The Mystic, the Sorcerer, and his Betrothed(Semi-private; Eri' and Duncan)

[Motito Gil'dae]

The elf entered the Crown Inn and Tavern, and moved towards an open, empty table. Escorting Eri'Lariel there, he pulled out a chair for her with a smile, and pushed it in as he had her sit down. With a smile, he moved around the table and took a seat himself, one where he could watch the door from.

Not that it did him much good, as he--as usual--had a hard time peeling his eyes off of Eri', his betrothed. Just over a cycle ago the pair had gotten engaged, declaring their love for one another. Normally this might not be so odd, but that it had been immediately--less then a cycle, in fact--after she had been raped and broke up with the man she had been engaged to. Such a string of events was strange indeed...but he could not help it. The more time he had spent with her, the more inlove he had fallen. She was intelligent, beautiful, kind, caring, and understanding. She had even been nobility when she was back in Trelore, though she could have been a pauper and he would have loved her all the same. It just meant that he would need to give her less instruction on how to be an elvish noble once he did bring her before his family.

But he would not be bringing her before his family, at least not for some time. Instead, he would be bringing her before someone else...someone who as of late he had gotten to know much better then his own family, and though he was loathe to admit it, had almost become a part of it in his mind. The human Duncan Sythe was supposed to show up, for a small part of Motito wished Duncan's approval, another part knew that if Duncan didn't know, the man would simply give him all aeternia once he did finally find out. If anything, this meeting was to stave Duncan off from two things. One, telling him he needed to get back with Liosa continuously--or at least work things out, though he already had--as he was sure the man was apt to do, and two, Just to include the man in his life, as the mystic was definately an important part of it, like it or not.

He had not thought about it, but he had a third reason as well. He wished that should something happen to him, or should he get pulled away from Prime, he wanted someone there who he trusted to look after her. Someone who could protect her. He trusted Duncan in that capacity, like he trusted few others. The man had a knack for surviving, and for helping others survive. Motito had begun their friendship being one of them. He wanted to know that someone would be able to protect Eri' while he was gone...so he would introduce him to Eri', and hopefully the pair would become friends.

Taking her hand and kissing it lightly, he smiled to her, ripping his own eyes away from her just long enough to glance at the door, then return his loving gaze to her, the smile never leaving his face.

[Labyrinth]

OOC: Whoops

[Duncan Sythe]

Duncan was dressed in his more casual garb when he entered the crown and wasn’t armed, something that wasn’t as rare for him now as it had used to be, Prime was on the whole a safe place, safer now that Duncan’s position in it had become more official so he didn’t need weapons, especially since he had one which did just as well in his head. Closing the door behind him the Mystic removed his wide-brimmed black hat, folding it beneath one arm, under his cloak and holding it there with his left hand on the brim, scouring the room, ignoring the stares as he focused on the easily identifiable pair that was getting around as many stares as him. So that’s where he’d gone. Duncan considered, the past couple of brightenings considering he’d just got here he had been doing an awful lot of work for Motito, the man had fairly literally vanished into…nothingness and now Duncan understood why.

Motito had been right of course, Duncan would have given him Aeternia in a box if the Mystic hadn’t been let in on this now, still he’d give Motito enough hassle when they were alone, for now his attitude would be tempered as he had an unwritten rule regarding innocents in general, women especially, not to subject them to his more onerous attitudes unless necessary, Motito of course had been in a position where it was necessary to lecture him when they’d first met, this situation was different.

Dressed in a dark green, well tailored tunic and black trousers of an equally merchant-leaning cut Duncan’s outfit was somewhat spoiled by the tatty belt at his waist, the worn boots and the heavy, equally worn scarf around his neck, the cloak on the other hand was far better, a heavy affair with a rich green dyed wool lining. Of course none of this immediately struck anyone who looked at Duncan, it was the eyes and the hair that did that. Due to a certain incident Motito had never been made fully aware of Duncan had acquired eyes with a Psionic blue colour, completely pupil less but somehow also completely normal in all other respects along with starch white hair that he wore roughly cut but neat enough to suit his appearance.

