Return to Crowspit

[Wixard]

(INVITATION ONLY In lieu of explaining what the RP is about, I'll just post the OP, which should give you some idea what's going on)


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The Headmaster’s study was larger than they’d expected. Parallel rows of thick, wooden pillars guarded the carpeted path leading to the professor’s desk. Ancient tapestries, painstakingly restored and maintained, covered large sections of the wall. Where there weren’t tapestries, there were bookshelves. Two stories high from floor to vaulted ceiling, the sturdy shelves stood stalwart, bearing the weight of hundreds of tomes. Powerful artifacts rested in display cases between the pillars and the bookshelves and tapestries. The Helm of Time, a sword so old it’s name had been forgotten, a feather from an archangel’s wing.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The books alone were worth enough to buy several small kingdoms. A single one of the artifacts would draw the attention of the most powerful wizard kings. The treasures were not unprotected. The defenses were subtle, difficult even for the trained eye to discern, but this room was among the most secure places on the continent.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The Headmaster’s runescribe, Arbos, appeared, an artificial secretary with an elevated intelligence. It’s masculine blue body glowed softly, draped in thick robes made of layered scroll paper covered in powerful runes. This particular runescribe had mastered more powerful spells than most of the students had ever heard of. Even without being able to draw power from the hundreds of tomes in its care, it was capable of dispatching a small army, and it wasn’t even designed for fighting.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]And at the end of the room, behind a massive desk, the Head Professor was reading a children’s fable and sipping hot cocoa out of a cheap tankard of the size and shape used to serve ale to trolls.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He chuckled softly, turning the page, warmed by the heat of the fireplace behind him. His ancient scales rubbing against each other in accompaniment. The dragon had shrunk with age, settling into a shape halfway between his human form and his dragon form. He was as much a historic artifact as anything else here. He’d been the emperor once, of an entire continent. He was only the seventh being to hold the office of Headmaster, but he was as great as any of them had been. Tens of thousands of years old, and still one of the foremost scholars and wizards in the land.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Arbos,” he called, his voice rumbling across the room, “Hold this book for me, I will read it to the Blue King’s grandchildren when they come to visit.”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The book drifted towards the runescribe and disappeared into his dimensional pocket with a timid flash. The sage dragon turned his head towards the students.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Most of which, he knew, had never been to his study before. In a week’s time, the school year would end, and the students would travel across the world, visiting family, undertaking quests or apprentiships...but not these. These, these students would journey to Crowspit. A dangerous assignment, but a necessary one. Crowspit would change them, but would they become champions, or scourges? Would they become wise, or descend into madness? Perhaps nothing of note would happen at all. Perhaps the effects of their experience would linger unseen for years, only to emerge later. There was a chance that at least one of the students would come back so corrupted that he would have to eat them. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]It would be a tragedy, of course, but they’d been made aware of the risks. None of them could truly understand what they might face there, but they all had need, all had sufficient reason to go. Seeking answers. Seeking hope. Seeking purpose.[/SIZE]

 

[Wixard]

"Soon, you will be leaving for Crowspit," the dragon said rumbled. "Your summer assignment is to live there, and do quests for the locals. There is much to learn, for those who wish to learn it. Arbos, the bracelets."


Arbos drifted forward and produced a fancy wooden box holding two silver bracelets cushioned in velvet. One had a large, round opal in the center. Arbos put the other bracelet on Alyss, who didn't seem to notice as she stared at a point somewhere to the left of the headmaster.


"These bracelets are connected by a thread of phantom silk," the headmaster explained. "Invisible and intangible to the physical world. The wearer of the opal bracelet need only rest a finger on the opal to be able to see the silk. This will allow you to always find the wearer of the second bracelet, provided you can follow the silk. Your comrade, Alyss Auroran will at time require a watchful eye. The bearer of the opal bracelet will be responsible for her during such times. Take turns."

"Beyond that, do as you will. The train to Crowspit will be departing later this afternoon. Basic supplies have been provided with your luggage, and you each have a stipend of 200 silver dragons. After ten weeks, you will return to the school ready to present to me what you have learned. I suggest keeping a journal."

