Completed Practice of the Game

[Byron Allestor]

It'd been the expected reaction Byron thought to see, the same sudden loss of exuberance once a person heard the grim truth. Indeed the memory loss wasn't a joking matter and to see it affect a person so, it both eased and yet unsettled Byron at the same time. In a way they knew he was serious and because of that knew it was a complex situation, one that they could only imagine to be difficult if they were to bear the circumstances. Then again the fact it could impact a person so easily proved it wasn't something one should come to bear, for who liked to face such indomitable obstacles that they hardly could understand? Sure enough Byron already hated the idea, and everyday he would always remember why. The conflicted sense of doubt cross bred with deprivation of understanding, it put his very faith in this journey to the test in hopes that against all the uncertainty, an answer would actually exist and bring to light a solution.

"Thank you..." He showed relief in the confirmation of Terag's trust, that alone had been enough to put provide a bit of ease. "If you ever find a way to fix it with something, definitely keep us posted on the matter for sure." There had been a change in Byron's expression as the corner of his mouth turned up only a little, the faint smile presented a sign that he appreciated the thought Terag had presented. Indeed he would very much be open to ideas on what could help them out, with the rate they'd been going, at this point nearly anything would be welcome in his case. The Isurian seemed to brainstorm a bit as he brought up a few suggestions, the first being that which Byron would've easily resorted to if he knew he could trust it. Magic. There were ways one could use magic to both help and harm, and in a case such as this Byron warranted it would only do both. Without knowing all he could about whatever magic could be useful, he easily surmised that it would be offering his younger brother to be a test subject. Something he was by far against for the most part, as it paid to know every possible avenue and risk involved.

Then of course the mentioning of Gods were involved next, a suggestion he didn't even think about, but at this point didn't mind considering either. Prayers. They never really were that much help to Byron in the past, time after time he would find himself wanting to but then eventually gave up altogether. Maybe now he needed to give it one last try, see if it would help them out in the long run. "Well, those are possibilities we're looking into." Tailen noted as he glanced between his brother and Terag.

"Looking into would be an understatement honestly. Magic isn't something I will easily trust, much less give credit for in regards to helping. For all I know magic could've easily done this to him somehow, but that's something else I've got to take into account when I know for sure. Right now though magic in general doesn't seem the best option to take, we don't know what magic might actually help his recovery for one. I would rather know what that magic is and what risks are involved, as well as explore all other possible solutions before we reach a decision." He looked down to his brother for a brief period, the concern in his eyes present when they returned to Terag. "As far as praying to a deity of some sort I've never really considered it, humans are after all petty in comparison to them. The way I see it why waste a thought or breath when that Divine might not even hear you, much less decide to help you when they've got better things to handle."

His reasoning probably made him sound pessimistic about the whole ordeal, maybe even a little narcissist with Terag's suggestions. Yet with it had only been a matter of an expressed opinion, therefore Byron hardly considered how that came across to the Isurian. "Questions... hm." He wondered what all they could ask Terag since he pretty much made the offer, Tailen already eager to take the first leap in asking something.

"You're able to craft things? What all can you make?" He asked with much enthusiasm, with the chance to learn something already in their grasp. Byron only chuckled and looked back to Terag, curious to know what all the Isurian is capable of.

[Terag]

He seemed unphased about Byron's feelings on magic. It seemed a common enough belief, and one he often heard from others outside of his clan when he was younger. It could be very unpredictable as even masters could easily die at a single mistake. Though the comment that seemed to bother Terag, to a point that his face showed it as his eyebrows furrowed and he formed a slight frown, was Byron's opinion on praying to the gods. Did the god's really think so little of the humans? It almost seemed unreal after all that he had heard that Terag's own god, Izurdin, loved all of the Isur. "I can understand your feelings on magic, but perhaps keep it as a last result? I doubt that if the issue was done in by magic that it can be cured by any other means. It is strange though, and I do not blame you for trying to find any other means to help your brother. Also, I apologize for the comment on the gods," Terag paused again as the thought hit him, how could his people not be loved by a god after all? "I was not aware humans were thought about in such a manner by the gods." "You're able to craft things? What all can you make?" Terag's face immediately went from one one of concern and happiness to one with a smile. There were few things he enjoyed so much, and talking about his work was always pleasant. "Well as I said I am a smith by trade. So I make a good number of things. Before coming to Syliras I usually worked on more simple things, like hinges for doors or nails and the like. Now and then my teacher would let me work on a weapon or a set of armor, and that's what I do now - I primarily make weapons. If what you want is a weapon I either already know how to make it or I can learn it pretty easily. Though when I get the chance I try to work on armor too, not too long ago I actually made a very lovely set of lamellar for a human woman." His smile seemed to only grow as he talked, after all this is what he loved to do. "That reminds me, you humans are rather strange. Your females, at least usually, seem very soft. Even some of your males are, why?" He wasn't quite sure after all why humans as a people didn't work towards their own perfection, much like the Isur do. After a brief moment he shook his head quickly and used his right hand to almost wave away the question so he could return on topic. Using his left hand he pulled the spear out of the ground, and held it parallel to the ground, hand open and palm up so the other two could see it. "Anyways, my people are master crafters. This is my first goal, to match my teachers' work in this spear." The spear was his only prized possession. One end was a blade that was about a foot in length, matching the design of a short sword with even a small cross guard where it attached to the pole. At the other end of the weapon was a simple steel butt spike, made for use and not for beauty.

