Fate - First Reply A Short Walk

[Erren Serris]

Were time more permissable, were Amos more concerned... Erren would have liked to attempt to provide more than a temporary fix. With his years of wisdom, he was certain he could at the very least make a dent in the disease. It would have been the right thing to do, this young mind was already clearly destined for greatness, and he could ensure its future remained intact.

But... no.

He could not set up shop in Anir, not with his time so oppressively limited by those in power above him. Even if it were feasible, Serris had come to see the fire in the young man's heart. He did not wish to be treated and experimented on in hopes of a cure, he wished to work. Such a process could not be forced upon him, and Erren would make no attempt to do so.

"I do not think magic itself is a danger, even in the hands of the general populace..." Erren spoke thoughtfully as he retrieved the vial of green, translucent liquid and placed it gently on one of the cleaner tables.

Just as he'd told Amos, the concoction would give him a considerable boost of vitality and stamina, but the effect would only last him for a few hours, and it certainly wouldn't extend his lifespan. It was a bandage over a gaping impalement. "...I believe it is how we are told that magic should be used that can truly be frightening. One does not simply choose to wield the arcane in a war without somebody commanding them to do it. Well, usually anyways..."

It was Vel Anir. One can't discount psychosis.

Stepping towards the staff, Erren extended a hand towards it, looking to Amos for permission before picking it up to inspect it closer. The craftsmanship was superb; he wouldn't have believed it to be the work of only three people at the very most. Such a thing was a feat that teams of dozens could only dream of achieving.

"I said it was hypocritical, not naive. You know what this thing could do, you are not blind to that. And yet..." He ran his fingers slowly down the shaft, furrowing his brow. "For all the bad it could do, it could also better the world exactly as you hope. It all depends on who wields it, and to what end."

 

[Amos]

Amos reached out, offering the rod to Erren without even a moment of hesitation.

The professor was a fellow man of learning and understanding, that much was more than obvious to Amos. Their talk had been a pleasant one, and he found in this man not just a colleague but perhaps someone he might one day have the privilege of calling a friend.

"Perhaps I'd simply rather be naive than hypocritical." Amos mused with a shake of his head.

"I cannot pretend I have full control of what will happen." Slowly he looked around his workshop, glancing at one of the larger instruments. "But I know my intent."

Amos offered. "That and the..."

He smiled. "Method for their production, I believe will allow me to guide the path of my inventions. If not fully control them at least."

 

[Erren Serris]

Erren let out a hum at his preference for naivete. He could understand choosing ignorance over carelessness; there was a difference between not seeing and choosing to look in the other direction at the expense of others. Amos certainly didn't seem the type to consciously harm the lives of other people, and while his creation may not have been the most ethical of things, he knew the man didn't intend to harm with it.

"For all we are taught about variables, you'd think we would learn that there are never truly zero of them. Anything can happen, the smallest speck of dust can change an outcome." Serris smiled. Or a mage shifting the odds in your favor.

Still, something Amos had said did pique his interest, and the pause in his voice made Erren wonder if it wasn't almost purposefully so. He knew how to get attention from scholars, of course. He'd have needed to in order to get this far.

So, he took the bait, tapping the butt of the staff gently on the ground and leaning it against the wall with a curious smile.

"Methods, you say? Well, now you're just trying to pull me in. Out with it, by all means."

 

[Amos]

Amos stepped over towards where his new friend had put down the staff. He gently scooped it up, reaching wordlessly towards the end. He twisted a piece there, and a quiet muted hiss escaped with a puff of steam. The scientist waited a moment, and then from the staff plucked out a small blue crystal.

It glowed softly with a dim light, pulsating. "These remain at the center of every device."

He explained, offering the little gem over to Erren. The other mage would immediately be able to feel the arcane within the crystal. A mass of power that was equal to that stored within most average mages. Not significant itself, save for how small, compact, and stable the arcane energy seemed to be.

"These crystals contain a charge of ambient magics. They power each and every device we make
" Amos continued, then smile and said. "For now, I am the only one who is capable of building the device which gives them their charge."

A lock, at least, and he was the key.

