Solidifying Terms

It was only a day and a half ago when they had taken down a robed wizard who was protecting an obsidian obelisk in the middle of a forest. The forest, which lay beside beanstalk village, was covered in every inch with a purple mass that took multiple forms, crawling it's way over everything and slowly siphoning away the magic energy, as well as the life force of the forest, air, and earth. It even affected humans and animals as well. While Oras and Amora were unable to destroy the obelisk, they were able to defeat the wizard. However it seemed the wizard had chosen to commit suicide by altering his position, allowing Oras' dagger that he had thrown to pierce his neck, rather than immobilize him. In addition to this, it appeared that Amora had a unique ability that even she did not know herself. Her abilities were clearly, very clearly, not related to her own magic. It was nothing related to earth, but a white flame that was cold as ice. The wizard seemed to recognize it but neither Oras nor Amora had any clue. Perhaps they could learn something in the library.

They were after all, back at the gates of Oak town. They still had to pick up Amora's armor, as well as purchase communication stones. After that they could decide whether to investigate her abilities or not. However... He needed to talk with her about the terms and agreements they would have, as well as a new set of rules if she were going to remain his apprentice. Today they would set the stones, and then train. Tomorrow.... He believed he had an idea of what he wanted her to do. They would head over to Magnolia town, give her a few instructions, and drop her off while he looked through the libraries for information on her abilities. First things first though... He looked at Amora, knowing how much the events prior had shaken her a bit. "You ready to return to a town like this?"

It's been a few days and the time has been well spent in terms of getting better and healing up as i can still feel some pain, but not the burning sensation that it was during the first day of treatment. Not it has healed nicely enough to be normal. I can only hope that it doesn't start to form a scar since that would be a bit embarrassing to get something like that in my first fight ever, but it would surely be a reminder that would be on my body forever that i need to be more careful instead of reckless. Having seen the transition back to normal forests i smile a bit, but i can't get out the forest back in the beanstalk village out of my mind. To know their is a place like that as i can only hope this magic council does something about that and soon.

I see the gates that belong to the town that we are meant to be going to as i smile a bit glad to be back somewhere normal as i nod my head. Am i ready? I'm fine Verus don't worry. After almost possibly dying looking at other humans isn't that frightening like last i was here. I say with a kind smile having thrown away and hidden any sense of fear or worry i have had from almost dying for once. However, the nights haven't been that pleasant for me since then. Just getting weird dreams of me actually dying that day and seeing the home that is the forest wither away, or having dreams of that weird state i was in. Having not mentioned any this since i figure it is nothing to think about since it is mot likely my mind worrying over what could've happened.

He knew she was still feeling some pain, but that was a consequence she would have to live with. When she spoke he could sense a hint of unease, most likely since she was thinking of the fact that she had nearly died. So it finally kicked in now did it? Good he thought to himself. He nodded to her as they walked. "Try not to mention the near death experience, nor the plague or our involvement in any of it. We don't want this, cultist organization to know that we are onto them. From here on out, only speak of it when I am certain we won't be overheard." With that they entered Oak town, the town just as busy as it was the last time they had arrived here. "Since you are not as shaken as the last time, observe the life around you. Try to take in what everyone is doing and why. Try to figure out how certain contraptions and techniques work. In addition, once we pick up your armor, try to observe the individuals around you. I will quiz you on them once we reach our second destination. Let's go."

With that they headed out to go find the shop her armor awaited her in. They crossed many streets and such, as they made there way. There were many carriages moving across the street, many types of people walking on the side walk and talking with each other. People who were in a hurry to get somewhere, people who were taking their dear time as they walked the streets peacefully. People who seemed down, people who were dancing on rainbows. There were young people selling newspapers, older men selling food on a stand. There were people who were isolated, people who had their own groups. People who were together and people who had no one. Oras walked slowly to give her time to observe the life that pulsed in this town while they neared the shop in question. When they finally reached it he would open the door for her and remain behind, allowing her to approach the counter.

