int necro 3

[12:53:45] Saulot had attracted some attention.

In his comings and goings between New Alteros and Nostvale, attention paid to the man in spite of- Or perhaps with- His clothing was noted, as time had passed.

He was noted by a small creature that was not always easy to spot.

Particularly since he had spoken to the urchin, Moa, he might notice his comings and goings from the central city had an observer. The bird's plumage was quite less than stealthy, in the right light- But it often kept to awnings and other out of the way, elevated locations, nowadays. The ancient avian perches and moves throughout the city with ease and without any fear, whatsoever.

He is by no means obsessively stalked, but on occasion in the city, he is noted and tailed for a time.

Of course, whether he noticed or cared that he was being observed by the animal was his discretion- But he could, perhaps, feel a distant tugging sensation- Perhaps easier to trace if he had any proficiency with mana manipulation.
(Effervescent Jay)

[13:01:26] Sault paid little mind to notice the bird stalking him; if anything, suspecting that somebody could possibly be on the look out for him would prompt Saulot to constantly keep an eye on any people approaching him rather than animals or birds.

There has been certainly an oddity about Saulot; he could be staying in Nostvale for some while, soon to disappear without any trace whatsoever and no guards seeing any men of his appearance getting inside or outside of the city.

Nostvale was big, and so it had a lot of alleyways, narrow passages and other shady places where the Riftmancer could forge himself a way out - or rather inside - the city, all while keeping no trace on himself.

There was another evident note about Saulot; he never exposed his appearance, unless inside of some room where he slept, and even then after ensuring that he's completely alone and nobody could possibly come in and see him. The events that happened made him stay concealed, always.
_______________________

Appearing as just a simple thug in such attire rather than anyone of significance, Saulot was making his way through Nostvale streets. The wander was aimless, and he was heading towards market.

For re-supply, perhaps?
(Saulot Vykos)
[13:02:17] Saulot Vykos: (Saulot*, ffs)
[13:09:58] There were always traces.

Most people simply didn't know what they were looking for, nor had the senses to perceive tears in the life-stream. In fact, the bird was not looking for his appearance at all. It was something different that allowed this creature to stay on his track.

As he makes his way, hooded and concealed into the market, the fluttering, damaged feathers outstretch along wings as it getc closer along the streets- Pausing along signs, darting down onto barrels. It moves with the jittery spasms of the agility of any of it's kind, but with a purpose that they generally lacked.

Particularly given the somewhat obvious clouded nature of it's eyes, filming over it's view.

This time, it was less intent on subtlety. As he would be moving through, he would begin to feel a cold touch intensifying- A distant attempt to reach him, with some form of ether-magic, an unwanted intrustion of enchantment that, whilst easily thrown off, did not seem to have a human source. Yet.

Of course, depending on how long he was staying, someone WOULD be approaching him- And soon. The question would be if the less than subtle 'grab' of magic would put him on alert or set him to run, beforehand.
(Effervescent Jay)

[13:17:39] The market was usually a crowded place, but Saulot knew the place rather well to make sure he wouldn't get lost around here completely. It didn't take him long to approach the stand which he wanted to find and reach, if only to begin conversing with the merchant.

Of course, magi were essentially "superhuman" in a sense when it comes to comparison with a simple commoner, but supplies are supplies and everybody needs them, no matter who they are. Only a foolish, inexperienced traveller would buy nothing for yet another journey.

Besides, magi go hungry too, don't they?
____________________________

A trace...

Whilst setting a deal with a merchant and getting his wares, Saulot's brow rose at the odd feeling he was experiencing. He witnessed many different magics during his travels and overall adventures, so there was no way he couldn't recognize the presence of -something- when it comes to that.

He looked around briefly. Maybe another magi? Alliance had plenty as far as he remembered, and so he was looking for another individual specifically.

But saw nobody... yet the feeling stayed. That's strange.

Without any apparent signs on him being alert, other than looking around a few times, he wandered off after the deal with the merchant was struck and through; moving to the north part of the city, he kept throwing an occasional glance backwards, to see if that feeling would disappear.
(Saulot Vykos)

[13:23:37] Saulot did have a human follower, now.

After the inital grasping, a man begins making his way down through the cobblestone paths, having been out for a stroll already. There is no communication, no missive sent- Merely midstep, the man casually changes directions, as though absentmindedly choosing to head a different way.

He would not be heading to the park today, perhaps.

If he was armed, the weapon was concealed- Although there was an aged, brown mithril buckler strapped to his back. Though his height is stooped from immense age, there is still a quiet light in his eyes, hair pale and white, hairline receeded.

Of course, he WAS recognizable. He was not the anonymous individual that Saulot was, at the end of the day- But he is pursuing. At a leisurely pace, no doubt, unless the necromancer chose to break into a run, but he was, indeed, being followed.

However, there was no subtlely- He was not being trailed, now- He was being approached.

If the man came to a dead stop, he would end up being walked right up to... But, certainly, the one who dictated the terms of this encounter could get the first word in.
(Hauk Fildegarde)

[13:32:09] There were plenty of reasons why Saulot was anonymous; he has had enough of being held captive because of his mistakes back in the days when he was much younger, and now after aging, he realized few truths that he could not be the way he used to be anymore, not unless he wanted to end up badly.

But maybe none of that really helped him...
_________________________

He felt another source. Perhaps it was yet another distant echo, but after throwing yet another glance behind himself, there was no denial that he's actually followed - another human, in fact.

It made Saulot narrow his eyes. To be followed and approached like that in the middle of a city? Was he in trouble, or -somehow- he was recognized? Or maybe it was something else?

After making some way closer to the houses in the north of Nostvale, Saulot stopped. There was no use to keep running, if anything, he'd attract attention like that.

