[Well, today's certainly been an odd one, hasn't it. Amaya hasn't been sure of what to make of...any of this, really, but she figures that getting to the place they've set up is going to be paramount. Amaya doesn't immediately go home; she ends up taking another route through town which lets her see some more of the town's sights before she end up getting to the 'apartments', as they call them. Huh. Strange, but rather practical things. They just build houses on top of one another, now...? She'll have to see if she can find some blueprints to look over; maybe something like this would be good to bring back to Fefello Caelum.
Still, she's fully expecting to enter into rather spartan arrangements; she's never really been one for customization, but perhaps she will have to see what sort of gods are prayed to here, so she can set up a place of worship. It feels...strange, not to pray to at least something, even in another world. It doesn't take long to reach the apartment in question; rather high up in the building, but Amaya matches the key number to the door and nods her head. No chance of entering somewhere she's not allowed, at least.
So it's with an easy rustle and click of the lock that Amaya lets herself in and...!]
[Contrary to Amaya, Zvei heads straight back to his assigned room, but that's more out of practicality to make sure he knows where it is before he heads back out for the night. He plans to obtain as many interesting books as he can get his hands on and read for the foreseeable future until he has no choice but to sleep; and that will be more easily accomplished once he knows where he's staying.
The apartment is rather sparse; a decent amount of space for just one person, and furnished enough to be functional, but not particularly pretty or cozy. Still, it'll serve Zvei's purposes well enough! Though his initial plan was to head back out, he gets distracted by the appliances in the kitchen (which means yes, he is playing with the microwave... at least he didn't put anything in it).
His hearing isn't all that much better than a human's, so he really only notices that someone else is entering when the door opens. He pokes his head around the doorway to the kitchen as he blinks owlishly. Shouldn't he be the only one with the key to this place...?]
...Miss Amaya?
[And wouldn't you know it, it's a familiar face who has gotten the door open, and likely looking just as dumbfounded by this development as he is. The microwave beeps in the background, immediately forgotten.]
I--my apologies, Mr. Zvei, it seems I must have found my way into the wrong apartment--
[Amaya bows her head deeply, embarrassment clear on her face as she's just. Gonna check the door again briefly, bringing her key with her to...check it...
...
No, this. This is the room in question. Uh. Well.]
...Nobody told us that they were going to potentially room people together, or did they simply give me the wrong key? Goodness. Have they truly optimized housing to this level, so that two people may share it...or...
[Ah, well--she shouldn't get distracted. Amaya bows her head again, clearly sheepish.]
...I should not get so distracted. Please, do allow me to apologize. Should I try to find another room...?
I wasn't aware such a thing could happen either! But nonsense, if you've been given the key to this room, then clearly we're to be roommates!
[He's never had a roommate before! His introduction to Ruby Dawn was a bit different than most, he basically skipped over the entire process of being a regular recruit and jumped straight to being an Operative. Meaning he never had to share a room with anyone and was given his own office for his work right away. So he missed a fundamental part of the experience, but he gets to experience it now! How delightful.]
I'm unopposed, though I don't mind finding a new room if you'd prefer this one to yourself. Really, I see no reason to worry too much about it; there's enough space here for two people.
[...Though there is only one bedroom, isn't there...??]
[Amaya...thinks about it for a moment, seeming to genuinely consider this. She could easily tell him to leave, of course. It would be the first time she's ever actually had a room to herself; though not by choice for most of her life (the cultists always had to be watching), she did like having Aneirin in the room with her and sharing that attic room with him did make her feel safer at night. It helped that he was often awake well into the night in case she had a nightmare, and...
...
Well. Amaya will close the door behind her and get settled in, shaking her head. She doesn't know about the one bedroom situation for now, but...]
...I do not mind sharing this space with you. It...does seem optimized for two, and perhaps there is a reason that people are sharing rooms. It would be quite improper as a guest, to go against such a thing.
[She's going to get settled at whatever passes for a table here, pulling out a seat and gathering her bearings a bit.]
...I did not expect you to be so excited about it, either. So...it would not do, to dampen your spirits--though I cannot imagine why you would be so excited...
