Chapter 4
Coming to an Understanding
As Ria left to bring 'Geny coffee, Ivan gestured towards the bedroom to have the discussion with Raistlin. The novice mage from Krynn followed the two mentors from the world he was currently in to the aforementioned room. Ivan and 'Geny sat down on the edge of Ria's bed and Ivan gestured for Raistlin to have a seat on the solitary chair nearby.
While they waited for Ria to enter, Raistlin noticed Ivan began to read something written within what he could only assume was a strangely bound journal of sorts.
Raistlin also couldn't help but notice that Ria's more outwardly protective mentor, Yevgeny, was keeping a careful watch on him. The mage of Krynn tried not to allow himself to become too unnerved by the unwavering dark-eyed gaze, but that was not an easy task. The mind-reading mentor was keeping a perfectly impassive expression, not giving sign as to what he may be thinking or if he was attempting to read the mage's mind again.
Raistlin could only try to keep his mind as quiet as he could manage, so as to hopefully not have his thoughts invaded too deeply, and wait until their conversation began.
Ria returned in just under a minute, handing Yevgeny a cup of the brew. She said, much to Raistlin's surprise, to the man she called a brother, "Just the way you like it 'Geny, as black and bitter as your devious soul."
To his further surprise, her comment elicited an amused gravelly laugh from 'Geny and his attention was drawn from the mage.
"Da. Always pure and untainted by sweetness that decay such as some enjoy." Yevgeny gestured to the milk-laden brew Ria was handing to Ivan for emphasis.
"Now that's just not true, big brother," Ria said. "Everyone knows the dark side has the best cookies. That's about as much of an antithesis to organic as food gets."
Ivan chuckled, as he set the book aside and accepted the coffee. "Little Ria has you there, Yevgeny. I have yet to see you turn down cookies with chocolate in them."
"Chocolate cookies count not," 'Geny countered with a smirk. "Pure dark chocolate is good for self and has rich bitterness to it that any must enjoy. Is all else add that makes for corruption and rot."
"You eat milk chocolate just the same as dark chocolate," Ria said with a laugh. "And you eat them both combined with other stuff."
"Da, but no one is perfect, mladshaya syestra," 'Geny said in good humor, dismissing the point. "Every person need vice or two. Still, I drink coffee as is meaning to drink and eat much food as is meaning to eat. Is why I am still in prime while Ivan is showing age."
Ria shook her head in obvious amusement.
"And smoking as you do is why you sound like you have swallowed a handful of dirt every meal, while my throat and lungs will stay cancer free." Ivan raised his mug of mocha-colored coffee as a teasing salute and took a long gulp.
Ria was now having another bout of giggles.
Raistlin was rather confused by the entire exchange, but attempted not to show it, discerning that there was some sort of jokes and references common to this world being made that he didn't know. He did wonder just why people in this world had such an attachment to cookies. Most people in his world liked cookies well enough, but it seemed to be a rather strong cultural fixation in this world.
"Raistlin, would you like anything before I leave you three to talk?" Ria asked.
"I am fine for now," Raistlin replied. "Thank you, Ria."
Ria nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her, leaving Raistlin alone with her mentors.
Once the door closed behind her, the three men found themselves looking at one another for a brief, yet loaded, period of silence.
Raistlin noticed that the twins were both just a bit taller than himself, but not as tall as Caramon. Ivan was a little heavier set, though not overweight, while Yevgeny was rather athletic in build. Their facial features were much alike, though 'Geny's was slightly leaner and Ivan was a bit paler. Their hairstyles and manner of dress were quite different from one another, and Ivan's longer dark brown hair held back in a tail was indeed bearing small streaks of white in places. Raistlin noticed they each wore a necklace with a crescent moon pendant, Ivan's platinum and Yevgeny's appeared to be a black diamond.
Ivan was the one to break the silence, saying quietly as he set his coffee mug on the end table next to the bed, "Raistlin, how much has our little Ria had the chance to explain of the spiritual views of we who pursue magic in this world?"
Raistlin was surprised by the odd question posed to start the conversation. After several seconds of consideration, he answered, "Thus far, we have not had the opportunity to discuss the spiritual views of those in this world. We were primarily concentrating on trying to rationalize out why I may be here, the theoretical repercussions of such, how to proceed in my stay in this world, and discussing some magical theories and ascertaining if my magic would work in this world."
Ivan nodded once, his expression rather neutral, though not stonily impassive as his brother's. "Yevgeny and I are of the thought that we should explain to you a certain core belief of ours, Ria's and those we associate most with. Once such is said, we think you will realize why we felt it necessary before we discuss other matters that need be discussed."
"Very well," Raistlin agreed, glancing between the two magical mentors and thinking that Ria must have gotten some of her logical skills from them, as she had started their conversation in a similar manner. 'Geny had also not spoken aloud to Ivan of anything that would be discussed in his presence, and so he could only assume they had come to that agreement using their telepathy.
"Smart mage," 'Geny confirmed with a small smirk.
Raistlin met the dark eyed gaze warily, realizing that the mind-reader was in fact reading his thoughts, and he had noticed no indication of such being done.
"Only until I am certain you are understanding of situation as need be and I am understanding of rationale of yours," Yevgeny admitted without any seeming remorse.
"Very well," Raistlin repeated again, not really seeing that he had any option in the matter except to accept the invasion.
"Not really," 'Geny agreed. "Not when situation is as important as this one is."
"Fair enough," Raistlin said with resignation, attempting to keep his thoughts from reflecting his acute irritation for such treatment. "And what is this tenet you wished for me to be aware of and understand?"
"It is the primary mythos of our deities," Ivan replied informatively, drawing the mage's attention back to him. "Specifically, certain archetypes that are represented in nearly all of the ancient ways, regardless of the other beliefs within the culture or where the people were located."
Raistlin nodded once to indicate he was paying attention.
"Those archetypes come in three very specific categories, though their outward guises shift from culture to culture to reflect those who paid homage to the old gods," Ivan explained. His dark eyed gaze was on the mage with intent seriousness, though Raistlin didn't find it quite as unnerving as his twin's. "And those three aspects of the divine that magic users of this world, even today, offer our prayers and loyalty to are the god of light, his opposite force of the god of darkness, and the mother goddess who stands between the two, always striving to keep balance as is necessary."
Raistlin raised an eyebrow, immediately recognizing the parallel Ivan was making.
Ivan gave a single nod in confirmation. "The gods that you call Solinari, Nuitari, and Lunitari, and are described in books of your world as being inextricable to magic in Krynn, sound rather similar to our gods, do they not?"
"From that brief description, yes," Raistlin agreed cautiously. The mage held more than a small amount of curiosity in regards to the subject of gods and their existences or not, and a fair amount of disbelief in most gods he heard described by various cults. The only three gods he knew without a doubt existed were the gods of magic who had made their presences known to him since childhood. It wasn't the least improbable, especially after discovering that his magic did work in this world, that the gods of magic were known here by different names or different descriptions. But he also was wary of accrediting the gods mentioned by Ivan as the gods of his world without proper evidence and risk upsetting his gods by relating them to false idols.
