Maybe she should have anticipated someone would be home, but she's been so used to an empty apartment during the day (even with Geralt's return to the city), Rinwell had taken things a little for granted.
Still, she can't help but look like she's been caught with her hand in the cookie jar when Jaskier emerges from his room, with her threadbare cloak slung about her shoulders, and a bobbing bird waiting on the table where he perches on her book. ]
I. Um. Yes.. [she doesn't kick the ground, but her hands do clasp behind her back] It's not enough to just keep up with memorizing my chants. And I..I just really need to get out for a bit.
[speaking of Ciri:] I don't suppose you know a good place where I could practice away from prying eyes?
Oh. I was kidding, but you're -- you're serious. [He's sort of beginning to understand the urge. After this month, with his magic not... not doing what it's meant to, he also feels like.
Well. He's not sure. Something that causes mayhem. Acceptable, safe mayhem.]
I understand. This place wasn't exactly made for your kind, was it? Our kind, I suppose. [Not that he considers himself much of a mage. He is very much closer to a man of science than a man of magic, but even he's tired of this near ceaseless... attitude. Like a schoolmaster who was far outlived any lesson he's meant to teach.]
Oh! I do, actually. There's a spot out past the city gates where I practiced. [When he could still reliably grow plants, sure. However, there's the last few brigands that he'd run into with Ciri, and the wild birds he knows shelter in the desert. He's not much, but he can't send Rinwell out there by herself.
Not even after what he'd seen her do on Eifstide. Not when things with Geralt were --]
I'd be delighted to show you. Do you mind a spot of company?
Absolutely serious. [firmly, in spite of the nerves making her fingers fumble along the spine of her book as she reaches for it] You never know when a situation might call for..
[ Well. Magic, essentially. A bit of chaos to get them out of trouble - or further into it, depending on your point of view. And the undercurrent here lately is...uncomfortable. And there wasn't even a racial element to it, as there would be back home.
Her expression lifts a little at the mention of somewhere close - relatively, at least. ]
We..might need to go a little further out, depending. [she doesn't plan on anything especially explosive, but one never can tell when it comes to chaining astral energy into increasingly devastating effects.] But I'd really like that, if you're willing to come with me. You wanted to see what else I could do, right?
[For minor explosions? Even large windstorms? He laughs. Yes, well. He had never considered they might need Rinwell's strength before, but with Geralt's disappearance... that's quite different.
He's glad she's here. Just like Ciri.]
Worry not. Ciri and I have a spot. I'm sure it's still marked, even. [Not with the magical explosion that scarred his arm -- luckily, that was far before he met Rinwell, or he might need to explain its origin -- but with vines that still coil and break the surface of the sand.
Probably. With his plants dying in some points as he grapples with the failure of his magic, perhaps they have died, too.]
I'd love to accompany you, my dear. I would be honored to be your witness. [Besides, this provides the perfect opportunity to ask her about that earth magic. She may have some insight into it of... what he might be able to do with it.] I know a place we can rent a horse or two. I do adore Roach, but I would hate to explain to Geralt if something happened to her.
[Not that he meant from her. It'd mostly likely be from him, or the fear of those magic flares.]
[ Knowing he knows where to go is a godsend, and there's a quiet prayer to Dahna uttered in her head. ]
Great! [talk about a mood shift! both her hands clench together, held in front of her excitedly] I'm still only learning to ride, though. And Roach is a bit big for me.
[ Make that too big for her, really. Though given how small Rinwell is, perhaps they could share a mount?
She'll just have to trust Jaskier on that part, just as he seems willing to trust in her and her magic. Which was honestly more than she expected, even now weeks and weeks after helping him escape the wraiths. She'd done her best not to use any astral energy in the streets. ]
I'll do my best not to make any big fire explosions. [a pity!] I don't think we need the attention that might get. But I know some other spells that could use a bit of work on my part.
