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Post by Lauriam on Jun 30, 2020 16:23:33 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
The assassin watched the man with a keen eye, searching for any signs that might give away Blacknore's thoughts. He was good at hiding these things.. Emotions, thoughts, everything. Lauriam could tell this man was smart, trying not to give away any signs of weakness or anything he might have on his mind to keep control over every situation he has to face. It was a trait many people held that had sinister motives deep down, but Lauriam just observed quietly.
He leaned into the soft pillow, sighing in relief. This was heaven for his sore muscles. “Your assumption is correct. My home is not this world, but an other one.”
His attention shifted back to Vaneera than, who shared her thoughts with him about everything that had happened at the beach. Lauriam hated to admit it, but she was right. There was nothing he could do right now, except to stay here for now and rest up. The Dandelion knew he had been lucky, since not every world would have such a place close by in a critical situation. One would call it luck, maybe even fate that they met today. He would keep quiet about it to Skuld, just like he and Vaneera had agreed on, of course. He would tell her of course.. but not for a while.
“Alright, I will. Don't worry about me. You should rest up as well and get that under control.” His hand would move up, pointing at the still existing armor. “'We don't want you to fall unconscious as well now, do we?”
A soft smile would grace his lips, before his attention would turn back to Blacknore. “I heard that you found old manuscripts about the keyblade prophecy.” His head tilted to the side slightly, watching the mans reaction carefully now. “Do you happen to have the original? Vaneera told me you are very eager to make it come true.”
The change of subject was completely wanted and the reason he chose this question was also easily explained. It wasn't just because this information could be vital for his own mission, but it was also a test on how the man would react to any information about the war.
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Post by Vaneera on Jun 30, 2020 16:40:59 GMT -5
Blacknore only seems to smile in response to his theory being confirmed. He chooses to stay silent for now, as there was more of an exchange going on between Lauriam and Vaneera right now. The young Keyblader simply grins and gives a thumbs up, just like she did before.
"Don't worry about it. I've actually got it in check right now. Even if uh... I don't know how to deactivate it."
She lowers her hand, giving more of a sheepish grin now. "Still, it's not spreading. So I guess... That's progress? Maybe I can keep practicing it so it gets easier to handle, like Master Blacknore said!"
Well, what she said there does prove that Vaneera doesn't seem to mind the somewhat overbearing nature the Archmage has. If anything, one got the sense that she had a lot of respect for him; given the way she always used that title before his name, that would certainly make sense. Whether the reasons were clear or not, she placed her trust in him.
Not everyone thought that was a good thing. Despite her insistence that he's a good guy...
Though, something does catch Blacknore's intrigue, it's what Lauriam has to say next, about the manuscripts regarding a prophecy.
"Oh? Vaneera must trust you a great deal to divulge such information."
The Archmage smirked. The man practically oozed confidence... "Both are correct. I do have the original, and I wish to make it a reality. And I believe that it refers to none other than Vaneera here."
Blacknore then ponders for a moment. "I would be willing to show it to you. However... Do you feel that you can walk at the moment?"------ Lauriam
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Post by Lauriam on Jun 30, 2020 16:54:37 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
Vaneera, sweet child. She was a good person at heart, from what Lauriam could tell. Her light was not normal, but she must have had a great amount of it from the start. She seemed to see the postitiv in everything and that wasn't a bad trait, really. She also held great respect for her Master and he couldn't blame her for it, actually. If this man had raised her, she would of course try to make up for it by helping him on his quest. It was natural..
“Just don't overdo it. Skuld would be pretty mad if you got hurt by this.” He offered her one more smile, before his attention would shift back to Blacknore. It seemed this information had sparked his interest. Good. Now Lauriam had to keep at it in hopes of getting what he wanted.
The man would offer a smile at Blacknore, listening to everything he said. So they had it here... Good, very good. Anything related to the old war could help him. Once Blacknore was finished with speaking, Lauriam would take a moment to adjust himself, sitting up once more and placing his feet on the floor next to the bed carefully.
Slowly... you can do this.
“I'll try...”, he answered finally and put some weight on his feet carefully. God, this hurt. Everything was stiff and aching. It felt like someone had put little needles in his leg at first. He took in a sharp breath before he would carefully get up, using a nearby desk as support. Once he was standing, the pain was slowly leaving him again. Good. He could walk like this now.
