• Open • [Marcovera, Koros, Helice] Debrief

[Varthakh]

46th of Ashan 719, 5 am ~

They prowled the streets of the early morning. So early, in fact, that the sun hadn't fully risen yet. The town of Marcovera was still draped in the cool dark of night, a darkness that their currently assumed form often blended into in trials long gone, but no more. They were the Llewnos, but far from anything typical of their species. Their fur was platinum in the dark night, which stood out glaringly and denied the great cat one of their most renowned strengths; night crawling. The purpose of their walk wasn't to stalk someone though, not tonight.

It had been a good few trials since they confronted the guild of Industry in Kephallonia, as Alistair had requested them and they had yet to debrief and collect new orders, so they were on their way there now. In truth, they hadn't really spoken outside of conquest to one another in the past twelve trials or so, but that was expected. They hadn't gauged how Alistair was doing for himself but got a rough idea from Zarik and Kaelrik, based on how they were both suddenly experts on Fridgar's love life. Again, they didn't really care what the others thought of them and didn't care that Alistair had reached out to so many for consolation. While Fridgar had little in the face of true company, besides Dosan, they had the echo chamber of their head and a chorus of totems to speak with at all times. Totrial, they were one totem short.

Fridgar, as deemed by their lord's noble spouse, was too crude to walk the streets of Marcovera, or any civilization that they controlled for that matter. So, they left him at their cave and came to visit Alistair with all their other forms, lest they break the laws that had been engineered against them. They were echoing Orson's sense of smell, their Redbear totem's greatest strength. He had a nose that rivaled even Fridgar's, so finding Alistair's scent wasn't hard at all, and they eventually found themselves before the door to the grandest house in all Marcovera, a house they could only imagine belonged to the chieftain or some other position of power. Whatever government the Helians had in Koros was gone now, and Alistair served to rule in their place.

The great feline sat at the front door and studied the door with their black and red eyes while they thought quietly to themselves. This was going to be the first time they'd seen one another in person since their divorce, and they wondered what they would see. No doubt Alistair was keeping together fine, was he not? He did have Zarik after all. With a deep exhale, they quelled their spiteful thoughts and lifted their paw to their eyes, where they rubbed away a distinct burning sensation. Once they'd composed themselves, they knocked upon his door with one of their front legs. "Alistair? Their voice echoed loud, loud enough to wake multiple homes from whatever sleep they'd tried to keep hold of in the early morning.

It was only a moment or two after they'd called him by name that they realized that they might not be entitled to such a privilege anymore. Alistair was a noble, of course, lowborn peasants like Fridgar didn't have such luxuries. Still, they reserved their realization and said nothing, that was unless Alistair commented on it. "We've come to report on our performance at Kephallonia. There's been some... Problems." Of course, they meant Kaelrik's wound and the conditions that the chieftan of Hadrana had proposed.

[Alistair]

The trial before this one had been deeply unsettling. Alistair, despite all of his experience in magic and all of the technical knowledge he bore, could not decipher the method of obtaining a fifth spark and because of that fact, Kleine had been left comatose with only a still and apprehensive breath sustaining him.

Alistair returned to Helice. To... reflect on things, to face the issues plaguing his mind, distant from the people most affected by them. Zarik was a Becomer now, and yet the moment was bittersweet. Everything had quickly drifted off to oblivion.

“Kleine,” he whispered the name to himself, speaking softly underneath a grim sigh.

Alistair wore nothing overly complex, a rare thing of late. Just a black satin shirt that cling to his form and a pair of similar pants. He was barefoot and his feet only lightly clapped against the floor despite his immense weight. The mage had begun to wander his estate in quiet search of something to preoccupy him, noting that there were sycophants outside awaiting his attention and believing that he awaited theirs.

And then, cutting through them was the thudding of a great beast that pranced upon the cobbled ground. Alistair heard yells of exasperation from the outside and he immediately stepped to the edge of his room to glance through the window. It was a silver-like Llewnos, long and lean in physique. The mage blinked down to the lower level of his estate as the booming echoed voice yelled outwards. ‘Alistair’, it called. He did not mind Fridgar using such a plain identifier. It was Fridgar, after all - not a plain subject.

Alistair opened the door shortly afterwards, and the Becomer informed him of what he had come to speak on. The acquisition of Kephallonia from the natives. The one island he had delegated to others.

