Private - World of Possibilities

Time ticked by, that was something would never change within this world of Terra. Time changed, people grew-- it was how life was meant to be. Though for one silver haired Yladian, it wasn't enough for time to just slowly tick forward. There was so much that one could do within Terra and so little time. A person had to disconnect and go and live their lives rather then staying here all the time. He hated it! There should be an option that just allowed one to get lost within the game and abandon their every day life. It would be a step up for him-- though he knew it would be unreasonable enough. It would be too good to be true and if he was to find some way to get away from the life he had as the player-- it would come at a price. A grumble left the Yladian's lips as he looked at the city. He hated the cities more than anything.

The beasties here, he preferred their company over the people of this world. He had proven he could play nice over and over again. Though he liked to to have to go to the city for things. 'Well you can't have everything. Either you'll have to deal with people here or people back in the real world. Pick your poison.' There it was the ever faithful little demon that rested in his head. It had been quite active as of late. He had used it during the molding of his character-- something he hadn't exactly intended to do, but he couldn't exactly go back and take it back. Part of him would miss the little inner demon, it would be too quiet without him. He was a sadistic soul , the little demon was part of him. He couldn't just let it go. Here it wasn't that bad either, here he could do all the things that would be lawfully unacceptable. Here he didn't have to worry one bit at all.

Stokbon wasn't so bad, it sort of reminded him of home. Home not being the United States at that point but rather London, England. As he stood at the city limits watching the twinkling lights of Stokbon--- this was the first time he had ever been reminded of anything that far back in his life. He typically lived in the moments in the game, sure little things like his accent crossed over from time to time. Sure he used his real world knowledge to analyze the situation, but he had never truly found himself being reminded of his home. He reached up and touched his throat. The collar of his white clothing was what his fingers felt, but in reality as the player he knew it would be feeling something else. No he was safe here.. this was his world and he could be what he wanted here. No one could tell him otherwise. Wasn't the whole point in becoming stronger so he could actually keep living by that beat. He was the best out there after all.

It wasn't fully night yet there in Stokbon, but it was slowly losing light. The lights were like some shining beckon that were calling him home. 'Cheesy much' came the thought from the little demon. He let out a small growl as he continued walking. "Shut up, I don't need you telling me that was cheesy." He spoke out loud to the voice, and if anyone was passing by they might think he was mental. He wouldn't care and would just shrug it off if they did think that. He had plenty of adventures under his belt already. He would be the best swordsman the world of Terra ever had. 'Then why you take black magic, idiot.' So maybe he would have been better sticking to parry like he had originally planned, but he couldn't help he had wanted beast taming. Then when he was given another choice he had chose black magic. He couldn't help himself at all, the reason was person.

He strutted into the place as if he owned it. For someone who hated people like he did, he let the facade he had groomed take place. He would seem cheery and nice, no one would know that he would manipulate a person in a heartbeat. Galadion had taught him it something that one faithful day when he had met the man. He would surpass him and teach him a lesson for what he had done. He wasn't aware of what his reputation here might be. He had a small thief bit to him, but it wasn't like he had gotten caught or anything. The golden ring he had stolen back in Astorea glittered on his finger under one the street lights that was just now turning on. Why was he back tracking? It seemed like a good idea after all. There were always little hidden places that one doesn't find their first time going through a place. He still lacked visiting a still good portion of what Terra had to offer.

He didn't have to constantly look at the map that was location on his palm menu to realize this much. He would make his own map. So what if he got the reputation of a traveler. He could hold his own and if people tried to pull one over here just because of that status-- they had another thing coming. He found himself stopping and looking in a window of a shop. So this is what he looked like to the world here. Long silver hair that was held in a ponytail with a black ribbon, crimson eyes, white clothing, a sword at his side and a pair of black thigh high boot. The world should bow down before him, and it soon enough would. It was just a matter of becoming even stronger. Crimson eyes blinked to get him out of his own little state of mind. He needed to hear how great he was though, not just from himself but from someone else. He needed a side kick that he could mold into something great.

'Don't you mean a minion' there was the little demon wanting to have its word in there too. He smirked slightly at that. "It would be nice" he muttered slightly to himself as he went to check his palm menu. He needed to get more stuff to focus on his black magic. Well this place would do him well. It was just finding the right store now. He hummed slightly as he looked around the city for something that might catch his eye. Though was it a minion he was looking for first or was it the shop? Or perhaps he was just looking for entertainment, it could be anything at that moment.

@Manya Boole

 

Freshly minted newbie, and the veteran of the oh-so-terrifying Beginner's Cave, Manya Boole, White Magician Aspirant, had stepped out from Brisshal, traveling along the roads, with the flow of people. So much chattering, talking, meeting new and interesting people...it was almost like being in another world, an actual alternate universe. It all just felt so real, not even the Palm Menu detracted from the magic - no, it was part of it all! Out there back in Bristol, life was dull and plain. Same for London too. Here though, he was just a bit more special, more interesting and in turn more curious about what made others interesting. He found himself going about to talk with random strangers often.

"Where did you get that scar, sir?"

"Titanius? Who was that?"

"That's a beautiful set of armor you got!"

"Curry? I love curry!"

His path slowly lead to Stokbon, the capital of Falderen. He was still coming to grips with the geography of this land, but he's figured out a lot of things. He knew where he should go next after this - probably Astorea, or Yladia! He wondered where he'd find more Faerin like him. It was so odd, being short than a child, but he didn't mind it. As in, he didn't see anything negative about it. All the walking about gave him a bit of a brisk pace, since it took three of his footsteps to match one for others.

