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• 

  + S p e n c e r + February 25, 2018 at 4:34pm

  Whatever the reason may be for their departure… there was a lingering smile on the man’s face. Something subtle, but present all the same. The cloak he wore was drawn closer to his frame, long strides taken out the door and to the path of choice. “I expect no such alchemy, and yet you use your skill well in substitute for it. I have a feeling…” Spencer’s gaze turned upwards to the sky ahead, checking the weather. Checking the sun for the time. Overall, thinking of his next words. “I have a feeling these lessons will come to you with ease, for some time. However… expect they may not always. My predictions are not of law.”

  There he was, rambling again. Catching himself occasionally when his thoughts seeped into the world. It came with living alone, inevitably. Living in a place that was distant. As they walked along the path, he let his thoughts linger in their own space for some time.

  “After the departure of the dragons, following many years after the wars and so on… I need not tell you what happens when the largest predators on the food chain left. Those beneath it become able to breathe, in a sense.” He glanced over to Zoriko from the corner of his eye. “I try to remember while the territory is silent for us, it comes as a period of peace for others.”

  “Those ecosystems, however, grew far more rapidly than we could have expected. Raiya was the first of us to notice this. An elk is not simply a standard elk. A boar is far more fearsome than a boar…” Spencer shrugged his shoulders. “Combined with the Warbeasts I have caught small glimpses of in past years, were are not alone. Nor shall I ever expect to be on the top of the hierarchy.” The last part was added amusingly, in truth, odds were.

  The further they walked onward, notably, the more Spencer was glancing around. Sifting through the trees, ultimately searching. With a final glance off to the right, his head stopped turning. His feet halted abruptly along with it, gesturing to Zoriko to do the same. He held a finger to his lips, an almost child-like smile behind it before he lowered his hand and carefully stepped into the brush, off the path, seemingly heading towards the stream.
• 

  + S p e n c e r + February 15, 2018 at 11:21am

  As the ‘show’ in a sense came to conclusion, his eyes were contemplative. Arms had come to cross in front of his chest, leaning back against the table along the side of the wall in a casual manner. What he did now, was listen. His measly lesson for the day surpassed, for the time being, she was its superior. She stood above it, and he would take his place in the background of said accomplishment.

  The glint of curiosity in silver hues was re-sparked as he looked onward. Illusion was a skill- a craft. Not only by the mundane magicians of humankind but by the dragons. Mages. Witches, and so on. The city itself was not merely a city in hindsight to know these things. “I find myself in luck to need little modification…” Spencer’s words paused, a hand going up to sweep through the side of his hair. The edges of semi-pointed ears were visible for a brief moment or so before the long, messy locks were allowed to fall again. “Little explanation… perhaps unless asked in time.” A half smile came afterward, mischief in monochrome eyes, which seemed to go unasked on their own.

   “And so we shall.” Spencer responded when she seemed up and ready to leave, something of cheerfulness ever present. He followed suit in pulling on a pair of boots, a cloak pulled off a peg near the doorway, set over his shoulders. Finally, the messenger bag was tossed over a shoulder, heading out the door. When he had done so, his footsteps worked away from the cottage-like house to where a path was seemingly worn heading Northeast. Into the trees, towards the spine of the mountains closest.
• 

  Tempest February 10, 2018 at 4:25am

  His efforts at pushing it open turned into a shove with how much force was needed, he could only assume Zoriko had a slightly more difficult time doing so due to her being smaller than him. Much like how she felt, her aquatic affiliate was on edge from the squeaking sounds both double doors produced when being moved. Hardly any extra strength was needed once the interior was revealed and they could finally let go of those handles. Either opening them was the best decision they could've made or the worst, only time will tell from there.

  What laid beyond those doors was something that Tempest almost expected, one massive room that stood out from everything they've seen so far. One of the first few things to catch his attention was the burnt charcoal textures surrounding them, as if somebody lit a match and dropped it there. The Sea Drake stepped further along side his white haired friend before eventually kneeling down to inspect the floor, soon running an index finger along it to scoop up some of the soot. A few thoughts as to what could’ve caused such a catastrophe, either a terrible accident or an act of arson. But who would be willing to burn so many innocent souls to death? And what for if that were the case? Both of those seemed like questions only her or Emmy could answer.

