Illumite My Way Forward

[Rickter]

Illumite My Way Forward

Ash 38th, 120th Year, A.o.S.

Today was a day of triumph for the wolf, a day that finally received a slight break from the recent scattered showers that spread throughout the region. Kalzasi still had an overcast of grey clouds covering it high above, as the wolf left out of the loft of the skylift once more and walked onto the terraces like he did before. Taking the skylift up here wasn't getting as bad anymore, yet he was thankful though, for today Rickter knew he'd be needing a long-sleeved shirt beneath his jacket, keeping that extra layer of warmth there for when he rose through the air.

Had he not done so he probably would've frozen his arms off, though surprisingly the wind didn't batter the mountain range as hard today. Regardless of the weather patterns he'd observed, the wolf had finally determined it was time to pay his companions another visit. One he actually found himself looking forward to, as not even the gloomy cloud cover failed to dampen his spirits in visiting the palace. Truth be told he still felt a little odd to be approaching the structure, and in retrospect, he probably found it less likely to ever get used to visiting the place as frequently as he did. Imagining himself here remained even harder still, but that didn't stop Rickter from strolling up the stairs toward the courtyard of the palace.

In passing over the gardens Rickter walked straight up towards the entrance of the castle, his arrival was greeted with the presence of the royal guard, as they allowed him to enter through into the foyer. Shortly after entering a chamberlain approached at his arrival, quick to inquire about his business as they normally did during previous visits. When he parted with what Rickter had shared, he did so with a bow before moving on, guiding Rickter further within towards the reception area he'd sat within before. Once there, the wolf was offered the same treatment as his first visit here, with warm tea and snacks found resting atop the central table in the sitting area.

Rickter eased down to have a seat while he waited, tucking out item after item that remained in his pocket, and laying them neatly on that same table before him. First was the shark tooth necklace from the fisher, and the second was the figurine of a House Novalys member, its wings still missing since Rickter could not repair it himself. Regardless he looked to that item a little fondly, admittedly curious as to what his friends would have to say about it in turn. And then of course, the third item was the silver piece with a star etched into it, as Rickter remembered Rien had given it to him for helping out in return. Three acts of kindness, meant to display honor and compassion towards the denizens of Kalzasi.

So that fourth and final item? The best chunk of Illumite at his disposal, the gemstone emitting a faint glow reminiscent of the dawn itself. With all these, he'd completed the first set of trials placed before him, and therefore proven himself ready to continue with the other set when the time finally came. Now all he had to do was wait until Aoren arrived, hopefully with Talon in turn, as Rickter actually wanted to see what the prince thought of these accomplishments. Needless to say, he couldn't help but gander at the tea and sweets then, this time the little platter looked to offer baked round things. Admittedly the wolf was a little too curious, and after having tried cake for the first time, he couldn't help but indulge in that curiosity on his own.

Thus while he waited for the two to arrive, the wolf slowly grazed on a cookie, his eyes alight with surprise as he actually enjoyed the flavorful blend of chocolate and sugar.

"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."

[Talon]

38 Ash, 120 Steel

Talon sat quietly, his legs tucked beneath him with his hands resting on his knees as he felt familiar fingers gently card through the feathers of his wings.

“You have undertaken quite a project, my son.” The voice of his mother was piqued with curiosity. Runeforging was not an art that his mother practiced, it was decidedly uncommon even among the mages of Kalzasi. To find a runesmith with more than just passing skill, something Talon knew he possessed, was coveted among the magical community because of the depths a runesmith’s work could go to. He had just been explaining to his mother the lengths of the project he was planning in order to outfit his warriors appropriately once he had chosen them.

“It is my most extensive undertaking to date. But…” He thought on the events that had transpired in the season thus far. He was steadily growing more aware of the forces at play in his homeland. Things were not as peaceful as they seemed and he did not want to be caught unaware again. “...it is something that I must do. Especially if I am to face the challenges ahead.”

“You could have petitioned the Circle for such designs.” Even before she had finished her statement, Talon was shaking his head.