“Come in,” he beckoned. “But first... totem?” Alistair implied, informing the Protean that he would need to shift to his Lotharen form before entering.

Once he did - if he did - Alistair would turn and immediately begin to speak. “How are you, Havendal?” he asked. The mage pivoted and turned on his feet to face the other. “And what issues have faced you? Is everything alright?”

[Varthakh]

Fridgar didn't have to wait long for a response, as they heard the loud rending of a portal open beyond the door just before they called to their Kindal. They hadn't really taken note of all the fuss the Helians were making and sought only Alistair's attention. To their delight, Alistair didn't seem to take offense to their plain method of addressing him. Perhaps they were fine to call him as such at all times? Admittedly, Fridgar knew little on addressing nobles, as they'd only really met one before, and that was Alistair.

The human beckoned them in and they spied the frame of the door, just as Alistair asked them to change form with a single word. Fridgar furrowed their brow, almost as though they were annoyed. Perhaps he had expected Fridgar to submit and purchase a full suit of clothing? He had another thing coming. The massive panther sat on the cobbled road and shook their head. "We cannot," they said with a tone of irritation. "Out of respect for your new laws, we opted to leave our Lothar totem in our cave, lest he manifests while we walk in your town." Was that not fair enough? They were told that only their Lothar totem was too crude fro the streets, any of their animal forms should have been fine.

Alistair asked how they were then, and their brow softened. Fridgar shut their black and red eyes and lowered their head with a deep exhale. "We're well, if not for a little frustrated. We're sorry for the delays on this debrief, things have been somewhat hectic recently," they explained, then opened their eyes again and looked upon Alistair. "How are you, Kindal?" they asked in return. "Regarding Kephallonia, we successfully deflected the guild of Industry from the shores of Hadrana, but when we arrived, they were already well on their way to being defeated, entirely at the hands of the Lothar, Ithecal, and humans in that village," they spoke the truth. Indeed, it was a slaughter, the guild didn't stand a chance. "The Kephallonians were firing upon the guild with catapults. They destroyed one of their galleons, but we secured the other as a gift to the people."

Fridgar turned their head then and spied the passersby who watched them carefully. The people were on edge around them, as they should be. "Needless to say, the people weren't quite as grateful for our help as the Marcoverans were. They would not name you their lord, nor any of us, for we'd merely picked off the stragglers that ran too fast for the kephallonians to catch and kill themselves." The massive Feline dipped their head and licked their paw then while they thought. Part-way through grooming themselves, they spoke in their usual echo. "We learned more on the social structure of the island, too. As it happens, there is no one leader of Kephallonia, and each village is run by something of a Chieftan, and they command that area of the island. The people value strength there... It's the sort of place we could get used to," they said with a smile. Being so filled with Lothar, it almost reminded them of home.

"We considered trying to subjugate each village ourselves but thought it best to tell you first... Oh!" They exclaimed suddenly. "...Another thing, our efforts in repelling the guild were not all our own. We took two others to help us. Kaelrik, your slave, and Dosan, a Quacian we have befriended," they wanted to see how Alistair reacted to hearing Dosan's name. Was it true, had the two really made love together once? "We told Kaelrik that you had asked him to join us in this endeavor to convince him to come to Helice with us, we thought you'd be happy to have him here... But he ended up wounded in battle, cracked ribs, if we're not mistaken." There was surely more on their mind, but they paused to think and gave Alistair the chance to respond to everything they had said.

[Alistair]

The mage’s brow rose and his lips quirked unevenly as Fridgar mentioned his... laws that forbade him from entering his Self-Totem. In reply, his mind went wild with thoughts and assumptions on what stories the Lotharro must have either concocted or had been misled to believe. What sort of laws could he possibly create that would explicitly target Fridgar? And his Self-Totem...

Immediately, a name resounded in his mind. Zarik.

“Did Zarik tell you this? Because I have never heard of such a law, and I have certainly never created it. The laws of Helice that I have placed are fairly standard; no criminal assault or murder, rape or extortion or abuse, no evasion of taxes or unwillingness to work. No theft or other larceny, no . . . you get my meaning. There is a specific codex within the local library of Marcovera that informs all of the statutes of these laws. If it is not written there and validated by me, then it is not law.”