"Our three gods have had many names, depending on the culture they come from," Ivan stated with an unmistakable, purposefully sober mien. "They have had many guises they adopted to spread their knowledge. But no matter the name, no matter the form, one can find the three in nearly every culture. The gods do not care what names they are called, for such is only words. As long as their message is heard, their knowledge respected and not misused, they are generally content."
Raistlin glanced again at the matching lunar pendants around the twins' necks.
"You are quick one," 'Geny said with his smirk growing. "Da, mage of Krynn. We are what you call archmages. And we are also what you call clerics or priests. In world you are in now, we are called High Priests of gods. Ivan is High Priest to god of light and I am High Priest of dark god."
"Were she here, you would as easily deduce that our dear friend Maggie is a High Priestess of the mother goddess who keeps balance," Ivan continued for his twin. "In our world, the spiritual and arcane practices were not kept divided when they were prolific. They were considered one and the same to those who follow the ways of the gods. Many were incapable of wielding magic. Such disqualifies them from being trained as priests or priestesses, and they simply followed the ways of the gods. Unlike in your world, we no longer have things such as towers of magic and conclaves, or active temples, for those chosen to rise to those ranks that directly serve the gods and wield magic. Because of things that have come to pass over the last few thousand years, our traditions and knowledge have been necessarily passed along in secret to carefully chosen successors for them to be ensured of survival."
Ivan paused long enough to reach over and take a sip of his coffee, then resumed speaking. "As in your world, while we all pay homage to all three aspects of the divine, those of us who wield magic dedicate ourselves to one patron deity. However, unlike your world where a mage's inner nature and their choices decide which deity they dedicate themselves to, whom we are permitted to dedicate ourselves to is limited. Men receive the same course of training and then may choose to dedicate themselves to the god of light or the god of darkness, but can never be initiated as priests to the goddess of balance. Women are trained for and initiated solely to the goddess. As you have been made aware of by our little Ria, we are her mentors in such practices. She is being trained to someday be initiated into the same path of the goddess that Maggie follows, learning the ways of both the light and the dark, and the vital balance that must be kept between the opposing forces of the universe."
Raistlin nodded again. "That is easily enough understood, despite the differences in approach."
Ivan also nodded again, then stated in a notably warning tone, "I am glad that so far my explanations are clear enough. Hopefully the following is likewise clear. Argyria's safety is of utmost importance to all three of us who train her. Both personally as those who love her unequivocally as family, and spiritually as she will someday be among those few blessed with the responsibility to carry on our traditions properly as this fight to be able to resurrect them continues. And we were made aware this morning to the fact that a threat looms for our little Ria. Which is, obviously, most disconcerting and must be addressed swiftly and appropriately, as we will not simply allow harm to come to her."
Raistlin glanced between the twins before him, surprised and worried by this final and sudden declaration.
'Geny was the one to again answer Raistlin's thoughts, and subsequently still the mage's hand that had started to reactively move a shade closer to the rose petals he had stored in a pocket of his robes in case he was about to be attacked. "Ivan not mean threat is you, mage of Krynn. We worry you are threat when Ria call us. Now, however, after evaluating such situation we are in, we realize such is not case."
"What do you mean?" Raistlin asked warily, now confused.
"Thoughts of yours when we first arrive tell of realization you come to that you share not with our Ria," Yevgeny stated bluntly. "Thoughts you have again when our little Ria ask, and you evade, her question of why you are here."
"As Yevgeny shared with me," Ivan said with continued seriousness, "you have come to the conclusion, from what Argyria knows of this situation and related to you, that you have been brought to our world to protect her from an unknown future threat that she would otherwise not be able to be kept safe from. We have reason to believe that you have come to the right conclusion."
"And why is that?" Raistlin asked, becoming concerned now by the certainty within Ivan's voice.
"Maggie, Yevgeny, and myself were all visited in our dreams last night by our respective deities," Ivan explained, countenance darkening in deep contemplation. "In their own ways, they made it clear to each of us that some threat was going to be arising that could steal away Argyria's destiny to serve the goddess, and ultimately the gods by keeping their individual ways in balance. It was also indicated that before that threat arrived, there would be a means to hopefully keep her safe from that threat. I was awoken shortly after dawn this morning by a phone call from Maggie, alerting me to her own dream. We had discussed the matter between ourselves and planned on discussing the matter with Yevgeny when he awakened, not wanting to act preemptively and allowing him to remain asleep so he would be allowed time to possibly receive a message from the dark god. And it turned out, as stated, he did receive such a message. His was just concluding when he was woken by Ria's call and told something had happened. Which, understandably, caused Yevgeny a great deal of concern and the instinctive reaction he had to the news as his dream was brought to the forefront of his memory."
"Did you make Ria aware of this while talking to her privately?" Raistlin asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer from how the two were approaching the subject. 'Geny's expression was darker than Ivan's as his twin related this information, his undeniable worry beginning to show for the young woman who claimed him as her big brother.
"No," Yevgeny confirmed, his deep voice almost growling out the word. He added inarguably, pointing at the mage in warning, "And you will continue to tell her not until we know what is to happen. Our little Ria is innocent girl with too many concerns as is. There are many responsibilities on shoulders of hers. She is not needing more worries of such things of unknown nature haunting her. Is our responsibility as family to protect our little Ria as we can. Is our responsibility as High Priests of gods to protect those who dedicate self to goddess and all ranks of uninitiated successors as we can. And is now your responsibility, Raistlin Majere, as one gods choose to summon here, by unfathomable ways only gods have to summon one from other world, to protect her as you can. We trust in gods. We accept both caution and aid they send us. As is will of gods for you to be here, as Argyria accepts already you are here, we will help in all ways we can so you do task set for you. And I warn you one time only. You best make sure you do all you can. I trust in gods, so I will place trust in you. You face more than unknown threat if you fail to protect my little sister from such things gods deem you only one capable to protect her from."
"Yevgeny," Ivan said calmly, gaze going to his twin in rebuke as the mage's gaze became far more wary when looking at 'Geny. "Raistlin does not need to be so harshly spoken to. I do not believe he has any intent of allowing little Ria to come to harm if he can stop it."
"Da, I know he not have such intent," Yevgeny replied, meeting his twin's gaze. "Is why I not threaten immediate harm. You are light who gives guidance on will of gods and punish only if one harms own. I am darkness who destroys if will of gods is not follow or in active defense of own. You talk to mage your way, I say not of your words. I talk in my way and you will allow such. I make simply clear what is expect of smart mage from other world and what happen if such faith gods show in chosen is not uphold to."
Ivan nodded a concession. "I simply mean to point out that such can be done without so much seeming hostility. As our little Ria said to you earlier, Raistlin has had enough shocks since his arrival. He does not need to be placed under further strain. Especially so quickly and when he is aware of his responsibility by his own reasoning, and has already chosen to uphold his purposes for being here. It will not aid his ability to act as needed if he feels threatened from those who would aid him. If we expect him to trust us, we need to show we are worthy of trust and likewise trust him."
