[Ash and Moonlight] Verse One: How Endings Start [Ash and Moonlight]

The Glassy finally spoke.


"I's...I's wanting to know what's we being payed..."


Her words grated against the ears: traditional Glassy sing-song beauty ran rough with a lack of use. Kaleido knew this, and even as she sat straighter up in her chair, she fought against the urge to yet again retreat into her oversize clothes, or, even better, flee outright. The Glassy difficulty with 'High-Speak' was bad enough.


Then again, the pressure to speak had far outgrown any social misunderstandings. Kaleido could feel the metaphorical eyes of the humans boring into her face and soul, prying for what information they could get. The literal eyes, too, she could catch glimpses of, when she gathered enough courage to flick her own brilliant eyes up from the floor. How maddening. The Glassy had never known humans to be so antagonistic, and she had walked every corner of the land, witness to every dimension of man's cruel games. Not once had they troubled the Glassies. What few of her kind she had seen, they moved untouched through man's cities, peddling their glass or striking quiet deals, before moving back out. The deals probably went well. Probably.


Maybe that was what this was. Just a deal of some sort. Kaleido preferred to address matters on her own terms, and to make the first offer; she could hardly, however, refuse a deal, much less one that had something to gain. Wanderers cannot be choosers, after all.


Still, the Glassy wished that these humans would be like the rest of their kind. The studious man asked far too many questions, like many of his kind had. Glassies giggled of such absent-minded men, wandering into the Glassy lands in search of a plant or fish, preaching smoke and iron before being devoured by a ruperlurk. Iron armor and smoky legs could hardly match such ancient evil, made flesh and bone with long, cruel claws and teeth which snapped trees in half, slicing and tearing, cutting and rending...well, hadn't the miner man spent a night in the forest? Well, perhaps he had a steam-cutter, or else a fire lance. Kaleido had seen a few, used one on occasion, and knew of their power to crack rocks. Miners ought to be tough...he would survive, perhaps scar the beast. Like the wizard. Kaleido sent a curious glance in the mage's direction, forgetting about the floor for a few passing moments. Magi made the best clients: they knew good work when they saw it, and could appreciate a glass vial for a true work of art, not just something to fill with nasty liquors.


Wiping a bitter taste from her mouth, Kaleido turned her final inspection upon her summoner. She who could pull Glassies from the fog with but a whim. Ominous beyond belief! Still, at present glance she appeared to be one who sought out of necessity, not cruelty. That is...she needed the skill of Glassy. Had not she spoken of exploration? A Glassy and a wanderer. As far as Kaleido knew, only one of those walked the lands.


Kaleido had made up her mind. She had walked in expecting prosecution, or worse, but had been met with a simple business deal. Perhaps word of her requirement had gotten around, or, better, word of Kaleido's own deeds was beginning to spread. No matter. A deal was a deal, and Kaleido needed any sort of payment she could get. Awfully bland, poetically speaking, but perhaps such stiffness could be excused. Besides, Glassies were supposed to be business-like around humans...nevermind anybody who said otherwise!.


With growing confidence, the Glassy sat up in her chair, anxiously awaiting a response. She was no longer timid, but a specialist, and an expensive one at that.
 
Solaire seems almost pleased by the reaction, and nods as if to herself.


"This will be sponsored, and you will be well-paid for the trouble. The first expedition is to be a trip to the Isle of Cacophony, and I've been allotted four hundred silver talents for your contracts - plus a little more, should you have expenses..."
 
The Isle of Cacophony. Niara had heard of it, of course, mentioned over and over again through her studies. The place had strong ties to the Dream. Any wizard would relish the chance to visit it, and she was actually being offered payment for it. A few seconds was all it took to make up her mind. Or in fact, her mind was already made up and it took her a few seconds to speak.


"I accept." she nodded. And then her curiosity finally got the best of her. "Will it be just the four of us? When are we leaving? What are the specifics of this expedition, exactly? And you said... the first?"


In retrospective, Niara caught the Glassy woman's glance. It was interesting. She smiled at her, thinking about what she knew of her kind. Originating from the storm-battered northern coast, the Glassies are renowned for their skill in glassmaking. The glass they produce is naturally infused with magical properties, which is why their race is most open to wizards such as Niara. She remembered reading about those vials who could hold burning flames, music, or even the light of the Sun. Yes, the Glassies were interesting people. She felt a certain jolt of excitement at having one in her party, a fact the Glassy woman could not miss when their gazes met, because it was, like usual, reflected in Niara's piercing green eyes.
 
The professor simply produces a small book held together by metal rings, produces a curious looking pen, the end being made of glass, holding ink, and a finger depresser, and begins taking notes. He listens eagerly to the answers of the mage's questions. Once, he mentions as if to himself, "need to get measurements for spares," but spare what, isn't entire clear.
 