How long that would last remained to be seen, but it gave him some control at least.

 

[Erren Serris]

He took the gem in his hand, rolling it in his palm as the raw power within left a buzzing tingle against his flesh. It was familiar, not unlike the sensation when one cast magic from the hands. Erren paid attention to Amos's words as he examined the crystal, his eyes occasionally darting over to the young man.

It answered a few questions, but also created new ones.

"There are... several things I'd like to ask." Erren admitted, handing the crystal back to Amos. A somewhat troubled look on his face. It was beginning to dawn on him exactly why the device in his pocket had been directing him to this man. "But I'm afraid you have a problem on your hands that will need to come first." Again Serris reached into his pocket for the golden clock-shaped device, holding it up for him to see.

"I told you that I was here on College business. Officially, my title is Artifact Retrieval and Disaster Investigation Specialist." The device clicks open, revealing its interior to be more compass-like in its design. "As the name implies, I'm deployed to investigate magical disasters, and retrieve objects the College Foard deems important, to be confiscated and studied." Erren raises his other hand, as if to display he had no intent of doing such a thing to Amos' work, and steps back.

"They sent me here because they got word something of a potentially disastrous nature was being developed. The only thing pinging on my little friend here was that box. which means..." Erren nods toward the staff. "Somebody has tipped the College of Elbion off to this experiment."

 

[Amos]

Emotioned raced through Amos just as fast as Eren spoke.

A flicker of betrayal appeared first as he thought his new friend might turn out to be an enemy, but relief which came soon after was quickly replaced by concern as the Professor continued to speak. Amos glanced down at the little gem in his palm, lips pressing to a thin line as he took a breath.

"Perhaps not too surprising." He admitted softly. "The Initial premise of my work was first touched upon some five hundred years ago by Maester Tondreth."

Though the man had ultimately failed, his work had assisted Kaeden and Amos in their initial breakthrough. "I have visited Elbion several times to study his works."

Of which there was nothing untoward with. He'd had full permissions from the College at the time. Though no doubt they thought him either a fool, or simply a dreamer.

"They might have learned of me then, or from someone here." He gestured to the walls.

A frown touched his face as he once again glanced down at the little crystal.

"I suppose, Professor." Amos said looking back up at his companion. "The question is what happens now?"

He asked curiously.

 

[Erren Serris]

The scholar crossed his arms, gently biting down on his lower lip as he looked around the lab. It was a good question indeed, what did happen now? It wasn't his choice, really-- he didn't intend to confiscate any of Amos' work, but...

"Well...Normally I would recommend relocation, but you're in a secure enough place, and I worry about what moving your lab would do to your overall health. Mortality aside, I would much prefer you live to see the rewards of your work. He shrugged and then added with a coy smile. "I'm about the only one they would send into this place to try and stop you, anyways. At least, directly." This is exactly the kind of thing they would task him with managing all on his own, regardless of political or moral implications. As much as he loathed to admit it, he had become the sort of covert weapon one would expect more out of a city like Anir, rather than Elbion.

Amos' theory as to how they'd discovered were plausible, and for the young man's sake, Erren hoped he was correct in those assumptions, rather than having to distrust one of his partners. Certainly, they must know of his condition, and if they were so callous as to take advantage of him for it... Well, he opted to think better of people than that.

"Ultimately, I'll need to report back. Tell them something, however little it may be." If he simply didn't return or lied to the point of saying he couldn't make contact with his target, it was likely they would only press the issue further, through less covert channels that would place pressure on the institution housing Amos' work. "I will do what I can to draw them off the scent, but they're going to press this matter in time. Those stubborn old fools are persistent if nothing else, and they have pull."

 

[Amos]

Amos nodded along as Erren spoke. "There was always going to be a time."

He mused to himself quietly.

There was no keeping the secrets of his work. Once his great project was finished word would travel all over the world in a matter of months. It was a conceited thought, he knew, but Kaeden had made the point upon understanding what it was Amos had them creating.

"If you could...soften the landing of this news it would be much appreciated, Professor." Amos said. "I believe if I have time, I can prove the value of this discovery."

At least that was what he hoped.

