folklorist | ϡ - Chapter FortyThree; The third year anniversary (forward dated to the afternoon) [action|video]

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ϡ - Chapter FortyThree; The third year anniversary (forward dated to the afternoon) [action|video]

[ The video feed turns on to a rather chubby little dragon wagging its tail happily as it watches a man, Helios to be more exact, standing over a glowing circle. He’s in his boom shack today, practicing a rather hard enchantment and so far it’s going well. The air in the shack is cold and the heat from the burning candles gives it an eerie fog like affect that is ever present in the video feed. Helios himself is standing at one point of the circle, eyes closed, as he mutters something under his breath. It’s an old and ancient language that not many people in his world know; runic old and ancient magicians used to use this language and then translated it into latin to make it easier to learn from. The lighting in the shack changes then, as the line of the circle turns from red to blue to purple and then green. Each color illuminating the foggy shack by the second as they constantly cycle through one another as Helios’ pitch and tone gets a bit louder and clearer. And then there is a crackling noise of energy as if stray bolts of lightning are trapped within the circle’s walls and then fizzle and flash in the video’s transmission. It’s all over with a bright flash of light and a shrill little chirp from Luminair, before the transmission goes back to normal with a sparkling smoke. It drifts lazily about the camera before Helios can be seen smiling broadly as he picks up the efforts of his work. A single solitary silver ring, now etched and engraved with magical symbols, it also holds a green emerald at its center. Helios for the record looks a bit tired as he comes over and scoops up one little dragon and said journal. It’s only then that he realizes it’s on. His green eyes widen in mild surprise but he just laughs and shakes his head. ]

Luminair you spoiled the surprise. Ah, well, I suppose it’s a good time as any to talk about it. If-if anyone was watching I recently m-made myself another ring. A, um, mirage ring to be exact! It-it helps change a person’s look by the illusion properties I enchanted this ring with. It works on dragons, werewolves, vampires, and all other sorts of mythological beings. But I’m not sure how much power this one will have, given the circumstances of Luceti. But it should work, most certainly at least when it’s not under the one hundred percent power cap or some other anti-magical shift. [ Said ring is held up to the camera and Luminair chirps in confirmation. ]

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in h-having…something of a private order type of enchanting service. I-I know that we have people here that can do so already, with specific gems and jewels from their world. Perhaps we could collaborate and, um, work together on making better more refined types of enchantments. We could probably use them to help f-fortify the defense of the village too…when you think about it! Maybe even apply defenses to the buildings and those sorts of things! If-if you’re interested in discussing it more I-I wouldn’t mind doing so at all. I think we could all benefit from such a thing, really.

[ And here he pauses looking thoughtful and rather pensive for the moment. ] It’s funny when I arrived here three years ago on this very day I never would have considered myself talking about magic so openly. Talking or evening using magic so openly, with people I-I hardly knew, in my world there’s serious ramifications for such things. But here we are, and here I am t-teaching magic like I wish to back at home. It’s a warming experience to go through, honestly. [ He wishes he would remember it once he left...if he left. Who knows if that'll happen anytime soon. And he's not sure how he feels about leaving, especially all of the people he's befriended here and the like. But like everything in this life and in general, only time may tell when such things will occur. ]

If anyone stops by the town plaza today I’ll have freshly baked cookies out for the occasion.

[ Helios likes to give something back, just to show how much he cares about the people here and how grateful he is to know them. ] It’s…sort of a way of s-saying thank you, for everything really. [ And with that Helios will turn off the video feed but leave the voice function on, in case anyone wants to talk over the journals as he goes to bake up a storm. ]

[ Action ]

[ Otherwise Helios will be found in the plaza that late afternoon with a table filled with all assortments of cookies and even a cake and pie or two. Feel free to take as much as you want, there's plenty to go around! ]

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[ Oh good lord Isaac. You are the last person Helios would have expected to see reply. There's a long pause before Helios replies. He's barely out of the camera's view, cleaning up the spell's sigil before he gets up to reply in person. His motions are just slightly shaky. ]

O-Oh. You, ah, were w-watching it then? [ He looks totally uncertain in his own transmission. ] It was just a simple little enchantment. I've m-made loads of rings back home. I...just thought I could use some practice.

Then perhaps something a bit more advanced than mere practice is in order. But first... [He jerks his chin towards the screen.] I should like your creature to demonstrate the power of your ring.

Edited 2013-01-10 15:09 (UTC)

You-you actually want to see how it works? [ Sorry for his obvious sceptical and taken back look and tone of voice Isaac. Helios didn't think you'd be interested in anything he had to offer. He clears his throat and blinks, nodding. ] I-I can certainly show you of course.

[ And he'll pick Luminair up, the little dragon giving a curious chirp and tilt of his head. His orange eyes flicker to a bright green, when Helios takes the ring and fits it onto the baby dragon's tail. Luminair's form will then shift and flicker into what would look like a little unassuming dog.

Helios' smile brightens when he holds up the little dragon. ] There you see.

