31 min read
In the Books
April 15, 2017
◈ WHO: Ethiriel, Henry, Ryder, & Reuben (NeonMace & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Midday on April 15, 2017
◈ WHERE: Barnes & Noble
◈ WEATHER: Comfortably cool and clear.
◈ WHEN: Midday on April 15, 2017
◈ WHERE: Barnes & Noble
◈ WEATHER: Comfortably cool and clear.
Things had become cramped over the cold winter months, leaving Ethiriel restless and eager to get out. Temperature was always against her conductive nature and made it difficult during the more harsh months, but once spring arrived, it was like heaven had come to earth; the Sigel was able to spend more time outside, with friends, enjoying nature -- you name it. Now that it was warmer and the two had run out of books, Henry had decided it was time for a trip to one of their favorite places: Barnes & Noble.
The two parted ways once Ethiriel had been led to the audio section, where she had become accustomed to leafing through whatever they had. She had become particularly less picky as time went on, having consumed most of their books as it was in her lifetime, leaving her with some of her less likely picks. Sometimes a hidden gem was found and others it was like she found the worst, but the Sigel couldn't complain as it gave her something to do. Besides, it was relaxing... and sometimes fun to pick at every little thing.
It was a creative process.
Not far off was Henry, glancing over the spines of a row of non-fiction books he had been considering. He was a man of many interests, so it wasn't particularly difficult to find books of any nature for him.
Delicate silver fingernails clicked the volume of the large headphones the store offered as they rested over her ears, turning on the decorative music behind a sullen voice reading over a few lines of dialogue.
The two parted ways once Ethiriel had been led to the audio section, where she had become accustomed to leafing through whatever they had. She had become particularly less picky as time went on, having consumed most of their books as it was in her lifetime, leaving her with some of her less likely picks. Sometimes a hidden gem was found and others it was like she found the worst, but the Sigel couldn't complain as it gave her something to do. Besides, it was relaxing... and sometimes fun to pick at every little thing.
It was a creative process.
Not far off was Henry, glancing over the spines of a row of non-fiction books he had been considering. He was a man of many interests, so it wasn't particularly difficult to find books of any nature for him.
Delicate silver fingernails clicked the volume of the large headphones the store offered as they rested over her ears, turning on the decorative music behind a sullen voice reading over a few lines of dialogue.
Over the course of the past month, Ryder and Alice had exhausted Reuben's small collection of books. It wasn't long before Ryder became incessantly bored of reading the same books over and over again. He wanted an outlet for more creativity. He wanted to increase his own collection of books, which wasn't much at all. Reuben had gone out and picked up a couple of books one day from the library, but to his dismay, Ryder had finished reading them within a couple of days.
Finally, after a few days of boredom, Ryder asked if he and Reuben could head out and take a trip to some sort of bookstore. Ryder wanted to be able to pick out whatever books he wished, instead of letting Reuben pick out whatever it was he thought Ryder would like.
Reuben was more than happy to give Ryder a one hundred and fifty dollar allowance to spend on a new collection of books. Ryder quickly realized that currency was something that was necessary for people to live in this world. Between Reuben's shop and going shopping very seldom in his first month on earth, it was clear that money was a big deal and without it, you couldn't buy things.
It was decided and off they were, to the best magical bookstore the area had to offer. It was quite the drive, but it made the day an adventure. The two had planned it the night before, and decided to wake up early to make it there with enough time to really be able to explore what all they had to offer.
When they did finally arrive, Ryder was enthralled. Everything he could ever want was here. He couldn't believe that a place like this even existed! With the largest smile on his face, he floated into the store and began to shuffle through all the different books that were on a large display right at the entrance.
"I see you're excited," Reuben stated with a smirk as he caught up to Ryder.
"This place is amazing!" Ryder exclaimed happily.
Reuben had never seen his charge act like this before. Such a child-like curiosity had overcome him. The tarotist was giddy by the fact that Ryder seemed truly happy here.
Within moments, Ryder was floating from one display to another just looking at all the covers of the many books that were contained here. He couldn't just choose a few books! How could he do that!? Choosing just a few of these many magical texts would be the hardest decision ever! Why couldn't he just take them all home?
