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 And You Are? [AzrethxZel]

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PostSubject: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 9:46 pm

As the only (surviving) apprentice to the Alchemist Vanya Merilbones, one of the few that resides within the town, it was Zel Althos' job to deliver scrolls, charms, and what not. Today it was a fantastic set of enchanted jewels that were for no other purpose than to look pretty. Why? He didn't care

In fact, he just pushed by the guards, held up the letter that said he could go through that bore the royal seal and proceeded to take the longest way possible to get there; through one of the gardens and past one of the libraries. The twenty-three year old ignored the fancy men and women in dress that paraded about gossiping over the most dreary stuff. It wasn't of his interest if Maria was wearing purple to draw favor from the great King, nor was it any of his business to hear that the Earl from the South was trying to get the Duke in some western part to have his son marry his daughter for some land treaty thing.

Politics were boring.

So were his studies, but another year and he could take his final test and become a full blown Alchemist, then A Grand Master. That would be something, Zel mused to himself. Of course he got mometarily turned around when he passed the same doorway again. An eyebrow quirked, he looked about and frowned. " Crap . . . I think I forgot to take a turn. I hate this place. It needs a bleeding map posted on the walls at every corner. "
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 10:07 pm

The young Prince sat on one of the many stone benches along the castle's many corridors, green eyes bleary and unfocused, rimmed red from the endless tears that had fallen the night before. Azreth had just hit his seventeenth birthday, and his father, King Vandrian, had promised that the two of them would go out riding together today. The Prince was a man now by the words of the law, and thus he was able to carry a weapon on a Hunt and to lead the Hounds on his own horse if he had a mind to.

Which he didn't of course. A frown marred the boy's startlingly effeminate features, casting the planes of his face into a twisted mask of bitterness. Who would want to parade around on a horse, with dogs yapping from all around, while hunting down some poor animal that didn't have a chance in the world? Azreth shook his head, scrubbing at his eyes with the back of his sleeve, sniffling miserably. But that was beside the point; it had been his father's promise to him that had mattered more than anything, and of course he broke it.

In King Vandrian's defense, the man never broke his promises; in all of Azreth's years, the King had never once lied to the boy, not even to spare his son from emotional hurt. And that's what made this whole day all the more scary; something terrible had to have happened for his dad to not take him out...and the boy was absolutely terrified at what it might be.

A man had gone into his father's rooms at the crack of dawn, with fancy glasses and a big, black leather bag -- heavy, by the looks of it -- in tow. His dad had spoken to the Guards, and the King and the other man had barricaded themselves in his dad's rooms. Eventually, after waiting in the Great Hall for an hour, he had tried to bully his way past the Guards. The two men had looked down at him, their faces drawn and solemn, and they mutely shook their heads, gently pushing him away. That was so unlike them; anytime the Prince had ever tried to force his way into his dad's rooms, the two guards -- no matter who they were -- would always laugh and wrestle with him, pretending that the Prince had gotten by them, and then at the last minute catching him and swinging him around.

The young Prince heard two sets of footsteps coming from opposite ends of the long hall, and with a jerk, the Prince perked up, seeing the man with glasses coming towards him. Azreth blocked out the other man coming from the west end of the castle -- and how he got there, Azreth was totally unsure of -- and focused solely on the man with the big black bag. The man was think, almost gaunt-looking, and as he neared the Prince, his mouth puckered unpleasantly, though his eyes shone with sympathy. The man got down to a knee, straightening the Prince's tunic, and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, eye-level with the sitting boy.

"Boy, I...I don't quite know how to say this. It may not be for me to tell you, but your father might not wish for you to know, but you have a right to hear it." The man took a deep steadying breath before continuing. "Prince Azreth, your father is dying. He has two years at the most left on the lands, but I estimate he'll have possibly half as much as that." With nothing more, the man stood up, turned on his heel, and continued his brisk walk, as if he had not just ruined the life of a boy.

The Prince stood, his hands shaking and his head spinning; surely he had heard wrong. His dad was as healthy as an ox! More than that! He could outlive an Ox by..by...The Prince cringed. Two years, at most...? Azreth buried his hands in his own hair, bending his head and fighting the tears, the anger, the rage and, and...and the unfairness of it all down. With a low moan that seemed more animal than human, tears streamed down the Prince's face, and the hard stone of the hallway suddenly rushed up to meet him as everything he saw turned black.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 10:38 pm

When at last he noticed there was someone of some importance ( Heck, all citizens should know their Royal family. Seriously, it was a cult to some of the older women. A scary cult. ), Zel dared not move from his spot. The short messy locks of red of his hair caught a small breeze, as well as his robes of apprenticeship, but aside from the steady breathing, he didn't move. A pain shot through his chest, empathetic energies no doubts as he observed and listened to those echoing words.

The Great King was...Dying? , he thought to himself over and over again. It was shocking. Painful to hear. But he was just a citizen, not a family member to the great man. The doctor walked past him, nods of the head were exchanged between the professionals, and away. Eyes followed the man for a moment or two before they returned to the Crowned Prince. Zel knew the correct political move was to duck his head and run past, but that simply was wrong. The child --though technically a man by law--was in pain; the kind of pain that can lead to bad decisions and hasty actions.

A few steps were taken to quickly move away and pretend he heard nothing and it was just a hallucination, but alas that wasn't the case. A moan of sheer pain was heard. Zel's head spun around, watched the prince and without much thought, dropped his precious package and raced over to catch the lad before his head hit the hard stone floors or the bench. "Easy there!" he said as he caught the boy, though from the awkwardness of the run, he ended up tearing his already worn pant knees. It fricking hurt, but at least no head trauma was caused. "Boody damn insensitive bastards... calling themselves men of medicine and causing this. Bloody damn stupid... " A few more curse words were uttered that probably brought heat to some of the curtains' cheeks if they had any, but this was just utterly annoying.

Well, the situation, not the cause. After all, the Prince had every right to be upset. Learing anything of that gravity was bound to make one sick to their stomach. At least he fainted instead of puked. Fainting is less messy. Smells nicer too. And kinder to the loyal stone floors. Grumbling still, Zel fumbled around in his pockets for a vial of smelling salts, popped the cork and waved it under the unconcious man's nose. "Careful there... " Zel said softly, letting the buzz of Skill take his mind as he assessed the energies of the boy held. So unstable.... So unbalanced.... And the Soon to be King. Awesome....

The Isle was doomed.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 10:56 pm

The young Prince blinked blearily, the world around him slowly, slowly coming into focus. Strong arms held him; no doubt having caught him, or so he supposed from the lack of a fractured skull. The pain of his father's nearing death became a viscous, hungry whirlwind within his mind, and the Prince hastily clamped down on all of the channels in his mind, already knowing the gift of Empathy he held with every soul on the Isle. If any of them were to feel what he was...the popular would drop by half due to mass-suicide. Of course, Azreth couldn't stop all of the despair he felt from escaping, but the boy hoped it would be enough.

Green eyes finally focused on the man who held him, and unsteadily the boy rose, bracing himself against the man as he did so. Azreth passed a hand over his eyes, willing himself to once again take up the mantle of composed Prince. "I..I thank you, my Lord, for catching me there." Azreth waved a hand towards the stone bench vaguely. "Forgive me for showing my weakness..." Azreth took in the man's clothing at the abandoned parcel down the hallway before continuing, "Sir Alchemist. I must admit I was caught quite off-guard, you see. I certainly didn't mean to scare you to deat-" Shocked at his words, the Prince clapped his hands over his mouth, stifling a moan and closing his eyes, shaking his head, as if in apology to the man standing before him.