Eli did the best he could to not let his eyes bulge out at the mention of the sum of money, it was more than he would have guessed at... more than he was used to living on surely, but he just nodded slowly, trying to act as though this kind of deal was common place for him, "That's sounding very well indeed, Ma'am, but before I go accepting, I hope you don't be minding me curiousness... How exactly do you be defining 'cataloging life' for this here expedition?"
 
"Well," Solaire begins, "I plan to make further expeditions - there is a lot of land to discover, no?" She grins.


"As for cataloguing, don't worry - I simply want to observe and takes notes on any interesting animals or plants we encounter. Maybe bring a smaller one back for study... And it won't be just the four of us, I'll be hiring some guards. Not many, that would mean paying you less, but one or two. We can leave tomorrow morning, if everyone is agreeable."
 
Niara listened carefully and when Solaire was finished, she nodded and said: "Agreed. Not too many guards is fine by me. I can hold my own." Her eyes sparked, but quickly returned to normal when she suddenly remembered something. "Oh, and... Is lodging for tonight prearranged or do we handle it ourselves?"
 
The professor seems to nod then, at what who knows, and then looks up and glances at all asembled, “If it is amenable with all, I can provide lodgings, for the three of you. There are a number of spare rooms over the library… appearently they expected me to have a family… or something of that sort. The staff and I added on of course, that we don’t have to close the place done at night and all. The city seems quite pleased with the arrangement. At any rate the accomidations are open for the taking. However, one might desire lodging elsewhere, and I shall not be displeased if you desire other housing.” There was a keen since that he seemed a little embarrassed by the comments regarding family, a bit nervous, anybody could see that. The offer of lodging however, seems completely genuine
 
Eli listened as the other around the table spoke, except the strange quiet girl, an odd one indeed. But all sounded well enough to his liking, a job, a purpose, payment, hell even free lodgings for the night.


"Well Miss Solaire, it sounds good, sign me up officially, and Professor I think I'll be takin' you up on that there offer for lodgings, i'm much obliged for it." Eli gives a nod of his head and cracks the first smile he's given all day.
 
After observing the miner, Niara nodded as well. "Myself included. Thank you, professor." she said, smiling while fixing a stray lock of blonde hair.


That was it then. Finally something worth her time. An adventure, no less, and a chance to show off her talents. She could use all she could get.
 
“Excellent we can expedite the process of determining additional garments and boots, as well as sizes, as well as any other items that will need to be procured for the expedition.” Dain takes another sip of tea, putting away pad and odd pen as he does so. “Ms. Glassy, I am sorry, you didn’t give your name, and the offer stands open to you as well, but needn’t take it if you don’t wish… I know I would enjoy your presence to comprehend more about Glass folk, and I am relatively certain the mage would enjoy it as well.” He tried to give her a winning smile, one that tried to say ‘I’m trustworthy enough’ , but a man that looked like he was half made of metal probably didn’t cast the most winning of auras. “Do any of you have any dietary concerns I should be made aware of?”
 
Solaire smiles at the professor, drains her cup.


"Thank you, Professor Dain - now I won't need to talk the Academy into paying inn fees. Now, does anyone have more questions? We should all make our preparations soon, but while we're here. Oh, excuse me, actually, I just want to order breakfast..."


She finally shrugs off her heavy coat and crosses the room in a shimmer of dreamsilk to the bar.
 
“Well,” Dain says after a moment, “just to get the ball rolling so to speak, who hear knows anything about riding horseback?” the professor glances roung the assembled. “I can teach anyone how to handle a team of oxen, but no little about the more equinish persuits. I myself shall walk, since my legs don’t get tired.” The man grins, obviously turning a fact into an attempt at a joke. “So anyone?”
 
Looking unsure for the first time, Niara forced a half smile. "I've had... little experience with riding. Anything, that is." And then that glow in her eyes returned as she finished: "But there's nothing I can't handle." She looked around after that, as if to make sure everyone got the message.
 
Solaire smiles benevolently.


"I may investigate purchase of a carriage, too. Anyway, we have a long day ahead. Things to prepare, people to see. Here is an advance payment for anything you might need. We can meet at the Torn Gate tomorrow morning. Enjoy your last day in the city, you may miss it when we leave!"


She finishes her tea and deposits a small coinpurse on the table before you, and makes to leave.
 
Eli nods his head as Solaire makes her way from the table, "I doubt I'll be missing anything 'bout this place, but thank you regardless ma'am, what time tomorrow morning?" Eli reaches forward to divvy his share from the coin purse, thoughts of replacing some of his gear suddenly forefront in his mind.
 
The wizard girl smiled kindly and calmly collected her share from the purse. Then she thanked the professor one more time for the tea and said to everyone in general: "I'll see you all tonight at the library then."


And with that she marched out through the door, a blonde figure in red. God knows where she was off too. She cast one final glance at the table from the doorstep, then vanished into the light outside.
 
Name.


