Chapter Six: Roundabout!

[Captain Hesperus]

After Bria and Luna finished speaking, Otiorin chipped in, "I am cont- I have no more questions."


He phrased it with a finality that told unspoken volumes.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna nods in agreement. "Well, if there is no more questions for you, I guess I can go next. As you should already know, I am Luna Callen, daughter of the mage Rogosh Callen. I am the youngest of three children, both my older siblings are boys. The oldest son, Tim, has absolutely no magical talent at all, in fact, I suspect that he is a magic null. Spells just seem to go wrong around him. The middle son, Alec, tried to become a wizard like our father, but . . . an accident in his training took his life early, and I still dearly miss him. It was then up to me to continue the tradition of magic that started with my grandparents, both of which were wizards of differing schools of specialization." She pauses to gather her thoughts and take sip of wine. "My father's special talent is in illusions. He can make an image so clear and believable that you can't tell the difference between it and the real thing. My abilities lie in a different school. I am a Evoker, which means that I rely upon the raw power of the magic to create the various effects that I desire. It is a very primal kind of magic, and I love it. I started my studies at the magic school when I was twelve, and quickly developed my talent for fire magics. For some reason, I have a special connection to that particular element, and any spell I can cast that is a different element than fire, I can change it to be a fire-type spell, or leave it as it was originally learned."


"When I was sixteen, I was introduced to a good friend of mine, this little scamp of a pseudo dragon. She is a good friend of my father, and at his request, she began to help teach me in her own special way. While sometimes she can be a pain to deal with, I am thankful to have her not only as a familiar, but as a friend." She strokes Sparkle's neck ridge with a fond smile as she remembers their meeting, so long ago. "With her looking out for me, I have stayed out of trouble (mostly) and become the woman I am today. My plans for the future? I wish to become our generation's greatest fire Evoker, and not just as the favorite daughter of Rogosh Callen, but on my own right as a wizard."


"This last fight with the pyrohydra has shown me the value of being both a support role and a direct attacker. While it is quite enjoyable to throw a Fireball spell at the top of the combat round and toast a handful of baddies, the Haste spell I cast helped everyone out by giving you all the ability to act quickly and attack more frequently. If the hydra had lasted any longer, I was going to cast my Displacement spell upon Powerpaw to help protect him from the claws and bites of the beast. But, when Powerpaw called for me to use my own Fireball spell, the conditions were just right for me to be able to affect many of our enemy and not hurt any allies. So, from now on, I will have at least one Haste spell memorized and ready to cast for group benefit. Another spell that I plan on being able to use on occasion is my Flame Arrow spell for Wolf. Another case of being able to use one of my memorized spells to boost the abilities of my allies. My latest spell that I learned is the Ball Lightning one that I used in the fight with the hydra. It is not as powerful as some of my other spells, but it lasts for several rounds, and I can then cast other spells while it is still active."


"Boccob only knows how many mistakes I have made in the past, but I do try to learn from them. Better communication between me and the rest of my friends is a must, with a focus on helping the team as a whole. If you can give me any suggestions or requests, I will gladly listen to them and do my best to take any criticism to heart to help the entire team."


"Now, for some of my concerns and questions that still linger in my mind. The three fairies that were imprisoned in the Globe have not given me any answer on just what that evil bastard was trying to do to them. Not that I would ever consider walking down the same path as that one (he is evil through and through), but as a way of keeping them from being the targets of other nefarious people planning on the same goal. Hopefully, the rock lord was successful in eliminating him; I do not want to run into him again. Another question involves Powerpaw and Mamapaw. Are we about to gain a member of the team, or lose one? If our shaggy boy wishes to leave the team to be with his mother and return to their homeland, I can completely understand the desire to be with family, but will we gain a member? A skilled druid can be useful to have in the team, but do you want to be a part of our assorted bunch? We also have the issues of Stewart's ladyfriend to resolve, and the Meadowsweets to escort home. A final question revolves around Wolf, but involves all the Wanderers. When the time comes that we make our way back to Sommerset, will you do me the honor of being my guest at my ancestral home and meet my family? Bonny and Whittle, while you are planning on leaving to return to your home, you are, of course, welcome to stay with us also, if you are ever in my old neighborhood. Our cooks may not be of the same caliber of expertise that you are, but they do a fine job for me."