Several moments later, the boy gained control over himself, though his words were shaky, unsure -- laced and nettled with seeds of anguish and a sense of loss so great it threatened to drown him. "I saw you coming from the West Wing earlier, Alchemist. Were you perhaps lost? Not many people come from that way, unless they're coming from the fairgrounds. And as there's no fair going on at the moment.." the boy's words trailed off, the corner of his mouth rising in a barely-discernible smile. [i]"In thanks for assisting me, I'd be happy to escort you to wherever you need to go." As long as it isn't to my father, the Prince added to his own thoughts. How could he face his father now, knowing what he did?

Every moment with his father was now numbered -- and the heavy burden of responsibility sat on the Prince's small shoulders. He knew he couldn't squander a single second with being upset at his father. He swore to himself that as hard as it was, the kingdom, the people, his father needed him to be strong right now. The boy swallowed down a lump of grief in his throat. He could do this. He could do this..
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 11:23 pm

"Easy there! " he said, keeping a hand upon the boy for a moment more to make sure he wasn't going to fall over again. He watched the youth pull a veil over his trouble and act like an adult, a Prince. It caused a frown to form on the apprentice's face. A troubled man should be able to show that he was troubled... He sighed and gently patted him on the shoulder, "Your Highness is free to have human emotions and feel grief and despair. Your attendants are thankful you didn't let loose your lunch upon the floor and messed your fine shirt or shoes. " The corner of his lips rose in a friendly smile, "Come now! I'm just a humble apprentice! And you are no fit to lead me to the end of this hall. Sit or I will make you sit. The package can wait. It's not really anything urgent."

It was a little stretch, but Zel was going to make sure this child was okay even if he had to use a bit of Alchemy to get the point across. Of course, in hindsight, he hadn't meant to demand the prince sit down. That simply just wasn't done. Internally, he was cringing and wanting to high tail it out of there and pretend he never caught the Heir to the Throne.

"Seriously. No one is around. " He took a moment to return the stopper to the smelling salt and dig around for a clean handkerchief, 'I'd say it'll all work out, but that isn't the right thing to say in this situation. I know my Master would say ' Stop being a child and suck it up.'. Thankfully, she never had children. I'm Zel Althos, Prince Azreth. " The cloth was held out and a soft smile was offered.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeWed Nov 02, 2011 11:52 pm

With watering eyes, the boy took the proffered handkerchief, wiping a his eyes. The kindness that this man had shown him touched the boy's heart; everything he knew of Alchemists told him that they generally held themselves apart from society, remaining aloof and indifferent to everything save their studies and the magical threads in the world. The Prince offered a weak smile in return, holding out his hand. " Prince Azreth, as you've just stated. Though I'd rather we drop the honorifics, Zel. I really don't feel much of a prince right now." The boy sat on the stone bench, drawing his knees to his chest, turned slightly so he faced the man next to him.

"How can I feel a Prince when my whole world has been flipped upside-down?" Green eyes, full of hurt and need, pleaded with Zel's gaze, begging him to try to explain why Fate had done such a thing to him. Without realizing it, the boy began speaking; whether it was just the need for comfort, or some subconscious feeling that he could trust this man, the Prince spoke, his words soft so Zel had to strain his ears. "That...doctor," the boy all but snarled the word, "told me that my dad has less than two years to live. My father. King's don't die from disease! They die in battle, they die with honor and song spun about their last moments of life! Daddy's so strong; I've never once see him cry, not even when Mom died. I hate him for this." Dark, pulsing anger flashed through those emerald eyes, so strong it was almost tangible in the air between the two. "How can he do this to me? I'm not ready to be King! I mean, I always dreamed about it when I was a kid, but I never realized that when I became King, that meant that my dad would be d-dead." Azreth stumbled over the last word.

"We were supposed to go on a Hunt today; it's my birthday, and he broke his promise to me. I knew something wasn't right -- daddy never breaks his promises. I won't let him do this to me. That doctor was lying; he just wants the throne for himself." Azreth knew his words were unreasonable, but the swirling, whirling emotions within him had no care for rhyme nor reason. "I'm going to be all alone. Mom left me, and now Dad's leaving me too. I have no siblings, no friends.." His words were outlined in agony, lifting his head to look at Zel, shameless of the tears running down his cheeks, nose dripping and cheeks ruddy; far from his usually-beautiful appearance. "I can't do this. I can't. I need to help dad -- I need to run away. I need to do something, anything. Today was my birthday[/i]" On the last word, Azreth's voice cracked, and the child leaned into Zel, burrowing his head in the man's chest as sobs wracked his body.

Low moans escaped the Prince's throat, and he cared not if anyone walked by; he hated them all. Everyone said they were loyal to him and his father, but none of them would try to help the King. No one. The only thing the boy could do was let his emotions drown him, and he didn't even bother to clamp down on the grief wrapping clawed fingers around his heart.

Wails were heard in the eastern end of the castle -- where most of the people were -- an answering cry to his own grief spilling from his eyes and rending his heart in two. The boy didn't care; all he wanted was to turn back time, to stand with a knife to that bastard doctor's throat and tell him to fix his dad or he'd kill him. The boy's hands rose to Zel's shoulders, his fingertips digging almost painfully into the man's muscles as the boy clung to him, lifting his head to look into his eyes. "Zel, make him better." The Prince knew that what he asked was impossible; once a wasting disease was discovered, it was already too late. But his dad had seemed so healthy, just last night. "Zel, please, please come look at daddy. I'm sure that doctor was wrong. Or..I heard that Alchemists can make time go backwards -- m-make it go away. Please. Please"

The boy's head fell onto the Alchemist's shoulder, and all of the palpable grief, sorrow, and anger swirling through the air of the Isle suddenly ceased as the young Prince fell unconscious once again, the pain of his grief too much for his mind to handle.


Last edited by King Azreth on Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:01 am; edited 1 time in total
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 12:46 am

A polite nod of the head was given and a soft smile. Did Zel really care about people? No. They could all burn in Hell for all he cared. But a person? He would indeed take time to interact with a person worth his time. Especially a person that had some Skill, to his surprise, that was traumatized. " Ah... Understandable. Shock does that to a body. " Taking the extended hand, Zel did indeed shook the Prince's hand as an equal. Ahh.... A nice change.

The body language was screaming ' insecure'. He sighed and took a seat on the bench. Yep, this was gonna be a long while before anyone was sane enough to not convulse into tears. Or pass out. Or.... "Whaa....? " Talk. Express the mind. Just release the boiling trouble to another soul... Zel was confused and quietly watched the child speak his mind, explain the thoughts, express emotion. It was hard to sit next to this dark emotion that radiated from the boy. Zel's eyes grew wide and he really wanted to point out that no one planned this sort of thing. But it would have been a lost cause. All he could do was just raise his eyebrows and frown in sympathy.

Pain... And distilled Fear of being alone. He sighed and offered a smile, reaching out and holding the upset boy in his arms. Gently he cooed and rocked the child back and forth, " I'm sorry the cards dealt this hand on an important day for you. " The words were spoken quietly, carefully as he suffered through the sensation of tears soaking through his only good robe and shirt. Fantastic. Then again, there was that slight awkwardness of hugging an almost grown man who was crying their eyes out and demanding things be fixed when it could not be so.

