Youthful indiscretions (open)

[kinok]

It was a quiet night in the port city. The air cool with slow falling snow. One could say it was serene. At least until the quiet was broken by the sound of yells and smashing furniture. The wooden doors on a window burst open and a figure came jumping out from the second floor to land below. A fat faced lord dressed in silks stuck his torso out the window and started shaking his fist. "You freak! You dare to defile my daughter! I will kill you! Guards! Guards!" The man called out.

KiNok struggled with securing his pants string and waved a clawed dragon hand in the air. "You misunderstand sir I was just" With a chuckle he added. "Just showing her something" The young spell weaver could not help but find the whole thing amusing. The man may have had a beautiful daughter. But he was a lord and that meant power. As if right on cue the clattering armor of the city guard could be heard coming down the street.

"Time to make myself scarce" He thought and took off running. His dragon tail undulating like a snake behind him. There were benefits to being scrawny and that meant not much to weigh him down. The city guard in there full plate mail could not say the same. Ignoring the orders to stop he went around a corner and then ducked into the blackness of a narrow alley.

[Tismri]

Niath strolled down the quiet streets of Kal'stein, breathing in the cold sea air. She didn't visit the coast often, but there was something calming about the sound of the waves in the night. But then, most anywhere was more pleasant to her than Freia, where she was always the subject of much gossip. She was removed enough from the royal line that her life was not constantly in danger there, but that did not stop her vicious family from trying to ruin her reputation. Here she was respected as a member of the royal family, and not enough was known about her to allow rumors to spread.

She was gazing up at the drifting flakes falling from the sky when the serenity was disturbed by angry shouts. She turned to see a figure ducking into a nearby alleyway at the same time a gathering of guards turned onto the street. The men gazed around the darkness, waving torches about; one of them noticed her. "Milady! Have you seen any suspicious figures about tonight?" he asked, inclining his head respectfully.

"I have seen nothing," she said smoothly, then pointed further down the street. "I heard some noises near the waterfront, however."

"Thank you, Lady Niath. I would ask that you go indoors. The streets can be dangerous a night."

"I appreciate your concern," she told him as the guards hustled in the direction of the docks. Once they were out of sight, she strolled down the street until she reached the entrance of the dark alley.

"They have gone. You should be safe now," she informed the figure she had seen. She didn't know why she'd helped him escape from the guard. He could be a truly dangerous criminal for all she knew, but she chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. It wasn't as if she couldn't protect herself, either.

[kinok]

KiNok held his breath as if that would help him to hide in the darkness as the alley entrance glowed a bit from the light of the torches. He heard voices though as to what was being said he could not tell. The glow from the torches faded along with the clatter of armor and he let out a relieved sigh and bent over. He almost choked on that sigh though as a females voice spoke to him at the entrance.

Standing back up right he turned to see a figure. And just as the voice sounded it was a woman. Or rather a young woman probably around his age. Her cloths were definitely not that of the lower class. Nobility if he had to guess. But not in a style he had ever seen in his travels. It had more of a foreign elegance to it. KiNok hesitated at first but started to move towards the figure and the alley entrance. The way he moved was more animalistic then anything. Almost like a timid animal approaching a hand of offered food.

Looking left and then right down the street he perked up quickly. If he had learned anything from his time with the riders. It was etiquette. That and calling all females wenches was frowned on. Putting a claw on his belly he bowed and extended the other arm out to the side with the claws palm facing up to the sky.

"Thank you me lady for your intervention" Standing back upright he added with a smile. "I fear those savages might have drawn and quartered me" Looking to a low stone wall he hopped onto it and started walking slowly. Each step leaving a boot print in the thin layer of snow that was starting to gather. His tail also dragging on behind and leaving a trail. "I promise its not what it seems" He gave a nervous chuckle. "I know, silly right? A guy running away from the guard and hiding in the alley is not up to trouble"

Stopping he turned to look at her. "Buts its true. Some silly lord had purchased a magical artifact at a auction and I snuck into his home to steal it from his daughters quarters." With that he started to pat at his body. "No, no, no" He said with increasing worry. Out of nowhere he reached into his pants and pulled out a egg shaped object. Gold and covered in jewels. Sapphires, emeralds, ruby's. The bulge once there now finally gone. Sighing in relief the young man sat down on the wall and showed the prize.