He was dressed in his usual raiment, a blue cloak, and jacket, and a blue wide-brimmed wizard's hat which was white on the lower side. His light brown hair was messy, covering his otherwise elfin ears, but no one's going to mistake him for anything but a Faerin, with his stature and all.

He clutched a small book, a fledgling grimoire of his magicks in his hand, as he walked through the streets of Stokbon. As crowded as the place was, he found it less and less simple to go up to someone and talk to them. But yet again he did it! With little hands gently pushing people aside, moving to not be trampled by the larger Yladians and humans, and going about, he watched wide-eyed as people went on with their lives. There were bookshops, eateries, blacksmiths, artisans, places of worship, and so much more: all kinds of things and everything was animated and lively! He must have there, going about the place for hours. It was only much later, as the sun sunk lower onto the horizon and the place darkened that he found his energy flagging. Food, drink, perhaps some rest would also be welcomed! But of course, what he needed as well for that was a companion!

As it grew darker, he raised his book up, and the grimoire floated, two golden-white rings of light around it.

"Cantrip: Book Holster!"

A simple spell written into the book itself, it took perhaps a trickle of energy, nothing that could be missed, and caused the book to float over his head and a bit forward, like an anglerfish's lure. And it shone, brightly and gently all at once as the White Magic illuminated the book like it was a bulb. The road was getting dark, but the light helped him see his pathways through the alleys and narrow streets, where even the dusk glow couldn't touch.

It was as he walked through these streets that he saw a strange man staring intently into the window of a shop, and then at his palm. He seemed to be muttering, speaking to someone...or perhaps musing, talking to himself. He didn't hear anything that was said, though, and while he was curious, he'd never pry into another's private or personal business!

But he was staring at the man, looking to the side when he walked into what felt like a wall. With a comic 'Oof!', he fell back onto his tosh.

"Oww...", he winced, trying to look up, before he felt a gnarled hand grab the scruff of his collar, and lift him up.

"Better watch where the fuck you're going, runt. I don't want to step on one of you by accident."

The speaker was a burly brute of a man, shaven head and cold, dead grey eyes. He was dressed in leather armor and glaring at the boy. A distance away, a few others were wearing leather armor just like his as well, but they were going on their own way, actually and seemingly oblivious to what their acquaintance was doing.

"Or maybe I will." And with a jerk of his hand, Manya was thrown to the ground, this time landing in a small heap. He scrambled to his feet, but he was looking sad, afraid, and confused all at once. "I-I'm sorry!", he said, almost on the verge of tears.

@Camus Varic

 

He could hear it before he saw it, his ears twitching as he heard the impact. His back was turned, he could make out some of the things that was going on behind him through the reflections that played upon the window. He was truly in his own little world too , so seeing the reflections hadn't done much for him at all. Wait what if this was the person he was looking for. He had turned to look at the chaotic situation. A little Faerin had seemed to find trouble with a brute of a man. The man was someone who was usually very nasty in attitude. This one was clearly not an exception at all.

The guy talked about stepping on the little Faerin. Now he wasn't typically one to involve himself with others-- but if he was going to find a good minion he might as well find one in the right way. He refused to go find a slave and make them one. He had his own personal reasons against that route, plus he doubted he would be truly welcome there. If anything it would put him into slavery and he just didn't want that at all. If he found himself into slavery here, he doubted anyone would try to come after him. Not that he needed others to save him for something. He was the type that preferred to not owe anyone anything. Saving him would fall under that. Now other people owing him, that was something he liked.

The scene was pitiful, the Faerin on the the ground in a small feet, but he was scrambling to his feet and he looked to be on the verge of tears. Time for the shining knight to do his job. The guy was a typical thug at beat , he doubted that he would be anything that would truly harm him. Though was the thug good enough for his sword or should he use some other means. It made him ask himself if he wanted to be showy or use magic and stay more in the shadows. His hand had gone to grab the long sword from his side and he use the stealth he got from his incognito mastery to sneak behind the man and put the sword to his throat before he could do anything else.

He smirked "I would think again before you make another move. I would hate for my hand to perhaps slip." Of course as he said it he would make a thin cut along the man's neck. "Oops my hand did slip, see told ya." Crimson red blood had started to bead up upon the brute's neck , such a small trail of it-- but it was enough. He hummed slightly as he seemed to stand down and go to the Faerin. "It's going to be okay" he had slightly pushed the other behind him. This was about to get fun. Seemed the brute was stunned from his little sneak attack. Though it was nothing compared to what Lorelei might have done. He wasn't exactly the type to call the shadows home for their attacks, he preferred to be showy with what he did.

Now that he had the blood, he could be showy in two different ways. He could either fully go after the other male in the way of his sword or he could go the different route and try the magic. Magic he could feel bubbling inside of him waiting to be showed off. The blood was needed for this. Who said that black magic wasn't something that could be used in close combat. "Oh cieca cupidigia e ira folle, che si ci sproni ne la vita corta" his words flowed from his lips, though they came almost in a hushed whisper. It wouldn't matter if the brute heard him either way, the light shadowy haze that was presence showed what was going on. First it had form around the crimson drops upon his sword before it had gone to form along the wound he had inflicted. It wasn't a deep wound, but thanks to the chant the brute's blood should start to boil.