The hooded and masked man turned himself to whoever was after him.
(Saulot Vykos)
[13:32:09] Saulot Vykos: (aka a bit further, u can follow)
[13:40:41] From the air, the bird keeps watch up until they come close to the residential districts- It flies ahead, checking for other things as Saulot is followed.

When the Vykos pivots to face and await the old man, he takes his time, ambling forwards with a hint of incautiousness- A slow pace with a quiet, deliberate comfort. It was his territory, after all. The man's slack shoulders, quiet, not-quite-smiling expression had no tenseness to it.

Instead, brown-green eyes gaze at him, flicking up and down briefly as he comes certainly close enough to be out of eatshot to others, as though walking up for a simple chat!

"Hello-hello!"

The soldier's voice is a deep baritone in natural pitch, but it sounds awfully out of place, unnatural- The cheery greeting spoken in a nasal tone, rife with some high pitched, non-Valmasian accent at odds with his appearance.

"Goodness, you ARE an elusive one. You do look somewhat... Inauspicious. Mind you, are far from the most obvious- But am very, very curious now. You have obtained this one's interest. Am wondering what makes one gimble and gyre about in such a fashion." The man's nose flares, faintly, though it isn't admixtured with any more hostile body language.

"Mind one, they do say paranoia is a symptom of occult madness..." He pauses, sideying Saulot with a casual wave of his hand- The interrim clearly intended to give him the chance for a word in edgewise.
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[13:48:22] Vykos stood his guard after turning himself towards pursuer. He wasn't sure of his motive or moods, and could only wonder just what in the world he could follow him for. Maybe he was one of those Cinderfallen that daringly decided to take him on one-versus-one? Though, a Cinderfallen in the middle of Alliance city? That's ridiculous.

A closer appearance, however, set things more or less right... didn't Saulot meet him on that dinner, many years ago? Yeah, that was him actually. And he remembered... there was also Mika, Legion, even Cyrillim showed up at some point... but most of those people were gone at this point, or never seen by Saulot again.

He decided to take an advantage of the fact that he still had concealed appearance, and Hauk most likely still had no idea it's actually Saulot; besides, the day they met Saulot was merely a child, and now he was a grown up man - quite a strong magi too, while at that, and wielding several Arts.

"Yes, hello." - the slightly muffled voice spoke through the mask.

The tone was casual, rather deep to some extent, such sound probably shaped by mask in particular.

"Aren't like half of the travellers and some mercenaries dressed like this these days? What's that to you?"

As for the inquiry about occultic madness? At first, Saulot spoke no word on that, but even telling by body language, Hauk could figure out that he expresses confusion.

"Right? So what's that to you?"

He was certain that he was not mad. Or well, at least he thought so... not like anybody else evaluated him. He was just careful.
(Saulot Vykos)
[14:00:19] "Hmn, not so much. Not everyone runs around constantly in such- Really, most people do not spend lots of time hiding their faces..."

"Particularly not to the extent this one can look into even as a hobby and see such things, but someone whom would not?" A hemming and hawing from the man- Further insight would doubtless have to be gleaned merely from reading him.

"This one wants to know what you are doing, obviously. What that is to this one is likely everything. This one is not capable of keeping as much watch over the land as this one once did, but this one does try to keep note of major magi. Particularly those performing such spells. Have learned to keep..."

"Aware." His lips split in a smile.

"Of such things! Pretending you are nobody is very good at fooling people who are not looking, but the mask is a little excessive. You would find hair dye and some ash to change your complexion a bit less obvious, for the record. Is a reason even with a face-plate little Janus is-was subtle as a brick."

"Of course! What is all this garb unto you? Why do you need to go about sneaking in Nostvale? It is, before you make the rhetorical question, this one's business."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[14:07:08] That's odd. Almost about everyone was standing at opinion that Saulot is dressed like a casual thug, or as some low-tier magi that wasn't capable of anything past basic spells. In fact, that was the purpose of such attire - to look like he isn't someone of significance, thus drive away the attention.

That trick didn't work with Hauk. Well, now that was unfortunate, but to some extent it was also expected; after wars, many people go into hiding, concealing their appearances to make sure that they won't be found by their enemy, and most likely Hauk had such experience - or at least that's what Saulot was thinking on this matter.

"I'm not doing anything that would threaten Nostvale or Alliance, that's as much as you have to know, if that is your concern over my concealed appearance." - now, he wouldn't just spill everything, would he?

The words from him that mentioned 'major magi' surely was flattening, but it seemed to work no effect on Saulot; all too often the honeyed words meant that strangers wanted something from him, and he already assumed that Hauk isn't trying to find out what he's doing around here just for the sake of learning Saulot's activity.

Oh, no. It was probably something else. But what?
(Saulot Vykos)

[14:29:20] "Ah:" His lips thin momentarily. "Then you have nothing to fear from this one! Presuming one is telling the truth. You see, the question is less 'whether or not one currently intends' to, but what one is doing."

"This one smells what one is up to! Quite literally. And this one makes a point of investigating when someone pursues the holy art of Lord Azrael, admittedly, and begins to practice it. This one naturally dislikes seeing... Anything egregious occuring with it. But this one supposes we should talk!"

"After all, am curious as to what you ARE doing, not what one is not. Whilst nice and assuring, have been told that a lot. Many people wish to be nice when this one approaches! But, if is the truth. this one thinks you would logically benefit from being forthcoming."

"So! This one's question remains." The man's hands clap together- The aged man's grin does not falter, but there is an intensity in his eyes. "Little ones who are up to good have nothing to fear from this one, and everything to gain."

"So. Why is one hiding?"
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[14:37:52] He was still skeptical as to what is Hauk exactly after by questioning him on this. Crossing his arms whilst he spoke, it was a clear sign of body language as if attempts to distance himself from this talk, almost 'escape' it, but nonetheless he still stood and listened to what he had to say.

