necromancy 1

[05:14:40] The rift traveller had made his way back to New Alteros within short time; indeed, the newfound power made his travels much easier and far less time consuming than they otherwise would be. He arrived from the side of the Shaky Bridge and paced into town casually, looking around upon the city of Azraelite religion - his eyelids narrowed while he walked, expecting everything thoroughly.

As always, he imposed an impressive, scholarly appearance about him; the tall posture, the mantle resting upon his shoulders and a staff on his back. He had a clean and wash, unblemished face - his main body, alongside with his arms, remained hidden underneath the said red mantle.

Curiously inspecting the city, he walked towards market. After all, he wished to re-supply and perhaps get something new from the local library afterwards.
(Saulot Vykos)

[05:25:45] Julien Javier just had his guts kicked in (offscreen by a bunch of nameless NPCs). This was not a surprise for the boy. What did shock the young was how long it took this time around for him to be viciously beaten but somehow still alive. With how sarcastic and argumentative he could be when in a bad mood (especially now, considering that his travelling partner seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth), it usually took him a few hours to sufficiently agitate an Oscuri in the city.

This time it took him nearly half a year. That was a good record all things considered. It still stung like an entire nest of rapier wasps, but that was unavoidable. At least the lad was amused, in a bitter sort of way, as he made his way out of the marketplace. Sure, his already worn coats were torn and covered in boot-mud, and his red hair was ragged beyond brushing, but his beaten body wasn't that bruised. He could limp back at the hotel and attempt to heal himself with whatever Holy Magic he could muster.

That did risk burning large swaths of his body, again, but at least he'd feel good for trying. Still, as good (relatively speaking) of a mood as he was in, he couldn't help but be jealous of the confident figure striding through the market. Where this impeccably dressed, pristine-looking man came from was a mystery. But Julien immediately didn't like him. Or maybe he did? Puberty had a knack for confusing the boy at times.

It didn't help that he now stood in front of this apparent mage, serving as a broken, scraggly contrast to the man. All he could do was nod awkwardly, and attempt to smile, blood dripping from his gums. The taste of rust was thick, as he gulped down nervously. Damn his social ineptitude. "Weather's nice." He blurted out, before attempting to walk past. He was not in the mood to try being good. That took way too much energy.
(Julien Javier)
[05:26:36] Julien Javier: (Ah, I meant to type *the youngling
[05:32:35] The face of a man that paced through the market was expressionless, mostly interested in re-supplying at the market and probably getting a few more notes from the local library for his future studies. Carrying a bag that was hanging by his shoulder, he revealed the sight of it by pulling back his mantle a little, if only to withdraw a significant amount of crowns whilst he walked up to the merchants.

Though, he heard a voice speak to him. With a squint of his eyes, Saulot looked around briefly and noticed Julien addressing towards the older person. A casually polite smile formed on his lips and he answered to his remark.

"It is a good weather, indeed."

Meanwhile, he approached the food merchant at one of the points in market. Taking an empty package for the foods that he was going to store there, Saulot casually pointed at some of the stuff and exchanged words with the mechant, handing over the crowns afterwards.

The moment he was done stuffing the food into packages, he plaaced it neatly back in his shoulder bag and conceaned it once more underneath the mantle. He looked around the city, pondering where he'd be heading next.
(Saulot Vykos)

[05:51:21] The boy blinked blankly. No condescending comment? Julien changed his mind, he already liked whoever this was. That usually came back to find him in the alps, but the boy was used enough to crushing disappointment at this point to not really mind. At least this time he'd actually get some good eye candy in beforehand, with how good-looking this stranger seemed to be.

He should prolly put that train of thought back into the brain vault. Noticing the man's pondering look, the boy straightened up his shirt a little, and swallowed down the rest of the rusty, red liquid. "Hey, um..." The boy looked up a little nervously, still smiling softly. He was suddenly in the mood to be polite. "You're a magi, right?" The boy inquired, as he looked up and down the man, keeping a poliite expression about him. Definitely good eye-candy, not that he'd ever admit that out loud. Or even just to himself.