"Behold the seed of Razakel" he said. Any interested in elven lore would have heard of it. It was a magical weapon created by a mad elven mage. Called a seed because of its egg like shape and capable of destroying an entire town. A seed of destruction. Most were lost to time. KiNok held it in his clawed hands and whispered for a few moments. There was a faint flash of light and then the beautiful egg shaped object turned black. He crumbled it and then cast the ash into the faint ocean breeze to be carried away. "There, disaster averted."

Looking to her he said. "I am KiNok. You know. Like a key and a knock at the door. With that he playfully stuck his tongue out at her. "Always wondered why me mum named me that"

[Tismri]

Niath watched carefully as the man - or rather, boy - crept out from the alley toward her. He seemed cautious, which for her was a good sign. He likely wasn't looking to harm her in any way. She smiled as he thanked her, and immediately noticed his accent. Alagaesian, it seemed. That fact troubled her a little; it wasn't that she disliked their southern neighbors, but she disagreed with the queen's decision to involve them in not one but two wars during her reign, when before Ismalia had not seen war for centuries.

"I doubt they would have done anything as severe as that," she replied to his expressed fear of the guards. "More than likely, you would have spent a few days in prison and paid a fine." Once the stranger was out in the relative light of the moon, her attention was immediately drawn to his reptilian features. Scaly, clawed hands and a long lizard tail made him stick out. She was so mesmerized by his appearance that she hardly noticed as he destroyed the artifact he'd stolen. She shook herself back to attention when he introduced himself.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, KiNok," she told him, giving a small curtsy. "I am named Niath; a member of the royal family." After a moment of consideration, she sat next to him on the wall. "I too wonder why my mother named be as she did. It is hardly traditional." She frowned as she thought of it. Even most of the removed heirs to the Ismalian throne were given two names, always said together, and they always started with a T. Perhaps her mother considered her far enough down the line of succession that giving her an unusual name wouldn't cause a stir.

She stared up at the stars for a long moment before glancing back at his tail. Hesitantly, she reached up and pulled off her veil, allowing her tri-colored hair to tumble down to her shoulders and the small white wings on her head to stretch before flapping gently in the breeze. She had never shown her wings to anyone besides her mother. Being born with them, she always felt like a freak. She was gossiped enough about already for having no known father; she had no desire for further attention. But KiNok had his own unusual features. Sitting here next to him, she didn't feel quite so out of place.

[kinok]

KiNok did not know what to make of the news of her being part of a royal family. His mind became busy with many thoughts after that. What royal family, why was she alone, why was this foreigner here. As the two let the quiet of the night take them he finally spoke. "Your Ismalian......" He said lowly. His voice indicated he was not sure what to think of that, and he wasn't.

While he had heard a great many good things about that mysterious foreign land there reputation for being selfish people that care little for the troubles other others was more commonly heard. It has been said that if a nearby land was beset by the fires of war and slaughter they would do nothing but turn there noses up at the suffering. Her actions today in helping him indicated the opposite of the more common prejudice. The politics of it all was beyond his sight at the time though.

Still, he was fascinated by anything new. That could be attributed to him being a spell weaver by birth. A creature of the magical race. There minds worked differently then most. Knowledge valued above all else. Smiling he added. "The land of love and wine. Back when I use to be part of the dragon riders Du Vrangr Gata I heard many a tale of that mysterious far off land. The music, the arts, a people rich in culture and lore. I hear your masquerade balls are things of legend. That a man does not want for a drink in his hand or company in his arm."

Yes it all sounded very poetic and nice. But was it true. He watched as she pulled off the veil and his eyes were beset by a myriad of colors. The strawberry blonde of her hair being the most appealing. What came next was a surprise. But nothing that would cause any reaction on his face. He had seen many things in his travels. "Beautiful" He said lowly.

