Just looking (open)

[Deleted]

How Ralimis loved walking into a new city's library. Books all around, new lore to be read and explored; it is the information main-street of the intellectual world. And of course, the uncomfortable ramblings of the librarians, trying to tiptoe around their idea that where he was "is probably not the place you were looking for," was always enough to get him to go.

Ralimis continued inward as the librarian continued nervously. "I'm sure I can find an escort service to help you."

He was making it too easy. "Yes, I'm sure an 'escort' would be fantastic," He said flatly, and withholding his inward smile continued, "but I'm not looking for loose women at the moment." He imagined the man wide eyed and with a slightly darker shade as he fumbled his words, trying to amend his statement. Ralimis' humor was sated though and as such he turned to the man and put up his hand.

"Please, I must ask you to stop your rambling, this is a library after all" (Maybe he wasn't fully sated). He continued, "I assure you, I am where I intend to be. That being said, you have a section for magic, yes? I would be grateful if you could tell me where to find it."

"W-We have a small braille section near th-" The librarian was quickly cut off by Ralimis.

"I did not ask for your braille section though. I asked for your magic lore." Instead of sounding angry or irritated, he made it as though he were correcting a mistake. There was no need to be mad, especially so soon after using the man for a laugh. He simply wanted what he came for now.

The librarian sighed and submitted. "Y-yes, of course. Go strait from here and take the second left." He sounded as though he had enough of this crazy elf, but, to his merit, continued anyway. "I don't suppose you need assistance while you are here?"

The blind shifter smiled "Thank you for your help, and no, I don't suppose I will." 

Ralimis walked strait and took the second left. He was ready to start his search... only to feel the animal in his clothes run to the floor. Great time to play run from Ralimis, Aela...

"Now? Aela, you're supposed to be my eyes!"

[Walter Grace]

After the near assassination of Roland, the Knight Commander, the castle was a heap of mess in Walter's opinion. Everyone concerned about the safety of the Queen and Roland. Everyone concerned that they might be killed if someone tried to do something again. Everyone watching over everything carefully.

Of course, Walter was one of those people, being a Knight. He had been on quite a few patrols that day, and was taking a small break in the library. Walter was never one for reading, but he thought that he might as well look around. Perhaps find a new dark spell to learn, or play a few tricks on the librarians.

Despite being a demon, in his human form he was much tamer. And that is how he walked around the city, and castle. Newcomers were often weary of hearing a demon for a knight, but Walter never really fixed problems that did not involve violence. That was what he was best at, he felt.

But his break had just started, and he intended to get the most out of it.

He turned the corned of a bookshelf, picking up a book and flipping through it, when he heard someone speaking. He turned to see a squirrel come out of a man's clothes, as he spoke to it about how it was supposed to be his eyes.

That spiked the Knight's curiosity, as he smiled and turned a bit, book still in hand.

"I've heard of dog's guiding people around when they can't see, but squirrels? Never heard that one before," the man gave out a chuckle, shutting the book and shoving it upon the shelf. No dark magic in that one.

[Deleted]

Ralimis turned to the voice and smiled. "Oh, I have tried dogs. So many problems come with them though. They're too big, they eat more than they help, and not to mention they want to 'say hello' to every werewolf they meet." He reached out with his thought transfer to his furry little companion.

Her perspective now his, He could see the Human to which he spoke. Aela was a few feet away, on a bookshelf to the left of he man. Oddly enough she seemed to be hiding behind the books while watching him. Perhaps not as human as he appeared "And every blindman has a dog." he said, shifting to match the man's appearance (if only the features), "What's the fun in being like everyone else?"

"I am Ralimis," he gave a slight bow, making sure not to look as theatrical as he sounded "blind and matching your flesh... well... more or less."

[Walter Grace]

Walters eyebrow went up, and a smirk played on his lips. Copying the appearance of others- now that was an interesting thing. Even if many shapeshifters could do it, it still surprised the demon. In a good way, at least.

Though it more surprised him that the blind man could copy his features. Not to mention Walters curiosity in a seeing eye squirrel. The thought was too weird for the man.

"Walter Grace at your service, sir," he chuckled, bowing himself- Even if the man couldn't see him. It was only polite after all.

"If you don't mind me asking, how is it can you copy my likeness like that?" The demon smiled, shoving the book back onto the shelf carefully. He didn't even notice the squirrel, as the demon turning his body and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked the man over.