  Zoriko’s warning made him perk up in the midst of his theorizing, and that wasn’t the most pleasant news he received. “Ain’t that lovely. Let’s hope nobody barges in otherwise we’re going to have problems if someone or ‘something’ is in here. Still, this place is huge.” The azure and gold scaled leviathan in disguise would admit reluctantly as she sat there a few feet away from him. Upon getting the gesture for him to join her, he stood up and made his way to the Dragoness who began a replay of the events that took place. After claiming a spot beside her on the blackened floor, he held still for whatever visions would come of a certain night.

  What Tempest witnessed felt like something straight out of a certain television series Gleeon used to watch on occasion: Downton Abbey, with how everyone dressed back then. It was fascinating to see what such simpler times were like, back when people weren’t so glued to their phones or relying on the Internet for their entertainment. He really wondered if parties like this still existed in the modern era, maybe not with the current style and music of course. All this provoked the corners of his lips into curving upwards, giving off a low but mildly joyful smile. It was difficult for him not to imagine himself participating in a party like this, lord forbid he ever tries dancing. Chances are, Zoriko would’ve been dragged into it with him. Not only did everyone’s choice of attire stand out to him, but the scenery was incredible to see in their pristine condition.

  The female in question was spotted one moment later after she already noticed her. Both emerald orbs focused on her for the duration, up until he was able to see the man she was with. What stuck out to him was a certain ring the woman was seen wearing on her finger, it HAD to be the same one Zoriko currently had in her possession. After this realization, his gaze shifted towards the overhead balcony as said lady waved to whoever her observer might be, without a doubt it was someone up top. The young drake remained silent while watching all this play out well until her and the brunette male headed upstairs together. Seeing that couple made him glance back down at his own right hand, trying to imagine somebody else’s resting there against it. In a way, this gave him confidence that a special someone might come into his life one day, preferably someone of Dragon kin. As of now, none of that mattered, for him and his non-aquatic friend needed to see this.

  With the high possibility of Emmy being the one who stood on that balcony, Tempest almost leaped up to follow the Draconian female. Caution was taken when going up those steps in case they deteriorated to the point of collapse if anyone set foot on them, luckily for them nothing snapped under their weight. Once him and her were up there, the three sets of human remains were visible despite an absence in light. He too looked around for the deceased young woman as Zoriko called her out by name, who he had so many questions for if they could find her.
  
  Right there next to one of the charred skeletons sat the one they were looking for, who seemed to be holding one of their hands. Before realizing it, the Dragoness got down beside her as he chose to do the same. There wasn’t much reaction from him at first other than a widened gaze. However, being given Emmy’s appreciation and seeing that her form become less transparent accelerated his heart rate. When her marked up and burnt skin became visible, a lump built up in his throat from a sudden dose of grief hitting him hard in the chest, his guess was that Emmy had been burned to death. As they received some context regarding the romance between her brother and the Butler’s daughter, the Oceanic beast listened carefully to each detail provided. From what little was said about her father, he sounded like a man who hadn’t heard of free choices. Of all things he’s heard or read, this had to be one of the most symbolic love stories Tempest had the privilege of hearing about, to him it sounded like something straight out of a well written romance novel.

  “Your brother must’ve been a really noble guy, I probably would’ve done the same thing in his shoes.”

  What really had him on the verge of tears by now was the tale of what happened during their final moments, and how they planned to escape together. All that somehow resulted in them getting trapped inside the massive ballroom and engulfed in flames, to him that was a terrible way to go. He almost fell to his knees learning about this until Emmy finally left them alone, presumably to move on into the afterlife and be with her loved ones again. A few muffled but distraught snickers escaped his lips after she disappeared, just before Zoriko headed downstairs. Nothing in this world could’ve expressed how terrible he felt for assuming that Emmy was malevolent one, it would now become one of his most profound regrets in life. Knowing he’d have to live with that, Tempest made his way back to the bottom where his friend would be working on her next piece of work.

  “I wish I had the chance to apologize to her, we just-” After those fifteen minutes were up, an attempt was made at commenting about how much he wished to make it up to Emmy for misjudging her earlier. His sentence was interrupted by the sounds of dense metal buckling together in addition to her pendant going off again, whatever this was couldn’t possible be their deceased friend. With returning grip on his arm, he couldn’t help but notice the trickling down her limb, sooner or later that would needed to be treated.