“I'm going to be alright. Lead the way.” This was important to him. He had to see it with his own eyes.
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Post by Vaneera on Jun 30, 2020 17:25:42 GMT -5
Interesting... Blacknore was able to tell that this was quite important to him. Something compelled Lauriam to be able to see this with his own eyes, even if it meant straining himself right now. Normally, the Archmage would insist that he continues to rest. Something which Vaneera is about to comment on herself, but he simply gestures with his hand.
"Accompany us, Vaneera. If it looks like he'll take a spill, then assist him as you see fit. But we shall allow him to see the prophecy."
He then declares. With that said, Blacknore would then begin to lead the way at a relaxed pace, allowing for Lauriam to adjust to walking so soon after just recovering. Vaneera would follow close-by, keeping her attention on her friend. Sure, they just met, but she'd like to think of him as one. Especially considering everything they went through.
Either way, they would make their way through the halls. Those were a near perfect match for the room that Lauriam had awakened in.
But eventually they came to a grand room. Many things were depicted here, but one thing served as the treasure and centerpiece; a massive stone mural. It depicted many things upon the surface. On the left, there were depictions of soldiers. On the right, the Heartless were shown in various forms. But the most impressive artwork of all...
It was in the very center of the mural, and made up most of the design. It was a figure in armor, hood, and cape. In their right hand, they were holding a Keyblade skyward, and in their left, they were holding what appeared to be Lux. The face of this enigmatic figure was vague, really only showing their eyes... Much like how Vaneera's eyes glowed under her own hood.
Above all of the art depicting this war between Light and Dark, of the Hero that would finally bring an end to it... Were runes, presumably describing the Prophecy in full. In front of this mural was a plaque that held the translation.
There was one other thing to be gleaned from this mural, however. While it was certainly not from San Fransokyo -- it wasn't from Daybreak Town either. Neither was it from the Book of Prophecies. Or at least, not the one that Lauriam had received.
"Here it is. What it tells merely on a visual level was enough to catch my eye. So I brought it here for further study and translation. Along with several other trinkets from the ancient civilization that made this mural."
He explains, then gesturing to some of the other things that were displayed in the room. Nothing quite so impressive as this, however...
"I wish I knew more about the people that originally created this. All that I do know is that they held a fervent belief that a Hero would one day be born, and lead us all to prosperity."
The Archmage then calmly places a hand on Vaneera's shoulder. The red-haired girl was still admiring the stonework in front of her.
"No one has such qualities as Vaneera. I have spent so long searching for the one that matches what they have told us."
The young Keybearer then smiles.
"Bringing an end to the conflict... That's why I can't run. If I don't, who will?"
Vaneera finally breaks her silence.------- Lauriam
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Post by Lauriam on Jul 1, 2020 3:05:16 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
This felt like a game of 'who can read you better' between Blacknore and Lauriam. It was actually pretty interesting for Lauriam. He had not sparred with someone on a mind-level for some time and he always liked a challenge on that level. Lauriam was slow, but he managed to walk, feeling a bit more comfortable with Vaneera at his side, should he stumble or fall. It was a moment of weakness he was willing to bear right now. The assassin offered Vaneera a small smile for her concern about his health.
One they reached their destination, Lauriam would scan the area with his eyes for a moment before he would focus on the object in the middle. So, this was the object Vaneera had talked about. The Prophecy that Blacknore was so obsessed with. Lauriam carefully took steps closer to the mural, stopping right in front of it. Carefully, he would move up his hand, touching it and moving his fingers along the runes. The writing was in the old language the book was written in, but it was not completely the same. Telling by the design and runes, Lauriam could tell this was written almost 100 years after the war. It was not from Daybreak Town, but an other world.... It was an original, yes, but it was not from the book.
The image looked similar to what Vaneera looked like but after hearing her story and comparing it with the man's goals, he could only shake his head with a sad expression on his face. The book never showed an image of the person that would be the chosen one... this was altered by the peoples believes that wrote it down here.
It certainly was about the war and the gather of lux, but the person in the middle was completely made up. An image of what the people believed to the chosen one. He closed his eyes and sighed, processing all the information.