He blinked then stared back at those pleading, green eyes, ignoring the pain in his shoulder from the grip the youth had. "I... I... Azreth.... That's.... " Words failed him as he stared in those eyes. Zel wanted to help, he really did. He just couldn't, and they both seemed to know it. Swallowing, he could feel the heat of tears well up in his own eyes from this whole situation. Empathy was a bitch sometimes. "I can only offer this... I'm sorry... "

The waves of tension was gone as the boy passed out yet again. Zel sighed, letting his chin rest upon the child's head as he thought about what to do now. Or what to say now. Quietly he watched the bustle of people to and fro and sighed happily as someone brought that package over to him. Everyone looked upset, like the news just rippled through the gossip tree. Sigh... " I guess I'm stuck here for a while....awesome... " he said to no one in particular. With a sigh he gently shook the Prince's shoulders, "Hey there, this isn't a good place to just pass out like that. After all, you're a prince. who knows what those cackling old hags are concocting about this across the way. Now, can you walk? And do you know how the hell I get out of this damned maze. All the bleeding hallways look the same. "
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 1:01 am

The youth had regained consciousness, extremely embarrassed over his tantrum; he knew that he had forgotten to shield properly, and everyone on the damned Isle must have felt what he had. Thankfully, though, Zel had been there when the boy had woken up, and the Prince had offered him the hospitality of his own rooms, offering the man a cup of tea for his trouble. Zel had accepted -- quite gratefully, actually -- and so they sat in the Prince's chambers across from one another, steaming mugs of tea cradled between their palms.

The boy was sprawled across a chaise-lounge; a piece of furniture the boy had grown quite fond of, while Zel occupied a well-worn wingbacked chair across a low table. They had talked of inconsequential things for some time, and the boy had regained control of himself and his emotions, thank the Giver. Azreth knew he had to see his father sometime, but the distraction the Alchemist provided was more than welcome.

"I know I have some amount of Skill, Zel, but from what I've researched it's quite different from Alchemy." The boy frowned, gazing into the tea in his hands. "I can't rightly make sense of it, as neither my father nor mother had a trace of Skill at all, and the Mages can't put their finger on it. When I was a boy I dreamed of becoming an Alchemist, but I'm content with what I have." He paused for a moment, searching for words to describe a feeling inside of him. "Sometimes, though, I feel like this other...presence is inside of me. Not just my body, but my heart and mind, even my soul. Like something out there needs me, and I find myself needed whatever it is they offer as well."

Azreth ran a hand through his hair, a rather confused look on his face. "No one knows what sort of ability my Skill falls under, and whenever I tell anyone about this...thing I feel both inside and outside of me -- even my dad -- they write it off as childish fancies. But I know it's not, Zel." The Prince blinked at the Alchemist. "Do you know anything at all about what I'm talking about? I mean, I've researched so much that my brain is fit to overflow, and I've yet to find something even resembling a logical answer."
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 1:26 am

Normalicy was a cup of tea and a very comfy chair. In fact, this chair rivaled the one at his Master's. He enjoyed the idle small talk. It was nice to not talk about magic or politics or other boring things for a while. Relaxing, he needed to do more of that, Zel mused to himself while he sipped upon that delicious tea every once in a while.


The topic of Skill and hereditary came up, which brought his hazel eyes from their closed state to flicker open. Zel's gaze was not on the kid, instead was on the decor or someplace beyond the decor. Clearly he was thinking on how to reply. "Skill can manifest itself many ways, and it is not unheard of to skip several generations in family. However, I have not come across anything like what you described. Longing, knowing, sensing that there is something out there that needs you... I would go looking for it. " Frowning, he continued along that train of thought. That was something he couldn't quite understand, it sounded like something out of history books.

"Azrein." Zel said at last, " But they don't ...exist anymore. Man's greed and carelessness drove them from the Lands..." He was clearly confused. Obviously the Gods had some plan for them all. He ran his hands over his face after setting the tea cup down first of course, "Honestly, they're myths, but that's the only thing I can think of that fits what you are describing. I can understand why your father and the other dignitaries figure it child's fancy. "

Zel was finding himself believing that there could be something searching and seeking out the troubled boy. Who knows. The boy could be right. "Why don't you go out and find it? Seriously? Life is chaotic for you right now. Go off and have an adventure, forget about the sorrows of now and just live in the moment. It might do you some good. You might find whoever is tugging on your soul. "
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 1:46 am

The boy's heart galloped in his chest, and his eyes grew wide, a tremor overtaking his extremities. Azrein. Those mythical, angelic souls in the body of a horse. One soul called to another; man to spirit, spirit to man. Did such a thing truly exist? I mean, sure, he had read about it in History tomes, musty and dusty to boot, but everyone said that they were legends. And yet, Azreth had felt this way his entire life -- as if he were simply...missing something that others had. Something out there was calling to him, and the word fit like the piece of a puzzle.

"Azrein..." The boy mouthed, rolling the world and the sound of it around his tongue and mind, closing his green eyes and picturing the silhouette of a horse against the skies. "How anyone could mistreat them should have been a crime punishable by life in prison, Zel." He opened his eyes, the cup of tea in his hands completely forgotten. "You're right. Maybe I just need to...to get away." He waved a slender hand vaguely.

"I'm sure father will understand -- and even though he doesn't have much time left, he has at least a year, so there'd be time to find whatever it is I'm looking for -- or not -- and then come back home." The mind behind his eyes whirled frantically, doing sums, going through a list of inventory, figuring out what he'd need and how much money it might cost. Surely, he would stay on the Isle. The Azrein had never gone to the Lands Below, and he thought -- no, he was certain -- that they weren't there now, and never would be.

A hollow tug behind the boy's chest, as if a painless fishhook was buried into his heart, jerked the boy from his thoughts, and his face became flushed, as if with fever. And indeed, a fever was upon him. " Come with me. You're an Apprentice Alchemist. Make this your Trial or whatever you guys have to do to attain Mastery of your trade. I'll personally speak with your Master, and tell him that I command your services." He frowned slightly in thought. "Th-that is, if you wanted to go, of course." The boy gave the man an empty smile; a trick he would master in a few years so that the smile seemed entirely sincere. "If you don't want to go, I understand. You've probably loads of interesting stuff to study and research here. And we'd most likely be chasing after a legend. Not a lot of data you can collect from that. But Zel...I think you might be right.

I've felt so lonely my entire life, yet I've never wanted for love, companionship or friends. Just..some part of my heart was...missing.
" Azreth grimaced, irritated that he couldn't express in words how he had always felt. "People always thought it was because of my Skill that I was like that. But what if this weird ability I have is the cause of whatever is seeking me out? Zel, I believe that Azrein existed. I always have, even to this day I have. If such a being so pure, so perfect and entirely selfless doesn't exist in this world, then it is not a world I would want to live in anyway."

Azreth fell silent for a time, draining his tea and placing the cup on the low table between them. His intense green eyes caught and held Zel's gaze, waiting patiently for the man to think his offer over. Whatever the Alchemist decided, in two days' time, he would get permission from his father and set out to find what he had always been meant to: the other half of his soul.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 11:11 am

To watch the boy in wonder at the word, Zel couldn't quite describe or comprehend what he saw. Moments of studying the reactions, the subtle quivers in the child's extremities, the flicker of eyes in imagination land, drew him to only one reasonable conclusion -- Azreth may have found the answer he had been looking for all this time completely by accident. On top of that, the boy believed with his entire soul that there is one soul searching him out. If that wasn't enough evidence to follow and make sure that this was so for the sake of maintaining balance, what was? Surely his Master would understand. Then again, she had been more distant with his studies, letting Zel delve into the harder, complex Whims of fantasy like reaching across the room with Will for a book instead of walking there. But this boy, this future king... He might be on to something big, important, wonderful...

Feeling a presence in the back of his mind as only his supervising Grand Master could, Zel ignored it to listen with baited breath to the proposal. The red head tilted his head to one side and arched an eyebrow that probably needed a bit of tending to. It was amzing to see such a poised and proper man just melt away to act like everyone else. And it was good to see the soul regain some control over the rage and turmoil within that soul.