"Visiting the library's the obvious choice, if you're looking to get some stuff done." He nodded slowly, raising a brow. "I mean, it's been renowned ever since Bysongrove's name was relevant." He chuckled, before getting to the point. "Do you mind if I tag along? You seem like someone I can learn something from."
(Julien Javier)
[05:56:28] Now, the purchase of groceries was over, and Saulot still had plenty of free time ahead of himself. He'd wonder where exactly he should spend this time... library sounded like a good idea, considering the direction of his studies - and moreover, New Alteros was known for it's rather rich amount of material in the libraries, thus proving to be a worthy place to visit.

Huh? Someone addressed towards him?

Oh, it was that boy. The towering posture of 6'1'' that Saulot had made him look downwards to notice Julient again once he spoke. He listened to what he had to say - indeed, he was a magi, and quite accomplished one to top it off. Most curious, why he'd decide to tag along? Probably hoping to learn something from more experienced people.

"Correct, I am one."

So it seems the young one was after studies himself, or at least wished to get experience from others. That was fine by him, he wasn't the one to reject the curiosity of a young mind if one turned up.

"I don't mind, and I was heading to the library. Let us get going, then."
(Saulot Vykos)
[06:07:34] Julien continued to look up, mostly because he didn't have a choice in the matter. With an entire foot separating him from the Magi's gaze, he didn't blame the man for not noticing him right away. He would have blamed his genetics, but even the boy could see how pointlessly silly that was. Though he acknowledged that he wasn't above such silliness.

At the very least, this opportunity for learning was a welcome respite for worrying after Dorothy. (He planned on giving her so much crap the moment he found her. Maybe. It depended on how much of his relieved side would show, he supposed.) "You better be safe." He muttered, but kept up a cheery expression.

"Oh, thank you." The boy grinned, as he followed after taller teen. He wasn't expecting to get such an easy response. Weren't people keen on stabbing him by now? Did he just luck out today? "What kind of mage are you?" Julien asked curiously. Such a clean-cut individual probably did something scholarly with their abilities. The lack of anything resembling killing intent fascinated the boy as well. "Ooh, can you heal people, by any chance?"
(Julien Javier)
[06:14:24] Saulot paced in silence towards the library and eventually entered it while Julient followed him suit. He let him be in his thoughts, while his own mind was full of different thoughts as well - those that were seeking his destruction weren't so active with their presence anymore, oddly... perhaps they were gathering a greater force against Saulot, one that would at last ensure his defeat. But, alas, he was never too certain with such matters, it could be absolutely anything.

Ah, the great, fabled library of New Alteros. So much knowledge contained at once... it was a place of bliss for any Magi. Though, Saulot headed to the second floor, one that was leading to bookcases and notes upon forbidden, often Depraved Arts. Was Saulot actually studying these thoroughly, or even practising it? It was hard to tell - in fact, if one were to try and listen to their senses to hear out whether Saulot is magi or not, it'd be extremelly challenging to hear, much like trying to hear a fall of a water drop on the field of snow.

Silent, muffled, still. Perhaps Saulot was already into that... but he's damn good at hiding such vibes about himself, and at controlling it as well.

"I study fire and lightning magics." - he wouldn't elaborate upon other Arts just yet.

"I'm not practising healing magic, if that's what you mean. However, I do study medicine, separately from the magic itself."

He spoke while walking to the second floor.


(Saulot Vykos)
[06:22:56] Julien took a moment to follow suite, as he first produced an absurd amount of books from his various pockets. Though he did have a ton of them (both books and pockets), it would be hard to justify having that many on his person at one time, without defying some sort of universal law. Still, it did explain why the boy went from sort of skinny to downright scraggly, as he left the tomes on a nearby counter, coupled with several handfuls of money.

His habit of returning books late would need to stop. Finally, he caught up to the older magi, and nodded in awe. "Ah, really? That's pretty awesome?" The boy seemed to be more curious in this for whatever reason. "Do you have a clinic somewhere perhaps? Or do you do private visits of sorts Mister..." The boy cut himself off, a small flush spreading across his cheeks. So much for being polite.