  At least, the figure in clad armor finally made a gradual entry in the ballroom. The metallic black visor on his helmet somewhat reflected their imagine when glaring back ominously, as if waiting for someone to throw the first hit. Seeing that stranger made the Sea Drake pull out his trident as the being in particular brought out his scythe in response, this already sent chills up his spine. Unlike all spirits aboard the derelict ocean liner, this one was not transparent, but solid like them. “Who are you?! And what’re you wanting from us?! I don’t think you’re in any position to fight two dragons!” As foolish as it might seem to announce what they were, it might serve as a deterrent for challenging them.

  Behind the duo however, came another ungodly and almost window shattering shriek of sorts, this time more sinister than what Emmy produced earlier, it was more animal like than anything. The sound was so loud that even shimmering waves could be seen flying above their heads for a brief amount of time. While wanting to assume this was the same young woman they just assisted, his heart sank into the pits of his chest again.

  What resembled a moving puddle of onyx gunk had just came into view opposite of where their first intruder was, only to rise up to twelve feet in height before smoldering limbs formed from a slimy torso. Next came a head created from the same substance on the floor. A skull like face mask materialized seconds later with nothing but empty eye sockets to stare back at the two like they were prey. A set of claws sprouted from the ends of both arms, three bony fingers on each with razor sharp ends that easily tear through flesh. Horns protruded from his head before another unholy screech was shot towards the ceiling. The abomination then locked eyes with the two while constantly twitching its head at them, this initially made Tempest step back and glance over to the other surprise guest.
  
  As some might expect, the armored figure came charging in their direction while the Sea Drake had his signature weapon ready for whatever attack might come. Instead of striking them however, the being leaped OVER them and landed with a thud several feet between the duo and that horrific creature. Seconds later their new visitor sprung into action by sprinting forth as the demonic entity literally stretched its upper limbs over to snare or impale him. Its gigantic claws were blocked by his scythe multiple times, a few clashing sounds could easily be heard from his blade colliding with the sharp edges of its nails. More attempts at slashing him were made until one of those oversized digits managed to smash against his helmet.

  Said armor piece came flying over before eventually rolling up to Zoriko’s feet, where it’d come to an abrupt halt. Because its underside was facing them, there was absolutely no head inside, not even a drop of blood. After Tempest made that startling discovery, he noticed that the first intruder was literally headless, but stood up anyway and moved into a more defensive position on his feet. From what could be made out, all that was seen where his head normally should’ve been was a perfectly flat surfaced neck that produced some sort of black smoke like substance in mild amounts. Because porcelain flesh was visible on the neck, it’d be easy to confirm that the suit was not moving on its own.

  Every last bit of drained from his face at the realization that said unexpected guest had no head. It was difficult to decide which disturbed him more: Him or the paranormal terror that just revealed itself to them, who was now engaging the armored figure. “Dear God… Is what is he?! Or who do we shoot at?” The Sea Drake would ask frantically as their dual resumed with a few tables being knocked around or flung aside. His trident remained held up with an uncertainty of who the real adversary was, mostly aimed at the demonic entity since the intruder displayed no interest in them. The only reason his scythe got pulled out was because of the threatening gestures they gave him.

  Could this new visitor be trusted? Or would Zoriko make him face the creature alone?

  
• 

  + S p e n c e r + January 27, 2018 at 8:22pm

  While she had picked up the feather, it had been left in abandonment to the ex-Rider’s mind. He watched now curiously as his eyes skirted across the table to her gesture of picking it up. He watched with intent and said not a word as the two items were placed and prepared in a manner he hadn’t quite figured out yet. Arms remained crossed as the object came to levitate. He expected no less from the beginning of their lesson. He watched her expression for signs of strain, finding little to none aside from the shadows on her face that denoted heavy concentration.

  And thus, one became two. He watched as the stone parted as if designed to do so, eyeing the division left behind. Spencer gave no response yet, even as the items were placed upon the table. Transmutation was the guess on the tip of his tongue and yet, he patiently waited. When the division closed, his head tipped some to the side, inspecting the seal like a child looking onward to a magic trick. What happened within the form? Had the matter sealed within fully joined? Were there atoms to be shared by the two objects?

