In search of memories

[Vexxus]

Vexxus watched as Lethe's emotions ran wild through his mind. She could tell that he was terrified of the possibility that he was, at one point, a dark, sinister being. His words confirmed it.

She would have apologized, but his gaze was unyielding and she did not want to interrupt it, as he was deep in thought. He continued, reciting the memory as it came to him. Vexxus imagined the scene herself, and shivered at the curious morbidity the story held. When he slammed his fist on the table, she jumped a bit, and then gave a small nod of determination, with a knowing sympathy in her eyes.

Then, he reached out and took her hand. The warmth and strength of his was a bit surprising, but it softened her gaze. She had already made up her mind; she was going with him.

"I will go with you. But there's one thing you have to remember." She stared past the orbs of jade-colored light. She knew his real face was behind them, and she looked at that instead of his 'mask'. "Even if you were something you now think is abhorrent, the past is gone. If anything, you've been given a chance to change who you were, if you're not satisfied with what you find." She smiled. "Honestly, I see too much kindness and concern in you to believe, even for a second, that you were the cause of the event."

[Lethe]

"I thank you for your faith, but I cannot rest peacefully until I am certain." Shaking his head, there was relief in his eyes. "It is a frightful thought. After opening my eyes again, there was a woman... Trisha. I have no idea how she found me, or why she helped me. But she took care of me... Until I regained enough of my memory to go off on my own."

He stared down towards the table. "She was a kind soul. She would not even be capable of hurting a fly. But the village she lived in was attacked. I was out in the woods, gathering wood for her. I had no idea what was happening until it was too late. By the time I got back... She was already dead. I lashed out at the bandits in rage and decimated their ranks.

Their leader however... I remembered him. He was in the cave that day as well. He was a part of it! My emotions got the best of me and I killed them all. Not the wisest thing I have ever done I am certain. He probably could have told me much... Still... Trisha and most of the other inhabitants were dead. And I realized that whoever had been trying to doom the world, could still be out there.

She loved everything this world had to offer... I want to protect it for her. It is because of her that I see how precious life is. I owe her a lot..." A sad sigh escaped his lips. "I could not save her. But I can protect that which she believed to be precious and beautiful. That is why I wish to find the raven."

Raising his head once more, he stared into Vexxus eyes. "The wizard's sigil. A black raven on a white field. That and the fact he is supposed to live in Tamasha is all I know of him. I fear I might be asking to much of you... finding a man in a city as vast as this with this little information." There was defeat in his voice. "Can you do that Vexxus?"

[Vexxus]

As he talked about Trisha, Vexxus listened intently, following his emotions as they turned. Then he mentioned the man. A raven...on a white field? A raven in the snow? She had seen the image before.

The cold winter air was crisp and clean, billows of fog rolled through it as my breath escaped. I'm sure I must have looked like part of the landscape, with my uncharacteristically elegant white dress, flowing behind me like water. I had come to the mountains looking for someone...

As I looked across the open field, and up into the sky, I saw a raven. Blacker than night itself, but with iridescent rainbows of blue and purple shining upon it's feathers. It soared, dove, and landed in the snow quite violently, sending powder rushing out before it.

The vision came just after he had asked, "Can you do that Vexxus?" Vexxus closed her eyes. Her brow furrowed. As she opened her eyes again, she looked at Lethe. "I remember..." Suddenly her expression changed to one of awe, as she looked across the room. "I know who you're looking for." She smiled, glancing sidelong at Lethe.



I phased into the shadow realm. The snow gained a new luster, the trees turned an ashen black, and the raven had a mottled purple and blue glow. I had taken on my wolf form, a phantom image of light in the shape of the powerful creature. Walking up to the raven, I bowed my head respectfully. A voice came into my head. "You have done well, Vexxusaria..."

[Lethe]

Lethe's mouth dropped wide open. "Truly? You are not playing some cruel trick on me are you?" The wizard jumped to his feet, knocking back his chair, he grabbed one of her hands with his.