"I'm sorry." He bowed nervously, straightening up a little, as he calmed down. His regular, relaxed expression returned. "I forgot to do introductions. My name's Julien." He nodded. "What's your name?"
(Julien Javier)

[06:32:19] Saulot was looking around for the suitable notes, and paced around the library for a while; thoroughly checking everything, he was seeking out the notes for Necromancy. Why not invest his time in studying that Art, though? Just imagine... considering he's also a practicioner of medicine, if he ever fails, he could always revert his mistake no matter what. That was something to consider if one were going to devote himself in such field of study and yet have the magical power at once.

There they are, notes and tomes about Necromancy. It wasn't a surprise that New Alteros had those, this city is /literally/ a capital of Necromancy as Art. He was walking around the library to find himself a place where to sit at - to not come off rude, he didn't go to the single table, but instead took the one with stools next to it, so Julien could sit next to him if he wished to do so.

"My name is Saulot. I do not have a personal clinic, I'm practicing medicine for my own purposes. If I wish to treat someone, that'll be coming from my own will.

Meanwhile, Saulot sat down to read the tome and notes of Necromancy he picked off. Most interesting... that Art is considered to be Azrael's Holy Art, and for a reason; he believed that in the long run, it would come very handy.

Besides, he already took a step into Depraved Arts. Why not continue?
(Saulot Vykos)
[06:43:24] "Oh. It's good to meet you then, Saulot." Julien's lips pursed as he took in that bit of information. So throwing money at the man wouldn't guarantee treatment? Why did that plan never work? With a still curious smile, he looked around the library, hopping about until he found a tome on Holy Magic.

It was odd to find a book containing such information in the library, but the boy had thrown out any reservations years ago. At this point in time, he simply accepted that it was probably a leftover from before the Oscuri took over the city. (The boy had to admit that it was pretty brave of them not to fully suppress free thought in the city. Even if many other questionable things had been done.)
He himself used to be more cautious about approaching any material that could link him to Krausites, back when his devotion to Azrael was still relatively strong. But he'd already dropped down the rabbit hole that was Holy Magic. Why stop now? "Well, do you take requests?" Julien sat down, pushing those thoughts away, as he scanned through the book. (Holy Lightning?) Mmm. It didn't hurt to be hopeful, did it?
(Julien Javier)
[06:51:56] Hm... so one must bind the soul of the dead by having a physical link or the soul itself. He could imagine that it's not really easy at all to rip through Lifestream to pull the soul, but hey, he actually had experience in tearing the Lifestream for his whims - the part of studying Depraved Arts that comes naturally. If one knows a certain Depraved Art, it might as well be much easier to study another.

His interest was occupied by the tome and notes, clearly showing intent to study and progress further on such forbidden Arts; but after all, Julien was still here and he'd be prone to respond to him, least he wished to come off as horrendously rude - but that's not something Saulot does.

"I take request if I see benefit in the said request. Money might work, for as long as it's actually a good sum, or fair reasoning is provided."

It was interesting to see what Necromancy was about, exactly. It granted control over undead as well, it seemed... but an important note pointed out that some of the undead might as well resist it, or at least try to. That was quite a warning sign.

Regardless, he continued to read. The mere fact that physical link alone was enough was fascinating - he had assumptions that soul itself is required, although it seems that soul could do the trick as well in case of a missing physical link.
(Saulot Vykos)

[07:09:00] Julien stared at his book, not actually reading anymore (he could always borrow the book), as he reviewed the bargaining chips that he had in his pockets. Admittedly, he didn't bring a lot to the table this time around, but the patient he had in mind did. Would their dear old mother's influence be enough to sway the pragmatic medicine man to their side? The boy supposed that it depended on how well he could sell it.

And with how often he infuriated people, Julien justifiably assumed that he wouldn't pull this off very well. Not that he wouldn't try. "I don't know how much money is a good sum, to be honest." He started with a shrug, flipping the page in an attempt to keep the casual vibe around. The boy was mildly succesful, by his own estimations.

"But how does a good deal of political sway in two major cities sound?" The boy flashed a grin, though he kept it light and airy. No need to be too forceful, after all. "I'm sure you could gain quite a bit, if not in favors then in resources, from this particular person." He continued to slide the sweet talk in. How well was this actually working? Would it even have any effect? "She's a personal friend, and apparent advisor to Nostvale's King Regent: Aamon, as well as a popular person of interest in Cinderfall." He added.

