[Location] D'Rinishad Academy of Arcana

[Faust D'Rinishad]

"A letter from your girlfriend, Master Faust?" the Elder Vysstichi queried with a tender grin. His aged features spoke of centuries of existence, and his frail physique testified to many hard-fought battles. Ardanon Kitrye'veresi, the former House Mage of House Kitrye'veresi, supported himself on the elongated wooden staff as he strolled towards the young prince, who was situated near the counter with a letter in his hands.

"Please, Ardanon, she's just a friend." Faust chuckled humorously and made a playful bat at his old comrade's shoulder. As the Vysstichi Lord unrolled the paper, his eyes shone with amusement. "Do you remember Miss Liselle? I met her in Diana last summer I believe. Anyway, she's been appointed to the position of thane in Port Alyxandrya."

From the side of the room, Ka'ris Kitrye'veresi approached. That same scornful expression was written across her vivacious visage, one that already conveyed disapproval. She knew Faust better than anyone, and it was probably for this reason that she had become his second-in-command over the many patterns of their comradeship. Tossing her long white hair casually over her shoulder, she placed her hands upon her hips. "You don't intend on visiting her, do you? Port Alyxandrya will not welcome us with open arms, and surely you can imagine the harm to her reputation if it is common knowledge that she associates with dark elves"

Faust's slender shoulders heaved in a faint shrug as he regarded his companion's words. "You know me too well, Ka'ris. Still, Miss Liselle has been a wonderful friend, and the fact that she is unprotected worries me. You know those type of humans, the guards that is. They're nothing more than petty soldiers." the Vysstichi Prince chuckled. He could not even begin to count the number of humans that House D'Rinishad had single-handedly dismantled over the years. "And I realize the dangers, but they're unavoidable. If our people are going to become accepted, we'll need to break through the cultural barriers that hinder us."

The master swordsman turned momentarily to Anvael, the clan's primary assassin that lingered silently within the darkness. "Anvael, summon Markener, Zackner, and Terren. Assemble the rest of the Shadow Elite and fifteen of the Order of the Sacred Blade, including the Lady Eryndyl. We make way for Port Alyxandrya tomorrow."

[Rilith I. Thamion]

During the Summer, Era III of Era XII pf.

During the months of summer a letter arrived at the Academy of Arcana addressed soley to "The Lord of the D'rinishad"

To my dearest Lord of the D’rinishad,

In writing this letter I hope to find you well. I know my leaving of you was sudden and virtually unexplained but there were some things that I needed to do, to accomplish… Before these are done my lord, I do not think I shall be of much service to you or the house that has offered me protection.

I owe you more than I could write Serion, and I am sorry it has taken me naught but two patterns to feel safe enough to write you. I am sure that I will see you soon, for we still have much business left undone, and a certain winged dark elf by the name of Kitrye’veresi to tame.

I have found myself back in a place that I had sworen never to return to, but I am back in Paxia in the manor in which I was born. This place is no more what it once was, and any value I may have hoped to reap from it has been lost with the mind of my mother. However if you are ever in Arium, ever in Paxia, it would do this demon heart of mine a world of good to see you again.

My your chosen gods look over you, and may mine bear you little heed,
Regards,

Lady Celebrilith

OOC: yes I know Serion is dead... but I don't know that IC now do I, before everyone tells me I'm stupid . <3 ya Faust

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The young dark elven boy grasped the letter in his hands, unrolling it momentarily to appraise its value. Banatarion had always been entrusted with operating the D'Rinishad Academy of Arcana, primarily because he was too young to go adventuring with his grandfather and the Kitrye'veresi loyalists. Faust had once told him that he would take the boy on a journey one brightening, but only when he reached the proper age of maturity. Fortunately for Banatarion, that day was steadily drawing nearer, but until then he supposed that he would have to find contentment here in Vortex.

