Upon hearing of all their destinations, the eight travelers began to discuss their plans to actually get where they need to. Their paths were loosely intertwined in the southeastern region of Orsterra. From that trajectory, a ship would be the fastest diagonal through the sea, without wasting trekking on the edge of the land again. While Odette was a busy woman, she was able to provide them some help on finding brokers for ships in Bolderdrop. The little port town, the only one in all of the Cliftlands, is not so far from Bolderfall. Therion keeps a close eye out for any familiar faces to hide from as they arrive to the town, amid some crowds of others seeking a ship out as well.
While it was a bit premature of a trip after how much they had gone through in Quarrycrest, H'aanit and Olberic would not tolerate slowing down the others on account of their injuries. Alfyn keeps them in strict supervision, asking how their endurance and injuries are faring at intervals.
"Gee, Alf, you're way into this whole doctor thing, huh," Tressa drinks from her flask as they rest outside the gates of Bolderdrop for a break. The port settlement is not very big, and one can see the ships entering the port from here. They had already got their tickets and now wait for the ship that will take them to the Coastlands.
"Of course! We can't be traveling sick!" Alfyn exclaims like it's obvious, "That's bad for the traveler and people they visit!"
"Alfyn has a very determined mindset, hehe..." Primrose chuckles softly, "That's why you're going to Goldshore on account of that story, right?"
"Well, yeah, but... I mean, passing through Stonegard ain't a bad idea either!" Alfyn chuckles, "It's nice to see new places and maybe gather new herbs!"
"You ever think about maybe actually making a profit instead of total pro-bono work?" Tressa leans in with business schemes in mind, "I could totally see that. I can manage clients, gather materials through faster channels, and you can just focus on curing people. We'd make a killing, I'm sure!"
"I-I don't think money should be the driving factor in providing treatment for illness..." Ophilia gives a small, nervous laugh.
"Hey, do you want Alf to starve himself while helping only out of the goodness of his sucker's heart?" Tressa asks pointedly.
"Hey, hey, it's fine! I can get by!" Alfyn raises his hands with a friendly smile.
"Doesn't the church charge a fee for their services?" Primrose raises an eyebrow at Ophilia.
"Erm, I... I think so?" Ophilia thinks a moment, "But we don't for some cases…"
"There is an interesting political and financial conundrum with the church. Monetary compensations to the church originated from both tithes and voluntary donations by goers, which provided a plethora of services, from healing to consecration. However, recent developments in the size of operations, as well as the overall diminishing donations eventually forced a series of financing reforms in the church, which included a now-flat fee for the various services formerly-"
Linde gives the scholar a slap of her tail on his rump, making him yelp and cut off prematurely.
"... So, thou willst to Goldshore?" H'aanit looks to Ophilia with a soft expression. Linde still looks very catty whenever she perks up at H'aanit talking to the cleric. Hägen merely rests his head on his front paws folded under his jaw.
"Well, yes, that is the plan with the, uh, block on the Riverlands!" Ophilia says with a slight flush, "But, um... I want to make sure your wounds are alright, so I might take a stopover in Stonegard with you all before I go for Goldshore..."
"Hey, we're thinking the same thing, Lia!" Alfyn chuckles.
"I think it befitting that I accompany you both to Goldshore after as well, then," Olberic nods.
"Huh? Oh, ya don't hafta do that, Olberic..."
"Nay, I insist," Olberic claps Alfyn soundly on the shoulder, "You both helped save my life. That is a debt I do not intend to go unpaid. My own journey is not of utmost urgency, after all."
"Uh, thank you so much, then. We will be in your care...!" Ophilia bows hastily.
Therion rolls his eyes as he keeps an eye out at the port of Bolderdrop. The hunt for these dragonstones is driving him up a wall at this rate. It sounds like just dead end after dead end. He's starting to wonder if it was all some cosmic joke he got sent on this prank of an errand. It'll be a year or years before he gets free of this thing. He might even almost consider cutting it off at some point…
"I'll help ya look for your stones too, Therion!" Alfyn grins and loops an arm over the thief's shoulders.
"Worry about your own stuff, idiot," Therion scoffs.
"Hey, look, I think I see the ship!" Tressa turns her head to see something like a thin spire rising in the horizon of the water.
"Are you excited to be going back to Rippletide so soon?" Primrose smiles at the merchant girl's enthusiasm.
"...Oh," Tressa had about forgotten that almost, "Uhm... I mean, I'm stopping by so... I mean, I'll see my folks, sure."
"Yes, that would be for the best," Primrose gazes out distantly towards their ride, "You don't have many opportunities to catch up with loved ones on the road."
…
Aboard the SS Gunther, the eight adventurers are luckily able to have gotten a cabin to themselves. It is cramped, of course, but it provides a layer of privacy that most other riders do not have. This is all thanks to Tressa's generous use of her newfound monies from her venture in Quarrycrest.
"Wow, four beds!" Alfyn looks way too optimistic at the two bunk cots squished atop one another on the sides of the room, leaving for little other space in the room once everyone lays down.
"Why are we always sardines..." Therion grumbles.