Oh. Right. You are a bit small, aren't you? [He grins at her. It's hard not to feel a bit excited himself with her mood so light already. Either she wanted company that badly or to use her magic, and in neither way could he deny her.]
Certainly! I understand the desire to stay in practice. I'm sure you have some wonderful other things to show off with.
[Which, personally, he invites. Perhaps there is inspiration to be found in someone who is a naturally talented mage, who finds such need to use it. He could use that. That ease, even if he only watches.
He holds the door open for her as they set off towards the stable he knows of. Unsurprisingly, with how well he had returned his horse from his excursion with Ciri -- and with the sizable tip on top of it -- it's easy to procure a calm chestnut mare that could rival Roach in prettiness. He takes in the magelet and decides, yes. In the effort of saving coin, they could share a saddle.]
Luckily, I have plenty of training in horse riding. It's about all the transportation we have, unless you're a mage -- hah, I wonder if you have any experience in that? -- and can make a portal. [Carts, horses. Horses were so much simpler when it was only himself on the road. Or, himself and a Witcher.] No complaints about sitting in the back, I hope? I promise I'm an easy driver, as long as it suits our friend Rosebud here.
I hope you still think so when I'm done. I've never...really shown off my artes before. [so she hopes he's not expecting anything extra fancy] I've had to keep them a secret for a really long time, so..
[ There's a rather hopeful look at him over her book as she pauses by the door, hand holding it closed before they leave. She knows he's excited to have new writing material, and in some ways, that's- exciting? Feats of magic that aren't a source of terror, wielded by the Renans...But this town has her on edge lately.
Once they're off, however, she has 0 complaints about sharing a mount; if anything, Hootle is the one who complains until he's allowed to sit up front on the pommel of the saddle so he can get a good view of everything as they ride! ]
Portals..? I, no. If I could, that would be honestly amazing! [for a moment, her gaze turns almost starry eyed at the idea, before she shakes herself. the closest she's ever seen to something like that would be a certain Renan lord making his incredibly nerve wracking exit early on in her journey with Alphen and Shionne..] Is that something mages can do where you are from?
Then I'd say that's all the more reason to show off now you've the chance, isn't it? I mean, I've seen hints of them already, Rinwell. They're wonderful. And if it is safe to do so, I think you should let your talents shine.
[It is the real desire of every artist, he thinks, and he doesn't see why those with magic, even elemental ones, are much different in that case.
And yes, because Hootle is a darling bird -- and Jaskier has quickly become enamored with darling birds -- he's more than allowed to be in front.]
It is! Something I imagine that's rather complicated, so only the higher mages can do so, but... the first one I ever went through was here, actually. A mage made portals when we were in Thorne, and helped us escape here.
[ She's quiet a moment, a little taken aback by Jaskier's words. She's never had someone call her artes 'wonderful' before - even she never uses that word to explain or describe them, so long used to keeping them under wraps, to never mentioning them.
Maybe that's what they're supposed to be. Not just fated to be known as the core tools of pain and fear in the hands of her enemies. ]
I've never seen one. I don't know if that's a power that astral energy would provide to me. But if I ever meet one of these mages who can make portals, I'll have to ask them how they do it.
[ It's likely complicated in some fashion, but Rinwell has never been afraid to learn!
Hootle, meanwhile, puffs happily where he sits in front of Jaskier, leaning back into the man a bit so he doesn't lose his balance while they're on the move. Trotting is bouncy, and faster speeds? Well, even he enjoys them, if only because Rinwell does. Both bird and girl keep an eye on the path taken once they leave the main road, all the better to memorise where they're going for a future "later". ]
When did you find the place we're going to? Do many people use it?
You'd certainly know better than me. [He says it a little wryly. Clearly chaos is astral energy to her, and she has much more understanding of it than he has of his own chaos. It sort of... came to him.
In a way, he is terribly privileged with it. He didn't even work to gain it, but. At least he worked to understand how to hone it.]