[Byron Allestor]

There came a soft form of a smile as Byron didn't fail to consider what Terag had said, magic indeed didn't have to be the answer but it was by all means a last resort. That just meant they would have to be extra careful and do their homework beforehand, so that way there wouldn't be any holes in their plan when they finally attempt to restore Tailen's memory. "Yeah, it'll be something we'll consider if all else fails." With the apology towards suggestion to Gods as a follow up from Terag, Byron held a look of astonishment at first, before he finally regained the same soft smile before and respond. "Nah, I'm sure its just me really. We've had a streak of bad luck over the years, now it just doesn't seem any Divine really pays attention." He reasoned as he dipped his hand in his pocket, while Tailen finally took the moment to change the subject.

Crafting. A skill Byron hadn't thought to look into really, but all the same it sounded interesting. He hadn't any idea what kind of crafting he would do, or what sort of expertise he would study in crafting. While Terag explained the where he began and what he seemed capable of doing, it made Byron wonder what sort of things could be crafted in general. Weaponry, armor, trinkets; these were just generalizations Terag seemed able to make, but what exactly could the Isurian manage to craft as a smith? From the looks of it the spear he held seemed more finely crafted, it definitely had to have had a lot of time invested in it, for something such as that to look as good as it did. For a while the brothers were engaged with the topic, interested with what they had to learn as well as what Terag could offer. Surely there existed quite a lot of potential in having this man as a friend, more than Byron would've thought to hold into account for in the first place. "That's so cool! What sort of weapons can you make? Any chance you can make a couple of things for us?"

The questions brought a good laugh out of Byron for a short few ticks, a glance down to his bow followed as he wondered if Terag knew how to make one of them. Shortbows were good for ranged combat, something Byron hadn't necessarily practiced much honestly, but all the same he felt more comfortable with it than being up close. "This is just a long shot here, but I'm wondering how well you know how to make bows and arrows? Maybe even be a personal smith I can count on? Certainly would be easier on us, that is if we can make some sort of arrangement." There came a friendly smile at the invitation of his idea, a little hope found in the words once Byron finally expressed them. Terag seemed like the nice sort that you could actually count on, and while it wasn't necessarily Byron's way, he needed people he could actually depend on at times really. They were far from home after all, if he wanted to make sure that they survived, then he had to start putting more trust into others after all.

Just as it seemed as though Byron started to feel completely relaxed however, Tailen's own sudden change in stance alerted the older brother. Fear seemed present in Tai's own eyes as he looked at the spear in dread, a loss for words as his whole body shook nervously in his place. Byron's concern grew as he raised a hand to try and grasp Tailen's shoulder, yet the attempt to shake the boy out of his sudden trance never followed through, as then Tailen attempted to retreat back and tripped over his own heals. Immediately Byron dropped his own bow to drop to the ground, his arms sent forward to grasp the terrified boy. "Tailen! Tailen stop! It's okay Tai, he's not going to hurt us!" For a bit Tailen tried to bury his face into his brother's chest, cries came in outbursts as he would scream "Don't let it get me, please don't let it hurt me!"

