PM to join [The Library] Higher Educations (Farris)

[Kynier]

TimeStamp: 28th of Summer 518

Opening the door the smell of dusty books washed over him. Though it was just across the street from his employer, Kynier hadn’t ever been to the library and felt the need for a quiet place where interruption was unlikely. His home in the Sunset Quarters was suitable for practicing reimancy, voiding, or any of the other schools of magic. But Kynier felt the need to be out yet somewhere private. There was plenty he could do here to further his experience. He had brought with him a couple blank sheets of parchment, ink, and stowed away in a secret pocket of his dark green vest, the ten inch feather quill that was bestowed to him eight days ago. Today he wore a simple shirt with a few tear marks in the sleeves, his dark pants and matching high boots.

The library itself was larger than he expected. Especially for a city that was mostly illiterate. Kynier spent a bell just wandering between the shelves looking at the spines. He wasn’t really here for the books though it didn’t hurt to browse. Most of them were thickly coated with dust. Kynier occasionally brushed a spine clean to read the lettering. After a time there was only one book that he removed and kept from the shelves. It was an educational book on learning Arumenic. While he already had a basic understanding of the language it may be helpful to expand on that. So he took it and settled himself at a table next to a window a little out of the way.

The spine crackled as he opened the book. Kynier read through the first section which explained basics to the language that already understood. Arumenic was the closest modern language to the ancient tongue, Nader-Canoch. The unique annunciation of various letters. Then after that a series of exercises to assist in learning the vocabulary. Kynier flipped through a couple pages before stopping. The book was left open on the table as he took out the parchment and vial of ink. Reaching into one of the concealed pockets he pulled out the Mighty Quill. The feather was blue which faded to white towards the tips. Near its point was a small glyph that Kynier had yet to decipher. Sitting at the table he looked closely at the small rune. He took a few deep breaths as he reached internally for his djed. His lips uttered the Auristic incantation just below a whisper. Kynier’s eyes widened a little as his Sight opened.

A small aura formed in the shape of a mist around the quill. A blue so light that it nearly looked white in color. The hairs on his arms stood on end as he focused on the aura. A buzz of energy coursed up and down his arm as he did. Inside that small glyph was a spell, or some sort of power. Reimancy. After a chime he hadn’t learned anything more and closed his Sight. The goddess had granted him a magic item, he already had assumed that, but its exact function still eluded him. With a shrug he uncorked the vial of ink and dipped the quill in. Across the parchment he began to draw. Kynier started on a series of runes, each not much larger than the size of a letter when one wrote.

The runes were from the ancient language. Kynier carefully drew out several of them that he could remember in alphabetic order. Adra, Ala, Canoch, Daeq, and Dala. Those alone took him half a bell to draw out with careful attention to detail. Kynier paused when his hand started to cramp. After a few wrist rotations he leaned back over the table and drew a barrier around each rune as though they were to be a focus. The barrier was the series of Randjaq chained together. It was difficult making it detailed enough on this small of a scale for it to be effective, should he decide to imbue a spell into it.

After the second bell of being in the library Kynier leaned back in his seat and laced his fingers behind his head. Each of the five runes had a small barrier around them. Kynier wasn’t going to bother providing triggers to advance them to complete sigils. Casting fire in a library was a bad idea, regardless of what city you were in. Kynier gave his eyes a rest as he leaned back, enjoying the quiet of the library.

[Farris]

Farris despised attempting magic inside of the confines of his apartment. The place was not only tiny, but attempting to justify practicing flame or worse still, lightning within the custody of four frail walls seemed nothing short of suicide. Ordinarily, the Reimancer found solitude in the abandoned buildings of the city, far more comfortable with ruining unclaimed territory than his personal property. However, when Farris had learned that the city of Sunberth had a library, he couldn't help but be somewhat curious. What sort of knowledge did the Sunberthians consider worthwhile to keep? Their people detested the practice of magic, so to believe that books on the disciplines could be found here was nothing short of absurd. However, perhaps there was something of value that could be found? The Reimancer roamed the halls of the library and, as he found it, he'd pick up a city atlas. At the very least, perhaps Farris could take solace in the fact that he'd not get lost in the city if he took the time to study the map. In truth, the Reimancer was hardly the studious type, his indulgence in the domains of magic a homage and a personal, vested interest in the defiance of the natural.

