lesson with henry

"Ah, fuck off ye'? It's done... So that won't be an issue any longer."

The ookami huffs, though takes a glance at his surroundings. With the prompt raising of a hand, he dismissively waves everything off.

"Na', ain't anything I was lookin' for here. So we can keep movin'."
(Baux)

Ambrose Roche exclaims, "..!"

"Figures."

Despite visiting Moxtli every now and then, there's little of good things that he's found around, so..

"Let's go-"

But.. just as he was about to head out, he spots Henry. Yet another man that he's been looking for quite a while.

Ambrose practically rushes the poor old man - if he didn't know any better, he might get accidentally knocked over.

"..!"

"You!"

Stopping him promptly, he remarks.

"Ethric sent me to you."

"Said you can teach me basics of runecasting for Wayfinding - then he'll be teaching me advanced stages."

Poor Henry... it seems that the Headmaster delegated some of the studies.

"Can you?"
(Ambrose Roche)

The blonde pauses mid-step as he catches a flurry of movement in his peripheral vision, swaying slightly to and fro as he's addressed.

A nod follows the child's explanation for the confrontation.

"Ah, the headmaster sent you?"

There's a pause as Henry seemingly scrutinizes the young Roche.

"Very well. What is your proficiency with runecasting as of this very moment?"
(Henry de Vir)

Baux is simply in the background peeking from behind Ambrose, especially sure that whatever may transpire, he'd likely make the decision to leave the studious souls to it.

There were better times to situate himself as the head of operations. This time?

He kicks it back and decides to absorb what learning he can, 'less it bores him too much.
(Baux)

"Yes."

"He did."

An affirming nod is sent Henry's way, though.. as for what exactly he learned so far? There's a brief hum to his lips, after which he remarks.

"Well.."

"Mostly basics, but I would expect that Wayfinding will require different kind of runecasting - and likely the runes I don't really know."

"I'm also an artificer, if that helps; as much as runecasting and runic enhancement is different, I'm sure it's helpful... even if a little bit."

That much was made clear the last time that Ambrose and Ethric interacted, but anyway..

"I'd rather get to it as soon as possible, but I'm not sure how available you are."

"But I'm a quick learner, so I doubt I'd need much help beyond first lesson."

Then, it's a lesson with Ethric. After that?

He'll figure things out on his own. There's no need to hand-hold someone like Ambrose throughout the process.
(Ambrose Roche)

Slight bobs of his head signal slight approval. Having solid foundation in the practice of runecasting would surely aid Ambrose in his pursuit.

"So you're familiar with runic script, that's good news. We won't have to start from the basics then."

A calloused hand reaches into a leather satchel rested at his hip, only to grasp at a journal that was no longer there. A frown graces the man's face.

"I-..Forgot that I lent it to somebody..who the proceeded to get captured with it on their person.." he murmurs, somewhat distressed.

An exasperated sigh is heaved and he pivots on his heels, striding across Moxtli's square.

An explanation's called backwards.

"Give me a moment. I need to retrieve a book."
(Henry de Vir)

Such experiences would no doubt aid him in quickly learning all that he could about this art. Though..

While he listens in, the revelation that someone in particular got captured while holding onto the book causes him to tilt his head a little bit. That was rather... irresponsible of them, wasn't it?

"Well... okay."

"I suppose I don't have anything to lose by just waiting."

But if he was one of the teachers that wields such art, would it mean that he should just remain here?

"Should I just... wait for you here? Or follow?"
(Ambrose Roche)

A broad hand extends out towards Ambrose, his palm directed upwards with his fingers splayed.

"Take my hand. There's an appropriate place for this first lesson to take place and the entrance to Moxtli isn't it."

Would the young Roche acquiesce?
(Henry de Vir)

"..."

Truth be told, he already expected what would happen next exactly - they're likely to be transported far, far away.

By Wayfinding, of course.

To that end, he takes Henry's hand - while he already experienced such transportation with Ethric, it's still something that he readily anticipates.

He wasn't that used to it.
(Ambrose Roche)

Ambrose's hand is clasped into a surprisingly tight grip, the professor's hand dwarfing the child's in size.

A pulse of mana races up Henry's arm, selectively activating several tattooed sigils along the way - and then there's a blinding flash of emerald illumination!

They vanish!