>Talk to the headmaster


>Talk to the runescribe


>Talk to another student


>Depart

 

[Taggerung]

[SIZE=13.333333333333332px]Having grown up in the school, Mira Lunae had been privileged with the opportunity to visit the headmaster’s study more than once. Just like each time before, she sensed the powerful energies of the countless relics surrounding her, as if the air was so heavy with magic she could feel it like a tangible substance. It both intimidated and drew at Mira, daring her pierce through the wards of the artifacts with her magic and behold their true nature, to peer into the tomes and discover their secrets. She shuddered at the temptation, wondering how quickly such an action would kill her, and whether it would be painful. She paid the runescribe no mind; constructs did not hold any interest for her.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=13.333333333333332px]She listened to the headmaster’s briefing, silent. When he finished, she wanted to ask him some questions, but couldn’t voice them. Truthfully, Mira found the headmaster was as intimidating as anything else in the room. How could one command such power yet possess the kindness and goodwill he had never failed to demonstrate during her life here? Was it an act, an exercise, or, impossibly, his true nature? It didn’t help that Carn had once jokingly told her that if she misbehaved too much, she mind end up as a snack for the headmaster. So Mira simply lingered in the room, waiting to see if her questions would be asked by another of the students.[/SIZE]

 

[Rum Ham]

The people of Nocturne, for all their books, had no idea what they were doing. What fool would have a robed machine work as a secretary when it would function so much better as a blacksmith that would never get tired? Why not send a couple into the woods for a week to have them clear land for farming? Awrem had hardly paid attention to what the head dragon had said. She was too busy watching the construct move. It was so lifelike, moving almost like a real person. In her studies, Awrem had made many constructs, but none of them were this sophisticated. Her best was a water pump that would spiral into a deep despair if it ever stopped. As far as she knew, it was still spinning wildly in one of the school's fountains. With time, though, Awrem knew she could make something as advanced as the Headmaster's construct, and could certainly surpass it, but there was still a long way to go. For now, she could just watch it.


200 silver dragons sounded nice though. Awrem could turn that into so many little terrified pumps.

 

[Wixard]

The headmaster smiled inwardly. These students were so young, so raw. So full of potential, about to partake in a wondrous adventure that would define them. Wait, why weren't they doing anything? After all his years, understanding mortals escaped him at times. He just needed to concentrate, focus on one at a time.


The Astrid, daydreamer. She was lost in a vision. He touched her mask with one claw, drawing her back to reality with a potent spell. She flinched away. It had been a long time since he'd seen an oracle so potent. An Astrid could never control such power, not fully. Her only hope was to ascend, and she would never have a chance if she lived as a pet oracle, relying on him or someone like him to control her power for her. Tragic or inspiring, her story would be an interesting one.


@Taggerung The Kitsune, barely keeping her composure. She understood more than most. What would she become? Would she break under the pressure she put herself under, or would she gather all nine of her tails, and join the Great Fox Mother? What would she create as her power grew? What would she destroy? Kitsune could be pathetic parasites, petty jesters, and loyal servants. But they could also be great changers, changing the fates of nations. They were experts at disguise, and even oracles struggled to see the truth where they were involved. Even this student could secretly be a powerful elder Kitsune pretending to be a young one. The headmaster was tempted at times to remove one of his artifacts from it's display, and discern the truth, once and for all.


@Rum Ham And the skeptic. What a contradiction she was. So mundane compared to the others, and yet she was filled with, a something. The word eluded him. Persistence? No that wasn't quite right. All the same, she was positioned to bring a new power into play on a global scale. For better or worse. Would her unyielding...persistence, be enough to secure the future she desired? Would her skepticism grow into narrow mindedness, crippling her? So many futures, so many fates were in play. The headmaster was glad he had not become an oracle. It would be irritating, having everything spoiled for him.

@Taggerung He turned to the Kitsune her name was...Mira Lunae, he believed. He'd known so many names, across the millennia. 


"Mira," he said, as gently as he could manage, being a dragon. "Would you like something from me? I keep lesser artifacts than these on display. For everyday use."

@Rum Ham Arbos turned towards Awrem. His work carried on behind him. He didn't really need to look at her, for the same reason that he didn't need to look at his work in order to complete it. In a way, this whole room was part of his body. 

"Do you find me curious?" Arbos asked. She hadn't taken her eyes off him since she'd entered the room, except for a few moments during the Headmaster's instruction. "According to my records, you haven't completed the requisite studies to begin understanding my construction. Still, you are a dedicated student. Perhaps some more advanced reading is in order. Something to keep you busy during the train ride?"

 

[Taggerung]

(Hi, Wixard speaking. Yes it's really me I'll like this post to prove it. Taggerung and I have just completed a joint post. Joint posts are useful when carrying on a conversation with another player, or in combat, replacing multiple shorter, less interesting posts that would take longer to complete separately. PM me if you'd like your post to be a joint one. You will be responsible for editing and posting it. Thanks, and enjoy)


Mira quivered under the headmaster’s scrutiny, but was also pleased by his attention. He was an amazing creature after all.