"I beg you Vexxus, tell me. Who is this mysterious wizard? Where can I find him? And how do you know him? Oh my, this is quite unexpected. I knew I was right when trusting that gut feeling! I... Oh... right..."

He calmed down and stopped his rambling. "I'm sorry my lady." With an embarrassed look on his face he looked at her. "I fear my excitement got the better of me. But please, do tell. I am all ears."

[Vexxus]

Lethe burst out with a jovial display. Vexxus watched as he leapt up, knocking over the chair, and grabbing her hand. He went on, practically begging her for more information, as a dog would for more treats. As he stopped, calming himself and apologizing for such enthusiasm, Vexxus couldn't help but laugh. She smiled widely, standing up herself, and leading him out of the pub. The waitress stopped Lethe only in order to collect the tab, and Vexxus thanked him for the drink, then continued out into the street once again.

As they walked, Vexxus began explaining. "I was sent to him by my first teacher. His name is Raphael Enghlan. A great sorcerer, he is, and taught me a lot of what I know now. I have no doubt that he will have a lot of information you want to know...but he is an odd man, so brace yourself. He often takes a very different approach to things than you think he will."

[Lethe]

Paying the waitress, Lethe hurried after Vexxus. Assuring her that no thanks were needed, he listened to her talk about the mage she was going to lead him to. Producing a small booklet and quill, Lethe started writing while both walking and listening to Vexxus. He wrote down the essence of his meeting with Vexxus and where they were going. Snapping the book shut again, he tugged it away.

"Brilliant minds are oft somewhat... odd. I am certain mister Enghlan will have his own... oddities. Just like I have mine and you have yours. Besides, I shall not be discussing the finer points of human behavior with the man. I just wish to know everything he knows about me. That is all." His hat obscured his smile, but the green orbs seemed to dance enthusiastically.

Gazing up at the sky, he noticed twilight would soon be upon them. "Is it much further my lady? The sun is setting and I do not if this Raphael Enghlan enjoys unbidden visitors at late hours. I still have much I wish to ask of him. Making him angry by rousing him from bed would be... A tad counter productive in getting the answers I seek, wouldn't you say?"

[Vexxus]

In her enthusiasm, Vexxus had not realized how late it was getting to be.

"Ah...forgive me, I forgot completely about the time." She thought about how he needed a place to stay. "Perhaps we should wait until morning?" Looking around, Vexxus thought. There was no need to have him stay in an inn...unless he was uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping in an acquaintance's home. She herself did not sleep, so she could even stay out all night.

"Would you be uncomfortable with the idea of using my quarters as a place for the night? There is a bed there, though I don't actually ever use it...If you would be more comfortable, I can stay away all night. If you don't mind it it would save you some money, and it's much nicer than any inns we have." She knew it was a little while before most people went to bed, so when he gave his answer she would also ask if he would like to spend some more time visiting, or head in for the night. Vexxus longed to know more about his abilities, and perhaps show him some of her own.

[Lethe]

"Oh, I would not mind at all, but are you certain I am not intruding? Thank you for the offer. Let us be off then. Might give us some time to talk in private as well." Taking off his hat, he sketched a simple bow to express his gratitude. Following her home, his eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings. He seemed awed by just about every sight Tamasha offered.

When she let him in, he looked around as he hung both his hat and billowing cape on a small hook near the door. The room looked sparsely, yet tastefully decorated. Much like he had expected with what he had learned about his host. Walking over to the hearth, he threw in some logs.

A small flame appeared in his hand which he dropped on the logs and before long, a cozy fire sprang to life. Sitting down on the ground in front of it, he took off his gloves and stuffed them in one of his pockets. Reaching out for the flames with his hands, he smiled.

