IceAndWave/NewBeginnings

New Beginnings

In which a summoning occurs, messages are sent, and proposals are made...

The 24th Day of Descending Wood, Realm Year 763

After Venia's visit, Sian spends some time in the bath with Aia, just holding her and trying to be a comforting presence for her to rely on. He looks at her with a worried expression, concerned about how quiet this ordeal has made her.

Sian is quiet himself, just thinking about what he can do. An idea forms slowly, one that he has considered before, but not with any real seriousness, but it seems increasingly right as he ponders it.

Aia washes herself slowly, carefully, as she always has, and looks over at Sian, "What are you thinking about?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing... nothing." He smiles, trying to reassure her.

"OK," she nods and goes back to washing, "Turn around, I'll do your back."

Sian does so dutifully, considering further. He doesn't have enough money for the items he wants... but he does have other resources. He looks at his hand, remember the gift he has been given.

Aia sponges Sian's back down and strokes his neck softly. "I..." she starts, "I nearly gave up, you know. A little while before you rescued me." She leans her head down onto Sian's back.

Sian feels a twinge of guilt at this, reaching back to take one of her hands in his own. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You did come, after all. And I... understand why we had to leave h..." her breath catches, "... to leave quickly."

Sian turns around, and slowly wraps his arms around her, not saying anything.

Aia holds Sian tightly, "Thank you," she whispers.

Sian nods a little, this event having made up his mind. He speaks, after a few minutes of comforting her. "I... have to go out, for a while. I might be late, so if you get tired, don't wait for me, okay?" He scratches her ear carefully.

Aia nods, "OK."

Sian kisses her lightly, and steps out of the bath, drying himself carefully before dressing, and exiting. First, to an herbalist, to locate some of the smaller aids that typically assist in summoning. And then out again! Outside the city's walls, down the beach and far enough away that he can no longer make out details, only small points of light in the evening gloom. The beach is cool, the sea breeze taking what heat remains with it. Gray sand crunches beneath Sian's feet, and the sea washes up against the shore in an endless, irregular rhythm.

Sian takes comfort in that, as he always does, standing with the water lapping at his boots, but always coming away dry. He moves up the beach after a few minutes, high enough that the tide won't interfere, and uses his javelins to help measure out a summoning area, perfectly-sized as they are. He sets out candles with a single shard of steel through the middle, strange spices sprinkled with a tiny measure of his own blood, and a tiny pile of the rare and expensive firedust.

Sian casts the spell! Chanting for the hours required, the blue-black aura of his anima rising up around him, brilliant and cold.

The firedust at the centre of the circle flares brightly and then explodes into flames! The fire burns for far longer than normal, and within can be seen the shape of one of the kuznimi - six-legged, feline elementals.

Sian waits patiently at the edge of the circle, his anima steaming where it meets the flames.

The fire licks around its body, black coal-like eyes looking around until they come to rest on the roiling ocean of Sian's anima. "Why have you called me," the kuznimi speaks, "Child of the Sea?"

"Honored elemental. I humbly request a service of you; the forging of a pair of small items."

The elemental pads up to the edge of the circle, flames still roiling around it, "What items?"

"Rings. Black jade; as fine and pure as you can make them."

"I see," the kuznimi returns to the centre of the circle, "What do you offer?"

"What would it take?"

"Something to interest me once this task is done. Something to keep boredom at bay. Something that is interesting."

"What would interest you? I only have small knowledge of your kind."

The elemental sits down, licking a forepaw, "Something to chase, or toy with."

Sian blinks, "I... see. I will try, but I cannot think, off-hand, what such an item might be. I will return to the city, if you are amenable to waiting whilst I do so, and attempt to locate such."

"I can wait, although not too long," it sits down and begins cleaning itself, sparks falling from its fur.

Sian bows to the cat, and returns to the city, his anima fading slowly until it is gone by the time he reaches the walls. Inside! He locates a merchant, open late, and has a rather odd item hastily built. He heads back to the cat, and presents it; a long bundle of tightly bound but flexible wires, with more wire 'tassels' at one end of the cord. The other end holds a glass sphere, inside of which lie many pretty, shiny, but ultimately useless stones.

"Interesting..." the elemental bats at the ball, his ears folding back as it rolls. Pouncing suddenly, the kuznimi plays with the ball for some time, although with six legs it gets thrown around a lot more.

Sian smiles slightly at this. "As long as you don't hold it for too long, it will stay solid, and it is easily reforged if damaged."