"I am sure that you all have many questions for me. Please, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer as completely and truthfully as possible."

 

[Purr]

Earlier...


Bria gives Luna a big smile at her words. "Careful, Miss Luna - I have a pretty big heart and it likes to go places! Hee hee! As for my vows, you needn't worry - I trust you enough to share a Roundabout and a room with you, not to mention my life and those of people I care about in these adventures we're having. If that doesn't make us friends, what does?"


Bria does a double-take at Otiorin's choice of words, or lack thereof. Still, she seems pleased. She thinks to herself, Otiorin isn't content; he just has no more questions for my part on the Roundabout. While I wish him peace, I must admit - I do like seeing him so focused and serious. There is something sexy about a guy when they are full of those kinds of emotions. And... do my eyes deceive me or did he somehow get healthier and hunkier since the battle?* Did someone throw a spell on him when I wasn't looking? If so, I sure hope it has a permanent duration! Yum!

Spoiler

*Storyteller here: Bria has just noticed Otiorin's rise from Constitution 13 to 16. There are more benefits than just hit points to a high Constitution. =)


This, with the following caption: I LIKE HUNKY HEROES!! 8D

(Image credit: bootylicious-unicorn.deviantart.com)

"If that's all, then my turn is done! Hooray!


With expertise, she twirls her fighting stick in a playful series of blocks and disarms before thrusting the weapon upward.


When Luna presents her story, Bria hands her the fighting stick.

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

"Flame Arrow?" Wolf looks inquisitively at Luna. "I assume that would set my arrows on fire, yes? How does that work, exactly, and do you have any other spells compatible with rangers?"

 

[Sherwood]

"Flame Arrow works with any kind of projectile, be it sling bullets, crossbow bolts, or arrows. It enchants a quiver full at a time, and lasts for several minutes. The only downside to it is that it consumes the projectile, making it impossible to recover if you miss. I was going to cast it on your bow when we fought the hydra, but the darn thing was immune to fire! Kinda silly to use the spell in that case. Lets see now. What other spells do I know that can help out? There is my Displacement spell that I was going to use on Powerpaw. It can help keep a person safe by making it harder to hit them. A lesser version of that is the one known as Blur. It doesn't work as well, but it can help. Also, there is a couple of spells that makes you immune to energy of a certain kind. It would work well if we were planning on going up against a acid breathing monster, for instance. My problem is, I have to prepare all my spells in advance. I can only hope that when I read up and memorize my magic for the day that I am making a good choice. There is a kind of spellcaster that doesn't have that problem, but from what I understand, they are not as powerful in return for their flexibility."

 

[Kaerri]

After Otiorin said that he didn't have any more questions, Bren looked around and opened his mouth, but didn't get anything out before Luna jumped in and launched into her speech. He closed his mouth and instead finished up his breakfast. So impulsive...I wonder if it runs in the family. Seems dangerous for a fire mage; that might be what happened to her younger brother. If so, it's a pity she didn't learn from it - and from her own recent experiences. Then again, maybe she has, and this is the cautious version? Scary thought. He remains quiet as Luna wraps up her personal history, but has an answer for one of the questions she has.

The three fairies that were imprisoned in the Globe have not given me any answer on just what that evil bastard was trying to do to them. Not that I would ever consider walking down the same path as that one (he is evil through and through), but as a way of keeping them from being the targets of other nefarious people planning on the same goal.

"I don't believe they know what their captor intended. It seemed to me he was about to explain when he was interrupted by that ill-fated fireball and the consequence thereof. Another reason to be less hasty next time we have the opportunity to listen in on our foes, perhaps?"

My problem is, I have to prepare all my spells in advance. I can only hope that when I read up and memorize my magic for the day that I am making a good choice. There is a kind of spellcaster that doesn't have that problem, but from what I understand, they are not as powerful in return for their flexibility.