“I… I would be honored sir.” she spoke, raising her head, confidence growing with each word.


The headmaster produced a small key from a chain around his neck. He inserted it into the air and turned it. Faint images appeared, floating in the air like ghosts. Many were ordinary-looking objects, some were weapons or armor, and some Mira couldn't immediately determine the purpose of. 


Behind her visor, Mira's eyes flicked from object to object, taking in everything she could. She had everything she needed, so she passed over the weapons, armors, and practical objects. Her gaze lingered on a pair of pendents, one bearing a rhombus shaped amulet and the other a tomoe shaped amulet. They were familiar to her, although she was sure she'd never seen them before. unsure of which one to choose, she looked to the left and focused on the first thing that caught her attention; A strange object resembling a flower blossom. Strange because although she could see it clearly, Mira could not discern the number or shape of the the petals. What a frivolous thing to want, she thought to herself, but reached for it anyway.


The other objects vanished as the flower became tangible and solid in her hands. It resolved it's shape, revealing five pink petals.


"A pink seraphim," the headmaster said. "An angelic flower, from the celestial realms. Eating a petal will cure all but the most virulent poisons. It is also very pretty." He took it gingerly and placed it in her hair.


Mira smiled. It was indeed pretty, and the light pink color matched that of her irises, although they were hidden by her mask.


"Thank you. I won't fail." She promised, resolute. With that, she departed to make final preparations for the venture.

 

[Kiroshiven]

Aria had been listening quietly in the corner while she wove together a new coat for Arbos. It wasn't one that the construct NEEDED, but it was just something nice that she could do. She'd put an enchantment on the threads to give them colors. She was making it look like a starry sky while on the back it would have an own with spread wings that went down the arms. It wouldn't likely be finished until after they left and came back form Crowspit, but she was hoping that the construct would be happy with the gift. However once the instructions were done, Aria slid the coat back into her bag and listened to everyone else.


Instead of moving and frightening the Tier 1's, Aria instead reached into her bag and pulled out a book she'd picked out from the library. It had nothing to do with magic, but it was still a good read. The book was a typical romance filled with drama, passion and......activities. Aria could feel her cheeks going flush as her eyes moved over the lines and her lips moved silently as she read them. She'd only been away from the cave for three years. And in that time she'd mostly focused on reading about magic. Ever since she'd found romance novels, she kind of became addicted.


She didn't have questions as she would likely avoid any outlandish quests or ones that put her back in a cave. She left her home for a MULTITUDE of reasons, and seeing the outside world was somewhere in that list. So seeing another bland cave was not on her list of things to do. Aria barely looked up from her book for a moment when the headmaster called out to the kitsune girl. That was the other reason she showed no REAL interest in the adventure or questioned the journey. She didn't want to get called out or be the center of attention. She was a monstrous race and although her fellow Tier 3 and Tier 4 students got along, the younger ones were not so....friendly.

 

[Wixard]

Achievement Unlocked: Silence in the Library.

 

[Rum Ham]

(Another joint post)


"Yes, your manual and-" Awrem noticed what was going on with the spider girl and quickly tried to unnotice it. "And a book on the language all these runes are in. I see runes everywhere and I still have no idea what they say." She had wondered for some time now if the supposedly magical symbols actually said anything at all, or if they were just shapes believed to hold power. She had wondered something like that about almost everything in the academy, including some of the teachers.


Arbos laughed. It sounded...not quite forced, but not entirely real either. "You are not ready for Elder runes. Perhaps a copy of Caldweld's Compendium of Constructs?" The book in question floating just out of reach, a heavy, encyclopedic book at least three inches thick, with leather binding tough enough to use for armor and actual metal lettering and a cog nailed to the cover.


"Yes, a good start," Awrem said. The runes could wait for now, but she knew she could understand them in time. "The train ride is long, yes? A book this thick, even with diagrams, will not be quick," she continued, itching to get her hands on the mighty tome and expose its secrets.


Arbos drew the book away and gathered a number of inkpots and quills to himself, all filled with dark green ink. He uttered a spell that wasn't entirely comprehensible. "Anti-smudge magic," he said, for her benefit. The pens flew back and forth between the inkwells and the book, dancing across it at a lightning pace as the pages flew by. After a few minutes he sent the book drifting back to her. "A personalized version, with my notes in the margins," Arbos said. "I do hope you use it responsibly."