"Hey, be grateful! This cabin cost an arm and a leg with the demand for seats on this ship!" Tressa says with a hint of pride.
"And we are very grateful for your purchasing skill," Olberic nods, "I would have perhaps only bought seats."
"Hmph! You learn real quick that a 'seat' is just a word! There isn't much regulation on them overflowing the boat. Then you won't find seats even if you paid!" Tressa nods and folds her arms.
"Rr..." Linde immediately makes a beeline for a corner.
"Oh, Linde isn't very fond of the tight space, huh?" Ophilia chuckles softly, "It really was quite a luxury now, on captain Leon's boat, looking back."
"Just you wait. Once I've got the dough, I can get my own ship, too, and sail all over!" Tressa says confidently.
H'aanit looks out with slight displeasure at the crowded hallways of the ship cabin level. People who did not buy cabin tickets probably could not find any seats or room, and so camp out in the cabin area, just outside.
"Well, it seems we will not have the luxury afforded before of traveling the ups and downs the ship as we had before... But!" Cyrus clenches a fist before his face, "We shall make the best of this trip nonetheless from within our designated quarter!"
"Huh?" Alfyn blinks at the scholar's enthusiasm.
"What's gotten into you?" Primrose raises an eyebrow.
"He's finally lost it, duh," Therion mutters.
"I have come to the conclusion that I have been sorely neglecting my duties as an educator!" Cyrus declares. Everyone sort of just stares at his sudden burst of zeal. He clears his throat and continues, ignorant of the awkwardness.
"I have been lecturing for far too much without proper elucidation and teaching! Thus, I insist that while we have this valuable time to ourselves that I give a quick and educational experience!"
"Wait, you wanna hold a class here?" Tressa looks at the scholar like he just grew three heads.
"Precisely!" Cyrus nods proudly, "Forgive me for assuming but... most of you did not have a typical education, correct?"
"Aw shucks, I didn't go to no schooling, nope," Alfyn rubs the back of his neck, "I hung with Zeph and his dad in the field. My ma was the one who taught me letters."
"What a coincidence. My father taught me my letters," Primrose says quietly.
"Well, we had an education of sorts with the church, though it was not an actual school..." Ophilia thinks a moment.
"I learned everything from my mom and pop's store!" Tressa seems very proud of that, "All numbers, words... sales will teach you everything!"
"I did learn in a Hornburg school," Olberic folds his arms, "But only until I was old enough to join the army."
H'aanit and Therion are rather silent on the matter, but everyone could more or less tell what their answers might be.
"Now, I know you all must know your letters and arithmetic. However, I will have you know that my expertise as an educator lies in history and my particular passion or arcana! Within this field are multitudes of lore and practical application! And, what luck, we have several Gates among us who may find this invaluable!"
"I doubt it," Therion mutters.
"Uh..." Tressa seems skeptical, "I mean, I might be new to the whole magic thing and all, but-"
"Splendid! I can teach in just about any environment. Simply gather yourselves about and I shall provide all the visuals! I have just the books in my valise!"
"Cy, is all your bag just books?" Alfyn stares at the scholar digging through his luggage.
"Of course..." Therion massages his forehead.
"...How studious," Olberic clears his throat.
"But of course!" Cyrus plucks out a rather large tome, "A good professor must always be prepared to teach! Now then, a lesson is in order!"
"... Why don't we humor him?" Primrose smiles wily and goes to sit down by the cot.
"Because we have better things to do?" Therion rolls his eye.
"Don't tell me yer off to pickpocket the boat!" Alfyn looks to the thief, "C'mon, learn a thing or two with me! I'm sure Cy has a lot to teach!"
Therion shoots Alfyn a side glare for revealing his scheme. He scowls and ends up sitting next to the apothecary. Tressa gives an aghast expression before clutching her stuff.
"This is... admittedly quite exciting..." Ophilia giggles as she settles down, "I had wanted to attend a class while we were in Atlasdam, truth be told."
"Oh? Why you should have said so earlier, dear Ophilia! Time on the road is perfect for learning!" Cyrus declares.
"... Twould serve only to maken the trip longer," H'aanit sighs as she sits next to Ophilia. Linde gives a throaty snort and grin.
"Alright, first things first. When learning about magic, one must be well-versed in the history of magic as a divine gift, as well as the development of the different elemental aspects. Then, we may change course into more modern applications and phenomena, like the production of soulstones," Cyrus nods, "Yes, all riveting content!"
"Just get on with it!" Tressa heckles him.
"Ahem. As is well established, there are four typical elements of magic humans can wield. Fire, Wind, Lightning, and Ice. There are, of course, the two well-known exceptions," Cyrus points to a nice diagram on his conveniently sized book, "Darkness and radiance. While the normal four elements are known as 'neutral,' darkness and radiance are known to be 'polarities.'"
"Uhh..." Alfyn tilts his head this way and that, clearly not getting it. He raises his hand, "What does that mean?"
"It's good and evil, isn't it?" Ophilia speaks up, "Darkness is a power that usually ne'er-do-wells use. And radiance, or light, is what good people can cast. That is how we are taught in the church..."