  His eyes dialed in further yet as the glamour was placed upon the object. He knew not of a source of magic that could change matter at such a rate. When Zoriko spoke the answer, he responded at first with a faint nod. “Illusion goes hand in hand with magic. Times come about when it can be quite useful.” A smile was present as he looked down at the blade. Almost as if he expected it to be gone the next passing moment.

   “All items are vessels for energy. When you feel something warm. Touch something cold. In the case of gemstones, they are batteries from which their users draw energy. Just as your own energy passes through it with use, mine has done the same in the past. The ring you wear assists merely in focusing intent. Bringing clarity to the act and what you intend to do. Sending and amplifying that energy, specifically for the use of healing magics, as you spoke of learning. However, whether you choose to wear it from here on will be up to you.”

  His attention then landed on the pendant. “Material… origin, the creation of the object, whether it be out of ceremony or created in an imperative place. The stone is something far rarer. Where it was mined matters. What hands smelted the precious metals that hold it, may very well matter. What words were spoken. Inscriptions used. I must admit it is a precarious object. Perhaps enchanted. Sigils, runes beneath the stone.” He was… romanticizing the matter, needless to say. To know the history of the item beyond the Rider who had gifted it was to come upon an answer.

  Spencer’s eyes then shifted to the objects as they changed. The corner of his mouth held a mild-mannered grin. “Yet… perhaps we are approaching things far too lightly.” Needless to say on his part, or so he thought. The grin spread into a sheepish one.

  Spencer’s eyes went to the floor, rubbing his neck. “In all honesty, that was all I had prepared for the afternoon. Maybe… if you feel like taking a walk, I might have something interesting to show you.”

   
• 

  Tempest January 26, 2018 at 9:54pm

  “As much as I’d prefer knowing first, I’m trusting you on this one. But good lord imagine falling through that hole if the second fl0or caves in too.” With his leap of faith being made known to her, his heart rate accelerated. A few ideas as to how she might get him across were thought of, either through levitation or something to haul him across, a makeshift bridge made from her own magic was his first thought. A few gradual steps were taken before finally ceasing all movement, accept for breathing of course. It wasn’t long until streams of air came around to raise his figure off the rotting floor, some of which sent shivers down his spine from the low temperature hitting him. Because Gleeon had done this with him multiple times, he allowed himself to lean back slightly when being carried across, where extremely dim rays of lapis light from the moon above beamed down on his face briefly. In that short time span, her friend could swear this was something straight out of some dream, perhaps a case of deja vu in some sense.

  With both feet finally making contact with the moldy surface below, he turned around to see if she was coming next. Much to their dismay, the severely weakened floorboards snapped under her weight, and that made his heart sink with every ounce of color instantly draining from his face. “ZORIKO!!!” Tempest hollered aloud in a frantic manner after her initial fall and impact below, who knows on whether or not the floor she landed on would collapse next since it had exposure to moisture as well. Even when being reassured that she was was fine, he wouldn’t have it until said Dragoness could be physically reach, and getting down there would be difficult. One way or another, she needed to checked on in case there were indeed injuries.

  Once they were well beyond that pesky hole, his footsteps slowed go a gradual halt, and truth be told she wasn’t the only one who didn’t enjoy Emmy’s consistent rambling. His hold on Zoriko’s arm lingered upon discovering a double door, a rather decorative one that somehow retained its original appearance after a century worth of neglect. It was nearly impossible for him to determine why this would be so well preserved, one theory he had was maybe the materials. That didn’t matter. Following the release of his arm, the Sea Drake silently crept over to the opposite side prior to receiving a gesture for it. The other handle was firmly gripped by both hands as he stood in a ready position for the upcoming attempt at opening it. In many ways, the younger beast couldn’t wait to see what might’ve laid behind those sealed doors, to him it was either something of great importance or could just be the skeletal remains of Emmy as expected. “Guess this is it…”

  Meanwhile several yards away.