Yevgeny let out a heavy sigh and after several seconds glanced over to the mage who was watching the exchange cautiously. He spoke reluctantly, clearly fighting with himself to say the words. "I give apology if I am too harsh with warning. This morning bring far too many worries already and I not wish for more to come, so I make clear what I expect. Is not easy for me to accept dark god trust me not to protect my little sister and send other to protect Ria. I will aid as I can and believe you will do as you can."
"That has been my intent," Raistlin replied sincerely, if still worried about the quick-tempered mentor. "Ria has been nothing but kind and helpful since my arrival. I do not wish to see any harm come to her."
"Da, I know," 'Geny conceded with a small, if bitter, smile. "Little sister learns fast ways of gods and such include how to adapt when things one not expect happens. You not so different in such, if any of things written of you is true. Your mind says much of same as well. And so mage know, I stop reading mind now Ivan says as he want, I know you understand such, I make own warning, and know you understand as is."
"Thank you," Raistlin replied, allowing himself to finally relax slightly. While 'Geny made him rather nervous, Raistlin was beginning to understand how that mentor's reasoning worked between what Ria had explained and things 'Geny had said. If the mind-reader had said that he had stopped invading his thoughts, Raistlin was willing to cautiously believe such was the truth. "If I may ask, as we are all understanding of the fact that Ria is in some sort of danger significant enough to warrant such measures as myself being brought here, do either of you or Maggie have any idea what that danger may be?"
"As of right now, unfortunately, we do not have specific information of what to expect," Ivan said impassively. "None of our visions showed the exact source of the danger and how it would act, only that it would come and attempt to irrevocably remove Argyria from the destiny she was meant to lead. In Maggie's vision, she saw Ria walking down a path in contentment, light to one side and darkness to the other, both accessible to her yet neither controlling her fate, as it should be for one dedicated to the mother goddess. A streak of light began to make its way towards Ria from further along the path she walked. But then a darkness of a distinctly evil intent, not the same natural darkness of the universe, began to descend from above. Maggie could not see which force reached Argyria first. She could only sense that her successor's path of balance was in jeopardy from that outside dark force, and that an opposing force sent by the light, though not the actual force of light itself, was racing to reach Ria in time to stop it.
"My vision was much the same, except all went dark when that menacing darkness began to fall upon Ria. And in my vision, I saw the light surrounding Ria before the darkness reached her. A light which was not extinguished as darkness fought to claim her. In Yevgeny's vision, it was not darkness that came for Ria, but black wolves with red eyes that attacked from the darkness. Those wolves were intercepted by a much larger grey wolf with golden eyes, who fought to defend Ria from them. Neither Yevgeny or myself saw what came of this battle between the darkness and light, if Ria was successfully protected, or if darkness prevailed and claimed or destroyed her."
"I believe dark wolves mean to destroy little sister in complete fashion, not simply kill," Yevgeny added grimly. "They are not as true wolves. Dark wolves not have same motivation as true wolves."
"How do you mean?" Raistlin asked, once more confused.
"Wolves are one form dark god take as own," Yevgeny answered. He briefly pulled down the top hem of his low-cut shirt to show a tattoo, resting just above his heart, of a black wolf's head gazing out with quiet threat in its blue eyes and otherwise still features depicted. "Wolves are consummate forces of perfect destruction by own merits. Wolf kill gentle defenseless deer," 'Geny gestured to Ivan's bracelet as he said this, which had among the forest scenery depicted a family of deer along one side, "for survival, to feed pack. Such keep deer from becoming too numerous and destroy balance of plants and those who also need eat them. Wolf kill any who try to harm self or pack, tearing threat to shreds with own sharp teeth and claws, to protect self or pack. Weaker but brave hunter with weapons he make from ingenuity," 'Geny now pointed to Ivan himself, "kill wolf should wolf go too far in such destruction for sake of pack and would kill too many, or if wolf become sick in mind and is killing without purpose. Such is balance and survival. Such is way of universe. Creation and Destruction ebb and flow. Such truth is not pretty and cheerful. Wolf personify such truths.
"Mother goddess keep balance between wolf and deer, and between wolf and hunter. She is mate of wolf who tend pack and cubs, who stay attack of wolf when one is not true threat but wolf is still wary and defensive. She is mate of deer who raise fawns when stag is absent or dead so deer continue to survive. She is wife of hunter who is understanding wolf must eat animals to survive. She stay hand of hunter when hunter wish to protect livestock from wolf because she is knowing there is livestock enough for some to be sacrificed for hunger of wolf and pack. She allow hunter to kill wolf when wolf go too far and need face destruction. She allow hunter to kill deer when family need survive by ending life of deer for food."
Yevgeny shook his head, expression and tone becoming one of loathing. "Dark wolves I see are not true wolves. Dark wolves are form evil is stealing as own. I sense only lust for destruction from dark wolves. Desire to kill for sake of killing. Desire to destroy light and balance so darkness is complete. Dark wolves care not if complete destructive ways disrupt natural balance and destroy selves in process. Evil that is coming for our little Ria take as own form that of dark god's chosen to mock true wolves as such evil destroy balance true wolves know must be keep. And dark god is very, very angry with such mockery and threat. Dark god demand such not be allow to succeed and false wolves be destroy. I sense that very clear before dream end."
"So we can expect that, as I have arrived here as I have, whatever means to harm Ria will likewise come for her in physical form," Raistlin surmised with no shortage of disconcertion, mind racing with contemplations of what 'Geny's words directly meant and implied. "It is not some immaterial or indirect danger to her wellbeing. A person- or, more likely, persons- who will not try to hide their purpose when they make their attack, though they disguise themselves outwardly to mock those they do not respect, those that would keep balance, and to keep hidden their true identity…"
Raistlin frowned as he concluded, "And whoever that person or persons may be, they will have talent for magic as those here have. Talents put to the wrong use, to the detriment of Ria, and quite likely expanding out from there. Such is indicated by the forms seen by Yevgeny, and the nuances of the end of Ivan's dreams. Which is why one such as myself was brought here. My knowledge of magic from my world allows me to do things those here cannot; both those renegades who would attack Ria, and those who truly follow the gods. The gods indicate by the size that the grey wolf appeared in comparison to the false wolves that though I am seemingly outnumbered, I am the more powerful because of my skills and may be able to protect Ria."
"Such is our line of thought after coming to the knowledge of your presence here," Ivan agreed stoically.
If Yevgeny's dream in particular was interpreted properly, Raistlin acknowledged that he wasn't looking at a simple, clean solution to this problem. There would be no chance of simply disabling these threats, and there was no conclave to hand them over to once they were neutralized so others could decide their fate. While Raistlin had been hoping to gain aid from Ria's mentors in this situation, and might still be able to in some respects to prepare himself for this conflict, the responsibility to protect Ria was being ultimately placed on him when the time came. If Yevgeny was correct, and the gods of this world were his gods of magic, it was the gods themselves that expected him to end the threat these 'false wolves' posed.