[Terag]

"This is just a long shot here ... that is if we can make some sort of arrangement." As the others talked, Terag moved the spear back vertical and lightly rested the butt of the weapon against the soft earth. As the question was asked if he could make bows or arrows he seemed almost saddened for a moment since he possessed no ability to make either. That is, until he realized that he could always learn. "Well currently... no. I don't possess the ability to make either a bow or arrows." He paused a moment, as if for dramatic effect before continuing on, "However, I'm not opposed to learning a new skill. I cannot promise anything short term but if you stay around town for a long while or if you ever come back, I can definitely learn how to make them. I do enjoy making most anything, so learning something new is a challenge I'm excited to take up!" Again a smile broke across Terag's face. He didn't necessarily have to trust the others to make them a bow and arrows, or however many they were willing to pay for. Work was work, and he did love his work. However, the smile did not last long. In the time that Terag had been focused on Byron, Tailen seemed to have become worked up over something else. Confused, his focus shifted from the elder brother to the youngest. The first thing he noticed was the younger boy was shaking now, but why? Terag quickly looked behind him to see if something had appeared behind him, there hadn't. It couldn't be him, could it? The boy seemed fine until a moment ago, that was until after he had showed the two his spear. Terag turned to look the younger brother over again, this time focusing on the eyes and he saw that they were staring at the spear. Why over this? The eldest brother was the first to react. "Don't let it ... hurt me!" With a frown, he tossed the spear behind him lightly and stepped to the left to hide it from view as he watched Byron hug Tailen. Hopefully it was only the weapon that scared him, and not Terag himself. "Hey now, your brother is right. I mean you no harm! Let my arm be both your shield and your weapon to keep you safe. It will be alright." The isurian words while probably not understood, would at least keep the same tone and hopefully convey that he truly meant no harm to Tailen. It was something his mother and father would say to him when he became afraid when Terag was much younger, and so it was the first thing that came to mind to attempt to calm someone else down from fear. Still confused, Terag looked to the eldest again for some sort of guidance. "What is going on? Did I do something wrong?" He even took a step back just in case. This was not what he was used to, a living being wasn't a piece of metal. It couldn't simply be hammered back into place when something went wrong. "Is there something I can do? Perhaps sing a lullaby? Make a small stone toy? Uhh... Anything?" Terag was now starting to seem distressed himself. He wasn't going to lose it, or at least he shouldn't, but for some reason he felt compelled to help the younger brother. Perhaps it was because mentally Terag had filed Tailen away as a child because of how Byron was talking to him, and all children are important and should be cared for and protected until they can take care of themselves. Either way he wanted to help, though it was more than obvious this wasn't something he was prepared for.

[Byron Allestor]

For a moment no disappoint seemed to appear in Byron as he expected such an answer to occur, yet the follow up made it seem all the more sincere to here. Terag indeed started to seem like a good fellow to know, and maybe even count among friends someday. While he mentioned that he could learn how and one day make such things, the idea of Byron sticking around proved to be something arguable at the moment. Sure he appeared to be stuck here due to a few instances that occurred, as well as the rest and preparation for a long journey that could lead practically anywhere. Still for some odd reason Byron found comfort in the thought, because already the idea of having a few personal friends felt good to have. Sadly however that brief moment could only be shattered by what quickly transpired, as Tailen's sudden episode very much caught Byron just as much off guard as it did Terag.

"It's okay Tailen! Whatever it is you're safe, nothing's going to hurt you!" He called over the boys screaming as Tailen fidgeted in his brother's arms, the cries transitioned to sobs as he started to ease up a little. Still it seemed as though one thing managed to stir this reaction, and thankfully Terag had been just as quick to pick up on it like Byron did. The spear served as an indication towards Tailen's sudden behavioral change, but for whatever reason the effect it held definitely proved harsh on the younger sibling. "No, no, you're fine! He just... I dunno what he did." He sighed in his attempt to reassure Terag the fault wasn't his, and only silence seemed to follow as he asked if he could help. The thought had been a generous one and while Byron appreciated the kind gesture, Tailen started to seem a little more in control now, though his sobs and fidgets still continued for a few more chimes.

It had looked like Tailen practically had a mental meltdown somehow, which was something out of the ordinary really. The more Byron reflected on how the spear was linked to this, the more he started to wonder, if whether or not what had actually happened was a recollection. The possibility existed given Tailen's reaction, yet speculation wasn't something he wanted to just go with. "You're okay Tai. Big brother's here and Terag too, he'll keep you safe from whatever it was." Finally the spasms behind his fidgets settled as the sobs lessened, Tailen's breathing pattern nearly returned to normal as he slowly started to look around, the environment before him the same as before save for the sudden excitement. "See? You're safe here. Now, mind telling me what that was about." For a moment Byron glanced at Terag, knowingly he should've said "us" in the first place, but seemingly overlooked it as the sense of brotherly duty kicked in.