  The clanking of metallic boots was a faint sound to be heard by any lingering souls who caught wind of such a presence. Dense plates covered the clad figure from head to toe, mostly in gloss onyx with occasional gold trimming, even the hands were covered by a pair of reinforced gloves. A fold scythe consisting of a dark grey handle with a crimson blade at the end could be found folded up strapped against its back, ready to be brought out at a moment’s notice should anything happen. An abyssal black visor reflected the surrounding scenery while navigating those corridors alone and making a careful observation on its current path. Any spirits of the damned fled upon discovering its presence, clearly none were interested in provoking a confrontation.

  When it seemed that any hope of finding the origin of that screamed was slipping away, there were the sounds of other footsteps, and not belonging to deceased passengers or crew. Being determined to seek whatever produced such a god awful sound, his current course let him to an familiar hole in the floor, actually make that two now. Only a moment was spared in kneeling down to search for any clues as to what could’ve caused the second one, already the armored figure could tell that moisture didn’t provoke the cave in this time. Prior to spotting a dent in the boards below on the bottom floor, the being in question stood before proceeding forth again with every intent on locating the culprit. It was unlike the dead to be damaging their own floating grave site.

  At last, two solid figures and one transparent were found directly in front of a wide entryway much to his surprise. To avoid discovery, the unforeseen visitor assumed cover behind a corner not too far from their position. Only his helmet and a portion of his shoulder stuck out to keep watch while allowing the absence of light to conceal his appearance, even from Emmy. Said teen had been observed carefully from a short distance, even with an increasing urge to draw the weapon mounted on his armored back. Who those two were and why they ventured here was well beyond his imagination, perhaps their discovery might answer those questions.

  Just like that, the young drake gave her the go and shoved the handle aside to open his side of the door, all the figure could see was dim cobalt rays of light pouring out from it being opened. Whatever laid behind it or waited in that room was about to be revealed, it was the moment of truth.
  
  
  
• 

  Tempest January 22, 2018 at 12:32am

  “Mmmph!” Before a certain would-be Australian could take off down the halls, the grip from his female counterpart brought him to an abrupt halt, shockingly enough he didn’t collapse from the unexpected stop. At that very moment he was reminded that they possessed a defensive barrier against any physical attacks one might throw at them, plus a disturbing realization: Emmy gave off the sound that startled them. Emerald hues narrowed out of annoyance at what Tempest thought was some twisted attempt at making their hearts jump for amusement, talk about being desperate for entertainment in the afterlife. The truth couldn’t be any further from his current conclusion.

  It was only after Zoriko questioned her about her true motives that their guest expressed more concerns over whether or not they could be trusted with the ring. As much as he disliked being silent on this issue, the Sea Drake had every bit of confidence that his non-aquatic friend could handle it on her own. What really had him on edge was learning about Emmy’s ability to view his thoughts at any given moment, keeping her or other beings out of his head was an impossible feat. To him, the best thing he could do for now was keep his mind occupied with focusing on reaching the location of her remains, wherever they are on this iron leviathan. One thing was certain, she had far more sass than the Oceanic Dovah did.

  Innocently enough, all she was concerned about was their ring. As long as they stayed true to their promise, nothing would happen, right? Tempest went accepted this for the sake of not upsetting her, an enraged spirit was the last thing anyone wanted. His sub consciousness warned him not to ‘think’ about how they’d subdue or counter a paranormal terror due to her ability to see any present thoughts.

  “Just to clear up one thing.” He announced calmly in attempt to gain Emmy’s attention while beginning to venture back into the halls, this time giving her a more emotionally deprived gaze to show he was serious this time. “If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past couple of days, it’s that my friend would never go back on her word. She’s got a heart of gold, whether or not Zoriko realizes it. She not only took me in, but has introduced me to human culture, brought me to all sorts of places, and hell, she even got my first set of clothes since several years. Yeah, I don’t know everything about her, but she’s the last person to desecrate something as precious as that ring. It’d mean a lot to me if you don’t just assume things about someone I care for. Anywho, let’s find your room.” Even with the Dragoness present, her integrity was defended for the first time, something Tempest felt like he should’ve done earlier with her boss earlier. Deceased or not, no one would be allowed to falsely accuse her of having fowl intentions.