This was a new one for him, showing it off like this. Though he had a greater purpose for this. After all it was the brute that was one of the people he hated more than anything. So maybe he had done a little too much. Not that he cared or anything. He could feel the darkness taking hold of him and plunging him deeper into his deepest parts of himself. A smirk played on his lips, he could just hear the screams now. In any town, there were always things that happened. Perhaps this was a bit too showy, but it wasn't like he cared. The only he was going to be stealing from this event well was the Faerin he had come in to save. He wondered just how he would be welcomed for this. "Don't fear any longer. You have been saved" he stated and purposely turned his back towards the brute so he could address the Faerin. He even gave one of his most charming smiles at the other. That was right he had to work it up if he sought to get someone to follow him. 'What if he turns out to be nothing useful.' He heard the inner demon and he gave a small hum. Well they would just have to see how this turned out.

 

Manya was but a fearful spectator, as he had watched what had happened. At first, it was fear, intense and insidious. He could not move nor act.

Then it became helplessness. He knew that he could, but he couldn't. He didn't want to make a move against the other. And then, a shadow descended on them.

No, not a shadow, a man in white. How strange, how contrasting was his vision, as he saw the man hold a blade to the brutish person's neck. While the other man talked tough, seeing naked steel gave him instant pause. And as the blade cut over his skin, he yelped in pain, completely forgetting about why he was here and now fully intent on getting away from this white-garbed stranger, this stranger who could seemingly kill and not even lose a minute of sleep about it. When he let go, the man stumbled back, scrambling away from both the Faerin and Yladian.

When the other, taller man reassured him, Manya nodded, as he stood up. Still shaken, he was dusting his clothes with a partly terrified and partly saddened expression. "Why...", he muttered softly. Why would the man be so cruel? It was only a small mistake...

But as he tried to regain his bearings, he felt Black Magic. It was like an ever-present sense, his ability to pinpoint dark magic without difficulty. Was it a natural aspect of his Masteries, or perhaps something else, something deeper? He watched the man cast a spell on the blood on his sword, watching with both terrified concern and a horrific fascination. And then, the brute, who had gotten to his feet and was about to run away, keeled over, screaming as the blood felt like it was turning to fire in his veins. And he ran, ran away from the pair, pure fear and mortality in his eyes. He had chosen a most inopportune moment to try and bully someone.

Manya was still in a daze, but he snapped out of it when the man addressed him a second time. "Y-yeah...thank you, mister." He let out a pent-up sigh, and his shoulders seemed to slump. But he slowly regained that energy that he was known for as well, as he looked up at the other man.

"Who are you?"

He'd heard so many tales on the streets about so many kinds of people, would this be yet another tale, yet another legend? His chocolate-brown eyes were wide and watching the other elf's face. He did not recognize the man, but perhaps his raiment...

A sword, and white clothes, as well as pale hair. It was like a half-forgotten dream, the memory of hearing about a thief lingering at the edge of his mind. Just a bit further...

@Camus Varic

 

So what if the bully had been about to run. He didn't take chances, sometimes bullies had a tendency to pretend to run and then they would strike again. People had tendencies of animals, some coward like weak prey when others were the predators. It was all about how someone presented themselves-- that was how the world viewed them. They had no way of knowing the internal struggles , because to his knowledge mind reading didn't exist here. If it did, they would have a load of fun with his mind. When they heard two voices, one slightly darker than the other-- they would realize something wasn't right.

Of course by then he would have struck. He didn't care for people who tried to make him feel lesser. That had been what that man had done, the other Yladian whom had played a part of his life. Not by choice of course, it wasn't by choice he had met the man but chance. Chance occurrences were sometimes the best of them all. Though that one in particular l hadn't been his favourite memory, but it had helped him to move forward to the person he was. Though he would never utter a word of thanks to the man who had thought it funny to play with him with his illusions. Was that why he had over done it? No that was purely because it was part of who he was. He knew sometimes things were done to cause a fake out of the prey. A calm before the storm per say.

His crimson eyes looked upon Manya. Would the other male be useful? Maybe there would be potential to be used there and since he was starting on him like this-- maybe just maybe he would finally get his minion. 'So what do you plan on doing if he isn't useful in anyway?' He didn't frown like he wanted to at all, but the inner demon was beginning to become annoying with that question. What would he do if the male wasn't useless? Would he just leave him be? Doing that would result in his death. Now he did save people sometimes, but he wasn't truly a hero. Though no one had to know this truth. He was sure in this Faerin's eyes he could make himself to look like some shining hero.

Leaving him be wouldn't be useful, anyone could be useful if twisted enough. He could make him faithful-- he needed a follower. For him he could care less if it was the pure Yladian race that followed him, and he was sure Galadion had forgotten that goal as well. Not that he care or anything, he had a solid goal of his own. The other male was stuttering, probably due to some fear from the black magic. Or perhaps fear from just the bully and he was the hero. It wasn't like he had killed the guy, no the guy had ran out of his reach before the spell could kill the man from the inside out. Though that would have been joyous. So maybe he had become a little more twisted over the time. He had been twisted and manipulated by power. It was the only way to get to his main goal. A goal he didn't tell the world, nor did he even utter it.

He smiled, it was such a charming smile. "Name's Camus Varic. Perhaps you have heard of me through the tales of my adventures." Oh he was making a name for himself, but he knew it was nothing compared to the man he was in competition with. The only way he could overtake him was if he figured out how to take him either by surprise or perhaps he could simply take him out of commission for a little bit. That could work. If he continued to build up those around him, if he made relations and little by little kept building up his power-- yes that would work.