Raistlin still wasn't sure if his gods of magic were the gods these people worshipped, but they did sound uncannily similar in some respects. Lunitari, being a goddess of neutrality, wouldn't be able to show favor to either the forces of good or evil, only show the balance was at risk and aid in restoring it should it be tilting one way or other. Solinari, however, was a force of light that allowed his followers to use offensive means to combat evil and would be considerably concerned if said evil had grand designs. And Nuitari was well known to be a very vengeful force of darkness who did not take kindly to his following being subverted, impersonated or otherwise encroached on. Yevgeny's description of the dark god's anger rang especially true to Raistlin's mind.
Even were they different gods, though, it was clear that Ria's mentors were certain their gods had something to do with how he came to be here, and he was willing to at least work with that theory. He wasn't sure how all this related to the old mage who gave Ria the book he was now using as a replacement spell book, but he guessed that the old man had been used as an intermediary by the gods to help arrange this event between the two worlds. And the magnitude of this event was rapidly being made clear to him.
Raistlin had never had to kill another, even in self defense. Such a prospect was more than a little disconcerting, especially with his extraordinarily limited arsenal of spells. But even though his repertoire of spells were limited, he could control magic in its raw state prior to casting far better than any other novice at his school could. And he was certain he was the only one who was visited by the gods of magic. Many lower ranked mages thought the gods of magic were myths and that they drew magic from the three moons alone, but Raistlin had heard the stories of the gods of magic and believed in them whole-heartedly. Believed in them enough that they granted him a rare blessing of an audience with all three. That had to be worth something, and could hopefully be put to use in this world.
Magical power, or lack thereof, aside; Raistlin also at least had the benefit of having been exposed to the prospect of death or killing to survive from a relatively young age. He had grown up with a sister who aspired to a life in battle, raising Caramon with such aspirations and telling them both gritty tales of what a warrior could expect to encounter. He had seen death first hand when illness or tragedy struck, and been faced more times than he cared to admit with his own mortality because of his frequent illnesses when younger. He had been recently considering concentrating his magical studies in the area of War Magic and was fairly certain that, if need be, he could take the life of others if it meant surviving or completing a job.
Whatever gods were involved in this situation, they believed he could accomplish his task. The aspiring mage had to believe that his own lines of thoughts to his skills such as they were and mental fortitude were not unwarranted, that he could succeed if he handled the task properly. After all, if gods were going through this much trouble to make something of this nature happen, they must have fairly solid reasons to believe it the best method. At least, one would hope so.
Raistlin might question the methods of other gods, but his devotion to the gods of magic was unwavering. And the gods of magic had once promised him that if he never denied faith in them, they would not deny him. They had proven that last night when he found that he could still access his magic. Even were they not the gods of the magic users here, they were still with him. They were granting him his magic to be able to accomplish this task. And, Raistlin couldn't help but to remember with an inward cringe, they had warned him, long ago, that they would require him to make sacrifices to succeed in that which they set before him to do. He had agreed to their terms without fear at the time, believing himself worthy of the attention they gave him and that he'd live up to his promise. Perhaps his younger self might have been less willing to make such a vow if he knew that this whirlwind of confusing events was possibly the first of such tasks, but he had nonetheless made that promise and would do anything for the sake of magic. And this was not simply a job he was assigned, nor solely about his own survival, but had in the stakes a young woman's life. A young woman whose gods and mentors were concerning themselves over protecting, whom Raistlin likewise felt was truly worth the effort to protect, even if it meant killing those who would harm her.
Raistlin decided to actively concentrate on what was known at the moment, or what needed to be discovered, and not on what he was lacking for power or experience, so as to not destroy his self-confidence and undermine his prospects.
"Do you know any such magic users who could be this threat to Ria?" Raistlin asked after a few minutes of silence had passed to absorb the onslaught of information given to him. That was one of the biggest concerns now. Who these people were, how many there were, and what they were capable of.
"Not that we can immediately think of," Ivan said with obvious regret for that lack of knowledge. "We do not know of any remotely near this area of the country that could be such a threat. Especially not one that we would not be able to handle ourselves and would need such intervention from the gods. We have done as we can to create a haven here. The threat shown coming from Ria must indeed be coming from afar, or has kept itself carefully hidden before now. While the numbers of those who pursue magic are relatively small, those among our magic users that don't truly follow the ways of the gods are plentiful. Even with gifts and resources such as Yevgeny, Maggie and myself possess, we have no way to fully account for them. Most are harmless enough. They lack proper teachers and try to piece together the old ways on their own, coming to some errors in how the lessons of the gods were meant to be taken, but are not acting towards evil when they attempt to perform magic. They are ignorant, but at least they are usually attempting to find knowledge to remedy that lack.
"Some of those people have spread their views of what is proper for the old ways and magic through books published, as some limited tolerance for the ways of the gods has been gained in recent centuries. Such books being produced allow any with an interest to read those bits of information and in turn do as they will with the knowledge. This effort by some has been both beneficial and troublesome. Again, most with an interest who have read such use it harmlessly enough. Some only pursue such for a short time and then lose interest. Or are content with such pieces and do not bother to pursue learning more…" Ivan smirked slightly at a thought he then expressed, "Not so dissimilar, I suppose, from student mages in your world who leave their classes after a few years, or never reach beyond novitiate stage and being dabblers, as they have no desire to take the test that allows greater knowledge."
"Sounds similar indeed," Raistlin said, keeping from voicing his views on such casual magic users who couldn't dedicate themselves properly.
'Geny apparently had no such compunctions, giving a sardonic snort of laughter, "Da. Every world has slackers and ones who are content with mediocrity. Fortunate for both worlds and sake of such ways, those who seek magic in truth are keeping ways of gods and magic alive in what ways are able to be done?" He added when the mage gave him a thinly-veiled accusing look, "No, I am not reading mind of yours, Raistlin. I know simply things writ of views of magic of yours and hear opinion of such in voice."
"I suppose I should work on my ability to project a more neutral attitude," Raistlin said wryly.
"Is not so bad for one your age," Yevgeny said, almost approvingly. "But to one our age, is easier to notice… But I am interrupting Ivan and explanation of who know what, how uninitiated use such knowledge, and how such cause trouble for us in current matter."
"Thank you for bringing yourself back on track, Yevgeny," Ivan said with a smirk, eliciting a half-hearted glare from his twin and a twitch of an amused smile to Raistlin's own lips. Ivan continued more pensively, "As I was saying, most use such teachings and knowledge towards relatively harmless and small ends. And some here, as Yevgeny says, use such broken knowledge pieced together and published to come to their own true understanding of the gods' ways as best as can be done on their own. They in turn try to spread such revised views through private teachings or new books published." Ivan sighed. "Unfortunately, some do not take any of those courses. There are a number of factions across the world who see magic as only a tool to serve their own will, and they spread such views as they can. There is no way for us to know the identities of all groups and individuals, just how corrupt the views of each are from the way of the gods.
"Those we do know of who openly spread views that oppose ours do not reside remotely near to where we do. Nor do we have a history of violent conflict with them. It has been theological arguments and competition to obtain magical resources. Those like us keep the teachings of the ways of the gods secret practice and limited to only our successors to protect the knowledge we carry, so we do not have an active competition with others more vocal and avarice for students. We shall be attempting to discover just where this danger will be coming from, if it is one of the groups known or if the threat is from a new source, but as of this moment, we do not know."