He was by no means clean shaven or overly attractive when he approached the table though, his twenty nine human Era’s of life having presented him with a grizzled look, numerous small scars across his face as he extended his free hand, within it’s fingerless black glove, to grasp the back of a chair next to the two and sit down, smiling at Motito although it was only the male Elf who’d recognize the sadism in the expression.

“So this is why I’ve been doing most of your work recently Motito.”

He began, shaking his head and then giving Eri his full attention, a slight smile creasing his features, not that he’d asked it to be there, somehow happy as well as amused at Motito’s good fortune.

“You’ll forgive me for not knowing your name lady but Motito didn’t see fit to tell me I was coming here to meet the cause of his prolonged absence, whether he’s introduced me or not I’m Duncan Sythe.”

Placing his hat on the table Duncan extended a hand, slowly mind, just in case Eri’s response was delayed by his appearance, he was never sure how people would take it, some got frightened, others didn’t seem to mind for one reason or another and others saw it as a freak anomaly and started blaming things on him, certainly an Elf with wings rivaled Duncan so he didn’t think she’d be too shocked, still you never did know.

Whatever Eri’s initial reaction was though Duncan wasn’t about to go probing with Mysticism to see what she thought or discover something about her, it wasn’t his way, he far preferred to avoid magic and lead a normal life without it – except for daily practice – if he could.

[Eri'Lariel Gil'dae]

So this was the famous Crown Inn and Tavern? Eri's stormy eyes traveled over the building, taking every detail of the public house with the clinical curiosity of a race that soaked in knowledge like a sponge absorbed water. She couldn't count the times that Motito had mentioned this place as he had told her of Prime and Eri' almost felt like she was visiting a national monument as she walked through the door, the shimmering, white fabric of her dress swirling around her ankles with each step.

She moved unconsciously closer to the protective warmth of the elf mage as he escorted her to a table, gripping his arm nervously, her pristine feathers ruffling in agitation as she eyed the customers in residence. She found the clientele of the Inn to be an odd mix, an eclectic gathering of races that she hadn't seen anywhere else. With the exception of perhaps the elves, she certainly hadn't seen such in her homeland, a nation that shunned foreigners, and quite effectively, since the island floated above the range of most races.

She schooled her face to that calm that her breed were noted for, knowing that Motito would likely know the truth of the matter, feeling the anxious grip of her hand, but her pride simply wouldn't tolerate letting the general masses know how nervous their presence made her. And as if that weren't enough, she was here to meet a friend of the elf lord, to present herself for the first time as his intended - a fact that she was still adjusting to, herself.

She knew that Motito thought highly of this man - he had told her so himself - 'if you can get past his exterior' he had said. She wasn't left long to wonder what he had meant as the strange human approached their table, making himself welcome before even offering a greeting. His stark white hair and the near glow to his eyes startled Eri', her eyes widening in shock and her mind instantly screaming 'Vysstichi' in the wake of her attack.

Her eyes scanned over him as he spoke to Motito so familiarly, taking in the skintone and lack of definition to his ears, comforting herself with the fact that - while she still wasn't sure exactly what he was - he wasn't of the dark race. It was obvious that this was the man that he had brought her to meet, she thought with a quick glance in the elf lord's direction, and Motito had already vouched for him unconditionally. She would put her faith in Motito, she decided. If he trusted the mystic, then she would trust the elf enough to follow suit.

She saw his hand extend toward her and Eri' had the grace not to hesitate rudely, even for a second, and risk insulting the man that Motito held in such esteem. Her delicate hand alighted in his softly in greeting as her lips curled back into a pleasant smile, even if it was slightly forced, thanks to her nerves.

"My apologies if I've been selfishly keeping him from his work." A playful glint found its way into her dark eyes, hinting that she was anything but sorry that he had spent so much time with her that his absence elsewhere should be noted. "It is a pleasure to meet one that Motito speaks so highly of." Her hand retreated again after an acceptable pause, rising instead a wayward strand of her dark golden hair, one of the few that seemed to always work its way out of where the rest where pinned at the nape of her neck, tucking it behind a delicately tapered ear - and forgetting entirely to politely offer her name in kind in her nervousness.

[Motito Gil'dae]

Motito smiled as his betrothed and what he could only really define as his best friend greeted eachother, and listened to their words with a quirked eyebrow. He felt and knew Eri's nervousness, but it was more then likely because of the hodge-podge of the Crown's visitors then anything else, and he smiled to Duncan as he entered, watching him take a seat and shake Eri's hand.