The raevan would open a book and read a few lines before closing it again and moving onto the next. All of the worlds contained in these tomes were just what his budding imagination needed.
It wasn't long before Reuben had immersed himself in the books as well, leaving Ryder to his own devices. Whilst walking down the many isles of books, Reuben caught a glimpse of a half-bodied girl. She was beautiful, green, and so very vibrant. Best of all, he was able to instantly identify her as a raevan! With wide eyes and a grin, he scurried back to find Ryder still fiddling with a book.
"Ryder, come here, quickly!"
The frei glanced up at his guardian and, with a quick roll of his eyes as though he was a parent tearing his kid away from an important video game, he reluctantly followed behind his guardian.
As they approached the audio books section, Reuben stopped Ryder in his tracks. "Look! Another raevan! Just like you! Go say hi!"
Ryder looked at this raevan his guardian spoke of, and was shocked to see a beautiful woman in green with her delicate ribbon beneath her, just like himself, instead of looking around at everyone else with legs. It was slightly intriguing to see someone like him versus someone like his guardian. After all, he had already tried to imagine himself with those things called 'legs' many times before.
"Shouldn't I just leave her alone? She looks busy,"
"I think it'd be nice for you to meet other raevan. There aren't too many out there, and this is such a coincidence that you're both here at the same time."
A pause.
"If you don't say hi, I will!"
Ryder took a deep breath and let out a winded sigh. "Fine, I'll go say hi. But then can I go back to picking out my books? I was in the middle of a great story before you interrupted me."
With a small chuckle, "Of course you can; now go!"
Sheepishly, Ryder floated towards the other raevan. In his chest, he felt a pounding he hadn't felt before. Nerves overtook him. How awkward was it to go up to a complete stranger and say hi? In one of the comic books that Reuben fished out for him, there was a scene where this boy went up to this girl at school and began to talk to her, stuttering over every word and the like. In his brain, he imagined that he was that boy; but he couldn't for the life of him understand what that feeling was.
As Ryder approached, he looked back at Reuben, who stood there watching with two thumbs up. Turning his attention back to the girl, Ryder swallowed the lump in his throat and began to speak in a quiet tone. "Hello. I was told to say hi to you."
Finally, after a few days of boredom, Ryder asked if he and Reuben could head out and take a trip to some sort of bookstore. Ryder wanted to be able to pick out whatever books he wished, instead of letting Reuben pick out whatever it was he thought Ryder would like.
Reuben was more than happy to give Ryder a one hundred and fifty dollar allowance to spend on a new collection of books. Ryder quickly realized that currency was something that was necessary for people to live in this world. Between Reuben's shop and going shopping very seldom in his first month on earth, it was clear that money was a big deal and without it, you couldn't buy things.
It was decided and off they were, to the best magical bookstore the area had to offer. It was quite the drive, but it made the day an adventure. The two had planned it the night before, and decided to wake up early to make it there with enough time to really be able to explore what all they had to offer.
When they did finally arrive, Ryder was enthralled. Everything he could ever want was here. He couldn't believe that a place like this even existed! With the largest smile on his face, he floated into the store and began to shuffle through all the different books that were on a large display right at the entrance.
"I see you're excited," Reuben stated with a smirk as he caught up to Ryder.
"This place is amazing!" Ryder exclaimed happily.
Reuben had never seen his charge act like this before. Such a child-like curiosity had overcome him. The tarotist was giddy by the fact that Ryder seemed truly happy here.
Within moments, Ryder was floating from one display to another just looking at all the covers of the many books that were contained here. He couldn't just choose a few books! How could he do that!? Choosing just a few of these many magical texts would be the hardest decision ever! Why couldn't he just take them all home?
The raevan would open a book and read a few lines before closing it again and moving onto the next. All of the worlds contained in these tomes were just what his budding imagination needed.
