. It’s just a back portion of the city long ago given up to misrule beyond even Sunberth’s levels of anarchy,” she considered slowly, “I think for the most part the better part of stealth is inside other people’s heads. They just aren’t aware, they don’t…notice. It’s hard to explain” she gave up as that and eased herself into a more comfortable position as she waved a cloud of dust away from her face.

She chuckled at the next comment, made so tiredly and yet still attempted. It was always a sight, to see her find humor in things and manage to say something about it even when she was prone and suffering. She wondered briefly whether she was the same way when out of sight and took a brief boost of ego at the possibility it was only because she was alone with her. She doubted she was this open of course, to others she would put on the Bitzer conjuration. She inhaled and caught a mouthful of something old and coughed a few times before wiping her tongue on the back of her hand and taking another mouthful of water with a slow swallow.

“I think our current accommodation is acceptable thank you but I’ll consider the offer and what price would have to be paid for it” she looked down at Fallon then.

She listened and watched her words taking hold, firing the imagination of the other and she was grateful for that. No doubt she had already considered such things before but she knew how it felt when another echoed what cogs were churning out within - acceptance that it was a possibility. The agreement of another to provide a thought with some bones, the beginning of a skeleton upon which could be placed flesh and success. She had little doubt also that Fallon would excel at such an endeavor, she had the skills but merely needed to focus them into an arrow-like determination. It was with a smile that she heard the words reflected upon and then expanded into something more personal. She nodded along as they flowed out, tired though they were, trying for an encouraging expression. Then the silence at the ending and the small opportunity to offer support.

“I think it’s an excellent idea and one which will challenge you to become better than you already are. Something to aim for, to occupy and progress. Not everything has to be about the Scars, sometimes it should just be about you” she tilted her head and her gaze grew distant and thoughtful as the last topic was brought up.

Cleary it bothered Fallon, though she could see no way around such an obstacle that was physically draining. It was like fighting against the sun itself and no one could win such a battle. It was sweet and fulfilling that she felt the need to right this apparent wrong, to make things easier. No one had ever really offered that sort of thing, that level of desire to try to improve the way she felt or even her general level of contentment. She smiled and shook her head slowly, no it was simply something that would have to be dealt with and pushed past as and when it arose - she was prepared to accept that. The way she saw it she was grouchy in some situations, the same as anyone else. She had no right to make demands that would be so difficult to fulfill, so draining upon one already draining away.

“Well there are other places, if you’re sure. Not sure why you’d say no but I’ll have a think and see what I can’t think up for you,” she started, slipping past the initial comments simply, “and you’ll find out what I mean about Winter when it comes. Hopefully you will be happy with what I have in mind” she made a mental note for the colder seasons and scheduled in a few days of doing nothing in preparation.

“I came back, Wolf,. Because I could. Because I was ignoring you when I had the choice not to and because I was sorry for that. I made the same mistakes and didn’t learn from them, you forced me to. You owe me nothing for that,” she turned towards the last portion of their conversation, “and it is obvious that this…weather…affects you to the point where you don’t have much of a choice. I feel no anger over that”

“You already make it up by being here, though perhaps it would be nice for you to kick me awake every so often so that we could do something in the morning. Or perhaps you should try to sleep through the day wherever possible? Go out at evenings perhaps? You don‘t seem so bad at those times. And if you do kick me awake you can tell me to stop being childish for grumbling about it. Should probably wake earlier anyway” she smiled at the finger under the chin and leant forwards to kiss the damp brow of the other.

“Just promise me you won’t get yourself into anything too terrible whilst you’re sweating so much you can’t grip your tulwar,” she eased herself down so that she was laying upon her side and looking across at the other, “just stay here for a bit. Tell me something I don’t know. Be that smart arse woman that I love and show me new perspectives in things I thought that I knew before. Tell me a story. Whatever you feel like doing whilst you rest”

“Then, well when it is darker and cooler, I have a few things in mind that might fall into the ‘making up to you’ category if you still feel the need to do so” she stroked down her blouse quite obviously then under the pretence of wiping away some of the dirt and dust. She was sure it must be smeared across her face too. She’d need to wash properly tomorrow, her clothing too she suspected.

[Fallon]

Fallon pursed her lips at the consideration of Stumble Alley, trying to find some analogy within her mind to better describe it. Unnoticed, ignored, but very much existing and receiving only the smallest of acknowledgements. A beggar on the street corner came to mind, capable of watching the comings and goings of those who went past - whilst others paid no mind. The purse changed into a chew, the gaze shifting about for a moment as she pondered upon it - and then simply tucked it away for later. They both knew what it was like and consequently knew why it was an appealing spot to take their first stake in. All they would have to do is make sure the locals approved of it.

