inherit
10
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Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
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blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on May 17, 2016 20:45:43 GMT
Lightning cracked and thunder booms across the rural plains as rain blasted the strong houses outside Etirath. No one in their right mind would let themselves be caught outside in a storm this violent. Yet there came the knock anyway. A quick, hard few smacks on the wooden door to the Authern Homestead. The girls heard it first and were, understandably, reluctant to answer. But Harold, the father, was not so easily frightened.
"No, no, no for the last time no one of that name lives here. I don't care what you heard, get lost!"
The yelling and insistance of her husband quickly attracted the attention of Eleanor, who gently placed a hand on her husband from behind as she approached.
"Harold, what's wrong?"
Much to the dismay of Harold, the man at the door easily burst past him and embraced Eleanor. In the confusion that followed, consisting of Harold practically assaulting the man, Eleanor trying to calm the situation, and the man's joyous overreaction, two words stood out above the rest of the chaotic din.
"ILIYA?!"
"SESTRICHKA!"
------------
The two sat together, the man called Iliya holding a warm flame to his head where Harold had attempted to crush his skull while Eleanor finished sipping at her tea. Iliya finished his story, sighing sadly as he did so. His heavy accent coming out with every pronounced sound, Iliya never attempted to hide it, even taking pride in it as time went on.
"The country is var now, everyone you knew is likely dead. I'm sorry. Technically, as last surviving royal, you could go back. But civil var is not kind to former royals. I'm glad to see you have family here now, tell me about your children, please. Any news is good news to me now."
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#ea7ca1
5
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1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on May 17, 2016 22:48:27 GMT
What in Divines' name was going on? Loretta held a terrified Lia close to her as Elanor watched on beside her, unsure of what to make of the scene. Their father made to rid them of their uninvited guest only for their mother to intervene. It appeared that they knew each other but it must have been long ago, Before they had been born at least.
The man called Iliya held a flame to his head but Loretta could only guess why he'd need to unless it was a form of healing that she's never seen before. Elanor had taken Lia with her and stayed close beside Harold who gave his wife and her old friend space to catch up, although he kept a watchful gaze on him. Loretta was curious of the man and elected to serve him and her mother tea as the two spoke. She listened as much as she could possibly make out through his thick accent but Eleanor held no trouble in understanding him. What caught her attention though was when he mentioned her being the last royal. What kind of life did her mother have exactly before she had met her father?
"The country is var now, everyone you knew is likely dead. I'm sorry. Technically, as last surviving royal, you could go back. But civil var is not kind to former royals. I'm glad to see you have family here now, tell me about your children, please. Any news is good news to me now."
"It is good to see you as well, my friend. It is rather unfortunate how the state of affairs had fallen, I do hope something fairer comes about at least. Alas, I cannot go back for my life is here with my husband and children." She held a weak smile but her eyes held a hidden feeling, a feeling similar to guilt or was it regret? "Aaron, my eldest, has married with daughters of his own. They should be 5 years of age. It is rare to see them now for they had moved away to another kingdom. Ellen, my sweet eldest daughter, had married not too long after Aaron. She hasn't written in some time but I know she lives a comfortable life at least, filled with love."
She paused for a moment and took another sip of tea and thanked Loretta when she replaced the near empty cups with fresher hotter tea. Before Loretta could step away, Eleanor stopped her so that she may greet Iliya.
"Loretta here is my third eldest," Loretta smiled awkwardly as she curtsied for him. Manners were manners regardless if family friend or not. "She has yet to be married, however I see a budding romance in the works." At this, Loretta stood rigidly as scarlet painted her face.
"M-mother!" Loretta had cried out only to have Eleanor chuckle from the successful tease.
"And the two beside my husband are Elanor and Lia, Lia being the youngest. They're all my precious angels..." It was then that Eleanor seemed to crumple into herself. Loretta quickly held her tight in comfort as the two sighed dejectedly. The whole house seemed to lull from the recent energy as it became apparent what had happened recently.
"It's nearly been one moon and yet it feels like it was only the other day. Harris, my sweet boy, he was so young.. and growing into a handsome man." The house had fallen silent for a moment before she continued on. "I still pray for his soul to rest peacefully. May Den embrace him in warmth." A small prayer but one all would hope for. She straightened herself up and wiped away the water in her eyes. "I'm sorry Tovarishch." a term of endearment she had once called him before. "It's not exactly the best of news is it?"
Once Eleanor had pulled herself together, Loretta took a seat at the table for her mother's sake. She held her mother's hand as the two would continue to converse.