"Serale, Dunc, welcome." He realized that she had forgotten, and he did the honors for her. "Duncan Sythe, I would like you to meet Eri'Lariel LeYanesa...my fiancee." He waited with a knowing grin, wondering how Duncan would take the announcement. The human's reactions were--if anything--amusingly predictable, and he loved watching what the human might think or have to say.

"Eri'Lariel, meet Duncan, my Executive Officer and one of my best friends." The next portion he leaned in and pantomimed whispering, though he knew full well Duncan could hear. "And don't tell anyone, but he's a Master Mystic as well. He doesn't like to go announcing it, but it's saved my life on a number of occasions."

Turning to Duncan, he replied in kind, so that they were all on equal footing. "And Dunc, though some don't look highly on the fact, Eri' is a hedgemage, of both Elementalism and Thaumaturgy." His eyes again turned to Eri with a grin, clasping her hand in his. "I thought the two of you should meet...the two most important people in my life right now." He leaned over and kissed Eri'Lariel on the cheek, then shot a playful look over to Duncan. He couldn't help it that this winged elf had put him in such a playful mood...but he would use it as best he could before Duncan spoiled it. "Don't worry, I won't be kissing your cheek."

He nuzzed Eri's neck playfully, looking to Duncan with a smile. "So...I know the two of you each rather well....why don't you get accquainted with eachother?" He grinned and was content to just enjoy Eri's company, wondering how Duncan would react all the while.

[Duncan Sythe]

Duncan sighed, it was one of his more normal ways of reacting, especially with Motito involved but this time he kept the smile, it was a sigh of knowledge that, whatever Motito did, he very rarely took anything seriously and even when he did reacted too fast to usually think things through. This was something that seemed to apply even now, part of Duncan didn’t want to be associated with such idleness in the face of the world but the rest argued that if he couldn’t enjoy himself at all the world wasn’t really worth living in and it had been a long while since he’d sat down with anyone remotely near a friend to have a chat.

As Motito babbled on Duncan remained politely silent although he couldn’t resist rolling his eyes and shaking his head more insistently at the irony of some of the Elf’s comments…who was the emotional one now? Motito was completely out of his mind. Had he been an Elf though Duncan was certain he would have been jealous if woman had been at all interesting to him, Eri’ was certainly beautiful, unfortunately if she liked comments she wouldn’t get any, Duncan didn’t know how to flatter, he wouldn’t even bother to try, although if he said something that inadvertently sounded like a compliment, so be it.

“If he speaks so highly of me then perhaps you could convince him to stop patronizing me, I don’t seem to have much luck.”

He said with the sigh of the eternally fatigued, shooting Motito a withering, if still amused glance, the amusement bringing a lot of the bite out of it as he replied in regard to Motito’s kissing comment.

“Like that.” Duncan said dourly, hands relaxing into his lap. “Yes I am a Master Mystic but it doesn’t mean all that much, equally don’t you go putting too much faith in magic either, it’s got a habit of not working when you least expect it and most need it.” He continued as the conversation returned to ground he was more sure on, the warning to Motito as well as Eri’, an eternal reminder he hoped the woman would find easier to implant into Motito than he had.

“Still at least one of the pair of us is happy; I suppose that’s better than neither of us…” Duncan added his expression not sad yet but hinting at it, still he didn’t want to spoil Motito’s mood so he made an effort to keep things lighter than usual, waving a hand until a waiter appeared.

“A glass of some kind of fruit juice and whatever the other two will have – and stop looking at her like that.” Duncan snapped, the end of the sentence far sharper than anything Eri had heard from him yet, his eyes narrowing, the slight out-of-place feeling he’d endured and certainly openly shown up until now vanishing as he waited for Eri and Motito to order before watching the man leave. “Idiot.” He muttered grimly under his breath, turning back to Eri, all smiles again.

“So how did you come to meet the child over here then?” Duncan asked, gesturing to Motito while not looking at him and deciding it was time to play back at Motito, even if the constant arguments the pair had would seem odd and possibly offensive to Eri she’d have to get used to them. “Have you had to tie his boot laces or cut his hair yet? Despite what rank might lead you to believe I’m sure you’ve discovered how completely incapable he is.”