"Well... as you are presently so pleased with the current accommodation," she begun with a teasing tone, "When I have my hundreds and thousands of Mizas and my own piece of luxury, I shan't persuade you to leave your current lodgings whilst I go live off and surround myself with many a person." She gave a wink then, lips curling out into a grin and then darted the tongue out. It was simple play, nothing more or less. Still, it was pleasant to see the encouragement given to the quickly growing idea. She no doubt would begin the careful laying down of the foundations of such a project - and a personal one at that. Of course, it could help the Scars in its own way - but she also had herself to think about as Zandelia had rightly noted, "I shall have to think. And scheme. And find a way to summon up coin. Somehow."

Eyes darted to the shook head, a flicker down to the smile as her eyes adjusted. So she was to still be turned down in her attempts to improve or change her ways, part of her grumbled at that. The other part relaxed, knowing that she was not about to be forced into torture of fighting an unbeatable opponent. It still meant however she would have to find a way to work around it the best she could, and that was a hard task. A set method had yet to be gained and in return it left her floundering.

Still, she released a quiet snigger, and rolled her eyes, "Do something in the morning. Regardless," she quickly moved on and pushed down the smirk, "Perhaps it may be best to try and sleep through the day. Or at least the heat of it. Then emerge when it's cooler to do some real work, continue to do so through the night and... well into the morning hours. Then probably collapse and crawl into a dark, cool spot. Excellent idea. I can then leave you to gently torment me whilst I'm snoozing." She gave an approving nod, "Ice and water would be much appreciated with this tormenting, as would the application of it to various locations as and when needed."

There was only the gentle brush of noses, a low relaxed hum as she pressed her forehead against the woman and then gave a simple touch of lips. She shifted away after that - closeness would probably only breed more warmth was what her mind said. Pulling away, there was a pause as she sucked in the air, nostrils flaring and detecting the dust that rose up and hovered with it. Her senses gave a twitch, lips pursing into a line for several ticks before she released a loud sneeze. Her hand wiped under her nose, and released a quiet sigh of relief, "Petching... dust?" She paused, "I promise. Or at least, I'll try not to. I can't help it if trouble comes to me."

With her head propped up by her armour, she took to simply regarding the woman for who she was. The gaze drifted, looking, absorbing and drinking in what was before her. She saw the outline of the emerald orb, the tracing of the frame in the low light and watching the hand move to pick at the blouse once more. Was she being teased? Or was she simply just looking to get cool? The lids gave a narrow, and then flickered back to the face once more. She released an exhale, her fingers tugging at her shirt collar.

"Tell you something you don't know..." she paused for a moment, contemplating her words and then looked to speaking bluntly, " Pleasant though it is, your current state isn't exactly helping me resist imagination." She moved quickly on after that, her gaze darting about from side to side before fixing itself upon the ceiling above in an attempt to curve her thoughts, "New perspective... new things... What could I tell you..." Her tongue clicked, her fingers wriggling as she tried to think up something, "You have things in mind? Then later in the bells of the cool I shall indulge you for just a little while. Anyway," she pursed her lips, fingers smoothing out the layers then twiddling absentmindedly with her necklace, "I shall tell you a tale from before I joined the knights. Of bandits, adventure and the acquisition of one horse."

She released the chain at that point and wriggled her fingers, her brow raising in amusement as she fell into the mindset of a storyteller for just those few moments. At least, until a different thought flickered in her mind, "Or, perhaps I could educate and inform. Build upon your knowledge and tell you the mysteries of the soul and its layers." Fallon gave a shrug, "Or, I could just sprawl all across you and use you as a pillow and sleep for a while." She flickered a grin, "Your preference, what appeals to you the most?"

[Zandelia]

“Well if you’re sure, I do suppose that the youth of today just don’t know how to live rough and dirty. Standards have been slipping so they say. If you need a big soft bed all to yourself then I shall have to start calling you pup instead of wolf” she grinned, “and coin shouldn’t be hard to find. Especially if you hardly spend it, which is true enough. You’ll get there. Of course, I have gold too so I’ll help where I can if you like. Though I know you enough to think you’d want to do it as a personal challenge. Alas, however, you can’t stop me getting you something as a warming present when it opens” she thought about what would be appropriate, something useful but also personal enough to show she was more than just a client giving a bartering gift.

A friend’s gift, what does she like? she mused to herself idly, idea forming and being disregarded as she enjoyed the brief pressing together before the separation.

It was not wise to do anything here in the gloom, the old boards barely supporting them perhaps, but she couldn’t help who she was. She liked to toy and tease, to see that hunger in the eyes and know that deep down she was wanted. She was insecure perhaps but was becoming less so over time as things remained as they were and the world assaulted them only to find they were the stronger. Fallon, however, was getting better at her own type of such affairs and she suspected she was rubbing off on her in more ways than expected. It was only natural, Zandelia herself had begun to change simply by spending time with another, with her. It was an encouraging thought, the coincidences - or apparent coincidences - that led to this path, this room and this person.