A mention of holy art of Azrael... so that's what this is about. Was he just trying to make sure that Saulot would not do anything out of line against the Alliance, or was he just trying to investigate Saulot's reasons to use it? Or rather, what is he using it for?

"I travel alone, seek benefit whenever I see some and otherwise practice." - that was, of course, generalized term for Saulot's activity. Rather, he was seeking to establish himself somewhere and grow further in the Arts such as Necromancy, all while hopefully making a name for himself.

As to the reasons why he was hiding? That was a tough one, and Saulot would not answer it directly.

"I'm hiding because I believed certain people are good, and mistakingly trusted them, in return my trust was betrayed and I've been almost killed. I escaped by a miracle and some luck, and now I don't want to get traced. Is that answer good enough for you?" - a hint of displeasement could be heard in his tone while answering this question.

Of course, it wasn't pleasant for Saulot to remember mistakes of his youth. He, being much younger, trusted the wrong people and paid dearly for it. The scars, both physical and mental ones, kept reminding him of that.
(Saulot Vykos)
[14:43:50] A soft little sniff.

The man does not seem intent on simply letting go- He remains solid, but there is a tension near his neck that doesn't reach to his shoulders- Hinting at a tautness extending to his legs.

"It sounds like one is leading into the other, and this one must ask 'why' again."

"Whom are these people? Are they dangerous? Are they problematic? Should this one be concerned of them? And if not, why do you fear being traced unto this city? Why do you need to fear where this one reaches?"

"Travelling alone is not very helpful, child," Though the man was by no means likely even a teenager, it slips out naturally enough. "You will not tend to lose pursuers or experience joy from doing so. Hiding is quite emotionally taxing, you know."

"Why, and what, is one looking for? Besides a decent meal. Are you even aware of what you are 'waiting' for? To not be followed? For the reason you are running and scurrying to release it's grip upon you?"

"Why, at the end of the day, is the question? If you talk to this one, this one will unknit your troubles. If you wonder why this one would do so, it is pleasing unto this one, and this one very-yes-hates when someone is threatened in this one's domain, amongst being concerned about a little one practicing the holy art unattended, and without assistance."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[14:55:47] Just why this one kept persisting so much...?

Sigh. It seems like Hauk wasn't going to back off, and didn't intend to stop questioning Saulot; although, his words had sparked a thought in his mind. Why is he actually waiting? Or rather, what is he waiting for? Never truly alligning himself with anything, never truly picking a side.

If he were going to just stand inbetween, he'd die alone, belonging to neither side and eventually vanishing without a trace in history. That's not the fate that Saulot wanted for himself.

"Cinderfall. It's just--" - a brief pause took place in his speech just before he continued.

"I trusted them. I thought they're doing something good, and was willing to join them. I was thrown in their cell with countless slashes, cuts across my body, and my guts almost literally exposed to outside. I was barely alive, and they just kept me in that filth for months, years even. They kept me weak, placed ultimatum before me - either a lot of the magics I know will be taken away from me, or I will die."

And that wasn't even the full story. The time in prison was truly horrible, and it was a torture, both physical and mental. It was an experience that gave him long years of sorrow, despair and anguish.

"They refused the gifts that I was willing to give them, and instead did horrible things that still haunt my mind till this day. I just... I don't want this to happen again. They tried to apprehend me in one-versus-two as it is, and don't know just where they could find me."
_________________________

Enough of this masquerade. Whatever happens to him, might as well have to happen in order for anything to change. He trusted Cinderfall and they failed him, and did so with leaving many scars on his body and soul.

Saulot removed his facial cover...

"I simply pursue the art of Azrael now. I want to make things right, but I'm lost. I don't know how to."

If Hauk was careful in his observations, he could perhaps recognize the aged boy he once met and cooked meal for, back in his house... or perhaps not. Many years have passed, after all.
(Saulot Vykos)
[15:06:01] Hauk's hands clasp, slowly easing down...

"... That sounds awful, and wholly like them. Was there even a reason? Was it because you pursued these arts? Were you treading with Loranthis? It is okay to admit it. Nobody should have to live feeling like they need to wear a mask everywhere, if there is nowhere they can take it off." His voice softens- That quiet, persistent pep that bordered on mockery ebbing promptly, giving way to softer tones.

"This one apologizes. They lie, you know. But they lie to themselves the most, so it seems like they are warm and trustworthy. Everyone lies a little bit to themselves, this one thinks- It is necessary to love ourselves, in a way, for what all we do."

"But Cinderfall is interested in dominion, power, and war at it's core. It is a very human desire, but they wish to segregate and damage. This one did not disbar Krausites as a first resort, but a very, very long way down a chain of tragedy and the fact that they will never accept the right of pursuing the betterment of man, and research, compared to trying to achieve a status quo where they can feel entitled and in power."

"... This one is sorry you were a victim. If you want to make things right, tell this one what went wrong. Am good at giving out some advice. Do you want to come with this one? Have a good meal? Am certain you might lack a proper kitchen... This one knows of a nice place, if you would prefer not to follow this one home-"

A pause.

"... Feels like deja vu." He glances at Saulot again, brows furrowing.
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[15:15:24] That was the most interesting part of it; in fact, he did /not/ even wield Necromancy back then, and was merely trying to learn it. He was not full fledged Necromancer, and if Cinderfall truly wished to simply turn him away from that, they could've reasoned with him, not like he's a walking, babbling mess of Occultic madness. He has a completely sane mind, so even for Saulot himself it was still questionable as to why they had to resort to such harsh punishment upon Saulot.