"She placed second in the elections for Firekeeper, in case you know who I'm talking about." The boy shrugged, turning the page once more. "If that doesn't tickle your fancy, maybe her knowledge in magic would please you? You do seem to have an interest in the arcane." Julien's smile metamorphized into a chuckle, as he read the title of the adult's book. Necromancy, eh? "Particularly the Depraved, it seems... Now who do I know with experience in the matters?"
(Julien Javier)

[07:23:31] Political matters? Okay, Julien caught his attention for now; Saulot paused on reading the book of Necromancy and turned his head upon the young one, to hear him out, though soon proceeded to read again while he was listening to him, basically multi-tasking at the moment.

Though... when he heard the description of "her", he could've sworn that he knows who they're talking about. In fact, he was almost certain who that was... but her to be advisor to Aamon? Most interesting... weren't Cinderfall and Nostvale at brink of the war, and to hear that such popular person is actually playing a double-agent?

"We're talking about that Ookami Mika, the one who's into bakery and making candies, aren't we?"

She didn't impress him at all... in fact, Saulot viewed her as a foolish, naive woman who would very soon fall with a loud clap, as the knife of backstab is jabbed in her back. She lacked any personal power, she wasn't smart in her decisions, but... for some reason, she was popular. Well, at least perhaps Saulot could use it for his own gain?

"How much of a political sway are we talking about here? Be a bit more specific."
_____________________________________

He continued to read the book meanwhile. It seems that eventually he'd have to practice this art, and someone's gotta die... although he wouldn't necessarily kill someone of importance, more likely just some animal, or perhaps a bandit in the woods. Nobody would really mind if those get slaughtered for Saulot's practice in Necromancy, isn't that right?

"Go on." - he commented on his remark about the knowledge of people who practiced Depraved Arts.
(Saulot Vykos)

[07:52:32] "Yes, we are talking about mo- Mika." Julien winked, covering up his little slip up with a chuckle. Despite oozing confidence in his tone and gait, a more primal section of his mind began to throw up internally. He was already working off of deductions and conjectures, would he further oversell himself? Was it even overselling if he was mostly sure that he was right at this point?

No, it wasn't. And if it proved to be a problem, he'd worry about it later. For now, the boy held a ripe chance of curing his mother. And he'd see through on seeing that come to fruition. He just had to play his cards right. That wasn't so hard, the boy maybe had a sixty percent success rate in these matters. "Well, aside from her being able to throw her hefty around to get her way most of the time in two cities..." An evil smirk made its way onto the boy's face. One awfully uncharacteristic of him.

Right now, he was thanking every possible god for his constant research on the world around him. Awareness came a long way, and the little notebook he kept to keep track of the state of the world made him woke beyond relief. There was a reason he prided his ability as an information broker of sorts. "Let's say that some key figures involved with keeping Nostvale up and running are about to toss themselves into some very dangerous skirmishes, thanks in part to some prodding from... anonymous individuals."

If the boy had the spark of Depravity in him, he'd feel it coursing through him now. Thankfully, he wasn't particularly interested in the art, or else his blatant posturing would be too much. Would he really claim partial credit for that unclear thing to come? No, but he could state what he knew blatantly enough to convince himself. "And say, they don't survive, then a certain unassuming Ookami would find herself rapidly rising up the ranks." If he were a villain in one of his crime novels, Julien would have totally laughed maniacally at that beat.

"Perhaps even find herself in command, not that the sweet, little woman would ever expect such a thing." He said with utmost confident. The boy was treading the line into bullshit territory, but there was enough half-truth and speculation in it for him to keep up the charade. It wasn't a lie after all. Just a prediction. Given the luck, he might even be right. "Moving forward..."

With that, the boy shifted into another page, reading intently for a few moments. It wasn't anything he hadn't yet read before, but the perspective was always nice. "Well, our friendly Ookami, might have something to say on the matter." The boy shuddered internally, as he remembered the 'Presence' that he felt before around Mika. The one she'd admitted to possessing. It wasn't like he had to tell the man what became of that situation.