"I make guess is new threat who is keeping self hidden before now," Yevgeny said, tone likewise serious again. "Ivan is of thought such is most likely as well. We will look into all angles we can, so we do not risk such harm coming to Ria from our poor assumptions. Divination is skill of Maggie. Is our hope she can give more direction to search of ours when we tell her what is happening here."
"I do not mean to cause possible offense by asking the following…" Raistlin ventured cautiously. He received nods to continue from the twins before him. "I have wondered if any of Ria's friends, among those you know, practice magic and might secretly mean her ill?"
Both mentors expression darkened at the question.
Ivan's tone remained neutral, despite his expression, "We do not believe any of her friends would cause her harm. We know them all well and never sensed indication of such. Her cousin is the most devout to the gods out of all her friends because she and Ria come from a culture who still tell stories of the gods, despite their people's current religious views not being that of the gods. Her cousin and friends do not have the capability to wield magic, though. They are simply accepting of the ways of the gods, following them to one extent or another."
Raistlin nodded in acceptance of the answer given. "As I said, I did not mean to cause offense by asking. I simply do not know her friends as you do. I wondered if one may be a threat because Ria told me that while she had been first given indication that I would be brought here while at her Day of Life Gift party with her friends, it was given by subtle means that did not arouse suspicions with those friends. My other thought for such discretion was that while those friends might not be the threat, perhaps they may accidentally endanger my purpose here by not keeping my presence a secret."
"Second is more likely reason," Yevgeny replied with consideration to the matter. "Circle of friends Ria keep is small. They are true friends, but some more social and less cautious than little sister. Is conceivable one may accidentally tell others of you from excitement of such happening your presence is if they come to know who you are."
"Ria had some thoughts on how to keep my presence here from being discovered," Raistlin said. He gestured to his white robes, "Which includes changing my appearance to some extent. She made mention of identification paperwork that is needed, and some things I should know to acclimate to her world so I do not appear too out of place. Ria also made mention that she had plans with her cousin and a friend this evening and tomorrow. She was of the thought that perhaps it would be best for me to spend this afternoon and tomorrow with you two, allowing me to further adapt to this world as needed and so as not to meet her friends before such things could be accomplished. I was planning to try broaching the subject of my suspicions for being brought here once I was alone with you both.
"I have not been given any indication when this threat to Ria will appear. I would hope I am being given enough time to be prepared for its arrival. A theory that the hourglass seems to possibly confirm, but your dreams indicate will be a narrow margin. Ria agreed with my request to be allowed to rejoin her company with her friends tomorrow evening when they are to go out to some sort of 'dance club'. I am concerned about so public and distracting a place as it sounds and am hoping to be suitably prepared in time to go to such with her and her friends. I understand a number of Ria's concerns about being able to blend in with this world, but she would be best to discuss them with in full so they can be addressed."
Ivan nodded agreement. "I am sure our little Ria is more than a tad anxious to rejoin the conversation by now. We should allow her to do so and discuss such immediate necessities. I do not believe she will be in danger while with Alexandra and Darlene tonight, so staying with us for the night for such reasons should be a small enough risk, but it is possible that she could be more vulnerable to a danger tomorrow evening. We can discuss those matters in greater depth while you are with us tonight and tomorrow and while she is being kept company by her friends we know she is safe among."
"Sounds about as best as we can plan for at the moment," Raistlin said. "I do have one final question for the both of you though, if I may."
"What would that be?" Ivan asked.
"Do you have any idea why specifically Ria is being targeted by these people and why the gods would go to such lengths to protect her? Ria seems a remarkable young woman, but by your own customs she is still a very new follower of your goddess. Why isn't one with more experience or skill the target?"
The twins exchanged yet another glance, seeming to contemplate that question and speak between themselves mentally again.
Yevgeny finally turned his gaze back to Raistlin and said stoically, "We have theories as to that question and we have much consideration to give that aspect. We can discuss in depth those theories tonight when we are not so limit on time before friends of Ria arrive. Simply say for now, little Ria is still learning ways of gods and has much to learn. However, as I say, she learn quickly. She not think so. She often feel frustration for process of training, especially as she come relative late to ways of gods because of circumstances. Such may be true, however, we all have much hope for her abilities and future. We see many signs that our little Ria holds favor of gods. Our best guesses are along lines of thinking that gods mean for little Ria to do things in her future that false wolves not want for her to do. Or they want to claim little sister in some means for same reason gods want her, potential of hers to become great in magic. They have easier time doing now, while she is young and vulnerable, rather than attack when she is properly train."
Raistlin nodded to that answer, as it made sense. It was clear that whoever was orchestrating events was able to manipulate time and matter if they could bring him to this world, and could therefore logically have some idea what was meant to happen in the future of this world. He'd contemplate that among everything else and speak more with the twins later as Yevgeny suggested.
Raistlin couldn't help the short self-deprecating thought, though, that even if either theory did explain why Argyria was the target in need of protection from these unknown forces, it didn't explain why it was thought that Raistlin should be brought from his world now, instead of at some later date when he had more power to fight off the threat. He could only hope that the renegade magic users had relatively passive or mental powers, as magic users of this world were thus far described to him as having, and that his own limited but more tangible magic would suffice to give him the edge in his fight against them. It was still not a pleasant prospect though.
Even though Raistlin had been considering that becoming a war mage might be an avenue that could gain him power, acclaim and fortune; that had been thought out in the proper order that he gain the offensive and defensive spells he needed for battle and the training to properly use them, then place himself in the situation of putting his skills to use in exchange for payment by those in need of such magic. This was going backwards in that process and seemed far less likely to be successful. Raistlin was truly hoping that later when he would be able to speak with Ria's mentors in greater depth about the magic of this world, they'd be able to find some ways to increase his chances of surviving this ordeal when it took place.
"Try to keep mind on immediate matters and emotions neutral or positive when around Ria," Yevgeny advised as he stood, interrupting Raistlin's thoughts. "If subject come up as to why you are here, continue your answers in true ways, but not telling of reason. If you do not and little sister picks up enough concern of yours, or intuition of hers give insight you are not telling truth, she may reason out why gods bring you here."
Raistlin nodded his understanding, having already come to that conclusion himself when learning of Ria's gifts. He did his best to silence his questioning thoughts as suggested to keep Ria from picking up on them, adopting a less worried expression as best as he could. And given his years of experience in projecting what he wished for people to see of his moods or thoughts, he had some confidence it would prove enough with Ria, even if her mentors were successful in reading him better than she could. Or if his act slipped up and she noticed, he could again redirect and distract her so she wouldn't realize something was amiss.
'Geny crossed the small bedroom and opened the door. "Mladshaya syestra," he called teasingly out to the sitting room. "We are giving our permission for you to join pow-wow we boys are having!"
"About time!" Ria replied. Other voices that could be heard, ones that Raistlin assumed were produced by something similar to her CD player, were suddenly silenced. "I was beginning to think perhaps you three got sucked back to Raistlin's world and left me out here to miss out on the adventure!"