"No... I was not affiliated with Loranthis. I was not affiliated with anybody at all. Hell, I wasn't even a Necromancer back then, I was simply taking interest. I still don't understand just why they had to do all of these things to me... if that's their method to turn away someone from such practice, it didn't work in the slightest."
_______________________________

As much as Saulot wished to think that Hauk was lying when he spoke of Cinderfall, he could not distrust such. Everything that Cinderfallen people had done to Saulot, all of the pain, suffering and hatred unleashed upon him had wrought horrors both on his body and mind. It was extremely hard to accept Cinderfall as anything good at all after being a victim of that nightmare for years.

"I suppose... just like about a decade ago, right?" - Saulot responded casually.

Ironically, history repeated itself in a way. Again, he agreed to a meal in Hauk's home, just like long time ago.
(Saulot Vykos)
[15:29:55] "... Goodness. You would have been one of those little children that Mika had ended up seeing dragged in then, no?" He stares, suddenly- Invading Saulots' personal space. His mouth gawps, faintly. "Ah, yes, even Hauk himself was awake then and had a bit of fun- This one could relax..."

"Has it truly been so long? This one has beenm working on this cure the entire time.Ugh. Time slips easier than this one likes to think..." A hand goes to the side of his head, but his eyes are wide, now, seeming taken aback. It sort of migrates to his mouth, and for a long moment, he simply... Pauses, staring out.

"It slips away from this one disturbingly fast, now, in a way it never did before."

"Ah, apologies. It is- Prattle. Prattle that comes with this that has occured. Come. Tell this one- What do you think that you," He stresses the word. "Need to make right? Did they chase you? Separate questions, but important."

He gestures with an absentminded wave, with his deeply runed, metallic arm- A swing, gesturing him to follow as he ambles back- Trying to lead him down towards the noble's district, south of the promenade...
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[15:40:09] Mika? He hadn't seen that woman since ever. Still, Saulot dared to set his foot inside of the Cinderfall, and considering just how known she was around there, her death couldn't go unnoticed... and not without rumors either. After all, two large armies clashed, a word would spread sooner or later that she had died.

"I don't know. When I was dragged inside of the Cinderfall, I was heavily bleeding from numerous wounds and slipping in and out of consciousness. Everything was dark and blurry, and I thought that I was dying. From what I heard, Mika is now dead, and not without hand of both Cinderfall people and that group of rebels Outlaws."

Saulot was acknowledging Hauk's words as well whilst they held the dialogue and began following him to another district of Nostvale. Occasionally, he was eyeying the houses left and right that were placed all over the large city.
______________________

"By making things right, I mean... finding my place in Valmasia. Becoming something, doing something. I do not wish to sit down my entire life and perish, wasting away all my talent and skill for nothing."

And whether they chased him down? Luckily not. In fact, they had assumed that they had him. Saulot cast a single glance down at the rune on his left hand, exposing it from underneath the garments; it was burned into his skin, but luckily it held no effect... despite looking like it does something.

"They tried to cut me off from decent part of my magics and keep me traced. I'm supposed to be in Cinderfall right now, under watch, but I fled. I don't think they're still unaware that I escaped long time ago, I just think they couldn't find me so far because I was concealed - in fact, I interracted with some Cinderfallen people while masked, and they didn't recognize me." - taking a small pause, he spoke once more.

"But the moment they see my face... I assume they'd attack."
(Saulot Vykos)
Gained 1 Roleplay Points

[16:11:44] The way is paved well.

Nostvale may have seen some better days, but it was certainly not horribly off- The streets were clean, goods flowed, and the world spun.

It wasn't as perfect as he liked. Or rather, as his patron liked. Eyes tried to focus forwards, and in the nice, well tended to streets. A large house- Not quite a manor, is opened up near the end of a boulevard. It was... A nostalgic place. Old. Construction dating back to the 700s.

It was...

Somewhere nostalgic. It opens into a quiet carpet, and it was familiar. Warm. Somewhere comforting.

The Hastings house had changed quite a bit.

"If it is magic that binds you in any fashion..."

"This one can attempt to work at restoring anything that they did damage unto. If they trace you, show this one what they have done unto you; Am MORE than powerful enough to sever any connection those indolent slugs could muster."

He seems to sound.... Aggravated? "If you would let this one look at your wounds, and gave this one time to bring this one's resources in- Am certain this one could set right any disfigurement. Perhaps there would be scarring, obviously- But this one can work fixing at least a little bit."

"They are doubtless not... In concierge, on oneself. Places like that are full of backbiting, no clear communion, mistrust. It is not to say the alliance is clean, unfortunately. It is merely this one's wish that it could be. But it is doubtless whomever tortured you gleefully neglected to relay that to anyone else. But now, it would be 'justified', since you pursued depraved arts."

"... What is it you want to do? Do you like to create? To innovate? To learn?"

He shoves off his boots properly, as they come in the door, treading with bare feet onto the wood. "This one can get one situated on a project. Can get one any direction one pleases. Including ones to tear them apart."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[16:21:58] Following Hauk around Nostvale, he could notice the structure of noble district, much different than the rest of the city. The buildings were nice, the streets tidy... it was actually pretty neat, and a small smile curved upon Saulot's face. Perhaps the first time in many years.

"I thank you for your offer, but... there is nothing that binds me. They tried to bind me, but it either did not work or I somehow broke through it. Eitherway, it holds no effect."

And as for the wounds? Saulot gazed down upon his abdomen, as that's where he had the largest scar. It was almost disfiguring, telling a story of a horrible fate he went through before... and that's the wound that Saulot had to cauterize on his own, using both lightning and fire magics. A terrifyingly painful process, but something Saulot had to do to stop his own heavy bleeding, as nobody in Cinderfall cared to tend to his wounds for a long time whilst he was dying.

"I'm not really maimed, or anything like that... the wounds were horrible, and left some scars on me, but otherwise I'm okay. If anything, only cosmetic fix is required."
______________________

After following Hauk inside of the house, Saulot took off his boots just like him, properly placing them away out of manners; of course, it's been long and he didn't use his education for many years, but at heart Saulot was a noble. He was from such family too, after all.