The white wings coming out the back of her head were quite the sight. "Always be proud of who you are" He said to her. "Loving ones self is important." Looking to his clawed hands he reached behind to pull his tail around across his lap. "I know I am" Pausing he added. "I think it is time we address the dragon in the room. Forgive me if I pry. But why are you here? Please tell me you are not traveling alone" It was not so much nosy as just genuine concern. "Perhaps this is why the spirits told me to come here....." He went off in thought. He never would have none about the magical artifact or even how to destroy it had his spirit masters not told and showed him how.

But he found his masters worked in mysterious ways. Cryptic more then anything else. Maybe they also knew he would meet her. But for what reason?

[Tismri]

Niath smiled as KiNok waxed poetic about what he had heard of Ismalia. From what she had heard from the occasional visitor, Alagaesians seemed to like Ismalia was a land of enchantments. Ironic for the land where its people were unable to use magic properly. But their history was undoubtedly shaped by magical influence. From the formation of their crystaline capital to the numerous treacherous artifacts created here, magic had touched their land deeply.

She was surprised by his reaction to her wings, but she appreciated it. To reveal what she was and be accepted for it was something she never dared to hope for. A light blush came to her face when he called her beautiful.

"I do have an escort," she assured him to allay his concerns, "But they are resting now. I am safer here than I would be at home, and my guards know it." She stared at him in fascination for a moment, confused by a particular detail. "You have heard much about Ismalia; allow me to be the first to welcome you to our fine land. This is our primary seaport, Kal'stein. Although I will admit, I am perplexed. How is it you have traveled this far north without realizing you have arrived here?"

[kinok]

KiNok was a bit off guard at her welcome. "Kal'stein? But are we not in Teirm?" The mage tried to recall how he got here. "I remember talking to the spirits" He said lowly. "They said I was needed..... a flash of light" He went quiet and put both of his dragon like hands to hold his head. "Oh boy I am a far far away from home" With that he put the hands back on the tail across his lap.

"Well seeing as my job is done and I am here I might as well enjoy your country." Laughing he added. "One can hear and read all they want about foreign lands. You never will truly experience it until you see it with your own eyes." At that moment KiNok became aware of his breath on the air. The chill that was seeping into his bones. "My lady pray do tell me where I can find a inn. I could use a good pint by a fire right about now."

He was not even sure if this country even called them inns. Or even if analgesia currency was even accepted here. "Um, is Alagasian currency accepted here?" He asked lady next to him. "I have silver and gold coin. But they have the stamps of my homeland on them"

He also wondered if these lands also had spirits. In order to find that out he needed a quiet room to try and make contact with them. It was courtesy more then anything else. To inform the ancient beings he was here and making sure his presence did not offend them. To ask for there blessings as well.

[Tismri]

Niath's questions went unanswered; indeed, it seemed KiNok himself did not know how he had arrived in Ismalia. She hear him mutter about spirits, but decided not to pursue the questions lingering in her mind. It seemed to be a private matter, probably something only Alagaesians would understand, and it was not her place to pry. Instead she stood and replaced her veil.

"Of course, I can show you to a place to rest," she told him, beckoning. "You do not have to worry about payment tonight; I will cover what I can. In the morning you can ask around for someone who will exchange your coin; there are a few merchants who brave the Great Forest to trade with our southern friends. Although you would have better luck finding someone like that in Sundavar." She frowned slightly as she named their southmost city. It sat nearly on the border of the forest, full of empty hollow trees that looked as if they were grown into the shapes of houses; some were occupied by residents, although most Ismalians preferred to live in a home built by hands. Upon renewing relations between their neighbors, they mystery of the city was finally discovered. It was an abandoned elven city, discovered by the Ismalian people afterward.

