Meeting Ethric

[12:11] "I am happy to hear that... but such aside, Mister Ethric... I know it must be a little obvious after seeing your abilities of moving around... but you are a Wayfinder, correct?" The man tilted his head to the side, taking a lance at the Headmaster.

His curiosity couldn't exactly be contained since he learned and noticed a few things after he had come back that became more and more obvious with time.
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[12:14] Seifer had entered the sewers with the sole purpose of cleaning it from its vicious, dangerous rabid rabbit, yet a few words caught his attention.

"Moving around? Waywhatnow? That sounds like the kind of person who travels the world..!"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[12:14] * You have been awarded 5 Roleplay Points! *
[12:16] The man hums, softly, eyes half lidding.

"Quite. You would be correct, Mister Dallan. I've instructed Mister Meztin in the art." His voice is a slow, thrumming echo. "I do, in fact, practice such a business."

"Curiousity, I take it? Ask as you will." He seems relatively unphased by Seifer's own words, simply nodding alongside it.


(Ethric Athelier)
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[12:16] Seifer Gardios says, "... It's... a bit more than curiosity."
[12:17] Seifer approaches the headmaster.

"I want to learn about the world. What makes it flow and what stops it from being at its best. I figured that the best way to do that would be to talk to people and hear of their experience with the world..! Rhesus was way too hurt and exhausted to help me, though, which ended up being a dead-end, so..."

A hand reaches up to push his glasses, adjusting them.

"Ah, right. I'm Seifer."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[12:28] "Quite."

"I admit, it is not something I would teach to a student or beginner out of the blue-" A glance to Seifer, with a soft inclination of his head- And a basketful of taken herbs, mosses, and slime molds from the depths on his arm.

"Mister Dallan, I certainly am well aware of the aftereffects of such a business. When the physical link between your spirit and flesh was severed-" A finger points at Dallan's brain. "Apologies. It does not always need to be a direct shot there, but that is the result of the brain's failing."

"Ahem. When severed," He continues. "This is what begins the process of detachment of the spirit and the soul, before each goes to it's appropriate realms."

"While your spark was properly ignited under such direction, what you experience is a common symptom of it." As though such a thing was normal. "Your spirit has been called there, and you now KNOW the residue you see. It resonates with you- It awaits you."

"Do not feel obliged to heed it's call quite yet." A dry drawl.

"You are now aware, actively, of the presence of the spirit realm overlaying the physical. A caul that stops you from seeing is removed-" A pause. "At the cost of your compositional integrity. I am certain you understand the damage will never be undone."

"You are capable of capitalizing upon it, if you so seek to."
(Ethric Athelier)
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[12:31] More than what he bargained for.

This was the overwhelming amount of information that the young teenager could hardly follow; detachment of the spirit? Overlapping realms? Spirits being called elsewhere? It felt as if he'd missed a whole year of education and was presented with a final exam.

His distress showed on his features as he did his best to follow the conversation, going quiet and confused.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[12:35] So he obviously became more aware of it through his so called Revival. His Spirit and Soul having detached themselves from one another, it was a great deal of News and he wondered if he should let others know.

It's not like there was any fixing that though, for like Ethric said 'The damage will never be undone'. The fallen Knight understood that better than anyone, his connection to magic, his now sluggish body... they would never be the same again unless a Miracle happened, but even then, it was doubtful.

"I imagned that was the case, I attempted to learn more about the Spirit Realm and how to sense them when I was younger, but with Balam Aba become less active, and my obsession with certain things, I had dropped such studies." He had other people to hunt and focus on, his cares for the Spirit Realm had not outweighted his bloodthirst for the murderers at that time.

Now though, he was crippled, and needed every advantage or bit of knowledge he could acquire.

"I wish to capitalize on that, as you say it. I still seek to improve myself in any way possible... would you happen to know how I can do so or who I could seek for guidance?"
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[12:45] Ethric stares at him deadpan at his question, for a moment.

"Yes. I could instruct you, Mister Dallan, if you would prefer." His voice is soft, quiet. "I assisted Mister Meztin in mastering the arts- But, it will require you understand the foundations, just as he did."