Perhaps that is something I'll simply have to understand, in time. Do you...like it here? I take it you've had a chance to explore it, some.
I've never had a roommate before! Well, that I can remember, anyway.
[But her question is a good way to redirect from that nasty little topic, so he nods and launches into an explanation.]
It seems to be a rather standard room, as you can see there's this living space which should be suitable for any time either of us wishes to spend in, and there's a small kitchen area as well, though here!
[C'mon, feel free to follow him in here to get a look at things!]
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this technology, but I'm not - it would seem that most of these are for cooking or storage, though we'll have to determine exactly how they work!
Before Amaya gets to ask about that, Zvei launches onto another topic and she finds herself sighing a touch. Still, she seems to listen and she'll even get up from the chair and follow him. And here she wanted to be comfortable...]
I see...I admit, I have never utilized a kitchen to any extent before. Usually Aneirin or Sister Almandine took care of that for me. I...have never seen anything so modern, before, it's...strange? But I suppose it will take some getting used to.
I do hope I can count on your assistance, in such matters. [...] If anything should break in terms of furniture at least, I ought to be able to fix it; do let me know if that ends up being the case. But I am largely unfamiliar with most of this technology.
[Still, let's take a look at some of the other rooms...the bathroom is decently sized, at least, though she's already looking at what a mess her hair is after today. Maybe she can put it off a few more days before she has to fix the flyaway hairs...]
...I do hope we will not get in too much trouble, should anything break while we try to figure out how it works.
Of course, I'll be delighted to share anything I learn about these devices.
[He can fend for himself when it comes to cooking, though this is going to require some more dedicated research... Maybe we'll rely on take-out for a few days.]
Oh, are you something of a carpenter? Woodcraft is certainly outside my expertise, so I'll be sure to let you know if I need your assistance!
[Though hopefully we won't be breaking any of the furniture or anything. Something something, insert a joke about breaking the bed here—
Anyway, while Amaya's off looking around (you may notice that one singular bed as well), Zvei's busy searching through the drawers for anything left behind. Look at this, someone left us instructions for the microwave! Probably would've been better if he'd read this earlier... Oh well.]
Oh, I wouldn't worry too much. Surely they've experienced those from other worlds struggling with such things before!
I am, yes; I've assisted in building most of the houses in Fefello Caelum for many years now, though I'm often called upon to assist in furniture repairs as well. I've known my way around a hammer and nails for almost a decade now. I will be...happy, to assist.
[just ignore that little pause there, it's probably fine--
But once Amaya's had a bit of a look around (and has decided she is taking the floor, because clearly that is just how this is going to work now), she'll meet back up with Zvei and nod her head at his findings. Her look doesn't really...change much, admittedly, no light in her eyes, but it's acknowledgement.]
...I do pray, that it is indeed the case. The people here from other worlds, if nothing else, are quite eager to help. If worst should come to worst, the...'device' as one of them called it, it should allow us to contact someone.
[Still, she's just going to grab a glass of water quickly.]
If nothing else, the bed seems of good quality, and checking it over, there did not seem to be any issues with it. You should be able to sleep soundly upon it.
...Incidentally, it appears this room is only outfitted with one bedroom. I shall bequeath it to you.
[Though when she returns, Zvei finally looks up from digging through the drawers. There's nothing else left here, so we're going to have to get our own pots and pans eventually, but it doesn't hurt to be thorough!!]
Oh no, no! I couldn't possibly take the bed from you, miss Amaya. I'll sleep on the floor. Or the couch! The couch will probably be comfortable enough.
[...It would work better if he wasn't six feet and likely to have his feet hang off of it...]
[...Amaya looks to the couch in the living room, eyebrow raising dubiously.]
Absolutely not? That couch is much too small for you, you're going to end up quite uncomfortable. Please, allow me to take it so that you may take the bedroom; I insist.
What, don't tell me you're actually considering it? If only there was a way to shut the Dragon up--it's something that gets Amaya's gaze to dart, as if looking to something in particular that Zvei cannot see, but it almost just looks like she's shy or maybe just apprehensive in general, but...
