Snippet #2691553

As they disembarked from a little junk barge, Lir covered her curly red hair with a dark blue hooded shawl. She had no idea as to how far the Academy's reach was, but it seemed like her red hair always worked against her desire to hide.

Syakh called itself home to a number of elite sorcery academies headed by more than a decent number of talented and world class wizards and conjurers. Their talent laid in summoning abilities.

Rumor had it that Syakh wizards wielded the ability to conjure mana constructs and manipulate elemental spirits. While the Academy dismissed such rumors without hesitation, it made Lir beg the question as to why in the first place. Though, perhaps it would be here that she could seek some answers to her questions. She checked her little knapsack, which contained many of her basic necessities as well as a wrapped scroll.

She had taken pains to keep it wrapped until she was far enough away from the halls and columns of the Academy.

Lir turned to Antius, "We should find a place to eat before we continue."

"Mister Antius there's something I need t-to t-tell you!" Caspian said in a hurry while trying to stay on the same pace as the mage and his friend.

He had no idea that wizards could walk that fast. They were making their way through the city. Caspian smelled something sweet and his heart fell a flutter as his stomach growled.

He shook his head, "There's s-something about this sword, I don't know if you can.."

I'm not quite sure he will believe what you have to say regarding us. Kade said.

You are welcome to try, though, my dear. Mara finished.

"First I want to talk to you about the dream."

Dream? A dream? Mara seemed interested.

They eventually merged themselves with a crowd. It seemed a pretty festive day, and they learned that it was the holiday of Syel'Breh.

The D'homani tradition celebrated charity and generosity, but some considered it an excuse used to sell the overpriced goods that lined the avenues.

Khi'iri merchants were the worst at this, as Caspian saw.

"Twenty fucking silvers for this dress?" a noblewoman covered in a chadri felt insulted by a merchant.

She proceeded to utter a diatribe laced with profanities in her native language. None of which Caspian knew about nor cared.

"We should find a place to sit and talk. I need to ask you about this sword and the dream that we shared."

"There should be an inn somewhere with food and drink overpriced just for the festival," Antius returned. He frowned slightly. There were many cursed and enchanted swords in this world. Could Caspian possess one?

He and Lir said little as they eventually found an inn that wasn't filled to capacity with festival goers. He said nothing as he passed by a red-haired Kaleth, though he did feel a gaze rest on her longer than it needed to. He glanced back at Lir as he sat down. It seemed he had a thing for red haired women.

He turned to Caspian and asked curiously, "What do you need to know. Myself and Lir would be happy to answer any questions we can."

Caspian sat down and took a deep breath, "Important matters first, the..."

Then it hit him, as he glanced around to the familiar surroundings.

"This is...isn't this the place from the...dream? Do you recognize it as well, mage?"

Antius paused, a feeling of deja vu washing over him. Yes, it was the same place. His eyes instinctively scanned the area, searching for the woman from his dream.

"What has been willed must be..." he murmured at last, turning to his companions.

"It is best to let fate play out. What we need to see will find us. Now, tell me more about your impressions on the dream we shared or your sword."

Caspian nodded, "I remember the elf woman, beautiful, blonde haired. I know this place, it was the same tavern. I remember that she..."

Lir interrupted, for she had sat attentively and listened with interest about the shared dream, which seemed to take precedence over her own quest.

"Wait wait...are you both telling me you shared a dream?"

"We and a few other people. Mostly gladiators. I'm no further in deciphering its meaning than I was when we first got it. As far as I can tell, we are to find certain artifacts, but for what purpose, I cannot say."

Antius smiled slightly, "I knew your finding me was destiny, Lir."

Lir returned a half smile.

He turned to Caspian, "I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter."

"I think it's real," the blacksmith stared past them to a quiet corner of the tavern. There she was.

"Wait for her to come to us. If she doesn't then we can talk to her," Antius murmured.