"Have you engaged in runework, before? It tends to be crucial. Rituals are the backbone of interaction with the spirit realm, rather than innate magical function-"

"This is partially integral to why you normally cannot, without outside augmentation or aid. Interaction with the spirit realm is a rather... Rare affinity, to say the least, and is most often inductive."

"To be fair, as well- Your soul and spirit are... Once more, together. But, the fact that they were severed may occasionally lead to some... Interesting interactions. This is why you feel so dissociated- You are experiencing the equivalent of having had your metaphysical form re-sewn together, healed forcibly."

Dallan didn't say that aloud...

But, Ethric responds.

Funny that.

"You CAN overcome it. You can learn to use this distance to your advantage- With time, patience, and practice."

"I would not mind aiding you."
(Ethric Athelier)
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[12:49] And it did not cease. The young one had definitely intruded upon a conversation that was not meant for him. With each sentence it grew more and more complicated to follow. Was it about death? Life? Spirits? Rituals? What were the aforementioned arts and why did it feel so important for Seifer to stand there and listen?

It felt like they spoke of the very thing that he sought, or at least something parallel to it. The way the world functions was definitely bound with how the spirit realm was interacted with.

He remained quiet, trying to piece up and understand the subject.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[12:53] He had honestly thought that understanding the Spiritual Realm and Wayfinding were two different things even if connected, perhaps Ethric would realize that as Dallan seemed confused for a moment before nodding in understanding as if he had just caught onto somethign that previously flew above his head.

Afterwards though, he shakes his head in response to the question asked. "I have never engaged in runeworking as I am not an artificer... but I could seek aid and knowledge from friends I know who could teach me runeworking as well as learn it from you."

Raising his right hand gently, he looked at it through a blindfolded gaze for a moment when taking it all into consideration. Closing his hand into a fist, the devout of Eos appeared to be more determined.

"Practice and patience are the foundations of all things, and luckily, I was gifted more time in this world. It would be an honor to learn from you, Headmaster." Turning his head to the side after he said that, he notices how quiet Seifer had gone.

"Listening is a great way for understanding, but you can also ask question to gain more in-depth knowledge. You do not need to stay so silent, child."
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[12:58] As the mental gymnasts within his brain worked overtime the young one was called upon to speak, shaking his head nervously both in surprise and in fear, he stumbled through with words.

"I'm trying to make sense of it all and it's just complicated and- Well. I have many, many, many, many, many... many questions for you Headmaster. Also that's crazy; I was with Miss Loire when she came looking for you to help of the students that was harmed by another student. The latter from Achyon.

But-"

He turned to face Ethric directly.

"If you have the time I have a lot to ask. I-If you don't that's fine too, I have a few things to handle myself like finding an alchemist and getting properly equipped for the crazy dangers out there, so we can talk another time.

If you're willing."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:05] "I am always available for questions. I prefer to know students and proffer my wisdom at my discretion. I advise particularly making my acquaintance, young Mister- My apologies. I had not caught your name?" A soft cant of his head.

"I absolutely can always make time. But, I do tend to be a more... Advanced teacher on such things. I ended up being able to speak with Miss Loire, though much of that needs handled. I may oft be busy, but I enjoy the spending of my time."

"There is much of it to go around. Ask away."

Eyes go back to Dallan! "As you said, quite. A point of curiousity- What DO you seek of the spirit realm? Beyond one's own... Desire to expand horizons. My advice- Set a practical goal to achieve Mister Dallan. Ideally? For another. It always helps, in such a way. Think- How can I use that power to aid those around me?"

"It gives you something more tangible."

"I had Mister Meztin assist me with allowing the Den-mother and her daughter to see their lost family member." A slow, quiet nod of his head. "That was a particularly good usage."

"What do you wish to seek out? If I were you..."

"You should see how to counteract the work of the Nethradin. To hunt them along the channels they might slip away from. To contest the work of Helheim."

"I think that would be good direction- Though, I guide and empower. I do not dictate."
(Ethric Athelier)
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[13:10] Hearing Seifer speak up, it was good to know that they did not just stay silent but now sought to speak about more advanced topics with the Headmaster.