Name name name. The Glassy's placid face melted into a slag heap of frustrated fuming - would the questions never end? Granted, humans asked far too many of them, and especially of silly things...about Glassies, for one, that was silly. About homes, sleeping arrangements...what, did he not speak of his family, or some such nonsense? Kaleido, at least, had some vague awareness about the tendency of Glassies to shy away from human conversation; she prided herself in at least being more hardy than her kin. What other Glassy could hold her own in common human talk, let alone rough barroom brawls, or else, shady merchant dealings?


"Ka-"


"-Thank you, Professor..."


The Glassy finally stopped fuming in time to see most of the party leaving. Collecting herself to her senses, she carefully gathered that the meeting was over, and money! It took most of Kaleido's willpower not to seize the whole purse and run off; already pay? True, the Glassy needed everything she could get...but this still seemed odd. With suspicious eyes she watched the miner and the wizard collect their share; the wizard left, and the Glassy figured she should do the same.


With careful movements, the Glassy leaned forward and collected her share. And perhaps a coin. They soon disappeared within her coat, and the Glassy, jumping to the floor from her human-sized chair with a thud. "I's out," she announced, to nobody in particular. Without a glance behind her, she seized her walking stick from its place by the wall, and scurried out into the streets, vanishing into nothing as her kind tend to do.
 
Dain shook his head at the retreating form of the Glassy, he knew little of her kind, but it was clear that out of the three she cared for him the least. That was nothing knew, folks had hated him when he was a boy, it hadn’t until he had educated himself enough to build the suit, and attend the university had that changed… a little. Now, only those he helped should him any affection, only those that he could save from one problem or another, looked upon him, or his name with admiration. It shouldn’t hurt that it was so, that was the way things were. The first rule of logic jaws that what was was. Dain was a rational man above all, strove to be with everything that he did. These facts shouldn’t hurt then,


But they did.


He collected his coin from what was left from the pile, he didn’t really need it, he had received an admirable salary as head of the school, much more than he needed, and he had saved away what he didn’t need, always ensuring that some was given out to the poor and needy. What was saved away was portioned up so that he could give something to the graduates, investiments he called it, and those pupils that started there own successful interprises always gave back some of their profits. Giving back to the institution that helped train them, was what they called it. That way neither ex-teacher, or one time student could say what so many would call it, a gift. To call it that under those conditions was an insalt on the concept of gift giving, but so many did that these days. Only those that received the offering, but never gave anything back, could be considered to have received a gift. That was what it was meant to be, a gift to those that had past through the halls of learning he helped oversee. He would oversee them no longer. He had appointed Master Roulings for that task and the appointment had been approved. That was no surprise, as they would have approved whomever he appointed, as his selection methods were far more rigorous than anything they had devised. Lydia would take over control of the library and seeing to the children at the House of abandonment. Sometimes he thought it would have been better for mother if she had given him over to their charge there. Well what was done was done. He couldn’t alter the past, any more than he could alter the Glassy’s behavior. He must surch through the library to seek out what could be learned, as well as for their destination.


“I shall send Justin over with a list of provisions that I shall have readied for the morrow, and you can see if I have missed anything crucial.” Dain stated to the lady colleague, before giving her a mannerly bow and striding for the door. It was a swift and soundless movement, quite suprising given the mechanisms involved.
 
Smooth rolling strides took Elijah Dain outside the tavern, with its high elongated porch with five broad brown brick steps, complete with high pillars and a wide covered entry way for carriages to deposited guests without concern for the elements. He went down those steps in three good paces, his sandaled iron feet only making slightly more noise than a booted man’s would. He could have been quieter, but his mind wasn’t in it. His mind was on preparations, running for the dozens time what all should be packed, what was already to hand, and what was not; those things that could be acquired quickly and those items that would simply have to be dismissed. His mind too worked on another problem as well, one whose solution eluded him the way bubbles evade a child’s grasping hand, how to build better repore with his traveling companions. A unit needed to work seamlessly, or near so, if it was to achieve any semblance of maximum efficiency – full effectiveness was something to be yearned for, striven for, but never truly achieved – still this group needed to grasp some hint of it, in order to best survive what was to come intact. With all the force of an analytical engine Dain’s brain attacked both problems has his leather and wood sandaled shod iron feet took him forward determinedly, away from the place of meeting and down Burtist Street; past two teminent buildings for the middling classes; beyond a deli, whose revolving door stared across at a galley painted barber’s shop all in blues and greens; up to and past two clothing stores – one catering to women & the other men, as none supplied both sexes at once in this city – each in plain limestone, with signs stating their wares in garish stereotypical colors; until at last he turned off onto ’L Street’ and began the climb up to the ‘Leatherwood’ and the affectionately titled perfume district, where the library was held. All the way watching for carriages and pupil scurrying, mostly students and the occasional craftsperson, as he went. The hour was quite early after all, and thus, traffic was light.
 
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