He annoys you greatly. It isn't as if he has anything to offer you. And even if he did, I won't let you have it--]
I...would not mind that. [Amaya looks to Zvei briefly, a little apprehensive, but...] If you're going to insist upon being stubborn, at least. I suppose this could assist in harnessing our powers as well, being in relatively close proximity.
[...]
I do have a tendency to be unable to sleep very well, however. Please, if little else allow me to apologize for that much.
[A little shy about it, perhaps? How cute. There's no real sense in being so quaint, particularly in a place like this that rewards touch.]
Oh, don't fret too much about that. I have a dreadful tendency to get lost in my work and forget to sleep, or return to bed fairly late, so between the two of us maybe we'll occasionally get a functional night of rest!
[Hahahaha, probably not.]
Pleased to see you think the same way, though. This should be quite the boon for our new powers!
You're assigning me as your reminder to go to sleep, are you.
[It's almost a joke? Sadly Amaya tone is a bit too dry for it to land, and a little too monotone and kind of dull, but it seems to have been an attempt.]
I am hoping so. I imagine that we will need as much power as we can, in order to take care of the threats in this world. To be able to gain it at such a steady rate...I suppose this will serve us well. I think.
[Still, Amaya's dull expression persists as she nods her head--it's at least settled, then.]
...Perhaps we ought to get to know one another, if we are to be sharing...quarters, like this.
...As long as you ensure I have a way to reach you, I do not see why not.
[please make her play Where's Zveido someday, please, she will be so annoyed--
Still, Amaya nods her head and tips it toward the living room; come on, let's sit down at least and get comfortable if we're gonna do this. Amaya's eyes meet Zvei, dull as ever as she tilts her head, watching him get settled in.]
But yes, I have nothing to hide. What would you like to know, my child?
[Well, this is an interesting place to start, but--Amaya straightens her back a bit. Still rather tiny, even with them both seated on the couch but...]
I am...mostly simply a village leader; though Fefello Caelum existed back when I was a child, most of it's former residents had moved on to other places. [amaya just isn't going to say that most of them uh, crossed into the land of the dead, so to speak--] My retainer and I had elected to rebuild it, and...residents cast out of other places, either due to their own choice, or out of fear of retaliation.
Fefello Caelum has since rebuilt itself as a place for anyone to seek shelter, so long as they respect their fellow man. I...simply became it's leader, due to my own strength against the monsters that plague the forest around Fefello Caelum.
[It's a surprisingly modest story, all be told. But there's...definitely a lot left out, and Amaya's done doesn't have any pride in it at all. Just the same, dull, borderline monotone.]
And yourself? You...mentioned, that you were a researcher; what is it that you research where you come from, if you do not mind my asking?
How fascinating... It sounds as though it's a position you didn't actively seek out, but one that ended up happening regardless. Do you like it?
[Technically speaking, he is a leader within Ruby Dawn, but given that his research subject matter was of the utmost importance to their explorations, his experience as an Operative was much different from other researchers'. And speaking of!]
Correct. Let me first explain the Aeli, the World Tree. Supposedly all life comes from the Aeli, and its Branches can be found throughout Aelios, housing some of the strongest monsters and most potent magic. Deep within these Branches are exceptionally powerful stones of crystallized magic known as magicaeli. My research has been into these stones, with the purpose of finding a way to use them to break the barrier around the Aeli so that my guild, Ruby Dawn, could mount an expedition into unknown lands and learn more of the Aeli itself.
My research is nearing a breakthrough, so it is a bit annoying to be pulled here right now, but a break is never a bad thing.
[...Oh, that gets a noticeable pause out of Amaya, before she collects herself and seemingly forces herself to nod.]
I do. [She almost looks like she's about to add I think to that, but she elects not to.] To serve the people is my duty after all, my child.
[Still, Amaya is absolutely content to bury the lede there, let's focus on this instead--]
Fascinating...to think that one mere tree could do the work of a God is unthinkable, where I come from. And you have all built your life around it...such a thing must be a sight to behold. Is the Aeli akin to some sort of god, and the magicaeli the god's gift in reward for your curiosity, perhaps?