"After all, she lived with that 'Depravity' for years, or so I've heard." He shrugged, making it sound like he was dangling a hint in front of the man's eyes, though it was more like an educated guess. "I wonder. Just how much insight could she provide?" He shrugged. "She may not luck it, but the woman is a master mage for a reason."
(Julien Javier)

[08:03:37] A lot of vague words were said, most of which were "maybe's". Saulot was a skeptical man, often seeing at the real chances rather than theory that is unlikely to come ever true. For Mika, to actually take position of power around Nostvale, or fully take charge in one of the cities? Absurd. Even if she did that, her rule would be very short - she'd simply get killed by someone far more capable and that'd be the end of a story.

"What can she do exactly in the matters between Nostvale and Cinderfall, or do anything in either of the cities?"

Perhaps Julien didn't catch his point at first, but he elaborated that for him. Nostvale had strong forces, and even if they were to die, nobody would allow Mika to rise to power so easily, least the Valmasia is literally full of idiots that would let that naive Ookami actually take charge of anything. But hey, she almost scored in Cinderfall, did she not? Might as well think Valmasia is truly a land of idiots.

"I care very little of her experience with Depravity and the vibes it gives. Least she knows something specific, and you're certain of that, it remains irrevelant." - clearly Saulot was talking about spells here. If she knew no Depraved Arts, she was of very little use for Saulot; the vibes were an easy thing for him to control most of the time anyway.

Though his answers were mostly negative, there was no hostility to his response; he was simply skeptical, double-checking everything before he'd believe it. He spoke with a calm tone as usual.
_______________________________

He began to summarize the readings from the Necromancy tome and the notes; one must have the physical link to the body or directly have the soul for ressurection, the mana circuits become burned out at one point and they may not be raised anymore at all, and most of all - undead remain under control of the necromancer. How sweet.

Now it was all about the practice.
(Saulot Vykos)

[08:44:35] Julien nodded slowly, smile not dipping for a second, as he continued to read through his book. Though, at this point, the words it contained barely scratched the surface of the boy's mind. He sighed internally, it was rather admirable how far Saulot looked into matters. As much as the boy loathed to admit, his mind simply couldn't catch up with his tongue most of the time. Though he carried enough of a vocabulary to feign intelligence, when it came to dealing with people who weren't so easily star-struck, the boy had to reasses the situation.

Worst case scenario, he could always default to simply paying the man, but he needed the funds for such an endeavor. For now, he'd see how far his wit could take him. He'd have to drop the Depravity matter, as he couldn't properly address that, as for the former problem... "Now, Saulot, you're asking the wrong question here." Julien spoke politely, not wanting to sound overly confident, as he continued his bluff.

Still, the boy grit his teeth beneath his thin smile. He was about to criticize his mother for something that he usually found quite charming, though it did annoy him at times. "Given her reputation, she could get away with most anything, really. If it came down to matters of force, I have no doubt that she'd reluctantly decimate anyone who stood between her and her goal. Not to mention the posse " The boy said, a twinkle in his eye, as genuine admiration took shape in his tone.

"I mean. Have you seen how well she fights? Mom's a- Mika's a talented individual." He said, before sighing internally. This would be the mean part. "But that aside, she's a simple-minded person. Innocent even." The boy shook his head, before raising a brow.

"With how malleable she is, it isn't hard to get her to do something for someone she likes." The boy switched pages once more. "What can you do at Nostvale and Cinderfall? Better yet, what can you make her do for you?" He raised a brow. "Of course, if that isn't your cup of tea, we could always talk cash."
(Julien Javier)

[08:53:58] While memorizing through the pages of Necromancy and keeping everything in mind, he was listening to Julien; his mind could easily multi-task such, as he could already comprehend the principles of Necromancy. Inherently Depraved, it would require someone to rupture the Lifestream to pull a soul and tug it back into body, with the body being a physical link to the person. Of course, the soul itself could be used to bind it into an entirely new body instead...

That probably wouldn't be easy and Lifestream could backlash at him with a scream, much akin to intention to harm the magi who dares to tamper with it. Moreover, raising the dead on it's own sounded like a dangerous affair... but that was worth a try, if Saulot wished to advance further. Such knowledge would make an excellent addition to his magic.
______________________________________

Huh, it seemed the young one was still trying to get to him with those offers? Was he actually trying to sell out his mother for own benefit, to a stranger he just met? Saulot's brow arched. Not like he'd criticize him or judge him for that, people do far worse, but such action stood against Saulot's morals - yet again, none of his business. If people were that shallow, that's on them.