It wasn't long before Reuben had immersed himself in the books as well, leaving Ryder to his own devices. Whilst walking down the many isles of books, Reuben caught a glimpse of a half-bodied girl. She was beautiful, green, and so very vibrant. Best of all, he was able to instantly identify her as a raevan! With wide eyes and a grin, he scurried back to find Ryder still fiddling with a book.
"Ryder, come here, quickly!"
The frei glanced up at his guardian and, with a quick roll of his eyes as though he was a parent tearing his kid away from an important video game, he reluctantly followed behind his guardian.
As they approached the audio books section, Reuben stopped Ryder in his tracks. "Look! Another raevan! Just like you! Go say hi!"
Ryder looked at this raevan his guardian spoke of, and was shocked to see a beautiful woman in green with her delicate ribbon beneath her, just like himself, instead of looking around at everyone else with legs. It was slightly intriguing to see someone like him versus someone like his guardian. After all, he had already tried to imagine himself with those things called 'legs' many times before.
"Shouldn't I just leave her alone? She looks busy,"
"I think it'd be nice for you to meet other raevan. There aren't too many out there, and this is such a coincidence that you're both here at the same time."
A pause.
"If you don't say hi, I will!"
Ryder took a deep breath and let out a winded sigh. "Fine, I'll go say hi. But then can I go back to picking out my books? I was in the middle of a great story before you interrupted me."
With a small chuckle, "Of course you can; now go!"
Sheepishly, Ryder floated towards the other raevan. In his chest, he felt a pounding he hadn't felt before. Nerves overtook him. How awkward was it to go up to a complete stranger and say hi? In one of the comic books that Reuben fished out for him, there was a scene where this boy went up to this girl at school and began to talk to her, stuttering over every word and the like. In his brain, he imagined that he was that boy; but he couldn't for the life of him understand what that feeling was.
As Ryder approached, he looked back at Reuben, who stood there watching with two thumbs up. Turning his attention back to the girl, Ryder swallowed the lump in his throat and began to speak in a quiet tone. "Hello. I was told to say hi to you."
Nearly as soon as the pair had entered the store, Ethiriel was able to catch Ryder's scent and her interest perked. The Sigel didn't open her eyes or remove her headphones, but she honed the rest of her senses on locating him despite staying in place. If she understood Raevans, whoever this one she hadn't met yet would approach her as soon as they noticed -- if locating him were easier, she would have done it, herself.
As Ryder's scent became stronger the more Ethiriel paid attention, now hardly even listening to the story playing in her ears... not that it had been all that interesting, anyway. She'd probably skip this one.
With her player having been soft, it was easy to pick up on the Frei's words despite the other noises -- she had also noticed that there were no footfalls, meaning he was either Sigel or Frei. Opening her eyes, Ethiriel turned to face Ryder, her milky eyes unfocused in disappointment when there was no silver to rest on -- not that it was uncommon, most Raevans didn't have silver automatically and gold tended to be a more preferred metal when it came to jewelry. She removed her headphones daintily and smiled.
"Greetings," she said softly, though with much more confidence than Ryder. Ethiriel then removed the headphones entirely and automatically set them back on their hook before turning to "face" him fully, even if she had been slightly off the mark. "I am glad you did... It is not very often that you meet a new Raevan out of the blue. I am Ethiriel." Other than the movement of her arms, she gave no warning as she reached blindly for Ryder. Her knuckles awkwardly knocked against his shoulders first, but with practiced precision they righted themselves to explore up to his face, gently holding him in place with her fingers before reaching in and kissing him softly on both sides of his mouth. Pulling away, she smiled again.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
As Ryder's scent became stronger the more Ethiriel paid attention, now hardly even listening to the story playing in her ears... not that it had been all that interesting, anyway. She'd probably skip this one.
With her player having been soft, it was easy to pick up on the Frei's words despite the other noises -- she had also noticed that there were no footfalls, meaning he was either Sigel or Frei. Opening her eyes, Ethiriel turned to face Ryder, her milky eyes unfocused in disappointment when there was no silver to rest on -- not that it was uncommon, most Raevans didn't have silver automatically and gold tended to be a more preferred metal when it came to jewelry. She removed her headphones daintily and smiled.