I nod my head in understanding of your words. Knowing it would be quite bad if a cult found out we were onto them from the small fact that what was probably their weakest member almost killed me do to a reckless moment of myself because of whatever i was under the influence of. As i hear your request i nod my head and looks around at everything as we walk observing the actions of people within seconds to try and capture as much information as i can of all the different things in motion around me. I see some kind of thing moving as i see it is pulled by a animal, and that their are wheels on this thing made by these humans. I quickly focus in on the wheels as i my mind races as i can spot them as the reason why the horse isn't having difficulty moving them, but how do they work? I glance at the people talking or not talking. The people rushing, and the ones who are just enjoying their time they have to spend. Groups, and loners by themselves. The wide diversity of everyone out their doing whatever their is to do in life.

I focus in more so on the busy bodied people rather then the ones enjoying life in the moment as i find their actions to be strange since i'm not that use to the idea of being in a rush for everything. I look at how people interact with the people giving things out that is currency which i remember is called jewels. I smile a bit glad to have some of my own, but that can be used on other things when i am on my own...whenever that would be. I gaze towards you as i bite my lip a bit before stopping as i wonder if you would let me explore the world any? To let me see what is out their even after i managed to mess up rather badly. I don't notice my fingers drifting towards my chest as i think of how i messed up. When i do notice i just quickly move my hand back down.

True to her word and agreement, he noted that she was observing the world around her.  However that was just scratching the surface for her.  Soon enough there would be more he'd be showing her.  Eventually, after much training, he hoped to one day train her to the point where she would know everything going on.  As well as teach her how to see past someone's deception and know exactly what they are doing.  Learn the truth of their personality.  There was so much she needed to learn.  However there was a great multitude of skills that would prove useless unless she knew about the world's culture.  The smallest details could easily help.  He watched her reach for her torso, where the wound had been, and knew that she was definitely thinking about it.  

When they walked into the store, Oras urged Amora to the counter.  The shop owner looked up from his work and grinned, recognizing them rather easily.  "Well now, look who it is!  I was wondering if you'd ever come to pick up your gear.  What have you two been up to now?"  When she walked up to the counter he would walk over to a stand and bring her armor over, laying it on the counter for her to see up close.  A hood was included in the armor, enough to cover her upper features, but there was something on the side that would allow her to adjust it so she could hid less of her features. "Like it?  Didn't know how shady you wanted to be.  The only thing you could do better is to get a mask like your friend there, but I don't think that's your style miss."

I grin a bit as i enter the shop as i hear him ask what we have been up to as i just nod my head. Well i've been a bit busy learning, and trying to understand as much as i can with the help of my friend Verus who is being kind enough to accompany me. I say in a happy tone of voice not mentioning anything about fights since you had requested that of me. As i see the gear i nod my head wit ha smile as i pick up the armor part as i'm curious if they got the weapon order for the bow mechanic thing also. However, at the moment i do go into a changing area part of the shop and tries on the armor with a smile on my face. As i curiously check the material of the item that will function like my armor as i smile a bit as i come out of the room towards you with a curious look to see the opinion of you and the tailor to see what they think when it is worn by me.

The outfit being a simple clothes that stick close to my body but not in a promiscuous way rather just in attempts to reduce the amount of wind against me as much as i am able to do so. The outfit being a simple shirt and pants that have a bit of extra protection in them that was woven in to serve as better material to protect my body via the clothing. The shirt of the outfit having a hood like attachment that can be lifted up to cover my face if i think it is needed. The outfit meant to reduce drag on my body as much as possible while still allowing for the chance to try and blend in normally with how the outfit is designed to look like civilian clothes.

The man listened as she mentioned how she had been a little busy learning and attempting to understand all that she could with Verus' help. He glanced at the masked man again, but his doubts were quenched the last time these two were here. At this point he only felt uncertain, or rather, uncomfortable around the man. He was so shady, all the time. He stood in the corner at all times until the girl was ready to leave with him. Still, he was taking care of her and protecting her he was guessing. She didn't seem down or dark at all, so he assumed that while the masked man was secretive and mysterious, he wasn't doing anything to the girl. He nodded in understanding. "Well hopefully your studies are going well my dear! So how do you like it?" He asked as she observed the armor. She simply smiled at him and took the gear to the dressing room. The man was surprised, even more so when the masked man spoke up. "Don't take it too hard, she hasn't mastered the language yet. She never needed it growing up." The man nodded slightly, remembering what she had told him the last time she was here.