“No, Mother. I must forge them myself. I respect the skill of the Circle’s sorcerers. This is not something I would entrust to any hand but my own.” He knew that she understood. His mother was a Sage within the Circle of Spells and a daughter of House Briathos. Magic was in her veins. It was in Talon’s veins too, just as it was in his brother’s veins. There was a point of pride in pushing themselves what they could do with that power and skill. It had been groomed in them, Talon recognized this but he did not begrudge it. The abilities at his disposal had served him well and he could not imagine his life without them. He did not want to.

“Of course, my son.” With that he heard her rise to her feet. She walked around so that she could face him. He looked up at her. No one would have ever described his mother as a warm and kind woman. She was not. Talon knew this. But she loved her children. She loved his father. She expressed that love by never compromising in her expectation for them to excel and to push the boundaries of what was possible.

“I will be departing the palace for a short time.” She folded her hands in front of her. Talon rose to his feet. His mother was not a short woman, she was Siltori and was a testament to their grace but still Talon towered over her. “I go to Lau’Dai Xhan. Your grandfather has summoned me.”

Talon blinked. Briathor IV was one of the most enigmatic figures in all of Kalzasi. To date, Talon knew of only one public appearance by the man and it was the day he presented himself to the Elder Council to announce his assumption of the title of Daizoku. His grandfather was otherwise never seen and rarely heard from but what little Talon did know was that he was vastly powerful and just as intelligent. Talon had never personally met him but he was intensely curious about the man. But he knew, just as everyone knew, nobody went to Lau’Dai Xhan unless they had business there and one only had business there if they were summoned by the Lord of the Cerulean Keep himself.

“Is...is he well?” His mother studied him for a moment in that way that said she was seeing through to the core of him.

“Yes.” That was all. No elaboration. No further insight into what lay ahead. Talon nodded and asked nothing further. He wondered if he would ever meet the man. Talon wanted to know all the members of his family. He knew his brothers and sisters, he knew his Second and Third Mothers but that was largely the extent of it. He knew virtually nothing about his mother’s side of his family but he wanted to. He could only wonder if they thought of him as unworthy of their time. As was her way, his mother neither assuaged his fears nor did she exacerbate them. She let him sort through his thoughts on his own.

“I must go now, Talon. I shall return soon.” She reached for him and he bent slightly at the waist so that she could plant a kiss upon his brow. With that, his mother turned and left the room. Talon felt a stirring in his chest as into the room walked his Companion. He smiled as Aoren walked in. The dark winged Avialae was dressed in humble clothes that were well suited for his frame. As he allowed himself to relax, he felt the stirrings of another presence across his bond and realized that Rickter was nearby.

“I see you feel him, just like I do.” Aoren just waited for him as Talon picked up his boots and tugged them on so that he could go greet their other bondmate.

“He feels...almost excited.” Talon spoke as though that were a question. He was still learning how to interpret Rickter’s emotions. The man did not exactly open up, even with the link between them. It was something he recognized would take some growing into for the wolf Rathari. Shaking his head, Talon ran a hand through his hair before reaching out across the bond that he shared with the wolf. He gave Rickter the equivalent of what could be considered a “hug” across the bond both to acknowledge him and to let him know that both he and Aoren were on the way.

“I believe he is here to present his tokens.” Aoren rubbed his chin before joining Talon as the both of them made their way to the common room where they could sense Rickter. The two of them walked in companionable silence until they reached the common room. When they entered the room, Talon felt Aoren resist the urge to walk up to Rickter and hug the wolf. They were all still getting used to each other’s norms. Talon and Aoren were accustomed to one another but the same level of familiarity they shared with each other had not yet taken shape with Rickter. The bond made it easier to understand some of the wolf’s nuances but given that it was a Light Bond, Talon only understood as much as Rickter wanted him to.

“Rickter.” Talon inclined his head before coming further into the room. He seated himself across from the wolf and was joined by Aoren. His eyes immediately fell upon the items assembled in front of the Rathari.

“Here to present your tokens, I assume?” It was Aoren who spoke as he seated himself next to Talon. The dark winged Avialae picked up a cup and the pot of tea, pouring both himself and Talon a drink before he sipped it lightly, eyeing the Illumite stone with clear interest.

[Rickter]

Illumite My Way Forward

Ash 38th, 120th Year, A.o.S.

