[Yes, that does count for something, he thinks. How nice, to have someone whose company she likes - as much as she's capable of liking such a thing, anyway.
But moving on! This is absolutely fascinating.]
Quercetem being the "world" you come from, correct? How interesting, that yours is not limited to just one world but rather several attached through means of... magic? The gods? Certainly nothing like Aelios, all we have is our one world! Are these other worlds vastly different from your own?
Indeed. At least, that seems to be the running theory; it would explain the vastly different stories I have heard. [Amaya taps her chin in thought as she tries to think about what she's asked, before coming back with a nod.] A woman who consistently stops by to trade for supplies, for example, comes from a place known as Nusquam; she apparently leads a squadron of fellow women that help eradicate crime from the streets and...seas, if her eccentric talk is to be believed. Much of it I find quite confusing, though her powers are unlike anything I have ever seen.
She utilizes some sort of weapon that I have never been able to get the name of, but it seems to be a long...object which sort of acts akin to an automatic bow and arrow? But it shoots something much smaller and deadlier at the target.
And she is but one of a few people with circumstances like that. A few people came from Eluvies, which has fallen on hard times from what I am to understand.
[So while Amaya's knowledge of said worlds is sort of minimal, there's at least proof to that theory of multiple ones existing.]
But regardless, it does make matters quite interesting. Not that Quercetem needs it, with various quarreling powers both human and not at the helm.
How fascinating! It would seem your world...s are dealing with quite a lot! Having access to other worlds... why, even I might never get bored of that!
[Though who's to say, really.]
Thank you for indulging my curiosity. I find the concept of other worlds truly mesmerizing, and to think that you've people from other worlds within the place you come from! How delightful.
Hmph. [It almost sounds amused, but unfortunately, much like everything Amaya can't express, it's way too monotone and the intentional inflection is off as always.] You may not, but I can promise you, it seems to be more of a headache than it's worth. It's why I've never even given thought to seeing if there's a way out; I've too much to deal with as is. Leave it to the ones who have that curious spark.
But it truly is no trouble. You'll have to tell me more about Emirre, at some point; I must admit I am quite...curious about it now, I think.
[...]
Or at minimum, it would not be an unpleasant waste of time.
[He appreciates the honesty!! It even gets a short, sharp laugh from him.]
Hah, I'll take "not an unpleasant waste of time"! Emirre is one of the countries within my world, Aelios. It is one of the largest and most influential and mostly populated by humans. Ruby Dawn - that guild I work for - has its headquarters in Emirre, but also operates throughout most of the eastern continent, where Emirre's located.
As for Emirre itself... Well, it's a kingdom that recently went through a rather nasty fight for the throne with the prince overthrowing his father, the queen's consort, and becoming king. We've thankfully been spared any major conflict in recent memory outside of that, although rumor has it that the Sheliak Empire to the southeast might attempt to expand towards our borders.
If there's anything else you're curious about, you have but to ask! I'm always delighted to share my knowledge.
[As delighted as someone like him can be, anyway.]
[...It was a slight mistake, getting him talking again, but Amaya finds she's not minding it nearly as much this time.]
I believe I follow. A major city that houses most people, and most power along with it...and with such a large land being recovering from a power struggle like that, I can only imagine the chaos that has befallen the land.
I do pray you are all spared further struggle.
[But...]
You mentioned those...magicaeli, back when we were talking earlier. Might I inquire as to what they are? Are they like...runes, catalysts for magic?
Ah, yes! Magicaeli are essentially crystalized mana - incredibly powerful magical stones, if you will. The formation of them was a mystery for quite some time along with why they were almost exclusively found within the Aeli's Branches - mysteries I set out to solve. As the focus of my research, I could spend all day discussing the intricacies! But to put it very simply, whenever a living creature dies, their mana - natural magical energies innate to all living beings - can coalesce into a magicaeli. There's a higher chance of this happening in the Aeli's Branches because the environments are naturally full of mana. More powerful people and creatures leave behind more powerful magicaeli, and the higher up the Branches one goes, the denser the natural mana becomes, leaving behind even stronger crystals.
It was through the use of the strongest of the magicaeli, found at the tops of the Branches, that I was able to pierce the barrier surrounding the Aeli itself. Seven unique magicaeli were needed, one from each of the Aeli's Branches. It was quite difficult - and costly! - to gather all seven, but worth it for the chance to explore the unknown.