When Amora emerged from the dressing area, Oras observed the outfit. It was a set of simple clothes that while close to her body, though not in any way sexually alluring. Instead it was shaped and designed to reduce the friction of wind she would face when running or sprinting. Other than the simplicity of the clothes there was a few bits of protection, and thus it had Oras' approval. He turned to the man and gave him a short nod. "Alright this will work out. Here's the rest of your payment, we'll be on our way." The man nodded to them but before he could say anything else they were outside the door. "Now Amora. I want you to study the people you see as we head to our next destination. When we reach there I will quiz you to see how skilled your perception is at this current time. There is nothing bad with getting it wrong or missing anyone. This is to gauge how much I'll need to teach you, understand?"

I grin happily seeing that you payed for the gear liking the armor also as i nod towards the nice man and gives him a wave. See you next time sir i'll make sure to try and come by if i am in the area and need armor. I call out quickly before leaving with you towards the streets as i curiously puts my hood up to hide my face with a smile as i wonder how i look with the hood up as i just continue following you as i hear my assignment as i nod my head having my eyes gazing over to you as best as i can do so. I nod my head slightly and says only loud enough for you to hear. Got it Verus observe what i can from the people around me. I say in a happy tone of voice as i wonder for only a brief moment where our next destination is.

With that thought gone i focus on the people walking about the area and enjoying their lives. Talking amongst each other and rushing about or enjoying time with each other or some completely by themselves doing whatever they think is a good use of their time. I watch as the vehicles that can move through the town do so, and look at every bit of technology that i see with anything being a light source for only a moment noticing that it is annoying to look, and that it leaves some kind of spots in my vision after i look away from a light source that is a bit bright. I look around the town for anything that looks important with the key signs i am looking for being signs, lots of people around the place, or it looking fancy.

Oras noted that the first thing she did was pull up the hood, out of curiosity not out of need or fear. He knew that she was not going to know how to use it properly just yet, and definitely not how to look around with the cowl on, and be discrete, her actions unseen. Not for a while now, for that wasn't as important as other tasks. She was speaking rather happily she told him she'd do her best, instead of the even, calm and serious tone Oras always used. It was odd, for him, being surrounded by someone who was able to smile despite the fact that she understood now the truth of human's deepest scum. Unfortunately they were going to be seeing far more with the fact that they were going to be hunting down an organization that had started a plague in the forest by Beanstalk Village.

Oras had wanted Amora to focus on the individuals, on people. He could only hope that she had remembered this and not give him details on non organic objects. Soon they had reached the store and they entered the shop. When they did he lead her to the side and looked to her. "Now tell me the details of what you saw." Regardless of what she said, he would tell her everything afterwards. "We first crossed two individuals, a man and a woman, who were seemingly a couple at first but upon further observation are actually rather close to breaking up. Three people looking through the windows at purchasable merchandise, all of them ranging from young teens to mid teens. In the alleyway there was a man who was observing us before turning back into the alleyway and moving out of sight. An elder man sitting on the bench near the bakery, nearly falling asleep but awake enough to watch for someone, probably someone he knows who travels there often. There was a child running towards the street before his mother grabbed a hold and pulled him away before he could get run over. This is a small list."

well i saw two people that looked rather happy together with only a few differences when they looked elsewhere with a weird look. I say starting off not understanding the idea of attraction between two people. Just knowing that people look happy together so that is a good thing. Then there were people younger then me looking into the windows of shops probably trying to see if it was good to buy something or not from their. Their were lots of people running around and looking rather busy, and doing things. With some people sitting along like that old man who was really sleepy. He probably needs to sleep more if he is like that. I say listing what i saw mentioning only some specifics while myself having gotten lost in the amount of people that i couldn't spot everyone specifically out in the mess of others who looks like they could be just as important.

I then hear your list and nods my head and only has the question. How did you know to look at them? There were so many people that were doing lots of other actions. I ask very confused.

While it was a far more general description that Amora had given him, and not detailed like Oras had, she had done well for her first time. She noticed a few individuals he had noticed, but it was her first time after all. It did show him how much he'd have to teach her as far as observation and perception went. And while she didn't notice the man watching from the alleyway, she did in fact notice the couple on their way out of the building, meaning she was at least attempting to pay attention even before he shared what they had to do. This was a good sign to Oras. Then she asked him how he knew to look at those particular people. He found it interesting how she asked him how he knew, and not how he observed them, or noticed them in general. He smiled under his mask, glad that his current 'apprentice' was asking thought out questions. "When you train yourself enough, you're able to observe the entire scene around you rather than just one particular section. When something catches your eye you make a quick observation, and if there is nothing of severe interest you move back to the overall view. The closer you look, the less you'll see. At the same time, you'll only see certain things if you look closer and in detail. You will learn this in due time."