Perhaps time dilates or constricts when one travels alongside the lifestream, but after an indeterminable amount of time, they'd surely feel their feet alight upon grassy turf.

Cerulean hues survey their surrounds, followed by grunt of satisfaction.

"This location will do.

It's become habituary of me to ask those I teach why they wish to learn the art.

So what drives you?"
(Henry de Vir)

A familiar experience.

When they step through to another location with the aid of lifestream, his eyes briefly narrow to such flashing images, until he would finally find himself in another location alongside with Henry.

His eyes blink a little bit, but still..

"--Oh."

"It's nice here."

Plenty of place to practice and learn, and more important, do so safely, without any interruptions. But.. when it's asked what drives him exactly?

There's a tangible pause, until he finally speaks.

"...It's a long story."

"I told all about it to Headmaster, but I intend to use this ability to broaden magical expertise I have - so that one day I can return back where I came from.."

"And free my people, as well as take vengeance on those that wronged me." Naturally, that might alarm Henry, but..

"--Those that wronged me are no people at all. They're monsters. Undead."

Perhaps he may guess at this point, but Ambrose falls rather silent; even remembering what happened in his childhood was painful, and when he confessed the full story to Headmaster upon demand..

It clawed at his heart. Remembering it was never pleasant.

"I hope you understand why I don't want to remember it in vivid detail again, but.."

"I guess you could ask Headmaster for details, if you ever want to."
(Ambrose Roche)

A stretch of silence follows the young Roche's answer, but it's ultimately broken by soft-spoken words.

"It is not my place to judge, I was merely seeking to sate my own selfish curiosity.

But do keep in mind that a particular wise old man once told me to 'not fight for vengeance, but a future where you and those you care for can be happy'.

I just felt obligated to pass the message along.

And yes, it was the headmaster."

A snap of his fingers follow the short spiel. A glimmering object manifests upon Henry's palm and he extends it towards Ambrose.

"We are current about the outskirts of the Shadowmire, where the veil between the mortal realm and the beyond stretches thin. Such locales are rare. Take a look through this artifact and describe to me what you see.

Ah. Before I lose myself and forget, Hendry de Vir, professor of Runecasting and Wayfinder, at your service."

A gentle smile graces the adults visage, accompanying the introduction.
(Henry de Vir)

The Life Sight [SHIELD]
"A piece of glass handed to them as a thanks, when one peers through it it can see the green lines of life around the world. Connecting everything and everyone. The very lifestream can be seen."
Boost: None
[DEV ITEM]

Ambrose was by far not perfect.

Nor he was an old man filled with wisdom to think of this clearly. Perhaps his purpose is not ideally guided - but it was there nonetheless, with a powerful drive that could not be shut out anytime soon.

The youthful fire burned in his heart.
And it'll only burn stronger.

Is it unorthodox approach, to learn of spatial arts out of hate for something? Perhaps... for most tend to want to be spiritual protectors, or to merely guard the Lifestream and nothing more. But this child?

He held hatred. A lot of it.
Yet, it was controlled, directed.

He knew that this vengeance would be impossible, unless he's much, much stronger than this - and possesses the abilities exceptional, as well as incomparable to those he'd seek to oppose. But... the likes of Headmaster knew of this.

Ethric knew his story in full - but judged him fit anyhow. Surely there's a reason..?

"--I don't want to talk a lot about it."

"But they deserve what's coming to them."

In any case, his mind was onto lesson for now. While he grips the artefact, his head tilts a little bit, a glance spared to Henry.

"And I'm Ambrose."

A brief introduction of himself- still, when he connects himself to the piece of gem through runecasting, akin to the techniques of artificing, it makes him ponder what exactly he sees. There's... an oddity.

Something he can't quite be sure of.

"I see.."

"Water?" An odd way to say it.

"It flows - but there are no shores. It shimmers, bouncing between the colors of blue, green and vibrant gold." His vision of the Lifestream, perhaps.

How does he know? There are likely other sources that teach Roche - perhaps someone who was also experienced with Lifestream. Is it someone around here on Esshar?

"Is what I'm seeing correct?"
(Ambrose Roche)

The topic of the Roche's history is dropped upon request, the professor was never one to press further into matters one didn't wish to disclose at will anyways.

A soft clap affirms Ambrose's vocalization of his vision through the translucent artifact.