"And what might your name be? I suppose you simply was just a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong place. Though fear not, you don't have to worry about that anymore, I doubt anyone would give you trouble anymore, even if it is a simple incident like this one." So maybe he had over done it, but he wouldn't get stronger if he simple used just his words to fight. "I was more than happy to come in and teach the bully his place before he became worse than it was. With those types you never know what might come out of it."

 

As the other man watched Manya, he shifted a bit uneasily. He held his book in front of him protectively, and he had a habit of bowing his head, hiding his face with the hat when he became timid or threatened. Manya was certainly a strange figure, but one thing that many would agree on was that he was quite harmless. Not incapable, but very unlikely to be capable. He glanced around the darkening street, hoping that no other such problems came up. He'd not want to stumble into someone else again, no sir!

Camus Varic? Yes, the name sounded familiar...it was mostly about a Yladian swordsman, dressed in fine clothes as the man in front of him was. He nodded slightly. He hadn't heard much, but he had heard of the man. In a world as large as this, that spoke a lot about affluence.

Manya was still slightly shaken, but he nodded. "M-my name's Manya Boole...", he said, not adding on his usual epithet of 'White Magician' this time around. His confidence has taken a solid hit today, but that'd recover over time anyway.

He didn't even feel like defending the other man. Usually, he'd be greatly opposed to violence, and disapprove of it as well as plead with the people involved to cease and desist. That was what he wanted, but every passing day he saw more evidence to the fact that sometimes, combat couldn't be avoided. It started with just simple things, like aggressive monsters and such, but it soon extends into situations like this, where other people who should know and act better decide to exert their own power on the weak, helpless and defenseless.

But Manya knew that, didn't he? He was neither convinced nor did he want to be, but he knew in his heart of hearts that sometimes, the good guys have to take up arms as well. And that was why he had Black Magic too. He recognized the man's usage of Black Magic, a debilitating skill against the other which, if intensified, could have killed him. Manya was just glad that it hadn't come to that...all the more reason why Black Magic was not as evil as it was painted out to be. If responsible people, like Mister Camus, used their powers to protect others, then they could deter violence and death.

"Did you...use Black Magic?"

He knew the answer, of course, but he wanted to be sure. He wanted to ask who the man was, and about his skill and training at Black Magic. After all, that was the only thing in common between the two - one was timid, the other was bold. One was a fighter, and the other wasn't. All that was similar was that they wore white, yet held darkness in their hands.

It was an inkling of hope, but he felt like he could trust this man. Not everyone would be as philanthropic as to save a poor Faerin out in the streets, after all.

@Camus Varic

 

He could have killed the man, he was trained enough in his black magic to be able to do that. He was just trained though, he hadn't mastered the skill. He actually had much he needed to improve on, he couldn't continue on at the level he was. He needed to improve. Though if he was to be able to train another along the way, then it would be even more worth it. Even this little Faerin could be useful. All it took was for the first sparks and then the flame could be made. He would build those flames and ignite them. Which was interesting enough since he couldn't use pyromancy-- but the saying still would work.

He had noticed how the other had seemed to hold his book protectively. He was hiding away, slightly fearful. He seemed to stutter more upon hearing his name. Had he maybe heard of him? It was like he went around announcing his name to everyone and starting some grape vine of information. Though then again he had given his name to a few, he had actually met a good deal of individuals in his limited time he had already spent in Terrasphere. So maybe he had already gotten around, who knew. He wouldn't of course know for sure of the other's thoughts, all he knew was simple things he got from analyzing the Faerin.

The other had seemed to pause after his name, it was like he planned on adding something to the title of his name. Now that was interesting, he wondered what he had planned to add. He took in the boy's name, Manya. It was a simple enough name, he could shorten to some cute little nickname. It was sort of his thing. Though anything coming from that would just be short and slightly stupid sounding. He could thinking of two things and they were Yaya--- okay scratch it he only could think of Yaya and he didn't want to call his sidekick by the name of Yaya. So maybe he should call the other by his actual name.

He had been lost in his thoughts when the boy's question caught his ears. Did he use black magic? Why would he lie? Of course he had used black magic, it wasn't by sure will power that he had made the other guy's blood boil. It wasn't some trick like illusion magic. He didn't need luck and tricks for his magic. His depended on skill and he was still improving on said skill. He smiled at him, he needed to reassure the other. Maybe there was something in him useful, he clearly held white magic. He could see it in the way his book was enchanted, but what else. Would he even be useful to him. Time would have to tell.

"Of course I did. I had to think on my feet and I thought magic was the better route to take. I couldn't stand him bullying you. I could only imagine what might have happened if I hadn't stepped in when I did." He began to examine the Faerin finally. "Did he hurt you any?" What would he do , if he had answered yes. He couldn't exactly heal. He destroyed rather then heal, it was sort of his thing. That was it, all he had to do was keep being nice and friendly. His mind did somewhat wonder though to the man whom he made blood boil. He would be fine, he would remember not to mess with them, but it was a shame he didn't get to heal too many screams.

"Manya, tell me of your skills." Could he train him in black magic? His magic was trained, it wasn't strong enough to truly be able to tell or perhaps the other's wasn't that strong-- but something told him that they might have that in common. It was the way that the boy had asked if he had used black magic or not. "Black magic is one of my many skills. You can call me a defender of the weak." Yes, he needed to sell this. Make himself look good. Plus he needed to figure out more about the boy. He could only analyze so much from actions and speech patterns alone.