He nodded at the polite moments, smiled at the right times, and even chuckled to himself. By the end, Zel was staring into his tea listening to the whisper in his mind. It said go. The boy was right... Seek out this 'Azrein', prove the Council Sages wrong that Azrein will return to the lands, and you'll have the honor of joining the ranks of Alchemists full. The whisper, the proposal, and the entire string of events leading up to this moment --this choice that would mold the very world it would seem-- was entirely too obvious.

Once Azreth fell silent, staring at him, pleadingly, did Zel utter anything. He cleared his throat and brought his hands together to a point that would no doubt become normal in a few years time. He was trying to be serious while hiding his utter glee. A twinkle in his eye gave away what he was doing, but that was simply something he wouldn't ever hide. Why hide joy? He spoke, surprisnly calmly, " She, my Master, already agrees with your eagerness to go forth and seek out this.... legend. And like you, she feels that it is a good trial for myself. That and she wants to prove the whole damn council that they are stupid stuck in the mud fools. That's neither here nor there and really doesn't matter to anyone not of Alchemy and Magicks. " He coughed and figured that was a rather rude answer, then sighed.

"I . . . really don't have anything interesting to study anymore. I've exhausted every book on the land, every possible source, hell, I've began teaching myself at this point. So I am coming with you. " The subtext was putting the old king at ease that someone was at least traveling with their only child to keep them safe, or try to keep them safe from the frightening and dangerous world of the isle. That and he just loved traveling and exploring. It drove people nuts at times. Especially when he was supposed to stay inside be a good alchemist and blow stuff up for kicks. "Two days you say? Hmm... I suppose that is enough time to gather supplies for at least a month or so. " The cup was picked up again, and a sip was taken, Zel's eyes closed as he savored the taste. "Your tea is getting cold, Azzy. Don't let it go to waste. "
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 5:07 pm

The boy grinned at Zel's nickname, green eyes shining. Zel was going to come! The boy didn't want to say it out loud, but he didn't want to be alone; especially if he was going to go traipsing off to the edges of the Isle, with no one but his own thoughts for company. No, he didn't think that would be healthy. "Zel, thank you."

The sincerity in the boy's words was almost tangible. In those small words, he had projected a wave of trust, of thanks towards the Alchemist, letting Zel know that it really meant a lot to him that he would accompany the young Prince. Azreth sipped his tea, thinking, before speaking after several minutes. "Zel, what do I tell my father? I don't want him to know that I know his life is coming to an end. I know he's going to just act like nothing has changed until its noticeable, but I want to let him know how much I love him, and how much he means to me. He's done so much for me, Zel; he's taught me everything I know about being a ruler, while still remaining true to myself."

Azreth ran a hand through his hair nervously. "But if I just come out and say all of that, it'll be so out of character for me that dad'll know somethings up." He sighed.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 5:42 pm

He returned the absolute radiant happiness with a crooked grin. What an absolutely amusing boy. The apprentice finished off his tea and poured himself another cup just to hold onto to keep his hands warm. " Of course. Only a complete fool would let you run off by yourself over a Legend. " Zel found himself chuckling again, and studying the room. from his very comfortable chair. By the Gods above, it was a comfortable chair. He had to get himself one of these.

That smile of his faded as he watched the troubled boy speak his mind about the troubling inevitable future. He could only sip his tea as he thought of the best answer. A few moments of silence and glances from the tea held in his hand, to the boy and back again and nothing came to him. " I don't have an answer for that. At the very least do express that to him. A gesture. A gift. Something like that. " With a heavy sigh and a smile, Zel really couldn't think of much more to say, " Though your father will know something is up, he will appreciate it. Go with your instinct. I'd say tell him that the ass of a doctor told you. Let the doctor deal with the consequences of his fool action--as just as it may have been. "


" Oh. I almost forgot.... " he reached into his sachel that he had placed the package for the king in, and retrieved the brown paper wrapped stones. He held it out to the boy and smiled. " Your father ordered it from my Master. Why don't you deliver it to him for me. It'll give you an excuse to see him. "


A few days passed... Zel had gathered everything he would need for the journey including acquiring a rather large leather bound journal and a few of those fancy featherless quills from the Land Below. In fact, he was rather too prepared. Almost every pouch on his saddlebags had been enchanted to hold more and minimize weight for long distant travel, happily assisted by Master Merilbones. As he gazed upon those beautifully decorated pouches, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She was leaving for the Land's Below and left not but the day before quite suddenly. So confident that what the boys were searching for was to be found, she had left her home for thirty years in Zel's hands. It was a weight he hadn't expected so soon, nor ever.

His saddled horse, that he bought with part of the house warming gift from his Master, stood idly by while Zel awaited Azreth to show up. He took the time to secure his cloak around his shoulders and to double check that everything was where it was to be. And with everything in place, he sighed and called out across the yard. " Let's go, Your Highness. The sun's rising higher in the sky and we have lots of ground to cover. I had hoped to get out of the city before noon.... Is that still gonna happen? "

Zel snickered, gently reaching over to pet the sturdy mare's neck. " Shh shh... Almost. We're going to get going soon, sweetie. " He still hadn't figured out what to call her. Maybe he'd figure it out... Probably on the trip. After all, everything had a name. It was just a matter of finding it.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 6:16 pm

The young Prince mounted his stallion; nothing but the best for the royal heir. The beast was a magnificent blue roan, a courser rather than a charger, all long legs and sinuous curved. The tack matched Azreth's riding gear perfectly: all black leather with silver fittings, to match the small silver circlet nestled in the Prince's hair.

"Yeah, I'm ready."

Azreth had indeed taken Zel's advice, delivering the package to his father and telling him about what the doctor had said. King Vandrian raged and seethed, eventually breaking into tears in front of his son, wrapping the boy in a strong hug. The King -- Azreth's pillar of strength and his only hero -- told his son how much he loved him, and though the boy had a great responsibility ahead of him, to go off and search for what his heart called for. The King was reassured, knowing that an Alchemist -- even an assistant -- would be a step behind the Prince. Everyone knew that Alchemists were smart and extremely skilled; not everyone was cut out for Alchemy, and those who made it absolutely excelled.

The Prince had packed up everything he needed the next day, asking the head cook to stuff two saddlebags full of road-fare for a month, ensured that his weapons were oiled and taken care of, and had filled his herb satchels he wore on his belt to the rim. He had a vast knowledge of herblore; in both restorative herbs and poisons alike, and he didn't go anywhere without numerous choices. The Prince was excited to talk to Zel about his knowledge of plants; he was sure the Alchemist would be pleasantly surprised at what he knew.

"Come on then, Kai, let's get going before the Alchemist gets cranky." The roan passed Zel's mare at an easy trot, the boy leaning out to flick the man's hood off of his head, causing a cold breeze to touch the skin of his neck. Laughter rang clear as bells throughout the stone of the courtyard as the Prince headed out, calling back over his shoulder for "the old man" to hurry up.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 6:48 pm

He was a little impressed by the matching tack and gorgeous stallion. Then again, it was a Prince. Of course he could get the finest tack and animals. The alchemist grumped and huffed, " By my Gods, did you really shine that saddle? Now we'll be a target for pigeons and bandits...I'm not sure which is worse, really. "

Shaking his head, he hoisted himself into his saddle, getting himself settled. This was going to try his patience. The prince was prancing around showing off that he was royalty in a world outside of his knowledge. This could end badly. Very badly. He could lose his head! Ick! It was hard to be practice his art without a head. Then again, wouldn't that make him dead? Oh dear. Zel shook himself from the esoteric argument with himself just in time for that child to run past him, flick his hood off and mention something about him being an old man.