After all, he only knew Seth as a shapeshifter, no one else. And he had never seen Seth change to look like another being. So to see a blind one do it?

Walter thought that was pretty fantastic.

[Deleted]

As much as Ralimis disliked remembering his truly blind past, he had to admit that it was interesting enough. Not to mention he had a question to ask the man as well. As the man pushed back the book, Aela jumped from the shelf she had been on to a higher one, and still seemed wary. He was curious, as she was usually less apprehensive in public. He shifted back to his own self as he indulged the man.

"When I was growing up with with my shifter group, I was the only one unable to fully grasp what I was to turn into." He sighed, "I had natural abilities to shift, but couldn't use them. So the elders of the group, along with my father, came up with a way to teach me slowly. They had me feel and 'visualize' what I was supposed to turn into - a fox at the time. I practiced one part at a time, ears, snout, fir." The shapeshifter let out a chuckle, "That's when I figured out what a werewolf has to deal with! Walking on only two paws is hard."

"I learned how to morph myself one part at a time, but it was a long process." There was a pause and the squirrel shuffled nearer to Ralimis. "That's when I learned magic" Aela jumped to his shoulder and climbed in his clothes defensively, eyeing him. At least she wasn't running away anymore. "I'd said this little animal was my eyes. Well, I was taught to use my magic to see through the eyes of others. Though only in grey shades, that is what lets me see and shift easily." 

The shifter shook his head feeling long winded. "At that though, now I must ask you, my companion here is acting strange... She usually doesn't hide from humans, and I'd wager it's not your choice of books she hates. So," He decided on his approach on the subject "what inner demons, might I ask, is she's sensing?" Yep, blunt and up front. Ironically, he thought, like no mage or shapeshifter he ever knew. 

[Walter Grace]

Walter thought it made sense- to be taught at a young age, long and hard, on how to shift. And then to use magic to literally see through the eyes of others.

The demon wagered that this man was lucky, especially to have a companion so willing to let him do this.

But he had to smirk at the man- so that was why his squirrel was looking at him like that. Because it wasn't used to him. And this mans choice of words, inner demons. That made Walter chuckle.

"Well you're nearly on the dot there sir," he commented, rubbing his hands together to keep them warm before placing them before him, clasping them together.

"I am what you might call a demon. Though no need to fret, I wouldn't be a knight of Avaleur if they did not think I wasn't at least a little decent," the demon chuckled, shrugging.

"Hope that isn't a bother to you as it seems to be your friend, though," he ended his sentence, thinking about animals and Walter. They really didn't seem to like him. First, his own horse. Second, the first creature in this hunt that Avaleur found. And now a squirrel.

Walter hoped that nothing too dangerous decided that it hated him as well.

[Deleted]

Ralimis tensed at the answer of being a demon, but relaxed as he explained his knighthood. He effectively explained Aela's reaction and gave him a sense of irony of his prior remark in one sentence. 

He flushed a little, "No problem at all, though please disregard any glares you may be getting from her, we rarely run into demons and I'm sure she's not used to it as of yet." He recomposed, mentally noting that this city seems to be less discriminatory than he'd thought. "This city does not cease to surprise."

Now that Aela was back with him though, his search could continue... If she wasn't still glaring at him that is. "Aelareith, be reasonable for once. He means no harm." She wasn't having it though, she was just being defensive, but the constancy of it was getting rather bothersome.

Well this was going nowhere fast. Defeated for now, he turned his attention back to the knight. Demon or not, he was here for something as well. "So, Sir Walter Grace, what brings you to the library? And the magic section no less?" He was interested in finding lore on enchantments himself, and perhaps Walter was an intellectual for the arcane.

[Walter Grace]

He had to agree with the man- even after living in Avaleur for years, Walter was still surprised here and there in the city. He was surprised himself that a demon could keep the position of knight so long- everyone new he spoke to seemed to think that a demon as a knight was either an odd choice, or a bad one.

"I'm on break actually. The castle's been in a heap of mess for the past week. The hand of the Queen, Roland Longfellow, was nearly assassinated," he thought about his words for a moment before laughing.
"Nearly isn't the right word, he's fine. But I've been taking up more jobs than usual lately. The library's a quiet place for a break."

"As for the magic section, I thought I might find a spell or two useful to me. I haven't been expanding my knowledge for quite some time, and I really should be doing that."
He rubber at his chin, and slipped his hands into his pockets.