There's enough in his mind to keep him occupied until he is addressed again, to which, he quickly responds, as if the Athelier had read his mind. "Yes, my goal would be mostly to get rid of the Spirits that roam the Mires and purify them if possible. Of course, to purge the Nethradins, but to send others such as the Dullahans back onto the lifestream."

"Torgon being my main target as of now as I would wish to separate the souls he has attached to himself, and send them all to the Stars." He spoke as if he was certain of that, but with a tinge of hope. "He told me he doesn't know if they can be removed, but if I have more knowledge about Spirits, I wish to try so."
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[13:14] Ethric Athelier says, "They can. His... Habit of catching souls is not a healthy one. I do like him, personally. But... Ah..."
[13:14] Ethric has his head list at that, eyes closing with a somewhat troubled expression.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[13:15] Dallan Aegeus says, "I do like him as well, but I do need to put him down."
[13:15] Ethric Athelier says, "..."
[13:15] "My name's Seifer." He said, re-introducing himself with the knowledge that his endeavors may be a bit too ambitious to ask aid from the Headmaster right away. Rather than keeping his gaze upon either man the young one's eyes were drawn up to the night sky.

"I don't know if I'll ever end up having no question for you. I spoke of what I thought a bit with Miss Loire, but it was far from everything and it hardly covered my main goals and-

.. Right."

He looked back down, adjusting his glasses.

"I want to understand and eventually help the world. The world itself. There are things that can rip open space and tear reality, so I figured there was a way to mend that and that there should be a counterpart to all of the bad things that could happen. Not that I know every bad thing possible, but that's part of the journey too."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:15] Ethric Athelier says, "You... Do not NEED to end his existence."
[13:16] Dallan Aegeus asks, "How else would I take the souls from him?"
[13:16] Ethric Athelier says, "See the bindings."
[13:16] Ethric Athelier says, "Sever them."
[13:16] Ethric Athelier says, "That-"
[13:17] Ethric Athelier says, "Or. Defeat him. And convince him to let go."
[13:17] Ethric Athelier says, "There is, Mister Seifer. I can assure you of that. Though-"
[13:17] Ethric Athelier asks, "Fixing the tears?"
[13:17] Ethric Athelier says, "Quite... Difficult."
[13:17] Ethric Athelier says, "The world repairs itself, but the damage is done. Shunted elsewhere."
[13:18] Ethric Athelier says, "Leaving small weaknesses in the fabric of the world, for things to crawl through."
[13:18] Ethric Athelier says, "Exploit-"
[13:18] Ethric Athelier says, "Or for things to drip through and out where they should not, unnoticed."
[13:19] Ethric Athelier says, "Truthfully, Mister Dallan- You know that if you challenged him to relinquish them, or at least to hear you in regards to it."
[13:19] Ethric Athelier says, "He would probably accept."
[13:19] Seifer Gardios asks, "... And there's no way to fix that damage?"
[13:19] Ethric Athelier says, "Oh, there IS. Slowly. But- As noted. It is more difficult, oft, than finding a simple site of the tear-"
[13:19] Ethric Athelier says, "Save if it was big enough."
[13:20] Seifer Gardios says, "... That's what I want to learn."
[13:20] Ethric Athelier says, "Certainly, then."
[13:22] "I have asked him about that. He is unwilling to part with the souls and said that even if he could, he is not sure on how to do it. I have brought this up with him on certain times due to... personal reasons..." Clearing his throat, he shakes his head.

"He would not relinquish the souls, and he wants to ascend. If he was willing to relinquish them in the first place, we would not have such a problem right now." Torgon was a problematic oponente, but he could be dealt with in a fair match, he nodded to that.
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[13:25] Seifer's smile is only second to his hands clasping together. A nod follows with the thought of this new pursue: Mending the world.

It involved everything else that he already sought, and more. Not to mention it felt only appropriate with his own magical talents.

"Where do we begin, then? And how? And when?"

He was a kid, still.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:33] "Challenge him, then."

A lifting of his chin.

"No matter how he wants to ascend, chaining souls to himself is not how he should do so- Even those willing to be held for the purpose of sating their personal honor. Tell him to fight you on the field, and if he loses- To find another route."