"Have you taken on another student in my absence? It's been nearly 30 years the last I touched upon the art." Has it really been that long? Her old life must feel like an eternity ago. Loretta had wondered why she never made any mentions of the past life. In fact, she assumed her mother had lived here her whole life.
"Perhaps you'd like to take Loretta on as a student?"
Eh? What? Did she just?
"Me? But- Why is that?"
"A proper teacher for proper training. At least you'll have guidance as you learn." Loretta couldn't argue with that. It was sound advice given her past experiences studying alone.
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inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on Jun 6, 2016 2:13:53 GMT
A flick of the wrist and the flame that gently soothed his head had disappeared. His wounds healed, the Pyromancer listened closely as Eleanor spoke. It had been so long since he had seen his former student, and while he thought it best if he did not stay and intrude on their family life, just knowing that someone kind had survived and escaped gave him great comfort. As she passed over the sobering fact of her former home's fallen state, Iliya took a mental note of her mindset towards her family; she had moved on and felt very little for their passing.
He picked up on the subtle hints of longing of her elder children, but like any respectful mother she had not smothered them with a demand to stay close. An expansion of family was always a good thing in Iliya's eyes. Passing from child to child, Iliya regarded each mention with a nod of the head, quiet until she came to the tragedy of her youngest. Closing his eyes, he echoed a traditional sentiment of sadness at his passing.
"May he live on in our hearts."
"Have you taken on another student in my absence? It's been nearly 30 years the last I touched upon the art."
"No," He lied, "I have not." Thirty years was a very long time, Iliya knew this better than anyone. He had taken on many students in that time, but none still yet lived. All held cruelty in their hearts, the perished in the flames of the towers, their souls joining the uncountable others that now burned within the foreigner.
"Perhaps you'd like to take Loretta on as a student?"
A new student? He thought, mulling over the prospect as Eleanor convinced her daughter of the soundness of the idea. While the very notion of taking on a student in his current state was exceedingly foolish due to the volatile nature of the flame within him, it would be most wise if he had someone he could pass his knowledge to, lest he die and take all knowledge of the Primal Flame down with him. If he were to take in any bum off the street, the first demonstration of the flame for them would likely kill them. However, taking in not only a female student, but Eleanor's daughter, might prove to be most prudent, as he might be able to circumvent the tradition methods of teaching and use a few more unconventional ones.
"I vould be honored, Sestrichka, if daughter, Loretta, vould be my student. But you know, she vould be in danger often, primal flame is less than forgiving of mistake."
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#ea7ca1
5
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Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
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Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jun 10, 2016 2:50:24 GMT
Eleanor could see her old friend take this into deep consideration as he most likely mulled over the idea. Loretta waited with bated breath for his response, unsure if he actually would spare his time on her. Time was a valuable possession and to share that time to pass down teachings is an honor to most. Eleanor simply smiled as she seemed to be expecting his following concern.
"I vould be honored, Sestrichka, if daughter, Loretta, vould be my student. But you know, she vould be in danger often, primal flame is less than forgiving of mistake."
"Oh cut that nonsense Tovarishch, she'd be a danger to the public without a proper guiding." She cracked a smile to Loretta's dumbfounded horror. Harold coughed at the comment seeming to agree yet wouldn't voice his opinion as he didn't support the idea of his daughter having to spend time alone with an older man he did not know. However, he held trust in his wife and if she thought Iliya was a decent enough man to be teaching Loretta to use the dangerous magic properly, well.. As long as her safety stays the priority.
If anyone had taken notice of Loretta in the short exchange, the sheepish smile she held told of a story in which she had possibly failed miserably.
"If you were the one teaching her, as you have taught me, my only fear would be the test of your patience." Eleanor chuckled to herself as past memories briefly flashed. Their stubbornness always clashed then.
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inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on Jun 22, 2016 5:40:10 GMT
A gentle smile spread across Iliya's face as he laughed with his former student. Giving Eleanor a wink, he replied.
"Vell, I taught you, how hard could it be?"
------------------------------------ Elsewhere, later...
"The flame is more akin to life than most could ever imagine. It is more than power, more than strength, it is passion, love, and sacrifice all wrapped together. To say that wielding the flame comes from the heart is more straightforward than the metaphor you might think it to be. But before you can wield the flame, you must learn to see it through a different set of eyes."
Iliya made a conscious effort to speak as clearly and correctly as possible around Loretta. While Eleanor was used to his heavy accent, he assumed Loretta was not and decided it would be easier for him to put forth a bit more effort than to try and force her to understand his typical speech patterns.
"Come, sit with me by the fire."