He walked over to the counter and explained how the two of them required something to communicate with, something that did not have to be charged and re charged. The woman nodded with a smile before heading to the back and returning with two sets of rings. The first set were gold rings with ruby's in them, while the other was a pair of silver rings with sapphires in them. She explained to him that as long as they wore the rings, they could connect with each other. Upon further inquiry, she told them that if they purchased more silver rings and linked them to their own, then they could give them to others, increasing the link if they wished to. Oras didn't know if they'd need to team up with someone at any point so he went ahead and purchased four in total. With that it was off to the library of Oak town. "Time to learn about your silver fire Amora..."

I nod my head as i listen to your words understanding them fairly easy, or i think i understood the meaning behind them. Figuring that if i try to look in a broader spectrum instead of a finite area then i could catch more, and only glance at those that don't look like danger, but look in finer detail to those that could be doing something that is out of the normal for the area that i would be in. Which sounds fairly difficult even within my mind,so i can only imagine how much more difficult it will be to actually put that into practice of learning it. As we go to the woman i look at the gold ring with interest as i hear that it can allow communication in some manner as i find that prospect interesting. Though that does leave the wondering of if it is somehow talking with your mind like in fairy tales, or like hearing a voice come from the ring. I eventually just put the ring on figuring their is no harm in doing so right away as i follow you towards the library after you pay for the rings.

Once i hear about this silver fire i just nod my head seeming noticeably slightly nervous. As i wonder what is this power within me, and why is it only happening now? The fear of unknown being a great and terrifying thing that can frustrate or terrify with people having different reactions to it. With from what i have observed in terms of regular towns people they fear the unknown which was you do to your cloaked form. None seeming all that intrigued by this unknown like i imagine some have to be or there shouldn't be this much weird technology stuff.

Oras noted that she was silent during the discussion with the woman at the counter, and after purchasing the items placed two rings in his pouch, one ring on his right hand finger, and gave the other to Amora. He showed her his left hand and tapped the ring finger. "Don't wear the ring on this finger. That means that you're married, and we don't want to give people that impression." He began to lead her to the library and noticed that she had become nervous. Time for another lesson he thought. "Amora. It's not wise to be afraid of everything that is unknown to you. The more appropriate course of action would be to acknowledge the danger, and learn what you can about it. Once you understand, the only danger that posses a threat is the action of giving up, or giving in. If this is an ability that you can one day control, then you will have an advantage if given the right moment. I must ask you to steel yourself and treat this as any other information you'd be gathering, alright?"

They soon reached the library for the second time that week. They walked over to multiple areas, including spontaneous magic, ancient magic, genetic magic, etc. Oras helped Amora find several books they could look through before moving to a table and sitting down. Oras began to go through books, letting Amora handle the ones on spontaneous magic while he went through Genetic and lineage magic. Regardless of whether they found anything, this was a new subject for him and was a rather great source of research for him. He delved right into the books, studying at how the cells of the human dna, and even the dna of other races could bond with certain magics, should they be potent enough. One example was how if an angel or a demon had children, a few of their magical abilities could be strong enough to be passed down along their kin. He was busy reading the details of this and soon became immersed where nothing but Amora's voice would pull him out of it... That or an attempted assault that he would indeed notice.

I nod my head at being told the finger to be careful about as i look to my hand as it is on my right middle finger so i am fine. Got it don't wear it on that finger. I say with a nod of my head as i then continue walking beside you as i then hear you talking about fear as i notice that and grins a bit as i take off the hood finding that it is comfortable enough, but i can't hide anything it seems from you. I grin a bit as i hear your words and nods my head as i take a calming breathe which eases the fear. I then manage it away as something that needs to be learned about to tame its power fully like i did with my magic to some degree. For if i let fear of magic that was sparked by the town i lived in when i was young consume me i would be dead at this moment.