The flames seemed to dance based on the movement of his hands which only served to increase his smile. "It seems I am getting better at this." He told Vexxus without his eyes ever leaving the flames. "Using simple magic such as this has become a momentous task I fear. I suppose every great power comes with an even greater costs..."

[Vexxus]

As they entered the apartment, Lethe went to the fire, stoked it, and lit it with a flame produced from his own hand. Vexxus watched, smiling, as he sat down and played with the flames. She took off her cape, revealing a tasteful, but exotic dress. The long sheer white sleeves added an almost phantom-like feature to her appearance.

"Please excuse me for a moment, I would like to change into some more comfortable attire." She smiled, stepping into the other room. The apartment wasn't particularly large, but it was a fair size. There was a living area with a couple wooden chairs, a kitchenette, and a small dining area with one chair. Vexxus didn't use the kitchen, nor the bed, but she did like to spend time by herself, and this provided such a place. She had only had a few people visit, and she wanted it to at least appear as if she led a normal life; in case she didn't want the particular person to know more than was necessary.

The bedroom had a large armoir, with a looking-glass and drawers on either side which held her clothes. She pulled out a plain indigo velvet dress. Removing her formal attire, she adjusted her underclothing, which actually consisted of a leather outfit similar to something assassins would wear. A dagger was concealed upon her leg, in case someone took her sword, as well as some rope tied around her waist and a small pouch with a few small potion vials. These were simply condensed enchantments of food and water in case she needed them for someone else. She had learned to carry it from her many sojourns in the forest and/or desert, where she had found, several times, people who were dying of hunger or thirst.

Her underclothes also provided an alternative outfit that was more convenient for moving around silently and quickly. She knew that it wasn't what most ladies wore, but it didn't matter to her.

Donning the velvet dress, she returned to the living quarters.

"I hope you find the room to your taste...it's not a lot, but I've managed to keep it so that it looks like someone who actually uses it lives here." She chuckled, smiling. "I lay on the bed occasionally, but I've never slept in it, so I assure you it is clean and comfortable."

[Lethe]

Without taking his eyes off the flames, he grunted a reply as she went to change. Continuing his feeble attempts to further manipulate the flames, a smile appeared on his face. He knew he would never be able to do much with the regular elements. No, that was denied to him the moment he had accepted that deal. Still, maintaining what little control he could exercise over them could only be beneficial.

When his hostess returned, he stopped and pivoted around on the floor so he could look at her while talking. As she commented on the room, he looked around and shrugged. "My dear Vexxus, I can assure you, you shall not hear complaints from me. Trust me, I have slept in pig sties, literally not figuratively. Truly, I welcome the chance to sleep in a regular bed."

Yawning a little, he eyed her with those friendly and inviting eyes of his. "It would seem my debt with you increases by the minute my dear. Tell me, is there anything I could do to repay you? Anything at all. If it is within my power, it shall be done. Oh and, would you hold it against me, if I told you that you look absolutely stunning in that dress?"

[Vexxus]

Vexxus smiled and chuckled. "Thank you, it's just one of my comfortable dresses. And don't worry about owing me...I do a lot of things for people without pay. Perhaps it is because I don't need much." She continued smiling, and she knew that she could trust this man, simply by how he had acted so far.

Walking over to sit beside him, facing the fire, she began.
"Items tend to lose their value when you live forever."

[Lethe]

Swirling around once more, he too faced the fire. "Still, though simple and comfortable it
might be, I felt a compliment was in order." Gesturing towards his cape and his own clothes he chuckled. "It dismays me to say that mine own are but little more than rags. Still, they shield me from cold and rain alike and are comfortable enough. So they serve their purpose."

Turning his head to look out the window, he was just in time to see the jagged lines of a lightning bolt racing down towards the ground. He heard the booming sound he was waiting for, rolling over his head a few seconds later as he was counting in his head.

"Well my dear." He started off while still staring out the window. "Payment needs not come in gold or any other material item. I too, know that which matters most can hardly ever be
purchased. No, gold was not what I had in mind. If it is within my power to aid you, you have but to ask."