"Tell him that holding those souls keeps them from their next life, and can lead to the loss of the precious memories they accrued, and can delay them from many things. It is wrong to use them as a power source, and to indulge their ties to remain."

"There is a new life for them."

"Also, yes. I know whose soul he holds." A flat note, as he looks Dallan in the... Blindfold. "I am rather aware of the personal reasons."

The gaze eases off to Seifer.

"Truthfully, where to begin?"

"If you wish to learn the basics thereof, Mister Seifer, you would be most apt to begin withlearning meditation and practicing harmonizing your mana with that of your surroundings as a first step. Centering yourself, before you center that without you."
(Ethric Athelier)
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[13:38] Centering yourself, before you center that without you.

Meditation was something the boy had never quite thought about, and yet his moments all on his own were filled with silence, thoughts, and evaluation of both himself and his surroundings. From his tendency to stare at waterfalls to him plunging into books that need not be read. Teachings could be had, yet the young one felt as if he had a solid handle on the subject for once.

"I think you know what you mean. Maybe, if you can spare some time, we can work on that."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:38] Ethric Athelier says, "Absolutely. Guidance and patience can assist. For some- Traditional meditation is not..."
[13:38] Ethric Athelier says, "Functional."
[13:38] Ethric Athelier says, "There are alternatives."
[13:38] Seifer Gardios says, "Oh, no, no. I don't..."
[13:38] Seifer Gardios says, ".. I'm not much of a fighter."
[13:38] Under Ethric's gaze, he seemed to tremble when hearing that they knew whose soul they held which promptly made him turn his head to the side even as he knows it wasn't a secret as Torgon doesn't hide that kinda stuff.

"Anyways, when should I seek you for your guidance about the Spirit Realm? After all, I imagine you are pretty busy most of the time." The idea of forcefully challenging Torgon was already in his mind for a long time, and would happen sooner or later... if not, he would threaten that which they protect, the Mires.
(Dallan Aegeus)
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[13:40] Ethric Athelier asks, "Hahn. I can make time- Both of you. Would you feel comfortable heading unto campus?"
[13:40] Dallan Aegeus says, "Of course."
[13:41] Dallan Aegeus says, "Just one moment."
[13:41] Dallan Aegeus says, "I'll be right back."
[13:42] Ethric Athelier asks, "You as well, Mister Seifer?"
[13:43] Seifer Gardios says, "Of course."
[13:45] The man reaches for his bag.

With a roll of his wrist, the logbook is not only palmed, but opened, the spine bending as the front cover gets grasped with the base of his ring finger, stopped on the appropriate page. He looks down the streets, away from any late night passers-by out to the grocer for some sandwiches-

With a slow, steady rush of mana, the inked runes on the page begin to alight with an emerald-gold glow, coruscating and starting to envelop all three of them...!
(Ethric Athelier)
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[13:45] And with an emerald-gold flash of light, Ethric has manifested on campus, with Dallan and Seifer in tow behind him. The logbook in his hand snaps shut, the man replacing it into his bag.
(Ethric Athelier)
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[13:47] Tia Dorcha says, "Headmaster"
[13:47] Tia Dorcha asks, "Can you teach me medical magic?"
[13:47] A trip through the spirit realm and a first experience of it coming so suddenly was not something the teenager had been ready for. The flashing lights, to unbearable sights, the fact his entire body had been turned into nothing more than energy for it to travel at speeds impossible for a physical form.

All of it striking at once, leaving a wobbly, yet able to keep his breakfast Seifer to breathe out heavily.

"W... What was that? Oh my Kraus I feel like I'm about to-

No, no, I can hold it in."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:49] This... was not something he had expected. He had almost forgotten how Ethric was one who could pull these kinds of tricks out of nowhere as the rush of mana enveloped their bodies.

It was a just for a moment, but he felt the familiar sensation of being in the lifestream once more as it happened, and he found himself in the academy ground.

Not as dazed as Seifer, though he still brought a hand to his head.

His notice of the previous foreign energy in this world becoming more noticeable for a moment before going back to normal. It was as if he was sensing double what was usually in his surroundings before being back to his normal self and sighing.
(Dallan Aegeus)