'Geny chuckled as Ria came towards the bedroom. "Of course not, mladshaya syestra! There is no point of sending mage to our world if only to send him back hours later. And Krynn would not know what to do with us if we are send to other world as well. Safe to say we are not disappearing on our little Ria."
Ria giggled at that. "Fair enough point." She turned her silvery-grey gaze to Raistlin and asked in good humor, "Did Ivan and big brother play nicely while I was gone? Or are they in need of a scolding?"
"I had no need to put either to sleep, so I think we can call the conversation positively productive," Raistlin said with a smirk.
Ria laughed. "Again, fair point." She sat on the bed next to Ivan and asked him playfully, "So just what have you three been plotting and scheming while I was sent to the far reaches of the apartment? Hopefully not some intrigue for multi-world domination?"
Ivan chuckled and Yevgeny snorted back a laugh, the latter remaining standing between the door and the bed. Raistlin quirked an eyebrow at the outlandish and irreverent comment so casually made, amused smirk remaining.
"No, dear Ria. No such plotting and scheming," Ivan said in good humor. "Just coming to a better understanding with Raistlin and updating each other on what we know previous to this situation arising. Now that we are all caught up, he has likewise made us aware that you two had some thoughts on how to proceed and such should be discussed now. It sounds as though you have been busy contemplating how to keep his presence unnoticed with things such as his clothes being changed, ID being needed, and helping him acclimate to our world enough that he can be around those friends and outsiders who might be best kept unaware of his identity."
"Mhm," Ria brightly agreed, crossing one leg over the other. "We've been busy little bees since last night. Did Raistlin mention that we have a bit of a time crunch with Darlene and Lexi coming over this afternoon?"
"He did," Ivan confirmed. "We agree such as you two discussed are wise precautions and are willing to take Raistlin under our wing until tomorrow night to help."
"How much do you think we'll be able to get done between now and then?" Ria asked, glancing between her two mentors.
"We can dress mage as boy from our world easy enough," 'Geny replied contemplatively. "We also have ways of getting ID for evening out or general need." He added when he saw Ria make to inquire, "And no, I not telling you how, mladshaya syestra. Such is not necessary for little sister to know."
Ria pouted at that refusal. "One of these days, big brother, I am going to figure out how you pull off all your little tricks."
Both twins chuckled at that.
Yevgeny said with a grin, "Da, someday, maybe. That day is not today." He continued more seriously, "Basic ID that will pass with no questions easy enough to get by tomorrow night. Deep paperwork to substantiate he is more than ghost will take longer, but is smart for us to start arrangements for in case more prying happens and mage is here for length of time."
"How much longer will the extra paperwork take?" Ria asked.
"Keep out of trouble at club tomorrow night and we are fine," 'Geny said with smirk.
"Ria said I should not use my name on these papers," Raistlin added. "That it is too well known, not like names found here, and would arouse suspicions if we do."
Ivan nodded. "This is all true enough. Did you two come up with an alias?"
"We were kinda hoping you two might have ideas," Ria answered. "We also need help with a cover story for his sudden arrival here and us knowing each other. I was thinking of telling Darlene and Lexi that we go to school together."
The Russian twins considered that matter for several seconds.
"Did you not mention yesterday that Janet would be with you girls tomorrow night?" Ivan asked
Ria's expression fell. "Oh yeah. I kind of forgot about that… She'd know he doesn't go to school with us."
"Is no matter," 'Geny said confidently. "Raistlin has new job with Ivan. He is to get warehouse and inventory in order, and help prepare items for presentation when I am away. We are neglecting such in recent months, and Ivan need help with such as business is picking back up. So we make story fact when you are busy with school and with Magpie. We say we are friends of family of his and father of his mention he is wanting to move to city for job and maybe look into colleges, so arrangement work for all. You say to girls we are letting Raistlin stay with us until money is save to have own place. Girls know we do such when you kids have need, so they think not of such happening again. We introduce boy to mladshaya syestra so he has friend as he is new to city, and ask little Ria to help him make friends as she has nice friends. They not need know that he stay with you when they are not here. Is simple story. Simple story is hard to make mistake of."
"That would work all around," Ivan agreed. His attention shifted to Ria, "I could pick Raistlin up in the mornings and then drop him off at Maggie's after work on nights you are working, and back here on nights you are in class. When you are out of school in a few weeks, if Raistlin is still here, I will give him summer hours so he is not cooped up all day and can spend more time with you and Maggie."
Ria was smiling cheerfully and gave Ivan a hug around the neck. "That sounds perfect, Ivan! You two really are the best!"
"Hey!" Yevgeny said with feigned indignation. "My hug is nowhere, mladshaya syestra? Cover story that works is my perfect idea!"
Ria giggled and got up from where she was seated to give her surrogate brother a hug. She then turned to Raistlin and said in high spirits, "Didn't I tell you they'd be a huge help, Raistlin?"
"Indeed you did," Raistlin said with a smile, finding Ria's cheerfulness a bit infectious even though his mind was contemplating the situation as best as he could without directly thinking on the more concerning issues.
Raistlin was feeling simultaneously relieved that a source of legitimate employment was found, as he did not like the idea of constantly relying on Ria's hospitality, regardless of her people's views on such; and feeling a small amount of trepidation over the fact that she would be left alone for something to happen while at school and work. Rationally, he knew such was necessary for Ria to continue her life productively. But that was her normal schedule and how things would be had he not been brought here, and that meant that the danger she was in was not being averted and could find her as it would have while alone. Raistlin may not be sure what he'd be able to do about stopping said danger, especially as said danger seemed to be coming in the form of renegade magic users of this world, but he certainly couldn't do anything if he wasn't there. He tried to reassure himself that if Ivan and Yevgeny were proposing this idea, and they were just as aware of the trouble looming as he was, then they must be fairly certain that it would be safe to proceed in such fashion. He could discuss the issue more with them when they were alone for the evening. That list of things to discuss later was ever growing.
"Now, Sir Mage," Ria said teasingly, just about bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement, "we just need to figure out what sort of fake name we can give you that will be easy to remember. Once we get that done, this will be fairly well settled for the first part of getting you blending in!"
Raistlin gave a small laugh, doing his best to humor his charge and not give her the chance to pick up on anything amiss, looking questioningly between the mentors. "Do either of you have any suggestions on what may fit our needs in this situation?"
"I would think something similar to your own name for the first name, as that is what you will be addressed by most frequently," Ivan said contemplatively. "The last name we will want to change entirely, however, so it is not obvious what name it is supplementing."
"Your friends and siblings in Solace call you 'Raist'?" Yevgeny asked the mage.
Raistlin nodded once, deciding not to comment on whether his brother's friends truly counted as his friends. "Some of them do at times, yes."
"Easy enough," Yevgeny said. "Here, we leave 't' off and you are 'Race', as in car or horse race. Is common enough name."
"Why didn't I think of that?" Ria asked herself rhetorically.
"Mladshaya syestra already have enough to think on," 'Geny said with a grin forming again. He gave a wink as he added, "And she not have same experience of needing to think of such things on spot as big brother has."