Ah. It was some months ago when I first gained a new... what did you call it? Earth astral energy? When I became aware I could control it. I didn't want to do anything to catch too much attention in Cadens, so Ciri and I wandered out here to find a safe place to practice. In case I, you know, exploded or something.
[It's a joke, but it's also. Sort of. What happened. So there's that.] No one else should be out here, I should think, except... er, there's some bandits, I suppose, further out, and some sort of carnivorous bird that moves among the dunes Geralt warned me about, but that's it. It is a desert, after all. If we find some green -- crafted by yours truly, of course -- we'll know we're in the right place.
I only know as much as was taught to me. [riding behind him he can't see how her face falls as she says that, though he might wonder when her arms tighten, just a little, around his middle] There's a lot of knowledge lost over the years, and I...well, there's a lot going on back home.
[ Portals...did her parents know such things? Did her clan? Was that why..? The thought is interrupted as Jaskier continues speaking, and there's a thoughtful him from Rinwell as she turns her attention to the present.]
That's right. I don't have any spells of that nature myself, but I traveled with someone who specialized in it. [not an inaccurate way to describe Dohalim, just incomplete] Cadens really isn't made for a lot of magic casting, so having somewhere off the beaten path is a great idea.
[ When he mentions green, she peers around his arm, all the better to look ahead, before out to the left and right of them. ]
That sort of bird sounds like a good dinner. [..is she kidding?]
[He takes a peek at her from over his shoulder. A lot going on back home could mean anything, but he certainly understands the sentiment. If Rinwell is already so cautious about her magic, what could that mean for her sphere? Perhaps it's as tumultuous a place as the Continent is.]
Wait, what? Well, if it's to be our dinner, be confident in knowing you're the one hunting it. I'll -- I'll protect Rosebud, of course.
[Geralt warned him about it for a reason, thank you.]
I'm sorry you were summoned here, then, that your power wasn't embraced. It would have been in Thorne, but over there, there's... you still have to watch for knives in your back. As in any court.
[ Given how little she's said of home, it's entirely possible there's as many similarities as there are differences. Some day, there will be a proper sit down, a proper discussion. And perhaps a few things revealed that'll get uncomfortable questions on both sides.
For now, however, there's a faint giggle. ]
Well, that'll depend on just how big it is. If I'm fighting alone, I mean. I.. [there's a delicate pause, before Rinwell pushes on.] I got used to fighting alongside my friends, back home. We'd coordinate together - Alphen and Law taking the front line, and Shionne and I in the back. It was a little sloppy at first, but, eventually we really had a knack for taking down zeugles together.
I've heard bits and pieces about Thorne. [it wasn't said to her directly, but it wasn't hard to piece together where Geralt went] There used to be kings and queens and the like on Dahna, once upon a time. [emphasis on 'used to'] But mages, my people, were persecuted for a long time and stayed hidden. Not revered like the Thorneans, or the Renans.
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
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Maybe she should have anticipated someone would be home, but she's been so used to an empty apartment during the day (even with Geralt's return to the city), Rinwell had taken things a little for granted.
Still, she can't help but look like she's been caught with her hand in the cookie jar when Jaskier emerges from his room, with her threadbare cloak slung about her shoulders, and a bobbing bird waiting on the table where he perches on her book. ]
I. Um. Yes.. [she doesn't kick the ground, but her hands do clasp behind her back] It's not enough to just keep up with memorizing my chants. And I..I just really need to get out for a bit.
[speaking of Ciri:] I don't suppose you know a good place where I could practice away from prying eyes?
no subject
Well. He's not sure. Something that causes mayhem. Acceptable, safe mayhem.]
I understand. This place wasn't exactly made for your kind, was it? Our kind, I suppose. [Not that he considers himself much of a mage. He is very much closer to a man of science than a man of magic, but even he's tired of this near ceaseless... attitude. Like a schoolmaster who was far outlived any lesson he's meant to teach.]