It truly does sound fascinating...I think. A shame that you were taken from your research so soon. What sort of things have you found out about them, if you will permit me some curiosity? Have you come close to breaking past the barrier, or is that a long ways out still...?
[Yeesh, serving the people sounds awful. Couldn't be him. Anyway!]
The Aeli is often considered similar to our gods. Some say that it was the very first creation of the gods. Though despite it being the center of so much of our world, as far as I'm aware, no one actually worships it. It simply is our world.
[He grins at her curiosity and assumption both, clarifying:] Magicaeli are formed only through death - powerful monsters killed by adventurers who brave the very tops of the Branches... or adventurers who simply weren't strong enough to conquer the monsters. A reward for curiosity it isn't... for most people. I find them quite fascinating, however. They are essentially crystalized mana - the innate magic of all beings. As a power source, nothing else can compare.
There are seven Branches of the Aeli, named after each of the main gods. My assumption is that the magicaeli formed in each Branch would be different from one another, and gathering all seven would provide enough power to break the barrier... but we'll have to see if that's true or not.
[jk it definitely is, but he's not going to get into... all of that.]
[Amaya just states that with all of the bluntness of a brick to the face. She blinks a bit, eyes briefly widening before they seem almost forcibly put back into a dull, unaffected expression. Maybe it's by force. Maybe she just doesn't care.
...
Look, it isn't the first she's heard of this--]
Interesting. I imagine each of these magicaeli must be incredibly unique, then, based off of that. Truthfully, your world tree almost sounds akin to Madide itself--all of it's world's connected, but far more separated, as decreed by the Creator and Granter.
...It is a shame that you cannot see if your theory is true just yet. I think. But in due time, I am certain that you will find the answer. I pray that it is worth all of your toil and research, my child.
Are...there any other uses for magicaeli that you have found? Souls they may be, but...they sound akin to the runes that the Granter gives us, to utilize magic...
Indeed, magicaeli can be used much like any crystallized mana stone - that is to say, they can be used to bolster one's physical and/or magical might, recharge enchantments, strengthen potion effects, and provide power to our cities... just to name a few! Magicaeli simply do this at far greater a level than any other mana stone; as such, they're highly valuable and sought-after. Many an adventurer dreams of the hefty chunk of gold they'll get for finding one! Most don't know exactly how they're created, only that they are found within the Aeli's Branches.
[So not everyone is okay with using souls to power everything. Well, probably. There's really no telling how people would react if they knew, because it would involve giving up the convenience of power magicaeli bring, so.]
But I've talked at length about this and now I'm curious... Tell me about the Granter and Creator.
I see. In a way, it is sort of akin to one having a use when they die...that even their souls return to the world in such a way, both to assist the living, and to pass on back into the Aeli. Assumedly, at least.
Truly, it is fascinating...I think. I can get an idea of how your world operates. At least a little bit.
[Still, Amaya seems to ease a bit at the mention of the Creator and Granter. Mostly because her connection to those deities is minimal, but maybe it is nice to not let him talk so much. She feels so much less annoyed.
(She doesn't know if she likes it, honestly.)]
The Creator and Granter are the ones who created Madide, according to the stories passed down from the Wordsmiths that people hold as gospel. [Religion hyperfixation a go--there's almost some sort of dull light in her eyes, but it's rapidly snuffed out as she continues to speak.] When the world originally ended, two Goddesses came together at it's end to bring forth the birth of a new world--the Creator was said to be the first to breathe new life into the land, creating each individual place and soul without an end. It was She who attached the leaves to the trees, filled the rivers with water, and the world around Her with life and beauty. Each creation was said to be precious to Her, her adoration filling the world and brightening it with the glow of life...
The Granter, on the other hand...She wanted to give these creations meaning. She is what grants purpose to the lives that the Creator had made, giving them each purpose in Her name. It was She who granted all beings the ability to seize magic for themselves, in the name of their improvement. She created the runes that we use today as catalyst for our magic in Madide, in order to allow us to propel to greater and greater heights and discoveries. For it is said that the Creator and Granter wished for love and prosperity upon the world, even as it split into pieces that They would eventually divide amongst themselves; three pieces for each of them. Six worlds total. These fragments of the original world became different worlds entirely, each governed by the Goddesses' way of thinking.