Duncan stated with strange confidence, to him Motito, while still being able, was always going to get nagged at as a child for two reasons: Because it irritated the Elf and because he was older than Duncan and Duncan didn’t like Elfish age or arrogance all that much…the fact that he had as much arrogance as any Elf aside he preferred to be a step ahead of them and so far Motito had been the one with the jibes, unfair considering Duncan had been too busy with introductions to respond until now.

[Eri'Lariel Gil'dae]

The shy Raamavoite offered Motito an appreciative smile as he offered her name, blushing softly as he kissed her cheek. She was still getting used to the endearments herself, let alone having them enacted in public as they were, and despite the familiarity with which Motito now knew every part of her, Eri' was still shy and prim at heart.

She squeezed his hand gently as he spoke, not showing any surprise at his words. He had already told her that Duncan was a Mystic when he first mentioned introducing the pair. Still, she couldn't help but smile, pleased as he referenced her as one of the most important people in his life. Only a few cycles ago, they had been nothing more than friends, and not even as close of friends as he and Duncan were, she would venture to guess, but now, she enjoyed the little innocent remarks that reminded her that they were so much more.

Her dark gaze never left Duncan as Motito spoke as she was still trying to decide what to make of him. His appearance was unusual, even for a human, and Eri' hadn't settled on just what to think of it. She started slightly when he snapped at the waiter, not even having realized that one had approached, let alone had the time to be offended by any looks directed at her. She was rather used to being stared at, anyway, and while it still annoyed her, she found it easier to ignore.

Her grey eyes went back to Motito uncertainly as if seeking reassurance about this man who sat with them, an enigma, if she were asked. She offered the elf half a smile before finally glancing up at the server and nodding agreement. "...Juice..." The Raamavoite wasn't exactly a teetotaler, partaking of wine when it suited her, nor was she a vegetarian of any sort like so many of her kind seemed to prefer - but rather, she simply had a sweet tooth when it came to fruits, craving their sweet nectars when she had the option and so, she was only too happy to agree with Duncan's order.

She turned her attention back to Duncan as he continued to speak realizing that even more confusing than his looks were his words. Her eyes narrowed in confusion as he referred to Motito as a child. Surely, being only human, the elf was at least several times his age. It wasn't until he inquired at how she 'cared for him' that she put the words together with Motito's quips, realizing that he must be simply teasing the elf at her expense.

Her musical laughter rang across the table as she finally let her guard down before the human. She had found an accomplice with whom to tease the elf lord. "How did we come to meet?" She glanced at Motito with an impish smirk before leaning conspiratorialy toward Duncan, ready to give fuel to his fire in the telling of the story.

"We actually met last autumn, in Silrosia. I was walking innocently through the forest when Motito sent a young mage flying straight into me during a duel he was having, bowling us both over into a crumpled heap." A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she looked to Motito in mock apology for the telling, not bothering to make excuses or explanations for the accident that had been completely the sorcerer's fault, even if it was one of her fondest memories now.

[Motito Gil'dae]

The elf looked to Duncan accusingly, then to the waiter he had snapped at.

"Just an ale for me, thanks." he grinned, then looked back to the Duncan, listening to the man's quips, even though nothing the human could say could foul the elf's mood as of late.

The elf just grinned as Duncan shot back his own quips, knowing that the human could never turn down some good banter. He noticed the confused look in Eri's eyes, and was about to say something when it appeared that she finally understood, her musical laughter ringing out. He simply smiled as she understood, kissing her hand.

As he listened to them talk about him, his face grew in mock horror at the telling of how he and Eri' had actually met. he slapped his forhead, knowing that Duncan would never let that one go--as if the human didn't have enough ammunition against him already.

"Now, in all fairness to me," he began, looking at her accusingly, though still with love and amusement in his eyes, "I didn't know you were there when I flung him across the forest."

Then his gaze turned to Duncan with an unquenchable humor, even though he continued talking to Eri'.

"And don't let this man's bitterness and jealousy of my luck get in the way...he's soft on the inside, really he is. He just gives the appearance of a stickler." he just beamed after that, wondering how Duncan would take that little barb....