It'd be several chimes before Farris calmed his pace, seeking instead to find a chair upon which to study the atlas. His step had taken him towards Kynier, and he'd hear the strokes of a quill cast upon the surface of parchment. Who else would be in the library on a summer day? His curiosity compelled him to approach. By the time he reached the source of that quiet sound, the other man was done with his etchings. The piece of parchment he had in front of him was foreign, but the runes seemed vaguely familiar. Aside from that, there was a book in a language that was also foreign to him, its text so similar to a language he recognized, however. Nader-Canoch. Keeping his expression vacant of surprise or recognition, Farris made his approach so that the other would recognize his presence. He'd point to the chair across from him, curiosity compelling him to take a seat. Whatever the other man was doing, it was certainly quite strange and it merited an approach. The air around Kynier tasted of djed, and it, perhaps, merited him awakening a seldom used magic of his, Auristics. However, first, he'd not be rude and attempt to strike conversation with Kynier.

"You seem busy! Hopefully your efforts were successful?" he asked. He had a suspicion that the task Kynier was completing was magical in nature, but not versed in the world magics, Farris really had no way to know for sure. He furrowed his brow, letting his stare fall next upon the world mage's face.

[Kynier]

The silence of unread books was disturbed by a series of footsteps. Steps that were approaching his location. When Kynier opened his eyes he saw a man, taller than him with dark hair engulfing most of his head approaching. The man bore no weapon that he could see and didn’t have the appearance of a brawler. There was a sharpness in the man’s gaze. Not too surprising. The dimwitted wouldn’t have need nor desire to come to the library. And the man was observant. Kynier noted how the man looked at his open book as well as the parchment of incomplete sigils. No real expression or reaction formed as he finished examining Kynier. But the man presented a modest greeting in a way.

Fingers still laced behind his head, Kynier shrugged. “Just keeping a skill from going into decline. So, in a way, yes.” Kynier gestured to the space across the table, “Have a seat if you’d like.” Resting in the man’s possession was a book of no great size. Kynier tried to catch the title on the spine but never got a good view of it. Then he leaned forward and picked up his magic quill. Subtly he tried to set a finger over the small glyph that rested near the writing tip. Something about this man gave Kynier pause. It was in his posture and how he held himself while unarmed. At Kynier’s hip rested his cold iron short sword, with a dagger settled on the other side, and the assassin’s dagger hidden in his boot.

In his mind Kynier made the auristic incantation. The first attempt was unsuccessful, but in the long silence he tried again. The second time he managed it and brought the djed to his eyes again. As the other man settled and his aura came into view Kynier broke the silence. “What brings you to the library?” he said indicating the book in the man’s hand. When the aura fully formed Kynier focused on it. Strangely, he didn’t get any emotions from the man the way he did when examining another’s soul. But he felt something along various places of the man’s body. Rough textures in the skin that weren’t callouses. After a moment he realized they were scars.

As he focused on the man’s aura Kynier fidgeted with the Mighty Quill. Either lightly tapping its end on the table or brushing the tip of the feathery end against his jawline. The man was a curiosity. Kynier felt compelled to learn what he could.

[Farris]

Considering that the pair of them hadn't said very much, the long silence between them struck Farris as incredibly odd. Of course, upon being offered the seat in front of Kynier, Farris took his seat. The other man hardly seemed like a threat, and though Farris wasn't armed he felt quite at ease in the situation. Perhaps it was naivete, but the Reimancer believed himself sufficiently apt in threat analysis that the other seated man posed no immediate danger. Again, Farris had a strange feeling that something was going on. Perhaps it merited investigation? In the moment, Farris kept a level head, his piercing gaze set firmly upon Kynier's expression as he studied the other in turn. The question he posed was an ordinary one, conversational to the extent that it merited an answer, but not so substantial that one truly cared to pay attention to it.