" Old man? " Zel glared after, " Old... I'm bleeding twenty-three you weed! Get back here! " With a snort, from both the rider and the horse, he brought the mare to a lumbering canter before pulling back to a trot to match that damned prince . While she was bred more for pulling carts, she still was a fine rider. In pure retaliation, Zel reached over to snatch that silver circlet from the cocky teenager's head. " And you damned well are not wearing that outside of the city! " He huffed, threw it in one of his packs and continued on at a trot.

Such a good horse. She really did need a name. Hmm...

" Where are we heading anyways? " That probably should have been asked a while back, but just getting out the gate took too much time in Zel's mind. Then again, he wasn't the one looking for a legend. He was a safety precaution, and kinda a bodyguard, he supposed. Though, he really wasn't any good in a fight. Okay, so he could bash someone on the head with a chair or a stool, but that was it.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 9:00 pm

The Prince rode on in silence for some time, ignoring Zel's question. Where were they going, anyway? The Isle was huge, and the Prince had no idea of where to start. Azreth knew that the being he was seeking was no where actually on the island, so it didn't matter one way or the other where they went, really. When they were about a half-mile out of Avandere, the Prince pulled Kai back into a sedate walk, offering a shrug to the Alchemist. "I'm not sure to be honest. We'll find it when we find it, I suppose."

The two of them rode through the plains surrounding the King's castle, heading south. The young Prince seemed introverted, his mind tangled in his own thoughts. Green eyes took in the sights around him as the minutes turned to hours; marveling at the colorful flowers blanketing the fields even this late in the year. Birds wheeled overhead, serenading the two travelers on the ground below. The skies were an overcast grey; the Prince was certain the sun would have burned off the haze by now, but perhaps the chill in the wind heralded snow sometime in the next few days.

Azreth swayed contently in his saddle, subtly shifting his weight to make the way easier for his stallion. He found his thoughts turning more and more to his father and to these lands that he would be inheriting shortly. The Prince made a promise to himself to be different than his father when he became King. He would personally greet newcomers to the Isle, make journeys to different parts of the land, travel the entire Island in a single night once a year to ensure that everything was okay. How he was going to manage that last one, he had no idea, but surely he'd find a way somehow.

The Prince ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head and turning his thoughts to another topic. "Zel, what is Alchemy, exactly? Is it mostly like...transmutation of one thing to another? Or is it how Mages use the Isle's innate energies to manipulate things around them? Or is it like a Knight-Mage, who uses their stubbornness and will?" The Prince grinned sheepishly and scratched his head. He not only wanted to speak of Alchemy to pass time, but because he was genuinely interested in it as well.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 9:35 pm

No where in particular sounded fantastic to the temporarily free Alchemist. He let his eyes close as he just listened to the sound of hooves walking across the grass and the sounds around him. This was what he enjoyed. Fresh air. Open skies, even if they were covered with clouds that foretold of some weather of the colder kind coming their way. Rolling his shoulders, he sighed. So far, so good.

The questions from the young man caught him off guard somewhat. " Alchemists and Mages are quite similar. We believe in the same thing, but we go about everything differently. Put us in the same room and everyone will clear out as if we're plagued. " A momentary frown crossed his face as he recalled a rather nasty time a magus apprentice challenged Zel to a duel on a drunken bet with their teacher. Poor guy ended up with a chair broken over his head as well as a few nasty splinters in rather uncomfortable places for that. And still, Zel couldn't figure out how he had won against someone that summoned Magefire to fight. It probably was the five drinks the guy had. Yeah...completely. " But that's neither here nor there. The facts are we pretty much are the same. It is how we go about things that are different."

He could sense that an entire long lecture was going to be needed to satiate the eager appetite of Azreth's will to learn. Zel raised an eyebrow and studied the ever eager one very carefully. " But to answer your question, Alchemy is using the world around you to create something else. Um... Take this... umm.." He needed an example. So he reached into one of the saddle bags, rummaged around, and pulled out a piece of parchment paper. He blinked at it, and glared at it. Well, if that's what the world decided he do, then so be it, " Paper... I suppose. Its composed of elements of earth from the trees, water that not quite squeezed out of it when it was pressed, and fire, when it was burned and pressed with that...seal thing... And because of how light it is, it does have some elements of air. And as you know, Earth, fire, water, and wind make up the basic elements of which most people with minimal skill are taught. " He needed two hands for the next part of the awesome demonstration. Hooking the reins on the pommel of the saddle, Zel balanced easily, and flexed the hand that was freed from this act. " Now, Mages only believe in those four, forgetting about the other two that are needed for universal balance. There is also Light and Shadow. And before it is even asked, there is no such thing as good and bad in the world. Only balance. After all, what is good if we have nothing to base it off of, and what is peace if we experience no war? "

Clearing his throat, and realizing he was starting to preach, his attention went back to the paper in his hand. What the hell was he going to do with this thing again? Oh. Right. A bird. " I ... got lost. Anyways, the whole point of Alchemy is turning something into something else all while maintaining the balance of things. Then again, sometimes things are needed to be brought out of balance for the greater good... Like.. this paper. " Both of his hands crumpled the paper, wrapped themselves around it, and the apprentice focused on flight, wings, and open skies. He focused the will, envisioning a bird soaring through the sky and telling the paper that that was its new purpose. Because he wasn't as practiced and he would eventually become, it took a minute before he opened his hands. A paper bird sat, hopping about, staggering with the rocking motion of the horse. It chirped a few times before stretching its wings and fluttering over to fly around the young prince a few times before perching on the boy's saddle to stare up at him. " With enough effort, one could change coal into gold. But that is pretty useless. Coal is far more useful than gold will ever be. Though, soon I'm sure, the sun will be our source of power and we'll stop mining the ground for the precious coal the Earth loves dearly else she wouldn't hold it close to her heart.

We need to give just as much as we take and change. That bird there hold some of my energy and will. Mages know this and focus on strengthening their will to insane levels. But for that the lose stamina and worldly knowledge. Then again, there are some Alchemists that forgo will power altogether and stay locked up in their towers making and creating objects they believe to be for the good of all mankind, forgetting the very vows they made when they became what they are. " Zel shrugged, retrieving the reins with a snort of laughter. " Honestly, a good --no, great-- Alchemist wanders amongst the land, learning its secrets, understanding the world's pain, and tries to mend it with everything at his disposal. Be it through his own blood or through simply talking to it. But that is my belief. "

There was so much to explain, and it was quite hard to get everything down. He could go on for hours, Zel realized and just started laughing. " There is so much to explain, and I really don't quite know how to say it, Azzy. But one thing is for sure is that Alchemy just like Skill is dangerous beyond all beliefs of man and shouldn't be even attempted by the feint of heart and spirit. Many have lost their lives trying. Its just...not safe. But I suppose the rewards outway the risks with some folks. ".
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeThu Nov 03, 2011 11:16 pm

The young Prince's eyes shone with delight at seeing the bird look up at him, and he tentatively held out a forefinger, onto which the bird perched. "Amazing." He spoke quietly so as not to startle the bird -- for he wasn't sure if it was sentient or not. "Does it now have a mind of its own? Can it think for itself? I've heard that when some Alchemists do this kind of thing, the creatures they make take energy from the world itself. Will this bird take energy from the skies, then, and fly forever? Think of what stories people will tell of it! What will they say about the Paper Bird That Lives? 'There was once a great Alchemist, the greatest in the land, friend to the King and Servant of the Isle. When the King was but a Prince, they set out on a mighty adventure, and the young Prince was curious about the Alchemist's Magicks. The Alchemist explained and with a single word created a bird that lived and flew from mere Parchment. If you see the bird, it will grant eternal luck, for it has the seal of Alchemy on it!'" The Prince laughed.