[Duncan Sythe]

“Oh please.” Duncan again replied to Motito first, unwilling to let the Elf get the upper hand. “As if I’d ever be jealous of an ageless pointy eared idealist.” Duncan quickly turned back to Eri, holding up a hand. “No offence intended of course but he’s rather stubborn to say the least.” It was at that point that the drinks arrived and Duncan sipped at his own, glad of the pause before he went back to talking with Eri.

“Now, it seems your also aware of his lack of regard.” Duncan looked back at Motito, his focus mainly on Eri though. “When I met him for the first time he happened to be running across a field, intent on some foolish attempt at suicide-by-elementalist in the face of the fact that all he’d achieve was getting himself killed.” Duncan gave Motito a vicious smile, the Elf’s last comment taking things a little too far in the face of present company, he hadn’t been able to respond to it without offending Eri.

“He has a thing about throwing things around really, must be the sorcery, he can’t resist using it and I’m sure something about me rubbed off on him, he didn’t use to like hammering points into people so literally.”

Again Duncan slipped Motito a look and a tooth-filled smile, looking back to Eri but still having not gone anywhere near her except with the simple shake of hands, afraid to in a way.

“Still it seems to have turned out nicely, despite all Motito says I am happy for you, beneath the few problems he’ll take care of you, he’s too idealistic and caring not to.”

Duncan fell silent, really not sure what to mention or where to carry things, he’d never had enough of a conversation with someone that wasn’t intimately related to his…well…life in the way Motito was, Eri was something of a loss, he didn’t know what would interest her or anything.

[Eri'Lariel Gil'dae]

"Suicide by elementalist?" A delicate eyebrow arched curiously at Duncan's words, the humor evident on her face at watching the two of them banter back and forth. It was a similar interaction as she normally had with the elf lord, except that the men seemed to lace their quips with sharp barbs whereas her teasing had a softer edge to it. Sharp barbs or no, it was obvious to her that the two were fond of each other, as oddly as they chose to show it. But then, perhaps it wasn't that odd after all, considering the racial differences.

She couldn't help but be pleased by Duncan's assurances that Motito would take care of her, despite his cutting comments to the elf. Her gaze swept to Motito, smiling just for him, letting him know that she was taking the meeting well. She continued to stare fondly into Motito's quicksilver eyes as she disagreed with Duncan with a slight shake of her head.

"I'm afraid I can't consider him lacking in regard... he did take the time to compensate me for the inconvenience... even offering a place to clean up and a fresh dress to change into." She stopped short of making 'doll' comments, winking at Motito instead as she kept some things to themselves.

Turning back to Duncan, she looked at him like he was a curiosity that she was trying to figure out. He was lucky that he hadn't given her the same license to ask anything as Motito had. The curious Raamavoite would have bombarded him with a barrage of completley inappropriate questions.

As it was, she tried to keep the conversation neutral, turning her curiosity to a topic concerning them both. "So... you are a member of the Mage Corps with Motito?" And Liosa. The thought ran through her head, but she didn't give voice to it.

She realized as she sat there with them that she was the only one not a master in a chosen sphere, but for once, she didn't feel intimidated by the fact. She knew Motito would never treat her condescendingly for it and given the tone of the conversation, she felt more like a 'fragile lady' in their presence anyway, arcanic skills aside.

"Given your warning not to put too much stock in magics... it sounds as if you two must have quite a history together." Men were always given to telling tales and Eri' couldn't help but wonder what sorts of stories these two must have with the way they ribbed each other.

[Motito Gil'dae]

The elf managed to blush at Duncan's reference to when they first had met. Motito would be the first to admit he was brash and stupid, young and naive. He had not known much of the way of the world, and Duncan had helped to give him a serious wake-up call. Looking to the Raamavoite, he only squeezed her hand kissing it again, but only reddening further as she mentioned how he had compensated for his initial brutalizing of her, but left out the comment he knew was on both of their minds.

He nodded to Duncan, smiling to the human appreciatively. Hidden beneath his edge was indeed the caring man that few got the chance or took the chance to see.