"Honestly, I didn't realize Sunberth had a library until today. I've not gotten out much in my time here. I've had... other things on my plate."

In part, what he said was true. Farris had been in Sunberth for the better part of two seasons, but death had weighed heavily on him in the interim. He'd just recently begun his return into the world, and found much of his time being occupied with, as Kynier said, 'keeping a skill from going into decline.' The book that seemed to capture Kynier's attention was placed upon the table. The city atlas he'd found on his way to the table sat above his personal journal, a lovely jet black book with silver trim on the spine. It was untitled, and it was clear to an observant eye that the binding was not punished with the wear of repeated use. Farris' gray gaze darted from the strange, vaguely familiar runes on the table to the unabashed, unblinking stare of his opposite, it was remarkably clear to the young man, apt in magic himself, that his companion was a mage in his own right. How skilled was he? What sort of magic (or magicks?) did he practice? Most importantly, how could the both of them reasonably express to the other that they were a mage... all without blowing their cover? Sunberth detested magic in all of its forms, and the revelation that two mages were congregating would certainly cause a stir. A thought came to Farris' mind, and he figured that he'd take a chance on this man, fully aware that his plan would oust him as a mage to Kynier if his suspicions were on point.

"Skills, hm? Clearly what you're doing isn't art... You hardly seem the type, also," he noted. He'd offer the man a grin, chuckling at his own assessment for a moment as he relaxed. Leaning forward in his chair, he'd let his head rest into a groove in his palm. His eyes narrowed momentarily as he sought to do as his companion (without his knowledge) had enacted upon him. He pulled at the djed coursing through his body. Plucking it from the very depths of his soul, his eyes burned somewhat with the coalescing of it. The sensation wasn't painful, rather, it felt delicious. He savored the feel that magic had upon being created. Farris felt a breath pull into his lungs as he focused further, closing his eyes as a sheet of white fell over his senses. When his eyes opened, the pathways of djed flared and Kynier's aura, vibrant with his concurrent usage of djed, was fully visible for him to see. Farris had never been the best Aurist, and the emotional impressions left by Kynier were bare and fleeting to begin with. There seemed to be a measure of curiosity wafted from him. The taste of metal was rife upon his person, alerting Farris to the possibility that he might be armed. Did that matter, though?

Rather than feel threatened or concerned with the ramifications of being exposed, the mage was instead elated. Possibilities ran amok in his thoughts and it only made him more and more curious. "Interesting..." he mused, a wry smile cast upon his features as his gaze fell again to the table.

[Kynier]

The scruffy individual took the seat that had been offered. His remark about the library’s discovery was one Kynier could relate to. In the city of daggers, drugs, whores, and murder who had time to read a book? And as the man settled Kynier noticed that he actually had two books in his possession. The one that initially caught his attention was an atlas of the city. The other, the small black with silver on the spine, nameless one rested on the bottom.

Focusing on the aura of the stranger he noticed there was more energy to it than most people he set his gaze upon. Djed. Kynier only experienced using Auristics on a couple of mages before now. To his Sight a mage’s djed pool affected their aura. Kynier arched an eyebrow at the man’s remark to his scribblings. Art wasn’t the deception he was going for. Though that did give him a few ideas to try in the future. For some reason Kynier hung anxiously on the man’s unfinished statement. As he watched him lean forward Kynier’s suspicions were confirmed. The mist surrounding his form swirled from his core before flowing up to his eyes changing from its blue and gray color to white at the eyes. Kynier squinted his gaze slightly. What did the man see in his aura? The question that really boiled in the back of his mind, which sense did this man’s Auristics tie itself too? From what his teacher told him there were universal characteristics of the school that each mage used. But each individual experienced something unique when they delved into the practice.

For Kynier it was tied to emotion and feeling. Bourin had told him that Aurists could decipther what a creature felt. But Kynier actually felt the emotions of those he focused on. So when Farris felt elation, so did Kynier. It was forced upon him and took a few ticks to understand what it was that he was feeling. The sense of excitement he now felt was conflicting with his other emotions. Caution and intrigue. As the man’s gaze fell to the table Kynier sensed something else on the man’s mind. Something he couldn’t quite grasp. Kynier closed his eyes very slowly, shutting his Sight.