Now he had to just convince both Elbion, and Vel Anir.

No pressure. "Once it is here, and the people understand it, I believe it will be harder to take away."

For anyone. Whether it was the Maester's or the Houses of Vel Anir. Amos wanted what he created to be used for everyone, not just a small gaggle of elites. An intention that he was sure both Kaeden and Jiya shared.

 

[Erren Serris]

Erren gave a nod at Amos' request, albeit a solemn one. As clever as the boy was, he was aiming quite high if he intended on getting Elbion and Vel Anir to agree on anything, let alone something of magical nature. Their views on such matters couldn't be more opposite, most of the time.

Still, it would be a lie to say there was no chance... "I will do what I can, Amos. I do not have very much sway anymore, though. My word will only get us so far." If he was really to buy him any time at all, there would have to be something tangible. Enough that the College could be sated for a time, but not enough to compromise Amos' work.

Erren built his lip, looking around the workshop in thought, eventually, he turned back towards the staff once more, placing a hand on his chin. Yes, that might do... if Amos was willing to trust him, of course. "Those crystals... you say only you can manufacture them yes? Can you elaborate on that?" It was a bit of an arrow in the dark, but it was better than nothing. "How much study would it take to replicate, by your estimate?"

Amos

 

[Amos]

No small amount of trepidation flickered over Amos’ features. He was an open person, but any scientist worth their weight was at least somewhat protective of his work. It was a natural instinct, especially when something was ostensibly as dangerous as what he was making here.

”Independently?” Amos said, shaking his head. ”Years, decades even.”

He did not think anyone capable of reproducing what he had done in any shorter amount of time. Even with one of his own crystals to work off of. The stones themselves were incredibly intricate, created and crafted layer by layer. That wasn't even to mention the materials one needed nor the specific maze one had to imbue into the crystal itself so it could hold enough to power…well, any of the devices that he and Kaiden had made.

If one then counted those designs, alongside the method of charging the crystals…Amos had little doubt it would be years yet before someone could mimic his creations.

”A mage might be able to do it faster, but certainly not at the same rate.” Amos contended. ”And I believe they would find the task…taxing.”

He had run short tests with some of the Dreadlords House Luana had introduced him to, and although their magic had been intricate it had still not been enough.

Amos hesitated for a moment, then added. ”The manufacture of the crystals is not in itself Arcane.”

The young man divulged.

”It is simply…complex. Closer to stone masonry.” There was a reason he had gone to the dwarves while working. ”Thats not even to mention all…”

He gestured to the rest of the workshop. ”The rest of it. Even using the crystal can lead to utter catastrophe if the instrument is not properly tuned.”

Another reason why he and Kaiden needed more time. They had to perfect their vision, make it safe, before letting others near it.

 

[Erren Serris]

It was with a snap of a finger that Serris decided upon the correct course of action. There was indeed a way in which he could report these findings to his superiors in Elbion without compromising Amos' work in any substantial way. In fact, Amos' efforts may just help him out of a pickle himself.

"The crystal," Erren pointed a finger towards the one resting in the core of the staff, a grin spreading across his mustachioed face. If there was one thing he took pride in, it was thwarting the efforts of the Foard to kneecap independent researchers. "If you allow me to take one that's either depleted or that's never been charged at all, I can give them that, tell them it's what you've been working on."

It wouldn't be a lie, would it? Of course, they would immediately dedicate resources to researching the thing, prodding and poking it, taking it apart... "From what you say, they wouldn't be able to utilize it the way you have without any context. Not without long and arduous research, anyways." Erren followed Amos' gesture to the rest of the workshop, and again took the time to admire all that he'd built. Yes, he was doing the right thing. "By the time they figure it out, you'll be far ahead of them. It won't matter much."

Or, if he continued to refuse help with his affliction, he'd be in the ground. Erren certainly hoped that wasn't the case.

"So, what do you think? Certainly you could spare a single crystal without its charge?"

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos frowned for a brief moment, considering the Professors words. In truth, he didn't mind the idea.