"Greetings," she said softly, though with much more confidence than Ryder. Ethiriel then removed the headphones entirely and automatically set them back on their hook before turning to "face" him fully, even if she had been slightly off the mark. "I am glad you did... It is not very often that you meet a new Raevan out of the blue. I am Ethiriel." Other than the movement of her arms, she gave no warning as she reached blindly for Ryder. Her knuckles awkwardly knocked against his shoulders first, but with practiced precision they righted themselves to explore up to his face, gently holding him in place with her fingers before reaching in and kissing him softly on both sides of his mouth. Pulling away, she smiled again.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
As the woman turned to face him, her voice seemed almost angelic. Very poised and proper. Everything she said was done in such a soft, pleasant tone. When she reached out to Ryder, he jerked back a second, not understanding why she wasn't looking directly at him and instead hitting him softly with her arm before making her way towards his face. As she brought her lips to his face, he felt flushed. What was she doing? The greeting customs in this world were so strange. Hugs, kisses, and some people not touching whatsoever. When her lips touched his skin, he pulled back a moment, unaware of what she was doing. Never had he had anyone's face this close to his own. He didn't know what to do but float there awkwardly hovering a few inches taller than her.
"I...yes. It's - uh - nice to meet you, too," he stated, flush-faced and turning his eyes down to the floor.
Clearing his throat, he spoke up again. "I'm Ryder," he replied, noting she was slightly off from facing him fully. With a questioning look, he floated in front of her a moment. What was wrong? Why wouldn't she look at him?
"Why did you just do that to my face? What was that?" he questioned curiously. Not entirely sure what that meant. He had read about kisses in books, but hadn't ever been able to truly visualize what it might look like.
Meanwhile, Reuben kept that smirk on his face before walking into the next isle to somewhat eavesdrop on the raevan meeting. He was so happy that his charge was finally meeting another raevan. He couldn't wait to get Ryder out there to meet others.
"I...yes. It's - uh - nice to meet you, too," he stated, flush-faced and turning his eyes down to the floor.
Clearing his throat, he spoke up again. "I'm Ryder," he replied, noting she was slightly off from facing him fully. With a questioning look, he floated in front of her a moment. What was wrong? Why wouldn't she look at him?
"Why did you just do that to my face? What was that?" he questioned curiously. Not entirely sure what that meant. He had read about kisses in books, but hadn't ever been able to truly visualize what it might look like.
Meanwhile, Reuben kept that smirk on his face before walking into the next isle to somewhat eavesdrop on the raevan meeting. He was so happy that his charge was finally meeting another raevan. He couldn't wait to get Ryder out there to meet others.
As Ryder reared back, Ethiriel pulled away as well with surprise painted on her features; eyes wide, lips parted and brows knit with worry. Had she offended him? Perhaps he had the save aversion to touch that Anya had? Either way, the Sigel composed herself in time for Ryder to speak once more.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ryder. I do apologize, I should not have touched you without permission... It is just the way I greet people. I shall not do it again..."
A gentle smile returned to her lips as she expressed her apologies, though her brows remained upturned -- Ethiriel didn't like to offend or bother people and she felt rather embarrassed that Ryder had such a drastic reaction. With her hands overlapped before her ribbon, the Sigel bowed lightly, her hair pooling over her shoulders.
Deciding to try and lean the conversation in a more pleasant direction, she continued, "It is so wonderful to finally meat another Raevan that is interested in books. They are out there, but it is so rare to find. Unfortunately I can only listen to them, but they are still quite enjoyable." This time, Ethiriel's smile easily reached her eyes and her expression softened entirely. "Do you perhaps have a favorite genre? I quite like fantasy, myself, but I enjoy all types of books. They are a wonderful way to pass time, especially if they are immersive."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ryder. I do apologize, I should not have touched you without permission... It is just the way I greet people. I shall not do it again..."
A gentle smile returned to her lips as she expressed her apologies, though her brows remained upturned -- Ethiriel didn't like to offend or bother people and she felt rather embarrassed that Ryder had such a drastic reaction. With her hands overlapped before her ribbon, the Sigel bowed lightly, her hair pooling over her shoulders.