It was interesting, though his expression didn’t indicate that thought. His eyes were narrowed at the other mage. The idea of meeting yet another mage hadn’t crossed his mind for some time. After working for Doler the concept was less romanticized. It was impossible to tell if this man would be a peer, a rival, or an enemy. Yet they crossed the point of no return. Both had discovered the other without any pretext to what the other was like. Leaning back in his chair again, eyes still on the other, Kynier made an agreeing “hmm” with his throat.

The idea of a peer had an appeal to it. Someone he could share ideas and discoveries with. Another viewpoint to assist with any challenges he was facing. A person that really understood the adversity they faced just by walking out the door in the morning.

“Art wasn’t what I intended. Though I have recently found an appeal in the practice.” Shifting forward in the chair again he dipped the magic quill into the ink. He began a sixth rune, Kasai. The most common interpretation was optimism. Kynier carefully placed the curves and edges of the rune on the parchment, hoping that the concept would be imbued in him. His guarded nature prohibited it. As he finished the rune he looked up at the mage. “My name is Kynier.” No hand gesture was extended. Perhaps the city’s paranoia was beginning to affect him. Mages could be very dangerous. Neither had an understanding of the other’s skill set or their intentions. Kynier decided to open the discussion. “It is quite dangerous here,” he said as he began creating a barrier around Kasai. “Do you at least have a weapon to protect yourself? There are plenty of reasons to be assaulted in this city, apart from the obvious.”

[Farris]

Once the Sight was opened, Farris was in no rush to close it. He did not often have cause to use the magic, and quickly became engrossed in the flurry of sensory information once it was employed. A breath filled the mage's lungs as the taste of metal overwhelmed his tongue. It was harsh and bitter, biting to the senses. Coarse was the texture upon his tongue and yet he found himself intrigued beyond measure. Beyond the taste that flooded his mouth, his sight was enveloped in light. The strange sigils that were within his gaze rose from the sheet and spelled themselves out in the air before him. The characters that pushed up and into his scrutinizing gaze were foreign in terms of context, but oddly familiar in shape. Tied so strongly to his sense of taste, employing Auristics for the use of visual information was difficult to the Reimancer. He'd with great effort seek to use impressions given by the djed housed within his eyes to find context. The gist of the text was left unknown, his understanding minimal aside from the rune that Kynier inscribed as Farris watched.

An impression of hope was left in the aura of the character. When the strokes of the quill were complete and Kynier began to speak. The careful introduction was met with a slight smile. Farris himself had not extended a hand to greet Kynier, but rather, remained at a distance himself. Certainly, meeting a mage was a happenstance, moreso meeting one while there were no witnesses in the area to interrupt them. The idea of it was appealing, and perhaps, if the two were able to have correspondence outside of the library, he'd be less guarded and able to express himself. The question posed next caught the Reimancer off guard. He'd been asked by two different people how he'd defend himself in the city. Perhaps relying on magic as a means of self-defense would draw greater attention than the it would provide assistance, but regardless, Farris felt safe even while unarmed. Perhaps, after this encounter, he'd take the chance and buy a blade, but there were more pressing concerns in the moment. There was the consideration on how best to advance his and Kynier's association without revealing too much.

"I don't. When I travel, I make sure to do so in a crowd until I can guarantee my solitude. Perhaps the approach is incorrect, but in all honesty a weapon is less useful than one might imagine if there's no prior knowledge on how best to use it."

Farris had never had cause to wield a weapon. His early life had been safe in the hands of Rhysol, the city of Ravok protected by its Ebonstryfe and the citizens of that city often letting their seedier impulses take place in bars and other places the Reimancer opted not to visit. A sober, cautious man by nature, Farris preferred instead to indulge himself in knowledge. Magical or mundane, the gathering of information was often his staunch ally. With Kynier and his employ at the Fence, perhaps it was the time for Farris to begin exploring Sunberth more thoroughly. More than likely, the idea of hanging around the city would entice Farris to purchase a weapon, as well.