“Ice and water, I’m sure we can get the water. As for the ice…I’ll see what I can do. Might be worth the effort invested no?” she shook her head in amusement, “and yes…tormenting…I am such a charmer. But yes, sleep through the day and work at night. won’t be difficult here. A lot of the mercenary jobs are done under cover of darkness to mask who is involved with them. Slavers in particular are hit at night as they are usually drunk and unable to defend themselves…if you were so inclined” she slipped that information in for free - they both had scores to settle in that regard and if she managed tog et paid also…all the better. Her thoughts were cut off by the sneezing and she blinked in surprise.

“You are adorable when you sneeze you know that?” she tried to pick up where she had left off, “and thank you. I don’t expect you to have trouble but your job is far more…bloody…than mine. Lots of enemies who may know what you look like, who you are. If they found out you are hit by the heat well…I’d rather not see you injured again, it was…” she trailed off, no words needed to be spoken really in that regard.


With that there was little to do but try to relax as best as she could, there were several Bells to go yet she estimated before the shadows would begin to lengthen and the heat seep out of the dirt paths of the city. At least in Sunberth most buildings were made of wood, if they had been stone then the heat would have radiated form them all night too to make thing even more difficult. As it was the dirt paths, stony as they seemed, cooled fairly quickly and the wood merely dried itself of the damp during the day and brought some of it back during the twilight. She listened to the options, acknowledging the fact that she was a difficult creature to think seriously with when clothing was plastered to her head to toe - at least she wasn’t getting leered at by the usual mercenary. She simply enjoyed the attention as she ran through the choice laid out before her.

Though…I think I could get two she mused to herself as she slipped them across each other mentally like cards in her fingers.

“Story, knowledge or pillow?” she asked the world rhetorically, “difficult choice I have to say. I like stories, especially ones that fill in some blanks of importance. Knowledge, well we both know I love that. The last one offers simple contentment. You set me a difficult choice” she pursed her lips slightly in consideration.

“This talk of the soul and the…layers. Knowledge. I choose knowledge. And also offer the pillow. More comfortable than studded leather anyway” she laid herself down and propped her hands behind her head as she focused her mind to listen to the illumination, “then I suppose that you can sleep and I will watch the…for want of a better word…door”

[Fallon]

Words flickered in her head, travelling to and fro as she considered what was next. There was only the small nod of agreement on the subject of jobs, and her throat constricted slightly at the mention of slavers. For a moment she was torn, her brow creasing into a line as she flickered to the late spring meeting. With that, her thumbs begun to twiddle and her lips twitched almost nervously.

"About Chainers..." she begun and tried to keep a level disposition, "I... might have been hired to defend some when they go and pick up... stock." She could almost imagine the wince Zandelia gave to those words, and perhaps then prepared herself for some physical onslaught to ensue. Her face screwed up at that point, her lids firmly creasing shut. With a deep inhale she continued, "And the slavers in question... are Daggerhand." She spoke quickly after that, looking almost to redeem herself, "I have a plan though!"

She cracked an eye open to the woman, her form having shirked several inches away almost instinctively and her eyes remaining fixed upon her form. Exhaling, she continued, "The Daggerhand are hiring outside mercenaries because someone keeps killing off their own. Because of that, they're looking to gain more. Hence... why I was approached with this job. Seems they don't know I'm leading the Scars yet, and well... You get the idea." Rubbing at her brow, she let her gaze flicker back and forth as she considered her next lot of words, "So... with that in mind, I figured something. Get in on job. Infiltrate their numbers and earn some 'trust'. At the same time, work to under mind them and have the slaves rather... subtly get free. They lose stock, Scars gain information. They get a foot in the door of the slavers circles. Learn marks, symbols and names. With that, it would become easier to target... no?" Fallon blinked, and then finally hissed, "The only issue is I can't exactly... do it solo. Be too difficult to do as one person surrounded by ten or more mercenaries."

And then, the conversation promptly moved on, blushing vividly at the last comment, "I... what? Adorable?" She shook her head, trying to almost defy the image that Zandelia had managed to conjure up. She was certain the was far from such, "A lot of enemies might, but... I shall be careful. Or try to be at least. You have my word."

It was all she could give, she could not see the future or what was to come. All she could do was attempt to supply some peace of mind to the woman who laid next to her. Eyes traced again, looking at the shapes from behind tired eyes as the offers were weighed up and taken into consideration. She did no push it along, just simply smiled with amusement as the woman flickered between them. Mischief gave a glint, a brief flash of white to the supposed difficulty of her options. And when she gave her answer, Fallon only cocked an eyebrow and purred teasingly, "Final answer?"

Regardless, Fallon was already focusing on shuffling herself round. Her neck gave a click as she briefly sat up, surveying the dark space before she reclined back down. There was only the gentle press of the head against the stomach as she settled, and rested in comfort. Pinching at her brow, she looked for the way to begin. It was an old lesson, one that she was taught when she first learned projection and something she considered fundamental to its understanding. Without it, one could not progress further with it.