"Lady Celebrilith..." Banatarion whispered slightly as he read seal of the letter, immediately identifying the name to be that of his lord's sister. Normally Banatarion kept the letters as they were for his master, but this one was not even addressed to Faust: it was addressed to Serion! Had Celebrilith somehow not heard of House D'Rinishad's loss?

Summoning a carrier, the Vysstichi boy sent the letter off to his grandfather who he knew to be located around the Port Alyxandryan region. Ardanon would know what to do, and more importantly, where to find Faust. Upon completion of this small task, the young receptionist went back to work.

He wondered what was going on.

[Alexis Sapientia]

The following sealed message was promptly delivered, the postmark bearing the insignia of the city of Port Alyxandrya, addressed to

The Lord D'Rinishad
D'Rinishad Academy of Arcana
Vortex, United Arium Directorate

It had likewise been marked Personal and Confidential.

Castle Shari'lea, Port Alyxandrya, Sovereignty of Enamoria.
Ioannes in the Age of the Pax Imperialis.

My Lord D'Rinishad,

When Liselle used to speak of you, she couldn't help but smile. Now, you
come up in conversation, and she can't do anything but cry. She considers you, to this day, her best friend in the Empire, one that she can trust and lean on. I don't know what made you turn away from her like you did, but let me tell you about the young woman whose heart you've broken into a million small pieces.

Because of you, Liselle is now more tolerant and accepting of people that might not ordinarily be accepted by others. In turn, she teaches tolerance to others... but ever since the night you left her, she's become a mere shadow of the woman you knew. The bond that you two share is strong, but she can't feel it now and therefore is wilting. She's questioning things she knew because she doesn't know if she can trust herself to know best anymore.

You helped bring out the best in a woman that we both love...but doesn't she deserve more then what you've handed her? Doesn't she deserve to have her best friend with her on the day of her wedding? Doesn't she deserve to know the truth? Admittedly, it may be harsh at times...yet it must be said, for it is true:

She's never given you anything less then that.

She thinks about you all the time, although she doesn't say anything. She tries to write letters to you, never knowing what to say; they end up half written, crumpled up in the garbage. Why would someone go through such anguish for someone they didn't care about?

I can attest to Liselle's emotions, as I watch her brightening by brightening... frustrated beyond repair, wishing beyond hope that sense could be made of what
transpired between the two of you; regardless, there is a beautiful young woman in Port Alyxandrya...that would like nothing more for her beloved friend--her best friend--to be with her on her wedding day:

The 20th of Imperos, at Conclavis Chanliya, outside the city walls, and at sunsset.

If you ever cared about her, you will attend. I beg of you, please do.

With great respect,

Alexis Sapientia.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The Vysstichi Lord's mythril-embraced hands handled the parchment as he read. His crimson orbs scanned every letter and line, committing them to memory and organizing them within his mind. The letter was indeed heart-felt, and the Vysstichi Prince could not help but wince at the candidness of the parchment's contents. Liselle Vampyler had indeed been a dear friend of the dark elven prince of Har'oloth, but he had come to understand that their friendship had been superficial and nothing more. It would have been a lie if Faust had proclaimed that he had never felt for the daughter of Epicurus Vampyler, but it was true that he would never admit so again. For it was not he who had taken their relationship and hurled it into the fires of Aeternia, but she.

Of all people...how could she love him?

The visage of the pale-skinned human hovered before the Vysstichi Prince's eyes, naturally inciting the flames of anger to dance once more within his heart. By nature Faust was a peace-loving and tranquil individual, yet Liselle had so easily managed to extract the darkness from his soul. He could not bear the thought of Liselle belonging to another, let alone one as conceited and arrogant as that pompous human that had stared at him at the party. Alexis Saptientia, that bastard naval officer had gawked at the Vysstichi as if he were a child from the abyss. The image of the cocky human burned within the Prince's mind, and he would never forgive Liselle for accepting the man.

No, Faust D'Rinishad had dealt with much in his life. He had endured through tribulations that were not his own, defended those that were not his to protect, and granted mercy to those that were not deserving of it. Life, unfortunately, had not repaid him in kind.