"My name is Farris, by the way. What is this, exactly? I'm having the strangest impression of it... The language is somewhat familiar and yet... it seems newer than the one that I'm more familiar with," he mused aloud, making sure to keep his observations vague enough that an eavesdropper might not understand what's being said. Continuing to watch the text with his djed-infused stare, he let his hand rise to brush his fingertips along the length of the table. His Sight seemec to flare with the rise and fall of the djed infused into the sheet. Clearly, what was being inscribed was some sort of spell, compressed and housed within the sheet? He couldn't hope to know what magic was imprinted, but a bare taste of djed was present upon his tongue. He'd seek to push further, expanding his sight and allowing djed to hover along the length of his tongue. Perhaps the Sight need not be taken so literally and could, instead, be used in a different manner? As more time passed, the taste let way to an impression of heat upon the surface of his tongue. And yet... he couldn't delve further. Letting the matter slide, Farris found his gaze turning upward and towards Kynier instead.

"I've never been overly concerned, to be honest. I spend very little time outside of my home or work, and several people have come to recognize me from the Fence. I very much doubt that I'm in a great deal of danger on a daily basis. Though, perhaps I'm wrong in that assumption."

[Kynier]

Two impressions came from the mage’s response. First, he showed at least some intelligence to disguise himself in the city. Though being in a crowd could be just as dangerous, if not more so, as being alone. Some preferred to use crowds to hide their approach and departure when committing crime. Also he wasn’t wrong about weapons and weapon knowledge. Unless someone offered a guiding hand it was quite possible to do more harm to yourself than others with weapons. As for the second impression; the mage was being foolish. A single tactic being exercised continuously could be an easy defense to breach. Kynier had gotten into plenty of fights and none of them were for knowing how to harness djed. If this mage were to find himself in a similar situation… his only defense was damning.

Farris also refrained from a hand greeting. Even though his Sight was closed Kynier could tell that the other mage was basking in his Auristics. It wasn’t so much a magical glimmer but the way he became so engrossed with what he looked at. The runes on the parchment seemed to have really caught his attention. Kynier required a thoughtful chime to Farris’ inquiry. He was appreciative of the way he concealed his meaning just enough for anyone that listened in. However, Kynier wasn’t sure if he could do the same while answering the question. His eyes settled on the Arumenic book. Then he smiled with half of his face.

“Arumenic, the language of the Eypharians. It is very similar to Nader-Canoch. Some think of all the modern languages it holds the most similarities to the ancient tongue.” He matched Farris’ gaze intently. “They use glyphs for their writing.” Kynier flipped over the parchment and started on another glyph. This one was much larger when he drew it. This time it was Dala, to alter the shape of things. Kynier listened as Farris spoke about his solitude. So he worked at the Fence? It was another of those places that Kynier had never been to, but was developing more and more reason to visit. Farris was a strange fellow, full of intellectual contradictions. Working for the Fence of all places yet not feeling the need for a weapon to defend himself.

As he finished forming Dala on the parchment he gave a cautionary glance around. Farris was still the only other person he could see. Continuing on, he started forming his personal barrier he developed around the rune. A series of Randjaq, to confine the magic he would soon imbue into the sigil when it was complete. The barrier was the tedious part of the sigil. Kynier worked on it slowly as to avoid getting careless in the repetitive motion of interlocking the same small rune over and over.

“That is a very wrong assumption to make, Farris.” It felt strange trying to give the man advice. Kynier could see that he was more advanced in age than he. Yet he hadn’t truly exposed himself to the city. For the scared mage’s own benefit, he needed some enlightening. “Greed is rampant in Sunberth,” Kynier spoke leisurely as he focused on the barrier’s construction. “There are thousands of ignorant, selfish souls in this city. And it only takes one to make you a target. They may want your money, or you may see something they want to be kept unknown. Or for other reasons apart from what we face, they will assault you. Being in a crowd as you defend yourself will only make it worse. They will all then turn on you in an instant.”