"Comfy pillow," she mumbled before clearing her throat. There was a steady rise and fall of breathing, and her green-blue eyes stared intently at the woman. She had her ideas, and the woman had taken to knowledge as she wished - not that she would admit that, "The soul consists of three layers. Or four if you want to include the aura and what auristics can see. The deepest is the soulcore, it's... what makes a soul what it is. I suppose... the potential or concept of. The next layer is the persona or... the personal layer. Emotions, memories, skills... personal stuff to the individual. It's the things that make you who you are. And then there is the astral body."

Fallon gave a tug at her water skin, and let the weight shift and rest next to her, "The astral is the third layer, and what is responsible for us being able to move in the world. Think of it this way, the flesh is a puppet and the astral is the strings and puppeteer. With this perfectly synchronized, we beings are able to move," she wriggled her fingers as if to make a point, "But, what would happen if a string is removed from the flesh? Well, the limb in question would go limp and the astral would still look to give instruction," She eyed the woman carefully at that point, "And we both know where you have seen that before." Clearing her throat she continued and rubbed her throbbing brow again, "In conclusion, it is the astral body that is the vital piece needed for projection."

There was only a momentary pause, the gaze locking an a serious expression blooming upon her face, "Congratulations, you just had your first lesson on projection theory."

[Zandelia]

There was a slight narrowing of the eyes and a pulling back of the lips to show the edges of her teeth at the words as they tumbled out, fingers gripping into her hair jerkily in reflex to such a shock of a revelation. For a brief moment there was a sense of vertigo, the world shifting as if she had to reassess everything she thought she knew about Fallon and the direction of the Scars they had planned out. Paranoia was a latent and damaging portion of her psyche that always sought to slink in and dig its talons into her - it snuck out now and lashed her a few times in an attempt to upset the peace she had found for now. She pressed her eyelids together hard, taking a deep breath to calm the rising nerves as she resisted with some difficulty the urge to jump up and demand answers.

Patience…this is Fallon. She will explain. She was a slave too. She hates them too. Listen, breathe, relax she repeated the mantra internally a few times as her ears kept up with the words as best as they could.

There was still a tenseness to her form still, muscles firm but slowly relaxing as she pushed back the images of abuse and blood, self-destruction and destruction by others. The words were a balm in some ways, the offering up of a plan to within which was the framework of a small portion of vengeance and retribution. They were petty motivations to soothe herself with, things which she had begun to see the limitations of but the loathing was very deep and difficult to prevent from welling up within. There was a grim smile, a slight twisting of the lips. She had infiltrated slaver groups before but never truly liked doing so. Still, she was being offered the chance to provide assistance, not to mention the fact that she would get an insight into Fallon’s working practice. It was difficult to refuse indeed.

“Seeking to upset both parties at once and free some of those less well off are we?” she spoke finally, a soft voice filled with thoughtfulness, “a decent plan and one which I can get behind. Not to mention hopefully we will get some gratitude from those freed and a boost in reputation. I will join you, if that is what you are asking. It’ll be nice to get the opportunity to watch each other’s back and get into something more physical after such a long time of rest and healing”

“Perhaps we should invite one of the Scars to come with us, or two. See if we can’t boost their reputation and prove tot hem we have the means to offer them adventure and the prospect of getting paid too. Just a thought” she offered up simply.

“And if some of these slavers and dagger hands…disappear…well the city will be better of for it” she concluded. The offer was there, it had been taken and with that there was little else to say until the operation was put into play.

“Final answer,” she grinned at the playfulness, it was flickering up more often of late and she enjoyed the different side it showed, “and you are welcome” she stated as she felt the head place itself upon her abdomen and let the silence of contentment draw out.

The lesson came next, giving her knowledge of something she had never truly considered or even suspected existed. Of course she knew of Aura’s but had never thought too deeply upon them, had simply known they were there and used them for her own purposes as and when she had the opportunity to do so - reading people, getting an edge in negotiations and investigative initiatives. Now, however she was being presented with another perspective - not separate perhaps but still a powerfully attractive thing to muse upon. Aura’s as a layer of the soul, the outwards projection of what a person was in a passive sense that was reactive to the person rather than the person being reactive to it. And with the rest, the other three, it reminded her somewhat of an onion. Or perhaps a flower as its petal rings folder inwards around the central head. She played with several metaphors before deciding that he flower was the more attractive one to her.

“So it’s like a flower? The inner head being the core, the petal rings surrounding it in growing layers until you get the outwards ones…the ones that open or close the flower with the light of Syna?” she tested the description with her tongue slowly as she sought to understand the words presented, to penetrate their depths as much as she could.

She was no master of course, she was not even a novice and couldn’t do what Fallon could. She was not even sure whether one could truly understand what Projection was unless they actually did it. This was theory rather than practice after all, though the prospect of being able to Project and use its powers, feel out the possibilities and try to explore its depths did fill her with an inner glow she had not experienced for some time. It was new, a problem to puzzle out and explore. Intelligence had been a difficult road to traverse, dangerous indeed and magic was no less dangerous - more so in fact. Yet she was someone who sought out such things for the challenge, the frisson of investigation and acquisition of the knowledge. It was marred, the feeling, by the memory of that night in Brega’s and the man collapsing upon her.