Erren was correct that it would take the College years to reproduce his work. Having one of the crystals was not the same as reproducing it wholly, in fact, it might even make things more complicated. Besides, he had given the devices away before. When depleted they were nothing more than rocks.

The only thing giving him any hesitation at all was the questions which would surely be asked.

To Amos, this almost seemed to be like opening a box without knowing what was inside. Erren would shield him, he was confident of that, but the more information that got out the more questions would be asked. Other professors would come calling, interested parties, perhaps even scientists from Adro. Once more people knew, there was no stopping…anyone from knowing.

Eventually, that would always be true of course. His inventions would be known the world over, and the technology would be there regardless. It seemed a strange thing to fixate on in the moment, but it felt to him as though it were the only moment he would have for it. Amos seemed to be standing on a precipes, and it was up to him to decide where and when to step.

After what seemed like a long moment though, the young boy finally nodded.

”I can do that.” He said with a smile. ”If you think it will work.”

Taking up his cane, Amos slowly hobbled to one of the larger cabinets in the room. Taking out a small key from his back pocket and unlocking it. ”If you are to carry one of these gems professor, I must warn you now not to direct any magic directly into it.”

 

[Erren Serris]

"It will work, Amos. You'll have to trust me on this one."

The young man would be right to feel cautious about how much information regarding his work met the public ear as a result of this little exchange, but his concerns could be somewhat mitigated by Erren himself. Serris followed closely behind as Amos retrieved the inert crystal, heeding the warning he provided carefully.

Thankfully, Erren's line of expertise meant that he was used to being very careful with his mana flow, so he did not foresee such a thing becoming an issue. Unless he was met with hostility on his return trip, he would likely not use magic at all until his return to Elbion.

"My position as Artifact Retrieval specialist aides us, Amos. When I present this to the Foard, it is me that they will ask to investigate the Crystal first. I will have ample time to further delay them, and control what information is gleaned from it." It wasn't the first time he'd had to pull such deception to keep a potentially vital artifact out of the hands of beurocrats and out-of-touch old men. It certainly didn't help his reputation, but that was a lost cause anyways.

"Of course, they will eventually go over my head, but given the circumstances, I don't think we can be entirely picky, can we?"

Amos was under time pressure on multiple fronts. Somehow, Erren got the feeling that the Elbion College was going to be the least of his problems in the coming storm that loomed overhead. The least that Erren could do was quell that front for as long as he was able.

Amos

 

[Amos]

"I believe you are correct in that, Professor." The young Scientist said with a smile

Taking the small crystal, Amos retrieved a small box from one of the drawers. Nothing special or designed to hold the artifact, but a simple case of wood and satin that had likely held an instrument of some sort at a point. He placed the crystal inside, and then slowly hobble back over to Erren.

His cane clicking as he made his way. ”Then it seems my fate, at least in one part, is in capable hands.”

Amos said with a smile as he reached the professor and offered him the box.

The way that the young scientist looked at his new companion spoke of trust. In a way, it was remarkably naive. There was no real evidence that Erren was being truthful, that he wouldn't immediately try to copy and perhaps even better Amos’ design. But such a thought hardly ever entered the inventors mind.

Erren, to him, had been honest and open. Just as he had been. They were two scientific minds, joined in motivation and that was enough for him.

Likely marking Amos as one of the most trusting Anirian one could think of.

 

[Erren Serris]

Erren reached out to receive the box with the gentle care one would take in handling a newborn, slowly bringing it to his chest, and supporting it with the width of his arms. It was unfortunate, he thought to himself, that he could not provide Amos with a greater means to further his research without endangering him, and that the innovator of such groundbreaking technology was so afflicted by a malady unchecked.

They were both examples of fate's cruel and ironic sense of humor. Perhaps that was why they'd been destined to meet, he wondered. A pair of lady luck's most unfortunate sons coming together for one brief and fateful meeting. When he thought of it that way, this exchange seemed much more meaningful.

Exchange... Amos was trusting him with something that he could easily exploit and undermine him with if he so desired. Despite Serris' words, the young man had relatively little reason to place his faith in him. Perhaps it was only right that he too offer something in return for this vulnerability displayed to him.