"I will study this thoroughly. Thank you." Constructs always behaved better when you talked to them like people. A strange design choice, and one that was rampant in the academy, but Awrem could see no harm in it. Opening the book, she was enthralled by the diagrams she saw within, and was thrilled to find explanations of the theory behind many of them. The construct's own notes looked valuable as well. This single book could quite easily revolutionize her homeland overnight, and it had just given it to her like it was nothing. What a country.

 

[Deasi]

Ari sat with the others in the study. He didn't know any of them by name, only by looks. None of them knew him. Some knew him as a shadow; seemingly just in the background of school days, completely quiet in the class, always sitting far away, always alone. There were rumors about him, but not many in the room currently had heard much of them. He wore mostly black, though some deep forest green was in his shirt and pants. This helped immensely in his work out in the forests and surrounding areas. He wasn't one for speaking, even if his opinion was asked of. Another reason perhaps that he was known as a shadow around campus.


Ari looked up at the Headmaster as he spoke, listening carefully and calmly. His grey-green eyes had a consistently calm look in them. His black hair had a hint of dark green through out it, almost like highlights but natural. His hair hung over one eye; the other eye had hair covering his forehead, though he had that side tucked behind his ear at this moment. As the Headmaster continued, Ari glanced from student to student - quietly eyeing them for their reactions. From this, he was able to gather some information on his new forced companions that not many people would have been able to pick up.


When the Headmaster had finished, Ari sat around for a while. Arms crossed over his chest, shoulders hunched, leaning back against the chair back. He merely listened and observed the others. After a while, the thin shadow-like figure stood to leave, most probably would not have noticed. He began making a mental list to instantly set to packing for the trek as soon as they would be dismissed. Ari mumbled too softly for anyone to hear. He hated working with other people... especially since... No. He shouldn't think about that now. He had been chosen for a reason; and as much as he hated it, maybe this was another chance... 

 

[Wixard]

The Headmaster, satisfied that he'd encouraged the Kitsune, moved on to the other students. 


@Kiroshiven The Arachne, who was afraid to prove herself monstrous. Yet, if she stood up a little straighter and engaged the other members of the group more proactively, she could become their center. The one who solved disputes, who encouraged and reined them in when necessary. Without meddling too much in their fates, the Headmaster decided he would at least make an attempt to draw that out.


"Weaver," he said, "It is your turn to bear the opal bracelet." He passed it to Arbos and Arbos brought it to her.


@Deasi Next he considered the apprentice druid, who'd decided that the next time he failed there wouldn't be anyone around to fail but himself. Even now he was edging away from the group, looking for an opportunity to leave unnoticed. He didn't have to think long to recall this student's name. The incident he'd been involved in was still fresh in the headmaster's memory.


"Ari, we will speak once the others have departed."

Arbos brought the student a chair.

 

[Deasi]

Aristarchus stopped in his tracks, though they had been soft and slow movements. He looked at the Headmaster and sighed internally. Part of him worried he was in trouble for some reason. Perhaps the Headmaster was going to warn him what would happen if anything went wrong. He knew he had to wait until the others had left to find out, and this made him anxious. He hid it well though; sitting down again and pretending like he was still paying attention to the conversation of the others. Ari eventually slouched back against the chair again, trying to give off an appearance of not being nervous for the meeting that lay ahead, so the rest of the students didn't think they should be worried about him. He glanced up at the nearest student in the circle, but quickly averted his eyes when they made the slightest indication that maybe they would look in his direction soon.

 

[Martis]

Bartholomew shook his head abruptly in response to the realization that he had began to nod off. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. His old face remained emotionless, but his eyes gleamed with curiosity. He sighed deeply and began to stand to his feet. His crystal joints made audible sliding noises and pops as he rose. Bartholomew lifted his arms above his head and yawned. The crystals on his body began to glow dimly, signifying his wakefulness. With newfound energy Bartholomew lumbered around the room, surveying the various artifacts. He stopped in front of a particular gem. Bartholomew scratched his crystallized beard and gazed longingly at the object. He felt an impulse to reach out to it, but he buried the thought. He continued toward the Headmaster, where the other wizards were more closely cluster. Bartholomew caught the Headmasters gaze and gave a friendly nod. He intended to go up and speak with his friend, but another artifact snagged his attention. He sauntered over to a White Crystal. "Crysalis Isichous." He mumbled indistinctly using deep disjoint vocal vibrations. Bartholomew continued to migrate closer to the headmaster, paying no attention to the other beings present. After examining several more artifacts he sat down at one of the closer seats. He removed the large (three ft tall) backpack from his shoulders and began to shuffle loudly through it's contents. He seemed to be unaware of the raucous noises his activities were producing. After several more seconds he nodded contently and closed his pack. Bartholomew was reassured that all his precious belongings where safe. He was quite eager to set out to Crowspit, but he couldn't shake the morning haze. The crystals on his body and his eyes began to dim. He gave into the tiredness and leaned his head back. Bartholomew fell into a deep sleep, which was followed by a thunderous chorus of snoring.