He could imagine what it might have been like if he had taken black magic as one of his first masteries, but he couldn't truly get a redo and keep what he held. Everyone had a story, he wondered what this Faerin's story was. Once he knew more he could see rather or not he would be useful to him in the end. That would be what would make or break this encounter.

 

Manya understood his explanation. Yes, magic was often the fastest way to end a fight, since there was a chance your opponent is not prepared for it and is demoralized by your attack. But still, it also felt quite heavy-handed...

...that was not saying that Manya sympathized with the brute who bullied him. He was just really upset right now, but no longer shaken. He sighed and nodded at the man. He couldn't have imagined what would have happened himself - he might have been beaten up or mugged, or something else that was equally cruel but he hadn't thought of it. It made him wonder why so many people defaulted to being rude and cruel towards others.

Was it too much to ask for kindness and co-existence?

He shook his head when he was asked if he was injured. The fall didn't wound his body so much as his pride, and it was nothing that a short walking-off can't take care of. "No...I'm alright.", he said, trying not to make the other man worry about him. He gave him a weak smile. Weak, but it was a smile, and his cheerfulness was coming back, albeit quite slowly.

When he was asked about his skills, he was quite surprised, but he took it in stride. Why, he himself was curious about the other's skills just a moment back. He could also empathize with the other man's explanation of being a 'defender of the weak'. After all, he had helped him! And not only that, he too had Black Magic. Manya's own understanding of it was too weak and not exactly noteworthy anyways, but the fact was that he still had it.

"I'm a White Magician...I know White Magic, as well as Spellbane, so I can defend and protect if needed.", he explained. Now, speaking about himself to an attentive ear, he felt more confident and calmer. What happened was in the past - he could move on now. The trouble was over.

He straightened up a bit, not changing much in appearance as he was too short for it to even be noticed, but he smiled once more, this time brightly and with courage.

"Mister Camus, thank you so much for helping me! And thank you for, for...being an example! I will be sure to try and return the favor!"

The other man seemed pleasant enough. They were also quite alike in ideas and methods, if not actual details. And now, he was interested in this person, this @Camus Varic . What was his story? Why was he here? And why had Manya heard of him? He knew there must have been at least a few notable feats that the other man has done, that might have earned him fame or infamy, but it all came down to his renown - how many people have heard his name, regardless of whether they treated it with delight or disgust.

 

There was a brief pause in between the no and his stating that he was alright. He knew that way of speaking, it wasn't the character thought that knew it but the player himself that did. It was because the player's life was so shitty that he had made Camus the way he had, though he would never explain this to anyone. Terrasphere was a place he could get away from his real life, yet still some things stayed with a person. He didn't know why he could easily tell that this Faerin wasn't truly alright. Physically there were wounds, but he knew better than anyone else that wounds could be emotional as well as physical.

The smile was weak, but it was an actual smile. Manya didn't seem to be the type to use fake smiles, no that was his own style. His smile and his cheer seemed to be key character traits for Manya. Was he really worth having as a minion though? Would the lad even make it into the useful category or had just done an actual good deed to someone who couldn't do anything for him. No it was good to have all type of people around, it made others not think a thing about future plans. He had to think like this to make this situation a little better for him. Right now it wasn't looking like a good thing. Someone this cheerful couldn't surely go well with his own personality.

Then again all the sidekicks seemed to be that cheery almost comic relief. Like Mr. Smee was that person to Captain Hook , it wouldn't be that bad at all. He could hopefully find a use for him. His crimson eyes was watching the other , analyzing his movements. Well he would say that the boy was the very picture of goodness. Than he spoke of what his masteries were. He called himself a White Magician. Though he had worth there, someone who could defend and protect him would be worthy. All he would have to do was work with him and train with him.

How hard could it be? 'You don't know how to protect anything in your life. You'll be pulling shit out of your ass with this kid. You really want to be stuck having to protect him until he can actually learn to protect himself. Seriously look at it like this. He couldn't even raise his hand against someone who was wanting to stomp on him. Yet you think he is useful.' He was glad that he couldn't read minds, that would be plain dreadful if he could. No one needed to hear the little demon.Hell, he didn't even want to hear it most of the time.

He had parted his lips to speak, but Manya was speaking once more. He was an example? Well the boy needed a decent example in his life. Why not be it! Though he would have to make it where the boy wouldn't turn on him. Was he even capable of actually caring for someone in this world? He had tried to make everyone hate him. Though how bad could it be? This world was about getting away from real life things and his hatred for people was part of that. He smiled at him "of course! I was glad to help you and glad I could be an example to you."

He would make sure to try and return the favour, well that was like music to his ears for sure. It actually gave him some idea of how he could use this to his advantage. He had been gazing around the darken streets. People were still moving about a little ways from them, and it would be better to go into some place and sit then just stand here in the streets. "Say Manya, did you just happen to come to the city or were you already staying here somewhere?" For him well he had wanted to actually just get his stuff and go. People weren't usually his cup of tea. 'Yet you wanted a minion of your own. Makes tons of sense.'

He let out a small hum as he spoked a small eatery, it looked small and cozy. "Wonder if one could get a good cup of tea there." His finger had gone to point at the place he had spotted. It was always good to have plenty of options open. How would Manya react if he found out he was staying outside of town? Would he want to find out more about him or would he actually just keep his distance? He had to wonder what would actually come from this. "If you have questions, you can always ask me once we have settled in somewhere. It beats standing in the middle of streets. It is growing darker by the minute." This was normal, right?

