[Issar] The Thirst for Immortality [Beginning Alchemy]

[Ilfirin Tyraen Chumomisto]

Spring, Cryxatum, PF Era XV

Another opportunity had arrived; and like any other times, Tyraen felt no hesitation to take it. There would be no faltering when faced against his goals. So, it was easy to conclude that the half elf was a stubborn individual, one that would argue for their way regardless of the circumstance. He took his steps carefully, one by one, as if a careless step might bring about his fall. His foot stopped within a few inches of the vicinity of Issar's Training school. He wore his silver cloak around his body, as usual. In less than a month, the half elf had grown fond of the cloak, and only took it off when it was absolutely necessary. His vampire blade sat at his belt, foreign and unused. Recently bought, he had once wished to master its art, but found alchemy more significant to his goals. He still kept the blade. Even if he did not know how to use it, he could certainly use it for defense, if the situation called for it.

The Vysstichi had told him to come back the next brightening, to his displeasure. So he arrived on this day, hoping that she would be ready. He knew that she disliked him, and she knew as well that he hated her. Still, the exchange of crowns had been enough to coax her into teaching him alchemy. That was enough. He didn't need a teacher to baby him, just one that was able to teach.

"You're late boy."

The Vysstichi appeared at the doorway, slightly frowning. "Do not talk, just follow." With those words, she turned back, caring not whether Ilfirin would follow.

Of course, he did. He walked slowly in his steps, as he had been before she had arrived. Only this time, he walked at a slightly faster pace, perhaps to catch up to her. She eventually brought him to a corridor, leading to a room. "Take your hood off your head. Unless you want to be blind for the entire lesson, feel free."

Her words did not sting. He took off the hood on his head and waited for her next instructions. She said nothing; and instead, she opened the door, leading him into the next room. A huge symbol of a snake was plastered in the walls. It was an odd sight. It appeared to be eating its...tail.

"Nice Vysstichi decoration," noted Ilfirin.

"That is no Vysstichi decoration, boy. Don't make assumptions or I guarantee that you will be wrong every time. Ouroburos, the tail-eating snake, has been a symbol of alchemy." She chuckled, as if mocking the half elf for the mistake he had so readily make. "Can you guess what it means?"

He stared at the snake, saying nothing for a few seconds. The snake was wrapped in a circle and seemed to be frozen in time, at the moment it had bitten its tail. On second thought, it looked as if it was trying to eat a tail that would never end. After all, where did the tail end? However, before he could answer, Reniox answered for him, deeming that the half elf was too stupid to answer such a question.

"At the end, there will be a beginning. Keep that in mind. Now, look around. Be observant. That is what one must do."

He nodded lightly and turned to the room, eyebrows raised. She seemed more like a crackpot than a reliable teacher. There were nothing except for written worn parchments, unknown liquids, odd materials that were left on the tables to rot, and more notes, perhaps on alchemy. Ilfirin could not say.

"What now?" he asked. His tone was dull, as usual. Staring at something was not an interesting task in the half elf's mind.

Reniox leaned against the edge of the table, "YOU tell me. Why does such an imperfect soul like yours seek to learn alchemy?"