He was irritated. It had to be Zarik, and he had never given the biqaj permission to make laws on the fly. That was the role of the King — a Justicar in his own right. And it should have been obvious to him that crafting such restrictions based on spite would never go over well with the mage.

Though he wondered the specific implications, and had yet to be informed of just how the law prevented Fridgar from transformation into his Self-Totem.

Alistair allowed himself to brush past the point, if only to prevent himself from anger. They had much more to discuss, anyhow . . . Kephallonia, Kleine, and of course Alistair’s intention to Reveal. There was much yet still beyond the pale and he could not allow himself to be worked up early.

Fridgar then asked how he was. He supposed that there was no way of hiding it all, even so early into their conversation. “...Bittersweet,” he replied. “Things have been going well in all areas but one. Kleine. Last night, he attempted to initiate me into Becoming... but failed to even imbue his spark into me. He heavily overstepped as a result of some reactionary ether drain, and I had to murder all of his totems as they attempted to slaughter him. He is now comatose.”

Of course, he was not happy about it. To lose Fridgar, and then Kaelrik, and then Kleine so soon was... difficult. He hadn’t lost them all in the same way, but...

Well, he supposed now was the best time to say it all. Alistair let Fridgar continue to speak and debrief him - of the Guild assault, the brute strength of the Kephallonians and their respect for strength in turn. It sounded like a place that would suit Alistair and Fridgar perfectly well, for they were among the world’s strongest. Alistair was certain, now, that he had long since surpassed the Witch.

Fridgar further continued on the assistance he received from two very familiar names. Kaelrik and Dosan, two individuals Alistair knew well. Though he quickly corrected the Lotharro. “Kaelrik is not my slave,” Alistair briefly interjected. It was said with a passive tone that inferred no more than a desire to clear him of that reputation. “And Dosan... yes, I know him. He assisted me in the battle against the Yari mercenaries and their Creep allies. He is a... a unique individual,” the mage chuckled lightly, if not awkwardly.

“I’m sorry to hear of what happened to Kaelrik, though I’m certain I can mend him. I will be able to mend so many things soon, my Havendal. I must inform you.”

Alistair rose his hand into a flat palm before curling his fingers and pressing it forward, as if to reach out to the other. He stopped halfway in doing so, and frowned. “I’m going to Reveal, in order to bring Kleine back to the waking world. I will become a Paragon - a Revealed Lucis Runewright. My spark has grown wildly since you’ve given it to me, my kin. And I think... it’s time to leave behind the brief flicker of my human life. As a Paragon, I would be a better man. A stronger one. And perhaps, as we have dreamt, we might somehow become immortal together as a result.”

And as a final note, on the people of Kephalon... he paused and firmly pressed his lips together. “And besides - if strength is what the Kephallonians praise, then I believe two Revealed mages might be the greatest flails to brand them with its image.”

[Varthakh]

At the mention of the laws that Alistair had made, or so they believed, Alistair spoke a name, Zarik. How had he known? Had they discussed the law together? The Llewnos nodded in response then began to shrink as Alistair continued to speak. Apparently, they were no laws of decency in Marcovera. Why did Zarik tell them otherwise? "...So there aren't any laws against... 'Indecency'?" Asked the great feline, which had now shrunk to the far smaller form of a Stekir, who then entered the building provided that Alistair permitted them. "We were informed that we were had to remain in the wilds with our Lothar totem while he was near naked, due to a law of decency that we'd not heard of." Fridgar explained with a flick of their tail once they'd perched themselves upon a countertop. "...We thought that perhaps you had passed one such law for the sake of getting to us... After all, you know more than anyone how many sets of clothes we've destroyed throughout the arcs."

Indeed, Fridgar could not afford to keep assimilating full suits of clothing, neither could they afford to purchase a fresh suit of clothing every time one of their totems manifested. In hindsight, they felt somewhat sheepish for having assumed that Alistair would do such a thing. "We should have known that wasn't the case... I'm sorry, Alistair."

The conversation rolled onward, and they asked Alistair in turn how he'd been. His response was far more in-depth than theirs. Where Fridgar had summarized their current state with 'frustrated', Alistair went on to tell them of everything that had troubled him. Kleine was apparently now comatose after Alistair had tried to initiate into becoming... All his totems were slaughtered. They could hardly believe what they were hearing. How could such things come to be over such a small time? Though such tragedies seemed to happen in short spaces with Alistair, after they thought about it. Fridgar lidded their eyes and lowered their head. Kleine was a good friend to them, a man they trusted and respected... Even if he had mated with Alistair in their stead. Such things were far behind them now.