 

[Kiroshiven]

Aria was lost in the little world of words on paper when her name was called. At first she didn't even recognize the headmaster talking to her. She had delved into the pages, lost in her musings when she felt the touch of the construct.


A flash of blood lust crossed her eyes as she drew a kunai and stopped herself from stabbing at Arbos. She quickly dropped the blade and looked at the ground solemnly. "I'm sorry." She muttered as she took the bracelet from Arbos and merely held it. She couldn't find the strength within herself to wear it.

 

[Wixard]

"No harm done," Arbos assured her. "You may as well have attacked me with a spoon."


"Woah," Alyss remarked, "Don't disturb with Aria when she's reading." 


Arbos gently slipped the opal bracelet onto Aria's arm. Alyss glanced from the opal bracelet to the one on her arm and back.


"Okay then," she said. "She's not creepy at all."

 

[Deasi]

(Joint post with @Wizard)


Soon, all the other students had left to prepare, except the crystal creature, which was still sleeping in front of the Headmaster's desk. The Headmaster approached Ari and paused in front of him.


Aristarchus looked up at the headmaster. His blue-grey eyes gave away a bit of nervousness, though everything else about him was calm and collected as he had been when the others were there. He didn't say anything, merely waited. Why had he been called out to stay?


"Crowspit...it's not a place to go wandering off alone." The Headmaster looked Aristarchus straight in the eyes.


Ari looked at him for a long while, trying to figure out if the Headmaster meant what he assumed him to. He responded, voice quiet like a shadow. "I won't ditch the group, Sir…"


The Headmaster turned away, strolling back to his desk. As Ari was about to leave, he added, almost poetically, "All failure holds the potential for greatness."


Ari stopped in his tracks and hesitated. His back turned to the headmaster. His fingers shakily clenched to form fists. "Not always..." He left and closed the door behind him.

 

[Wixard]

The students boarded the steam train later that evening. A phantom conductor collected their tickets and assisted with their luggage. He was invisible to most eyes. They enjoyed six separate cabins, each with a dresser and bed. A common room with a table and some travel magazines also shared space in their car, as did two empty cabins.


Several cars forward was the dining car. They each had twenty-one meal tokens, enough for breakfast, lunch, and dinner until the train arrived in Crowspit. If they wanted snacks or extra meals, they'd have to pay with silver dragons. Cargo cars were towards the rear.


There were other passengers on the train, some more exotic, some common. One was an Arachne, another was a Kitsune, but they'd gone to their cabins and stayed there, for the most part. There was a trio of lesser angels or godlings wearing Order of the Astral Chain uniforms. Blue and silver, inquisitors, most likely. There was a pair of young, scholarly types wearing green. Probably from another college, temple, or order. And there was a number of blue-collar types, of various ages and races.


>Talk to a passenger


>Talk to a student


>Explore cargo area


(Joint posts available)

 

[Taggerung]

Mira organized things in her cabin, then eagerly set out to explore her new environment. She moved up the train, passing through a few passenger cars with similar designs to her own. Next would be the dining car, and then, she guessed, the staff areas. Mira had plenty of time to see everything there was to see on the train itself. What she had really wanted to find was a good place to watch the land passing by; she had never traveled very far from Nocturne. Maybe she’d find a spot later. Mira decided to speak with one of the other passengers. She spotted another of the green-clad scholars sitting at the table in the car’s common area, drumming his fingers, his reading material closed and off to one side. Mira took a seat opposite of him.


“Good evening.”