"That is more or less a very polarizing way to look at it," Cyrus chuckles at his own joke, "In the scholarly field, we started to move past using terms like good and evil to describe these two, as it is not a very objective standpoint. What I mean by polarity is simply positive and negative. Positive usually means adding, and negative is to take away, understand?"
"Hmm... Then, by polarities, you mean to say that dark magic is essentially 'nil' or 'nothingness'?" Olberic rubs his chin.
"Yes, that is one theory. It explains why dark magic is so dangerous. It is essentially a void that drains its surroundings without ever being filled. Wounds inflicted by it are slower to heal, since it continually devours at flesh and soul alike. Thus, people attribute it to the fallen god Galdera's endless hunger for power and domination. On the other hand, light magic is often associated with healing, because it adds to others, and is as overflowing as the comparable wisdom of Aelfric," Cyrus nods along, "Which brings us to the next segment on magic. The gods."
He turns the page to show all thirteen gods.
"Excuse me, before you do," Primrose interrupts, "Do you know any more examples of the magic elements and their relations?"
"Hmm, a good question. Mixing polarities with neutrals are known to yield a vast variety of effects. For example, it has been observed that flame magic and darkness can create illusions. Much like the smoke from flame and the emptiness of the dark, these are arts of trickery. Dark magic, while we can call it 'nil,' is every bit as versatile as light. For example, the emptiness that sucks everything in also has a grounding effect, similar to gravity or binding," Cyrus waves a finger around as he rambles, "This comes in addition to its normal necrotic powers of stealing life or negating it. And, of course, this is directly opposite to the radiance of light, which restores life and amplifies it. Thus, mixing wind and light may create a refreshing effect like a breeze, while mixing it with dark may create airborne illness."
"Hmm... I see..." The dancer seems to think a moment.
"Anyways! Onto the gods... While they are not always known to be overtly acting, the gods are heavily tied with magic and human capability. Origin stories of the gods speak of thirteen individuals who rose Orsterra from the depths of the sea to be a bridge over the wide sea. It is said that, once upon a time, Gateways were much more ample in the world. However, due to events of catastrophe involving the Rings across the continent some time back, it was then that Gates suddenly became more and more sparse. There has yet to be a scholarly consensus on such matters, but most say it is the waning faith of the gods for humans. Thus, with this many of us being Gates in a room is quite the luck! But we are discussing attributes here," Cyrus points at each god, "Aeber is the god of thieves, but is also known to have been the god who granted humans the fire they needed to see through dark times. Aelfric's auspicious light is of a similar nature, but with it also came holy healing arts. Bifelgan is a god who is associated with wind, as he commands merchants and their fleets about seas through storm or shine. Dohter is commonly associated with ice, which has been used since ancient times to treat inflamed wounds. In general, a lot of cooling or anti-inflammatory substances are also attributed to Dohter as the god of apothecaries."
Alfyn nods along. He's taken out Zeph's book to look at some notes on similar bits on the god of apothecaries, "...Ah shucks, I don't have a quill!"
Therion digs out the pen he stole from Hilma's shop and flicks it at the apothecary. He had no use for it anyway.
"Oh, thanks, Therion!"
"Draefendi, the goddess of the hunt, is commonly equated to lightning with how her blessed weapon of the bow strikes like a storm. She is also able to command animals both swift and as sonorous as thunder. These are the four primary elemental associations, plus radiance. The others are much more complicated," Cyrus turns the page, "Brand, for example, is not associated with magic at all. Rather, he is a master of arms and battle tactic skill. Winnehild is another such example, being known as a weapons master. They constitute a contrast against magic. There was some debate for a while about whether Brand was actually a god of earth magic, since his sword is said to cleave mountains and carve rivers... I am more of the idea that Brand might be a god of sound, hence his moniker Thunderblade."
"That could be so. We worshipped Brand plenty within the Hornburg military," Olberic nods, "War horns are attributed to a song of sorts in honor of Brand. However, we did not associate him with magic."
"Mm, yes, I thought as much. Perhaps it should be pure physical force...? Ah, well, I shall ponder on that after. Onto the next gods. Alephan, Dreisang, and Balogar are all considered primary gods of arcana. The three are able to call on multiple elements. It is said that Alephan was the first to teach humans the art of scholars, allowing people to hone magic more reliably. Dreisang, in contrast, is said to have been the creator of Gateways in the first place, which is magic through birth. Thus, there is a distinction between scholar and sorcerer. Scholars are usually learners, while sorcerers have an innate talent. Balogar's contribution is similar to Alephan's, in that he created runic script so humans could better create and craft magic items that could reliably store arcane power."
"Oh, wait, wouldn't Steorra fit in there then?" Tressa raises her hand.
"That is an excellent point, Tressa. Steorra's magic is indeed of more than one element. However, her main gift to humanity is said to be divination, which is atypical of any element. For now, we can group her as her own category, perhaps. Divination, for those who do not know, is the magic to see into different places, including minds and even different times! The Star Oracle's Index is a yearly compendium that I recommend for those who are interested, as it draws from priests dedicated to Steorra to provide the yearly readings."