I...come from a world that is supposedly under the Granter's jurisdiction; a world of self reliance, in a way. Quercetem has always been about that, in some manner or another, regardless of Her existence.
[Beat.]
Or, so it spills from the mouths of the Wordsmiths, the Granter's most devoted acolytes. They are not a force to be trifled with, even if their Goddess is not one I have seen in Madide. I...prefer those who's existence I can see with my own two eyes.
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necromants) wrote2025-11-14 06:01 pm
Action; ~roomies time~
Still, she's fully expecting to enter into rather spartan arrangements; she's never really been one for customization, but perhaps she will have to see what sort of gods are prayed to here, so she can set up a place of worship. It feels...strange, not to pray to at least something, even in another world. It doesn't take long to reach the apartment in question; rather high up in the building, but Amaya matches the key number to the door and nods her head. No chance of entering somewhere she's not allowed, at least.
So it's with an easy rustle and click of the lock that Amaya lets herself in and...!]
Oh...!
[There's. Someone in here already???]
poor amaya does not deserve this
The apartment is rather sparse; a decent amount of space for just one person, and furnished enough to be functional, but not particularly pretty or cozy. Still, it'll serve Zvei's purposes well enough! Though his initial plan was to head back out, he gets distracted by the appliances in the kitchen (which means yes, he is playing with the microwave... at least he didn't put anything in it).
His hearing isn't all that much better than a human's, so he really only notices that someone else is entering when the door opens. He pokes his head around the doorway to the kitchen as he blinks owlishly. Shouldn't he be the only one with the key to this place...?]
...Miss Amaya?
[And wouldn't you know it, it's a familiar face who has gotten the door open, and likely looking just as dumbfounded by this development as he is. The microwave beeps in the background, immediately forgotten.]
nah i think she deserves exactly this
[Amaya bows her head deeply, embarrassment clear on her face as she's just. Gonna check the door again briefly, bringing her key with her to...check it...
...
No, this. This is the room in question. Uh. Well.]
...Nobody told us that they were going to potentially room people together, or did they simply give me the wrong key? Goodness. Have they truly optimized housing to this level, so that two people may share it...or...
[Ah, well--she shouldn't get distracted. Amaya bows her head again, clearly sheepish.]
...I should not get so distracted. Please, do allow me to apologize. Should I try to find another room...?
Or are you...quite alright, with this?
π
[He's never had a roommate before! His introduction to Ruby Dawn was a bit different than most, he basically skipped over the entire process of being a regular recruit and jumped straight to being an Operative. Meaning he never had to share a room with anyone and was given his own office for his work right away. So he missed a fundamental part of the experience, but he gets to experience it now! How delightful.]
I'm unopposed, though I don't mind finding a new room if you'd prefer this one to yourself. Really, I see no reason to worry too much about it; there's enough space here for two people.
[...Though there is only one bedroom, isn't there...??]
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[Amaya...thinks about it for a moment, seeming to genuinely consider this. She could easily tell him to leave, of course. It would be the first time she's ever actually had a room to herself; though not by choice for most of her life (the cultists always had to be watching), she did like having Aneirin in the room with her and sharing that attic room with him did make her feel safer at night. It helped that he was often awake well into the night in case she had a nightmare, and...
...
Well. Amaya will close the door behind her and get settled in, shaking her head. She doesn't know about the one bedroom situation for now, but...]
...I do not mind sharing this space with you. It...does seem optimized for two, and perhaps there is a reason that people are sharing rooms. It would be quite improper as a guest, to go against such a thing.
[She's going to get settled at whatever passes for a table here, pulling out a seat and gathering her bearings a bit.]
...I did not expect you to be so excited about it, either. So...it would not do, to dampen your spirits--though I cannot imagine why you would be so excited...
Perhaps that is something I'll simply have to understand, in time. Do you...like it here? I take it you've had a chance to explore it, some.
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[But her question is a good way to redirect from that nasty little topic, so he nods and launches into an explanation.]