“Vaneera...”, he would start, but decide not to go any further. He couldn't just crush their dreams... He knew what it did to humans. Taking a deep breath, he would speak in the language he had learned in Daybreak Town, quoting a sentence from the book.
“Imbalance observed, strength misplaced, a future filled with sorrow. Words of truth misunderstood as they explore the secret of tomorrow. With a single strike, toll the bells and herald the end, bringing war upon us, as fate did intend."
Lauriam liked to talk in cryptic ways. He had a feeling Blacknore would catch on what he was trying to prove right now.
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Post by Vaneera on Jul 1, 2020 9:32:47 GMT -5
Lauriam spent a fair amount of time looking over the mural, and eventually he broke his silence, first by saying Vaneera's name. It prompted the girl to look over at him. It had also managed to catch the intrigue of the Archmage, who also looked in his direction. The two of them waited for what it was the man wished to say. And soon enough he does begin to speak once more, this time quoting a passage from the Book of Prophecies... Too bad it was in a language that Vaneera couldn't grasp at all.
"Huh? Sorry, I don't understand...", she responds in confusion.
But the Archmage, he was a little less confused. Instead, he begins to turn his attention to Lauriam now.
"Interesting... I can tell that the language you are speaking is rather similar to the one depicted on the mural. Now, I find that rather fascinating, as this comes from an ancient and lost civilization. So for you to be speaking in a tongue that is at least nearly as old as theirs is..."
He'd pause for a moment. That smug smirk was plastered on his face again.
"Should I be asking where or when you're from, young man?"
Vaneera tilts her head, a little confused at what is transpiring now.
"So... What did he say?",the Keybearer asks.
The Archmage calmly turns his gaze back to Vaneera. "You will have to ask him that yourself. The language is similar, but also different. It would take me some time to decipher the meaning -- and ideally, it would be required in written form..."
Having said that, Blacknore returns his focus to Lauriam. It seems that the ball was in his court now... And the Archmage was curious to see exactly what he would do with it.------ Lauriam
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Post by Lauriam on Jul 1, 2020 10:26:22 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
Oh, had he been speaking the wrong language? Well, he did quote what he had read back than in the book, so it would surely sound strange to them. There was a big time difference to now so of course the language had changed a lot. He turned to Vaneera and Blacknore, seeing the confusion on her face. Well, she had not understood a word he had said. Blacknore however.. he had the full attention of the Archmage now. Good.. The man had caught on and he knows now that Lauriam is most likely from the time the prophecy is from. He would be careful though what information he gave the man from here on out. That old knowledge could be dangerous in his hands, if Lauriam wasn't careful.
He offered a smile at the man after he and Vaneera had finished their conversation. “Well... It was nothing to important.”, he would start, eyeing the mural one more time with interest. “You are catching on fast, Mister Blacknore. I know some things of the old prophecy and maybe even more. Who knows...”
Lauriam was mocking him a little here. “What you have here is only a fragment of the real prophecy. There was much more, but it was all lost through time. It shows a piece of the old history, but it is not completely correct.” Lauriam would click his tongue and out a hand on the image of the keybladers on the stone.
“The mural itself is real, but the time this was written is not the same time the original story is from.”
A soft sigh escaped his lips, his blue eyes focusing on Vaneera again. “Keybladers existed long before the this was written. However, most of them were wiped out by a terrible catastrophe. Having a keyblade gives you power, but... it can also destroy you.”
He knew what he was talking about. He had witnessed it with his own eyes. “I know you want to help the people... but never forget that all of this is not just a game. Being a hero is more than getting praised for your actions and bath in glory.”
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Post by Vaneera on Jul 1, 2020 10:44:51 GMT -5
Lauriam only offered a smile, before then admitting that what he had said was nothing too important. It didn't seem like either Vaneera or Blacknore bought that explanation, but they would let the matter rest for now, as he wasn't finished speaking yet. He highlights this by saying that Blacknore indeed catches on fast, and that he knows much of this prophecy... Perhaps even more than that.
To say that the Archmage was delighted to hear this news would be putting it mildly. He played his cards close to his chest. But the look in his eye was unmistakable. At first, he merely considered Lauriam to be a new ally of Vaneera's... But now he considered him something much more than that. What that was, was open to interpretation. As he would not readily give up quiet that much information.