As he'd waited, Rickter could sense the presence of his companions, knowing that they were somewhere further within the palace but nothing more. It didn't really bother him though, he knew they would come to meet with him when the time came, thus he simply remained seated with a lean into the cushion. Admittedly the wolf was a bit more comfortable this time around, not as nervous as he used to be the previous times he'd visited here. It was odd though because he still didn't actually belong within the palace walls, and yet, knowing that he somehow didn't feel as out of place as he did before.

There came a moment where the wolf felt something then, a welcoming sensation that filled his being and in turn surrounded him. It was the equivalent of a hug to Rickter, a bit of a rare and grand gesture in his opinion, and yet reassuring as it generated a modest smile on his expression. Gradually he came to finish grazing on the baked sweet between his fingers, wiping what few crumbs fell onto his lap off as he looked about in an aloof manner. That did not last long, however, as it would seem his companions finally arrived as well. As Talon greeted him in name the wolf rose, bowing slightly towards the prince in a respectful manner, his expression still soft as the traces of a smile still lingered.

"Good to see you both, Talon and Aoren." He returned as they approached the lounge area then, the three taking their seats as the knight-captain addressed the point of his visit. "Yes, that is correct. I thought to effectively manage the trials, I'd handle them one after another, and then present the tokens from my labors when all is said and done." And here they all were in fact, neatly laid out for the pair to observe at their leisure. Though, Rickter figured that they would like some elaboration on the tokens in general, otherwise it wouldn't make sense as to why he brought a tooth, a toy, and a trinket to them today.

Accepting the drink of tea Rickter brought it up to his mouth, letting it linger there before he realized how hot it was. He'd then decided to gently blow on the surface a bit, before attempting to sip at it lightly in turn, and nearly grimacing at how strongly bitter the taste was on his tongue. "Thank you," he regarded Aoren as he placed his cup of tea down, gesturing towards his items than as he shifted to lean on one knee, with his elbow used as support so that his free hand could point at each token individually. "The first piece here was from a fisherman within the Udori port. The poor man almost drowned from being net tangling around his ankle, but he managed to live another day since I was in the neighborhood." He remarked as his hand lingered over the shark tooth. "By the way, accepting tokens is almost just as difficult as accepting payment when you don't want it. In a way, I had to look at these as more than just tokens."

There was a bit of a chuckle groaned from his core then, as he looked between the both of them curiously in turn. Probably because it was the second token next, which happened to be the item that sparked such vivid fulfillment within the wolf. "This here was from a boy I'd met the other day. His friends broke that little toy, and I couldn't help but notice the emblem decorating the figurine's armor." Sure enough Rickter gently grasped the toy, holding it up so that Talon or Aoren could inspect it more closely. "I'd decided to make an arrangement with the boy... mostly because he reminded me of someone else at the time. Therefore, I replaced the toy with a condition that he didn't allow his friends to break his things anymore. Hopefully, through my effort, he'll realize the value in friends and their kindness." Just as the wolf had with the two before him.

In a way, there felt a sense of projected irony, for Rickter had been shown such kindness that he, in turn, wanted to project, and somehow the first to genuinely receive that same kindness was none other than a boy within the city. "And the third..." Rickter looked down at that one curiously, reflecting on that night with Rien, and what he'd learned of the Bond in turn as a result. "Well, Rien said you would understand what it meant in turn. I'd helped him with a heartbroken friend of his, someone who was still struggling to come to terms with their loss of a Bond. In actuality..." He realized then he was doing it, without even thinking about it, Rickter was projecting the feelings from that night clearly.

He could remember sympathizing with Rien and his friend, but mainly, dreading the possibility of their Bond suffering the same fate. Not that he wanted to, much less wanted either one of them to either. But the value he held within their friendship was there, undoubtedly, and he didn't want to lose it so soon after he'd only begun to ascertain it. "I'll admit I've learned a thing or two from your brother. And he's put more stock in me than I initially realized. Somehow, I'll have to thank him properly later." He then concluded with a thoughtful gaze shifting from the silver piece, eyeing the Lesser Illumite shard then as that would be the final key to completing his entry.