  Roughly fourteen minutes into their trek across the corridors, the trio would arrive in another hallway with quite an assortment of second class rooms left and right. This was where his footsteps slowed due to a shocking amount of loose floorboards sticking up, both serpentine irises were set on the path to avoid tripping on anything or risk falling through. Further up, a low amount of water droplets could be seen descending through the ceiling where a skylight was located, one of its glass panels having been shattered. The area directly below it had an enormous gaping hole where much of the wood rotted away overtime, this was probably their first physical obstacle. The edges of deteriorated boards held so many sharp points that could easily leave cuts on a person’s ankle if they were unfortunate enough to slip and fall in.

  At the discovery of that opening, Tempest anxiously knelt down in front of it to avoid any chance of being pushed in. From what little could be seen, there was another floor passed the decayed wooden beams, even the bottom was beginning to bend downwards. The corridor below was almost pitch black, so seeing beyond it was out of the question unless they could venture inside with a flashlight. While wondering how this could’ve happened, his gaze shifted towards the damaged but partially opened glass dome above before reaching a conclusion. Zoriko would be given a hand gesture to stop in case she failed to watch where she was walking.

  “Hmm. Looks like rain water and moisture got through and ruined it, one century worth of neglect equals this. Emmy, how much further is your body? Hopefully not those two doors on the other side of the hole, otherwise we’ll need to find another way around. Unless there’s a way for us to build a makeshift bridge. I can’t imagine what other damages this ship has, we’ve only seen so much.” He would admit, tilting his head until a realization struck him. After that, the young drake turned around with an idea in mind. “Hey Zoriko, think this spot would make an awesome sketch? At least we have some more light this time.”
• 

  + S p e n c e r + January 15, 2018 at 9:32pm

  He could see her mind reeling on it. Whether it be to the instruction, or something else, his mind was on the task at hand with the apprehension coming to pass. With each step in the process, he was reminded of his own learning. The hassle it had ultimately been to start.

  Spencer’s eyes flickered to the glowing of the stone, doubting not what he had been told of it. He wore no jewelry to his name for the time being, notably. He had once adorned himself as such, in times when it had been needed. He gained his strength ultimately from incantations above channeling what was in his head alone. “Perhaps… I suppose time spent on the pursuit of the skill. Hours used… inefficiently.” Spencer repeated, fixing the word in his head. “Grateful for it nonetheless. May it be passed on with more tact than it was learned.” The smile was returned, and afterward, his instructions were given. Spencer lingered on standby afterward, eyes settled upon her hands and the item.

  The object took to the air, staying there not by its own will, but by hers. Furthermore, it lingered as controlled, no matter the air in the space or any slight movements. He expected as such from the dragoness. Silver hues met hers almost curiously to the shift in color that her irises had shown. His attention then moved on then to the grin she wore, cracking a smile his own and he nodded. “Excellent.” He responded rather cheerfully.

  “Humor me now, if you will.” Spencer spoke, moving on. Turning to another section of the room another object was picked up: a smooth, rounded stone just larger than one’s palm. He placed it on the table.
• 

  + S p e n c e r + January 8, 2018 at 11:47pm

  His back turned for a moment or two, regardless he was listening. Spencer’s eyes never left the drawer he was rifling through nonetheless, partially cursing himself for setting the small object within the mess of contents. The workplace, despite the cleanliness he had made it out to be for this occasion, was no different than the thought processes in his head. Messy. A bit tangled, but everything had its place nonetheless. Everything was where it was to be ‘needed’… in theory.

  "You are none too far off,” Spencer spoke softly in agreement. “However… for every couple… ten… hundred, whatever the number may be. For whatever multitude of mankind met, then and again I have managed to find one who stands apart from it.” His thoughts trailed off to it. The image of his most recent encounter in the city slipped into his mind promptly and then went to the question she gave. He had no difficulty in answering.

  "Eventually, I had grown tired of wielding a sword. I wished something better in defense than armor… or my own abilities alike. And when I felt even flight had become something of less effort, I sought out the skill.” A smile had risen at the edges of his mouth. “Being a half-breed I should count my blessings that I was susceptible to performing magic. I learned from the resources in this room, the books… I picked up short lessons in my traveling whenever I happened upon a master to learn from.” When he had returned, he was grinning to whatever thought came to his head. A chuckle escaped. “I learned… the long route. Unbearably so. Had I sought out a teacher in beginning… well, I will spare you the wasted time.”