"Before I take my leave... I find myself wishing to offer you something in return. Tell me, Amos, are you familiar with Allita? Or, as they are sometimes called, the Ihmoen?"

Yes, Erren could see no reason Amos was not the best choice for this task, one that would benefit the both of them greatly. Even speaking the name aloud he felt the being discreetly wrapped around his neck shift with interest.

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos hobbled back over towards one of the chairs, his muscles beginning to strain.

The walk had already been tiring, and in truth he was not entirely sure what he would have done had the Professor not appeared. It seemed that his disease was beginning to eat away at him, lethargy growing over time.

Perhaps he would have to try Erren's potion after all. "Hm?"

Amos intoned, his head shooting up as he looked at the Professor. A frown touching his lips as he realized he had only barely caught the other man's question. He shook his head, lips pressing to a thin line as he chided himself before finally responding.

"I know the name." He offered in answer. "But I am afraid not much more than that."

A smile touched his lips as he lifted a hand off his cane, gesturing to their surroundings. "I am afraid I can get quite...absorbed within my work."

The young scientist said with a wry chuckle.

When he had an idea, and truly wished to see it through, Amos could lose himself for days. He and Noel had practically disappeared within the workshop. The university had ultimately sent attendants when neither of them had left the laboratory for six days. Concerned that something had happened.

 

[Erren Serris]

Erren nodded, and his eyes flicked down to his tie. As if on cue, the cobalt garment began to move, uncoiling itself from Serris' neck and revealing itself not to be a tie at all. It was, in fact, a serpent of dazzling blue, with intricate patterns along its skin that made it look as though it were cloth. The creature turned its head towards Amos, flicking its tongue in what could have been construed as a greeting.

"The Allita, called Ihmoen by the elves who innovated the technique long ago, is a type of familiar, one mostly forgotten by today's practitioners. It is a dark magic, one requiring an intense feeling of hatred to invoke." As he explained, Erren reached up and gently ran the pad of his finger along the snake's head, cooing silently to the strange-looking reptile. "When summoned, the Allita immediately sets about hunting down the target of its casters hatred. It will not stop or rest until that target is dead, which then causes it to be dispelled."

The snake begins to coil itself around Erren's hand, working its way up the mage's arm. Serris extends the arm, allowing the creature to fully stretch himself out, from his forearm to his shoulder.

"At least, that's how it's supposed to happen. Recently though, I came across this strange little fellow. He is, in fact, an Allita. This one, however, seems to have no target. For a being born of hate, he is completely docile and obedient, summoned to hunt a being who presumably does not exist."

Stepping forward, Erren cautiously reaches his arm out towards Amos, offering him a chance to inspect the Allita.

"He is, however, an able lab assistant. Being a familiar, he's sensitive to different magical pressures and alerts me to disturbances and miscalculations long before I would normally catch them. Should you like, I think you may be more equipped to put him to good use than I. I fear my laboratory days are mostly in the past, now..."

Amos

 

[Amos]

"How utterly fascinating." Amos offered quietly, inspecting the creature.

He was, first and foremost, a man of science. Magic in his eyes was simply an extension of that. Though he could not explain it, his theory for magic was that it was simply a different form of energy. An expression that could not currently be worked into the bounds of physics.

Many had argued against his thesis, positing that it was simply an excuse to say there was no true consensus. But Amos had liked to think his inventions had proven different.

He was not entirely sure what this creature would disprove, but it was still interesting. "I would be honored, Professor."

Amos said with a smile, slowly turning towards the other man.

"I always have room for another assistant.' Things were precarious with the University now. They wanted more results, but at the same times wanted Amos to keep every secret possible. Working with them was difficult, such a gift would be tremendously helpful.

Funny how fate twisted sometimes.

 

[Erren Serris]

As Erren extended his arm closer to Amos, the cobalt serpent slowly uncoiled itself from him and pushed itself across the gap between the two scholars. The violent flicking of the Allita's tongue may have seemed somewhat threatening, but it calmly met Amos's shoulder, softly hissing in contentment as it draped itself across his nape akin to a necklace.

