[Bosquet] Tower of Balance

[Aviator]

For as long as any resident of Mystique could remember, there were three towers in the Bosquet. One of those was wrapped from top to bottom in leaves and vines, covering all but the windows which dotted the surface. One was a standard tower, taking exception to the fact that there was no door in the archway that should have housed one. The final was hardly a tower, but more just a smooth black marble-like obelisk shaped tower. That was until the spring of Era XI.

On that fateful day, the towers had all three sunk into the ground, not to be seen for several months. It took quite some time and a lot of effort from the house mages to bring the towers back up, and what they brought was a surprise. The three towers had merged into one it seemed. The result was a smooth black pyramid like tower, well over nine hundred feet tall. The tower walls were so smooth that during night time, one could see the reflection of the stars so well it looked as if the tower itself was the sky. The only tipoff were the vines, going up along each side, not covering the building, but making a definite presence.

The doors into the tower, where those in search of Druidism came, seemed to be made of the same hard black material which at closer inspection was actually a very dark blue, but oddly opened automatically as one approached, so long as their intentions were good. Inside, the floor was of marble, and a beautiful sight it was indeed, the shiny white speckled black. It seemed to be only one single piece as opposed to several tiles. Lining the walls which from the inside were transparent yet tinted enough to shelter your eyes from the glare of the suns, was a ring of vines that grew up to the vaulted ceiling. In the same ring which housed the vines was a stream of water which flowed in a circular fashion. There seemed to be no entry or exit point, simply a circular stream.

Four square pillars were also in the room, equidistant from each other and the corresponding point on the wall. Made of the same near black stone, each pillar housed one flame which burned upwards from an indent into the pillar.

As one walks towards the front desk, which sat in the absolute center of the room, a young human woman would greet the person with a friendly smile and a welcoming tone.

"Serale and welcome. How may I help you today?"

Originally posted by Shaaw.

[Elryth Evynsaw]

After obtaining directions from the druid sentry at the gate to the bosquet, Elryth had made his way to the tower of balance. He had a bit of difficulty finding, but only because he had never been there before and the area seemed a bit maze like. Entering the room the elf couldn't help but be impressed by the arcitecture. The desk in the center of the room finally caught his gaze. Elryth approached and confidently stated his business.

"Serale ma'am, my name is Elryth Evynsaw, and I have been informed that this is the place where one should go to learn druidism. I would like to learn."

[Aviator]

The woman smiled. A new face was always a welcome surprise and one not to take for granted. Her smile was bright and her personality enthusiastic. "You certainly are in the right place, my friend." She winked to accompany her smile and hopefully she would allow the new fellow to feel more comfortable.

The tower could be an overwhelming sight for somebody who had never seen it before. The woman typically loved making newcomers feel welcome even if simply being here put them on edge. "I just require some information from you. First, I'll need your name as I have not seen your face before. Also, I'll need to be sure you can pay for your studies. It will cost 800 crowns in total. We can negotiate a deal if you cannot pay for it right now, but if you have the funds, they will be required up front," she smiled again in hopes to soften the sound that so many crowns makes when leaving one's pocket. "And finally, I'll need to know when you can meet your master for the first time. Ultimately, it will be up to them to decide if and how you continue." She patiently waited for the new person to respond.

[Elryth Evynsaw]

The elf hesitated. Agreements didn't always trn out well but if he didn't like it he could just say no and try back when he did have the money. "Alright, firstly, my name is Elryth Evynsaw." Elryth was a little annoyed at having to repeat himslelf, but he imagined having to deal with so many people on a regular basis made her little speech a little reflexive. "I can meet the instructor whenever, I am new around here and as of yet do not have a job. However, I'm a bit embarassed, I only have 400 crowns with which to pay for training. What kind of agreement would be we talking about here?" Elryth didn't like being indebted to others, being in their pocket as it were. He liked to be the one collecting favors, but he figured the druids' agreement would not be the sort to come back and bite him in the rear.