"We're sorry to hear that... Kleine is a good man." Could Alistair's lucis not restore him? Perhaps not... A coma was a bit more complicated than just speeding up the body's natural healing factor, as the rune of regeneration did. "How many sparks do you have now?" They didn't really know what domains Alistair commanded, truthfully. "...Perhaps you've reached the limit? Like... Trying to force another apple in a basket that is too full... That apple is destined to bruise?" It was a simple theory, though it sounded as though it made sense for what had happened. "Perhaps not... We're rarely right about such things."

The Protean went on to tell them the situation with Kephallonia, and the circumstance with needing to conquer each individual village. There were four beside the capital, three of which were on the various shores and one was inland. When they called Kaelrik Alistair's slave, he corrected them that he was not such. Fridgar raised a brow, but nodded carefully with their eyes fixed on the man. That was right, Kaelrik had resolved to leave. They figured that perhaps Alistair had relieved him of his duties, as they'd asked him to accept. Alistair commented on Dosan, and Fridgar grinned. Unique? He certainly was. They said nothing on their thoughts, but they hadn't thought of it before. Dosan was different from other humans, and being different was a good thing.

He then apologized about what had happened with Kaelrik, and the Stekir shook their head to dismiss his apology. He didn't need to be sorry for anything, Fridgar had merely failed to protect him more closely. Alistair didn't stop there, though. He told them more of what Alistair planned for the future. He intended to reveal in Lucis Hone and become something called a 'Paragon'. Naturally, they didn't like the sound of it, deeper than their concern for their ex-husband, but a more primal, spark-related discomfort. They ignored it, however. Their focus remained on Alistair, on how he reached his hand forward briefly, then lowered it. Alistair had high hopes for the change and even suggested that it might be the key to finding immortality.

"That's quite heroic of you, Alistair..." Their brow furrowed with concern, and their full eyes locked on Alistair's white-golden vortexes. "Revealing is... Well, you know, you don't need us to tell you that it will change you. To do that for Kleine... It's admirable." They weren't sure if they were both going to try and find immortality together or not anymore, but that seemed to be the notion still. If Alistair couldn't reincarnate, then that would certainly be the case. "We just hope you're prepared for that level of change... Oh, a thought. Perhaps revealing will somehow enable you to take another spark? It might make room in that basket... If our theory is right, to begin with. It might be worth another try if you can restore Kleine...." Then again, would any becomer forgive a man that had murdered their entire family? Alistair had killed all Kleine's totems, every one of them was surely cherished, loved by him.

Alistair returned to the discussion of the war plans, and he suggested that two revealed mages might be what it takes to subjugate them. "You might be right... The people don't seem too willing to listen to logic or reason. We'd like to try diplomacy first, but if strength is truly all they respect, then we'll have to show them true strength." They straightened their back and looked about the room with a squint. "There are four villages, excluding the capital, which we flew and scouted recently. They mostly speak Vahanic and their population is mostly Lothar, Ithecal, and Humans. Perhaps we can go to speak with one of the coastal villages soon? geared for war, of course."

They paused then, and looked to Alistair with concern. "There is another matter we need to talk to you about, and it regards Zarik... Beyond the false law, that is," they said with a more serious tone, one that carried bad news. "We suspect the enchanted memories you gave him are faltering, just as the enchantments faltered with us. He's become evasive of us and we can smell his fear in our presence. He returned to the scene of... that night - recently. Very soon, he might regain all his memories, if he hasn't already. We're not sure what you would have us do when he does."

[Alistair]

The mage did not understand where Fridgar's interpretation had come from. 'Indecency' laws -- madness. Alistair shook his head, observing the small form of the Stekir as it stepped through the doorway and into his home. He nearly laughed at the tiny thing, reminding him of the screeching aggression of those beasts at home. It was refreshing to see that Fridgar still had the totem that carried with it so many memories; his faux Lurker totem, the 'Magekir' prophecy, and all the rest.