Oh! I do, actually. There's a spot out past the city gates where I practiced. [When he could still reliably grow plants, sure. However, there's the last few brigands that he'd run into with Ciri, and the wild birds he knows shelter in the desert. He's not much, but he can't send Rinwell out there by herself.
Not even after what he'd seen her do on Eifstide. Not when things with Geralt were --]
I'd be delighted to show you. Do you mind a spot of company?
no subject
[ Well. Magic, essentially. A bit of chaos to get them out of trouble - or further into it, depending on your point of view. And the undercurrent here lately is...uncomfortable. And there wasn't even a racial element to it, as there would be back home.
Her expression lifts a little at the mention of somewhere close - relatively, at least. ]
We..might need to go a little further out, depending. [she doesn't plan on anything especially explosive, but one never can tell when it comes to chaining astral energy into increasingly devastating effects.] But I'd really like that, if you're willing to come with me. You wanted to see what else I could do, right?
no subject
He's glad she's here. Just like Ciri.]
Worry not. Ciri and I have a spot. I'm sure it's still marked, even. [Not with the magical explosion that scarred his arm -- luckily, that was far before he met Rinwell, or he might need to explain its origin -- but with vines that still coil and break the surface of the sand.
Probably. With his plants dying in some points as he grapples with the failure of his magic, perhaps they have died, too.]
I'd love to accompany you, my dear. I would be honored to be your witness. [Besides, this provides the perfect opportunity to ask her about that earth magic. She may have some insight into it of... what he might be able to do with it.] I know a place we can rent a horse or two. I do adore Roach, but I would hate to explain to Geralt if something happened to her.
[Not that he meant from her. It'd mostly likely be from him, or the fear of those magic flares.]
no subject
Great! [talk about a mood shift! both her hands clench together, held in front of her excitedly] I'm still only learning to ride, though. And Roach is a bit big for me.
[ Make that too big for her, really. Though given how small Rinwell is, perhaps they could share a mount?
She'll just have to trust Jaskier on that part, just as he seems willing to trust in her and her magic. Which was honestly more than she expected, even now weeks and weeks after helping him escape the wraiths. She'd done her best not to use any astral energy in the streets. ]
I'll do my best not to make any big fire explosions. [a pity!] I don't think we need the attention that might get. But I know some other spells that could use a bit of work on my part.
no subject
Certainly! I understand the desire to stay in practice. I'm sure you have some wonderful other things to show off with.
[Which, personally, he invites. Perhaps there is inspiration to be found in someone who is a naturally talented mage, who finds such need to use it. He could use that. That ease, even if he only watches.
He holds the door open for her as they set off towards the stable he knows of. Unsurprisingly, with how well he had returned his horse from his excursion with Ciri -- and with the sizable tip on top of it -- it's easy to procure a calm chestnut mare that could rival Roach in prettiness. He takes in the magelet and decides, yes. In the effort of saving coin, they could share a saddle.]
Luckily, I have plenty of training in horse riding. It's about all the transportation we have, unless you're a mage -- hah, I wonder if you have any experience in that? -- and can make a portal. [Carts, horses. Horses were so much simpler when it was only himself on the road. Or, himself and a Witcher.] No complaints about sitting in the back, I hope? I promise I'm an easy driver, as long as it suits our friend Rosebud here.
A MILLION YEARS LATE I'M SO SORRY
[yes that small, you're 5'1" rinwell]
I hope you still think so when I'm done. I've never...really shown off my artes before. [so she hopes he's not expecting anything extra fancy] I've had to keep them a secret for a really long time, so..
[ There's a rather hopeful look at him over her book as she pauses by the door, hand holding it closed before they leave. She knows he's excited to have new writing material, and in some ways, that's- exciting? Feats of magic that aren't a source of terror, wielded by the Renans...But this town has her on edge lately.