[Aviator]

The woman slightly nodded when he mentioned he only had half the amount she was asking for. "This is okay," she assured him. "As far as an agreement goes, you can pay the extra four hundred as soon as you get it. The Citadel should have a room for you if you require one. The second half of the agreement, though, is that you continue on to become an apprentice druid and receive training here. The training will cost you slightly less, but keep in mind it takes time before you can be promoted to apprentice." She quietly gave the man time for the information to sink in.

"Don't worry, my friend. The time it takes for some to reach promotion changes for each individual," she added. "Also, the rate at which you complete your training varies. You will not have to stay here between training, but you will be required to get your apprentice training here." She looked up and gave an expression, waiting for any questions or concerns that may arise.

[Elryth Evynsaw]

The elf thought it over for only a momment, deciding that such an agreement was not a bad one at all, and he would certainly appreciate a room there, especially if it was provided freely. He didn't much mind being required to go on to apprentice training either. He hadn't really considered how far he would take this, but he figured the more training the better. "That is perfectly acceptable, as I said, I am ready to train whenever, and a room here would be greatly acceptable."

[Aviator]

The woman nodded and smiled as Elryth accepted the terms of beginning his training. She was glad they could come to an agreement and thanked the man. "You will need to meet Master Marion the next brightening, the first of Cryxatum, in the room down the hall to your right. You will find it easily." She took the four hundred crowns he had and added, "You may go to the citadel and set up your room whenever you feel. That may be your home until you are finished training or until you find something else."

She made sure to run through things in her mind once more to make sure she covered everything. To make sure, she asked, "Do you have any other questions at all?" She smiled sweetly and waited to help Elryth if she could.

OOC - Just follow the link to where your training starts. And, if you'd like, you can create a thread for your room, but you don't have to. That's only if you think you'll actually want to do some roleplaying there. It's up to you!

[Elryth Evynsaw]

"No, that is all that I need right now, thank you." Elryth politely smiled. He went to the citadel and found which room would be his before moving the few possessions that he had left at the inn there. As he a rule, he travelled light and never owned more than he could carry, especially if he was in a hurry. Finding the room to his liking, he returned to his previous lodging, retrieved the few items, and headed back to the citadel, to move into his new lodgings.

[Aladamis Elsdragon]

Early Cryxatum, in the Season of Summer, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.

Aladamis arrived at the Bosquet for the first time in a long long time. He recently had returned from an era long journey, and now had two main professional callings, one, to create a staff of arcanic power, and two, to complete working on his self made spells untill he could be fairly promoted to the awesome and respected position of Master.

He entered the tower, but it was not until he got to the door that he realized that the last time he had been to the Bosquet, he was actually sucked underground during his adep promotion! If he hadn't thought any sooner, and if he had not been monitered by several masters, he could have very well of perished in the sinking of the towers. He did end up passing his promotion, but he had not been in Mystique since the new tower had been errected. "Yes my name is Aladamis Portentus, I am here because I am seeking the rank of Master Druidism, and I would very much like a mentor to guide my research and the enchantment of an Arcane staff."

[Aviator]

It was at that moment when Master Marion arrived. His timing was perfect, but unsurprisingly so. His emerald robe was lined with purple silk strands and he walked purposefully and approached Aladamis with a grace seemingly only obtained at the Master level. "Serale Aladamis Elsdragon," he bowed slightly to show respect and courtesy. His light gray hair was thin as he lowered it towards the druid. "Please, follow me." He waved Aladamis to a hallway and into the first room.

The office space was full of tall stacks of books bound from any material, leather to twine and the two chairs he pulled from hiding were dusty and seldom used. "Please, tell me your story, Aladamis. I would very much like to listen." He poured two cups of water and set them on a pile of books before seating himself and calmly gazing at the druid.

[Aladamis Elsdragon]

Aladamis Elsdragon followed the Master into his quaint office, full of books, dust and knowledge. The aspiring druid inhaled deeply, relishing the scent of the dusty air. He thanked Master Marion for his hospitality, and for advising him like this.


Master, I am Aladamis Elsdragon. I have all of my life in the forest of light. I am a student of Alchemy, and the Longbow, but above all, a Druid. I was promoted to Adept several eras back. Actually, I was in my promotional test when the entire tower sucked itself into the ground. I barely escaped with my life, Thanks to a spiderweb spell and the masters on the ground who helped me get ten feet of dirt off of me. It has been several eras, I have wondered the continent and searched out plants and seeds that would aid my garden. These plants are the source of my alchemy, as well as powerful tools I can use to create new spells.