It seems to be a rather standard room, as you can see there's this living space which should be suitable for any time either of us wishes to spend in, and there's a small kitchen area as well, though here!
[C'mon, feel free to follow him in here to get a look at things!]
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this technology, but I'm not - it would seem that most of these are for cooking or storage, though we'll have to determine exactly how they work!
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Before Amaya gets to ask about that, Zvei launches onto another topic and she finds herself sighing a touch. Still, she seems to listen and she'll even get up from the chair and follow him. And here she wanted to be comfortable...]
I see...I admit, I have never utilized a kitchen to any extent before. Usually Aneirin or Sister Almandine took care of that for me. I...have never seen anything so modern, before, it's...strange? But I suppose it will take some getting used to.
I do hope I can count on your assistance, in such matters. [...] If anything should break in terms of furniture at least, I ought to be able to fix it; do let me know if that ends up being the case. But I am largely unfamiliar with most of this technology.
[Still, let's take a look at some of the other rooms...the bathroom is decently sized, at least, though she's already looking at what a mess her hair is after today. Maybe she can put it off a few more days before she has to fix the flyaway hairs...]
...I do hope we will not get in too much trouble, should anything break while we try to figure out how it works.
no subject
[He can fend for himself when it comes to cooking, though this is going to require some more dedicated research... Maybe we'll rely on take-out for a few days.]
Oh, are you something of a carpenter? Woodcraft is certainly outside my expertise, so I'll be sure to let you know if I need your assistance!
[Though hopefully we won't be breaking any of the furniture or anything. Something something, insert a joke about breaking the bed here—
Anyway, while Amaya's off looking around (you may notice that one singular bed as well), Zvei's busy searching through the drawers for anything left behind. Look at this, someone left us instructions for the microwave! Probably would've been better if he'd read this earlier... Oh well.]
Oh, I wouldn't worry too much. Surely they've experienced those from other worlds struggling with such things before!
[please don't set your kitchen on fire—]
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[just ignore that little pause there, it's probably fine--
But once Amaya's had a bit of a look around (and has decided she is taking the floor, because clearly that is just how this is going to work now), she'll meet back up with Zvei and nod her head at his findings. Her look doesn't really...change much, admittedly, no light in her eyes, but it's acknowledgement.]
...I do pray, that it is indeed the case. The people here from other worlds, if nothing else, are quite eager to help. If worst should come to worst, the...'device' as one of them called it, it should allow us to contact someone.
[Still, she's just going to grab a glass of water quickly.]
If nothing else, the bed seems of good quality, and checking it over, there did not seem to be any issues with it. You should be able to sleep soundly upon it.
...Incidentally, it appears this room is only outfitted with one bedroom. I shall bequeath it to you.
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[Though when she returns, Zvei finally looks up from digging through the drawers. There's nothing else left here, so we're going to have to get our own pots and pans eventually, but it doesn't hurt to be thorough!!]
Oh no, no! I couldn't possibly take the bed from you, miss Amaya. I'll sleep on the floor. Or the couch! The couch will probably be comfortable enough.
[...It would work better if he wasn't six feet and likely to have his feet hang off of it...]
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Absolutely not? That couch is much too small for you, you're going to end up quite uncomfortable. Please, allow me to take it so that you may take the bedroom; I insist.
[are you two really doing this]
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Perhaps we're overthinking it? The bed's large enough to share; I have no problems with that. That way we're both sleeping soundly.
[hmm. doubt.]
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What, don't tell me you're actually considering it? If only there was a way to shut the Dragon up--it's something that gets Amaya's gaze to dart, as if looking to something in particular that Zvei cannot see, but it almost just looks like she's shy or maybe just apprehensive in general, but...
He annoys you greatly. It isn't as if he has anything to offer you. And even if he did, I won't let you have it--]
I...would not mind that. [Amaya looks to Zvei briefly, a little apprehensive, but...] If you're going to insist upon being stubborn, at least. I suppose this could assist in harnessing our powers as well, being in relatively close proximity.
[...]
I do have a tendency to be unable to sleep very well, however. Please, if little else allow me to apologize for that much.