“So you…removed his Astral layer and thus he couldn’t move. Will never more again. Is it permanent if you do that? You say the astral still seeks to instruct the body, even if detached, does it have a mind of its own to seek out its body again? Or does it have to be controlled by the person?” she asked, curious about its nature and its limitations.

“Or is it like cutting the strings of the puppet? Without someone actually forcing the strings back they just…stay like that?”

“So…I assume…when you Project like you did before…with everything…you completely remove yourself from the body? But then…what keeps it going? Yours didn’t die or even seem to suffer at all beyond being tired afterwards?”

“Still…I like the idea of the soul core. That central light that defines the soul, the different layer that makes the person. It’s a composite, showing just how impressive creatures we all are. The links to the divine and the endless cycle, so they say, of death and rebirth. I wonder…I wonder what layer is imprinted when you get marks like the one you have - the soul or the second layer, the persona?” she asked aloud thoughtfully.

“I think you are a good teacher, thank you for the lesson. I will have to think about it for a while I believe before I truly understand it. A complex art, with complex considerations. You do know how to treat me with things don’t you?” she smiled down at her.

“I think I’ll have to teach you something in return, though it is difficult to do so in a dark room removed from the world”

[Fallon]

Fallon froze when she watched the anger bubble within the woman, a rising panic forming within. She could almost see the pressing of an angry predator forming, the bearing of fangs and to demand answers in whatever form they came. And it was only because the mercenary hurried along her answers that things managed to calm and reach a state of lull. Her breath was held, eyes darting back and forth looking for an answer or some kind of approval. Relief escaped in a sigh, her shoulders relaxing as those soft words escaped and the rage for now subsided. There was only a nod, "I'm glad you agree and wish to partake. I'm not sure yet who I would want to bring along for such a task - it is bound to be a hard one to say the least, so if I do bring another Scar along.... well I would like to know that they can definitely hold their own."

But such things would have to wait for later pondering. Tempting as it was to dissect the members now and pick them out, now was far from the time. She had a lesson to attempt to teach, and also had to take the opportunity to smooth out what previously plagued upon their minds. Daggerhands, slavers and slaves had to be put to one side for the more academic. Nothing could be done now but to silently wait.

Her hand gave a gentle pat against the woman, mocking almost the puffing out of a pillow before letting the simple things of relaxation begin. Even if there was the mumbling of words and the lesson. It was one she knew well, having uttered the same thing the previous season to another mage and having heard it herself from her mentor. Her hand rubbed at her eyes, a tired blink as she repeated the words she had spoken within her head - testing and checking them almost for their accuracies. She knew she was far from a perfect teacher, but she at least wanted to make sure she got her facts correct. The fingers went from the eyes, and then pushed back the sweat and hair from her face once more.

"When I was a child, I compared it to an onion. But, I guess a flower is just as good in this sense," she gave a smirk, "I suppose, with the flower analogy, you could then say the scent is the aura. Which... ties it off rather beautifully." She licked her lips, her eyes narrowing as she listened, her chest gently rising and falling. It was faintly that she could hear the gentle pulse of movement beneath her. Lips flickered into a curl, the momentary sense of lulling as she listened to the questions that came forth. For a moment she paused when Zandelia spoke of 'him', her brow creasing as she flickered through the memories and remembered the first time her services had been called upon.

Lips were wetted, "Yes. I removed his astral layer, or more over, I did the first half of initiating him into the art of projection. It stopped him from moving and continuing on with... that, without causing too much harm and minimum suspicion. Or... less harm at least. I doubt you would have liked that situation to have gone all the way," she paused then, remembering the suffocating feeling Brega's had on her that night and the steps she had to put herself through, "I know I wouldn't have."

She left that topic where it was, and quickly moved on with the lesson, "It is difficult to explain. Projection of course, requires the manipulation of djed and knowing what to do. Hence, why the full initiation process would be the removal and return of the student to the flesh. But, with a full removal and no true knowledge of how to be... manipulated. Try as it may wish, it would not return. It would have to be controlled by the person," There was a nod then, "Exactly like cutting the strings of a puppet."

It was a frightening thought, even then the prospect sent a nervous chill down her spine causing her to shudder. To be expelled from one's body without any control over it, and simply cast aside in the moment and left to drift, grow weak and drown. She swallowed, her brow meeting into a line and her eyes blinking away the memory of what she had done, "Full body projection. Yes... it sends everything out. I..." She paused, gathered her thoughts and brought the lesson back on track, "I'm not sure. I think it's to do with something more to do with the body. You know... Stuff you don't think about normally to do. Like breathing. Sort of goes into a very deep sleep state."

She scratched at her cheek, her eyes narrowing down with thought, "Of course... there's limits. Your body goes limp, and you have only so much you can call upon djed wise. You stay out too long, you could fall out of beat with the flesh when you return. Joints ache, limbs become inflamed. Paralysis even. And if you don't return..." There was only silence then, certain that Zandelia could work out the rest on her own with the knowledge she had already given. Her jaw constricted slightly at that. Would it only be a matter of time before she met such a fate? How much longer did she have with the ability before she truly slipped up?