The Vysstichi Prince sighed and shook his head, crumpling the letter within his powerful grip before tossing it to the floor. In a state of clara he instinctively summoned an elemental orb of fire, instinctively sending it forth to burn the parchment until it was nothing more than a pile of ashes.

Ironically, this was what his relationship with Liselle had come down to.

Strapping his famed long sword, Blood Winter, to his side, the dark elf strode from the room and left his comrades to their own devices. He regretted that he had responded in such an immature manner, but he could help how he felt. It seemed as if Liselle would never know how he felt about her, but that mattered no longer.

There were others out there deserving of the dark elf’s grace, others who might truly accept the message that he carried about the goodness of some Vysstichi. These were the people who would listen to his message and naturally condemn those full of hatred and prejudice.

Liselle, sadly, had not been one of them.

Mounting Sarnor, his magnificent gryphon companion, the Vysstichi Lord departed from the academy and returned to his home.

[Heartbreaker]

Third cycle of Junctior, Autumn, Era III

A letter arrived, bearing a wax seal that Faust had never seen before. The wax was colored in a distinctive silver color and the design was set with stars and a sword. The parchment was a creamy ivory color, and the handwriting within was flowing and beautiful.

Lord D’Rinishad,

This letter brings greetings from the city of Jaedaxia. I know…what’s a nice Vyssie maiden like me doing in a city like this? Curiosity more then anything, I assure you, but a few of the customs in this city have caused me to consider taking up permanent residence here. After all, Vortex has enough of our kind there to take up the slack left by my departure, but this city is a virtual wealth of opportunity for my particular line of work.

In recent days, I’ve found myself rather bored with little to do, as my business dealings here are almost running themselves. A little research one day uncovered a local mystery that I’m most interested in pursuing, and thought perhaps if you were lacking in excitement, that you might wish to take a little vacation and come visit me here. I’d surely appreciate the company, and your insight into the mystery.

It centers on an Isle that is set to the northeast of the city. Little can be found on the Isle in the way of information, but what I can find is filled with fantasy, legend and myth…with a few facts thrown into the mix. It’s odd enough that I’m eager to go to the Isle and find out what it is about it that perpetuates such stories. Purely fact-finding, but I hope interesting enough that you’ll consider coming.

At any rate, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, and I must say that your delightful company is surely missed. Even though we only met once, it’s nice to find a kindred soul.

May Carmelya watch over you.

Sincerely,

Kala’beth Tri’versya

Included were directions to her manse in Jaedaxia, should he choose to come....as well as a small note at the bottom of the letter.

Ohhh....and if you choose to come, bring very warm clothing!

[Shelia Wester]

Shelia was not one of those girls that liked to look at flowers and make kissy faces with the boys. No she wanted her privacy, and to make up for her loss of physical appearance. She had a hatred for many, because of the treatment that she was given, but she had a desire to learn just like her father. She thought that sorcery would better suit her than most others, because of the way she was. She was an outcast and as such, she was not welcomed most places. She entered the Academy, and made her way to the desk. She kept her head hidden under a hood, but her mutilated hands were exposed. In actuallity, she was just here checking out the academy for future purposes, and she left shortly after that...

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Forth cycle of Kalendryas, Winter, Era I

No official seals…no indication where the letter came from. Written on simple ivory parchment, the letter was delivered by what appeared to be a footman. Addressed to Faust D’Rinishad, the moment the Vyssie Prince opened the letter, he would most likely recognize the flowing script.

Faust,

I hope this letter finds you well. Things have been hectic for me as of late, so please forgive the lateness of this letter. As well, I wasn’t sure how it would be perceived due to our recent issues. It’s strange. Conflicts of the military nature don’t scare me, but having you distant causes my blood to run cold. I’ve meant everything I’ve said to you in the past…meant every word. I just hope that someday those words can be remembered with fondness.