His barrage of questions never seemed to cease as he prattled on, and the miles and hours slipped away beneath their mount's hooves as they spoke. Before long, the skies had begun to darken, and the Prince started. "Nine Hells, it's getting dark." He smiled with a quirk of the lips, someday to become his trademark smile. "I suppose we should make camp and give our loyal steeds a rest."

The King dismounted, stretching his legs, and removed the tack and saddlebags from Kai. Before anything, the boy had a healthy mix of oats and fruits in the stallion's feedbag, slipping it over the horse's nose before proceeding to brush him down and clean his hooves. After his horse was seen to, the Prince began pulling out his bedroll and tarp; something of his own devising. He lay the tarp on the ground and the bedroll atop it, to keep moisture from soaking into the fabric in the morning. He was amazed no one had thought of it before, and he offered Zel a similar tarp from his bags. "Trust me, you'll be grateful for it in the morning. I doubt we need to set up the pavilion father gave me; it shouldn't snow tonight.

While Zel set up his own bedding [next to his own, the Prince noticed; had his father asked the man to always stay by his side, awake or asleep?], Azreth wandered around their campsite in a fifty-foot radius, picking up stones the size of his fist. He returned, arranging the stones in a circle, dropping dried grasses and several sticks into the center. With a frown of concentration and a flick of fingers, a spark lit the underside of the debris, and the Prince sat down atop his bedroll, sagging. "Well, at least we won't die from cold now." he reached over to the saddlebags at the foot of his bedroll, taking out two wrapped meatbuns. He tossed one to Zel and unwrapped his own, biting in to the soft bread.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeFri Nov 04, 2011 12:35 am

The imagination inside the youth startled Zel. He stared from the boy to the bird. All of that just from failing at explaining the very foundations of his beliefs and being? " I. . . Guess it could happen. Um. Why not. I don't know how much energy I put into it. Chances are it would like to live as a bird for a long time. " He watched as the paper bird chirped and sang all while balanced on the young Prince's finger. A few hops, and a final chirp, the bird took to wing, soaring up and up until it was out of sight.

Supposedly that paper bird survived and grew even bigger, even rumors of gaining will and turning into a real bird. But, who knows. It is after all a rumor.


More questions were asked, Zel struggled to answer what he knew and those that he didn't, he gave his best guess. And after hours of that, they did have to stop for camp. Zel stared up at the sky, held out a hand and thought for a few moments. Hmm... it might just rain tonight, or at the very least mist. Not bad. A pleasant mist would be good for the skin and make for a nice cool ride that would be good for the soul. " A wise idea... Very wise. " . Following his lead, he proceeded to tend to his animal, planting a small kiss on the neck of the fair mare. " Good girl... I'll find a name for you yet. ".

With the bags slung over his shoulder, and the saddle set upon the ground where he would put his head that evening, Zel blinked as the tarp was offered to him. He did take it, and shook his head. " Thanks... how thoughtful. " As the prince wandered around collecting stones for the fire pit, Zel kept one eye on him while setting up his own bed with the tarp down first. Fancy... It would be warmer in the night, that was for sure. Finished, he proceeded to dig through his bags for that flint, steel, and grabbed a bit of dry grass to start the fire.

And it was already lit with the use of ill-practiced skill. Gruffly, Zel reached out, pulled at the air, blowing the flame out quickly. He tossed the fire starting tools used by people without a bit of skill near the prince. " Use that instead... Who knows if you end up in a Null zone and can't tap into your Skill. " . Ah... Yes. Questions about Null zones were bound to be asked and Zel would explain about the damaged and no longer living elements, or an area where one element kicked out all the others preventing any use of those skills. But that meat bun wrapped in paper was caught then pocketed. He had other things to do than eat. There was setting up the warning system in case anything came across the camp. " But indeed....Fire is gooood. And warm. And explosive. " Zel grinned and laughed, then groaned, " Right.. warning....Gonna do that now. "

Wandering off a ways out of the light of the fire, he rubbed his hands together mumbling under his breath, " Let's see... Air, ground, shadow, and light... Maybe a bit of water, not too much. Small fence. Knee mesh. Trigger medium break... That'd do nicely. " Zel started patting himself down, searching in his pockets for what he needed, which were small pebbles that looked to be made of obsidian. Drawing out a pouch, he sniffed the opening, squinted at it, then reached in taking out a handful of those stones. " Ah-ha ha ha ha~ Restful sleep tonight, oh yeah~ No silly things waking me up wanting to eat me. Preparedness is the key to survival after all. " Singing that over and over again, he dropped the stones around the circumference of the camp before returning, sitting down by the fire and finally eating his meat bun.

" I... Don't think I've ever had this before... Tastes...funny...and sweet... Hrmm..."
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeFri Nov 04, 2011 1:17 am

Azreth frowned as Zel waved his fire out of existence. The boy mumbled under his breath as he proceeded to re-light the fire the ordinary way. Once the Alchemist returned from doing whatever it is he had to do, the Prince took a bite of his supper and frowned up at the man. "Why'd you do that to my fire? It's one of the few things I can do with my Skill, aside from comp-" The Prince stopped mid-sentence. "Aside from complimentary aesthetics." There. Good cover; making himself appear better-looking. Something a vain Prince was expected to do with small Magicks. In reality, though, he was extremely gifted in using compulsions on people. A nudge, a little whisper in their mind, and people did the things he had suggested, thinking it was their very own idea. In fact, the Prince had gotten so comfortable with them that sometimes he didn't even notice when he was doing them.

He shifted uneasily where he sat. The young Prince was worried that he had unknowingly placed a Compulsion on the Alchemist when he asked the man to accompany him on this trip. And no matter what, Azreth never wanted to deceive Zel. Not merely because he was an Alchemist and deserved his respect [not to mention could do horrible things to him if he wanted to], but also because Zel was the first person the Prince truly felt comfortable with. He didn't have to be all stiff and be 'The Prince' whenever he was around the man. Honorifics were dropped by both of them, and they were able to be themselves. Azreth didn't need to be strong or be smart, or to be always happy and fair; he could be sad or irritated or even outright enraged, and he knew that Zel wouldn't fault him for his shortcomings. On the contrary, the Prince knew that the Alchemist would talk him through it, would laugh when he did, and listen quietly when he cried, even if it made him uncomfortable. That's what a friend did, right?

The boy's brow furrowed in thought. Come to think of it, Zel was the first real friend that Azreth had had, in all of his seventeen years. I mean, sure, there had been other boys his age who he had played with, but all of them had been his acquaintance just because their parents sought favor with his dad. Him and the other boys and girls had all had fun, no doubt about that, but he always had to be "The Young Prince" around them, and never Azreth. If the children went home and told their parents that His Highness Azreth had tripped and fallen into mud and cried, their parents would undoubtedly use that to their favor somehow. They would twist everything about -- no matter that Azreth was a child, and of course kids cried when they fell! -- and say things into the right ears, and sooner rather than later Azreth would be disgraced, just because of a stupid stick that caught the lace of his boot.

So Azreth had never gone outside with the other children and played, instead staying in the relative safety of the Castle's walls, where no stray stick was unnoticed by well-paid groundskeepers. Azreth and the other children would play in the hallways, but even then, Azreth had to appear regal and dignified at all times. It was enough to make a boy long for friends who would accept him for who he really was.

And Zel...Zel would embrace the Prince's flaws, gently correct him or council him, and let him be himself. And without the pressures of being "Your Highness" this, and "Young Prince" that, Azreth almost felt the weight of inheritance lift from his shoulders, swirling up with the winds into some unseen void in the star-lit sky above. Hell, Zel called him 'Azzy', for the Giver's sake! The boy grinned to himself. He doubted Zel would appreciate being called 'Zelly'. No, he probably wouldn't like that at all. Well, he just supposed "Z" would have to do on short notice without much thought.