"And of course, a shard of Illumite as promised." He remarked with a gesture at the glowing gem, the corner of his lips lightly turned up into a triumphant grin. It wasn't that he was proud of his accomplishments necessarily, although he was a little, just seeing the products of his deeds before him really brought satisfaction to the wolf. He'd lived up to the challenges posed at him, exceeded even his own expectations with each trial, and in turn shown himself dedicated to the cause of the Argent Hand. With the first set of trials out of the way, all that remained was for the pair in front of him to decide, and in turn, determine when the next set of trials were underway.

"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."

[Talon]

Talon chuckled as he watched Rickter’s to sipping the tea. He opened himself up to the flow of the wolf’s emotions, gauging and studying what the man had to say and how he felt about each of the tokens in front of him.

“It’s good you were there. The city needs its able fishermen.” Aoren nodded his approval as he examined the sharktooth. “You did a selfless thing, saving that man’s life.”

Talon nodded his approval with his companion’s remark. He understood well the reluctance to accept a gift or repayment in response to an act of kindness. The act itself was done without the need or want to be rewarded for it. However, the nature of the challenge set forth required something in the form of proof. It was a humble thing and it was important to see what each candidate assumed was an act of charity, kindness and selflessness. The differing perspectives about what was a good thing for the community not only helped Talon to understand what motivated each aspirant, but it also helped him get insight into some of the problems facing the people.

“I will be paying a visit to the harbormaster. Perhaps there is something that can be done to promote the safety and success of our fishermen.” Talon picked up a cup of tea. He brought it to his lips, blowing on the surface lightly before sipping. He enjoyed the bitter taste as it provided a contrast to some of the baked goods that were nearby. When Rickter picked up the second token, it was clear to Talon that this particular act of kindness meant much more to the wolf. The young Novalys could not help but smile. He chuckled when he realized who the doll was a depiction of.

“It is a rough likeness of my father.” The subject of his father struck a note in him. He missed the man and he was greatly looking forward to his father’s return from travel. He wanted to share with his father all that he had seen and experienced while travelling abroad. He knew that his father would be angry at the knowledge he had been attacked but he would be proud that Talon had survived. Most of all, Talon was looking forward to just gathering around the common room where his family would often spend some of their evenings just to be around one another. That sense of longing must have trickled over his bond as he felt Aoren reach over and squeeze his leg gently.

“You will have to introduce me to this boy. I know of a few sons of some of our vassal Houses that may be the kind of people he should be around.” Talon inclined his head as he set his cup down. He returned his attention to the final token. As his eyes fell upon it, he felt moved to examine it. It was not a forceful tug and Talon recognized the coin. It was one of his brother’s special coins.

“My brother, Rien, is a mind mage. He uses his gift to know of ways to best serve and uplift the people around him. It is not without reason his establishment is called High Hopes. He had special coins made, coins that he could imprint thoughts and messages into.” Feeling the call of his brother’s magic, Talon reached out and picked it up. The effect was immediate and Talon did not flinch away from it...at first.

Pain. Grief. Anger. Love. Longing. Loss. And a pair of fiery blue eyes that opened up a yawning chasm of bitter sorrow that Talon was desperately trying to forget existed at all.

The Firstborn Son of House Novalys, froze. His eyes went wide. He felt water begin to gather in them as he realized exactly who both Rien and Rickter helped. As soon as this realization hit him, he slammed the door shut on everything he was feeling. He did it so hard that it made Aoren wince. Talon grit his jaw and closed his fist around the coin. He let out a heavy breath and closed his eyes, refusing to let the gathering tears in his eyes fall. He pulled back on the reins of his emotions bringing his closed fist to his lap. His shoulders practically shook with the sheer amount of emotional force he was exerting to keep his emotions in check. When finally he let out a breath, it was almost a pained sob. Aoren reached for him but Talon stood up, taking several steps away from the chairs. He could feel pressure against the wall that he had shoved in place around his bond but Talon did not let his walls down.

“It was him, wasn’t it?” Aoren’s voice was gentle. Soft. “Talon?”

He squeezed his eyes shut. Talon felt an echo of what it cost him ripple through his body.

“It was R--” Talon’s head whipped to the side and he spoke through clenched teeth.