 

[Deasi]

Aristarchus had put his bag away in a cabin, then hung around the group. Like a silent shadow that just lingered on the wall as you worked. He stayed quiet, but watched each of them with a keen eye. Though, they would not have known this, being as how dully calm his eyes always appeared. Observing his temporary companions and taking note of things that might be good to know. Such as who was more jumpy, or who seemed to stay focused even when the others were goofing off. If there happened to be any others who were left handed, or perhaps even who would be more clumsy in battle. All things he could note in the back of his mind and learn to avoid, if need arose. Eventually though... there was only so much you could learn while people stood around talking, and it became boring. Ari wrapped his deep brown cloak around his shoulders a bit more, and sat down on the floor against the wall, knees to his chest. He just looked down, becoming lost in his thoughts and allowing everyone to work around him. He would have left the room, in fact he wanted to more then anything, but his conversation with the Headmaster kept ringing in his ears. He sighed. 'Fine,' he thought. 'I'll stay around in case danger arises. Anything can happen on a train.' He fingered the food tokens he had put in a small bag at his hip, fiddling with them.

 

[Rum Ham]

Since leaving the headmaster's office, Awrem hadn't noticed much of anything outside of her new book. She supposed that maybe she had glanced up to find her way to the train, and it made sense that at some point she would have given the conductor her ticket, but these were just educated guesses, not solid memories. It was just too fascinating. The kinds of constructs detailed within, the excellent diagrams, and, most important of all, the explanations of the theory behind it all were like a constant stream of miracles for her alone to enjoy. In addition, the secretary construct's notes helped to clear up many ambiguous passages and added certain details that were barely touched upon by the original author. It was easily the most wonderful thing Awrem had seen since leaving home, and she had seen countless things she could never have imagined before then. It was so engrossing that it was only when the gradually setting sun stabbed right into her eye that her concentration broke, allowing her to remember that she was starving. Her breakfast of toast and water, meant to hold her over until lunch, was only good enough if she bothered to actually eat lunch.


Reluctant to leave her marvelous book behind for even a moment, Awrem bookmarked her page (a large schematic of a chicken-like construct's ankle), closed the book, and clutched it close to her chest before opening the door. However, it occurred to her that to allow food to get on one of its pages would be inexcusable, so she set the book down again. No, that wouldn't do. What if someone stole it? She looked around the cabin and decided that the safest place to hide her book would be under a loose floorboard (of course wrapped in a shirt first; can't have it getting dirty). There. That was good. Still not perfectly sure that it was safe but out of other options, Awrem checked her pockets to make sure she had at least one meal token on her (she had five and couldn't begin to remember where the rest were) and stepped out of the cabin. She thought she remembered the dining car being toward the rear, so she made her way backward, brushing past the shy, skinny boy sitting against the wall with an absentminded combination of "Excuse me" and "Out of my way." Awrem remembered hearing about him a while ago. Something about firebombs or whatever. She hadn't paid much attention. Still lost in the world of constructs, she almost instantly forgot about him and continued toward the dining car in the rear.

 

[Taggerung]

(joint post with @Wixard)


The boy looked 15, with wild, feathery hair yellow-white hair contrasting his green scholar's robes. A wispling or demifae, most likely. Half human. He looked up and smiled politely.


"Is it a good evening?" He asked. "I know good, and I know evening. What does one have to do with the other?"


Ah, Mira thought. So that's how it was going to be. "It is, as far as I'm concerned. I travel where I have not been before, and that is good." She smiled. "And it is unarguably evening."


"If you insist," the boy said. "My name is Lucilius Farfeather."


"Mira Lunae," she replied. "I'm from Academia Nocturne, a student. There are a number of us two cars back." Mira hoped that by volunteering information she might learn more about Lucilius' school without having to ask.


"An exchange? Very well. I'm travelling with my sister, Cocoa. We are acolytes of the order of Mothwind. We are travelling to Crowspit to answer a riddle."


"That doesn't sound to hard." In truth, Mira hated riddles, probably because she hated being confounded.


The boy sighed, as if deciding that his conversation partner wasn't really worth talking to after all.


"I'm sorry. I'm sure it is of importance to your order. You must know a bit about Crowspit then? I must admit I have little knowledge of the place."


"It's a town for tinkerers and fortune hunters. Rare beasts and unique goods make for a thriving trade, but few come to Crowspit. This train is the town's lifeblood. It ferries shipments and payments to and from the town. Some of the wealthy merchants and craftsmen rely heavily on cheap or disposable labor to acquire the rare ingredients which are abundant there."


Mira looked around at the blue-collars.


"So these people are going to Crowspit in search of work then. I have heard the place is dangerous; is that why it is avoided?"


The boy smiled and shook his head. "I gave you something of value. You must give me something of comparable value in return."


Mira's ears twitched in irritation as she fished out one of her silver dragons and slid it across the table. She wondered if it was enough. Then she wondered if it was too much. Money was such a funny thing.