"Doesn't that book cost a pretty leaf?" Tressa makes a face, "My pop told me never to rely on that thing for sales advice."
"In addition to love and financial information, the Index also interestingly estimates the number of Gates that remain in the realm yearly, and even categorizes them by element! A useful tool indeed. As of recent, these numbers have regrettably been on a decline," Cyrus sighs, "While the number of Gates is not causal to anything in particular but a decline in access to magic, many take it as an omen of ill-fortune... Anyways, where were we?"
Ophilia counts over the gods they had gone through so far, "Ah, Cyrus, there's only two more gods..."
"Ah, yes, thank you, Ophilia," The scholar regathers his train of thought, "Galdera and Sealticge... Yes, these two are rather controversial entities..."
He points to a picture of the two gods in a dark-colored motif. Galdera is depicted as a gruesome, yet detailed image of a knight with blood and monstrosities flanking him. As though in a dance with him, the lady of grace, Sealticge, is throwing her raiment of desire over the mortals, riding along with the thirteenth god in a chariot wreaking destruction and chaos.
"Both Sealticge and Galdera are gods associated with darkness and, frankly, downfalls. Where Galdera controlled the flesh and its desires, Sealticge enraptured minds and held souls captive with her wiles. In some gnostic lore, Sealticge was even Galdera's mistress before his ghastly fall from grace," The scholar rubs his chin, "In those stories, Sealticge did not have the stomach for Galdera's destruction. His dark power over undead repulsed her beauty, and so she found him too ugly and turned to aid the other gods in bringing him down. As such, when it comes to the dusk of times, Galdera symbolizes those blinded by their appetite, and Sealticge represents the ones who bring such ruin."
"Hmm... Haven not I heard this," H'aanit shakes her head, "Only of the twelve haveth the dancing goddess."
Primrose is silent. A hand goes to absentmindedly touch her chest, where her necklace covers.
"I think we had some stories like that in Hornburg… Sealticge's betrayal was what clinched the god's triumph over Galdera, in one such story, because she was able to enthrall the entire population of dragons and win their favor… And dragons were instrumental in sealing Galdera," Olberic nods."
"Dragons? Ain't they just monsters?" Alfyn looks up, "Never heard of 'em that way."
"Do you know anything about these beasts, H'aanit?" Cyrus glances to the huntress.
"… Dragons…" H'aanit closes her eyes briefly. She remembered Z'aanta's raucous laughter as he recounted how he felled such a creature with a true arrow through the neck. The next time he told it, the arrow pierced the eye.
"…I haven never hunteth one meself… Mine master boasteth of his own feat. But I knowe not much more. They aren of legend more than a typical beast."
"Indeed. Nowdays, they are discussed almost as myths. It is postulated that dragons were actually more numerous once upon a time. However, when they aided the gods in the war, they were struck with a curse from Galdera, which made them lose all their senses and become typical, violent beasts," Cyrus sighs, "Many were killed as a result after, and now we only hear stories of dragons being pillaging tyrants."
"Wait, did Sealticge get punished for betraying Galdera then?" Tressa tilts her head.
"No, she escaped punishment. There are theories that her deception was never discovered by Galdera," Cyrus rubs his chin, "True to her name as the Lady of Grace, she evades consequence and doesn't make any false steps."
"Yeesh, that's pretty convenient…"
"Yes, well, these gnostic tidbits are only from one such school of thought. They do have a lot of reputation, I must admit," Cyrus thinks a moment, "Anyways, that just about covers all those basics. Now, let us discuss deeper into elemental interactions and world history!"
Therion groans, not bothering to hide it.
…
Within a few minutes, Cyrus had just about gone over all the different elemental differences, attractions, repulsions, and overall relationships between the elements.
It wasn't so simple as one might think.
The world's creatures are more or less amalgamations of the elements in certain ratios, with some exceptions. Humans are fairly balanced, even in the portions of light and darkness. One might not expect that humans even had ice in them, but humans are not entirely warm. They would die and dehydrate in pure heat. Additionally, the combination of ice and fire is what creates water. Water is a nonmagical element tied closer to ice than to fire, and it is a necessity of life for humans. Blood is often contrasted with water, and associated in part with the darkness element, as is flesh. Human mentality is also stained with darkness, allowing them to commit crimes and misdeeds. Light, on the other hand, usually symbolizes the metaphysical self, the soul, and human empathy. The element of wind is the breath that many creatures need to respirate to live. Lightning as an element is associated with instinct, spurring someone to act as fast as a flash. In some more scientific circles, the lightning element is associated with any form of kinetic energy, from a heartbeat to the ability to run. These ratios within a creature determine things like temperament, environment, preference, and much more of their existence than one can reliably believe.
Usually, one would be quick to assume that fire melts ice and thus creatures of places like the Frostlands are all susceptible to flame. While this is not false of most of them, there is a good deal of resistance among monsters against certain magics. Such creatures are better dealt with using weapons, simply. An example of this sort would be something like the snow marmot, which is not easily affected by fire due to its special external coat of fur. Instead, it is more effective to smack it with a blunt object or even electrocute it to bypass that extra pelt. H'aanit points out however that, while she herself is a lightning gate, the use of lightning in hunting is usually discouraged since it is known to denature the meat of the animal it is used on.