 

Manya nodded when the man spoke about the first option, and shook his head at the second option. He had a habit of answering openly with gestures before he actually got down to speaking out loud.

"No, sir. I came to Stokbon from Honeyhome along the main roads.", he explained, glancing down the streets. Indeed, it was now getting well and truly dark. People, or at least the scant few that were still around now were choosing to leave as well. It seems that wandering out in the night wasn't a popular decision. Or perhaps they were in the bad part of the city, and elsewhere such things might be a lot safer, a lot more common.

He followed Camus' gesture, looking at the small shop. It was a quaint little place, selling tea and snacks for the many adventurers and people who frequent the city. Not a true inn nor restaurant...more like a bakery, he guessed.

The suggestion was quite normal to him, and he saw no reason to not accept, although he might not be able to drink or eat much, on account of the nerves as well as the fact that he didn't want to exploit someone's generosity. But he did want to talk, ask about this other man: between the faint familiarity as well as the fact that he had saved him, Manya was now both curious and interested in the man, or whatever story he had. Even if he didn't have one yet, everyone was a blank canvas with a plan for the future. Underneath the cheery nature, Manya was a bit of a philosopher, albeit an optimistic one.

"I think they do serve it - I wouldn't know, sir, I just arrived." But his guess was quite a solid one.

"Yes, you are right. It's getting dark...and I don't feel too safe out here. Something about the place..."

The winding alleys and narrow paths seemed to take on an eerie quality in the dusk light, wavering and shifting...or was that just his imagination. He decided the man's suggestion was the best one for now and began making his way slowly towards the place he had pointed out, assuming that he'd follow.

@Camus Varic

 

So Manya wasn't staying here, which meant that he might be having the other as company. It all depended on rather or not the Faerin decided he was going to become attached to him. Though would it be a good or bad thing? On one hand it would mean that he could get him own personal little minion--- sidekick. Though on the other side he would have to have someone being around him and seeing how he ore or less rejected the idea of even staying in the town. He was only here to get a few things anyways. He had saw the opportunity and had decided to take it. Anyone in his shoes would have done the same thing after all. Honeyhome, that had been the place that Manya had come from. It was actually one place that he himself hadn't been to. He had spawned in the forested area rather than the village and had headed out a different way.

It had been an rather appropriate considering that he had taken beast taming as one of his mastery. Beasties over people, that had been what he had preferred. Though he had gone out of his way to save the Faerin. He most likely would have been fine, he might have gotten stepped on-- but he would have been fine aside from that. Though perhaps it was the player behind the character that had decided that he would save Manya. Regardless, he had saved him and now he would be useful to him. He wouldn't betray him either, the other male had been chosen correctly. If he molded him correctly, he would be a good asset to him in the future. 'Do you really want to have to babysit though?' It was an odd question from the inner demon, but it had a point. Well anyone would take time to mold. The more he had to save him the more the other male would become dependent upon him and maybe he would see him as the one true God then.
His mind had skipped a little bit off the tracks, but it would be fine. He saw himself higher than anyone else, and Manya would only help him. The other was answering rather or not they served tea. It would be right to assume that the place he had identified would in fact serve tea. It would be odd for any place like such to not serve tea. He offered a smile, though if anyone had actually truly analyzed such a smile they would realize it wasn't true. Though no one would around him would be able to see through it, he had progressed along nicely since he he had just spawned after all. The mask he wore was solid.

"I do admit that there is something about this place" his crimson eyes had moved to take in the place. To him, there was nothing wrong about this place. Danger lurking around every corner-- well it didn't bother him. He would thrive in the chaos, should it happen to occur. Though to someone like Manya, he would see how it wouldn't make him feel safe. He started making his way towards the indicated place, glancing sideways at Manya every so often. "Don't worry, you're safer now that I'm around you." Though he was a danger within himself-- though Manya didn't have to know that part. He would offer safety to Manya, protecting the boy if he had to. "You have nothing to truly fear" he had stopped to hold the door open to the building so that Manya could enter before him.

Why he did it? Well when there was another someone with you, it was always easier to use them as bait of sorts. If someone saw said person and intended danger-- they would go after the other. Though he didn't feel any malice vibes around this place. They should be able to have a nice cup of tea in peace here. Though it would be leaving this place that might prove to be dangerous. He would enter soon after and head over to a table. Not many people were in the place, but the few who were seemed to look up at the two new arrivals. He had taken his seat at the chosen table without a care in the world. Crimson eyes looked towards Manya "tell me do you intend on staying in town tonight?" That would be sure to get questions rolling. He indicated to the waitress to bring her over to them. "A cup of tea for me and my friend here. Oh and anything else he might care to have." This is what normal people did right? They were nice like this to people they intended to try to win over no matter the cost.

 

Manya's fears were allayed well by Camus, at least. Unlike Manya himself, Camus was bold, calm, and composed in this place. Especially in this place. And that impressed Manya - while he could learn a lot of things, having that gist of dealing with vicious people was one he neither could develop nor maintain. As Camus reassured him, Manya felt a bit bolder - of course, he was safe! Still, he did not wish the test that, since the sooner they were out of the streets the sooner they could go on their way.

The walked towards the tea shop, tagging along behind Camus until they reached the door, wherein he followed the other's gestures and entered first without hesitation. Even though that was because of a naivete and not foolishness, Manya might have done the same had he felt that entering the doorway was called for from him - his trust in @Camus Varic , while perhaps a bit blind, was quite solid. Once they had reached their place and settled down, Manya let out a sigh.