Deciding to try and lean the conversation in a more pleasant direction, she continued, "It is so wonderful to finally meat another Raevan that is interested in books. They are out there, but it is so rare to find. Unfortunately I can only listen to them, but they are still quite enjoyable." This time, Ethiriel's smile easily reached her eyes and her expression softened entirely. "Do you perhaps have a favorite genre? I quite like fantasy, myself, but I enjoy all types of books. They are a wonderful way to pass time, especially if they are immersive."
As the sigel apologized, Ryder sighed and an upturned smirk grew upon his countenance. It made him feel a little more comfortable now that they had basically apologized he awkwardness away.
This girl could only listen to the books? Why was that? What was causing her to not be able to read and imagine like he was able to do? Listening seemed like as good a way as any, however. But he wondered why she couldn't read.
Then, the words graced his ears. "I quite like fantasy, myself,..." That in and of itself caused the once, small smirk, to grow into a grand smile that didn't leave his face. But basically everything Ethiriel said after that fell on deaf ears.
"Fantasy! Yes! That's my favorite genre of all time! I've read a few books so far, well, Alice read them to me and has been teaching me how to read on my own, but they're my favorites. That's actually what I'm looking for here and my Reuben brought me to this place. He said I could pick out some new books! What's your favorite fantasy book you've ever read!? I want some new ones!" One could sense the excitement in his voice as he began to speak, almost childish in nature.
This girl could only listen to the books? Why was that? What was causing her to not be able to read and imagine like he was able to do? Listening seemed like as good a way as any, however. But he wondered why she couldn't read.
Then, the words graced his ears. "I quite like fantasy, myself,..." That in and of itself caused the once, small smirk, to grow into a grand smile that didn't leave his face. But basically everything Ethiriel said after that fell on deaf ears.
"Fantasy! Yes! That's my favorite genre of all time! I've read a few books so far, well, Alice read them to me and has been teaching me how to read on my own, but they're my favorites. That's actually what I'm looking for here and my Reuben brought me to this place. He said I could pick out some new books! What's your favorite fantasy book you've ever read!? I want some new ones!" One could sense the excitement in his voice as he began to speak, almost childish in nature.
Ryder's sudden excitement had taken Ethiriel by surprise, her eyes widening in response as she tensed. A silent scoff of a laugh passed her lips, relaxing in place once the initial shock had worn off... though replaced with something different.
A sudden dizziness fell over the Sigel, her eyes fluttering as she could barely keep afloat. Ethiriel placed a hand over her head and gave an awkward laugh. It wasn't until a colorful figure passed through her sights that she became afraid, eyes widening once more as her breath ceased. What... what was that? "Wh--" she tried to utter despite being unable to find her voice in that brief second... until it hit her. Ryder's scent... ah, yes... toadstool. Yet... how had she hallucinated in such a way? What was his essence...?
"P-pardon..." she muttered with an embarrassed laugh, grabbing onto the bookshelf beside her to stay in the air. Most of Ryder's rambling had registered as cloudy mumbling despite Ethiriel's usually amazing hearing and she had no answer. "I-I am sorry... I didn't..."
Ethiriel's head continued to spin for another few moments, a pit forming in her stomach unpleasantly. His toxins had soaked in through her lips, and with how she fed, she must have taken in much more than she would have realized.
Again, visions danced in place of the darkness, and more than anything it had tripped her out.
Then, like a retreating headache, the world stopped spinning slowly and the Sigel's head cleared. She breathed a sigh of relief, but Ethiriel couldn't quite bring back the content demeanor she had previously. "If... if you do not mind me asking... what is your essence?" she asked, trying to add a pleasant lilt to her weary voice. With one hand remaining on the shelf, her other pressed delicately against her stomach -- she was no longer in any danger of being sick, but she felt residual discomfort.
A sudden dizziness fell over the Sigel, her eyes fluttering as she could barely keep afloat. Ethiriel placed a hand over her head and gave an awkward laugh. It wasn't until a colorful figure passed through her sights that she became afraid, eyes widening once more as her breath ceased. What... what was that? "Wh--" she tried to utter despite being unable to find her voice in that brief second... until it hit her. Ryder's scent... ah, yes... toadstool. Yet... how had she hallucinated in such a way? What was his essence...?