“Do not--do not say his name!” Talon’s shoulders bunched. His wings flared, the feathers stiff and raised as his nerves were on edge. He could see the pain in Aoren’s eyes, the desire to reach out and help him. Again, Talon felt the pressure against the walls he had erected around the bond. His bondmate rose from his seat. Talon felt stiff and brittle at the same time. He continued to feel the pressure against the walls that he had throw up around himself. Desperately he was trying to push down the anger, the pain, the grief...it all felt as though he was going to collapse under the weight of it. Gently, Aoren reached up and wrapped his arms around him. He felt the warrior draw him close.

“He had no right…” Aoren shushed him gently, rubbing his hands up and down Talon’s arms.

“Don’t shut me out. Don’t shut us out.” He gestured to Rickter. Talon took in another deep breath and let it out slowly. Carefully, very carefully, he let down some of the walls that were around him. Because they shared a deeper bond, he felt Aoren reach out and push past the remaining walls around him. Talon’s first instinct was to pull back but he felt Aoren firmly strengthen the connection. He met his companion’s hazel eyes and just nodded. Looking to Rickter, Talon studied the wolf for a moment.

“Apologies. Rien sent me a message. I know why he did. But…” He shook his head. “...thank you Rickter.”

He looked at the illumite. Even at a glance he could tell it was a genuine dragonshard, having worked with them so frequently. He did not bother calling upon his Semblance to inspect it. He stepped forward and set the coin back on the table but did not resume his seat.

“You did well. Please, excuse me.” With that, Talon drew away from his two bondmates and turned, exiting the room. He walked with his head slightly dipped, hands resting at the small of his back and a furrow to his brow as he lost himself in thought.

----

Aoren watched his Companion leave. He could feel it. The hole that had been left in him. He could see just how broken about it that Talon truly was. The Kathar was comparatively new to the Bond compared to the Novalys Prince. Talon had grown up with it. He had been taught to embrace it with all of his heart.

He had and now that heart was broken.

It was coming back together, slowly. Little by little, day by day, but Aoren could still see how the loss affected him.

“Thank you, Rickter. We will discuss your next trial…” Aoren felt Talon grow more distant, not emotionally but physically. The prince had taken to the skies. “...at another time. I will come find you.”

[Rickter]

Illumite My Way Forward

Ash 38th, 120th Year, A.o.S.

Rickter nodded in agreement in regards to the fisherman, as it was a simple thing such as good luck on his part, what with being in the right place at just the right time. Working as a fisherman himself once, the wolf understood the many risks of the trade, and in turn, knew the value that was held in fisherman overall. They were the main force of mainlanders willing to learn ways of the sea, just so they could navigate waters in an effort to haul in food for home. Sometimes in large quantities, and sometimes in dismal, but overall an important part of society as a whole.

Without fishermen, food reserves would severely plummet, and trade too if one considered the types of seafood included in exports. "It was just fortuitous timing really," Rickter admitted in return, "and I would have to agree." He said in light of Talon's remark about paying the harbormaster a visit. "Of the many places within Kalzasi, Port Udori is where change least occurs. Seeing what can be done to implement safer labor for our fishers is a good start to addressing that change." It was a shared sentiment between them sure, but Rickter also rather liked the possibility Talon's visit may bring. If such a visit actually improved conditions within the part of town he'd grown up within, then the wolf would find himself truly humbled by the Prince in turn.

Regardless of how he felt now or later, the inspection of the toy proved of some value. In learning that the toy was resemblant to that of his father, Rickter gazed at the figurine much more curiously at that point. So if Savien was anything like the toy suggested, then Rickter now had an idea of what to expect, should he ever come to meet the man in person. Having been told the suggestion to bring this boy, the wolf's lips tightened but into that of an actual smile, a small one but one he still wore before Talon and Aoren in turn. Meeting that boy did the unexpected for Rickter, and if he could, he'd certainly go out of his way to make sure that boy was better provided for. He knew not the situation of the boy's parents, if there was one, but paying Martin another visit didn't sound so bad to the wolf at all. If anything, it gave him further reason to, now that Talon seemed inclined to help out as well.

Amazing really. Even now, over the subtlest of machinations, Talon and Aoren were reflecting on the situations Rickter himself experienced firsthand. Honestly, gaining a token for proof was something he would've forgone entirely, were it not such a vital part of verifying his effort to join the Argent Hand. Yet, in reaching out to Martin the way he did, Rickter resonated stronger with this task because he could see himself in the boy. At least to an extent. More than anything he didn't want to see Martin become someone like Rickter, which is why the wolf felt so inclined to continue his support for the child... however he can.