Bren smiles, remembering another mage of his acquaintance. "Oh, I'd say sorcerers can be just as powerful in their own way. More limited in their choice of spells, maybe."
He considers all that Luna has said. "I cannot think of any questions I have for you at this time, just a comment. You strike me as a very impulsive person, which can be good on occasion, but I hope you will bear in mind that it is frequently wiser to take stock of a situation before leaping into it. I don't mean that as an accusation at all; but I have lost good friends in the past because they chose to dive into something they weren't truly prepared for - and because the rest of us were equally unprepared for their actions - and I do not wish to lose any more." He looks around at the others to see if they have any questions.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin added his voice to the roundabout, "So you specialise in fire-based magics, are there any forms of magic you can't use?"

 

[Sherwood]

She nods as Bren gives his input. "I am a bit hotheaded; it is little wonder that I have gravitated to fire magic. I do intend on being more of a team player, like with the hydra. Instead of just wading in and tossing Fireballs about, my first instinct was to aid the group with that Haste spell. It worked so well for everyone that I will have a Haste locked and ready to go from now on, and as long as I am within a thirty foot radius of the rest of you, it will be the first spell of my arsenal that I turn to. Now, to answer Otiorin's question, while I focus more on the primal energies of the Evoker school and fire magic in specific, I have a harder time casting Divination and Necromatic spells as a consequence. I do not consider necromancy to be inherently evil, but it does not sit well with me, and other than the few cantrips of that school that were required for me to learn, I do not have any of that school's magic in my spellbook. I guess that it is a reflection on how quick I am to act that I don't do well with the 'see into the future' kind of magic of Divination, and scrying has never been my strong suit. I can still cast from both orders of magic; they just take up more room in my head than a spell of another focus does, leaving me with half as many spells that I can cast in a day."

 

[Purr]

Powerpaw scratches his head and asks. "Uhh... Luna-face? What's an Evoker? You focuses on blowin' stuff up? We call dat a 'Boom-mage' where I iz from."


Bria leans forward and raises her hand. "I have a few curiosities about you too.


1. Do you prefer being chaotic or did you go through some life-change?


2. What does being the greatest fire-mage of your generation mean to you? I mean, how will you know?


3. What exceptional or magical benefits do you receive for having Sparkle with you? What should we know about your relationship?


4. And are Outsiders usually O.K. with romantic relationships from such different and diverse origins? Meaning, do Rangers and Wizards date often? Romantic relationships among Outsiders is a constant mystery to my people and me."

 

[Sherwood]

Luna tilts her head to one side as she considers the questions posed by the furry face. "I've always been a bit of a tomboy growing up; I had to be in order to survive having two older brothers. But that continued on as I grew older, being the first one to jump off the highest ledge at the pool, diving into difficult areas of study with gusto, knowing that there is no way that I couldn't succeed, things like that. It is just the way I always have been."


"Being the 'greatest fire-mage' is a lofty goal, and one that I may never truly achieve. But, I will be at least as strong as my father, and my ego hopes to be the example of what a truly epic level magic user can be for the aspiring students looking for a role model. Kinda silly, but it is something that I have often daydreamed about as a youngster."


"The biggest benefit I get from Sparkle is her wisdom. While we ladies don't like to discuss our ages, she is much older than I am, and as such, has a wealth of knowledge that I can ask about. But, we do have the ability to communicate with our minds to one another out to a range of about a mile, and she can deliver a touch-based spell to a target for me when I cannot go there myself. That is why I called to her when we were facing the hydra, to be able to use her to place the Displacement spell upon Powerpaw while I stayed back, keeping the Ball Lightning spell on the hydra if it ever moved from its spot."