Realizing with a start that he had been woolgathering, the Prince grinned sheepishly up Zel. Anyway, he really would hate to manipulate Zel --at least this early on in their friendship. "And what are 'Null Zones,' Zel?"

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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeFri Nov 04, 2011 1:51 am

" If you rely too much on Skill, you forget how to do things for yourself. " he said simply, taking great note at the cover and slip up. Ah..compulsion. Beh. A nice skill to have. And one that one should be very careful of. Thankfully, Zel was quite aware that he hadn't been forced to do anything he had a few days ago. Honestly, a person was crying! You take care of them. No body was completely heartless. Unless they were Mages... cause they sold their soul to power, but that's a professional opinion and nothing against the arts. " And there are people out that wander that prey on Magick users. It is safer if you only use Skill in dire situations when it is the only way out. "


The boy had fallen silent. Quiet, introspective even. How long did the young Prince dwell on memories and emotions that shaped him, Zel wouldn't be able to tell. He had noticed it, fluffed himself up, grabbed himself a camp pot, threw some tea leaves in there, and propped it up on one of the stones near the fire to heat it up. A cup of tea always was good before bed, just not right when one went to sleep. Mmm... tea.

He practically jumped when the soft voice asked about Null Zones. Zel turned to look, then sat back down, " Ah...Sorry. I assumed...." A hand was waved and he gestured brushing something away from him, " Ah, not everyone spends time learning about the history of the energies of the world and the disastrous consequences Man has had on the shaping this planet. " He shifted, reclining onto an elbow while he thought of the easiest way to describe it. His face was contorted in a frown, and the firelight that danced across his skin didn't flatter the expression at all.

"The best way to describe how a Null Zone works would be like a child's block set with the different shapes cut into it. Only one block can be used though as the other slots are blocked, damaged, or destroyed to the point that those others just slip right through and do not fit. The dominating element takes over and morphs the land to a twisted, unbalanced wasteland. Skill does not work there. It isn't safe to use skill. If you use Skill of any type other than the unknown dominant, you can end up injured, or worse. " He motioned to the fire and grinned, " And that is why I made you lite the fire the normal way. And what I expect will happen when we're on strange turf. Ooh! Tea's done~ "

There was a giddy little giggle as he reached over, picking up the kettle handle with his hand covered in part of his cloak. It was set on another stone that would work well for a cooling rack. Cups were retrieved from his pack and tea was poured. The hearty black tea was sipped, and his eyes moved up to the sky to watch the ....oh right. Cloudy. Frowning, Zel thought for a moment. " You know, even if the cloud cover keeps it warmer at night, I'd feel safer if there was at least something over my head. Alas... too dark to set anything up. Perhaps next camp, aye? " Another sip was taken of the tea that was a little bitter, but it did the body good. Something warm usually always did when one was outside of a controlled environment. " By the way, Compulsion isn't something to be ashamed about. Secretive, I get it, but changing your stentence like that midway through was extremely suspicious." An eyebrow rose in a perfect arc as he scowled at the self-concious young noble. " You didn't do anything to my mind to make me agree to come with you. I decided it on my own after watching you pass out twice on your own. So I thought ' Like hell would I let this guy wander off into the unknown looking for something when they faint from overstimulation'. How's the tea by the way? Its not as refined as what you're used to, but its warm and that's what matters, yeah? " He raised the camp mug of some sort of metal in a 'cheers' fashion, took another drink, then refilled his cup to warm his hands. Mmm...campfire and warm liquid and someone to talk to. Things were looking pretty good.
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeSat Nov 12, 2011 12:41 am

The Prince felt a smile stretch his lips as Zel confronted him about his attempt at being sly. Azreth knew he had quite a long way to go until he spoke as flawlessly as his father; changing his words or even his thoughts mid-sentence without so much as a breath of difference. Azreth envied that in his father, really; the man could catch a lie so fast, but when he ever spoke one, no one was the wiser. Perhaps that was a mixed blessing, but the boy supposed you had to lie to someone at least a few times if you were the King.

"I just worry that my Compulsions are so subtle that people couldn't tell the difference, save for people as knowledgeable as yourself, Alchemist." When Azreth was young, perhaps seven winters, his father had hired an esteemed Magus by the name of Galen. While Galen was extremely Skilled, his teaching techniques were harsh; all punishment and very, very little praise. However, because of that, the boy's Compulsions became so shallow that even the arrogant bastard himself didn't realize when one was being used on him. "Sometimes, I don't even do it intentionally."

Green eyes sought solace in the flickering, dancing tongues of flame, searching for answers. While this trip made for a wonderful distraction, the weight of his father's condition plagued his mind when his body was idle. The boy's breath hitched in his throat as a warm presence draped itself over his mind, soothing away the tension within him effortlessly. Azreth's eyes closed as he sifted through his mind, searching, yearning to make contact with the being that was both inside and outside of him.

A flash of blue around a shape of black caused the boy to jump, and the contact was severed abruptly. When he opened his eyes, Azreth was surprised -- if not a little alarmed -- that his breathing had become ragged, his chest heaving. "Zel. Please tell me you felt that?' Green eyes shone unnaturally -- with far more light than for what the fire accounted for. Azreth's entire body was tense, strung tightly like the string of a hunting bow, his muscles quivering with excitement.

That was the most he had ever felt! And what was it that he had seen? Grinding his teeth, the boy focused his piercing gaze on the Alchemist across the fire, his eyes darting wildly around Zel's form as his mind worked frantically. As the Prince re-experienced the flash of blue, a sharp heat completely suffused his body. With a thunderous roar, the fire leaped several feet up towards the slow-moving stars. After half a heartbeat, the fire immediately folded in on itself, washing the camp in darkness as only the dull red of coals were left.

The Prince's breath shook as he spoke, his words barely audible. "Please tell me you felt that, Zel."
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeSat Nov 12, 2011 1:25 am

As knowledgeable as himself. Zel snorted at those words, a grin upon his face pasted crookedly, almost a foolish sneer. " Most kids with any form of Skill tend to at least try to get their way. Its funny as hell that a Prince managed to pull off Compulsion. Fortune must have decided he liked you. " Thankfully, the Alchemist wasn't in the practice of reading minds. That was an entirely different set of skills and one he probably would never, ever touch. As fragile as the human psyche was, it was far more dangerous than the world around him. He liked living. That was where he was going to stay. " It is good that you show remorse and concern for that manifestation of Skill. Though, perhaps you should start trying to figure out what triggers the use of that skill. Maybe actually practice using it. You shouldn't be afraid of your own abilities. Be afraid of the limits of your opponents. "

More tea was consumed. Zel thought for a moment on what he had just said and realized that he sounded like a bitter old man, even if he was in his mid-twenties. He grumbled and huffed, " Or in your case, the connections of the next smelly, no good, favor wanting, kiss ass noble swine. It'd be useful in the Court. You might want to try using it on that one guy that smells like--- " Off Zel had been, frowning into the fire and thinking about who that person he absolutely thought was trying to gather favor and take out some of the weaker and just opponents that loitered around the Castle from time to time. He hadn't noticed the glazed look in the boy's eyes, nor the sudden flux in power until he realized that a question had been asked.

With perplexed written all over his face, Zel stared at the Prince replying with a very confident, ' huh?' to the question. Had he just felt what? Mouth agape slightly, Zel glanced around, reaching into his pant pocket to see if anything had breeched his barrier he set up. No. Nothing. No reaction. No residual heat, no sudden coldness, though it was tingling slightly, but that could have been because he was sitting so close to fire. Then again....hadn't a slight tingling sensation indicate the use of some form of Magick? " I . . . didn't feel anything....."