The fire-cat looks up and then sits calmly, as if to regain its dignity, "Your gift is acceptable. I will make what you wish."

"How soon can it be done?"

"When we wish my kind can work quickly. Give me the jade," the kuznimi nods.

Sian does so, handing over the small lumps of unrefined metal.

The elemental goes to work, shaping the jade by using its claws and teeth - even licking the metal at times. The night passes on, Luna making her way over the sky until, just when the sun touches the eastern horizon with its light, the kunznimi speaks, "It is done."

Sian has been sitting near the edge of the circle, but now stands. "May I see them?"

It presents the two rings to Sian, crossover banded circlets of black jade, each with a small diamond mounted. He is very impressed, the items feeling right as they sit in his hand. He bows deeply to the spirit. "Thank you, honored spirit. This was most important to me. I hope you enjoy your payment."

"I believe I shall."

"Then your service is done. Good day to you, and good luck in your search for interesting things." He smiles slightly.

The elemental nods in return, and then vanishes in a blast of fire, taking the toy with it, and leaving a large patch of sand that has melted into glass on the beach.

Sian cleans up the remains of the circle, and returns once more to the city, letting himself into the room at the inn just as the sunlight is beginning to shine over the city wall, and touch the curtains.

Aia murmurs restlessly, turning slightly as she sleeps, the way she has done since her rescue.

Sian holds the rings in one hand, gently placing a hand on Aia's shoulder and speaking softly. "Aia... wake up. I'm back."

"Mrr?" Aia's eyes open blearily, "Sian?"

"Yeah. I'm here." He crouches beside the bed, so he can look at her properly. "Sorry. It took longer than I thought."

"Issokay," Aia mumbles, blinking her eyes clear, "What happened?"

"Just preparing for something very important." His tone is a bit more serious.

"Important?" Aia sits up, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. "What is it?"

"Just something I want to ask you. I'm not even sure if I should, really... never been so unsure in my life." He smiles slightly.

"Ask me? What?"

"It's part question, and part... promise." He moves onto one knee. "It's an oath, of protection. If you say yes, I swear I will protect you, and our children, for as long as I live." He holds out his hand, and slowly uncurls his fingers, revealing the pair of jade rings sitting in his palm. "Aia... will you marry me?"

Aia's eyes open wide, her lower lip quivers and she leaps into Sian's arms, "Of course I will!"

Sian oofs, only managing to just prevent himself being bowled over. He smiles, when he recovers. "You sure? Don't want to take some time to think?"

"I'm sure," Aia smiles back, "I know this will work out."

"Phew." He breathes a sigh of relief. "I didn't know if... I mean, you might have not wanted to be with me anymore..."

"I was angry for a while, but I understand," she kisses Sian. "I do."

"I'm still sorry. I will do everything in my power to find our child." He sits on the edge of the bed, with her resting in his lap.

"I know you will," Aia rests her head on Sian's shoulder, "Thank you."

Sian smiles gently, nipping the tip of her ear like he used to do.

Aia starts and smiles, "Naughty..." she then kisses Sian suddenly.

Sian grins at this, and soon their clothes are beside the bed, whilst they occupy themselves with some rather impressive love-making.

Sian whispers to her as they lie together, both exhausted. "I love you. And I'll always do so."

Aia smiles and kisses Sian again, "I love you too."

Sian kisses back lightly, and they curl up together, for some much-desired sleep.

---

The afternoon sun begins it long journey back down to the horizon as Sian begins to stir in his bed, waking after spending much enjoyable time with his new fiancee. The air feels clear and the world seems a better place now than it did, and the sleeping catgirl, her naked back on display, only improves the picture. He smiles somewhat sleepily at this image, sliding across to rest against said back and kissing her shoulder lightly.

"Mrrrm..."

"Morning." He doesn't move, too comfortable where he is.

An ear flicks up and a mumbled, "Mrn'n'" is Aia's reply. She reaches up and strokes Sian's face.

Sian closes his eyes, sighing warmly. "Have a good sleep?"

"Wonderful..." the smile audible in her voice. She turns over slowly, revealing things far more interesting than her back. "You?" she kisses Sian lightly.

"Also wonderful." He drapes an arm around her loosely, idly scratching the base of her tail.

"Mmmm..." she smiles and blinks at the window, "How long were we asleep?"

Sian tilts his head to look, trying to judge the time by the small amount of sunlight. "Mrm... a few hours? I think it's getting close to lunchtime."