  The ring was dropped in her hand without a second thought on it. He watched her initial reaction without surprise that there would be questions. Pleased to see it fit on a finger, his hands slipped into his pockets loosely. His eyes followed the chain when the necklace was presented, a spark of curiosity to the nature of the object which hung on the end. The style of the item was recognized as elven work, the stone vague in familiarity, yet he could not place a name.

  "You would be correct.” He answered, a smile not missed in receiving the answer from her. His eyes fell to the ring. “While all things hold their own energy, precious stones and metals are of distinct usefulness as storage batteries for their holder. The ring’s stone is a quartz crystal. To mages and witches alike it attracts, amplifies, and sends energy.”

  Spencer turned his back once again, attention turned to the window sill, making sure it was closed. “We will start from the ground up, this evening.” Once he had turned, he held a feather in his hand. Being white, lightly dappled with shades of brown, it held remnant to the hawk responsible for his letters sent to Omnia. “Place it in your palm, focus on it. Raise it into the air with none other than that.”

  Perhaps for the dragoness, the task would be simple. Beginner’s magic, a test he once had used even to see if he was even capable. True to his word about his own self-teaching, it had taken him a span of time he grew frustrated even in thinking of… but what of her?
  
  
• 

  + S p e n c e r + January 1, 2018 at 6:56pm

  The ex-Rider was a man of hope. The hope of the future, the hope of learning his past. Hope for those he called friends in their trying times, and above all, hope he may enter the skies again. Should the man give up his hope, it would lead to a fall indefinitely. Eternity was far too long of a thing for that.

  And thus, their session began. Had he practiced those lines prior? Had they merely come to him? The answer was something in between the two as he simply knew it in his heart. The rules of the practice. The limits it had, the know-how on accomplishing it something learned in his own due time. With a dash more of that hope of his, perhaps he could do for her what took him decades of his own time. Spencer could rest assured in his own mind that he would be surpassed by her long before it came to it.

  A smile from Zoriko came as reassuring. Not another warning was given as he nodded his head back. Any sternness fell from his demeanor as, well... excitement was shared. A spark of light in those eyes of his, and with a smile, he pushed off the edge of the table. "Yes, we may." Spencer walked towards the end of the long work table, pulling a drawer open to rifle through it. He spoke to her all the while. "When you are in this room, consider it as your own. I leave everything in here at your disposal. If you have questions about what something is, hesitations... have no fear. Feel free to ask questions." An item was retrieved finally from the drawer, grasped in his now-closed hand triumphantly. "The greatest tragedy of man is their unwillingness to ask questions beyond the surface."
  
  He was rambling, the half-elf knew so. Clearing his throat, Spencer returned with the item now loosely placed over a fingertip. It was a ring. The band made of silver that had dulled some with age. The stone placed atop it was a crystal, its edges jagged, the stone raw and uncut. "Try this on. Find a finger to fit." Spencer handed it over to her to take.

  
• 

  + S p e n c e r + December 13, 2017 at 11:47pm

  "That she is. I do what I can to pass through, now and then. Lest we let ourselves lose touch after all the years." For the two Riders however... it could have been an impossibility. No span of time yet had worked to expel what was a friendship to pick up the moment they crossed paths again. "Your mother is... as I saw her last I am afraid to say. And yet, what a flourishing place her den has become. The plant life within it holds a spark." Those words, heavily attuned to be something of hope. If not for the girl towards her mother, than for he himself. 

  The mug set down, the books handed over, he headed into the next room without delay. The books he carried were placed upon on the workspace table, waiting for her stack to follow before he picked up the top of the stack. "Some... magic. Others of potions, botany. The natural world and so on."The cover was of Latin, as was the second. Both found their way onto a shelf on the wall, the other two set aside for the time being, leaving two present on the surface.

  "Now these are indeed." Spencer gestured to the two books set out on the table with a grin. It had been a long, long time since dragging them out from the mountain when he had first learned on his own. His gaze shifted back to Zoriko. One hand rested on the table surface, putting some of his weight against the edge. "Believe it or not, there is more science to magic than is seen. In order to use it formidably it requires a combination of the senses. Portions of the brain even that must be heightened in order to become successful. Sight, smell, touch... Magic is... a knowledge of the natural world and how to wield it. In saying so, respect it. I will teach you whatever you wish of white magic, and nothing of the dark arts. Is that clear?"