Exceptions to the mix of elements rule tend to be special creatures like elementals or constructed creatures. Fire elementals are pretty much void of anything but the fire element, for example. In the case of constructs, it is similar. Usually, a single element is used within a stone, metal, or similar frame in order to magically animate it. Humans have so far been unsuccessful in utilizing multiple elements as they are found in forms of nature, and thus stick to using one or two at most. These single or dual elemental creatures are much more predictable in weakness as a result.
Darkness and light are considered the most prominent of elements, since they can mix with anything to augment it, without as many side effects. As Cyrus elucidated earlier, dark attribute mixtures would usually be used for offensive purposes, while light would be more for something like healing.
"The best way that people have been able to mix elements or isolate them has been through the use of soul stones," Cyrus brings out another book from his valise, solely dedicated to that topic, "Which have a rather interesting amount of writing themselves!"
"Ohh, I know those! They sell for a real pretty leaf!"
"I think we used those before… Ah, and back in the archives, didn't we…" Ophilia looks to the huntress.
H'aanit nods, "We hadden one foundeth in the moving lampe."
"Right, and we'd used it… Ah, I see! It had blasted us with icy air…" Ophilia gets a 'eureka' moment, "And when we used it, it was the same! So that was an ice construct…"
"Yes, soul stones can be utilized in many ways, some that are one use, others that prolong it. Constructs tend to last around ten years or so if their energy use is sparing. They have to be replaced then, and that can be costly in years when the soul stone production is down."
"What makes a soul stone, Cy?"
"Frankly, soul slivers. It is said that with every death and birth, souls are broken down and leave residue that is recycled into our world in the form of slivers. This is all metaphysical, of course, so empirical studies are close to none. It takes a lot of this spiritual matter to form something as solid as a soul stone, which is why they are considered valuable."
"Bet someone's looking for a way to just manufacture them for cheap," Therion scoffs.
"Right you are, Therion! It is very highly-sought research, which many investors have poured into!" Cyrus says enthusiastically, "Imagine being able to just harness the elements whenever we wish instead of waiting for years of magical accumulation to solidify!"
"It could also lead to more wars fighting for such resources," Olberic says with a slightly disapproving tone, "In Hornburg, there was a consortium that dealt with magical invention. They were driven by their greed and the king disbanded them for selling arms to the enemy."
"Well, magic is merely a tool in the end, used only for as much good or evil as the user," Cyrus sighs.
"How many more sections do we have in the lecture, Cyrus?" Primrose stretches a little, "I say it might be time for some recess…"
"Ah, of course, of course," Cyrus clamps his book shut, "Were there refreshments included with this room?"
"I wasn't paying extra for that! I pack food!" Tressa says proudly as she rummages through her bulging bag of goodies.
"Hey, me too!" Alfyn chuckles as he goes to pull out some heady smelling plants. Therion smacks his hand.
"I would wager we have enough food to go around if we share," Olberic opens his rucksack and takes out some of his usual dried items.
"Hope we're done sailing after already..." Therion grumbles under his breath as he swipes a slice of crusty bread.
"Hehe, ain't ya having fun, Therion?" Alfyn grins and gently elbows the thief, "It's like goin' to school!"
"...No comment."
…
As night falls on the SS Gunther, the hallways are filled with people sleeping on the floors, feet up on neighbors without much care. They're all smushed like sardines anyway.
Therion makes sure that Alfyn is asleep before he slips up and out. His footfall is practically nonexistent as he gingerly makes his way out of the room, careful not to step on anyone. His honed skills of stealth can evade even the sensitive ears of the beasts.
He steps out into the hall, mindful of the sleeping bodies underneath. Some of these people snore and shift around. The thief scoffs a little as he begins working his magic, taking his pickings from their pockets and exposed bags.
After a few minutes of meager pocket fishing, he steps out into the top deck, waving around the sleeping bodies. The open, salty night air above the sea was a welcome breath of freshness after being cooped up below deck with all the grime and mustiness. There are some people out here as well, but fewer. The crew needed room to maneuver, so they did not allow as many riders to camp here. Some people are bundled thickly against the walls of the cabin, by some barrels. The nightly temperature dropped a lot when sailing.
The thief glances to see some crew members taking a small break, smoking or just standing watch by the masts and ratlines. Therion steps over to the ship railing near the prow and leans on his elbows a bit, drawing the collar of his poncho up as a salty spray kicks up.
"...Not sleeping?"
He doesn't even need to be surprised that she's also awake. The thief scoffs and flatly eyes the dancer who stands a few paces next to him, leaned on the railing as well. She'd been as light on her feet as he was, such that he hadn't noticed her tail him up there.
"... Same for you, as always," He mutters.
"You won't get much off of these folks. The big catches wouldn't be laying around like this, you know?" Primrose says with a catty smile, "Surely, that's a thief basic."
