Black Mist Plague » Places

         The soft candlelight flickered against the text of the open tome that lay on the table. Nestro softly leafed through the book to the next page and continued reading. His vision swiped back an forth slowly, his mind more tasting the information than consuming it. Which was how this particular book was meant to be read. Not for information or complete understanding, but reflection and with the context of one’s own thoughts and opinions. Creating a calming and introspective feeling, it was, in a sense, more like meditation than reading. Which was why when he heard a particularly loud and boisterous noise erupted from elsewhere in the inn, he found himself unable to continue.

Slowly closing the tome, he softly said the phrase that engaged it’s magical locking mechanism. He ran his gloved hand over the cover, not feeling the pressure because his nerves no longer worked, but he gained a pleasant mental stimulation from the exercise. When he finished he set the book off to the side of the table and turned his mind to the events of the last week.

Days spent in the bustling market districts of the city, searching nearly randomly for any clue that might lead him to ancient material, writing or otherwise. In the markets, he had seen many mysterious and wonderful oddities that he had never so much as heard of before. However, he hadn’t found so much as an inkling toward his goal. The young lich was not particularly impatient, but he was increasingly aware of the daily rental cost of his room. He was afraid that if he did happen to spy an object in the market that looked promising, he might not have the funds to pay for it.

He closed off his vision, retreating to a soft blackness that often helped him think. He liked the privacy of his own room. Where he could lock the door and remove his helmet and read easily as he had just done, but it could not continue like this for much longer. He decided that if he did not find anything of promise tomorrow, he would leave the in and spend the night somewhere that did not require a fee. As soon as he had made the personal oath, he hoped that he would not have to follow through with the plan.

He opened his vision, turning his head to scan the room that he currently rented. It was simple, having a sort of humbleness that came with only bearing the necessities. He liked it, it reminded him of his quarters in the hermitage. He sighed yet again. It had been mere months sense he had left and yet he already felt homesick of the place. He wondered how Neverick was doing, if he had finished the tome that he had been working on when Nestro had left. He wondered what advice Neverick might have if he could ask the old lich what he should do about his predicament.

Nestro shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thoughts. He was a full Lifebringer now, he had a mission that would keep him from the hermitage far more than it would lead him there. It might even be hundreds of years until he saw his old master again, if he ever did. As he drew his thoughts away from the nostalgic thoughts, an idea appeared in his head. Asking for advice! That’s perfect! he thought as he grabbed his helmet and stuffed it on his head.

He stood up from the table, and made his way toward the door. He knew very little of anything about Black City. Perhaps if he asked some of the locals about it he would find a better direction. He laughed internally at himself for not thinking of this sooner. Wandering around the markets like a lost dog. How silly could I be. He unlatched the door, grabbing a key off of a short dresser near the entrance and slipping it into a pocket on the inside of his cloak. He didn’t want anyone digging through his belongings, as he had left all but his outfit in the room. The Lifebringer tome was magically sealed, but it would be bad if someone found out that he had a satchel full of bones. That would be rather difficult to explain.

Locking the door behind him, he decided to leave the hood down off of his helmet. He didn’t want to appear too guarded, especially since he would soon have be starting some conversations.

         The dark grey smoke rose to the air quickly, flames erupting in the distance. The sky fell to a ashy black. The silence of the city quickly vanished, screams so horrific even the most confident men would tremble. The smell of rotting corpses rose to his sense's and with it came a shadow like figure approaching through the grey smog ahead. A young man with a vibrant green shirt, proceeded forward.

Xain's body tightened and with it came a gentle voice, "Brother?" He inquired.

Then it happened. Falling back from a rough push, Xain awoke. Falling to the ground and breaking the library chair he grinned. Looking up he examined a taller looking man, Seta. Seta was a very interesting friend always watching out for the group that he hung out with, and obsessed with studying magic. His outfit was always the same, a long trench coat and baggy pants. Chains hung from his hips, underneath his coat rested a blue plan shirt. Bending over Seta extended his hand, smiling with sarcasm.

"Sleeping on me again?"

Xain reached out with his hand and pulled himself up. His hair slid across his crimson-yellow eye for a slight second and pushed it out of the way. Taking a deep breath he nodded towards Seta, reaching for his books he walked away.

"Thanks for waking me Seta, I'll catch you tomorrow. Hey what time is it!?"

Seta turned and began laughing, interrupting his own laugh his voice spit out like a volcano.

"You've been sleeping for about, hmm..3 hours? So that would make it almost eight?"

Xain turning towards the odd shape window to his right, grinned. It was close to nightfall and lately the crime rate had been through the roof, it was dangerous to even walk home. If it wasn't the plague it was something else. Reaching for the exit door handle, he pushed it open with little effort. His body was hit with a soothing breeze, one of the perks of living next to an ocean. Walking along the street he had almost forgot, night shift!

Xain tucked his book into his backpack, running for the Moonstone Inn. It was on the other side of town and getting there in time would be quite the feat. Wrestling with his backpack, in mid sprint, he grabbed his spare clothes for work and threw the back pack over his shoulder. His red hair gleaming as it slithered through the quite night breeze. His black and white outfit, fit him well.

His neck was almost covered by a nice button up collared shirt, a shirt he owned many of. Around his neck, however, rested a loose red tie, accompanied with his regular everyday swung-on jacket. His pants were nicely fitting and the leather belt that held them up matched just as nicely. His tie weaving in the breeze flapped up and hit him in the face, leaping over the back alley fence.

Sliding across the dirt like road that lead to the inn he caught his breath. Bending over he coughed, exhaling lightly. He hated it, coughing, it was one thing he couldn't stand, especially when around others. Coughing again, and then once more he decided to walk the rest of the way, he had made decent time anyways in the allotted time given. Looking to the sky the moon's faint haze mocked him, and with it came the stars.

"Ugh..Being late, Shit!"

Sighing he reached into his pocket and began playing with a necklace, metal and in the middle of it rested a silver ring. He twirled it about his index finger and thumb, lightly smiling he tucked it away.

"First time for everything..."