"I wished to do something to make the living better for a common man. Of course, learning along the way would be great. There's plenty of things I wanted to do in the long run."

Though, after taking a pause, he spoke again.

"But... why? Why all of this kindness? Why did you even decide to help me?"
(Saulot Vykos)
[16:35:37] "Magi are forces of will."

"... This one... Wants to be happy. To be happy, you must do good unto others. It is a truth. The tricky part is when some people will take the good you do unto them, and use it to hurt others in a way that brings misery unto you. We must try to minimize this occurance."

"This one... Is afraid of sleeping."

"Not of- Not of literal sleeping. Not entirely, yet. But- To rest this one's mind for long enough to truly and deeply recover from age."

"... This one will encourage every magi this one thinks has a chance, and that needs it. This one... Wants Valmasia to be whole. To focus on happiness, to work on making the art of raising the dead into something anyone can take pride in freely, regarded properly as a healer's art than something twisted."

A finger points at him.

"So this one will find why you do a thing. And help you achieve it if you wish to make a difference. This place- This, this world. It has to change. This one sees the wheel turning. It is filling this one's heart with despair. That becaiuse the times have become 'slow' and 'tough', that the easiest change is always good."

"It isn't."

He leads Saulot over to the island counter, before the kitchens- Leaving him there, Hauk slides behind it, leaning heavily himself against it- Favoring his damaged, artificial arm's side.

"They do not understand what unity and progress means. This one was ever willing to work with them. Ever willing to contribute to... Harmony. To sheathe this one's sword against little Athena, to work even as she blocked this one off. This one never plotted war, only defense in those days."

"This one merely wants to see true progress. Ways we can make the lives of those whom once died full of joy, food, expression, and sensation. This one saw your little rifts- Is it not sad it must be so damaging, when such an art could be used to ferry supplies, preserve freshness, and avoid banditry-"

"We can make small, tiny stars using a soul- To tell you the truth, this one only likes the sacrifice of the truly irredeemable, and even then, it is not an act this one taikes pleasure in, rather than derives sustenance from." He rambles on- Content to speak as he shuffles through the cold box and pantries.

"This one wants to be happy, though, amidst all these dreams and delusions. They stem from that. Do you not want it, too? Does it not make sense that by pushing through a broken world, we could all be happier?"

"This one thinks you will help make a world where this one is happier, and so this one will do so for you."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[16:44:09] Acknowledging Hauk's words, Saulot was listening carefully; in particular, the most of his attention was caught by his words of seeing him rift, and then the inquiry about how damaging it is and the other benefits it could bring. After all, that's what Saulot dreamed of, whether it's ever possible to make the Depraved Arts alligned to Lifestream, to change how the world works, so there's no longer the need to damage Lifestream whenever it's used.

"I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean..." - but the thought of praising Azrael flashed his mind.

Wasn't Azrael the god that, quite literally, encouraged humanity's genocide, to take them under his control as undead and rip away all of the joy of being alive? The concept and goals behind Alliance were appealing to Saulot, although the whole praise of Azrael was rather... alerting.

"Your offers are amazing. But can I ask you something?" - with the small pause between this sentence and next, Saulot spoke once more.

"Why is Azrael praised so much? I could see connection between him and Depraved Arts, but did he not slaughter humans to take them under their control? I'm all in for progress, but to see the world turned undead is just... it doesn't feel right."
(Saulot Vykos)
[16:54:24] "... The twisted delusions of people who would take a hero's last resort and twist them in the wrong way."

"Ah- Do not, think this one is accusing one of being the one to do it! But Lord Azrael. He- He was an indescribably kind man. An indescribably passionate man. An empathetic man."

"Let this one turn your question around- Why would someone praise a man who warred without permanently killing his enemies? Who turned a battlefield from gore and misery into a child's game of tag? Who would sooner take the people who would see him dead, and welcome them into his arms, and try to see that they were embraced after they lost?"

"Many presume cruelty where there was mercy. Some confuse the two. This one will never understand it. To die- To die is... Horrifying. Awful. It feels bad. If this one could extend this one's powers as Lord Azrael did and do the same to every enemy- To spare them, but to make them unable to keep doing things like stabbing this one or causing trouble?"

"Would you not do so?"

"His plan needed all of humanity in concert, working together to reshape the lifestream. It could have come at the cost of the sacrifice of all life- Even that of the angels. But not permanently- It was an effort to fix the world. Then, the world was but two hundred years old. There were many less people. But it would have..."

"If everyone worked together, everyone would perhaps even be reincarnated and recreated properly. it required unity. But angels were terrified, and they believed to keep things as they were was better. And humans did not wish to work in harmony."

"Perhaps Lord Azrael's solution was cruel seeming. But it was born of wisdom, grief, and love together. He wanted to help this world before it spun into the misery that haunts us ceaselessly in this ouroboros of misery. Where 'good' comes, and so does 'evil', and nobody is ever happy- That is the fairy tale that is this land."

Pop.

After a long bit of searching, a silver-alloy mug is pushed in front of Saulot, and two pitchers are brought forth. From one, a hard, scarlet liquid pours in to about a third of the cup... The heady scent of alcohol rises, a rich red from Nostvalian vineyards.

And in the other, a softer, sweeter scented pink flows. Strawberry lemonade, filling up the rest of it and muting the color into something softer, a slight lavender tint.

"He believed in humanity, even so. He wanted to believe we could do better. Better than the angels. That we had potential to be greater. That what Kraus designed for us would not bring us happiness, but that we were capable of seizing it."

"The world does need order. It does need ways to stop the selfish, preferably before they do harm. It is natural. This one wants to believe we can do so. Perhaps without needing sacrifice, but merely that unity."