But the offer was interesting.

"And what's your role in this? How are you going to exactly get me anywhere closer to her, or help me establish the said influence?"

And indeed, what would Julien do, exactly? He kind of already spilled plenty of info on possible approach, but information will be futile if there's no way to approach her to begin with. Maybe he had something else to say?
(Saulot Vykos)

[09:13:36] Julien bit his tongue, he was steadily losing control of the situation, and he knew it. Still, he was desperate enough to keep prodding for this. He didn't know if Mika's wound would prove fatal or not in the long run. "That's easy, just need you to use your medical skills." After minutes upon minutes of letting horse apples rain down from above, the boy finally cracked ever so slightly. "She's been hurt for awhile now."

His smile quickly dissipated, a worried tone taking shape. It was beyond obvious that whatever injury the boy spoke of bothered him to no end. "Burns. Really, really nasty burns around her neck. It's been very difficult for her, though she tries not to show it." The boy pursed his lips, before letting another smile take shape. "That's where you come in. All I need to do is introduce you." He snapped his fingers.

"If you were to heal her, get rid of whatever it is that's stopping her recovery, I guarantee you that you'll earn a spot in her heart." Julien looked up, dropping the complete control he tried to project, for pleading puppy-dog eyes. "Every advantage I've listed down will be right within in your grasp. She's trusted people for less." The boy sighed, sounding actually pretty annoyed at this fact.
Once again, the resolve returned to his tone. "And if that isn't enough to convince you, I'm more than willing to give you every crown I've kept in my lifetime. Two million, upfront." With that being said, he jotted down his home address on a parchment of paper, and slid it towards the man. "If that's what it takes for mom to stop groaning whenever she speaks, I'm willing to step that low."

He nodded, before giggling, as if to play off his serious tone as a joke. "Either way, I need to go now." He stood up, and made his way back to the hotel. It was growing dark after all. Looking for Chloe would have to wait. "Just, please. Drop by if you thinkit's worth it. If you do decide heal her, there's something in it for you. Be it money or otherwise." He said as he finally walked away, mumbling to himself audibly, not that he noticed. "I just want to see her well again..."
(Julien Javier)

[09:22:08] He collected the notes on Necromancy in a quick succession; it was the time to take his leave. Seems like the boy admitted after all what was the issue, and after thinking it over, he made up his mind - in fact, burn injuries weren't really hard to heal, for as long as Saulot would be given proper equipment. It was an easy thing for Saulot to do, with possibly a large reward. Why not try it then?

"Deal then. No need to pay right now this moment, pay upfront just before the surgery."

It wasn't a bad deal at all, honestly. He'd just need to fetch himself the proper equipment for that stuff and it's all set, then he'll be able to conduct the surgery to remove the burn mark with ease.

"Send the letter to the man named Saulot if your mother agrees to such surgery. I'll observe and won't miss it out."

Surely, with the power to go throughout entire Valmasia in seconds, there's no way he could miss out the letter. He could keep an eye on /everything/ out there, and as soon as letter is out, he'd know pretty quick.

"Farewell then."

He was done reading the Necromancy notes and tomes, and grabbed some of the notes for himself, mainly handwritten on his own. The man began pacing out of the library.
(Saulot Vykos)
[09:29:48] Did Saulot just agree? Julien stopped in his tracks, as a smile spread from ear to ear. He felt incredibly surreal at the moment. Maybe he didn't need to spout all of that rhetoric earlier. Though he did at least learn the limits of his wit. That would be something he'd have to work on. He stil needed the ability after all, and he needed it in tip-top shape. But there was little time to stress about that with the opportunity ahead of him.

"Sure! Thank you!" He grinned, as he watched the man pace out ahead of him. In his excitement, the boy didn't think to ask where he'd send the letter. Though that was a problem for the post office, he supposed. With that, the boy walked back to his table, taking the forgotten Holy Lightning book, and stormed ahead towards the inn once more. Now that his mother's problem was out of the way, there was only Dorothy to deal with. (Better- be- safe)
(Julien Javier)