Frowning, Zel studied the boy and was in for quite a shock. A blast of power--pure and raw and absolutely nothing like Zel had ever experienced in his own training nor around other users of his Art-- surged just around the boy. Almost tangable now that Zel knew what he was looking at. He had been leaning forward even, taking note of the shine in the boy's eyes, the way energy seemed to just glisten off of him. A connection of some sort. And just as soon as he was brave enough to reach out to touch that raw energy to figure out where it came from, it burst.

The fire flared high, blue tinged the base of the coals, violet turned to red, then yellow then white in but a blink of an eye. The heat and light bathed Zel as he pulled himself away with his arms in case the fire decided that it would like to step outside its bed. And then it was gone. The inferno flames of that brief flare left Zel stunned. Yet his gaze had never left the boy.

Compulsion... and now Pyros? Mouth slightly agap, he didn't realize his head had tilted to one side until he righted himself and took stock of what just blasted their fire out. A hand was lifted, fingers curled around the strands of the fire and, like a fisherman at the docks, he gently tilted his wrist to draw the line taught. To his surprise it led directly back to the boy, no... man sitting across from him. " . . . So! " Zel began, coughing to clear his throat from its sudden dry state and wiping his hands clean of that magick habitually, " Congratulations! You just blew up our fire! "

As far as facial expressions, Zel seemed not at all phased, but as he reached out to tug the coals back to life with his own skill, he did visibly shake, " . . . And what the hell was that? It was.... Nothing I had ever even read about. Your eyes glowed! Blue! A deep blue! Seriously.... "
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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeSat Nov 12, 2011 1:49 am

Azreth's eyes were wide with shock, the whites around his iris showing visibly. He held out a hand, towards the bed of coals, and was startled to see it shaking quite noticeably. The boy's gaze traveled from the embers to Zel and then back again. "Zel, I..." A shiver coursed through his body, and the boy visibly sagged. His muscles felt as if they had three-pound weights attached to them, and a bitter cold quickly replaced the searing heat that had been within him just a moment past.

"Zel, that's never happened before." His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously, trying to get moisture back into his mouth. "The fire or my...my eyes." His tone was disbelieving, bordering on incredulous. How could his eyes have possibly changed color? Subconsciously, the Prince knew that Zel would never lie to him, no matter the circumstance, but his eyes and the fire, one after the other? Or had it been simultaneously? The Prince drew his knees to his chest, and the movement unbalanced him. Reaching out a hand to the ground to steady himself, glazed eyes found Zel's gaze.

"Zel, I don't want this." His skin felt seared, as if he had been in the sun too long. At the same time, however, he was incredibly cold -- which had nothing to do with the temperature of the night around them. What was that contact he had felt within his mind? It had been something so powerful, so pure, that he almost feared it. But he could not begin to doubt that the presence would never harm him -- though it held power, it also held an almost irrational tenderness, as if Azreth's very mind would break beneath its full weight. With a grunt, the boy realized that that might actually be possible.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts and immediately regretted it. A spike of pain stabbed him behind the temples, and the Prince grit his teeth. "I felt it. The Presence, Zel. It was...more powerful than anything I could have imagined. But it was sentient, and calming in a strange way, as if.." Azreth's words trailed off as he tried to find an explanation. He shrugged. "But I don't know if it was me that...did that to the fire, or if it was because of the Presence. I mean, I felt this flash of heat inside of my skin, and then the fire flared. But before that, I saw the purest blue you could imagine. No color in nature could match its clarity."

The boy sounded like a love-sick maiden, and he knew it. Grinning feebly, Azreth attempted to rise. As terrible as he felt, he had a nervous energy within his body -- though he knew that magick took a toll on the body, at least in theory. He had never done anything that would be draining to him. Until now, at least. As the boy found his feet, he wobbled unsteadily. He held his arms out for balance, and his muscles screamed in protest.

He dropped quite ungracefully to the ground to sit once more, a wry grin playing on his lips, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Zel, why did I do that to the fire? I've never showed any sign of Skill in anything save for Compulsions." He was terrified, and he knew it showed on his face. "But then the Presence, it didn't seem malevolent at all. It was as if it...released something inside of my mind." He scrubbed his eyes, trying to get rid of the gritty feeling in them. "By the gods, what just happened?"

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PostSubject: Re: And You Are? [AzrethxZel]   And You Are? [AzrethxZel] I_icon_minitimeSat Nov 12, 2011 2:24 am

The Alchemist could hear the fear and see the fear in the boy's eyes. Frankly, he was frightened to. But just as he was frightened, he was excited! This was great! Kinda. Well, at least the boy had promise to not only control people with his mind, but now he could summon fricking fire balls. As excited as he was at this small revelation, Zel also understood that that demonstration of skill had exponentally decreased the boy's body tempurature. The boy would be probably feeling like he had been dunked in a tank of ice water and left there for a few hours. Hyperthermia probably could set in. He had sworn to the King that he would take care of the boy, and so he would.

" I know, " he replied as calmly as he could. Rolling to a crouched position with the heels of his feet off the ground, Zel reached over the coals of the fire with a hand, using the other to balance himself on one of his knees. His fingers seemed to rise and fall as he tested the coals for desire to come back into life from the very charred wood. " It isn't something one wants at first or can handle. Though you really are on your own with that eye thing. The Giver's Grace, I've never seen anything like that. That was a manifestation of Skill of a higher level. " His lips pursed as he let out a low whistle, " You've got some grand potential, Azzy. At least from that flare up. Though I'm at a loss with the blue as well. Green suits you better anyways. "

The stubborn coals refused to return to their flames. Zel snarled in frustration and decided to put a little more force into it, though the apprentice found himself distracted at the sheer terror he could feel rolling off of the Prince. The fire, stubborn as a mule, could wait. He crouched by the firepit with both of his arms rested on his thighs watching the boy explain that energy. It had been pure. It had been wanting to help, or so thought Zel after he processed it for a few moments. Sympathy played on his face, though he frowned when the foolish boy tried to stand and move around. An eyebrow rose to meet his hairline and a cough of a snicker came forth when the drained boy flopped back to the ground. " There is no doubt that that fire wasn't your energy and will. But... I think you might have gotten what you came for. Perhaps what you are searching for is trying to find you. Perhaps that was the sign. Perhaps whatever it was wanted to help you reach something. Whatever the hell it did, you managed to scare the fricking fire away. So if you would be so kind as to appologize to it so I can get it lit again, I would be beyond thrilled. "

Then it dawned on him as he gestured to the fire pit that still had reluctant coals smoldering around. The future king had the use of Skill. Not just any skill,, but possible Alchemical skills. The man seemed bright enough to grasp the complex concept of the Light and Shadow, and he knew in his gut that Azreth wouldn't abuse the knowledge. The Sage's would kill him if they ever found out about this... " Or you could light the fire yourself and get used to that flame. You seem to have a knack with Pyros as well. ". Zel had decided to at least guide the young man to hone his skills and come up with a theory of his own about the magic and balance of Alchemy on his own. But first, to get the boy warmed up. That tattered but warm cloak of his was pulled off his shoulders and placed around the shivering, frightened child. " Just wait until you're a little warmer to try. Okay? " He sat himself next to Azreth, just in case the boy was a little too shaken to sit upright and in case Zel needed to get him to the horses and back to the castle quickly. Zel shoved a cup of hot tea between the boy's fingers, " Drink.... And its okay not to know what that was. Hell, its totally fine to be utterly frightened. That was terrifying. But on the brightside, you survived. And not to tick you off around fires. "
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