"What do you know about that?" Therion rolls his eye, "You're just a flashy one."
"Dancers sometimes have to do things on the down under, too, you know," Primrose chuckles, "You think we're so above thieves?"
"Didn't say that," Therion sighs. A soft, night breeze blows by, ruffling his poncho and her red dress.
"... So, why do you steal even when there can't be much to take, my dear kleptomaniac?" Primrose looks to him with a hand in her wave brown hair.
Therion gives a wry huff, "Thieves steal, simple as that."
"Man, woman, child, doesn't matter. We're tea leaves that can steal the world from under its feet!"
Therion had to give Darius some credit for that.
"And where did you learn that?" The dancer places a slender hand on her chin, "I've heard thieves operate on a master and apprentice style sometimes. Did you have a master?"
"You ask a lot of stupid questions," Therion says on the side.
"Like it or not, your path seems to still be with us," Primrose giggles, "Don't think I forgot what little you shared. You've got me curious."
"You're just one to pry."
"A single thief like you out looking for something so small could be difficult. Wouldn't it be easier to have some extra friendly ears to the ground?" Primrose leans towards him, "You seem grumpier by the day at this rate."
"Like I'm just going to trust a murderer," Therion mutters under his breath.
"Maybe I'm not the one to say... But you at least trust Alfyn, right?" The corners of the dancer's mouth turn upwards, "You're surprisingly simple."
"Uh huh, what's that supposed to mean..." Therion trails off. This dancer is doing to him what he usually would do to others at a tavern. He wasn't much of a conversationalist. When he needed information, he would buy drinks around the table to loosen some tongues. This dancer... was basically making him talk, trapping him with his own tongue. And she didn't even need to buy him a drink. He gives her a suspicious look on the side.
"... Hehehe, no need to be so defensive... I don't use my magic for something as casual as this conversation," The dancer giggles, "It's cute that you're so on guard."
"Like that's so easy to believe..."
"You're not a very well-versed Gate, so I guess you would think it's just convenient to use whenever I want?" The dancer's smile is wry, "That's not the case. We dancers have to be naturally good at loosening people up, you know?"
"... I can imagine that," Therion averts his eyes.
"It's probably obvious to you and Olberic by now, but... I am a dark Gate," Primrose glances out to the sea around them, "The professor didn't talk much about it... but the Gates are as different as the magic they can use."
"Oh, are you going to lecture now?" Therion grumbles.
"No, I'm just letting you know. I don't rely on this power," The dancer's eyes look towards some distant lights, "I'm standing on my own two feet."
Therion doesn't say anything.
"... So, that means you've been willingly talking to me this whole time," The dancer says playfully.
"Psh. Good night," Therion turns to go back inside.
The dancer lingers a bit by where she stands, watching the thief leave with an amused smile. Her hair and dress wave in the sea breeze. The sequins glisten in the moonlight.
She remembered what her father had told her about the nature of her magic... how it can change someone and taint them from within. She remembered how she wanted to embrace this power so badly in order to make this unfair world pay.
Her thoughts drift a bit to her newfound companions downstairs. Alfyn and his kindness, Tressa and her wide-eyed gaze at the world, Cyrus and his naivete, Olberic and his staunchness, H'aanit and her eye-catching self... and Therion and his...
We dancers have to be naturally good at loosening people up, you know?
Loosen them up and then just drain them dry. Don't think anything more comes of it. Even if they aren't thieves... they are virtually similar. Keeping other people at arm's length and don't let your true self show... But she at least hid behind her flawless mask of a smile. He was just plain cranky. Maybe that was why she found him amusing.
I think it's because both you and I in the end are alone... Just in different ways.
At the back of her head, she thought to the interesting huntress they traveled with... and the cleric who seemed to always be at her side.
But of course. Who would want to walk alongside the dark?
She lets out a soft sigh and runs a hand through her hair before moving to re-enter below deck as well. These thoughts were meaningless. Her footsteps leave a faint tinkling in the air as her bangles and decorations move with her swaying steps.
…
The following day aboard the SS Gunther, a large drove of people filed up onto the upper decks to get some fresh air after being cooped up for so long amid the ride. So far, the voyage has been smooth sailing. They're projected to arrive either by tomorrow at midday or night in Rippletide.
"I think I am getting the hang of sea-reading...!" Cyrus announces. He is waiting alongside Tressa to go onto the top deck.
"That's just great," Tressa grumbles, "Just don't keep us all up, you know!"
Since she had finished reading the diary's filled contents so quickly, she didn't have as much for night reading anymore. Right now, they are all lined up with the other riders to get their time up in the cool sea air. Because of the limited space and the need to keep the upper deck a bit clear for the crew, they organized a rotation system to have people file up and down the stairs for their turn. The stairways are very crowded with one line going on top and another going back down. People clamor and grumble at the pace.
"Ugh, hurry up! It's just a breath of fresh air!"
"Hey, wait yer turn, fellah! I spent all night curled against a rank ass!"
"Like we all didn't!"
"My, the mood gets rather foul on such a crowded ship..." Cyrus sighs.