The boy sighed and took his glasses off, wiping them compulsively with a handkerchief. He put them back on.


"I am not some cheap innkeeper, nor am I a barmaid or street urchin. All of which would be satisfied with your offer. I am an acolyte of Mothwind, and if you wish to continue this conversation, you will pay me in like kind."


Noting Mira's look of confusion, the boy sighed again. "Words for words, wealth for wealth, aid for aid. Tell me a secret."


Mira's face reddened, but she kept her expression even and her voice level.


"Everything you've told me I could have learned from an innkeeper, barmaid, or street urchin; I don't see why I should compensate you any differently. Besides, what could I possibly offer you in terms of knowledge?"


"I don't know," Lucilius said. "Isn't that interesting?"

 

[Adorable Monster]

 She was late. That much was obvious when she sat up in bed and glanced at the clock. Instead of her normally slow morning, since she was always early, Micki, with her flaming crimson hair flying behind her and her belt of talismans and a few Artifacts on, was quickly making her way to the train station. 


Silently making her way through the crowds of people, she easily dodged bumping into them, scarcely making an effort, never once touching a single being. Finally making it to the station, she hurriedly made her way to the steps of the train that would lead her and her classmates to Crowspit. 


 Micki Jetnzie was ready for this new challenge. Anything to get away from those terrible memories that nagged at the back of her mind. Taking a deep breath, she climbed on board the train, handing her ticket to the barely visible train conductor, who smiled softly and let her enter a car. 


 Her calm emerald eyes took in the people who had taken their seats in the car, taking in each and every expression as they all turned and gazed at her for a moment, then returned to talking to each other. The faces were placid if not empty of emotion, but yet, there was still some expressions that could surface if she was able to think about it more later.


 Taking every expression and storing it in her memory, she took an empty spot near a window and set her small suitcase under her seat. This was going to be a long trip, she was sure her classmates was going to try and make conversation with her, but right now, she wasn't in the mood to be touched or even talked to. 


Every emotion that had been showed to her when she come to be a part of Crowspit revived themselves in her memory. There was a shy boy who seemed to be hiding a secret, a somewhat elderly Deep Wanderer who seemed more likely to be interested in bright colors and beautiful things than much battle, a bookworm type Arachne who at the moment was probably a smiley ray of sunshine, and a intelligent human girl who was also from Enchanting, the same school as her.

 

[Rum Ham]

(Joint post)


Awrem moved back through two passenger cars and into a cargo car filled with bundles, barrels and boxes of varying sizes and quality.This... this was not right. Not at all. As the clouds cleared from her head, she grew more and more aware of just how hungry she was, and just how much of a dining car this wasn't. Was the dining car farther ahead? Awrem was sure she'd heard it was in the rear. She pressed on, weaving through the cargo and being careful not to touch too much; she thought one crate simultaneously meowed and hissed at her when she got close.


The next car was also a cargo car, and the one after that dedicated most of it's space to something large and covered by a thick canvas tarp. It wasn't dinner, but it was under a tarp. Things under those were usually worth hiding, usually some kind of great surprise meant to be unveiled at the right moment. Awrem yanked the tarp off. She couldn't wait for the right moment.


She caught a glimpse of a large mechanical limb before her attention was filled with the now-glowing anti-theft runes on the tarp, which was rapidly bundling her up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw ropes snaking lazily towards her through the air from the other end of the car. She had no time for this. She wasn't going to steal the thing, just look at it and go to dinner. There was no need for animated ropes. Awrem bolted for the door she had come through.The tarp moved faster than the ropes, wrapping around her and dragging her back into the cabin. She was getting the upper hand as she fought to free herself, but the ropes were almost upon her.


Fighting to escape the tarp, Awrem ran through a list of what should be in her pockets. Knife? No. Scissors? No. Sharp pen? Nail file? Where the hell was her stuff? She managed to escape just over halfway before realizing she had thrown everything into her bag without bothering to check what it all was. If she didn't die here, she'd have a mystery to come back to in her cabin. With her arms pinned to her sides, ropes bound the tarp around her ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. It settled down, only struggling when she did. She could breath, at least, but the tarp covered her eyes.


This was immensely frustrating to say the least. Awrem took a deep breath, then another, to channel her anger and hunger into something productive. She did this often when her constructs would complain, or when she couldn't quite understand something she read, and it often worked. Focusing entirely on her immediate problem, she was faced with another. Should she wait here for some train worker to untie her and miss dinner, or should she call for help and announce to the world what an idiot she was? It was quite the dilemma, but one that had to be solved. With a preamble of muttered curses, Awrem called out exactly once for help.