As she reaches the next question, Luna's fair skin shows off her blush as she discusses relationships. "While there is no prohibition in my order of magic against being involved in a relationship with others, there is some pressure put upon us to keep ourselves focused on the craft instead. The biggest concern I have is when I . . . introduce Wolf to my father for the first time. Daddy has always looked upon me as his little princess, and he has high standards in mind for the man that I will share my life with. I expect that my father will give Wolf a critical examination, but will end up being in favor of my choice in the long run. At least, I hope so." She looks over at Wolf. "I expect that daddy will see how happy I am with you, and while he may not welcome you with open arms right away, he will be pleased to see how well you treat me, and how happy I am being with you. Mother, on the other hand, will be glad to see you, and will begin to measure you for clothes for the wedding ceremony that she will be sure we are going to have. Don't let her exuberance bowl you over."

 

[Purr]

The hammer-wielding Kitty-face appears a bit more confused than before. "Okies, face, I get you wuz a wild kitten, but I still doez not get what an Evoker iz? Evoker iz tomboy-mage?"


Bria appears to know what an evoker arcanist is, but in respect for the rules of the Roundabout, she refrains from explaining it to her friend-from-far-away. This is now Luna's part of the Roundabout after all.


Bria nods and takes in Luna's information like a scholar in the front row of a classroom. "Draconic wisdom, one-mile, telepathy, touch-based spells.... O.K." She reflects a moment and adds, "And it sounds like your preference to lawlessness is a part of your born nature, then. All right. This answers a few things for me. Thanks, Luna!"

 

[Sherwood]

"An Evoker is one of many different specialties of magic. There is Abjuration mages that use magic against itself and specialize in defensive abilities, Conjuration mages that specialize in summoning magics, Divination mages that use remote viewings and prophesy to explore the world. Then there are Enchanters that use their powers to control the minds of others, Evocation mages that tap into the raw power of the magic they possess to be able to destroy more than they can create. Illusion mages create figments and images to baffle and vex their foes, Necromancy mages use their powers to control the dead, Transmutation mages use their powers to change the world around them, and then there are the Universalists, mages that don't specialize in any one field but spread their talents across all the areas of magic."

 

[Purr]

"Oooooh!" Powerpaw happily claps his paws together while Mamapaw and Bria nod agreeably to the provided definitions. "I get its now! Dat's a whole lotta mages! I bet dat guy Otiorin-face wuz chasin' wuz an Evoker-face too. He jus' knew Otiorin wuz better dan him - dats why he wuz runnin' fer his life! Jus' like dem ugly ogres wuz runnin' from you! Moar!" Powerpaw goes over Luna's description a few "moar" times with his mother who seems to know these descriptions equally well (as any "true" caster should). But then Powerpaw turns to the other arcanist in the group, his tail lashing about in curiosity. "So what kinda mage-face iz you?"





"Shhh!" Bria puts her finger to her lips. "It's not Otiorin's turn yet, fuzzy goof!"





"Oooh! Kitty-face did a oopsie!" Powerpaw turns back and faces Luna.


Bria thinks for a moment. "Now why does that sound bad?" Then she reaches for an pretty green apple.

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Wolf stirs at Bria's words about rangers and sorceresses. His careless food processing comes to an abrupt stop as all his senses focus the Ko monk and then Luna in turn.


"Da-daddy?" he blurts out after hearing Luna's explanation. It appears as if he has more to say but can't for some reason. He just sits there awkwardly, looking not quite his usual self.

 

[Purr]

Spoiler

Thursday, September 18th, 1118. Time: Noon.


Travel to Highwind (in days) 3/14.


Bria smiles at Wolf. "Of course, 'daddy.' You didn't think she popped out from under a campfire, do you? Silly canine!"

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

"I... Of course not!" Wolf is too quick to rebel, but he doesn't really know what to say. "I just, umm... It's... I mean I never considered, you know... Aw, we just got started, alright?"


He looks lost between Bria and Luna and then stands up, strides to the front door and exits the wagon hurriedly. Any calls after him would net a brief glance over the shoulder, at best.

 

[Purr]

"Wolf! Come back!" Bria gets up and rushes after him. "Don't break the circle!" With her enchanted footwear, she hurries and catches up to him fast lest he make it to the woods and disappear.


Once outside with him, the Ko monk folds her hands and bows. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to embarrass you! It's just that you Outsiders come at romance so very differently than we Ko do."