So...essentially, life energy mixes with the inherent mana of the branches, creating these stones of various power. It is merely more likely near where the branches are located, but they can be quite powerful if something is felled higher up in the branches.
[She's trying to piece it together herself, and she thinks she gets it. Not exactly elemental energy, but energy of life and the wonder of the Aeli combine, in her eyes, to create these things.]
So essentially, the Aeli created it's own key for you? Though, from what you've said, it was quite costly to gather them in one place. I take it that magicaeli have many uses in one's day to day life, then...?
Correct on both counts! Magicaeli can be quite costly and difficult to obtain, but there's no power quite like them. Even the weakest can light a town for months! Adventurers explore the Aeli's Branches in order to gather them, as well as anything else of interest they find within, of course. The places are full of monsters meaning that only the reckless or truly strong will make it to the top alive.
[Usually only the latter, but some of the former are among Ruby Dawn's ranks.]
They're that powerful? Goodness. [It seems like shock is something Amaya can express, at least a bit!! And that's interesting, to say the least.] So one must be combat ready in order to explore...that makes quite a bit of sense, then.
...Perhaps a bit of a non-sequitur, but do you fight, then? [He sort of has the physique for it...] If our stay is to be extended here, perhaps I wouldn't mind a sparring opponent...ah, if you do not mind, of course. But I am getting ahead of myself--or do the guild members fight and support you while you do your work?
[Amaya continues and Zvei nods at her question... before making a face at the idea of sparring.]
I do fight, but I'm a healer. I prefer to avoid all things physical.
[Despite having the physique for it???]
Given how dangerous it can be just to travel between towns, most people either learn to fight or have to pay those who can. I chose to specialize in healing, since it isn't quite as common and healers are always needed amongst the guilds.
[...Please ignore the way Amaya almost pouts, it's fine--]
I cannot deny that such a thing is a smart action. A healer is always necessary in most situations at home, as well; I imagine that in such a dangerous place, you are deeply invaluable. That much is good.
It at least keeps any reckless idiots from dying.
[Amaya pauses a bit.]
...I would not have expected it, however. You maintain your physique despite that...?
YOU'VE MANAGED THE FIRST EXTREME SHOW OF EMOTION OF ANYONE HERE, BRAVO. She is going a little red which is not helping but--]
You--! Well, it is...good that you take care of yourself, yes, yes indeed. [Amaya is trying so hard not to be stunlocked, hang on, let her gather herself--] We only get one of them, after all. Best to take care of it to the utmost.
[buddy i'm not sure who's redder, the tomato or her at this point--]
I-- [Oh, hang on, that strangled noise it gets out of her is almost akin to being stunlocked for a solid couple of seconds, give her a moment.] Th...Thank you? I suppose? I really am just a rather plain woman, nothing truly worth...
[She does not know what to do with any of this, dear gods what does she do with you.]
...I'm surprised you would ask such a thing in a kidnapping situation, really...
Well, as we've already established, I'm not really the sort to feel much of anything. So I'm not particularly concerned about the circumstances.
[He probably should be but eh. That requires effort he doesn't feel like expending. Unlike hitting on the priestess—]
But miss Amaya, don't sell yourself short! You're certainly not plain at all! Those striking features, that cold air about you, the way you speak and carry yourself - have you truly never been told that such things add up to such a stunning picture? You're very attractive.
[okay this is about 49% genuine 51% just to see how red she can get—]
...I suppose I should have expected that lack of propriety. Goodness, Princess Maribell would adore you.
[Yeah so. Amaya is just going to hide her face a bit with her hand, she is getting so damn warm and red and she is actually going to overheat in this get-up--
She. Actually doesn't know what to say to that? She is keeping her gaze pointedly averted as she tries to come up with something and is failing immensely, she is just. Okay. This sure is happening--]
Not...at all, actually? Most people... [Words are so hard right now, give her a second--] Most people are not so...bold. I simply carry myself as a leader should. Do you consider all leadership attractive...?
Ah, I see. So you simply have a type, so to speak.
[Why are you like this, Zvei. Ugh. At least it makes sense why he's doing this, but Amaya's chiding herself for being so blatantly emotional about this, inwardly, despite her trying to rationalize it.]