First off, one little matter of business. Thank you for the money you gifted me the last time we spoke. We recently opened an orphanage in Port Alyxandrya, and I used a portion of said money for it. It was something I thought long and hard about, knowing that money would be received from various sources for that particular event. I’m blessed with amazing friends and family, and I wanted to honor those people by passing on the kindness to others. As such, your name, as well as others, is engraved on a plaque that hangs at the entrance of the orphanage. I hope someday you will come and see it.

Second, a matter that is causing me both happiness and anxiety. After the Narim affair, I returned to Port Alyxandrya to discover that I am pregnant. Apparently, this is not a normal pregnancy as the healers are detecting more then one heartbeat within me. I must confess that I believe Carmelya meddled slightly, but I’m not one to question her actions. Obviously there is a reason for this, just as there was a reason I met you on the lonely road in Diana one fateful brightening. I guess all I can do is wait and see what fate has in store for me in both regards.

I miss you. I can’t tiptoe around that fact, nor will I even try. I’m not willing to let you go... and ignore everything we mean to each other. That would be a dishonor to both of us, and no one can make me do that. There is nothing in my being that even hints that I should give up. I know this as surely as I know my name – we will never be done with each other. There will never come a brightening where I wake up and feel that our relationship is over. There is too much there to ignore. If you chose to, then I respect your choice and will leave you be….but I can’t.

Please let me know when you will be ready to see me again. I fear I will be doing a goodly amount of traveling this season, so if you are feeling up to it, I would love to meet and talk. I would even come to Vortex if your schedule doesn’t allow movement beyond the city. I don’t care where. I just want to see you.

Always,

Liselle

[Shawn Westerson]

This post was deleted by Shawn.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

First brightening of Winter, Era XIV pf

The hand that wrote the letter was conflicted. While boasting an equal relationship with the Price of Har’loth, it always seemed that Liselle needed –his- help. The thought had sobered her just a bit, leading her into the line of thinking that she needed him more then he needed her.

Did she?

At any rate, she was in need of his help now and there was no other way around it. Of course, there were others equally qualified to the task, but none that she trusted more then Faust.

The ivory parchment, sealed with the wax crest of the Principality of Prime, was delivered to the school…the one place that always knew where he was.

Chev-

I’m in need of your assistance once again.

Since I am the first official Governor of Prime Province, there is precious little here for me to work with. To that end, I’m creating a guard of 300 souls, named the Black Lions of Prime. Their purpose will be the protection of the provincial building, my home and myself. You once told me that I needed to learn to be more concerned about my protection, so I am following that advice.

60 of these souls will be charged with the personal protection of family, and myself and these are the people I would be asking you to work with. I trust no one more then you, and if my safety is concerned, or that of my family, then I want you to be the one training them. You know me…you know my ways…and you can train others accordingly.

I know you are busy, and this isn’t mandatory for I would never put such conditions upon our relationship, but if you have the time, I will once again be indebted to you.

All my love,

Liselle

It wasn’t the normal farewell one would get from a high ranking official such as Liselle, but it was what it was.

[encephalon]

Encephalon was on his way to look for a job when the much taller people going opposite him continued roughly ramming him out of their way as they usually did. Normally he simply took it and tried to remember their faces for revenge at a later date but something changed inside him after getting shoved hard enough to lose balance and fall to the ground. "I need to be respected. I need power to make them respect me." Encephalon thought to himself as he stood from the ground and dusted himself off. The first thing that entered his mind was the academy of arcana that wasn't too far from where he presently was. "It's perfect" he thought and started heading to the building.
Once there he payed attention only to the sign proving that he was at the right place. With the goal in mind he strode straight up to the desk and nearly interrupted the person behind it with,"I would like to enroll in classes." As encephalon spoke he noticed the sign with class prices on it and pointed to it before the boy behind the counter had a chance to reply. "Basic Mysticism. Please." With an urgent tone to his voice encephalon said. Then he pulled out his coin, quickly counted, and mistakenly set down 10 more coin than required for the class.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Month of Ponitus in the Season of Spring, Era XIV

Nadoj and Alyiira, former refugees from Ire, arrived confidently at the D’Rinishad Academy of Arcana at their young leader’s biddings. Their garb consisted of little more than simple outfits layered beneath enshrouding black cloaks sporting the emblem of House D’Rinishad. The pair had acclimated quite nicely to life outside of Ire –but then again, this was not much of a telltale detail considering that most non-orcs would have done so anyway.