"Tell me about it. Linde and Hägen looked like they would kill someone this morning," Tressa sighs, "H'aanit and Olberic didn't look too happy either."
"Ah, I suppose their regimen is what improves their mood... Ophilia had told me it can actually aid in healing for H'aanit's case... perhaps it is true for them after all," Cyrus rubs his chin, "Though I am no physiologist nor apothecary as Alfyn is."
"Why didn't they wanna come up then?" Tressa mutters, "It's only you and me and that's no fun..."
"I'm sorry?" Cyrus didn't catch that bit.
"Nothing!" Tressa sighs loudly, "I guess not everyone's got a stomach for crowds like a seasoned merchant like me!"
"Oy, get a move on!" Some people heckle and holler. Others shove along, grumbling.
"Hey, hey, keep yer hands to yerself!" Tressa wipes her nose with nostalgic triumph as she shifts the strap on her large bag, "Yep, reminds me of the good ol' market!"
"Why're you bringing that huge lug?" Someone points at Tressa. She soundly ignores him.
"It's somewhat similar to the popular book signing events I attended many a time... as well as some seminars," Cyrus nods and holds his chin, "Indeed, the sheer amount of people crowding in that bookstore was quite incredible... A stampede may have been deadly..."
"I thought you just stayed in your study all day," Tressa tilts her head, "Didn't think you could handle crowds."
"My dear Tressa, I am a professor by trade! I teach a large body of students!" Cyrus says with some flourish, "But! Even before then, the life of a student scholar is rarely one of solitude! I remember avidly arguing theorems and crowding into the mess hall, sitting down wherever a seat may be... Ah yes, it is a life full of people indeed!"
Tressa wondered a little if Cyrus was just so oblivious to his surroundings that he just fit in by force. In her absence of thought, she is shoved forward a bit. Grumbling, she rights herself back on her feet. There is some snickering behind about the small girl hauling a large bag. Tressa hoped no one was getting any funny ideas.
"Cripes... Hey, Cyrus," Tressa mutters to the scholar, "Think I could actually, like, use my magic and just conjure a wind?"
"My dear, that would be very dangerous since it is clear you are a mere novice...!" Cyrus whispers back, "Often, it can be the finer tasks that prove most difficult...!"
"Oh, come on, how hard can it be?"
"Allow me to elucidate with an example," Cyrus rubs his chin, "There was once a student of mine who was a very avid fire gate. Unfortunately, they neglected caution in favor of passion and nearly burned off their colleague's eyebrows... while trying to light his pipe!"
"... I didn't know you could tell short stories," Tressa giggles.
"The point is-"
"Yeah, yeah, I got the point. Sheesh, but none of you guys are wind Gates, right? Not like I have anyone to teach me," Tressa folds her arms. They near the open upper deck now.
"On the contrary, Tressa, the usage of magic can span elements! Discipline and focus are not unique to any one type. I would be more than happy to take you under my wing as a magic student," Cyrus places a hand on his cravat.
"And be lectured all day?" Tressa flutters her lips, "No way."
"Theory can be every bit as important as practice," Cyrus nods, "I promise you that I will try not to disappoint with my lessons!"
Tressa squints at him a little. Her better judgment was saying a hard "no." She goes against her gut for once.
"Fine," She holds up a swift finger, "One demo lesson!"
"Splendid! Of course, we will have to do so once we reach the harbor," Cyrus chuckles.
Tressa wasn't sure if she should be cautious or excited, "How much do you charge for lessons anyway?"
"Oh, no need! We are companions and it would benefit us greatly if you were to refine your casting! Not to mention..." Cyrus rubs his chin with a small grin, "I am rather interested in observing wind magic, given its relative rarity."
Even if it was free, Tressa hoped it wouldn't be a bad purchase with her time. After all, her gut had said no, and her gut was pretty much the Scales of Bifelgan. But, hey, how bad could it be?
…
"Mm... yeah, that's looking way better... Up does it..."
Alfyn and Ophilia are helping H'aanit change her wrappings. Tressa and Cyrus left shortly to get some fresh air above deck. The others either had their fill last night or just lost their desire to step out upon seeing the dense lines.
"...It doth itchen," H'aanit mutters a little as Alfyn unwinds some fresh linen bandages.
"Ahaha, don't scratch now!" The apothecary chuckles as he focuses hard, creating ice crystals from his hand. Since they don't have a lot of water suitable for cleaning wounds, Alfyn creates ice to melt for them to drink and also wash. The apothecary assuages their worries for his overexertion.
"You're amazing, Alfyn...!" Ophilia says with a reserved smile, "You can use your magic so well...!"
"Aw shucks, it's nothing! It doesn't heal like yours, Lia!" Alfyn grins as he starts to redress, "Now, hold still..."
H'aanit sucks in a breath through her teeth when Alfyn presses some of the ice-chilled bandages to her wound. She grips Ophilia's hand.
"You're doing great...!" Ophilia says encouragingly.
"...Alright, it's set...! Lia, you can heal it up. I'll check on you next, Ol' Berg!"