Finally, he felt calm now. So far, starting from the moment that he bumped into the man, right until he sat down, he did not feel very pleasant. Afraid and shocked, only now did he felt liberated of those shackling emotions, and he could move on from that incident.

"Ah, thank you. I'll just have the tea, nothing else." He would have liked some cake, but he didn't want to impose on his host, after all.

The question the other man asked came out of the blue, though it made sense to ask - it was a common enough way to inquire about new people. Besides, Camus might also have felt worried about Manya, and he laughed lightly, quick to allay his fears.

"Yes! I came here to see the city, meet people and so on. I hear that it's quite a popular location for adventurers, after Astorea. I've just arrived but I planned to hang about for a week or so." He shrugged - that plan hadn't changed despite the scare he was put through. "After that, I would make my way over to Astorea! I'm still just a new person here, sir. I need to get my bearings, after all!"

He nodded and looked around the cafe. Unlike the streets, the place was brightly lit, and not as ominous. Even if this was the relatively bad part of town, it seems that the establishments ran without hindrance, by coming to terms with the vandals and gangs in the street.

"So to answer your question in short...yes, I do! Perhaps find jobs to do so I could earn money, maybe brush up on my medical and alchemical skills with a journeyman or somesuch around here. I had...I have quite a lot planned out here!"

A single incident couldn't stop him! Manya Boole was surprisingly quick to bounce back up even after traumatizing experiences, and this was no exception to that rule!

He studied the other man, who seemed to be contemplative at all times. Manya gave a cheerful smile at the other person. "And you? Do you stay in Stokbon, or are you a traveler too?" He guessed he was a traveler, considering that people have heard of him, or at least things that he has done even in other parts of Falderen. "And are you planning to stay here this night?"

 

He should trend carefully with this one. He couldn't afford to say or do something wrong. After all the plan was to get the other to trust him (blindly) and become the sidekick that he so wanted. He was a little light and cheerful, but that made for the perfect cover as well. The perfect little sidekick had been dangled down from the heavens to him and he had taken the situation and made it into something that favoured him. So far everything was going well for him, nothing could exactly take what had already been gain. Manya had easily gone before him, nothing had happened to him at all. Now they were both sitting and about to have a lovely cup of tea together. Of course, question would be asked. He would answer, and keep things on his own terms.

The waitress had walked away with their orders , perhaps he should have order more-- but there was always time for more. The other was nice, more than likely thinking that it would be bad to impose on his kindness. Well at least he didn't have to worry about having to spend countless amount of money upon this one--he could spend what he wished . Now came the questions , and he had to be careful how he would answer them. He needed to keep the mask intact. 'Yes I'm sure he would love to hear all about the fact that you hate people and prefer to stay out of town. I'm sure he would love to know that of the man who came to his rescue.' He was glad that mind-reading wasn't a thing-- at least that he knew of. So far he hadn't discovered it, and if Manya had the ability he wasn't running the other way from him.

It seemed that Manya had a good idea of what he wanted to do with his time here. Though there was always the power to convince someone to change their mind. Pledging his services, he could figure out how to get that result, it would easy enough. The other had said he wanted to repay him after all, and he wouldn't ask for much. He didn't even have to have the other with him at all times, they could go their separate ways but as long as the other served him. So maybe he had jumped the tracks of his mind a little , but no one would even be the wiser if he didn't speak a word of it out loud. Right, he should probably answer the other's question. Easy enough to answer, he didn't have to say his life story with the answer.

He offered a smile ready to answer, and that was when the waitress came back with the tea. "Here you go. I do hope you enjoy it." For a NPC, she seemed to be programmed to be friendly with the guests of this place, rather then being in the background. So maybe the player behind Camus would have rather have settled for a waitress NPC who just took the order and brought it then left. The waitress walked away and left them to talking again. "I'm a traveler as well. I don't think I could stay in one place if someone payed me to do so. As for spending the night, not exactly in the town."

He didn't even want to pretend to deal with the hassle of staying in town. He could have, but when it came down to it he would include the truth rather than a lie. It wasn't uncommon to see a few people who had a camp set up, it wasn't like there would seem to be anything wrong with him. "It is a lot more peaceful outside of Stokbon rather than inside it" one simply had to look at his masteries and they might actually find why he preferred the beasts to the people. "You see it is a lot easier to practice things if there is no one around to easily get hurt." He took a drink of the tea after softly blowing upon it. "You have the right idea with trying to find jobs for money. Perhaps we could partake in one together, that is of course if you would have me." That was it if they worked together on something, it would make for the perfect environment to bond.

There was of course some things he would never disclose to the other. It was a lot easier that way, the less he knew the better they would get along. Manya was a white magician, meaning that they would naturally be enemies if they had met and he was not being a masked person. That was the way of life, but also the way of life meant that others could easily be changed with the right words. Now he didn't want the other going dark, he just wanted someone to be a sidekick-- a loyal sidekick who wouldn't leave him to die in the end. Though he couldn't take the other as an apprentice in white magic-- not exactly. Though he could teach him how to defend himself, he would teach himself how to trick others through this. "So what do you say? I'm sure there is a job out there for us."

 

Manya nodded at the man's rationale. It was solid, at least. He wouldn't feel too safe outside of the town, considering that beasts and monsters lurked the dark wilderness, but then...after what had happened today, not even the streets within a town were safe. There was darkness to be found everywhere, as long as you remember to blow out the light.