"... Is it a childish thing to believe in, or wrong? Evil? Is it wrong to see an angel who loved humanity as a scholar and a hero, for giving us these tools?"
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[17:07:12] Hm...

There was a lot to think of. Growing silent as Hauk spoke and listening to him, he sat still for some while until he was brought a drink. Assuming that the one with scarlet liquid was for him, as well as the lemonade one, he picked it up to take a sip from - unless, of course, Hauk would comment and say that it's not for him. If that were the case, Saulot would politely put it away.

"And that is why I began putting interest in Necromancy. I hate to see how some of the good people die without their role fulfilled, and it's best to give them a second chance. Hopefully, there are ways in the future to perfect this Art, much akin to the legends of perfected undead that Azrael was creating, so the process wouldn't be so... gruesome."

But even then, Saulot was bearing doubt in his heart. Of course, Azrael had good intentions, and noble goals, but... the methods he chose to achieve them? They were horrible. Perhaps something else could be done, but perhaps at this point it's no use to keep picking the past?

Mistakes were done. Even Kraus, presumably a stronger angel, had made plenty of mistakes while creating Eternia. And now, times changed, so perhaps a new way to achieve Azrael's goal could be found... just, the thought of slaughtering humanity for that was by no means appealing to Saulot. Absolutely not.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." - he briefly commented with that inquiry before continuing.

"I understand what Azrael was trying to do, and I even like the idea. I just greatly dislike -how- he was trying to achieve that. To make them undead, and force everyone under control for that 'union', it's just... it's not utopia. It's dark utopia, if anything."

"The life in such regime wouldn't be life anymore, both literally and philosophically. It is through struggle we grow, some degree of chaos will always be there, and in return chaos also pushes progress. That's how I see it."

"Simply making everyone obedient and lawful is just... I think that'd drive things into utter stagnation. In the long run, it could backfire badly."
(Saulot Vykos)
[17:14:01] "This one thinks even now you do not know the potential of necromancy... Nor what he could do."

"He could restore a man to life. Not... A rotted, dead thing. This one has managed to do so, but am not able to keep them from aging and... Deteriorating in condition. To cheat death is hard upon the body, and the amount of power needed to do so for one individual is- Immense."

The mixed drink was, indeed for Saulot. After getting it to him, he head down- Getting out a pot and filling it with pumped water, he sets it over the oven- The indent of a rune, charged with magic, sends a spark down into the kindling below, setting it to boil...

They would chat over the drink.

"This one presumes you are working now with souls that have memories, perhaps. You have not smelled of it so strongly in past, admittedly. But those you bring will have wills, desires, and wants. If you presume Azrael was a tyrant rather than a man trying to war and subdue without death, certainly your words would be true."

"But Lord Azrael would never take away our free will- Merely curb those whom would laugh maniacally and destroy everything. As are wont to do. But perhaps that is not the argument to make."

"What do you think is truly wrong? How would you fix this world? What makes it rot? When you follow this path of thinking, perhaps we will find the core of it."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[17:25:07] Indeed, he had not tasted the Art of Necromancy beyond creation of undead. To hear that it was possible to restore an actual man to life rather than raise the undead was impressive; that piqued his interest and he took a mental note to ask Hauk about it later. Clearly, Saulot was going to do lots of research on that and educate himself on the matter, and maybe one day he could do some progress for that direction of Necromancy.

"That's... impressive, truly."

Saulot began listening to what else Hauk had to say, acknowledging his words in a chat. Occasionally sipping from the drink, he was rather thoughtful, considering the nature of conversation. Most of it's part required him to think thoroughly to come up with own suggestions and ideas, all while analyzing the information that is already there.

"That's the thing. It's not possible to create such utopia that Azrael dreamed off without fully taking away the will and thinking process of people. For as long as the man keeps his free will, something would go down eventually, but at the same time, taking away free will from everyone is also wrong, because it's no longer living the life, rather just... existing."

"But I don't think it's even needed to create such utopia, to begin with. As long as people are educated on the matters and they can see why such way is better, they'd willingly join. It's a matter of time." - He spoke, and with another thought coming up on his mind, he spoke again right after this.

"The actual evil happens because somebody is unhappy. If everyone is pleased with their life and they have nothing to push them over the edge, it's impossible for people to just do evil out of blue. The world itself must change, the life of common man must become bright and fine if you truly want to see Eternia bloom."
(Saulot Vykos)
[17:32:48] "Ah..."

"But you discount the most egregious reason. This one brought peace after an era of instability. The lands that previously caused distress and bred malcontentment and horrible, backwards ways of thinking were destroyed. A new generation came, and they put effort into revitalizing the land, and doing what they could to make the common man's life easier."

"Why does Cinderfall exist? Why does Chimaera exist"

"This one thinks if you truly believe that free will is inviolate, you could not raise the dead. Do you think yourself repugnant for doing it? Do you crush their will, rather than understanding that they are souls whom you have called to experience life in a different form, for a goal to work with one?"

"It is true, you know. You are not playing with animals alone, this one presumes."

"This one wishes your theory was correct," A bag of large, twined noodles is upended into a now bubbling pot, as he gets out a frying pan- Lightly coating the bottom not in butter or oil, but a thin layer of water. "But it makes a dangerous presumption."

"You forget than man is also cruel, and wishes entertainment. That some people, surrounded by love, encouragement, family, affection, joy, and care, can grow indifferent to it and take it for granted."

"That there are those whom love grovelling and superbia above real love and decency, and that at the end of the day..."

"Some men are unhappy when they cannot do cruel and awful things unto others, and especially not when they cannot feel righteous about it."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[17:43:02] A brief sigh escaped his lips.