Abandoned by the elves, Niath thought with cold disdain. Just like me. She never had a high impression of her father. Although her mother had often spoken of him fondly, Niath could never accept how they both went their separate ways. The elf must not have truly cared about her mother at all. And beyond that, she was certain he was somehow to blame for her appearance. It was well known that magic and Ismalians did not get along well, and elves were magical beings by nature. That was the only explanation she could think of, and she spent much of her life hating her father for it.

She shook herself out of her reverie as they arrived at the door of the inn. The door was wide open, and there was still a rowdy crowd inside, despite the late hour. She turned to face her companion. "Here we are, KiNok. Welcome to the..." she paused and glanced up at the sign overhead, "Shattered Shards?" She shook her head at the name. Shards was a common curse in the country, though no one was certain where it came from, and it appeared the owner thought it would make a clever name.

[kinok]

"I am humbled by your kindness." KiNok said and gave a short but respectful bow. "I promise to repay that kindness in full." With that he pulled his coat close as gusts of cold wind rose and followed her all the while listening. "Sundavar, sounds like." The young magician bit his lip at that moment noticing the sudden silence at the mention of the name. He left the woman to her thoughts and continued to follow and examined the architecture of the buildings that were more different then his native homeland.

The glow of light coming out the open door was a much needed sight. It was welcoming as if beckoning those in the cold of night to come in. The sounds of revelry hinted to the purpose of the building. "I am glad to see no matter the boarders some things never change." KiNok said with a smile.

"Shattered Shards? Sounds magical. I cant help but notice you don't exactly approve of the name. Sounds like a story I would love to hear." With that another gust of wind rose and he chuckled. "But stories are best heard in the warm glow of a fire." With that he was the first to enter.

The warmth was the first thing he noticed and then came the smells. Cooked meats with foreign spices. Its patrons varied from the luxury silks of the more privileged to the more humble cloths of the common hard working folk. All unique in color and design but all sharing that common cultural design. Some of the chatter slowed as KiNok entered and pulled back the hood. He made no effort to hide his tail or the dragon claw like hands so he would stand out as a creature of magic.

He was probably an exotic sight and his cloths betrayed KiNok as a foreigner. Giving a brief wave with a clawed hand he turned to look at his new friend for a moment and then walked off to take a seat and wait at a empty table by the glow of a fireplace.

[Tismri]

"Oh, Milady!" One of her royal guards straightened up, although he still swayed from side to side, betraying his inebriated state. "I was beginning to worry about you; it's getting rather late."

"I am fine, Damil, as you can see," Niath assured him, motioning for him to take his seat once more before he toppled over to the floor. He raised his mug to her with a smile. One of her more sober guards, Aizel, turned to her with a smile, though she didn't miss the concern in his eyes.

"How was your walk?" he asked her, glancing at the odd young man who had entered the tavern just behind her. She tried to make her gaze as reassuring as possible.

"It was just fine; a little eventful." She gestured to KiNok, who had gone to sit by the fire. "This young man is a visitor from Alagaesia; he has not yet had time to exchange his currency. Therefore, I wish to cover his fee for the night." Aizel looked back at him with surprise. It was known to all her guards that she rarely showed interest in southerners; they had not expected her to show such hospitality.

"As you wish, milady," he replied. She took her leave of him and rejoined KiNok where he sat.

"Do you know where you are headed from here?" she asked him. "I would hate for you to become even more lost in your wanderings."

[kinok]

KiNok stopped holding his claws in front of the fire and turned to his host as she spoke and smiled. "I have but one passion in life, knowledge and my pursuit of mastering magic in all its aspects. I hope to walk in the shadow of ancient forests perhaps even find some magic way lines for me to tap into. It is quite invigorating to let ancient magic run through your body like a river. Maybe do some meditation and make another attempt at the trial of water."

"It is one of many training rituals I learned how to do back when I use to be a member of the Du Vrangr Gata at New Doru Arabea. It is suppose to teach a magician inner peace. To let go of the world and all troubles. That and patience. Something I am not particularly good at. A curse of youth many would say." With that he smiled and gave a chuckle.