Kynier paused in his drawing to look back up at the mage. “In my time,” his voice just loud enough for Farris to hear if he listened intently, “only eight have learned the truth.” The quill started scratching at the parchment in repetitive motions again. When he spoke next his volume was closer to normal. “Only one still lives. But she has sworn secrecy and I trust her.” Kynier looked up at Farris with a glare, “I won’t presume to trust you Farris, just as I assume you don’t trust me. But for us it’s different. There is a mutual need…” he left his statement unfinished as he returned to the parchment. Kynier didn’t include Doler into his count. The crazed wizard was obviously more talented, and didn’t seem to give him much thought anyway. Besides, if he didn’t appreciate Kynier he would’ve stopped paying him by now.

[Farris]

It was incredibly curious how the inhabitants of Sunberth that Farris exposed himself to always seemed to be frightened of the city they called home. Certainly, the mage understood the difficulty of travel, having done so himself to get to the place, but how did people live here with any measure of satisfaction? The city was filthy as were the majority of its people, crime was not only a major problem but in fact the major business the city seemed to thrive in. Anarchy was not the form of life that Farris had been exposed to and perhaps it was his folly to believe himself at any time safe from harm. Upon being educated in the foolishness of his approach, he let his features adopt a slight scowl, so different from the smile he'd seen upon Kynier's own expression. Farris certainly had a lot to think about before he returned to his home in the evening but was in no rush to do so. Rather, he contemplated the runes on the table with his Sight-aided gaze, listening to the meaning behind Kynier's warning and filing each sentence he spoke into his thoughts.

Returning his gaze in full to the glyphs inscribed, the language that Kynier named was interesting. Arumenic? The name was entirely unfamiliar to the mage, who found it rather intriguing. Taking note, he nodded in agreement as it was expressed that the language was similar to Nader-Canoch, a language he'd learned while under the tutelage of his father in Ravok. "I see the resemblance..." he agreed, letting his gaze flicker from each character in turn. He was able, to an extent, read what the mage was inscribing, but struggled to grasp the entirety of it and rather let himself 'read' using Auristics. The aura of the text flared with djed, which seemed to rise like steam from the sheet before falling into place within the text. It seemed like he was creating a shell of sorts, intent on capturing something within the sheet of paper. He was again given the impression that Kynier was attempting to house magic within the paper. Was this one of the world magicks? Farris was told by his father that magic was not limited to the exploitation of the djed within the self, but rather expansive and able to manipulate outerlying djed to its advantage. Of course, he'd never been privileged to the extent to receive tutelage in such magicks, his tutelage cut short by the man's disappearance.

Raising his djed-infused gaze from the sheet to Kynier's features, he found himself studying the somewhat younger man, instead. The flaring aura that emanated from the man opposite of him was clearly marked with djed, though once he'd ceased employing Auristics there was little in the way of information to tell him exactly what the younger man was capable of. It intrigued Farris to learn of a mage with training in disciplines outside of his own and perhaps, he'd find it fitting to consider this man worth more than just the advice he had to give.

Kynier was very forthcoming with the information about Sunberth, clearly wanting to give him advice. The flaring aura that the man had didn't give him an impression of worry and he certainly didn't expect it. If he was to put a name to what Kynier's intentions might be with the freely given advice, it was kinship. Perhaps Kynier, like Farris himself, craved an ally with whom he could share his findings and even expand his understanding of djed with. It was, after all, logical for individuals with like interest to associate with one another.

"You're right. I've been rather foolish. In my short time in the city, I've found one such individual who discovered my capabilities. I wouldn't say that I trust her, but she was very forthcoming with her intentions and quite eager to accommodate my practice with a safe setting to do so in. So, I elected to let her live despite very clear injuries that I could have used to my advantage."

In truth, Farris very likely would not have had the resolve to kill the Kelvic once he'd listened to her speak. She was, after all, fascinating. Just as Kynier was proving to be. Closing the Sight to his senses, he leaned forward just slightly, curious to learn more about his fellow mage.

"So where, aside from the public library, do you make your practice? If you don't mind sharing secrets."