"Getting hungry?" Aia grins and lifts her head up to nibble at Sian's chest.

"Well, there are certain things I think I could eat..." He nips her ear in response.

"Mmm..." she arches her back slightly, and lays back on the bed. "Anything else?"

"Depends on how tired you are." He grins a little.

"Not that tired..." smiling and reaching up to pull Sian down on top of her.

After another breathless, ecstatic hour Aia falls back onto the bed, "Oooh... You'll have to get lunch. I can't walk."

"Heh... sure. Just gimme a minute." Sian sighs again.

Aia rolls over and kisses Sian, "No need to hurry."

"Mhrm." He toys with her hair for a bit, but does eventually get up, locating his pants. "Any preferences?"

"Fish?"

"Fish can be done. Be back in a bit." And downstairs he goes! To locate fish, and something non-alcholic to drink.

Fallen Descant nods at Sian, "Good afternoon, sir."

"Afternoon?" He looks out a window, and winces. "So it is. Good afternoon."

Descant smiles slightly, "Can I get you anything?"

"Ah... fish, if you have it. In sandwiches? And maybe some juice, if that's okay."

"Fish and juice, I'm sure I have something I can have sent up to you."

"Thank you. Oh... could you send a messenger out for me?"

"Sure. To whom do you want the message sent?"

"Cora'Esh, the sorceress. I need to arrange a meeting for later this evening."

"Uh... OK, I can get a messenger sent out."

Sian wonders briefly about the pause, but shrugs mentally. "Thank you. I'll be up in my room." And back he goes.

Aia smiles as Sian returns, "Are we getting food?"

"Mhmm. Should be up in a minute." He settles onto the bed beside her.

"Good," she wraps her arms around Sian, "What are we going to do afterwards?"

"Not sure. I need to see Cora'Esh tonight... I told you a bit about her. She can probably help me learn to cope with this ability for sorcery I've somehow gotten."

"Oh," she sighs, "Are we going back to Whitewall?"

"I don't know." He squeezes her a bit. "I'm not sure it's home anymore."

Aia hugs Sian tightly, "Oh, Sian..." She stays like that for a few minutes, until there is a polite knock at the door.

"Come in." Sian calls, pulling the blanket up to hide Aia's nudity.

It's one of the maids, bearing a silver tray with a pitcher of fruit juice, glasses, plates and a large pile of sandwiches. A distinct fishy smell emanates from them.

Sian sniffs, and grins when Aia's ears twitch. "Thanks. Just leave it on the table."

The maid nods and backs out, "A messenger has been sent, my Lord. Descant told me to tell you."

"Give him my thanks." He waves her off.

The door is closed and the maid returns to her duties, leaving a large pile of sandwiches on the table. "They look good," Aia whispers.

Sian just picks her up, carrying the royal catgirl with him as he takes a seat at the table. "Well, they're yours. Save a couple for me, though."

Aia digs into the sandwiches, devouring them as if ravenous, and drinking juice inbetween mouthfuls of bread and tuna.

Sian nabs one or two for himself, as noted, otherwise content to sit and watch.

"Gud sammiches," Aia mumbles around the food. "Arncho gun eat sum?"

Sian laughs. "I might lose a hand if I try to get between them and you."

"You'd be safe, provided you didn't smear tuna all over yourself," Aia grins back.

"Heh, true." He does indeed take another sandwich, looking at her thoughtfully as he eats.

Aia drinks almost half of the juice in the pitcher as she gets through most of the sandwiches, leaving two or three, "For later."

"Fair enough." He loops an arm around her, and smiles slightly. "Aia Nerivus. Doesn't sound too bad?"

"Nope, it doesn't."

"Good. Thank you for saying yes."

"Thank you for asking," she leans in and kisses Sian deeply - with tuna-breath.

Sian is willing to put up with this, but makes a face afterwards.

"Sorry," Aia smiles.

"It's fine. What do you want to do now?"

"I don't know," Aia's brow crinkles, "I don't really know Tideholme that well, and I'm a little sore still."

"We'll get you into the bath for a bit, and then we can just browse, if you like. I'll carry you, if you get too tired."

"I'm fine," she smiles, "Only teasing you."

"Still. Carrying you is not exactly a great burden." He demonstrates, by taking her up and into the bath.

"Thanks," she kisses Sian softly, "Nice and warm."

"Mhrm." He follows her in, and there is much washing and teasing.