The smile crept away though and he held his clawed hands back in front of the fire. "In a way I suppose I still am a member. A long complex vow I made as all others in the order do in the ancient language insures that. They know my true name and I am bound to the riders. I left because of differences of opinion. But I miss New Doru Aabea at times. It was the closest thing I ever had to a home and family. I hear Eragon has returned after all this time. Shame I left right before his return. I would have liked to have seen what kind of man he is"

"What about you?" KiNok asked. "What will you be doing after our wandering paths take us elsewhere?"

[Tismri]

Niath listened without comment as KiNok spoke passionately about his love of magic. A slight frown was the only feature betraying her thoughts on the matter; magic was an enigma to her. On the one hand, she could use it. Very poorly and with unpredictable results, but still a rare talent. On the other hand, she despised it. Magic made her into the freak she was, hardly to be perceived as human. Magic kept her from living as a normal Ismalian princess, required her to hide away from others. Not a day went by when she did not curse the magic in her blood.

But now, KiNok's words from earlier returned to her. Always be proud of who you are. He looked strange as well, but he accepted it. He did not hide it, or shy away from it. And he had accepted her as well. Perhaps there was a place for her in the world after all. She thought over what he told her about Du Vrangr Gata and New Doru Araeba. Perhaps there she would find others more accepting of her? It seemed far more likely there than anywhere in Ismalia. Maybe she could even find someone who could help her master magic.

"I am not sure," she replied to his question, gazing into the flickering flames of the hearth. "I suppose I could return home, but that idea holds little appeal to me. Perhaps I will wander elsewhere in Ismalia. I have yet to see much of my own homeland."

[kinok]

The young magician noticed the look on her face subtle though it was. It was a look he knew well having seen it and more extreme forms of it on the faces of others. But he kept his mouth shut for the moment to listen. "Knowledge can be obtained by effort. But wisdom can only be acquired through the passage of time and experiences. It would be wise of you to travel your homeland and know of your people. From densely populated cities of trade to small humble villages."

"Studying world politics could not hurt either. I personally enjoy politics at times, despise it at others. It is like a dance of sorts. Part dance, part play. Back when I was with the riders one of the many classes outside of magic was political science. I suppose it is suppose to make us more knowledgeable so we are not dropped in the water having to learn how to swim in the complex world of being a court magician. Should we ever find ourselves stuck besides the throne of a high lord or royalty. I still prefer to be left to my own whims though. Maybe once upon a time I once dreamed of being a court magician to royalty. Now I prefer just focusing on the study and mastery of magic in all its aspects."

At that he sighed. "The riders are a bit narrow viewed when it comes to magic. You would think otherwise but it is not so. I did not become popular with them after I started delving into the mysterious world of spirits and other dark arts as they call it. Magic is no less evil then a sword or spear is. It is only as evil as the intentions of those that wield it. I tried explaining that once to some mage hunters that accused me of necromancy. But it is hard to fill a cup that is already full. They were blind to reason. Dragon Rider order is no different."

"I study magic in all its aspects. I admit I am a bit greedy for magical power and knowledge. I am a ambitious man. But I learned to control my hunger more after the accident that gave me this tail. My entire spine changed as well. It allows magic to flow through my body more readily. But it almost killed me. I was lucky to survive that. As for my hands, I did that of my own volition to again allow me to grow in power."

"Perhaps I may change my eyes next so I can see the world with magic sight" He did not elaborate on that but dragon eyes would be pretty awesome. Sadly KiNok would find out the price of recovery from gaining such a gift was blindness. For a month at least. But the experience would humble his soul.

"Who knows, maybe one day I may even attempt to turn into a dragon." He chuckled at the ludicrous idea. "I could never become a dragon. I am pretty sure to even try would kill me. Like trying to bring the dead back to life." It was a accepted fact the dead could not be brought back to life. Everyone who had aver tried always died in the attempt. Turning into a dragon would probably have the same results. But it was still a entertaining thought.

"What do you think? I think I might make a awesome dragon. Sleep on a bed of treasure, snatch up and ferry away beautiful maidens." KiNok loved to joke.