I have several callings upon my time now, and I want to know what you suggest of these. First, I would like to form an Arcane Staff. I do not know much of the rituals, perhaps you can help. Second, I want to create some spells, I have several ideas for them, except I would like your suggestions as to what the counsel would consider a good masterpiece spell. And thirdly, and admittedly possibly beyond my current power, I want to build a tower, of large trees. Perhaps I could find a suitable location, but the idea is this, have four large trees which are semi-close to eachother. These four trees, would form four points in the ground. Trees usually grow streight up, so what I would like to do, is to grow the threes and manipulate them, so that they spiral together, until they twist so tightly that it becomes a tower with hollow space in the middle. I would then be able to alter the thick living wood to become staircases, windows, closets, and even rooms with time and much energy. Enchanting parts of the wood with globe of fireflies, I would like to make a safe haven for Druids and those under the shrowd of the forest. It would be my own home as well, and my source of study. Perhaps I may even teach others there one day.

What do you think of these things, Master?

[Aviator]

Master Marion listened intently as Aladamis spoke and he carefully picked through every thought even long after the Adept Druid has concluded. He smiled and seemed to be in a trance, thinking and remembered times past. However, the trance did not last long and, readjusting himself and making his position more comfortable, the Master took a sip of water from his cup and cleared his throat.

"These ideas excite me, Aladamis. I'll be upfront with you on that. Your intentions mighty and your goals set high. I admire that." The Master looked at the man and nodded his head. "First, spell creation. You see, creating your own spells is not a tremendously difficult process. Casting a created spell is similar to casting one Imparted to you only instead of mimicking the shaping of the mana into a shape that you already know, you simply shape it into some other form that you come up with. As you increase your knowledge and arcane skill, you can use more techniques to shape the mana. As an adept, you can use three different techniques simultaneously in order to shape the mana into your own form so you can create your very own spell. Sounds easy, yes?" Master Marion smiled. "I apologize for the short Arcanomechanics briefing, but if you need more clarification, just ask."

The Master took another swallow of water and swished the liquid in his mouth for a moment before smiling and saying, "Now to the good stuff." He winked and continued, "I like your idea about growing the trees to your liking and creating a building of sorts. However, as much I am intrigued by the idea, I can only imagine that you will need much help or it will take your many eras to complete on your own. Of course, that most definitely does not stop you from giving it a try, by all means. If your heart desires it, then pursue your ideas and craft this tree house of yours. Though I will recommend you follow your hopes of creating an Arcane Staff first."

"To create anything you need the right materials. A staff is made of wood, of course, but an Arcane Staff requires not just any hunk of wood drifting down a stream. No, the Arcane Staff can only be created from the rare, but not too uncommon Enchanted Glades," Master Marion let the words sink in before leaning forward towards Aladamis and starting again. "The Enchanted Glades are easily recognizable by the silver and gold bark which runs the entire length of the trunk and stretches out towards the beautifully colored leaves articulating the magnificent trees. However, they are only found in a few locations. Near Silrosia, Tirisfall, and Medonia the Enchanted Glades have been located. However, you could possibly find them near the Forest of Light not far from here at all. However, that could just be my own wishful thinking."

"Regardless of where you find the Enchanted Glades, you must then proceed to obtain a piece of it. You only need to unbind the essence of the tree the same way you were unbound before you learned how to meditate for the first time. It seems easy, but remember you are not dealing with a person in this instance. The process will be much longer than unbinding a person, ranging from a cycle to a month depending on the particular tree and the mage pefrorming the process. Once successful, though, the tree will give you what you are looking for. Though you will now have the wooden piece that will become your staff, you will need to then perform the Astral Mastery Ritual. For that, you will want to come see me once more as the process is much too complex for me to impart to you now."

Once finished, the Master drew a deep breath and sighed. "So, Aladamis, is there anything else you would find me useful for at the moment or have I answered your question quite thoroughly?" He smiled and allowed several moments for the Adept to respond.