"P-pardon..." she muttered with an embarrassed laugh, grabbing onto the bookshelf beside her to stay in the air. Most of Ryder's rambling had registered as cloudy mumbling despite Ethiriel's usually amazing hearing and she had no answer. "I-I am sorry... I didn't..."
Ethiriel's head continued to spin for another few moments, a pit forming in her stomach unpleasantly. His toxins had soaked in through her lips, and with how she fed, she must have taken in much more than she would have realized.
Again, visions danced in place of the darkness, and more than anything it had tripped her out.
Then, like a retreating headache, the world stopped spinning slowly and the Sigel's head cleared. She breathed a sigh of relief, but Ethiriel couldn't quite bring back the content demeanor she had previously. "If... if you do not mind me asking... what is your essence?" she asked, trying to add a pleasant lilt to her weary voice. With one hand remaining on the shelf, her other pressed delicately against her stomach -- she was no longer in any danger of being sick, but she felt residual discomfort.
Ryder watched as the girl in front of him began to zone out and grab onto the bookshelf. "Whoa-" he stated quickly holding out his hands in the air around her, just in case she had fallen. "A-are you okay?!" he questioned. He could sense that she was having the same reaction as his aunt Cali did when they first met. Was this something he did? Reuben's voice called in his head. "Did you do something to her?"
Ryder slowly retracted once the girl caught her balance, almost embarrassed. When she completely ignored his questions, he felt discouraged; going from such a high place of excitement to utter embarrassment made him quite uncomfortable. He didn't really know what to say or do at this point. What if this was his doing and making people feel ill, dizzy, and spun was just something that happened to people when they met. He hadn't ever quite figured any of that out.
"I-I'm told my essence is Visible Imagination. I'm not sure what that means...but Reuben told me that's probably why Alice follows me around." Ryder stared at Ethiriel, her hand on the shelf and looking rather pale and sick made him feel even worse. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked. The toadstool couldn't help but feel responsible.
Ryder slowly retracted once the girl caught her balance, almost embarrassed. When she completely ignored his questions, he felt discouraged; going from such a high place of excitement to utter embarrassment made him quite uncomfortable. He didn't really know what to say or do at this point. What if this was his doing and making people feel ill, dizzy, and spun was just something that happened to people when they met. He hadn't ever quite figured any of that out.
"I-I'm told my essence is Visible Imagination. I'm not sure what that means...but Reuben told me that's probably why Alice follows me around." Ryder stared at Ethiriel, her hand on the shelf and looking rather pale and sick made him feel even worse. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked. The toadstool couldn't help but feel responsible.
Ethiriel gave a weak laugh at Ryder's confession, immediately understanding the situation. She did her best to regain her composure, 'standing' straight despite the hand resting against her stomach protectively. The Sigel definitely didn't want to put blame on him, but explaining what she just realized made that effort difficult.
"Well... It is not that you have done something wrong," she said softly, her voice as delicate as her silver branches looked. "You are a toadstool, correct? I am usually immune to most natural toxins. However... you are a Raevan, so perhaps yours are much more potent to me." Ethiriel offered Ryder a soft smile, finally back to normal despite her slightly upturned brows. She would have given him a reassuring touch, but she was uncertain whether clothing would shield the effects or not. "I must say, I was shocked... I am sightless, yet you made visions dance in my head. Your magic is quite strong already if you are able to give me hallucinations just by contact."
To give an example, the tea Raevan lifted a hand, palm up, and manipulated a small amount of silver into a miniature tree within seconds. It was the only thing her eyes landed on naturally.
"You must be able to affect what others see... as well as how they feel. I am personally able to manipulate others to be calm, but I cannot make them feel dizzy or have a major effect on their mood."