Lauriam continues by explaining that this mural is indeed old and very much real; but is only a fragment of the whole story, and is a retelling on top of that.
"So... You really are from all the way back then? But you look so young...", the young girl comments, more than a little surprised by the revelation. Though she does allow him to continue his explanation by falling silent once more, listening intently to what he has to share.
She does seem to be considering the weight of his words... But, then she feels a hand placed on her shoulder once more. Yes, Blacknore was still present, and he would make his own side of things known...
"I see. And I assume that this catastrophe you refer to is the Keyblade War?", the Mage questions. Pausing for a moment to take in Lauriam's reaction. What would it be? Shock? Bewilderment? Anger? Some mix of them all?
Either way, he would savor it for just a moment, before continuing.
"You are correct in that this story is not quite that old. However, I think there may be a misunderstanding...", he would then point out the depiction of the soldiers on the mural.
"Look closely..."
He seemed to be pointing at the weapons that the soldiers were holding.
"I will give you a hint. Only one person on this mural is shown to hold a Keyblade."
It probably hit like a sack of bricks. Every single one of those armed men and women... They were certainly wearing armor, and they wielded weapons and magic. But none held a Keyblade. Blacknore would continue this further by pointing at the other side of the mural.
"And during that ancient war, it was not fought against the Heartless. But between those who wielded the Keyblade."
He then calmly pulls his hand away from Vaneera's shoulder, now placing both of his hands behind his back as he then calmly approaches Lauriam.
"Many ancient writings of that war exist, if one cares to dig deep enough... As I have. How curious that you are so knowledgeable on the subject."
The Archmage felt as though he had the upper hand, gaining quite a deal of information on his 'opponent', but even more than that... He then turns back to Vaneera.
"What he says however is quite true. It is no game, Vaneera. But you understand that better than anyone, don't you?"
The young Keybearer looks down at her hands, taking in the soft glow of the armor once more... Before she returns her gaze to Blacknore and Lauriam, giving a nod with a determined expression.
"I do."
She states, filled with resolve.------ Lauriam
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Post by Lauriam on Jul 1, 2020 13:24:22 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
Lauriam stayed quiet for a longtime after his explanation. It surely was a lot to take in for Vaneera right now and she was the main focus of everything he said right now. This was not about Blacknore. This was about her. Lauriam knew that Blacknore was trustworthy. The way he talked, played around questions and asked his own... he was using her. Maybe his goals had once been righteous ones and the Dandelion knew what the lose of your home did to someone.. but he was going so far to take a childs future and reshape it for his own intents. He was manipulating her.
He left Vaneeras question open for now, offering only a small smile to her. Blacknore's reaction to his words didn't really hit him that hard. He knew about the keyblade war? Well, of course he wouldn't stop his research after finding one mural. This was no longer about believes, but power.... and knowledge was one thing needed to get this far with those experiments they did on the girl. This stone was just the start to everything. Lauriam didn't look shocked or angry. He looked.. almost sad.
He was turning his words around here, playing around the details on the mural and adjusting them to what he wanted to see. Yes, the people on the mural didn't have keyblades, except the one in the middle. And it showed the fight between heartless and men. But like he had said, it was not an original. This was a story rewritten by the peoples history. Keybladers were born everywhere...
I was obvious that Blacknore would try to turn his words around. She was trusting him as her mentor and father-figure. He had her in his hands with strings attached to her body. She could only free herself off this....
Lauriam felt a headache building. He was still in bad shape and shouldn't be walking around. He had seen what he wanted to see and now it was time to get the needed rest. Of course, he didn't trust Blacknore... but there was nothing he could do right now and especially in his condition. ´The assassin could only hope Vaneera would think about all of this and question it. He slumped to his knees, looking rather tired all of the sudden. Lauriam just wanted to sleep for now.
Once he'd rested, he would have to inform Skuld about all of this. This was her student being in danger...
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Post by Vaneera on Jul 1, 2020 13:41:14 GMT -5
Blacknore now sufficiently felt that he had made his point, Lauriam seemed to be disarmed, even if only because of his lack of rest. Still, he saw no reason to treat this as anything more than a simple little verbal joust. As Lauriam collapses to his knees, Blacknore would let out a small sigh.