...Thank you, I suppose, but I can assure you that I am not cute. This is more than a touch embarrassing.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
necromants) wrote2025-11-01 09:01 pm
no subject
But moving on! This is absolutely fascinating.]
Quercetem being the "world" you come from, correct? How interesting, that yours is not limited to just one world but rather several attached through means of... magic? The gods? Certainly nothing like Aelios, all we have is our one world! Are these other worlds vastly different from your own?
no subject
She utilizes some sort of weapon that I have never been able to get the name of, but it seems to be a long...object which sort of acts akin to an automatic bow and arrow? But it shoots something much smaller and deadlier at the target.
And she is but one of a few people with circumstances like that. A few people came from Eluvies, which has fallen on hard times from what I am to understand.
[So while Amaya's knowledge of said worlds is sort of minimal, there's at least proof to that theory of multiple ones existing.]
But regardless, it does make matters quite interesting. Not that Quercetem needs it, with various quarreling powers both human and not at the helm.
no subject
[Though who's to say, really.]
Thank you for indulging my curiosity. I find the concept of other worlds truly mesmerizing, and to think that you've people from other worlds within the place you come from! How delightful.
no subject
But it truly is no trouble. You'll have to tell me more about Emirre, at some point; I must admit I am quite...curious about it now, I think.
[...]
Or at minimum, it would not be an unpleasant waste of time.
no subject
Hah, I'll take "not an unpleasant waste of time"! Emirre is one of the countries within my world, Aelios. It is one of the largest and most influential and mostly populated by humans. Ruby Dawn - that guild I work for - has its headquarters in Emirre, but also operates throughout most of the eastern continent, where Emirre's located.
As for Emirre itself... Well, it's a kingdom that recently went through a rather nasty fight for the throne with the prince overthrowing his father, the queen's consort, and becoming king. We've thankfully been spared any major conflict in recent memory outside of that, although rumor has it that the Sheliak Empire to the southeast might attempt to expand towards our borders.
If there's anything else you're curious about, you have but to ask! I'm always delighted to share my knowledge.
[As delighted as someone like him can be, anyway.]
no subject
I believe I follow. A major city that houses most people, and most power along with it...and with such a large land being recovering from a power struggle like that, I can only imagine the chaos that has befallen the land.
I do pray you are all spared further struggle.
[But...]
You mentioned those...magicaeli, back when we were talking earlier. Might I inquire as to what they are? Are they like...runes, catalysts for magic?
no subject
[Hahaha. Well, that's not his problem right now.]
Ah, yes! Magicaeli are essentially crystalized mana - incredibly powerful magical stones, if you will. The formation of them was a mystery for quite some time along with why they were almost exclusively found within the Aeli's Branches - mysteries I set out to solve. As the focus of my research, I could spend all day discussing the intricacies! But to put it very simply, whenever a living creature dies, their mana - natural magical energies innate to all living beings - can coalesce into a magicaeli. There's a higher chance of this happening in the Aeli's Branches because the environments are naturally full of mana. More powerful people and creatures leave behind more powerful magicaeli, and the higher up the Branches one goes, the denser the natural mana becomes, leaving behind even stronger crystals.
It was through the use of the strongest of the magicaeli, found at the tops of the Branches, that I was able to pierce the barrier surrounding the Aeli itself. Seven unique magicaeli were needed, one from each of the Aeli's Branches. It was quite difficult - and costly! - to gather all seven, but worth it for the chance to explore the unknown.
no subject
So...essentially, life energy mixes with the inherent mana of the branches, creating these stones of various power. It is merely more likely near where the branches are located, but they can be quite powerful if something is felled higher up in the branches.
[She's trying to piece it together herself, and she thinks she gets it. Not exactly elemental energy, but energy of life and the wonder of the Aeli combine, in her eyes, to create these things.]
So essentially, the Aeli created it's own key for you? Though, from what you've said, it was quite costly to gather them in one place. I take it that magicaeli have many uses in one's day to day life, then...?
[Let her see if she's grasping it right.]
no subject
[Usually only the latter, but some of the former are among Ruby Dawn's ranks.]
no subject
They're that powerful? Goodness. [It seems like shock is something Amaya can express, at least a bit!! And that's interesting, to say the least.] So one must be combat ready in order to explore...that makes quite a bit of sense, then.