Walter was about to ask how the man could read other than braille, seeing as he was nowhere near that section. The demon quickly remembered the little squirrel- whom he had to smile at, despite her glares at him- and decided that he probably read through her.

This man had clearly worked hard all his life to overcome the boundaries the Gods had set before him.

"Anything particular you're looking for in magics, if I might ask?" his head tilted slightly, jumping from Aela to Ralimis a few times. They seemed like an interesting- if not odd- pair of travelers. Or perhaps they were settling.

[Deleted]

The Hand of the Queen? Ralimis could only imagine who would go after such a high power. If this was a structured attack then were the perpetrators trying to go after the queen as well? There was so much to consider, though.

Ralimis may have pressed further had the assassination had been successful, but it had not, and it was truthfully not his right to know every detail. Not to mention, this knight was on break, trying to clear his head no doubt. He did not want to force Walter back into thinking of his duties before he needed to be.

Hearing his lax approach to learning his own magic Ralimis guessed he was probably someone who leaned toward other fields of study. Being only a mage he was more inclined to his one field. Splitting time for others was, in his opinion, to difficult to pursue. In any case he was fine with the lore that he was so used to. 

"Well, as for my end goal, The world is a beautiful place." Ralimis was a firm believer that everything had it's own beauty to it. "And therein lies the problem." Ralimis took out his cane feeling the inscription as he twirled it. "I wish to see the world as it truly is... In color. I search for anything that can help with that." He saw so many books from his small friend's perspective and was simply awed at the sight of them all. "I am looking to unlock the secrets that the fate has taken from me. Now, as I was since I learned my first spell, I am looking for a method to finally see color.

Ralimis knew his objective came with much struggle, but he was very determined to reach his goal. "At the moment, I am looking for lore on enchantments. And If I cannot find a suitable book for sight, I would be more than happy with a detection enchantment to help me with my everyday encounters." It sure would beat the hell out of using his magic every time he needed talk to someone.

[Walter Grace]

Walter quickly realized that what most took for granted, this man wished to cherish. Walter would never think of colour as a gift; but this man, if he ever got the chance to see in colour, would certainly be grateful.

"I'd help you out, but, I'm not exactly practiced in those sorts of magic. Don't know a thing about it. Sorry," he spoke sincerely, even though he did not understand where the man was coming from. Walter did not appreciate colour- it was just there. And he couldn't picture the world without it. He also could not picture the world without knowing exactly what was around you.

"I'd suppose you can find a detection enchantment here, though. That one seems easy enough. And if you get really curious, you could go to the ruins. The library's still intact there, and I've heard of people finding some pretty interesting things there. That might have something you're looking for."

He personally had never been there. No need for it- or time for that matter. But it sounded like a good idea; for the most part.

"Though it's rather dangerous. Old traps, criminals sometimes around, things like that. Other than that, you should hopefully be able to find at least a few interesting things here in safety."

[Deleted]

Though a little disappointed, he didn't really expect the knight to know anything about what he was looking for. Being a demon, Walter wasn't likely someone who would practice light magic. And he would not be detoured because the first person he met in the city could not help him.

Then he heard the magic word… well, not really magic, but that wasn't the point. A standing library in the ruins. Ralimis had heard of the fall of Aveleur half a century ago, but never had it occurred to him that anything could come from visiting the razed castle. He swiftly kicked himself for that. Since when had he decided that nothing useful could be learned from past civilizations? The knight had been more helpful than he probably thought.

He was happy with meeting the demon. And was even happier as he caught the title of a book from the side of his little friend's glaring. He levitated the book from the shelf and brought it to his hand (moving was always tricky while seeing as his reference point was ever-changing). "Knowing Without Seeing: Implementation of Detection Magics" How serendipitous. He would look through this for something he could use.

Now Ralimis was elated, he had a possible new aquaintance, the book he'd come here for, and now a destination. He would have to come back here again, his luck in this place was tremendous. Now that he had the book, he realized he really should be heading to these ruins. There would be preparations that he would need to make of course; food and drink for the travel, locating these ruins, and it just occurred to Ralimis that he knew very little about these ruins. He now had a project. And there was plenty to be done.

He was so caught up with his thoughts that Ralimis almost forgot he was in conversation. He reestablished himself and said the first thing that came to mind. "Thank you, Sir Walter." Everything had gone well and Ralimis was going to ride this momentum all the way to the ruins. "I know it may be hard to understand how you helped, but as you may well know it is not easy to come to a new place. This conversation alone opened my mind. That means lot for a mage such as myself."