Facing her once more, he looked at her, a smile on his face. "In any case, living forever. If you were expecting me to be surprised I am afraid I must disappoint you. Earlier in the inn you misspoke. 'T was but a slight mistake and most would not have noticed, but I am not most people."

The smile turned into a grin as he went on. "It made me curious to be sure, but I saw no
benefit in wrenching the truth from you. And here we go, you offer it freely. Patience, as
always, will reward itself. But, I am straying from the topic here. Please, do tell. Are you
unique in this regard? Or is every member of your race immortal?"

[Vexxus]

"It is an attribute of my race. Though, we can die, if we are wounded bad enough. As we are born, we are really no more sturdy than any human. A knife cut would hurt me just as much as it would you. Though, we do heal faster than humans, and living much longer, we are able to become much more powerful as far as offense goes. I'm still quite young, but I probably know about as much magic as three of the greatest wizards in their prime combined. That doesn't mean I can use it all...most things take up more energy than I am able to use at once, so I'm still building up my endurance."

Vexxus thought for a moment, remembering the moments where she learned that some things were near impossible without becoming completely exhausted.

"I suppose it's a blessing, having virtually all the time in the world to learn things." She chuckled. "Though it gets kind of tiring, sometimes."

[Lethe]

"Hmm... my own knowledge is both quite extensive and currently incomplete. But... I know things that man was never meant to know." Holding out his hand towards the fire, he started manipulating it once more. "Seeing as how this is already a tremendous feat for, it is hard to believe just how deep my power runs. You see, my power and knowledge have expanded to such a level that a trivial task, like say manipulating fire, has become nearly impossible."

Shaking his head he laughed at his own statement. "Surely that sounds strange and illogical, but it is true none the less... Tell me, have you ever heard of the term "prima materia"?" It is more commonly known as simply "chaos"." Chaos most people knew of, but not in relation to the magical elements.

Looking at Vexxus, Lethe smiled sadly. "Chaos, is the first magical element. The magic all other magic comes from. And something man should never be allowed to touch..." Knowing Vexxus could probably see where he was going with this he nodded. "Yes... I did. Once again I do not why, when or how I learned it. But I did. It is a primordial magic. Its power beyond anything 'regular' magic could ever hope to match. And utterly dangerous to cast.

Every time I use this magic... it taxes my body and spirit. Further splintering my mind and memory. Eventually, if I keep using this power... it will destroy my mind. There are ways to bypass this. But they require methods I refuse to employ. No... I shall complete my task without them. If after I succeed I will be brainless moron because of it, than so be it. If I fail... worrying about after is pointless..."

[Vexxus]

Vexxus listened, and nodded as he mentioned "prima materia", remembering the term as something one of her teachers had mentioned. With a furrowed brow and many thoughts sailing through her mind, she tried to decode a bit of this man's past. He had trifled with forbidden magic. The very same thing was what brought her to this world. She herself had not performed the ritual, but her brother had told her what he had done.

Vexxus was wary of forbidden magic. She knew that there was always a reason it was "forbidden". There are only two reasons why something is labeled as such...either someone doesn't want something they did to be undone, or there is some great consequence that will come upon those who cast such magic. What Lethe was talking about referred to the latter.

With a somewhat puzzled and sympathetic expression, she started, "Not if I can do anything to help it. I want to assist you in retrieving your memory...and perhaps even help you retrieve some of your basic abilities?" She reached out alongside his hand, and several small, spindly shadows grew out of the base of the flames, wrapping around them and bending them. The tongues of light seemingly paused, only flickering slightly with different shades, and bent themselves into the shape of a blossoming lily.

"With your permission, I will faithfully accompany you, and lend you any abilities that I am able." She looked at him again. "I know it's probably strange hearing such a pledge from someone who is practically a stranger..." She said, smiling slightly.