Ria giggled at the mention of his more shady means to conduct business.
Yevgeny's gaze shifted to Raistlin and said in continued good humor, "If someone is curious of name, you say you are born early and fast, and such convince your mother you will do all things in such fashion as you are growing. Smart mage as you now are, such is true."
Raistlin couldn't help but give another short laugh at that word-splitting reasoning. "I suppose I can live with that story and reasoning. 'Race' it is."
'Geny nodded. "I think you say that. You have features similar to those of north isles who are people Maggie come from, other world accent is touch Brit, so we say your father is from England. You are born here and pick up little of his accent. Last name, we keep simple and common so entire name is not exciting or memorable enough to cause many questions. Last name something such as Smith, Jones, Allen, Johnson, Dayne, Parish, Cooper."
"Smith, Jones and Johnson all sound like quickie spy names or people in the witness protection program," Ria said with a disagreeing expression. "And Cooper sounds like a dog's name. Parish is too religious."
"Mladshaya syestra is picky for one who is not thinking of names on own," Yevgeny replied with a chuckle. "So name is to be Allen or Dayne?"
"How about Race Allen Dayne?" Argyria suggested. "Most people have middle names these days anyway and Allen has got to be one of the most common. I can't count the number of guys I know with Allen as a first, middle or last name."
"Race Allen Dayne," 'Geny repeated, considering. "Such name works." His grin returned as he said, "And initials spell 'rad'. Situation and mage are both in many ways."
That comment elicited giggles from Ria and a chuckle from Ivan. Raistlin gave 'Geny a confused look, not understanding the joke.
"Rad is short for 'radical'," Ria explained helpfully. "Which has many meanings here- from the most defining features of something, to meaning something far reaching, to something or someone that favors major changes away from convention. 'Rad' is also kind of outdated slang that means something is awesome or excite-worthy."
Raistlin nodded his understanding. "I see. I can't find complaint with the name, so if that is what you three agree on, I will play along with such."
"I believe it will suit just fine for what we need it to," Ivan agreed with the general consensus. "Yevgeny, it might be a good idea for you to head back to our house and pick out an outfit for Raistlin to wear for traveling about until we buy outfits for him later today."
Yevgeny groaned unhappily. "You are not making me drive old man car?"
Ria started giggling again. "I don't think anyone would call the Mercedes an old man car!"
"Is not my bike," 'Geny grumbled, "so is old man car. Old man car for old man who is wanting to feel young."
"You will survive being seen driving it for one short drive," Ivan said with a smirk. "At least I bought the black and not the red."
"If you buy red, I disown you, and you know such," 'Geny replied frankly. "Bad enough you buy old man car; no need to add stereotypical old man color to atrocity."
Ria was having a small giggle fit now. "Oh, and I suppose driving a rice rocket is so much better?"
"My motorcycle is Ducati! Custom engine, paint, and chrome!" was 'Geny's highly affronted and loud protest. "Is not cheap rice rocket! Mladshaya syestra dare say again about such magnificent racing bike and she is in for trouble!"
Ria could only laugh at the response. "Is that so, big brother?"
"Da, is so!" Yevgeny insisted, smirk forming "I will go get rice rocket Vic or Brian own, tie you up so you not get away, and take you for drive on cheap bike. After, I do same for Ducati at top speed. You will learn damn quick there is big difference!"
"You wouldn't dare!" Ria squeaked with wide eyes, no longer laughing.
Ivan was now trying to smother chuckles at the exchanges between the two.
"Da, I will dare!" 'Geny assured her. "You are needing get over silly fear of motorcycles anyway, so such serve you two lessons."
"You try it, 'Geny, and I'll gnaw my way out of the ropes and then kick your ass," Ria vehemently threatened.
"I will only need make sure I use thick ropes," Yevgeny teased right back. "And fighting big brother while he is driving fast bike, you will cause accident. Threat is not so smart?"
Ria glared and humph-ed at that. "You are evil incarnate, 'Geny."
"Only when mladshaya syestra provoke and make me channel such," 'Geny said, smirk a full-fledged grin now. "Other times I am most awesome big brother you have and my little Ria know such is true."
"Yeah, yeah," Ria agreed with clear feigned reluctance, rolling her eyes. "I suppose you're alright most of the time…"
"Fickle woman," Yevgeny jested with a shake of his head. "One minute, you give hugs and say big brother is best, next say only 'alright'. Spring wind change temperament less than mladshaya syestra. You lucky you are little sister."
"I only change temperament when big brother provoke and make me channel such tempest," Ria teased in an accent mimicking 'Geny's, using his words against him. "Other times I am most awesome little sister you have and my big brother know such is true."
Raistlin couldn't help the chuckle that slipped out at that, and the twins were laughing as well.
"Cheeky mladshaya syestra," Yevgeny said in good humor, tweaking Ria's braid, causing her to squeak again and bat at his hand.
"Damn you people and your hair-tugging habits!" Ria protested, speaking normally again. "I'm going to go bald if you all keep it up!"
"You have Rapunzel hair and is meant for such," 'Geny laughed. "Is impossible for you to go bald."
Ria pouted. "Yeah, yeah. Maggie talked me out of cutting it short, though you people always tugging it makes me want to reconsider that."
"You thought to cut it how short?" 'Geny curiously asked.
"Spiky pixie short?"
"Hell no!" Yevgeny exclaimed immediately in horror. "You do such and you are looking as though you are feminist Dianic friends of Darlene who are such terrors at festival! Ones with athames around necks, scowling at men as though they are waiting for first chance to chop off manhood with blade! You dare cut hair in such fashion, is last straw for such nonsense! I will make sure you never think such again! Then I am hunting Darlene and giving sound thrash for going too far with influence on my little sister! Then I am hunting crazy lesbian friends of hers and forcing sense in heads of theirs so they stop with absurd hating of men and hypocritical fashioning of self as men are when they are having such hate in first place!"
Ivan and Ria both began laughing at the vehement outburst. Raistlin understood enough of the displeased threat (though he wasn't sure what hair style exactly Ria meant, nor how it pertained to her friend's previously described skewed beliefs on men) to be both amused and semi-worried that 'Geny might not be entirely joking about both what he'd do and how her friends behaved.
"I think I agree with both Yevgeny and our dear Maggie on this, Ria," Ivan said as his laughter tapered off. "We may tease you at times for the long hair, however, you would not seem quite like our dear little Ria if you cut it."
Ria gave a dramatic sigh. "I suppose I shall forever be consigned to the role of the eternal child in the family."
"You are the youngest," Ivan said with more chuckles. "There are worse things one could be." He turned a mischievous dark-eyed gaze to his twin, "Such as the eternal rebellious omega."
Yevgeny scowled at that, but then a smirk tugged at his lips. "Get wolf hierarchy right. I am alpha, not omega when it comes to family. Only omega when it comes to punishing outsiders, as I am ending of theirs then. And such is still better than eternal old man."