"I've been meaning to do some research into the little guy, perhaps find out how and why he came into being, and why he hasn't dissipated. Even if he had a target, the magic behind the conjuration should have expired by now." Erren's eyes followed the snake until he could step away and pull his arm back to his side. "Alas, another project has been dominating my time as of late, and I don't see that changing in the near future."

The Prism. The phantom artifact that he had once been so certain was a myth, now seemed to dominate his life. It was bad enough that such a dangerous thing could be floating about out there in the world, but that the College wanted it so badly... To say things were uneasy was an understatement.

"I'm glad he's taken a liking to you, though. Perhaps I'll need to come by to check up on the two of you when I'm next in town. I would like to get your thoughts on a puzzle I've been struggling to solve on my end..."

Serris waves a hand, as if swatting the thoughts away. "But I've taken up enough of your time, Amos. I should be going if I'm to hold up my end of the bargain and buy you the time you need. Please, if that remedy I provided you does make you feel better, feel free to send for more. They are simple enough to make."

Amos

 

[Amos]

The sensation of the creature now draped around his shoulder was an admittedly odd one, but Amos has never been one to reject oddities.

His entire life was based around them after all.

Had he not seen one of those oddities in his childhood deep within the Anirian slums he might never have had the curiosity to dig himself out of the place. It had been that fascination with the unknown that had drive him, that pique of what else might lay out within the world aside from steel and coin. The commodities that were all anyone cared about in the gutters of Vel Anir.

Petting the creature for a moment, Amos listened intently to Erren’s words. His lips forming a small frown as the Professor pointed out that he would soon be taking his leave. ”In case you return and do not find me here, Professor, my laboratory proper is in Vel Zaphris.”

The city of universities, as it was dubbed by many. Home to Aniria’s greatest scholars and engineers.

”It has been a true pleasure to meet you.” Amos proferred, smiling at the other man's he tried to look on the brighter side of this; he had made a friend. Yes that friend would be leaving, and it would likely be some time until they met again, but a friend was a friend. ”It is of slim chance we meet those of like mind.”

Amos said, struggling to make a short bow. Using his cane to hold himself up. ”I hope that your journey home is safe…but not swift.”[/Colo]

The young scientist joked, smiling as they said goodbye.

 

[Erren Serris]

"Vel Zaphris." Erren hummed in an echo of Amos' words as he thrummed his fingers along the surface of the spent crystal he'd been gifted. "Oh, I'm certain I can find an excuse to make that trip at some point. I daresay some of my 'colleagues' would jump at the chance to be rid of me for awhile."

More likely they wouldn't notice his absence regardless, but Erren would prefer to retain some of his dignity before his new friend. Amos was a brilliant young mind, one that he would have been honored to have a chance at honing in an academic setting. Judging from how far he'd gotten, though, he would have outclassed Erren before the end of his curriculum without a doubt.

"The pleasure is mutual, Amos. We are unfortunate in that our field of work has become a bitter and unwelcoming place in recent times, so we must make the very most of any genuine connections with like-minded individuals we can make." Both Anir and Elbion had flaws, both of their cities opposed them in one way or another. Amos had the benefit of peace right now, and Serris prayed that remained so.

He knew what The Republic did to things it deemed unnecessary. Revolution or otherwise, the fat would be trimmed.

"Take care, my young friend. Do not let the clouds that hang over this city muddle the bright nova that is your mind. It would be a damned and cursed shame." Erren turned and walked to the door, waving his hand as he did so.

As he departed Anir to begin the long journey home, he paid a final thought to Amos. It had seemed their encounter had been destined, but it should have ended much differently: The compass-like device only pointed to items capable of causing magical catastrophe, and it had practically gone haywire in the young man's lab. For all intents and purposes, Amos was a danger to himself, and to those around him.

But Erren had not been able to bring himself to quash the boy's dreams. For that would make him no better than those who had once quashed his.

Taking a final look back to the city as his wagon rumbled down the first hill, it dawned on him just how much Amos reminded him of himself, long ago. Younger, ambitious, unfettered by the evils and corruptions of the world.

Someday, that boy would do what Erren Serris had failed to accomplish.

Of that, he was certain.

--END--

Amos