[Walter Grace]

Walter grinned- he was not used to thank yous. Usually he was catching wrong doers who would promptly tell him to fuck off, or in a group of people doing good, in which case he usually only got a curt nod.

To hear a thank you for something so simple- in Walter's eyes, at least- it made him quite happy. This man was a gentleman, surely.

"It's not a problem, Ralimis. What is a knight for, other than to help his people?" he shrugged, taking a quick look up and furrowing his eyebrows a bit. Right outside the library was a guard, a new one, looking inside the library nervously as he looked around. His eyes landed on Walter, and the guard shuffled over.

"I'm sort of in the middle of conversation-" the demon began, motioning to Ralimis. His break wasn't even done yet- five more minutes to go, at the very least! But the guard smiled at the Knight- a bit sheepishly in fact- and interrupted him.

"I'm sorry, but it's the new squire. He's sort of pissed Dawn off, and he got thrown in the dungeon. Dawn's not exactly listening to reason, Commander Roland is out, and the Queen is in a meeting. You're higher ranked than Dawn, so we thought you might talk to him."

Walter gave a look of slight distress- his strong-suit was definitely not talking. He had more of an attitude to punch them in the face until they listened to him. But he respected Dawn, and was not about to do that.

The man groaned, rubbing at his face as he muttered, "Fine, fine! I'll be with you in a moment!"
The guard gave a nod, before turning around and walking out of the library.

Walter rubbed at the back of his neck and thought. For a moment he considered just leaving, after saying a goodbye of course. But Walter would still feel rude; as if he had invited a guest over for dinner, and did not bother to show them around.

"If you're not too busy I could give you a quick tour of the castle, on our way down? The kid should only be around petty criminals anyhow, so you can't do any damage. If you want to come, that is; I'd understand being busy finding a way to see color," the demon smiled, a small shrug once again emitting from his shoulders as he offered.

The man did not have to take the offer- Walter just thought it would be polite. And he wouldn't mind doing it after all.

[Deleted]

As the guard spoke with Walter, Ralimis took note of the rather casual tone the conversation took. From what he could gather, Walter was of fair rank. This however didn't stop the guard from cutting him off mid-sentence. Perhaps there was just a mutual respect between those who protected the city. Ralimis would need to look further into the subject later.

After getting the knight to agree to help with the situation, the guard made his exit. Ralimis knew little of the exasperation which duty caused, but it was no small wonder why Walter looked a little anguished at having his time cut short. Apparently frustration is yet another great equalizer among races.

To Ralimis' surprise, Walter did not simply apologize and take his leave. Whether he wished to continue their conversation or just wanted to spend less time thinking about this trouble with the squire, Walter offered to show him the castle. He had to admit, he knew little about it save the library's location.

"Honestly, it sounds like a great idea." Ralimis had no solid plans to figure out the castle otherwise, and he had always hated maps and their often color reliant keys. "Damn cartographers." the mage let out absently, stifling a laugh. 

"Actually I would love to accept if I am of no trouble. As important of a goal it is to me, I know it isn't something that will come quickly. And I am elf enough to know that my natural life should give me the time needed to learn it's secrets."

[Walter Grace]

(( Sorry about the shorter post! I'll do better the next one ))

"You won't be any trouble at all," Walter grinned widely; he would enjoy the company. After all, a break cut short too soon might feel a bit more extended with company outside of the workplace.

Walter clasped his hands together, grin still wide.

"Will you be good to walk with your little friend? Or does your magic get tiresome after a while? I'd be fine to escort you if its the latter," Walter raised an eyebrow. He was pretty sure the man could handle it himself. But now that he was filling his knightly duties again, he really needed to make sure the man felt welcomed to the castle as best as he could.

And he was glad to hear that he would not be interrupting precious study time with his offer. After all the elf was right- he did have longer than a regular human to search out what he dreamed of.

[Deleted]

"Thank you for the concern, but I should have little need." Ralimis said, bringing about his cane and casting a simple detection spell. It could not be compared to sight, but it let him know of every living thing around him. He could easily follow alongside Walter with the spell, and use his cane along with his acute hearing to avoid most other obstacles. "Walking is rather... confusing... with sight, but I am just as able without."


He moved to the librarian and checked out his newly acquired book then walked towards the exit finding it with the long cane. Standing near the doorway and motioning a hand, he presented the door to the demon. “Whenever you're ready.” Said the shifter with a small smile.