[The transformation is not entirely seamless, but the overall illusion is fairly impressive. His eyebrows lift and he cocks his head in impressed incredulity that is, of course, a little exaggerated. Oh, how very useful this would have been back home where the sight of him had the effect of sending many strangers into high alert - a reaction that hadn't always amused him.]

So it does in fact serve its purpose... 'twould seem I may have underestimated your skill.

Y-Yes it does. Did as well b-back at home. I mainly gave these rings to my s-students. It seems the power cap makes it a bit faulty in areas that would otherwise be perfect. I-I figure though I can probably fine tune it at some point. [ He'll take the ring off and Luminair will go back to looking like his normal draconian self. ]

Oh. W-Well I haven't really had the time to show people. I-I didn't really intend for people to see that. [ Luminair...you sneak little dragon you. ]

But they did. [Isaac calmly points out with a sly and cooly satisfied curve to his smile.]

[ Helios looks a tad bit uncomfortable with that smile the other man is wearing. He clears his throat and looks away for a second. There is no awkward pausing here, nope, none at all. ] Um. S-So you know about enchanting items then? D-Did you used to do that back, ah, back in your world?

I have read of spells and enchantments in many grimoires... but the focus of my attentions was first and foremost on the forging of arms and armours. [A beat.] And life, from wisps of dark matter.

[He gently tilts his head.]

This is where you may come to be of service... unless... you wish not to share your talents with one who so disgusts you. Regardless of how it is you may see me, I should very much like to set aside our former... disagreements, and start afresh. Unburdened. If you could find it in your heart to forgive me.

I see. That's fascinating...

[ But at that reply Helios winces. 'One who so disgusts you.' That wasn't it at all. Helios hardly felt that towards Isaac, and so he frowns ever so slightly on his end. ] I-I never saw you in that light to begin with, Isaac. I-I just thought you, um, didn't want to have anything to d-do with me. Which-which is r-reasonable after, after what happened in August. [ He fiddles with his gloves as he slowly puts them back on. He fidgets with the cleaning supplies as he washes the last of the chalk off the shack's floor. ]

I. I never really was the one who-who should give out forgiveness. [ He looks away briefly as the memory of that kiss resurfaces if ever so briefly. Such a big invasion of privacy and the way Isaac enjoyed doing it too. He shakes his head. ] But, but I wouldn't mind...um starting fresh. Everyone deserves a second chance after all.

[His smile falters only briefly at the mention of events in August he has far from forgotten.]

Everyone, is it? [A light laugh follows.] Few are the men who share your belief.

Y-Yes that's right. I-I think if-if you yourself have been given a second chance, it's only right to give others the same. [ And Helios has been given far too many in his time here and back home. Or that's what he believes to be true. ]

I-I suppose I'm just...used to thinking that way. [ He smiles sadly on his end, shrugging lightly before packing up his things and picking up Luminair in his arms. ]

If you wanted to, um, meet at some point...I wouldn't be opposed. [ Though he should probably meet Isaac somewhere more populated. He is a bit wary still, given that this was the man who threatened to kill him and all. ]

[Perhaps it is the fair thing to do, but fairness matters very little to one lacking scruples. He has less than kindly things to say on the subject of giving one a chance, let alone two, but he bites them back and shifts his focus on to what matters far more to him. It would do to speak to Helios with careful, honeyed words for as long as it would be of benefit. An effort shall be made.]

Ah, how nice. I imagine there shall be a time for it soon. But, first... there is more I wish to learn.

[He pauses very deliberately, meaning not to overwhelm this easily flustered fellow.]

[ Helios still doesn't know if he trusts the other man enough to actively teach him enchantments. Perhaps just talking about them for now will be good enough. Or, well, that's what Helios hopes. His own inner conflict is easy enough to see as he bites his lip in consternation and thought. ]

More to learn of-of course. Luceti lends itself to, ah, be useful for that s-sort of thing. I-I might be open to teaching it to people. If anyone else shows interest.

[ He also might not want to be in the same vicinity as Isaac alone. Because that brings back heaps of bad memories better left buried. ]

Anyone else?

[Indeed, traces of anxiety can be read on Helios' features. Isaac smiles wryly in response after a moment.]

I meant merely that I have questions still -- but I appreciate your offer and would feel inclined to accept it, were you not made so uneasy by the prospect of my doing so.

[He cocks his head as if to ask, 'or am I wrong?'.]

Um. S-So far no one else has expressed any interest, no. [ His eyes tick downward to the floor presumably. It takes him a few moments to form a reply. ]

O-Oh! Ah, yes of course. I'd be more than glad to answer w-whatever questions you might have.

I would assume it is in your power to fashion a ring capable of veiling a mere man's true appearance... or am I mistaken?

Of course! This ring can technically do that as well. I, ah, just assume only mythica would u-use. But that doesn't mean that humans can't either.

[Unsmiling, he levels a look at Helios.]