Once they're off, however, she has 0 complaints about sharing a mount; if anything, Hootle is the one who complains until he's allowed to sit up front on the pommel of the saddle so he can get a good view of everything as they ride! ]
Portals..? I, no. If I could, that would be honestly amazing! [for a moment, her gaze turns almost starry eyed at the idea, before she shakes herself. the closest she's ever seen to something like that would be a certain Renan lord making his incredibly nerve wracking exit early on in her journey with Alphen and Shionne..] Is that something mages can do where you are from?
no worries!!
[It is the real desire of every artist, he thinks, and he doesn't see why those with magic, even elemental ones, are much different in that case.
And yes, because Hootle is a darling bird -- and Jaskier has quickly become enamored with darling birds -- he's more than allowed to be in front.]
It is! Something I imagine that's rather complicated, so only the higher mages can do so, but... the first one I ever went through was here, actually. A mage made portals when we were in Thorne, and helped us escape here.
no subject
Maybe that's what they're supposed to be. Not just fated to be known as the core tools of pain and fear in the hands of her enemies. ]
I've never seen one. I don't know if that's a power that astral energy would provide to me. But if I ever meet one of these mages who can make portals, I'll have to ask them how they do it.
[ It's likely complicated in some fashion, but Rinwell has never been afraid to learn!
Hootle, meanwhile, puffs happily where he sits in front of Jaskier, leaning back into the man a bit so he doesn't lose his balance while they're on the move. Trotting is bouncy, and faster speeds? Well, even he enjoys them, if only because Rinwell does. Both bird and girl keep an eye on the path taken once they leave the main road, all the better to memorise where they're going for a future "later". ]
When did you find the place we're going to? Do many people use it?
no subject
In a way, he is terribly privileged with it. He didn't even work to gain it, but. At least he worked to understand how to hone it.]
Ah. It was some months ago when I first gained a new... what did you call it? Earth astral energy? When I became aware I could control it. I didn't want to do anything to catch too much attention in Cadens, so Ciri and I wandered out here to find a safe place to practice. In case I, you know, exploded or something.
[It's a joke, but it's also. Sort of. What happened. So there's that.] No one else should be out here, I should think, except... er, there's some bandits, I suppose, further out, and some sort of carnivorous bird that moves among the dunes Geralt warned me about, but that's it. It is a desert, after all. If we find some green -- crafted by yours truly, of course -- we'll know we're in the right place.
no subject
[ Portals...did her parents know such things? Did her clan? Was that why..? The thought is interrupted as Jaskier continues speaking, and there's a thoughtful him from Rinwell as she turns her attention to the present.]
That's right. I don't have any spells of that nature myself, but I traveled with someone who specialized in it. [not an inaccurate way to describe Dohalim, just incomplete] Cadens really isn't made for a lot of magic casting, so having somewhere off the beaten path is a great idea.
[ When he mentions green, she peers around his arm, all the better to look ahead, before out to the left and right of them. ]
That sort of bird sounds like a good dinner. [..is she kidding?]
no subject
Wait, what? Well, if it's to be our dinner, be confident in knowing you're the one hunting it. I'll -- I'll protect Rosebud, of course.
[Geralt warned him about it for a reason, thank you.]
I'm sorry you were summoned here, then, that your power wasn't embraced. It would have been in Thorne, but over there, there's... you still have to watch for knives in your back. As in any court.
no subject
For now, however, there's a faint giggle. ]
Well, that'll depend on just how big it is. If I'm fighting alone, I mean. I.. [there's a delicate pause, before Rinwell pushes on.] I got used to fighting alongside my friends, back home. We'd coordinate together - Alphen and Law taking the front line, and Shionne and I in the back. It was a little sloppy at first, but, eventually we really had a knack for taking down zeugles together.
I've heard bits and pieces about Thorne. [it wasn't said to her directly, but it wasn't hard to piece together where Geralt went] There used to be kings and queens and the like on Dahna, once upon a time. [emphasis on 'used to'] But mages, my people, were persecuted for a long time and stayed hidden. Not revered like the Thorneans, or the Renans.