 

[Taggerung]

Joint Post with @Wixard


Mira glared at the wispling. I could educate you on what happen when I shoot a fireball at someone, complete with a demonstration, she thought, but held her tongue. She wasn't going to let this stuck up highbrow get the better of her.


"Fine, a practical answer then. Why should you do as I ask? Because you don't know what I haven't told you yet."


Mira racked her brain for something to trade.


"I can tell you about Nocturne, but you must then share something about Crowspit that couldn't have could have come out of a tourism brochure." Mira had really already learned enough, but was continuing for the sake of her pride.


"It will be as valuable to you as your information is to me," Lucilius promised.


She pondered her options. What did she know about Academia Nocturne that wasn't common knowledge? Of that pool of knowledge, what was hers to share? She refused to act foolishly by trading secrets that belong to those above her.


Lucilius smiled, looking out the window at the land rolling by.


Mira's fox ears suddenly perked up.


"Would you like the chance to meet a Deep Wanderer?" she asked, her tails sweeping slowly up and down, alternate of each other, the way they did when she contemplated a particularly clever prank.


Lucilius laughed. "A Deep Wanderer, you couldn't possibly...you're serious?"


"Only if you are. And I give my oath that I know one." This was true; Mira shared a number of classes with the large crystalline bulk that called himself Bartholomew. Mostly he just slept through them, but always seemed to absorb the knowledge somehow anyway. Maybe the voice of the professors resonated within his crystals so he could still hear it hours later when he woke up.


"If you promise to introduce me, I will tell you what I know about Crowspit."


"You have my word," Mira said solemnly. She felt quite triumphant at having 'won' the interaction, although she did wonder if a sleeping deep wanderer would count.


Lucilius withdrew an elaborate bottle from a pocket and poured moon-colored dust from it onto the table. He waved his hand, and the dust took on the shape of buildings, streets, and a train station.


Mira removed her mask and looked on with intense interest.


"As a city girl, you'll find the town itself quite small and unimpressive. You'll find a general store, a sheriff station, an inn. All the usual amenities of a small frontier town. You might have to deal with cheats, pickpockets, and the like, but it's safe, for the most part. The main dangers lie to the north, south, east, west, and southeast."


North... south... east... ...and west? ...and, wait what?


"Southeast?" Mira asked, forgetting to question the absurdity of the first half of the statement. "What so special about the southeast when you've already managed to name all the cardinal directions?"


The dust changed to show sickly trees heavy thickets. "The woods to the south and east of the town are darkened. The southeast portion, specifically, is home to a den of ogres. They run a tavern, of sorts. Word is it's quite popular, but you're still dealing with ogres."


"Ugh. Thanks for the head up," Mira said, sniffing in distaste. “Sorry for interrupting, do continue.”


Lucilius picked up Mira's mask and examined it absently. The dust stopped illustrating his story while he was distracted.


"South itself lies a swamp. And you can imagine what might lie in a swamp inside a darkened wood. East itself is an unholy shrine, also somewhere inside the wood. West across the river is barren land, and the law stops at the water. North is...strange. The wood is darkened, and there's good farmland. Despite this, it's avoided by most of the locals."


Mira wished she had brought a notebook to write this down. The dust illustrations had been helping here remember everything, but they had stopped when he turned his attention to her mask.

 

[Pajamas]

Xélon, Aid to The Siren King


The port city of Kon Toura was just as strange as any other surface settlement. All the odd beings stared at him and Naga like they were the strange ones. He patted the giant serpent on the head reassuring the great beast. Naga's long  neck reached out of the water to rest her great head on some railing of the warf where they surfaced. The serpent was complacent but he was nervous. The young siren was never fully comfortable out of water but all the staring made it worse. Xélon could see the train's tracks from where the stood. and didn't want to wait alone so he stayed with Naga. He didn't particularly love the train but as far as surface travel went he dreaded it the least. 


After what seemed like an entire age the train arrived and screached to grinding stop. Xélon threw his arms around Naga's great neck and said farewell. The serpent hummed in response. The siren boy walked to the train and waved to his beast as he began to chugg along. Naga let out a dull roar, "Ngaaaa!" Which startled some of the on lookersbefore she dissapeared under the water's surface.


Xélon boarded the train and woud have been most happy to duck into a cabin and get away from all the staring and glaring. But of course he had to meet up with the other Noctourne students he would be spending the break with. At least most of them wouldn't stare so much...