"You really like mixing my aliases, hm?" Olberic says with an amused scoff as he undresses his top for the apothecary to examine.
"I can't choose yet! Maybe I'll get used to calling ya Olberic... or how about Ric?" A lightbulb goes off in Alfyn's head for a new nickname.
"Ric?" Therion lets out an amused snort.
"I think that's … cute," Primrose giggles.
"I don't mind," Olberic chuckles lightly, "I told you before... the legend, or whatever was, is hardly of import to me anymore. If the name Olberic had no prestige attached to it, perhaps it would be easier, actually..."
"You don't miss your old life at all? I don't know much about that, but..." Ophilia purses her lips a little as she focuses on healing H'aanit's wound.
"People will move forward despite their past selves. That's just life," Primrose says, twirling a lock of hair on her finger, "Sometimes, the past begs to be buried."
Ophilia looks down a little at her gloved hands healing the huntress' side. H'aanit tilts her head slightly and lightly brushes a hand on the cleric's forehead, pushing aside a stray strand of hair. The cleric blushes a bit and stiffens at the touch.
"It is not that I do not long for those days," Olberic chuckles with some self-derision, "But it does me more ill. I had contemplated for a long time following the fall of Hornburg... How I can never show my face to my fallen comrades in the afterlife for having failed to protect what I swore to uphold. I, instead, fled in the face of responsibility... I should have died for my kingdom, so now I live in disgrace."
"..." Alfyn frowns visibly and pokes Olberic on his sturdy chest muscles, "Don't ya go thinking that, Ol' Berg!"
"That's right... I'm sure your countrymen wouldn't want you to be so saddened..." Ophilia pipes up.
"... I understand. I know it doesn't do much good to dwell on that anyways..." Olberic nods, "But, I really don't care for the stories that have made my name so famous. I don't see the appeal."
"Well, don't push it. You're not that popular, considering how many of our little group didn't know of you," Primrose laughs airily, "Stories about the bygone Hornburg are usually relegated only to circles of learned groups. Most laymen don't even remember it."
"That's really weird, ainnit?" Alfyn says as he checks on Olberic's arms now for the places where the needles poked, "An entire kingdom going poof and no one even talking about it?"
"Shit happens," Therion blows a tuft of hair out of his face nonchalantly.
"We do live in more peaceful times. But upheavals then were probably normal... Though, I suppose it is strange for an entire nation to seemingly vanish from history, as if erased," Primrose shrugs, "But, we have here the living legend himself, so..."
"Hehe, anytime ya want, Ol' Berg, ya can tell us stories!" Alfyn lightly elbows the man as he finishes the examination, "Melody's grandpa always looked to have a grand ol' time telling us stories about how things were when he was younger!"
"I'd like to think I'm not that senile yet," Olberic gives a soft chuckle as he redresses.
"Well, good news! You're well on the mend, both of ya!" Alfyn says happily to the warrior and huntress.
"Thanken thee," H'aanit sighs a little as Ophilia finishes up healing and wrapping the bandages. The huntress sits up with a grunt and lightly feels her wound area before dressing back in her deerskin shirt.
"Hehehe, you're probably aching to go run around... Linde and Hägen as well," Ophilia glances over to the beasts resting in the corner. They were bored, she could tell.
…
When their ship finally docks in Rippletide, it is night. The piers had since been largely fixed from the pirate's attack. Workers along the docks are largely taking a break, since night ships don't come by that much. Many share a bottle of grog or some smokes as they sit around by spare barrels and crates, playing cards and being rowdy away from the stuffiness of the crowded pubs.
The adventurers unload their items and disembark from the SS Gunther. As they step onto the pier, Tressa stretches her arms wide and then cups her hands around her mouth.
"GOOD EVENING RIPPLETIDE!" She shouts in the direction of the town, "MISS ME?"
There are some swarthy cusses thrown her way from people trying to sleep. Some of the nearby drunken men cheer her on. Tressa grins and wipes her nose.
"Hehehe, hasn't changed a bit!"
"Are you crazy or something," Therion picks his ear.
"Hahaha, those are some nice lungs! Lemme try!" Alfyn rolls up his sleeves.
"Alfyn, maybe in the morning?" Primrose puts a firm but restraining hand on the overeager apothecary with a smile.
"Well, shall we hurry to the inn then in order to avoid being inundated by other goers?" Cyrus suggests helpfully, "I do think there might be a good deal of these same riders who will be seeking similar shelter tonight."
"I'm sure Tressa will be wanting to see her parents..." Olberic brings up.
"Uhh, no, nuh-uh, inn's fine! Rippletide inns are great, you know?" Tressa says a little nervously, "Cyrus is right, we should skedaddle over and nab us some rooms!"
"Wouldn't it be more economical if we could... Oh, but I don't want to impose..." Ophilia closes off that train of thought.
"It's fine, it's fine, I have money!" Tressa says hastily.
"Now, now, you can't skimp on seeing your folks," Primrose says with a knowing smile, "If they decide to invite us in, that's what they decide."
Tressa lets out a groan that echoes over the waves of the night.