Clapping his hands together, a burst of flame erupted from between his palms and spilled onto a pile of logs gathered not too long ago. It held almost a viscous quality to it, like lava yet evaporating into flames like water to steam. As the flame took to the logs, Iliya sat down and began weaving his hands together. He did not speak, and would only gesture for Loretta to look into the flames if she questioned his movements.
Time would pass in silence, if Loretta chose to stare into the brightness of the fire, she would soon see shapes begin to emerge and dance within the light. Great horsemen charging into battle, beautiful men and women dancing together, a thousand horns sounding off for a choir of ten thousand voices. Iliya would continue to weave images into the fire until he was sure Loretta was mesmerized, and upon that moment he would cease.
Once stopped, the flames would not cease to dance and form shapes, rather, they would begin to take the shapes of the images that laid within Loretta's subconscious. What manifested now was entirely up to however dark or light the young girl's mind was.
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#ea7ca1
5
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1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jun 26, 2016 6:44:29 GMT
Passion, love, and sacrifice? Straight from the heart? To see through a different set of eyes.. Loretta kept these thoughts in mind as Illiya began his lesson. As he asked her to sit beside him Illiya clasped his hands together in a clap, a burst of flame seemed to have burst into life between his palms only to fall upon the gathered logs. The flame was not like anything she had seen before. It appeared to have volume and body that is encased by typical flames she is used to. She noticed Illiya's hand movements and gestures her to look back into the flame.
Loretta stared on, mesmerized by the flame. The dancing light flickered to and fro casting shapes of wondrous images. She spied the charging horsemen to be replaced by dancers in a ball like gala before a multitude of horns rose with the choir in silent song. Continuous imagery morphed to the next until, for a moment, the shapes disappeared. It was but a flame yet again, that is, until she noticed something began to form.
There were faces of friends new and old and Loretta couldn't help the pleasant smile that came. The faces seemed to shift to imagery of her latest adventures, the meetings of new interesting people and all kinds of dangers such as the day with Wake and Gurath. The Rite of Milova was a seemingly uneventful event, but the highlight of the evening on the third day was the very dance that manifested within the flame. She could see Willem in finer details, including the hand stitched embroidery upon the handmade robes. The way he made her feel that night was wonderful and a blush slowly grew in response however the next thing she saw in the flame that had her flushed from head to toe. It was the moment in time in which she received her first kiss except it never stopped. The passion built as the Eoin within the flame seemed to not hold back in his affections of the Loretta he held. Loretta burned in embarrassment and tried to keep her mind off of the feelings she felt. As she calmed herself, the flame shifted to that of her family. It was a bittersweet display of her family as a whole. Both her elder sister and brother stood beside her mother and father with their husband and wife. Their children about their legs with large smiles and waving at her. Her younger siblings were there too, including Harris who beamed the brightest. Loretta was overcome with joy just seeing him this way. It nearly brought her to tears.
Harris seemed to reach out to her only for Loretta to respond to the call in turn. She didn't realize what she was doing, just that she wanted to hold Harris's hand once more.
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inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on Jun 26, 2016 22:42:16 GMT
Ah, young love, Iliya looked fondly on the memories and fantasies of Loretta as they began to manifest themselves in the flames. Naturally, these kinds of things were the easiest to create in flames, and it nurtured within the soul the ability to utilize the fire in any manner they sought. The passion of a lover, or two, the kindness and joy of the love of her family, it warmed Iliya's heart. However, love gave way to danger, the young boy incited the deepest emotion within Loretta as she began to unconsciously reach for him through the flames.
For a man of his age, leaping over the fire to snatch Loretta's hand back was a great feat. He needed to make sure she did not burn herself on this flame, not the one he created at least. Its viscous quality revealed its nature, albeit subtly, the fire that burned before them was pure primal flame. If it caught Loretta's hands it would consume them. Gently releasing the girl once he was sure she was released of her own visions, Iliya flicked a hand towards the flame and took control of it. Quickly, the primal flame dissipated like steam and disappeared.
"Apologies, flame got the better of me. But you did well, if you're up to it we can work on actually manifesting some flames."
When Loretta stood, Iliya took a step back and held a hand out to his side.
"The easiest way to manifest the flame is in your hand. Remember, this is not magic, do not seek to draw upon the energies around you to create a fire. Draw upon that feeling you experienced deep inside when you gazed upon the primal flame, reach out like it is simply an extension of your heart. The primal flame comes from within you, it come from instinct deeper than thought or reason."
Instantly, a flame ignited in Iliya's hand growing in size to that of a small orb. It flowed and twisted barely a centimeter above his skin, floating and burning without fuel to consume.