There are those here whom wish me dead -- but not before they would have me suffer and in ways beyond all imagining. So I have been told, time and time again. From this, I can only believe these individuals would disapprove of my consorting with a man of magical prowess like yourself and that it would surely bring trouble upon your head.

[His eyes glint with mirthless amusement.]

You would have me place my faith in the kindness and the compassion of others… but I am being watched. Scrutinized. Tormented. And there is only so far a man can wander this cage before he finds himself pressed against the barrier.

W-Well you just...have to re-earn their trust is-is all. I-I mean I'm sure you could if, if you wanted to. I'd like to think that giving someone another chance would help them to try and change. [ But Helios knows it's not as easy as that. But Helios looks ever so conflicted about this. He knows Isaac isn't the best sort of person to be around, but maybe if people would actually give him a chance and get to know him a bit better... ]

Like that time we talked on the beach, during Valentine's day. That was, um, a rather nice conversation. [ What he remembers of it. ] And you could have gotten revenge...but you never did. And I. I still don't understand why, but you didn't and that's what matters.

[ Helios likes to think Isaac has some spark of light in him. He just isn't sure how to go about ever finding it, let alone changing a man he has no business or right changing. ]

[The laugh this rouses is almost genuine and his smile opens, baring a hint of teeth.] With all due respect, my dear Helios, I don’t quite believe an understanding between myself and the others is a possibility when one has threatened to fuck me with my own innards… among the lesser ordeals they would have me undergo.

[His expression darkens as he mulls the threat over.]

My mind would be more at ease had I the means of cloaking myself as to pass through the village unnoticed and acquire what it is I may need, while avoiding altogether the interactions that may provoke the worst in others. I haven't anyone else in a position to help me thusly… and I can only hope I have done well to trust you.

[ Helios barely curbs a flinch at the words the other uses. He frowns then, biting his lip gently as he looks away. He isn't sure if that was the truth, but Isaac's words had a biting realism to them. Perhaps his wasn't joking about it then. ] I-I suppose I could then. H-Help you, I mean. I wouldn't like it, if that was to happen to anyone else. [ And he wouldn't deny someone else this either. ] Is that why...you don't actually stay in the village then?

[ Living such a solitary life here, it must be hard, but Helios doesn't comment on it. ] J-Just promise me that you won't use this ring to, um, hurt anyone or-or cause anyone undue distress. That's...all I really ask.

[Though his lips part, he leaves the question unanswered in the end, deliberately, as if it’s much too difficult a subject for him to broach. He figures that it works in his favour to let Helios suspect his living outside the village has anything to do with his wariness around certain individuals. Sympathy would make him more willing to lend his services, wouldn't it?

When the request arises, Isaac verges on slyly stating that he will only cause due distress – and as it is, most unscrupulous acts he could see himself committing in the future, he could surely justify as being well-deserved.]

A reasonable request.

[ Helios isn't sure how to take the unending silence on Isaac's end. But he's half believing and half...distrusting of what the other man's true motives are. He knows he can't judge the man for it, but he can't just let him use this ring for malicious intent either. It was never meant for that back in his world, and it isn't meant for that here either. ]

I-I'm trusting you with this. A-And I know many people would say I'm f-foolish for it, you probably would say that as well. [ Because even though he hasn't been around the other man too much, that would be something he would undoubtedly say. ]

But if-if you really want to learn about how I crafted it in the future and if you r-really do just want to get around without causing undue stress to others including yourself...then I'll stop by later and give it to you. And you won't use this ring to-to harm people in the village. This ring...isn't meant for that sort of thing. [ There's a small sigh of resignation from him as he leans back in his chair. ]

It won't change your voice either, only your appearance for now.

Of course.

[It’s not all a lie, he muses; after all, he cannot directly harm others with the ring. It grants him no offensive power, no might as a fighter nor a sorcerer. It’s tempting to ask what Helios means by ‘for now’, but he knows he must bide his time before he can press for more. He can be an exceptionally patient man when he means to be.]

‘twill not be necessary, for you shall leave it in a remote area... for both our sakes. ...'twould make things quite a bit easier for you. [There's a quirk at the corner of his mouth.] You would not have to meet my eyes.

[ Helios huffs at that, a deepening frown etching itself into his features. ] I-I'm meeting your eyes quite a bit now. It's-it's not as if I think you're some being who-who I shouldn't be around, you know? I-I really don't, um, mind bringing it to you.

[ Because really now Isaac, he's been talking with you for a good half an hour now. Meeting you in person isn't all too different. Aside from the threat of being hurt or injured. ] Besides if I'm...actually going to teach you things, we're going to have to do it in person aren't we?

[ Well the video helps in some cases, but other things are easier learned in person. ] Unless of course you d-don't want me to. Then that's fine as well.

[ Helios wouldn't want to force the other man to do anything that made him uncomfortable. Nevermind his own uncomfortableness with the whole thing in general. ]

ϡ - Chapter FortyThree; The third year anniversary (forward dated to the afternoon) [action|video]

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