"Listen, breaking a Roundabout is always a bad idea. You will miss things that might of be life-or-death importance later. What can I do or say to get you back in with us?"


Then she adds, "Isn't meeting Luna's father a good thing?"

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Wolf lets the monk stop him without a fight. "No, I'm sorry." He says with a sigh. He turns around and looks at her in the eye. Seeing Bria all apologetic like this was enough to make him feel awfully guilty, as if he had just stolen candy from a child. "For breaking your circle. I'm sorry. I... I'll come back, but..." His head sinks from all the heavy thoughts and he has to struggle not to look down. "Wouldn't it be too weird to just waltz back in there after storming out like that?"


He casts his stare aside into the woods. "I wasn't really going to jump the wagon, you know?" he says. "But it would be so easy to do so. Get lost in all that deep green and brown, now that you mentioned it. I bet not even your friend Bren could find me if I didn't want to be found..." Rolling his eyes he takes a very deep breath and looks back to Bria. "I just don't like to be... under pressure to perform. Not that I was back there, but just thinking about it... You know what? Never mind. It's not your fault. Let's just go back in. I probably scared the hell out of Luna."

 

[Kaerri]

Bren smiles, listening to Luna and the others. The smile fades as Wolf, obviously embarrassed or discomfited, leaves the wagon, followed by Bria. "Oh, dear. I think I know how he feels, but if your father's anything like my Kela's, Luna, he has little to worry about. I trust Bria will bring him back soon, and then we can continue."

 

[Purr]

If Wolf allows, Bria puts his hands in hers and smiles to him. "Maybe you did scare her, but it will be all right because she trusts you, adores you, and... speaking from a woman's perspective, it's kinda hard to be too mad at a guy you have the hots for. How long have your own frustrations toward her lasted? Not long, right?"


"As for being pressured, come now, Wolf! Face your fears! Running from them makes you the prey and your fears, the predator. That's not the way. The Ko way is to turn those roles around. Surely, Rangers think the same way, especially when it's a 'hottie' like Luna we're talking about? Get it? Hottie? Hee hee!


Remember - all you have to do is relax and be yourself. That's the Wolf that lit her fires from the beginning; how could she fall for any other Wolf than the one you have been? And as for her father, the wise say that under the heavens, there should be no worry for what you cannot change. Why not cross that bridge when you get to it?"


If Wolf appears open to it, Bria opens her arms wide and gives Wolf the biggest, most reassuring hug. Her smile is as true, warm, and comfortable as the sun's best sunbeam.


Wolf and Bria reenter the Adventurers' Wagon and return to the Great Pool. "Hey, everyone! Look! I caught this wild and friendly canine outside!" She looks to all of you in pretend-curiosity, though her happiness is anything but pretend. "Can we keep him? Pleaaaaese?" Then without missing a beat, she turns to Wolf in mock-seriousness. "Um, you are housetrained, aren't you? Hee hee!"





Powerpaw grins. "Welcome back, Wolf-face! Uh, where did we leaves off?"

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Wolf lets Bria take the lead and nods to mostly everything she says, but even though he claims to be fine he remains somewhat unimpressed. Once back he tries not to look directly at anyone save for a single look Luna's way. He does not return to sit back with the others, either, instead favoring a spot somewhere nearby but where he could still have space for himself.


"Sorry about that." he says to no one in particular. "If that's alright I'd like to sit down over here and wait for everyone else to finish before I speak."

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin, surprisingly, passed up the opportunity to make a comment about the ranger's sudden embarassed departure. He still sat in silence, absorbing the discussion around him like a sponge.

 

[Purr]

Bria watches everyone carefully yet casually. "Is everyone content or are there other questions for Miss Luna?"





"I iz good," Powerpaw hands a mug of milk to Mamapaw and goes about sharing a plate of fresh pastries with her. Mamapaw noms and watches in curious silence.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren shakes his head, holding out an open hand palm-down. "That's all from me."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Wolf lets the question slip past him without answering, as if he deemed it obvious.