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Oh, don't fret too much about that. I have a dreadful tendency to get lost in my work and forget to sleep, or return to bed fairly late, so between the two of us maybe we'll occasionally get a functional night of rest!
[Hahahaha, probably not.]
Pleased to see you think the same way, though. This should be quite the boon for our new powers!
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You're assigning me as your reminder to go to sleep, are you.
[It's almost a joke? Sadly Amaya tone is a bit too dry for it to land, and a little too monotone and kind of dull, but it seems to have been an attempt.]
I am hoping so. I imagine that we will need as much power as we can, in order to take care of the threats in this world. To be able to gain it at such a steady rate...I suppose this will serve us well. I think.
[Still, Amaya's dull expression persists as she nods her head--it's at least settled, then.]
...Perhaps we ought to get to know one another, if we are to be sharing...quarters, like this.
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[Teehee. She doesn't have to, of course, but far be it for him to refuse such a kind offer!!
Though she moves on, and Zvei nods; both at the idea of harnessing this new power and at getting to know one another better.]
Indeed! I'll gladly answer any questions you have - I imagine you'll do the same?
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[please make her play Where's Zveido someday, please, she will be so annoyed--
Still, Amaya nods her head and tips it toward the living room; come on, let's sit down at least and get comfortable if we're gonna do this. Amaya's eyes meet Zvei, dull as ever as she tilts her head, watching him get settled in.]
But yes, I have nothing to hide. What would you like to know, my child?
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Anyway, Zvei follows, moving to sit next to her with a nod at the question.]
Let's start with the basics! You said you're a leader, correct? What sort of leader, and how did you get that position?
no subject
[Well, this is an interesting place to start, but--Amaya straightens her back a bit. Still rather tiny, even with them both seated on the couch but...]
I am...mostly simply a village leader; though Fefello Caelum existed back when I was a child, most of it's former residents had moved on to other places. [amaya just isn't going to say that most of them uh, crossed into the land of the dead, so to speak--] My retainer and I had elected to rebuild it, and...residents cast out of other places, either due to their own choice, or out of fear of retaliation.
Fefello Caelum has since rebuilt itself as a place for anyone to seek shelter, so long as they respect their fellow man. I...simply became it's leader, due to my own strength against the monsters that plague the forest around Fefello Caelum.
[It's a surprisingly modest story, all be told. But there's...definitely a lot left out, and Amaya's done doesn't have any pride in it at all. Just the same, dull, borderline monotone.]
And yourself? You...mentioned, that you were a researcher; what is it that you research where you come from, if you do not mind my asking?
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[Technically speaking, he is a leader within Ruby Dawn, but given that his research subject matter was of the utmost importance to their explorations, his experience as an Operative was much different from other researchers'. And speaking of!]
Correct. Let me first explain the Aeli, the World Tree. Supposedly all life comes from the Aeli, and its Branches can be found throughout Aelios, housing some of the strongest monsters and most potent magic. Deep within these Branches are exceptionally powerful stones of crystallized magic known as magicaeli. My research has been into these stones, with the purpose of finding a way to use them to break the barrier around the Aeli so that my guild, Ruby Dawn, could mount an expedition into unknown lands and learn more of the Aeli itself.
My research is nearing a breakthrough, so it is a bit annoying to be pulled here right now, but a break is never a bad thing.
[Hahahaha. Sure.]
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I do. [She almost looks like she's about to add I think to that, but she elects not to.] To serve the people is my duty after all, my child.
[Still, Amaya is absolutely content to bury the lede there, let's focus on this instead--]
Fascinating...to think that one mere tree could do the work of a God is unthinkable, where I come from. And you have all built your life around it...such a thing must be a sight to behold. Is the Aeli akin to some sort of god, and the magicaeli the god's gift in reward for your curiosity, perhaps?
It truly does sound fascinating...I think. A shame that you were taken from your research so soon. What sort of things have you found out about them, if you will permit me some curiosity? Have you come close to breaking past the barrier, or is that a long ways out still...?
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The Aeli is often considered similar to our gods. Some say that it was the very first creation of the gods. Though despite it being the center of so much of our world, as far as I'm aware, no one actually worships it. It simply is our world.