The man continued to speak of the law; of what he had heard, and how he thought Alistair might have passed it for the sake of belittling Fridgar. The mage shook his head, and though the suggestion hurt him more than he was willing to admit, he allowed it to slide.

"Do you really think I would do something like that? I have no vendetta against you; no need for vengeance or comeuppance, nothing but a heart full of love. No -- it appears it may have been Zarik's work. Though I struggle to understand why he would do something of that sort, and given my favorable view towards one's bodily expression, I... I will speak with him. And consider the law revoked; if it is not written into the public codex, it is not real."

Fridgar apologized to him, at least. With that, the two could move forward, as there was nothing more to say on the matter.

As they continued forward, Fridgar's frustration and Alistair's plethora of issues came to light. Kleine did, too, and Fridgar apologized for what appeared to be leaning upon a loss. Fridgar questioned how many sparks Alistair had now, and spoke of a potential limit; of capacity, like many mages originally did, when this topic initially came forward in the foyer of discussion. But perhaps that instinct was correct. It was impossible to know whether it was capacity or some other barrier to reality that determined whether one could acquire a fifth spark. Alistair was certainly no expert on the matter.

"I have four sparks," he said. "Transmutation, Lucis Hone, Necromancy and Rupturing. For the longest time, I had three... Abrogation, Necromancy and Rupturing. I'm certain you remember. Ralaith, though, cleansed me of my Abrogator's spark as a sign that such a thing could be done. I replaced it with Transmutation shortly thereafter."

It was an update of his own, on the state of his magic. He'd almost forgotten that a long time ago, when Fridgar fought with Alistair or viewed him embattle with others, that the mage would utilize barriers of force and condensed folds of reality. It must have been quite confusing to see a familiar spark ripped away from someone -- it was certainly a curiosity to Alistair, as well.

Things moved forward, though, again. Fridgar called his measure heroic, noting the significance of such an action and especially for the sake of another. He viewed it as heroic as well, and perhaps that was why Alistair wished to do it. He wanted to be known for the great, righteous things he did for the sake of others, even if they were only to clean up his own messes. And he believed that was fair -- it was part of being a good and trustworthy friend. A loyal companion. Alistair was sick of the concept of being that selfish thing that people clung to merely because they had managed to lose their own purpose. He wanted to provide them with something greater than just company and a luxurious place to stay. Kleine... he would find something for him. Even if it wasn't the love he wished for -- and perhaps deserved -- it would be something to live on. A dream.

So he had to live. Alistair needed to ensure that he could live to see that dream.

But he did not need to say any of this; instead, the mage nodded and whispered a small 'thank you' as their discussion turned to measures regarding the large island.

"Yes," he said. "We will quickly strike one of their notable settlements. Take it and the people for our own -- kill their leader and all other elites. Promote loyal aspirants in their stead, to serve our will. It is a formula I am well acquainted to, and in such a lowly populated realm it should work swimmingly for us."

As for the last topic of discussion? The mage stepped forward onto his feet until he made his way to the table upon which most things of brevity in Koros were discussed. Seating himself, Alistair looked to Fridgar with a curious view as the Lotharro brought forward his final point. There had been... so many, the magister could not easily keep up. Discussion after discussion, brief and then settled and then unto the next. The mage clasped his hands together and brought them to press against his chin, before he lightly sighed.

"I see," he said. "I thought that the Rings and their effects were permanent, to be truthful. But I suppose like most ethereal things, they corrode. It is a shame, considering the headway you two gained with one another, yes?"

Alistair frowned. "As for what you should do -- he will retain whatever positive memories he had with you, I suppose. You have the opportunity to be a friend to him if you wish to be, or whatever else if you prefer another sort of dynamic. I will do nothing, as nothing I do now can prevent him from acquiring his memories, save for constantly re-applying the enchantment. But that... I worry what risk that would pose to his psyche. It is best that he be distracted from such things, and so, I will ensure his distance from Koros and particularly from that scene."

He looked downward to view Fridgar's eyes. "Once I Reveal, I will contact you and we can begin our conquest. Does that sound alright to you?"

[Varthakh]

In truth, they knew Alistair didn't feel badly toward them despite everything. At their core, they knew Alistair still loved them, that he wasn't vengeful or angry at them despite their circumstances. And they knew that it was silly to think that he might act on those feelings when they likely didn't exist, but they still couldn't help that those thoughts crept up in their mind.