Maybe the goals that they were speaking of were far too away to achieve anytime soon. In fact, that was probably the truth; such grand scheme could not be pulled off by Azrael himself. In comparison to him, to pull off such a thing seems nigh impossible.

"I understand that. I do not take away the will of those I raised, and quite often I give them freedom to do as they will, only sometimes requesting for assistance in my endeavors."

Though, that made Saulot think. Just how undead themselves feel once they're raised? Do they feel completely compelled to Necromancer's will, and in some way limited, even if Necromancer allows them to do whatever they please?

"I know that. Sometimes, the hearts of men can be darker than of any monster, no matter how much happiness in their life they receive. But those are the spoiled ones..."

"Seems like we're in a loop. If people are killed and raised once more under control, it's not exactly living, but rather blank existance. If you allow them free will, they will still do something, and making their lives amazing would still result in some spoiled people. I don't think we could ever achieve true, absolutely flawless utopia. The question is just how far we could progress to better our situation?"

"And... well... perhaps we'll get new means to achieve such in the future.
(Saulot Vykos)
[17:54:08] "This one would take a world with limited free will, wherein the spoiled cannot do horrible, horrible things. This one believes it is good and just to be able to trust in a ruler that is good to do good, by arbitration. Perhaps evil can occur, but it is better that it can be stopped, fought, and forced to halt before worse occurs."

"This one understands that one might disagree, but this one thinks you will agree after seeing more of 'why'. When you learn of the 'why' people do things, so easily stopped, so easily changed, and so easily malleable- You will agree a bit more."

"This one thinks if you speak with your undead, and ask them how they feel, and work at making their lives better- You will change your mind on if their existence is bleak nor blank. It is merely a matter of what you can provide for them."

".. There is no greater despair than seeing the child you have held in your hands and upon your lap, tried to instilll virtue in, to hold and tell them how to do good, to have defended them, to have sheltered them..." His hand grips the handle of the pan harshly, momentarily.

"And to see them discard you when they find someone more sycophantic, and to plot to take your power and murder you for doing better than themselves. Or to murder your son for reason of 'wanting to belong to a cause.'.

"Children... Children sometimes do the awfullest things, in the end."

Silence, for a moment, as he places the beef in the bubbling water pan, spicing it and allowing the grease natural to the ground beef to permit it to slide freely and oil it with the light water, the scent of powdered garlic entering into the air.

"There are many ways to better our situation in the short term, however. What is one skilled in? This one has three projects one could attempt to undertake, and to find some amount of betterment in."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[18:03:31] After pondering on what's been said so far, yet another idea came up on Saulot's mind, and perhaps the one that both Hauk and Saulot would find plausible and appealing.

"I don't think it's a good idea to trust all power to one ruler. After all, those that rule can become corrupt or cruel as well. Though--"

"I've been thinking about it. We're not taking in account that being killed and uh, well... taken under control, even if partial, is mandatory for everyone, is it? So..." - he was in the middle of his speech and proceeded further with inquiring.

"What if the life of a common man becomes good enough to the point of reducing any crime, evil and violence to the minimum, as I suggested? However, those that display violent behaviours would be taken under partial control anyway, as pre-caution to ensure the safety of society and good conditions for further progress."

"In a nutshell, the life could be made better for the commoners, all while keeping the cruel minds away and making sure that their violent nature is banished. The criminals are the only ones who'd have to go through such mandatory process."
________________________

Saulot was spectating Hauk cooking for a while. Obviously, he didn't have any decent meal in a while, often being on the road, but it seems that he could have some rather soon.

"And thank you for your advices on the Art. As for my own skills--"

"I wield Riftmancy, Necromancy, Occult, Fire and Lightning magics, and two other sub-versions that go with Occult, and I'm also a medical practicioner."

Obviously by "sub-versions" he was talking about Shadowflame and Hellstorm.
(Saulot Vykos)
[18:22:17] "That would be the ideal. That we would only do it to criminals, and those whom have shown themselves to be problematic. At the end, though, the idea of 'good' and 'evil' must be arbitrated by sapients as well. The true issue is... Maintaining leadership and kindness. But this one..."

"Does wish to believe in humanity." His voice grows incredibly soft- A wooden spatula moves the ground beef, stirring it as the grease and oils are broken down by the spiced water at the bottom and coagulating into a richer gravy with the addition of flour. "It would be a kind thing, that they would cease to fight this one's attempts to give them happiness."

He then fades off, listening for a moment as the noodles cook through, as the red of the gnashed and torn meat gives way to rich brown, a thick slurry of sauce building up around it...

His lips quirk, the man clearly taking some form of amusement when Saulot speaks of his own powers.

"Curiously destructive magics that likely come naturally, hmn? Seems merely out of place, unto this one. Ah... But, it is fine enough. As you might be aware, the precepts of necromancy begin in soul transferrence, though to move living souls is a far more... Dangerous and unpleasant art for most."

"Dominic Falco possessed a deep interest in souls, the undead, and the relationship of stars and the innermost workings of Eternia as a whole. He left us with a manmade star to call souls and spirits out, invaluable knowledge, and, well. Himself, of course, but he would get mad if this one roused him. Impossibly mad."

"In the early 800s into the mid 800s, though, his work granted us innumerable insights. If one wanted to combat the effects of depravity, one could theoretically 'create' a star. But you would require sacrifice, and death to power it. Souls."

"However, the prototype of a star was something this one witnessed created with an immense amount of mana behind it. This one wonders if we can miniaturize what 'calls' souls, and create a much smaller, if expensive, engine that creates this... Protostar of raw mana."

"If we could make auxillary engines that attracted and pulled in depravity, as an example, to counterbalance the existance of undead."

"It would require resources, patience, and perhaps a bit of plumbing and digging for some notes that Dominic had in his facility in the Sarab. He made it out there so if a disaster occured, it, ah... Would explode more remotely. It was used exclusively for that avenue of research."