[He grins at her curiosity and assumption both, clarifying:] Magicaeli are formed only through death - powerful monsters killed by adventurers who brave the very tops of the Branches... or adventurers who simply weren't strong enough to conquer the monsters. A reward for curiosity it isn't... for most people. I find them quite fascinating, however. They are essentially crystalized mana - the innate magic of all beings. As a power source, nothing else can compare.
There are seven Branches of the Aeli, named after each of the main gods. My assumption is that the magicaeli formed in each Branch would be different from one another, and gathering all seven would provide enough power to break the barrier... but we'll have to see if that's true or not.
[jk it definitely is, but he's not going to get into... all of that.]
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[Amaya just states that with all of the bluntness of a brick to the face. She blinks a bit, eyes briefly widening before they seem almost forcibly put back into a dull, unaffected expression. Maybe it's by force. Maybe she just doesn't care.
...
Look, it isn't the first she's heard of this--]
Interesting. I imagine each of these magicaeli must be incredibly unique, then, based off of that. Truthfully, your world tree almost sounds akin to Madide itself--all of it's world's connected, but far more separated, as decreed by the Creator and Granter.
...It is a shame that you cannot see if your theory is true just yet. I think. But in due time, I am certain that you will find the answer. I pray that it is worth all of your toil and research, my child.
Are...there any other uses for magicaeli that you have found? Souls they may be, but...they sound akin to the runes that the Granter gives us, to utilize magic...
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[It has to be. Because if it isn't—
Well, no sense in thinking about it, right?]
Indeed, magicaeli can be used much like any crystallized mana stone - that is to say, they can be used to bolster one's physical and/or magical might, recharge enchantments, strengthen potion effects, and provide power to our cities... just to name a few! Magicaeli simply do this at far greater a level than any other mana stone; as such, they're highly valuable and sought-after. Many an adventurer dreams of the hefty chunk of gold they'll get for finding one! Most don't know exactly how they're created, only that they are found within the Aeli's Branches.
[So not everyone is okay with using souls to power everything. Well, probably. There's really no telling how people would react if they knew, because it would involve giving up the convenience of power magicaeli bring, so.]
But I've talked at length about this and now I'm curious... Tell me about the Granter and Creator.
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Truly, it is fascinating...I think. I can get an idea of how your world operates. At least a little bit.
[Still, Amaya seems to ease a bit at the mention of the Creator and Granter. Mostly because her connection to those deities is minimal, but maybe it is nice to not let him talk so much. She feels so much less annoyed.
(She doesn't know if she likes it, honestly.)]
The Creator and Granter are the ones who created Madide, according to the stories passed down from the Wordsmiths that people hold as gospel. [Religion hyperfixation a go--there's almost some sort of dull light in her eyes, but it's rapidly snuffed out as she continues to speak.] When the world originally ended, two Goddesses came together at it's end to bring forth the birth of a new world--the Creator was said to be the first to breathe new life into the land, creating each individual place and soul without an end. It was She who attached the leaves to the trees, filled the rivers with water, and the world around Her with life and beauty. Each creation was said to be precious to Her, her adoration filling the world and brightening it with the glow of life...
The Granter, on the other hand...She wanted to give these creations meaning. She is what grants purpose to the lives that the Creator had made, giving them each purpose in Her name. It was She who granted all beings the ability to seize magic for themselves, in the name of their improvement. She created the runes that we use today as catalyst for our magic in Madide, in order to allow us to propel to greater and greater heights and discoveries. For it is said that the Creator and Granter wished for love and prosperity upon the world, even as it split into pieces that They would eventually divide amongst themselves; three pieces for each of them. Six worlds total. These fragments of the original world became different worlds entirely, each governed by the Goddesses' way of thinking.
I...come from a world that is supposedly under the Granter's jurisdiction; a world of self reliance, in a way. Quercetem has always been about that, in some manner or another, regardless of Her existence.
[Beat.]
Or, so it spills from the mouths of the Wordsmiths, the Granter's most devoted acolytes. They are not a force to be trifled with, even if their Goddess is not one I have seen in Madide. I...prefer those who's existence I can see with my own two eyes.
...I think.
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