It was an issue that they carried more and more in recent trials, the Protean didn't know who to trust, who was honest and who was out to get them. They took no chances and assumed the worst of everyone's motives. Like how Zarik had lied to them; he was trying to drive a wedge between themselves and Alistair. Why? They didn't know. All they knew was that he had to go.

They said nothing in response and merely avoided eye contact with Alistair at his question and lowered their head with their tail pressed flat to the countertop. There was no need to dwell on the feline's mistake, and they hoped to relay their shame with their body language. Hopefully, that with their apology was enough to convince Alistair that they did recognize that their thoughts were flawed.

They moved on, and Alistair explained that he had four sparks now, and abrogation wasn't included on that list. He commanded the disciplines of Necromancy, which they knew, rupturing, which was an icon of Alistair's, Hone, which they had initiated him into... And Transmutation, whatever that was. Alistair revealed that he had lost abrogation to his immortal, though they barely understood. Why would he want to lose a part of himself like that? Fridgar could only imagine the despair they would feel at the loss of their becoming spark.

While everything did change, Alistair at least kept the two domains they knew him best for. They still remembered fondly the excitement they felt whenever they followed him through a portal, and their night below the frozen tree in the dead of a Cylus night. They didn't linger on those thoughts, though, they couldn't.

On the topic of the invasion, Alistair seemed keen on spilling blood. He had little patience or mercy for them and seemed to want to dive straight into killing their leader and elite fighters in a show of force. While they would normally agree, they were still wearing their empathetic, sympathetic mask, and such a notion struck them strangely. "Well, yes..." Their echo came with some discomfort, "...But we will try talking to them first, of course...?" They couldn't help but echo their statement with some confusion, almost as though they were asking a question at the same time.

"No doubt they'll resort to violence and won't listen to reason, but it would improve our image if we at least gave them a chance to prevent bloodshed first. It would also stand as an example for the other villages, if we leave time for the news to carry, that they can avoid absolute destruction with a simple bend of the knee." Their reasoning seemed flawless in their own ears, their echo-chamber mind, but what did Alistair think?

And as for Zarik, Alistair offered little in the way of assistance. He suggested that they let the false images fall apart, let him figure out the truth on his own. Meddling with the mind and enchantments over and over was a bad idea, as Alistair suggested, so they could only ride out the storm and hope that Zarik did not come to plot against them even further. Was Zarik the conniving man? Kleine had thought so, or seemed to imply so. They knew not what to think yet, more investigation was needed. "We'll try to maintain what we have with him..."

With a nod of their head, they agreed to Alistair's rendezvous proposal, which was admittedly vague. "We'll remain on this island until such a trial," they said with a bow, then rose to their feet and leaped from the counter, then stopped before they turned and returned to the counter. "...There is one more question we had, if you're not too busy," they echoed without meeting his eyes while they rubbed their paw against the counter in a twisting motion.

"We've not heard of transmutation," they echoed with a flick of their tail. "We can't deny that we're curious though, is it some sort of alchemy?" Mutation was to change, and trans was short for transform. Thus, the discipline read to them as transformation mutation... Somewhat like alchemy as they understood it? They would hopefully know more if Alistair was in the mood to talk. "If we're keeping you from something, we'll leave you be," added their false voice, though their eyes remained ever-hopeful upon him.

[Alistair]

Talk to them. The thought had escaped his mind — Alistair had no desire to communicate with the Islanders regarding their acquisition despite the fact that he intended to rule them. Increasingly he realized the squabbles of the Helians frustrated him to the point of violent need for vindication. They were needlessly resistant despite their incredible structural and individual weakness, and though the majority he’d met with had embraced him, far too many scorned his name.

Alistair sighed. “Right,” he responded, in a half-whisper. “We will speak to them first... and spell their options. They can join us or be thrown to the lips of their underworld. I believe I’ve heard the Kephallonians worship the God of Death - I would be happy to introduce him to them if they continue to be unruly.”

And with that, he made it clear perhaps how... callous he was. Alistair believed all of this to be for a good cause, but in pursuit of that unity and defensibility against the Guilds and the Creep he had come to the conclusion that all things were necessary. He would no longer be so easy on the Isles as he had been with Tyros - there would be no further resistance.