"Well... It is not that you have done something wrong," she said softly, her voice as delicate as her silver branches looked. "You are a toadstool, correct? I am usually immune to most natural toxins. However... you are a Raevan, so perhaps yours are much more potent to me." Ethiriel offered Ryder a soft smile, finally back to normal despite her slightly upturned brows. She would have given him a reassuring touch, but she was uncertain whether clothing would shield the effects or not. "I must say, I was shocked... I am sightless, yet you made visions dance in my head. Your magic is quite strong already if you are able to give me hallucinations just by contact."
To give an example, the tea Raevan lifted a hand, palm up, and manipulated a small amount of silver into a miniature tree within seconds. It was the only thing her eyes landed on naturally.
"You must be able to affect what others see... as well as how they feel. I am personally able to manipulate others to be calm, but I cannot make them feel dizzy or have a major effect on their mood."
Ryder took a deep breath, somewhat relieved when his fellow raevan straightened. When she asked that he was a toadstool, he just nodded. That much he knew for sure. He was told over and over again, and he had heard the story of his soul's capture at least a couple times from Reuben, each time it changing ever-so-slightly. Though the details are what Ryder kept attention on, and even the slightest difference changed the story.
"I...see..." the toadstool raevan stated as she gave him a soft smile. He gave a half-hearted smile in return.
Sightless? So she had been blind? "No wonder you're not looking at me!" he blurted out, not even realizing how rude such a statement could be taken. "Ah, but I'm sorry. Magic...it may be a strong suit of mine...but I haven't really delved too far into it. I just read about it in my books. I don't really know what I can do. But I do know that if I am doing something, I don't know I'm doing it. My aunt felt dizzy when she first met me as well. I don't mean to, it just happens."
The frei's eyes widened as the sigel manipulated the silver into a tree. His jaw dropped. He hadn't ever seen magic before his eyes. "Whoa! That's...amazing. The detail! That's insane! How'd you do that!?" he exclaimed in surprise. "Can I see it!?" he asked, his face already fairly close to the small figurine still in the palm of her hand.
"I...see..." the toadstool raevan stated as she gave him a soft smile. He gave a half-hearted smile in return.
Sightless? So she had been blind? "No wonder you're not looking at me!" he blurted out, not even realizing how rude such a statement could be taken. "Ah, but I'm sorry. Magic...it may be a strong suit of mine...but I haven't really delved too far into it. I just read about it in my books. I don't really know what I can do. But I do know that if I am doing something, I don't know I'm doing it. My aunt felt dizzy when she first met me as well. I don't mean to, it just happens."
The frei's eyes widened as the sigel manipulated the silver into a tree. His jaw dropped. He hadn't ever seen magic before his eyes. "Whoa! That's...amazing. The detail! That's insane! How'd you do that!?" he exclaimed in surprise. "Can I see it!?" he asked, his face already fairly close to the small figurine still in the palm of her hand.
The laugh that rang from Ethiriel's chest was soft and sweet. Though she didn't address it further, she nodded to Ryder's exclamation. "This may just be me rambling, but I believe it takes a fair amount of imagination when it comes to magic. You have to believe in it for something to work, am I correct?" While the Sigel didn't necessarily have the greatest sense of imagination, herself, she held enough to believe that many things were possible if you tried hard enough. "Are you able to smell such a sweet scent? That is me -- I am only able to partially control it. It calms others, and when necessary, I am able to strengthen it at will."
Ethiriel hummed at Ryder's excitement, holding her hand steady for him to observe. She took a moment to think, putting her answer into carefully planned words as to try and not confuse him. "It is an extension of my will, I suppose. I will it to happen and it does. My essence is "unoxidized silver," so I am able to control the silver within my being. Perhaps you will one day be able to control the visibility of your imagination by will alone?"
Lowering her hand, she allowed the Frei to take the silver piece if he so wished. Once it was out of her hand, she softly folded her arms just below her breasts comfortably. Ethiriel kept her eye on the silver as she spoke. "You may have it, if you wish. A friendly token of our meeting." The smile she offered him was dazzling.