When we arrive at the library i see a quick number of books accumulating for us to read as i can only stare with a bit of dread. Knowing that i will be bothering you...a lot since i don't have the biggest vocabulary on the planet. Which became very noticeable that i didn't have a vocabulary bigger then that of a child who had basic education that was stopped at 9 or 10. The only variation from my speech that was not at that level was when it came to hunting animals, or surviving in the forest which is where my knowledge became that of equal or greater then my age was shown. However, that doesn't shine in this moment at all as anytime i met a word that i didn't know i had to interrupt you to ask what the word meant that was outside my vocabulary.

Oras glanced up at her to see how she was doing and realized his grave error: She didn't have a great vocabulary. What a moron he was, how could he have forgotten. He placed his book down and stood up. If she started to as well he would simply gesture for her to remain while he walked over to the shelves. The vast collection of dictionaries was rather easy to find, and he pulled off of the shelf the easiest to understand, yet was full of words they would undoubtedly encounter. He brought it over to the table and placed it beside her, opening it up so that he could show her how to use it. "This is a dictionary. It contains every word and it's many meanings. If you look at the top of each page, it shows the first and last word that exists on that particular page. When looking for a word, you start with the first letter, then look through the words on the top of the page in order to find where the word you are looking for would be. It will take some practice, but by doing this you will learn the language quicker."

With that he returned to his own research. It would be a full two and a half hours before Oras would find anything of note. In the span of that time he would aid Amora where she needed it, explaining the explanation of a word if she didn't get it. And if she didn't get a concept in the book she was reading he would come over to her side and explain it in depth so that she understood completely. Eventually, once two and a half hours had passed, Oras came across something: It wasn't a direct reference to her abilities, but there was a description of abilities granted by very particular lineages that dated back to a variety of times. Some extremely ancient, others a little more recent. They gave brief examples of how to recognize these, one of them being silver fire. He pushed the book that was open to that page over to Amora while he went to go find books or scrolls on ancient lineages.

I see you get up after awhile and i just look down thinking i frustrated you enough to want to leave for a bit. However, i see you come back with something called a dictionary as i take it and hears your describe it as i smile a bit as i continue reading the book you gave me as i reference the dictionary...a lot. Sometimes even having to use the dictionary to look up a word in the definition and then slowly sinking into that chain for minutes at a time if it is particularly bad. However, sometimes by the time i had the definition for something i did have to ask for help in understanding the concept of somethings since having the definition is nice, but understanding the process is even better. Like combustion, and other such methods of things as i read this spontaneous magic.

After awhile and me getting through a good bit of the book as i slowly stop referencing the dictionary as much as i did at the beginning as i learned the language slowly more and more still needing help with words now and then, but slowly gaining the skill to understand what words means within context. Eventually i watch you slide your book over as i read it as it mentions the silver fire that is supposedly dated back to a few people in the distant past to some in recent times. However, for me if the time is put in years they hold no meaning to me as i don't know the official year or even the month that is in this world. Just knowing that it is sunny, and that the bite of winter feels like it is a bit away.

Oras walked back over with a book and placed it down on the table, keeping his hand on the page to keep it open.  He began to read out loud.  "Silver Chaotica.  The Silver chaotica was a man who sold his soul to the primordial spirit known as Chaos. Chaos was said to be the fifth rider of the four horseman of the apocalypse who wielded a sword so cold that it burned. This aura, which surrounded both him and his sword, is what the crimson chaotica gained. However, his body could not contain the chaotic power and he went on a rampage destroying much. His descendants gained a lesser form of this power, which allowed them to enter a berserk state to gain the power of Chaos."  He closed the book.  "In short, you have the ability to gain great power in aggressive assaults and damage, but you will lose control of yourself by entering a berserker state, not knowing the difference between friend or foe, attacking anyone and anything in your path in raw destruction...  It's unsavory, especially for you.  However if the scenario calls for it, this could be a good trump card.  I believe it also reduces the full force of blows you receive as well."  He waited for a reaction.

Hearing the words my mind tries to comprehend what i have just been told. That i am some sort of descendant of a horseman of pure chaos that had this power. I look to my dictionary and look up some words to understand more. Once finding all the words i nod my head as this is rather even more interesting as it can prove some fairy tales true if the four horeseman are true. Though i wonder how such a strength got to me from the parents that i lived with? Also how did i even gain my magic in the first place if what i can tell is that my parents weren't magical either. This bringing up more confusion from me as i try to understand this weird phenomenon that is my past at this point. So i have some berserker power that came from a being that is nothing but destruction? That is strange since my family wasn't like that from what i know. I don't even think my parents were wizards which makes me curious how i even got my magic. I say in a confused tone of voice.