Her thoughts however were shattered by the musings of the woman. Shifting her head so she looked up to the face once more did she blink. Her brow creased, a silent contemplation to the question that had been posed to her. In honesty it was something she had never considered or had the answer to, "I don't know. I really don't know. I suppose it's something the divine would know. But... if I had to guess... the persona layer? Just makes sense to me." Flexing the right hand she gave it a scowl as it stiffened once more and refused to behave. It was the left hand that inevitably begun rubbing along the tendons once more.

"What can I say? I like treating and pleasing you. It's rather satisfying to see you smile and be amused," She gave a smile back, her eyes briefly being hidden behind the fringe once more, "Teach me something back? That's brave of you, though... I feel you've taught me a lot already. Probably a lot more than you realise... still. If you feel the urge to teach in this cooler piece of isolation, by all means do so. I shan't stop you."

[Zandelia]

“Of course, safety and success are paramount but blooding a few of them on slavers here and there to give them a taste could be fun. I’m sure that with us watching their back and them watching ours we will be fine. Slavers are not known for their…subtlety” she breathed, looking up at the daft rafters now as she sloshed the information through her mind and analyzed it further.

She let the subject die off then, it was apparent from the reaction of the other woman that she thought she was going to incense her and she didn’t truly know if that was a wise assessment or not. She was always angry at such people, usually within her control. Perhaps it had been the way in which she had responded, the call for their destruction so strong if folded into the words rather than leading them neatly. In any case Fallon seemed to be far more interested in the theories of magic, the teaching and explanation and she was enjoying the learning - it was a safer and far more enjoyable topic for the both of them given their past experiences. Experiences shared together, though they had only recently learnt of that part. Most of the experiences.

“I did think of an onion but I much prefer to make things more attractive where possible, it makes it seem…nicer. I mean I know magic is hard and dangerous but sometimes it needs a little beauty out into it, even if it is just words. Like I used to think colors were just fuzzy little things. Then I reflected and looked harder, got better. Now they all look like thousands of tiny flames, flickering together and dancing in their appearance” she slipped a hand down and stroked the hair of the other absently.

“The world is so grime filled here, time to try and make it seem better. Even if we have yet to actually make it better. Or maybe I’m getting older and mellowing somewhat, we will see” she chuckled, trying not to disturb her ‘sleeper’.

At the words of the memory, that night in the brothel when her daring had proven to be a weakness, her lips twisted and turned before she bit the lower one in recognition. It had not been the best of memories she had to admit, nor the easiest and best transaction she had ever taken part in. Thankfully Fallon had been there, had done what she had done, otherwise she’d likely have felt more repulsed by herself than ever before. There was a difference between seducing and getting petched and it was a line she flirted with as a necessity, not out of joy. She liked the hunt but when it came to sleeping with someone for a goal she tried to only do it if there were no other options. She was glad that there were other options now.

And I doubt I will walk that line again, not the same way. Not now she told herself firmly, resolution made privately. She knew the damage it would do, to more than herself.

“I am happy that you did, there was no other choice and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. He was hardly the best of men. Still, a powerful thing to be used with caution. I understand. But this…initiation…it is like that? Is it so brutal? Can you not learn to do what you describe without having yourself…torn I suppose? Torn and then folded back in?” she asked, it seemed a price to pay indeed. You would need to be sure what you wanted before doing it.

“And I suspect that also means that those who do the initiation need to be trusted implicitly. I can’t see someone just getting up after having that done, replaced or not. I mean you said it’s what makes you move. It seems like breaking a leg and then setting ti before asking them to go for a run” she toyed with her hair as she mused aloud, there was a sliver of fear in the core of her words.

If she had been considering possessing such powers before such thoughts were now tempered with caution. It was clearly a risky business, to gain the ability. Was there even any guarantee that it would work? That you would be returned the same and improved, with no consequences. What if it didn’t go back for some reason, this astral layer? Even when trying to be forced with deft hands? You would die, that was what was being said. It was a life or death situation and one in which you had to walk willingly. Or at least that was the case if you were being initiated. Not so much if you were an enemy being ripped apart. She was not sure she was entirely comfortable knowing that Fallon had done that, though at the same time grateful she had done so. Conflicted feelings rose and warred before settling once more.

“At least, if everything else goes wrong, you could make a good career as an assassin. Or…debilitation of person. If used as a weapon, though I am not advocating it, it could be both silent and deadly. Fearful too. But no…no…I’d rather look my enemies in the eye if I were to kill them” she ended that line of thought there and then, smothering her spymaster’s thought process neatly.

“Djed? You mean the power within? What I use with Auristics?” she asked the next natural question, she had had no formal training on Djed, or f she had it had been partial and cobbled together over time and from scraps, “and you do, do you? I shall remember that and smile more often. If that is even…possible?” she snorted at herself then.