Yet it was the third token that evoked a much different reaction, one that led Rickter's eyes to widen a little when he listened in turn. So it wasn't that Rien was necessarily bonded with that man, he was simply gifted in the ways of magic, and aimed to help the poor guy out whenever he could. Still, what prompted Talon to react when he touched the silver piece stirred uneasiness within the wolf, as Talon seemed to quickly withdraw from both the wolf and knight-captain entirely. The result didn't necessarily disturb him in any way, but Rickter definitely felt stricken with a numbness only too familiar. Was Talon in pain? That much became evident the longer he watched, Aoren being the one determined to try and get to the bottom of it, only to be cut off when a name had almost been mentioned between them. No...

It was a picture still blurred in his mind but, ultimately, Rickter started to connect that lonely man with Talon then. If what he'd seen meant anything, it was that history existed between Talon and that other Synnekar. The pain and loss Rickter remembered being shared in the moments of their bonding ritual, all of that had not been forgotten by the wolf at all, even so much as felt familiar as the losses he suffered alone in turn. So when he saw how immediately Talon had been worked up, how walled off he forced himself to be, the wolf quickly leaned forward with his blue eyes sincerely locked upon the silver-winged Synnekar. He wanted to reach out, comfort Talon, and address the front of his pain. Just as the prince did with him in return...

Yet... nothing. That wall that shut him off denied him anything, while Aoren seemingly knew exactly what he needed to do on his own. He didn't need the bond to address Talon's sudden change, for the Kathar was already working on convincing Talon to open back up to them. It didn't allow Rickter to see or experience much, but feeling that heavy weight between them lift, he at least had the moment he needed to experience something credible to the cause. Talon was indeed in pain, far greater pain than he displayed, much less projected when the connection between them seemed restored. Outwardly the wolf was a rigid and firm onlooker, unsure of how to address the situation entirely, while within the driving force of his emotions was a need for understanding.

It was clear that Talon would've been pleased, for he commended Rickter on his efforts with the tokens. Yet, it was also clear that whatever Rien left for him, struck a hard blow at his own spirit that he clearly wasn't ready for. He couldn't find words to speak with at that moment, so when Talon asked to be excused, the wolf emitted a low grunt as though he understood the need. At that point, he considered doing the same as Talon had done, following the Prince into a place of retreat so that he might do the same in return. It was how their Bond came to be, after all, a single moment of sincerity shared between the two. And yet, Rickter knew pressing the matter would do no good. The numbness that was felt wasn't necessarily Talon shutting himself off, as Rickter understood very well, that the numbness itself was an overall feeling in general.

It was exactly the type of feeling the wolf projected towards everything else before. Aoren seemed rather heavily occupied with what traces of emotions were shared, and Rickter came to realize that the Kathar was much more experienced than he was, when it came to dealing with the lingering feelings residing in the prince's own heart. Truth be told, he'd been given the impression that the two were starting to share in their own feelings together, so this whole episode rather shook the interpretations the wolf had almost entirely. Still, in light of being told to expect another visit, the wolf nodded softly to the raven-winged Avialae in turn. "I'll simply resort to training until the time comes then. Look after him, Aoren, for both our sakes would you?" He requested in turn with a slow rise from his spot on the sofa, his eyes a little somber but also still sincere in turn.

In bidding the knight-captain farewell, the wolf would take his leave of the palace quietly, once all his tokens were gathered and pocketed once more. While he was more concerned about his friends than the actual trials themselves, the wolf knew from that point on what he would need to do. He would further refine his skills so that when the time finally came, he'd be ready to show the world how dedicated he was to this cause.

"Every side attacks you when you don't pick sides."

[Mirage]

Rickter

Lores
Psychology: Fond Of Sweet Flavored Things
Psychology: Imparting Gestures As Feelings Through Your Bond
Leadership: Discussing Philosophies With Your Peers
Psychology: Mentally Generating A Wall With Your Bond

Personal: First Set of Argent Hand Trials Complete

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points 8


Talon

Lores
N/A

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points 8

Comments: Awe