[Kynier]

It was assuring to find that Farris wasn’t stubborn and wouldn’t ignore well intended advice. Everyone needed to find a certain way to live in order to survive Sunberth. Those that were exceptional were not excused from this fact. Kynier couldn’t say what trails Farris had undergone for his path to have led him here to this table. It may have been ignorant of him to tell this other person that he just met what to do. It was hard to say. Kynier’s own caution prevented him from practicing as much as he would prefer. There was no doubt that he’d rather be caution and alive rather than the alternative.

Kynier chuckled slightly when Farris spoke of his own experience of being discovered by someone. It wasn’t until after he mentioned the woman’s injuries that his amusement surfaced. “I can see that you really haven’t had much interaction with the locals.” So Farris obviously wasn’t native to Sunberth. That required little effort to deduce. How long he had been in the city was a better question. The amusement ended when Farris leaned forward and inquired about Kynier’s secrets. The question made the space in between his shoulder blades itch. Kynier’s shoulders shifted to banish the sensation coming from the Night Mistress’s mark. As a Nightstalker he felt compelled to ignore the question, but as a mage…

The last of the Randjaq connected the chain. Kynier shook out the stiffness of his hand as he examined the barrier. It looked satisfactory. Then he looked up at no place in particular to think of a trigger word. After only a few ticks one came to mind. Kynier set the quill to parchment and formed an impromptu rune for his trigger. Once it was done he set the quill down and rested his chin in the valley between his thumb and pointer finger, eyes on Farris. He could share his knowledge. If he did then that would be a step towards being peers. While Farris didn’t seem to understand Glyphing, Kynier had no indications to what other schools the man knew. Or how much he knew of any particular school.

”He may be doomed to his own foolishness. No harm in learning what he knows before that happens. And if not, then he will feel an appreciation for you. One that could be exploited,” whispered the other voice in his mind.

Kynier always became skeptical when it happened, but that voice was right. This might be worth exploring. Without a word he stood up, leaving the quill and everything else on the table. Resting his weight on the balls of his feet with each graceful step, Kynier went to the edge of each bookshelf nearest their table. Silently and cautiously he peered around the corners before moving on to the next one. He was looking for signs of anyone else nearby that could interrupt what he was about to do. After a chime he was satisfied with a clear surrounding and returned to his seat. Pulling the sigil close, Kynier rested both hands over the Focus and closed his eyes.

His breathing became deep and long drawn. Mentally he banished all distracting thoughts, or questions that may arise. After half a chime into his meditation he felt completely calm and searched inward for his power. The byproduct of life, djed, rested deep within before he coaxed it into action. It came forth and flowed through his hands, giving no visible indication of it doing so. Mentally he wove the power into a spell, using the sigil under his hands as an amplifier as well as a receptacle. If Farris looked closely, he could see the Dala rune in the center shifting between Kynier’s fingers.

The ink moved across the parchment rapidly and glowed a faint blue hue as Kynier willed the weave he was making into the sigil. For several chimes he sat there, forming the spell. Thirty ticks before it was over the chain barrier thrummed to life with a single pulse of red. Then Kynier opened his eyes with a mischievous smile forming at the edge of his lips. Once again he stood up and walked to the edges of the shelves, checking for anyone’s approach. This time he took the newly formed scroll with him as he did. When he was done he sat down once more and focused on the scroll.

“Hsuh,” he whispered with a bit of djed flowing through the word.

The barrier flared red before disappearing entirely. Blue glowed the focus as an opaque bubble suddenly formed around it. It expanded quickly to be large enough to just engulf the table and its two occupants. Kynier noticed without the use of Auristics thin points in the shield. But once it settled it faded almost entirely from view. From the corner of the eye one could catch the thin glimmer of the veil. Kynier leaned forward on the table with both elbows, interlacing his fingers together.

“Now, we can talk. But not for long. Unless they set at the table with us, no one will be able to hear our words for the next five chimes or so.” Kynier’s gaze was inquisitive. But he would answer first before asking. “Normally I practice at home. I live alone and take precautions before beginning any practice. As you can see, I know Glyphing, Auristics, and Shielding. I know a few other practices as well. So tell me Farris, what do you know?” While the older mage answered Kynier’s eyes would keep watch for any possible interlopers. And he sat on edge, mentally and physically. Ready to silence Farris the instant anyone approached. The unnatural silence the shield produced would probably be difficult to notice in a mostly abandoned library. But seeing a pair speaking and emit no sound would lead to disaster for the two of them.