"Idealistic and caring enough to give a cynical and arrogent human a shot at something both thought he'd never do..." he chuckled, referencing to the fact that Duncan--of all people--had become a guardsman under the General. He smirked, knowing that such a reference might get under the human's skin, but not caring, for both knew it was in good fun.

"Duncan and I...do indeed have a history...even if he was kicking and screaming the whole way." The sorcerer grinned in reference to their history, commenting with a wink, "And don't think he didn't grumble about every single implausible thing that happened, either." He smirked again and looked to Eri' and Duncan, letting Duncan decide if he wanted to tell of their past encounters or not...

[Duncan Sythe]

As Eri looked at Duncan in that particular way the Mystic quickly turned his attention to his drink, the last time someone had done that he hadn’t liked it and this time was no better, he didn’t need investigating, figuring out or correcting as far as he was concerned, he was human – mortal – not a product of mating Gods or something equally as strange. That fact aside he listened as the banter once again round the table and edged his eyes back towards Motito, narrowing them slightly, the Elf was really asking for it now and getting into waters Duncan would have rather left slightly further away, he’d been happy bantering on the edge of things but dropping into matters, well, if Motito wanted to talk, let him.

“Sorry to spoil your fun but you know why I joined the military as well as I do and it wasn’t out of any misguided loyalty, I could have joined any I liked, you just happened to be convenient.”

He began dryly, continuing with the same tone that lacked the light humor he’d held before, moving onto the others matters under discussion with a somewhat darker attitude.

“The only reason I screamed was when you screwed up, if you really want to repeat the conversation we had last time in the Crown with Eri around, feel free, this time however keep in mind we’ve already had it once before, I know your too damn idealistic to understand.”

He wasn’t finished yet, that much was clear, privately this had been coming since…well, since the last conversation they’d had in the Crown when Duncan had – mistakenly – thought Motito might for a second understand, it was true the Elf understood more than most but he didn’t really understand, his rational allowed for things Duncan’s didn’t and if it knew the whole truth he’d be just as disgusted as Duncan was, much had happened in the several Era’s between now and then, Duncan hadn’t picked sides on the grey line yet and his experiences, especially the one that had caused him to look like he did, hadn’t made the choice any easier, if anything this was a wake up call for Motito, Duncan was right back where he’d been before that conversation and possibly even more testy. Turning to Eri his voice was quiet, eyes intently focused on hers as if to drive away the curiosity.

“We met when he was just a Lieutenant, arrogant, stupid and overconfident.” Duncan sipped at his drink. “He tried to kill himself in a foolish act of pointless bravery and as a result somehow gained an image of what he wants the world to be, quite pointless really considering the world doesn’t like to be molded and the God’s are happy playing with the lives of everyone else as it is.” Duncan took another sip of the drink, tilting it slightly, a little too bitter but still drinkable, waiting to see what that produced.

[Eri'Lariel Gil'dae]

So much for neutral conversation. The sensitive Raamavoite was taken aback by Duncan's words. She shot a quick glance to Motito, unsure of how to take the human. Motito had warned her that she would have to get past his exterior in order to get to know him the way that he did, but she hadn't expected the man to be so... tactless... as Duncan's words seemed.

Leaning forward, Eri' pulled her own cup toward her, holding it where it sat in both of her delicate hands, more to give her something to focus on than out of any desire for a drink. She turned her gaze away from Duncan, staring instead at the liquid in the cup for a safe place to avert her eyes as she chose her words carefully, wanting to support the elf, without offending the human.

"You'll pardon my saying so, for I'm certain that you've... been around longer than I and are much wiser in the ways of the world... but it seems to me that unless we can see the world for what it could be, then it will never change. If one never tries, then it never will come to be. Idealistic, perhaps... but then... it takes only a pebble to start an avalanche."

Her words came slowly and politely, without even a hint of sarcasm, despite the fact that she had given him credit for having seen more patterns than she, when it was entirely likely that she was at least three times his age. But then Eri' was well aware that she had lived a sheltered life until coming to the Empire and so, metaphorically speaking, perhaps he was 'older' than she, after all.

The elf lass fell silent then, bringing the cup finally to her full lips and sipping daintily at its contents before setting it down again and turning to give Motito a helpless look, her eyes asking him to help her out before she give offense and ruin any chance at a good impression on his closest friend. "Amin n'rangwa edan"