Raistlin smiled at that as Ria and Ivan laughed, but his smile at the banter was more rueful now. Such genuinely innocent teasing interactions among this surrogate family, and between the twins, brought up that familiar and unwanted pang of discontent and resentment that Raistlin sometimes felt because he and his own twin couldn't find much common ground. They were just too different in almost all matters for there to be some bridge across that great divide and find some understanding of the other. That same pang that he felt on occasion because there was only the basest of familial ties with their sharp-tongued and secretive sister who was incapable of such kind-spirited banter, and even more incapable of being given such trust as these three obviously had in one another.
The mage's musings were interrupted before they could become too in depth by Ivan turning the conversation to him.
"Raistlin, while Yevgeny is out picking up a temporary change of clothing for you to wear, we can discuss with Ria some of the most immediate plans for the weekend, and some of the things you should expect while out with us and then Ria. Once you are prepared for being out in our world and changed as needed, we can all go out to do necessary shopping together as I noticed Ria had among some lists she made a grocery list as well. As she is expecting Alexandra and Darlene this afternoon, it would be wise not to waste what time we have. Does that sound agreeable?"
"It does," Raistlin agreed. "Are there going to be many things I should be concerned about while we are out?"
"Concerned over, no," Ivan said pleasantly. "There are, however, a great many differences between our world and your own, and such will be far more noticeable once you leave little Ria's apartment. It would be beneficial for you to know what to expect so that you will not be overly startled from such differences and draw attention."
Raistlin nodded in agreement and glanced over to Ria. "I am guessing this inter-world adaptation test will be more difficult to memorize in the span of a few minutes than the last was?"
Ria shrugged and gave a reassuring smile, "A little more difficult, but even more important. We'll keep it to just the immediate matters for this test. Ivan and 'Geny can give you a more in depth lesson while you're with them tonight."
"I will be certain to pay attention then," Raistlin said.
Yevgeny sighed and said grudgingly, "If such is plan, I go drive old man car now and pick up clothing. I am choosing from my clothing, as I not quite so wide in waist as Ivan, and such will spare you from looking as stuffy old man he look like most all times."
"You are only a couple inches smaller in the waist," Ivan said with a small hint of annoyance. "You make me sound as though I am as big as Saint Nick."
"Not near so big, no," 'Geny conceded with a smirk. "But office job is not keeping you as fit as you once are. Mage has smaller waist than us both, so few inches make difference."
"Keep it to your tamer outfits, please," Ivan said with a sigh.
"Is my plan to pick up clothing such as I wear now, with exception of bringing short sleeve shirt instead of tank top," 'Geny said sarcastically, gesturing to his black pants, sleeveless shirt, and boots. "I can bring clothing I am usually wearing to clubs if such is unacceptable?"
Ria began giggling. "If you two were the same size, he might pull those off well enough for you to bring them. But I don't think that'd be quite appropriate for being seen in the light of day."
'Geny rolled his eyes. "Is yet more ridiculous standards of society of today- saying some clothing fine for night but not for day. Clothing is clothing and is fine for wearing no matter hour. Is occasion that make for difference…"
"Even still," Ivan interrupted what clearly promised to be a potential rant, "your original plan for clothing will be fine."
"Da, all my plans are always fine," Yevgeny agreed. "And all my plans carry out fine. Still, people always surprise I have such plans and plans work. Such low expectations you all keep."
"Perhaps because you sometimes like to add a shock and awe factor to the plans that make them seem potentially hazardous?" Ria suggested teasingly. "Or that sometimes your plans are a close call for success?"
"Close call is still success," 'Geny stated assuredly as he walked out of the room. "And nothing wrong with addition of style in plans. Is what is setting genius professional from base pretenders. I return in short time with clothing Race need. Not so short as when I drive Ducati, but short enough. You make certain our new employee is ready for first tour around city."
"You get a ticket while driving my car, you will be paying for it!" Ivan called after him in warning. "And you forgot the car keys!"
"I forget no such thing and I not pay if I say I am you with haircut and dye, time at gym and brother throw out my pretentious clothing so I finally get less stuffy fashion sense!" Yevgeny taunted as both the jingle of keys and the front door opening could be heard.
Ivan leapt up and patted down all his pants pockets, scowl quickly growing as he found them all empty. "Damn it, Yevgeny! Get back here with my wallet!"
The door closing was the answer Ivan received.
"He'll be long gone before you even reach the door, Ivan." Ria was clearly trying very hard not to burst out laughing as she exchanged a glance with her angry mentor, who looked like he was contemplating chasing after his twin and had muttered something in a language Raistlin didn't understand. Giggles started to slip out as Ria added, "You gotta give 'Geny credit. He's as slick as a kender when it comes to tall tales, pick-pocketing, and making hasty well-timed retreats. You've been sitting here this whole time and never noticed."
Raistlin once more couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out at that comment.
Ivan gave a heavy sigh and looked between the two laughing younger adults. "I suppose one of you noticed when he did it?"
"Not when he did it," Ria admitted. "But I noticed both were gone when you guys all came in here."
"It must have happened before we were introduced," Raistlin added. "You haven't had anything in your pockets since I first saw you."
Ivan groaned in irritation and sat back down. "Yevgeny must have realized we would need someone to go out for clothing for you when we realized you were in fact you. I should have known he was up to something when he grumbled over such as would also give him a chance to be outside for an extended time and having a cigarette, regardless of his complaints over the car."
"What do you think he's up to now?" Ria asked, expression intrigued.
"Who knows these things with Yevgeny, except perhaps the gods?" Ivan said in exasperation. "He may only be buying himself a quick breakfast on my card, or he may be gone for the next two hours on a shopping spree."
"I don't think he'll do the latter," Ria said. "He knows we're on a time crunch."
"I did not say I thought he would be shopping for himself," Ivan replied, voice returning to a more neutral tone as he shook his head.
"He did say his plan was to pick up some of his clothes first," Ria pointed out. "Even if big brother is up to something, he doesn't lie to family about his plans, just sometimes misdirects."
"Whatever that brother of mine is up to," Ivan said in resignation, "I suppose we will hear of it when he returns."
"You should get a belt loop chain for your wallet," Ria suggested in good humor. "It would slow 'Geny down a little when he wants to borrow your wallet if it's on a leash."
Ivan snorted back a wry laugh. "That is a fair idea, dear little Ria. Perhaps I shall look into such while we are out today."
"It's a shame robes are apparently so conspicuous here," Raistlin said, smirk forming. "They're far easier to hide pockets in and much more difficult to pick-pocket."
"Is that why mages wear robes instead of normal clothes?" Ria asked curiously between giggles.
"It certainly helps keep kender from stealing precious spell components," Raistlin said wryly. "Otherwise, the forefathers of the rules of magi may have simply declared it because they're far more comfortable."
Ivan chuckled at the assessment and Ria was now in a full giggle fit again.
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A/N: Thanks again go to OrthoEllis. Hope it doesn't disappoint!
Early update as I will busy tomorrow, and didn't want to forget to update all weekend. I see that 18 people read the last chapter. How about some of you throw OrthoEllis a bone and leave some reviews, so she doesn't feel all the weight of being encouraging for this fic?