"I think it is time that your friend is returned to the infirmary. See to it, Vaneera. I will see to it that all of the attention given to the battle earlier tonight is not exaggerated, or spun in a unfavorable way."
The Archmage states, and then simply excuses himself from the room... Vaneera takes the opportunity to move over and help Lauriam back onto his feet.
"Hey, don't worry. Master Blacknore comes off pretty intense, but... He's really not a bad guy."
The young Keybearer assures her new friend, and sets about taking him back to the infirmary. Fortunately, nothing else of note happens, so the trip back is a pleasant one as she easily supports him on the way there. Then, he's returned to the bed where he can hopefully start recovering his strength.
Still, Vaneera felt a little responsible for all of this... "Hey, I know! You can let me know if you need anything! I have a lot of free time right now, so I can get you anything you'd like to eat or drink."
The girl did seem to be unaware of any ulterior motives that Blacknore held for her... As far as she was concerned, she was doing something that was perfectly natural, as every last part of her training was dedicated to the betterment of others. How could that be anything but a noble and good thing?
It was that kind of earnest belief... But it was also tempered with some understanding of exactly what it meant to be in this kind of lifestyle.------ Lauriam
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Post by Lauriam on Jul 1, 2020 14:01:54 GMT -5
I am coming for you. Please wait for me.
Blacknore let Vaneera take care of him now and the man was actually thankful that the strange mage would finally leave them alone. Lauriam had lost this mental fight today, but this was not over... He would make sure of this. The young keyblader took care of him now and brought him back to his bed, so he could rest finally. She was a kind soul... not corrupted by the man's desires. She just wanted to help others, but the bitter taste still lingered.
Vaneera believed that the man was good at heart and he couldn't blame her. He had seen how emotionally bond she was to him. It hurt to see those things she could not see, though... She was still young. He closed his eyes once he was back on the soft mattress, his limps relaxing immediately. He really needed some good sleep. Once his mana was getting better, he would surely be able to move around again and leave this world. Lauriam also made a mental note on the strength of masses of shadows. The man needed to be more careful now, so this won't repeat itself.
"Hey, I know! You can let me know if you need anything! I have a lot of free time right now, so I can get you anything you'd like to eat or drink."
Lauriam chuckled and shook his head slightly. “It's okey. I'll be fine now... rest up as well, Lily.”
Lauriam had this habit. When he met special people, he gave them nicknames fitting their personality he had faced. She would surely ask why he called her Lily, so he opened his eyes one more time to look at her for a moment with a soft smile. “The Water Lily.. stands for purity of heart.”, he would explain. “You are talented, Vaneera. I am sure you can become a great keyblade master, if you want to.” Lauriam closed his eyes than, falling asleep shortly after. He would be fine now.
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Post by Vaneera on Jul 1, 2020 14:20:13 GMT -5
Fortunately, Lauriam was able to stay conscious on the entire trip back to the Infirmary, and as soon as he was set on the bed, he was able to relax straight away. You can't really ask for a better result than that... Just that he'd recover quickly is the only thing left! Still, Vaneera wasn't expecting him to start chuckling like that, or even to call her by the name "Lily".
"Lily?", she'd query, taken slightly off guard by that.
But his explanation does clear things up... Purity of heart, huh? Well, that sounded like a pretty high compliment, coming from someone that was a friend of Skuld's!
"Huh... Well, if you feel comfortable calling me that, I don't mind.", she'd then confess.
Finally, he states that he believes that Vaneera could become a great Keyblade Master, as long as she wanted it. To that, she would give an eager nod.
"Of course. The stronger I can become... The more people I can save. Especially the ones closest to me.", she would then reply.
Perhaps it was strange, for one to seek power but only to use it to aid others. Blacknore may have been filled with ulterior motives and entirely too difficult to read -- but Vaneera was like an open book. It was hard to think that she was lying when she said things like that.
"Well, I'll let you rest. I don't have to go out on patrol for awhile, so I can stay close-by."
She then states, understanding that he might be a little uncomfortable after the encounter with Blacknore. Everyone always found him so intense to deal with... She didn't really see that personally, but maybe she'd just gotten used to him.------ Lauriam
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