“Wait…I’ve taught you already? When, what? I don’t recall sitting down and formally instructing” she raised and eyebrow and looked down at Fallon inquisitively before resting her hand back on her free hand and thinking.

“I would like to teach you something, though nothing comes to mind from my trade here. Unless…unless…how are you at riddles? Because I might not be able to do what I have in mind here but in a few days perhaps…I may have a game for you. With preparation” she considered it, the small flickering of an idea forming that could be fun, instructive and subtly so at that.

[Fallon]

"With the right training, and the right method of thinking... Magic can be beautiful," she mused, expression growing soft for a moment, "It needs to be manipulated, pulled and changed into that of an art. Like a dance with fire, if used correctly it can produce a wonderful performance beyond the imagination." There was only a gentle tilt of the head up to the hand as it stroked upon the hair, a moment of soothing with those fingers. Her gaze shifted, and she fixed an eye upon the woman, "It will be made better. Bit by bit. Piece by piece. Start small and gradually grow outwards. First... a building. Then Stumble and then... where ever we decide to turn our attention next."

The rest of Zandelia's questions came after that, curious and inquisitive in their nature. It was almost testing, looking and searching for something beneath the simple pretence of asking. Her eyes gave a narrow, her lip being chewed as she flickered back and forth between the words. Was she starting to follow the same line of thought as Fallon? Possibly, but it required further pressing of those feelers and wheedling out of information before she could make a solid decision, "Projection Initiation is like that for every one. You need someone, an expert, to do it. You're removed, left to float and then put back in. There is no other way. Can't be learned from books."

"Torn, separated, broken and removed from the flesh. Then... weaved back in. A long thread to form up a tapestry, the great pattern that makes up the astral layer," She gave a snort, "A lot of trust is needed, a lot... I chucked everything I'd eaten. Could barely move for a few days as everything readjusted once more. The body needs time to recover from something forceful like that, but once that's done, or more correctly, the moment you're returned to the flesh... well, you're a projectionist. Then the proper training begun. No more theory, practice. Why... you wanting to obtain it yourself?"

She had attempted to comfort that somewhat worried tone, it did not go unmissed even to her. Gently, Fallon took the hand that was playing with her hair and brought it down to her lips. She gave a kiss upon those fingers, a gentle exhale onto the flesh, before releasing them back to the owner, "Fear not Sunshine. I would not do such a thing to you. Not without your consent and if you are ready for such an ordeal." What else could she say? What was within her power to ease what could possibly be going on behind her mind? She chewed upon her lip, the unsettling to be thought of as a potential assassin - disturbing almost that it could start being used in such a way. But then she compared it to the blooded nature of a mercenary, her eyes pricking down into a narrow and seeing little difference outside of being available for more jobs.

"Djed, yes. That inner power. I... don't know a lot about it as such, I mean. If you take it from the Nader, it... means... spine I believe. The backbone," For a moment she paused, her brow creasing as she sheepishly stepped around the next potential lesson. It was something she was uncertain about completely in its nature, but, even through her own practices, observations and insights to other magic she was able to understand a few things. Sheepishly, she drew a square in the air, her mind struggling to bring forth something she could actually work with, "I... from what I understand. Everything has djed at some level or other. And I mean... everything. It... is never lost. Only converted into something else. So... when I use Djed, it allows me to project. I... sorry, my knowledge falls short there."

She glanced at the woman as she snorted, a flicker of amusement and ideas resting there before simmering down once more. "I can think of plenty of ways to make you smile more often, though, you probably would not admit to it," She spoke in a serious tone then, "Ribbon."

Sitting herself up she surveyed the space once more, a gentle stretch out of the form. Fallon twiddled her thumbs, "You taught me a few things. Not in the normal way of course. Not all lessons are sitting down and instructing of course. Other things. Important things. Very important things." She gave a flicker of a smile, eyes softening and her lip curling. Her gaze drunk her in once more, the nostrils gently flaring as she considered her next move. The hand reached down, a brief flash of white as she fixed her sights on that emerald. The finger tip traced the jaw line, and lowered to the chin once more, the flicker of a tease existing there, "And now you want me to tell you? Have you forgotten already? Or did it simply not leave that much of an impression on you?" Leaning in at that point she brushed a strand of hair back from the woman's face, "Don't tell me I need to remind you?"

Gently, she kissed the forehead, a gentle inhale before she brushed the lips down to her cheek - mimicking almost what had been done before - and then pulled away slightly, "You taught me not to fear intimacy. That it's alright to trust and care. That not everyone is out to hurt you and simply play with emotions," the hand slipped from the chin, and moved to press against the floor to the side. She held the look though, a second lean in leading round to the other side now. Perhaps it was the sense of growing coolness that pressed the behaviour, either way Fallon was presently enjoying herself with the simplicity, "You taught me to live, to not run away from things any more..." She hovered above those lips, barely a breath between them, "How to make lov-"

There was a sound. Something foreign. A muffled voice. For a moment she froze or perhaps seemed to hesitate. Ears strained, brow creasing together slightly as she heard it again - clearer now that she had noticed it. Her hand shooting out and clapping over Zandelia's mouth, she had otherwise barely moved and simply froze herself in place. Below the boards she heard the voices, dulled by the wood that existed between them clearer now there was silence between them.