"It... it was scary! I saw this tall black figure that looked like a man. He carried a spear or something like it... and chased me with it!" Byron's expression revealed astonishment towards his speculation, by the sound of it Tailen did in fact regain a piece of his memory. Except only a piece, granted it wasn't vivid. "A lady told me to run, so I did without looking back. I was so scared Byron! I didn't want him to get me!"

"It's okay Tai! He won't be able to, he doesn't even know where we are." He assured the little brother as he comforted him further, his eyes moved over to Terag as a melancholic smile started to form. "From what I gather it was the area we're in and your spear. Without even thinking about it they served as a trigger for his memory, though something he wasn't ready to remember just yet." The woman he heard Tailen mention had to be their mother, without a doubt he knew it had to be her granted Tailen was with her before this happened. To think that something came after them, something that seriously traumatized Tailen this bad, it angered Byron deeply to the point where he felt vengeful. "Sorry Terag. If I'd known his first episode would've been this bad, I probably would've been more prepared for it... somehow." He sounded very apologetic but there was something else, a sense of anguish he tried to hide in his voice.

[Terag]

Terag didn't seem to mind that Byron had used the word 'me' rather than 'us'. He didn't really understand the idea of brotherly duty, but he did understand that he was the newest and thus had the least amount of room to ask to be included in anything. Either way he just waited, letting the two try to settle things out. At the mention of a figure clad in black, Terag frowned a bit more than he had. It didn't seem the brother remembered who it could have been, but at least this memory was something? Though unpleasant it could at least be a start for the young boy, somewhere to use as a base point to slowly regain his memories. "Sorry Terag. If I'd known his first episode would've been this bad, I probably would've been more prepared for it... somehow." Terag waved his hand through the air, "No reason to apologize. I do not know what it is like, but it does not seem to be something that can really be prepared for. So do not apologize for something that you had no idea would be happening. Even if it was not pleasant, at least it was something? So instead be happy there has been progress? Good or bad, progress is progress." He attempted to smile, though it looked forced and almost out of place on his face. With a sigh, the smile faded. He turned before taking a few steps, picking up his spear and then turning to face the brothers again. "Would it help if I let you hold the weapon? Perhaps teach you how to use it or how to fight against it?" This time his words were directed towards Tailen, and the smile on Terag's face was soft again. He knew there was little he could do, but he would at least try to help one more time. If nothing else at least now standing farther away from the boy with the spear might stop him from freaking out again, and be able to deal with him memory and realize the weapon itself meant him no harm.

[Byron Allestor]

While Terag shrugged of the apology with a bit of reasoning, Byron couldn't help but bear a wry smile at best. Indeed while the timing had been uncalled for and the handling of it didn't turn out as great as he'd hoped, one good thing did in fact come out from all of it and it was the simple factor of progress. This had been one of the first few memories Tailen actually managed to recover, and it had been done so by a few seemingly associations towards the past event. A spear and the forest around them, did those two really allow one such piece of a memory to resurface?

Tailen finally seemed at ease now and able to speak for himself once more, one of his wrists used to wipe the tears off his cheeks, while Terag offered to help the younger sibling out. They weren't ways Tailen would've expected to be presented, but all the same it brought a slight chuckle out of the boy. "That's awfully kind of you, but I should be fine now. I really didn't mean to panic like I did, it just felt like... like I was trapped in another place really." He admitted as he averted his gaze momentarily with a sigh. "It was me but it felt like I was seeing it through another person's own body. If that makes any sense."

Byron felt a little lost at how to take that at first, yet the confusion subsided as he added his own sense into it. "It's reasonable you know. You've lived without remembering so much for so long, its likely you'll feel out of place when you remember something like that. Least you can say that you've started to pick up the past, and soon enough you'll do it piece by piece."

"You really think so?" Tailen inquired curiously towards him, Byron had a hopeful grin by that point, an assuring nod added as he helped Tailen onto his feet. "Mr. Terag?" He addressed the Isurian near them with a small but hopeful smile of his own. "Thank you for helping me remember something, even if it was a complete accident. By any chance do you think we'll be able to see one another again soon? I'd like to hear more about crafting and such."