"Excellent description. What you're seeing, is the Lifestream. Eternia's lifeblood, the source of mana for all living beings."

Aside from some entropic entities which he deigned to not mention.

"Also called leylines by some.

And it is upon those currents that Wayfinders travel."

He rolls up a sleeve and neatly tucks the cloth into itself, baring an arm covered in tattooed sigils. Though, they'd likely not be legible to the aspiring wayfinding student, as they've gone through multiple iterations of refinement and shorthanding.

"Through the use of the ancient language of the divines, we assimilate with the Lifestream and flowalong its currents.

Make no mistake. As the headmaster might have informed you, the art of Wayfinding is much closer to true teleportation, compared to its nefarious counterpart."
(Henry de Vir)

Such ample description comes from different sources and studies.

Naturally, Roche wasn't the kind to simply sit idle and wait for someone to come by and help - as much as the likes of Henry were necessary for him to advance, at the same time, he was already spending time on preparation.

Little by little, learning as much as he could.

"I see..."

A brief remark, before he simply held onto the glass- but it's rather clear that if Henry reached out to take it back, Ambrose would simply let him.

"But how does one actually do the act itself? What would the runes be?"

"Ethric mentioned something about 'attuning yourself to the absolute location upon Eternia'. What does that mean, exactly?"

More precise questions from him.

"And.."

"What do you mean it's closer to actual teleportation? I thought that Riftmancy is violent disruption - but still akin to teleportation one way or another."

Or perhaps it was different. It was good to be warned about different dangers.
(Ambrose Roche)

A frown creases Henry's features. If only he still had his handy journal on hand. Although, at the end of the day it was just for pure convenience. The wizened wayfinder had long since memorized its contents.

A sigh follows and he begins etch into the air before him with a crooked finger, an invocation of massive proportions. The runic script that adorned the blank space before him pulses a harsh cerulean and should it be transcribed onto a sheaf of average sized parchment, it would most definitely take up the entire sheet.

In addition, should Ambrose peer closely enough, he'd perhaps find that some of the floating glyphs partially matched with the tattoos that adorned the backs of Henry's hands and arms.

With a flourish, the runic invocation's finally completed and left shimmering on display for the young Roche.

"That-" He gestures towards the cyan, floating mass of script. "Is how a Wayfinder assimilates with the Lifestream.

You should be able to recognize most of the runes utilized, with the exception of these-"

The central part of the invocation is vaguely gestured towards.

"These runes facilitate the assimilation and dissimilation from the Lifestream, passed down and refined through the ages.

And these-"

He waves a hand is a general roundabout fashion towards the outer edge of the spiraling glyphs.

"These define the constraints set in place to conduct a proper warp. That is what the headmaster means, by the way. To properly attune your start and end locations."

He pauses briefly to allow for Ambrose to properly digest the mass of information he'd just thrown at the boy.

"Riftmancy forcefully cleaves and stiches two locations together-it's unnatural and harms the Lifestream. Hence its moniker, 'riftmancy'. No such deed occurs when wayfinding."
(Henry de Vir)

With the most inquisitive gaze, he watches.

The brilliance of runes was unparalleled, dazzling even. Truth be told, it's not something that he's ever seen.. and even the most complex of the runes were something that he could simply never compare to - not in his lifetime.

It truly was the art that required to be taught.

And he was blessed to be taught it this way. After all.. what better way to acknowledge this than to ensure that he learns it first hand? Even this, it seemed like the hand of a fine surgeon operating upon the Lifestream itself.

First, attuning to it through the runework..
Then, passing into it.

"I see..."

He quietly remarks, still observing; though while Henry compares it to Riftmancy, he soon remarks.

"It sounds as if Riftmancy is a rather... 'raw', unrefined art of teleportation - one that's drawn upon the desperate measures."

"Whereas Wayfinding is precise and calculated."

At the very least, that's how it looked like. Perhaps it could very well extend beyond that too - with the potential of teleportation much greater.

Or so it seems.

"I feel as if Wayfinding could even be more."

"If it could already manipulate Lifestream like this, then why couldn't it possibly forge new realms in the spirit wilds? Or perhaps, hm.."

"Even find the means of doing what Riftmancy does, by folding the space - except doing so safely."

All of these were random thoughts, however.