...Perhaps a bit of a non-sequitur, but do you fight, then? [He sort of has the physique for it...] If our stay is to be extended here, perhaps I wouldn't mind a sparring opponent...ah, if you do not mind, of course. But I am getting ahead of myself--or do the guild members fight and support you while you do your work?
no subject
[Amaya continues and Zvei nods at her question... before making a face at the idea of sparring.]
I do fight, but I'm a healer. I prefer to avoid all things physical.
[Despite having the physique for it???]
Given how dangerous it can be just to travel between towns, most people either learn to fight or have to pay those who can. I chose to specialize in healing, since it isn't quite as common and healers are always needed amongst the guilds.
no subject
I cannot deny that such a thing is a smart action. A healer is always necessary in most situations at home, as well; I imagine that in such a dangerous place, you are deeply invaluable. That much is good.
It at least keeps any reckless idiots from dying.
[Amaya pauses a bit.]
...I would not have expected it, however. You maintain your physique despite that...?
no subject
Indeed, I can heal most of their injuries, or at least stop them from bleeding out.
[Though that does get a laugh from him.]
Oh, you like what you see, miss Amaya? [she did NOT say that] I do take the time to work on my body as well - I do prioritize my health, after all!
1/2
[OH HANG ON, HANG ON, THAT ACTUALLY--]
2/2
[CONGRATULATIONS, ZVEI.
YOU'VE MANAGED THE FIRST EXTREME SHOW OF EMOTION OF ANYONE HERE, BRAVO. She is going a little red which is not helping but--]
You--! Well, it is...good that you take care of yourself, yes, yes indeed. [Amaya is trying so hard not to be stunlocked, hang on, let her gather herself--] We only get one of them, after all. Best to take care of it to the utmost.
no subject
NO WAIT LET'S BACK UP TO THAT, ACTUALLY—]
Why, miss Amaya, I was just jesting, but it seems I struck a nerve! Oh, do tell - do you find me attractive?
no subject
That's--! Zvei, I barely know you! And nobody has ever seen it fit to do such a thing, usually because they know better...!
[She is very pointedly going to LOOK AWAY now, actually--]
no subject
[priestess hot, obviously??? c'mon y'all.]
Besides, you don't need to know each other all that well for a fling! Although maybe you're not the sort to have those...
[aww man :c ]
no subject
I-- [Oh, hang on, that strangled noise it gets out of her is almost akin to being stunlocked for a solid couple of seconds, give her a moment.] Th...Thank you? I suppose? I really am just a rather plain woman, nothing truly worth...
[She does not know what to do with any of this, dear gods what does she do with you.]
...I'm surprised you would ask such a thing in a kidnapping situation, really...
no subject
Well, as we've already established, I'm not really the sort to feel much of anything. So I'm not particularly concerned about the circumstances.
[He probably should be but eh. That requires effort he doesn't feel like expending. Unlike hitting on the priestess—]
But miss Amaya, don't sell yourself short! You're certainly not plain at all! Those striking features, that cold air about you, the way you speak and carry yourself - have you truly never been told that such things add up to such a stunning picture? You're very attractive.
[okay this is about 49% genuine 51% just to see how red she can get—]
no subject
[Yeah so. Amaya is just going to hide her face a bit with her hand, she is getting so damn warm and red and she is actually going to overheat in this get-up--
She. Actually doesn't know what to say to that? She is keeping her gaze pointedly averted as she tries to come up with something and is failing immensely, she is just. Okay. This sure is happening--]
Not...at all, actually? Most people... [Words are so hard right now, give her a second--] Most people are not so...bold. I simply carry myself as a leader should. Do you consider all leadership attractive...?
no subject
Oh no, certainly not. Aziv - leader of Ruby Dawn - is not attractive in the slightest. Though Talys and Lorraine are, so maybe you have half a point.
[They're also like, the actual leaders of Ruby Dawn... Hmm. Maybe more than half a point.]
But! I see no reason not to compliment you - after all, I've been rewarded with seeing this side of you! It's very cute.
no subject
[Why are you like this, Zvei. Ugh. At least it makes sense why he's doing this, but Amaya's chiding herself for being so blatantly emotional about this, inwardly, despite her trying to rationalize it.]
...Thank you, I suppose, but I can assure you that I am not cute. This is more than a touch embarrassing.
...We should get back to investigating, you know.