"I agree," Byron joined in, "I definitely want to learn a little bit of crafting from you." When he stated this he'd bent over to pick up the bow once more, a warm expression present when his gaze returned to Terag afterwards.

[Terag]

Terag nodded as Tailen turned down his offer for help for now. He didn’t mind too much, he just wished there was something he could do. Byron did his best to soothe his younger brother, and Terag agreed with what he was saying. However he couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward and useless a the two talked. It wasn’t their fault there was just little he could for the time being. He raised an eyebrow as the younger brother addressed him and then turned his dark green eyes towards the older brother as he spoke afterwards, and he responded at first with a smile to the two before speaking, ”As far as I am concerned you both are welcome to come find me. I think it will be easier that way. During the sunlight hours you can find me at The Ironworks usually, there is were I work as a weaponsmith afterall. After that it tends to vary quite a bit.” He seemed to get lost in thought for a moment before continuing again, ”Either way, as long as I finish my work I am sure I am allowed company. Either during that you guys can watch or after that I am more than willing to teach you both!”. He couldn’t help but smile, the idea of being able to teach others the trade that he loved so much made him happy – about as much as talking about making something new. “But in return, you will have to teach me whatever crafting skill you know. Learning to make something new is always fun!” For now it seemed that he had forgotten the issue of memories with Tailen. There wasn’t much he could do, but maybe if he tried exposing the younger brother to different things something else would come back. Hopefully, next time it would be something nice.

[Byron Allestor]

With Terag's instruction on where he could be found throughout the day both boys nodded as they appeared to understand, a grin formed on the younger one's face while Byron responded to the burly Isurian. "We'd appreciate that! Never hurts to learn something new after all." Tailen already agreed to that notion as far as Byron could tell, the boy already had another chuckle to spare after that had been stated. The Ironworks then. He noted mentally while Tailen threw what he had to say into the matter.

"We could probably do that!" He encouraged towards the second part of Terag's statement. "Though I can't think of anything off hand we can make."

"We'll figure something out." The older brother mused as he looked down to his younger, a friendly smile cast towards Terag after he said that. "Until then we'll just have to keep an open mind. You want to head back Tai? Or do you feel like giving this hunting trip a second try?" He looked over to Tailen when he asked that, a considerable kind of look present in Tai's face at the moment.

"Why not? We still got time to try and get something at least!"

"There you go, that's the spirit." He looked towards Terag one last time still with a relaxed smile. "Guess that means we'll be seeing you around Terag! You take it easy okay?"

"Bye mister!" Tailen waved farewell to him while the older brother turned to head off, the two boys eager to return to their previous activity they'd partook in. A couple of times Tailen would look over his shoulder to see how far away they'd gone, but once Terag had finally fell completely out of sight then he kept his eyes forward, quiet as a mouse while he watched his older brother in deep thought.

OOCWent ahead and decided to type up the closing post for me, feel free to wrap up on your end and either one of us can submit it for a grade. A very fun thread for sure! Can't wait to start another one soon.

[Terag]

Terag smiled warmly as the two turned and walked away, and raised his left hand and waved in farewell. "Good luck you two! I'll be looking forward to seeing you, so do not take too long to visit!" He was unsure if they heard his last few words, as the two had disappeared from sight at that point. Rather than venture deeper into the wood, Terag decided it was time to head back home. With that he turned and ventured back towards the direction of the city. Along the way he picked up a small branch, no longer than his forearm in length and maybe a quarter of its width. As he walked he begun to hum and channeled energy down through his arm and into his hand so he could shape the branch he had picked up, first stripping it of its bark with a quick run of his hand down its length before he began to push and pull the wood. He held it with his pointer and thumb on his right hand, using his palm and other three fingers and hold his spear as he walked. "The colors we have may be different." he sand to himself before humming a few more lines and then finishing the verse, "We work together, for everyone's happiness..." As the got closer to the gate he tossed the stick he had been messing with into the woods behind him. It was poorly made, rough, and wasn't the prettiest thing he had ever made. But, it resembled his goal well enough: a small toy bow without a string. It wasn't even good enough to be strung, but the act gave him something to think on, possible designs he might be able to draw down the bow and trying to figure out how one might even make a bow past its shape. Crafting some things was much more difficult then imitating its form after all.