"Well, were they there?" One asked.
"Nah, no sign of them. Well. Par that mutt. See they were living there though," responded another, an angry hiss in comparison. Fallon felt a lump begin to form in her throat, the beat quickening within her veins. It was incredibly slowly that she leaned away, focusing on making no sound what so ever as she peeled away. Her ears however continued to twitch to the words.
"Petch sake! I want that bitch dammit!"

[Zandelia]

It was both a pleasant and a fearful picture that Fallon painted her for her mind to appreciate, the beauty of the perspectives of magic and the way it could be seen as a singing siren and attractive friend. Yet at the same time dangerous and filled with a myriad of sacrifices just to attain its most basic of abilities. It was an apt dichotomy really, an ambivalence of nature if magic could ever truly feel the way humans could. It was attractive and powerful in nature, a formidable tool. However if you didn’t respect it, treat it with caution, then it could cripple you for good. She knew that well, she had blinded herself - however temporarily - through her own foolish use of Auristics in Nyka and it had rammed the dangers home in the most terrible way possible. The losing of the rest of her sight.

“Well it’s good to know that then you’d get to see me covered in my last meal. Can’t say as I’d think that was one of our best moments together,” she latched onto the humorous in order to allay the rippling fear at the very idea, “but could be worse, and I know you wouldn’t. If I thought you would then I’d not lay down alone in a dark, dusty attic like place with you now would I?” she asked rhetorically.

There was no need for any proving of trust or testing of intentions. She had asked her to teach her and she had been taught, it was not Fallon’s fault that the truth of the matter was something that was scary in nature. She would have preferred books of course, she liked to read but she knew from bitter experience that some things just couldn’t be taught through text. It was merely common sense that told her it wouldn’t have been so easy. Still, it was just a lesson and no formal offer or accord had truly been made. It gave her something to ponder upon, to try to tease out the meaning of. It seemed to simple yet she knew simple things were often more complex than they seemed. She shifted her shoulder blades into the flooring and shifted to become more comfortable as the lesson continued.

“That makes sense though, it would explain why I’m able to see auras around everything. Even if they are small on common objects and only slightly larger on animals. Perhaps it’s the Djed that reflects it out or something? I think I’ll need to find a way to discover more on that, it seems…important somehow. Even beyond magic. Something linking everything together and…and…” she gave up, there was no further dirt track to follow.

“Backbone…seems more like a skeleton to me. And everything in the bones,” she stated as she finally processed the question and if there were any intent behind it, “you are offering? I…don’t know. It interests me and as I said it is useful. I doubt I can answer that question right now. I only just learnt how it happens” her voice faded then, seriously giving thought to the choice possibly offered to her.

She pulled out her water skin and began to drink from it but the ribbon comment caused her to splutter and she felt water run down her cheeks to cool the forming blush as she frantically stoppered it once more before she lost too much. It was just like her, to wait until just the right moment. There was a smile though, damn her, and it was broad but had little time to spread as the other woman suddenly shifted and launched into her own perspectives upon what she had been taught. The manner in which Fallon seemed to almost stalk even upon all fours, she could have carried her to their quarters then and there. It was still strangely uncomfortable to be told she had taught her so much, and of such things, though there was a truth to every word. But thrilling at the same time as breathing quickened ever so slightly in anticipation of the closing jaw line. Zandelia didn’t see it that way, she had simply been herself and tried to help…advise and…well if she were honest she had pursued Fallon somewhat.

Somewhat….

She was about to respond and cut the words off before her head swelled beyond all recognition as the creaking reached her ears and the hand slapped across her mouth neatly, cutting off any noise. She took a deep breath and raised her hands slowly, palms up as she nodded and pushed the hand away. She dared not move, the boards would give their position away but the words were heard all too clearly. They caused both anger and concern - they had been discovered. Much less they had been tracked to their current location and she was sure the only reason they weren’t discovered was because of Fallon’s insistence to climb into the dark and cool gloom. She looked at the other woman and frowned.

“Who?” she mouthed at her in an attempt to communicate.

She didn’t recognize the voice but it was distorted slightly by distance and echo and as such she couldn’t be sure she didn’t know the talker. They were being hunted, tracked and pursued. She wanted to jump down and beat the truth out of them but it would have been unwise. She simply lay there, trying to keep her breathing shallow, listening intently and committing both the words and sounds of the voices to memory. She titled her head ever so slightly as she closed her eye as calmly as she could and tried to get a better hearing.

She listened to the creaks between the voices and counted upon her fingers. One, two, three? Three possible sets of motion from below judging by the timing of the creaks she thought but truthfully could not be sure. She opened her eye and patted Fallon on the forearm.

Bitch…they will suffer for that insult. No one calls her a bitch she vowed silently.