[Farris]

Of course there'd be caution in Kynier's actions and phrasing. While Farris had been in Sunberth for about two seasons, he'd spent most of the first and half the second season shut away, only leaving when the necessities of food and water compelled him to go shopping. The funds of his inheritance weren't to be squandered, and were spread thin as it was. Buying his apartment had taken a hearty chunk of it, survival taking up what was left. He'd been rather relieved to find a job when summer began, but it also meant that he could no longer simply hide away in his house. He found the need to explore and familiarize himself with the city of Sunberth to be quite tedious and distasteful, though he couldn't be too upset he supposed. It had, after all, afforded him the opportunity to meet several intriguing people, with the one sitting before him perhaps the most interesting of the bunch. Of course, this had little to do with him and more so owed to the fact that a fellow mage was discovered and even provided him advice in regard to the city. Open minded and readily able to learn from his experiences, Farris was sure to heed Kynier's advice as well.

It was a strange sensation when the shield expanded. Though the Sight was shut off, mages were by their nature sensitive to the movements and presence of djed. He, like Kynier, could see the points to the shield that he'd created before the presence vanished entirely. He was sorely tempted to open up the Sight again, and so, he did. Djed welled within his gaze as he willed it from the depths of his soul. As his use of Auristics continued, he found calling to the magic to be simpler and simpler. it took approximately fifteen ticks before his senses were affronted with the outpouring of djed around him. He could very clearly see the confined of the barrier they were set within. Vaguely, Farris recalled a review of the disciplines that his father had given him but couldn't help but forget some of them over the years. Kynier, however, was quick to inform him of the disciplines he had used in the formation of the barrier and was relieved for the information. Once Kynier had informed him that the two could speak openly, there was no doubt of what he had done.

Clearly, the djed was being tasked to block sound from exiting the confines given by Kynier. Had he set specific parameters? Could people come in and out of the barrier at will? The djed that created the barrier was to Farris' sight, the very same red that the glyph it had come from was. The taste that set upon his tongue was strange, the texture of paste coming to mind and he had little option but to take Kynier at his word for the purpose of the barrier. That was, of course, until he saw it happen with his own eyes. He saw ripples forming as sound vibrating against the surface, unable to escape the confines of the prison. The vibrations dispersed about the surface before dissipating, a soft 'oh' escaping the Reimancer's lips. He took several ticks to observe further before turning back to meet Kynier's gaze. He'd lean forward, raising an arm over the table. He rested his elbow on the surface, letting his hand cover his lips and mouth from passerby. At the very least, the two would appear in that situation as lovers dreamily staring into the other's eyes. Or something else that wasn't so absurd. While that in itself was a rather distasteful notion, it was vastly preferable to being discovered by passerby. Or worse still, being struck as odd and approached. At the very least, Farris sought to do what he could to avoid exposure.

"My tutelage, unfortunately, didn't provide me with the benefit of learning Glyphing. It seems incredibly useful, if it can help in the formation of such barriers. You are using Shielding and amplifying its strength through the use of Glyphing, I assume?" he asked, but he didn't expect an immediate answer. Or one at all, the rhetorical question being followed by his own answer.

"Before I left Ravok I was initiated into three magicks. Reimancy, Voiding and Auristics were the last gifts a father had time to give to his son, it seemed." A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. He had no issue revealing such information to Kynier, seeing as it had no possible effect on the outcome of their encounter. Caution wasn't quite thrown to the wind, but at the same time, his curiosity compelled him to speak honestly. Perhaps, it'd compel Kynier to do the same. In this city, where mages were hunted relentlessly, it would do to have some allies.

"I used to do the same. However, my indulgence in the practice of Reimancy has outgrown my house. I've gone to Execution Square once for practice and sought solace in the abandoned buildings in my pursuit for a private space. But, I've been afforded a far better place now and have used the Midnight Gem as my practice arena a few times."