Further on... the topic of Zarik came and went, but there was little more to say on it. Fridgar did not seem to wish ill upon him, though Alistair ultimately knew little of the darkly things that stirred within his Havendal’s heart. The desire to split the two men for his revenge, and perhaps to not even rejoin with his Kindal in marriage once their union was broken. Alistair nodded, smiling faintly. He was oblivious to it all.

“Transmutation?” he asked, interested in Fridgar’s sudden curiosity. The Lotharro seemed to wish for Alistair to indulge in the magic; to explain it all before him. The sudden bout in interest made him faintly laugh, as he forgot that the Lotharro was in many ways like any other mage - that he had such a curiosity for the arcane, that even the mention of a spark he did not recognize could stir wonder in him. Suddenly, Alistair’s mood began to brighten.

“It’s the understanding of ether and how it relates to... everything,” he explained. “The self, the soul, the physical and immaterial; even the dream. It allows one to master ether for a variety of different purposes; improved efficiency, exploring fractures, enchanting objects with qualities quantified by ether, and... a great deal more. I was initiated not long after we lost one another the first time. Like all of my magics, I have mastered it,” he bragged.

[Varthakh]

Alistair seemed to agree with them, that they would speak before engaging in mortal combat with the leaders of the villages. For that, they were grateful. Some part of them felt a certain kindred to the people, as they were of their Lothar totem's mindset, some of them of his own species. If they could forgo slaughtering them, it would ultimately be a lot easier, and they wouldn't have to put their beloved totem through that. Ultimately, if it came to it, they had no qualms with killing. Alistair seemed to prefer the violent approach, however, which was a change.

They simply nodded in agreement to Alistair's proposal, then spoke little of Zarik at Alistair's lack of a solution for the problem. Alistair needn't know how they truly felt, he needn't know that they were filled with spite and disgust for the boy. And he was none the wiser as the conversation moved forward.

Fridgar had taken interest in Alistair's new magic, a domain they hadn't heard of before. Even Kaelrik's defiance was something they'd encountered in Gauthrel when a man moved the earth around them to make it impossible to stand. Transmutation was entirely new though, something they hadn't even heard of in rumor, let alone seen practiced. Alistair explained it as the understanding of ether and its relation to all things. Fridgar was lost then. Was ether not just some energy that was channeled through the soul? Did it have a more significant role in the world that they knew nothing of?

They listened closely to Alistairs continued explanation, and it was revealed that Transmutation helped with ether efficiency, something Fridgar could make a great deal of use out of considering how inclined they were to overstepping in the face of adversity. It aided with exploring fractures, as they had once upon a trial in the heart of the wild, the fracture in which Fridgar had obtained their two Harthyte wells at Alistair's side. It also enabled the mage to enchant things, whatever that meant.

In their curiosity, they'd barely noticed that Alistair had cheered up some at their question, but they soon recognized that he enjoyed talking to Fridgar of his magic when he clarified that he'd already mastered it. The Stekir rolled their black and red eyes, as though it was typical of him to carry such a large ego. "That sounds quite useful," they said as they licked their paw. They looked down at themselves then and frowned. "If we'd had transmutation a couple of arcs prior, we might not have been corrupted so badly," echoed the stekir with a hint of obscure longing.

They did regret what their spark had done to them but accepted it all the same. Their reckless abandon in the pursuit of magic had warped them beyond anything nearly mortal, they knew. If they'd better understood ether, it might not have happened. They broke from their misery then and looked to Alistair before smiling with their eyes. "Thank you for the explanation, Kindal... They said while their mind was occupied with thoughts.

With that, they leaped from the counter and walked toward the door. "We'll be waiting for your call," they said, and almost added 'I love you' in reflex. They paused briefly, then bowed their head respectfully. "Bye for now," came their echo as they reached for the handle of the door, then walked out into the streets and began to grow into the shape of the Llewnos.

[Pig Boy]

Comments

I haven't been following the intrigue happening in these islands too closely, but all the same found myself drawn in by your narrative and dialogue regarding all the intrigue. The personal touches between Fridgar and Alistair were touching and poignant as always.

Points

15/15 these points may not be used for magic.

Knowledge

no

Loot

no

Wealth

no

Renown

+5 for Fridgar for scurring the locals and +5 for Ali for accepting a beast into his home