"At least, this one thinks so..."

"Does hold any interest unto you? Is just the first this one could use someone skilled enough to devote time unto."
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[18:34:14] It pleased Saulot to know that Hauk was at least reviewing the posibillity of what he suggested. A smile came up on Saulot's face as result, casually downing yet another sip from the drink he was given earlier by the host.

"It could be tough to pull off, and likely would take time to get the society used to it, but it's worth a try. Perhaps some tweaks and adjustments could be made, and thorough laws created to figure out what has to be punished, and to what degree."

Once Hauk began to speak on the topic of Necromancy, specifically the soul transferrence, Saulot grew completely silent to listen to him. It was evident that the talk was interesting to him, and considering just how much he was finding out from it, it was all the better.

"Engines of mana to create a star and combat Depravity... that sounds complex, but interesting."

Given the fact that Saulot was interested in removing the factor of Depravity when it comes to using those Arts, his full attention stayed upon Hauk until he finished talking. Such theory was amazing, and it could possibly save countless plagues-to-be in the future.

"It does hold a lot interest to me. Are there any more notes from him saved, or is it still hidden? At what stage is the project currently?"
(Saulot Vykos)
[18:58:59] "This one lacks the ability to carry out these tasks or do extended research that does not take a decade for a year's work. Hauk's form must- Must... Be preserved, somehow, until this one can do better by him. That will mean this one loses a human form to interact with Valmasia with. It is troublesome."

"It has taken this one at least a decade to work on the cure for Chimaera and all the effort, and this one is still attempting to cajole a certain set of individuals to assist this one in making a form that is far more easy to manufacture and distribute."

A shuffle of the pans. Onto a plate, strained noodles from the earlier pot are dumbled, followed by a ladelling out of simmered, strongly spiced beef in a rich gravy, a variant of beef strogonof flowing down onto it. From a small package, carefully wrapped, grated mozzarella is fluttered overtop of the steaming plate.

It is pushed forward to Saulot, as Hauk readies his own serving...

"This one can give you this one's old invitation to the place with directions, alongisde notes on the subsequest observations of Acrux, the artificial star, on Calliope and it's effects on humans, and upon anything one might need to pursue this avenue of creating a method to create a region wide... 'Depravity sink' out of whatever call a star possesses, on a much less powerful scale."

"Note that this one's idea might not be immediately doable. This one has lacked the ability to go past the Black Gate, much less spare magi in the current state of things. Troublesome. Most are focused on homeland defense and keeping Loranthis and Cinderfall in check."

Taking a bite, he pauses. "Hauk has long been... Not in a condition to-" Mf. "Pursue such a task, and am limited in where this one can go, much less remaining concious enough. Little Clio was... Supposed to pursue this, but she chose to instead create a virus to make people worship her."

"Quite."

"In short- In disarray, but this one can provide one any tools and resources you might require, so long as you go and do the things necessary. To set up an expedition to Dominic's old facility out there and to recover his works, as rusted as they might be so many years later..."

"And to begin experimentation and development beyond theoretical. This one can give one all necessary potential theories and give one settings to work with, if one can work with this one."

"Is acceptable?"
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[19:07:31] In Saulot's eyes, Hauk already appeared as rather old, so no wonder he was slowly slipping into state when he's no longer in condition to keep working upon such lengthy research.

But this offer was alluring. To be granted access to such grand things and the necessary tools and notes to continue the research, and moreover all of it would lead to 'Depravity Sink', thanks to which the amount of Depravity would be balanced out fairly?

That's something he couldn't refuse.
_______________________

Taking the plate that was pushed towards him, he began eating casually, briefly commenting on that just before he'd begin doing so.

"Thank you."

After first few bites of the food and munching on it, it took Saulot very little time to respond to Hauk's offer.

"I agree to continue the research, in that case. All I need is to know the location of Dominic's facility and brief summary of what I'll have to look for, and then I'll begin gathering expedition right away. Once I'm back, I'll require those tools, depending on situation."
(Saulot Vykos)
[19:26:17] "If you are off hiding in the wilderness, this one could extend the guest room. Please do not startle Hauk if he is confused. This one will explain everything unto him."

"This one wishes to see things done. In the morning, this one will try to see about arranging for such a thing to occur."

Softly, he chews, letting the rich taste run. A foot bounces faintly, as he takes his time- Sipping quietly, eyes half focused as he stares. "This one will talk to Aamon. You will find him ever helpful, if you require things this one is not always... Lucid, enough to provide. It is taxing, unfortunately."

"Is why this one needs to hope that things can... Be pulled together."

"This one worries for the future... This one cannot cling forever. Am trying to- it is... Pushing this one's limits. No matter what power is held, true power comes from will, determination, and action."

"... This one does not hold those, at the moment. Needs... Rest. Real rest. Not this... Half-sleep-with-an-eye open rest. This one will see if can get one any assistance, if this one can. Is anything one would ask-inquire of this one, or otherwise wish?"
(Hauk Fildegarde)
[19:28:00] Saulot Vykos: (btw, its like almost 8 AM here, so imma do last post & white-text a bit if thats ok with u?)

[19:33:58] Surely sleeping in an actual room was much better than being out in the wilderness; of course, Saulot could always craft a pocket dimension for himself to reside in, but nonetheless, the actual room with a comfy bed would fee much better.

"Well... thanks. Can't say that being in the wilderness is better than in actual room, so I guess I'll take it."

Discussion was slowly coming to an end while Saulot and Hauk were discussing the matters over the meal and drink. His own plate was almost finished, but he continued to speak inbetween nonetheless.

"There isn't anything I require at the moment, but thank you. I'll return to practice of Necromancy, all while gathering the expedition." - he spoke after acknowledging his words.
(Saulot Vykos)