She was rather calm about it, calmer than he had expected. Then again, he did talk to her beforehand. Had his words truly had that much of an impact on her and her emotions? Words truly did have a power unlike any other. He nodded to Amora as she explained her confusion, and rightly so. For she didn't really understand genetics like he did. "True, however genetics can remain dormant as well. Most of the time, there are genetic properties that only effect a newborn every two to three generations. This could easily be the case here, especially since it's magic based. The fact that your parents were not wizards has nothing to do with it. So now all we must do is figure out how to help you control the trigger for this power, rather than it just spontaneously turning on like that... However there is something that needs to be discussed before we proceed any further."

He stacked the books and put the to the side before folding his hands in front of him. "Your near death experience has been bothering you lately, hasn't it? Don't lie to me, I wish to get this matter sorted out swiftly."

I nod my head at having the genetics lesson told to me as it makes some sense in the idea of how it could work since magic is rather strange from what i have been told by you, and from what i have seen. Then their is of course the terrible and incorrect teachings of my home village whose ideas of magic are very wrong. The idea that magic could skip a few children to pass onto another in the future making as much sense as anything else when it comes to magic.

I chuckle a bit nervously at the whole near death experience at idea, but quickly realizing you are being serious and sighs a bit as i rest my elbow on the table and then my hand on the hand that is supported by the elbow. Yeah it has been bothering me Verus. How couldn't it really? I mean i almost actually died unlike anything else. I've never had that happen to me before. To be that close to death is frightening to know that such a reckless mistake and weirdness that was that magic being the cause for almost being sent back to nature.So when i feel the wound i remember the brief moment of fear i had originally when i realized i could've died after the matter of course. Since during and shortly after i was in some kind of adrenaline high.

He listened carefully as she tried to laugh it off, but quickly realized he was serious. When she began, she started with telling him that it has been bothering her, and how could it not? She went into detail about it, how she had never ever experienced a situation where she was that close to death, despite the many times she stared death in the face. It was one thing to confront death, Oras thought to himself. Another to be overshadowed and nearly taken by death. She was acting far, far differently than she was the last time she had spoken about death, and how it didn't scare her. She added on how it was frighting with the magical effect that was happening, as well as when she recalled the wound and recalled the moment of fear when she had realized she could have died. Oras nodded. "I'm glad you understand the gravity of these situations, and that you hold your life high enough where you are protective of it and afraid of losing it. Please note however, as long as you aren't that reckless again, I'll always be there to protect you so long as you're my apprentice.... Which takes me to the next topic. Exactly how is this apprenticeship going to work out. I think it's time you had some experience in another town. There's a town that is, unbelievably peaceful.. And lax.. I've been thinking and I believe I will send you there for your first assignment. I'll be nearby to ensure everything is ok, but for the most part you'll be on your own. I want you to get used to the culture and interact with those who are not shady. Interact with the shop keepers, librarians. Speak with the children, learn about the culture of the town. Sound satisfactory to you?"

I nod my head in understanding at that as i smile ab it wondering what a town that is like that would be? Would it be how i imagined towns to be like in the beginning before i saw how suspicious others are of the unknown. That this peaceful town will have those people who would be as trusting? I don't know but i guess i will learn of that matter, and figure out and see what this world holds for me in the end. I look to you. So then what is this town called? A big place or something small. Anything dangerous near this town, or in the town itself? I ask curiously as i look at you figuring that gathering information would be rather important after everything i have been through to make sure i know as much as i can before going to any location. To make sure their isn't anything overly obvious to be extremely careful and guarded about.

She seemed to take his information rather easily and moved to the next topic in earnest. She asked him what the town was called, if it was big or small, and if there was anything dangerous in the town or near it. "It's rather large, it's name is Magnolia town, and there isn't really any threat that I am aware of currently within or near the town. You should be relatively safe, especially with me remaining nearby. I promise you that you'll have no near death experiences," he said with a chuckle. With that he stood up and walked from the table, moving to put all of the books back in their original places. Once this was done he moved to the door of the library and turned to Amora. "You ready?"