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#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jun 27, 2016 7:38:25 GMT
Before Loretta could touch the enchanting flame, Illiya had leapt and snatched her outstretched hand away. At first she was frightened by the sudden jerk but soon realized how foolish she was. She apologized as she saw the error she had done. Iliya flicked his hand once more and the flame dispersed in smoky tendrils.
"Apologies, flame got the better of me. But you did well, if you're up to it we can work on actually manifesting some flames."
She did well? But.. was she not about to do something potentially bad? She nodded with eagerness to begin.
"The easiest way to manifest the flame is in your hand." Loretta followed after her mentor and stood across from him with an outstretched arm in similar fashion. Her palm faced the sky as she kept a watchful eye on her own hand.
"Remember, this is not magic, do not seek to draw upon the energies around you to create a fire." It wasn't? Before she could voice any questions, Illiya continued.
"Draw upon that feeling you experienced deep inside when you gazed upon the primal flame," The feelings she felt when she had gazed upon the flame aye? Reflexively, Loretta closed her eyes in concentration. She pictured the very flame she had laid eyes on momentarily and mentally pictured what she saw that stirred her emotions.
"Reach out like it is simply an extension of your heart. The primal flame comes from within you, it comes from instinct deeper than thought or reason." Nothing but instinct.. From deep within.. She was a bit unsure but cleared her mind as she focused more on the internal flame sh thought she could feel. It was so very warm and she felt a slight tingle. It was an interesting feeling and she felt an inner warmth grow as it seemed to push outward. As she felt a loving warmth on her hand, she took a glance to see a small candle like flame. It was small, but it was a start. She grinned at Illiya for her small accomplishment.
To think she'd have done something right on the first try!
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inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on Jun 27, 2016 20:12:04 GMT
Iliya was unsurprised when Loretta was able to manifest fire on her first try, but he still smiled all the same. From the visions in the fire, she had already shown her natural ability to weave the fire. Now all she needed to have was confidence in herself, imagination, and practice. Relaxing, he leaned against a nearby try and began absentmindedly began rolling his own flame between his fingers. His speech relaxing as well, he began Loretta's final test.
"Vonderful. We begin final test now. Keep your flame burning, do not let it grow out of control, and have conversation with me. For next week, we will camp here and I will be silent. If you have question, ask now."
Indeed, it was midday when they had begun their training and now the sun had nearly finished setting. Soon the light in their palms would be all they possessed to see by in the thick forest. If Loretta had any questions about Iliya, the fire, or how it grew without magic, then she'd need to ask now or she'd have to wait a whole week of silent training. If Loretta was anything like her mother, holding onto questions for that long would eat her alive.
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#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
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Post by Leb on Jun 30, 2016 18:22:07 GMT
"Wait, are we coming back in a week or staying a week?" She was confused and wanted to make sure they would be on the same page. And if she had questions she need to ask them now or else she'll have to- oh. Did he mean silent training the whole week then? The candle-like flame in her hand seemed to grow as Loretta grew anxious. It flickered with every thought that crossed her mind, every question she could possibly think of. Yet it did not go out nor did it grow any bigger than her own palm. At first she didn't notice, with her mind being occupied, but she did see how it moved as she spoke as if it were mimicking her somehow.
"How does it work?" She looked at the ball of flame curiously, perplexed with what he said earlier. "How does the flame grow? How is it cared for? What makes it so.. special that traditional magic isn't needed?" she paused and listened to his response intently before asking a few more questions, such as where is he from and how did he know her mother. There were also several more about how the flame could be applied and how could he heal himself with the flame.
"Ah.. sorry. I shouldn't ask so much so fast.." She apologized. "I'm eager to begin but I'll drive myself crazy if I didn't."
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inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
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Post by blacknoise on Jul 10, 2016 5:33:37 GMT
Iliya kept quiet as Loretta asked her questions, watching the flame in her hand more than anything else. It represented her emotions to Iliya more than she realized, though reading her emotions on her face was nearly just as easy. This girl wore her heart on her sleeve and, to a degree, Iliya appreciated the innocence. It was a welcome change to what he was used to. Sitting down, he folded his hands together and wove a small, twisting flame in his hand. The fire twisted and curved like corrupt, gnarly roots, yet it dared not come near his flesh. His eyes focusing on the flame, he watched it closely as he answered Loretta's barrage of questions.
"Ve'll be staying a week, start now.
"Now, the flame. Is beautiful, is it not? It is so much more than magic, it is power made reality. It draws from the energy of the primal flame and links vith your soul to create a nearly infinite source of energy without any drawbacks. You can do anything, create nearly anything, vith your flame. So long as you can control it vith your villpower. If you let it grow too big, let it grow out of control, it will burn away everything you love. So, you must be careful.
"Anything else before ve begin our time of silence?"
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