When the waitress had come by and given their tea, he had grinned at her with that simplistic and happy smile he'd be known for. "Thank you!", he exclaimed unabashedly, before taking his cup, stirring the tea with his spoon as steam wafted off the aromatic drink. Being British, it was no surprise that he enjoyed his tea. Looking at the liquid, he figured that it was just simple tea leaves, possibly some variant that existed in this world. He took a spoonful and sipped it, and was satisfied by the taste and the addition of cream. He did reach for a few more cubes of sugar, however.

As he stirred the sugar into his tea, he was intrigued by the man's comment about practicing where no one else would get hurt. That was...quite logical, indeed! Black Magic had a bad reputation, and while most of it was well-earned, he still felt that people shouldn't be discriminated by their avenue of learning, but instead by what they did with that learning. It was something that he was distinctly touchy about.

"Well, of course! Money is tight almost all the time, and I'm trying to save up enough for a rainy day!" To begin with, players didn't really have much money to start off with and earning it was a finicky process. Thankfully, a lot of people in Brisshal were kind and philanthropic enough to provide food and shelter. That might be one reason why he had such an optimistic view of this world, and also why it was shattered so rudely.

"As for a job..." That was the part that made him think for a bit. It was not that he had any problem taking on a job with @Camus Varic , but the fact that he couldn't really think of one. "Well, I wouldn't mind it at all! In fact, thank you for the offer! I'm quite grateful that at least someone is willing to work together so we could tackle something tougher than normal. But a job for us...well, I cannot think of one off the top of my head, sir, nor have I been in Stokbon long enough to know anyone who might need assistance. Perchance you know of such things? A job, or jobs that need to be sorted here, nearby, on in the outskirts?"

Manya would love the chance to get on-field experience, of course. He's had a few run-ins with things and people that were not too pleasant, and while he could deal with them adequately enough, he severely lacked any actual strength. This was one of the reasons why he was so intent to find teachers and more experienced people - for guidance.

 

He wondered if he had given a way a tad too much about himself. Even if it was such a small amount, it wasn't like he stated how he hated people. He put up with some because he had to, he couldn't very well steal everything. Okay so maybe he could steal everything he needed or threaten and kill for it-- but even that would have brought him under the attention of others too. His attitude for example had been enough to have someone seeking his services. That of course had brought him into contact with others that he had to work with every so often. It wasn't a pleasant time though, because he had his goal he was moving towards.

Though he probably just sounded like some traveler who didn't want to spend too much on lodging-- that was the best case situation. When people saw or rather felt black magic , most people didn't go to sniff and see what trouble awaited them. No that was something clearly only the stupid or the brave did. He wasn't stupid, he was just curious and did things as he wished. If he was to come across another who was practicing black magic, he would probably hop right on in and see what trouble he could get himself into. That was how most normal people died-- but he was so much better than them.

Manya didn't say anything about his staying choices. Maybe that was a good thing, it meant he didn't have to talk much more about it. So it seemed like his answer had been easy enough. Now they were on the topic of jobs. He took another drink of his tea as he listened to the other. When Manya took sugar and cream for his tea, he had chosen to drink his just straight. It seemed to lack something when sugar and cream was added to it. Sure he knew plenty of people who liked at least one lump of sugar or a dash of cream added-- but he wasn't one for things that was too sweet or too fruity. This tea had a unique taste to say the least. He could become addicted to this blend.

The tea leaves when brewed gave off an intoxicating aroma, it could easily lead others into. Actually it was rather brilliant. To think that he would actually get an idea when drinking tea. "It is good to save up for a rainy day. It keeps one prepared for whatever might come. It is a good philosophy to take." He would rather steal rather than pay for things himself, it was something that had followed him from the real world. He had to do what he had to in order to survive sometimes. He wasn't afraid of punishment or even death, he was beyond it.

He lightly bit into his lower lip as he thought of any jobs that they could end up doing together. Unlike other games they didn't have guilds and such here that might provide the work listing. Work just happened upon others and every so often posters would be found scattered around. Of course, he could always come up with his own job for them, but he wasn't going to just try to plan for something like that. They needed a sucker to pay them for some kind of job. His crimson eyes glanced around the small cafe like place. There were others within the place, some were just minding their own business talking among each other or just relaxing. Though there would always be one person who stood out and for this place it was a single man in the corner. He seemed to be listening. No it couldn't be at all.

"It shouldn't be hard for us to find something. As of now.." he had made eye contact with said stranger and he was walking up to their table. "Evenin gents, I couldn't 'elp but 'ear ya in da business fo' some work." Well that worked out for them, the stranger had taken a seat on his own accord and was looking at both him and Manya. "What might you be offering us, kind sir?" He offered a smile, but he was trying to analyze just who the man was. "Noting ta difficult. I simply require ya to 'elp git me from 'ere ta a town off yonda. Seems like the youngins aren't ta willin ta 'elp a man out. Per'ap ya two would take me up on it." Now it sounded interesting. How could a stranger coming up to two people in a cafe not sound interesting!

His crimson eyes looked from the stranger to Manya. This had to be the job that they should focus on. "So in gist you want us as escorts?" The stranger nodded "escorts and bodyguards. I simply don't wanna be disturbed before I git ta my destination. I 'ave ta pick some 'erbs on da way, and I can't watch my back and pick at da same time. So can I count on ya two boys?" He offered a smile and as much as he wanted to say so with a snap of the fingers... that wasn't what good people did. They asked first. "So what do you say?" He took a drink of his tea "it sounds easy enough." Though nothing here was ever that easy, not that he would say that out loud for Manya to hear.