Nevertheless, their freedom from Ire had eventually brought them to Vortex, home of their savior, Faust D’Rinishad. He had promised to help them to the best of his abilities so long as they pledged fealty to him; they had, and subsequently he had specially handpicked Nadoj and Alyiira to undergo more rigorous training than their fellow refugees. Unlike the others, the pair was less gifted in all forms martial, and thus Faust had wisely steered them in the direction of the clan’s academy for arcana.

Banatarion, the young boy of House Kitrye’veresi, greeted the pair with his trademark smile. Already informed of the previously arranged meeting of Nadoj and Alyiira and the institute’s teachers, Banatarion quickly guided them down the respective halls to meet with Danvan and Iranca respectively.

ooc:

Original Stats

Secrets : Nadoj D'Rinishad (Vysstichi) - Refugee of Ire - Basic Stealth Alyiira D'Rinishad (Vysstichi) - Refugee of Ire - Basic Stealth

Completed Skills by (INSERT TIMESTAMP HERE)

Secrets : Nadoj D'Rinishad (Vysstichi) - Refugee of Ire - Basic Stealth - [Initiate-Journeyman] Sorcery Alyiira D'Rinishad (Vysstichi) - Refugee of Ire - Basic Stealth - [Initiate-Journeyman] Mysticism

[Gye'ron Val Oriden]

Timestamp: 12th of Melora, Spring of Era XIV PF

It had been a long time since Gye'ron had last stepped in an arcane institute and he had grown incredibly since then. When first he had entered the school of arcana in Nexus Prime he had been but a young pup. Since then he had seen quite a bit and most of it wasn't pleasant. He felt ready now to finish what he had started so many eras ago.

While he had only been unbound and taught the proper process of meditation during his mock training, overtime he had learned to enter clara, channel, and focus. All that was left was to be able to shape the spells, which he was aware at the first levels of arcane awareness was a matter of instinct and not practical knowledge as one was imprinted with the knowledge. For the most part all his master would have to do is imprint him and be on his way.

"Serale, I wish to learn initiate sorcery." He couldn't help but hate the Vysstichi. They were an evil and despicable race, the only reason he tolerated the man was because he needed him. In truth he would rather cut the beast in half than be forced to look upon and, much worse, talk to him.

The Vysstichi smiled and bowed, "Of course, of course. That will be a measly two hundred and fifty crowns. If you pay now you can start immediately." Gye'ron handed over the 250 crowns, all in bank notes, and was directed to a class room.

[Aria Karr]

The fist brightening of Cryxatum, summer in Era XIV post fractum


Always being intrigued with Mysticism, Aria entered through the doors to the school of Arcana. Holding her head high, and with her dark blues eyes sparkling with anticipation, she approached the counter where a Vysstichi boy sat behind the counter.

He seemed to be enthralled by his work, and barely noticed she was standing there. "Serale", she said excitedly, "I've come to sign up for the Mysticism class!" The young boy paused for a second, as if making a mental note to where he had stopped on his paper work.

"Serale, we would be delighted to have you." he answered.

"My name is Aria Karr," she stated, while placing the 250 crowns on the counter. "Basic Mysticism is what I would like to learn." Gazing around the room while waiting on further instructions she began to feel slightly nervous. This was new for Aria, for she normally was very head strong.

Within a couple of seconds she looked back at the young boy (it had seemed as if minutes had went by). "So when can I start?" she asked.