"Is there even a limit?"
(Ambrose Roche)

Visage dimly lit a soft cerulean by the labyrinthine runic invocation before him, a nod is offered in response to Ambrose's insight.

"That is an apt comparison between the two. Although I would consider Wayfinding less manipulation of the Lifestream and more so akin to hitching a ride along an already existent network."

A moment of silence follows, as the blonde gathers his thoughts to formulate an answer to Ambrose's inquiry of limits.

"The limit...is the mortal body. In essence, yourself. Your own capabilities.

Wayfinding is a taxing, strenuous endeavor. The amount of mana and stamina expended to make a trip through the Lifestream varies greatly, dependent upon the efficiency of your invocation, of the distance traveled, and a multitude of other factors.

Overexertion could possibly lead to life threatening, permanent injuries."

He pauses for emphasis.

"And as for the forging of entire realms..

That is a grand ideal. Perhaps one to strive for."

A faint grin is imparted upon the youth.

"For those with ample time."
(Henry de Vir)

It was gorgeous, in its own right.

A potential unmatched, precise and capable in many ways. Albeit, as much as one could declare it to be hitching a ride alongside the existing network.. it's not a skill that just about anyone could do, is it?

After all, it's something that requires training.
And a lot of knowledge.

"Hm.."

"Would you say that Wayfinding could cease to work, if one is to make a mistake and damage the Lifestream on accident?" It's an interesting question.

"Did you ever picture yourself, or someone like Ethric, making a mistake in your runic calculations and rupturing it on accident - no matter how small of a wound to the Lifestream it is?"

He pauses.

"I know that it repairs itself anyway, so I'd assume such small mistakes won't amount to much. Besides, they're accidents, but.."

Another pause. There's a soft hum, to which he adds.

"What I'm saying is.."

"I wouldn't want to die due to a miscalculation, or for it to spit me out stranded somewhere, or perhaps even in very dangerous place, just because I made a single mistake."

"Especially if I'm rushed."

Or it's a stressful situation as a whole. Still, where he remarks of the potential to forge a realm, let alone by someone who'd have an ample time..

He smiles.

"I'll look into it."
(Ambrose Roche)

Ah, the concern of one's own safety and well-being comes into play, as it should.

"Mistakes can and will most definitely be made, although much of the constraints set in place by the invocation should lessen such a risk. But they can still happen.."

He trails off, recalling a conversation between Ginger and the headmaster, concerning how she'd been tearing rifts about the mortal plane in her enthusiasm to practice Wayfinding. A subtle shake of his head follows.

"One thing is for certain. You should never be sundering anything.

It's no simple task to repair damage done to the Lifestream, but it is most assuredly possible. In fact, it's part of the headmaster's mysterious duties."

A wrinkled sheaf of parchment is withdrawn from his satchel and with a flourish of his wrist, the floating runic invocation impresses itself upon the paper.

"And I quote the venerated headmaster, 'Wayfinding either works, or it doesn't.'

It's considerable less dangerous than Riftmancy.

-But the risk of you translocating yourself off the edge of a cliff due to a miscalculation is still a very valid possibility."

He chuckles.

Was he joking? It's left up Ambrose to interpret as he'd like.

After Henry inscribes a cipher to some particularly foreign runic sigils onto the back of the paper, the parchment laden with slowly dimming runes is handed over to the aspiring wayfinder.

"Take this and study hard. Familiarize yourself with this invocation. Live it, breathe it. You will likely adjust it as you advance but a solid foundation is necessary for success."
(Henry de Vir)

It either works, or it doesn't?

That was... not as good to hear, to be honest. While the botched Wayfinding might still deliver him somewhere in a pinch, if it downright fails to work, then that could very well cost him his life at some point.

It's something to remember.

"Hm.."

But it doesn't make him hesitate. As long as he perfects the art and constantly improves on it, surely with time he would find himself not only a master of it, but also someone who would perhaps push the boundaries of what it can do.

That, however, is a topic of another time.

For now, when he's handed this parchment by Henry, he carefully examines it- it should come useful for him during his practice, and soon enough, it would be up to Ethric to teach him something advanced.

A thankful nod is given.

"Thanks a lot, Henry!"

"I'll practice with this." Besides, he bothered him for quite a while by now. There's no need to keep pestering.

"Your lesson is appreciated."

Now..

He still had a lot more to do.
(Ambrose Roche)