Later that evening, and the house of Cora'Esh is now as it always is. Her door is answered by the same child-servant that has greeted Sian on his other visits. "The Mistress will see you momentarily," he bows deeply, "Follow me."

Sian gestures to the catgirl whose hand he holds to follow along, doing so himself.

The room that the boy leads Sian and Aia to is one that the Dragon-Blood has not previously seen, a tall round room, all in white marble, with a number of simple columns that circle it. At the centre a table and chairs wait for occupants, while above a dome of clear crystal allows the slowly waning light of the afternoon sun to fill them room.

Sian looks around with interest as he sits, still holding Aia's hand beneath the table. Yes, he's something of a romantic, but he'd never admit it.

"One greets you both, and bids you welcome to one's home," Cora'Esh voice precedes her as she glides in through a door that closes smoothly behind her of its own accord. "To what does one owe the pleasure of your presence?"

"Various reasons, my lady. I would like first to introduce Aia, my soon-to-be wife." He displays the ring on his finger.

Cora'Esh smiles broadly and bows to the pair, "One congratulates you both and wishes you happiness for the future."

Sian nods gratefully to this. "Thank you, my lady."

Approaching the table, she slides gracefully into a seat that was held for her by her servant. The hairs on Sian's arms tingle from the ever-present static electricity that surrounds the sorceress. Aia fidgets a little before settling down.

Sian is somewhat used to this by now, so just gives Aia's hand a squeeze to reassure her whilst his expression remains composed. "You are quite the powerful sorceress, yes, my lady?"

"One has a modicum of skill with the occult and sorcerous arts, it is true."

Sian nods slightly. "Then would you be averse to perhaps tutoring me? I appear to have picked up the gift along my travels, but I know little of it."

Cora'Esh blinks, "Truly? This is a most interesting development." She leans forwards, looking intently, "Might one ask when your... enlightenment occured?"

Sian explains the circumstances of his initiation; the strange feeling of glass-like clarity as he lay unsleeping in Ashok-Tar.

The sorceress nods slowly, "One sees. You are most fortunate, Sian Nerivus, there are few who have the strength to continue when Creation chooses to test us."

"Ah... thank you, my lady. But I do not understand why I was chosen."

"Few ever do. The gift of sorcery is... capricious in who it chooses. But you have now entered a larger world than our uninitiated brothers and sisters can ever truly understand, and one rejoices in that."

Sian just nods slightly again. "Will you help me learn to control it? I can pay you for your troubles..."

Cora'Esh sits back, "One is honoured that you ask for tutelage. The path of sorcery is not an easy one, nor is it one for dabblers or dilettantes. Are you sure?"

"Yes. I have been given this gift for a reason, and I would like to discover what that is."

"One understands the need for knowledge," she smiles, "It is a hunger that one has felt on occasion." Cora'Esh nods, "Very well, one shall teach you what one can. One must warn you that the lessons will not be easy."

"I did not expect they would be. Hardship, I am prepared for."

"One can only hope so." The sorceress rises from her chair, "What do you have to offer in return? Tutelage must be earned, it cannot be simply given."

"As I have said, I am more than willing to locate artifacts for you. And I will keep you up to date on the affairs in the palace. Other than that..." He offers a mild shrug. "Tell me what I may offer."

Cora'Esh smiles, "The current arrangement is amenable to one at present."

"Then we are agreed? When shall we begin?"

"We shall begin after the Calibration. To study sorcery during that time is... inauspicious."

"I do not think I have heard of anything auspicious related to Calibration, so that is a wise idea."

"Very well. One will contact you when your training is to begin."

"Thank you." He looks to Aia. "I believe that is all, my lady. I am likely to return to Whitewall before that time, so if the message does not reach me, I will not be far away."

Cora'Esh nods and her servant appears beside Sian, "One shall see you again after the Calibration."

"Until then." He bows, and allows himself (and Aia) to be led out.

Outside the house Aia turns to Sian, having been silent throughout, "Sian, I... there's something... strange about her. I don't know what, but she feels..." the catgirl shrugs, "I don't know, it's just... I'm not sure I trust her."

"She has been true to her word so far. And she is the only one I know of who can teach me to control sorcery. Are you sure it's not just her aura? I know it can be a bit unsettling..."

"It could be, I..." Aia looks conflicted, "I honestly don't know. You're probably right."

"I'll be careful. I have to stay alive, after all, to look after you." He smiles slightly.

Aia smiles back and stands up on her toes to kiss Sian softly, "Come on, let's go home."

Sian takes her hand, and they return to the inn, to sleep.