(Some really great writings are short, so no need for apologies.)

[Walter Grace]

Walter smiled, and nodded; it seemed as if he were forgetting already that Ralimis could not see him. But despite that, Walter motioned to the guard- that had conveniently waited out front for them- who began leading the way, Walter to follow.

"There's not much I could tell you about this area in particular," the demon began as he walked around.
"The library is of course here, and the university is as well. The living area for the pages and squires are up ahead, and near that the training area."

Walter felt rather bad with tours. He was not used to dealing with the people of Avaleur like this; and what more could he say about those areas? He did not know any trivia, or facts. He didn't know exactly how to expand.

"Many of the books from the library here were brought over from the ruins library, as well. Those that we could take, at least. Not many people can walk in and out, you know. Dangerous and that. And even when they did, it was only two or three books. Mostly history. But, still important," the guard, whom luckily for Walter had been on one tour before, began speaking with a grin to his face.

Walter relaxed a bit more.

"Shows what I know about the castle," Walter chuckled, as they continued to walk, beginning to pass the university. Not open that day, but open most. The hallways were quiet, to the three men's luck. Usually it was a hassle to get by with eyes- let alone without them.

[Deleted]

Though Walter had been the one to offer the tour, the accompanying guard fell into the role quickly and much more comfortably.

Hearing that the library contained some of the ruins' historical tomes did not surprise Ralimis. Many historians believe that if people do not learn from the past, it repeats itself, so it's fitting that there would be a push to retrieve them. Useful in their own rights - Useful in mostly specific occasions - but a tactician's book is far preferred in Ralimis' estimation.

The mage chuckled at Walter's comment, "You probably know more than you think. Knowing how something started isn't all that's relevant." Knowing shapeshifters, this lesson is taught much more hands on. People tend not to care so much that a creature used to be humanoid when fighting. The focus is on how to beat what's before to them.

"Being a knight, it would be more relevant for you to know about securities and protection within the castle; any threats and the like." He paused, considering the subject matter. He gave a small shrug and laughed, "Not exactly tour material, I suppose."

[Walter Grace]

Walter thought about that as he folded his arms across his chest with pursed lips.

"Hmm...well, I must agree," he laughed.
He did know about the securities and protections within the castle. Though, he did not deal with that much; more now than ever. But usually he was by the Queens side as a body guard. Roland was busy with most other things. Walter never had paperwork to do. And it was a common misconception that he was evil, being a demon and all.

Who wanted to try and attack a warrior queen with multiple guards, and to boot a demon by her side? Walter wouldn't.

"As much as I figure people would be interested in hearing how the security in the castle worked, I don't think giving out that information would be wise!"
The demon laughed, releasing his arms from grasping his chest.

They began to walk by the training area. The sounds of clashing wooden swords were in the air, but Walter noticed less than usual. More than likely the squires and pages were more interested in that one squire in the dungeon.

"This is the training area. Pretty simple, it's where everyone trains here in the castle. Often taken up in the mornings by the pages and squires, or trainee guards. But, it probably matches the arena for equipment. Less blood laying around here though. We're nearing the dungeon, by the way. Sorry for the tour being a bit short; but I guarantee you this predicament will be more interesting."

Dawn was quite an interesting man to Walter; and Walter held him in high respect. But to throw a squire into the dungeon for pissing you off?
Walter would definitely have an enjoyable time, he hoped.

[Deleted]

The training area hadn't interested the mage all too much. He had never been very interested in swordplay or the like. His life was in magics and, though he respected those who did, had no use for it with his racial abilities.

His guide was less interested in the place at the moment as well. He almost sounded eager to get to this 'Dawn' the guard spoke of. If the dungeon was what he expected it to be, then the squire in question must have really pissed him off. Whether rightfully placed or not, Ralimis was almost positive the squire would be in low regard afterward. 

"Well, I always believed it was the destination, rather than the journey." the mage chuckled. Interesting was what Walter had promised and Ralimis didn't doubt a word of it.

[Deleted]

"YOU IBACIL! WHAT DO YA MEAN YA FORGOT TO LEASH HIM FOR THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Dawn's angry and boaming voice rang through the halls as they neared the dungeon. He stood down bellow still yelling at Simon. His face red with anger.

"Do you have eny ida what that could have don if someone of impertance was here?! Dog shit in the middle OF THE DAMN BALLROOM! A TRAIL ALL THE WALL DOWN THE HALLWAY!"