Ethiriel hummed at Ryder's excitement, holding her hand steady for him to observe. She took a moment to think, putting her answer into carefully planned words as to try and not confuse him. "It is an extension of my will, I suppose. I will it to happen and it does. My essence is "unoxidized silver," so I am able to control the silver within my being. Perhaps you will one day be able to control the visibility of your imagination by will alone?"
Lowering her hand, she allowed the Frei to take the silver piece if he so wished. Once it was out of her hand, she softly folded her arms just below her breasts comfortably. Ethiriel kept her eye on the silver as she spoke. "You may have it, if you wish. A friendly token of our meeting." The smile she offered him was dazzling.
Ryder paid close attention to what the woman was saying in regards to magic. Magic was always such a fascinating concept. The fact that he held magic within him (whether he knew how to control it or not) was fascinating. Maybe he should attempt to will things into being, like Ethiriel had suggested? Something should come of that, right? Maybe.
As she asked about her scent. Ryder took an extremely deep breath after floating a bit closer to the raevan. Yes, it was...sweet...soothing. As he exhaled, he felt some of the anxiousness from earlier dissipate. Some of his embarrassment fade, and his excitement, calm. "Wow, you're right. I didn't notice the scent before, but now that I'm really paying attention, it's definitely there. Mmm...so sweet."
This 'will' she spoke of. It was almost innate, and he knew what she meant, though he felt as though it would be harder for him to control such power, and it almost did scare him to truly try to explore whatever it was inside of him. After all, he felt as though Alice was an extension of his power, and Reuben told him that she was. So, what else could he potentially do? What else would there be to explore?
When the tea plant offered him the token, a bright smile turned full on grin grew on his face instantaneously. "You really mean it!? This is awesome! I'll keep it forever. Thank you," he said with bright eyes.
It was at that moment when Reuben finally found himself coming down the isle behind Ryder, almost out of the blue. "Hello there!" he said, patting his charge on the shoulder. "I'm Reuben, Ryder's guardian," he said, offering a hand.
"She can't see your hand there, Reuben. She's blind," Ryder stated bluntly, as though Reuben should have known.
Quickly, Reuben gave a very nervous chuckle and retracted his hand, slightly patting Ryder's shoulder and giving him the "not okay" look that he had been given time and time again. "Ah, I'm...sorry for him..."
Smile easily meeting her eyes, Ethiriel said, "I am glad that you like it."
Just as she was about to answer, Reuben approached with a greeting and her attention immediately met his. Ethiriel didn't laugh this time, though her smile remained in place, as she offered her own hand for the guardian, herself. She offered him the same formal greeting that she had Ryder -- a kiss on each cheek -- before hovering back on her own. "It is quite alright; he is young. Henry Knight is my guardian, though he is out of sight. My name is Ethiriel. It is a pleasure to meet you."
As if having heard the magic words, or rather his name, the nurse popped out from some bookshelves with a few books in hand and a smile on his face. With his free hand, Henry swept his hair out of his face and extended it to shake with Reuben's. "A pleasure!" he called, giving his fellow guardian a mighty shake. "Heard my name -- I can't believe a fellow guardian and Raevan pair is here! What a coincidence!"
Just as she was about to answer, Reuben approached with a greeting and her attention immediately met his. Ethiriel didn't laugh this time, though her smile remained in place, as she offered her own hand for the guardian, herself. She offered him the same formal greeting that she had Ryder -- a kiss on each cheek -- before hovering back on her own. "It is quite alright; he is young. Henry Knight is my guardian, though he is out of sight. My name is Ethiriel. It is a pleasure to meet you."
As if having heard the magic words, or rather his name, the nurse popped out from some bookshelves with a few books in hand and a smile on his face. With his free hand, Henry swept his hair out of his face and extended it to shake with Reuben's. "A pleasure!" he called, giving his fellow guardian a mighty shake. "Heard my name -- I can't believe a fellow guardian and Raevan pair is here! What a coincidence!"
Reuben smiled, agreeing to the fact that his charge was young, and nodded as if to thank the girl for understanding; even though she couldn't physically see him. As that happened, Reuben's eyes met a truly handsome fellow coming up behind his own charge as well. The name Henry definitely struck a cord with Reuben's memory. He had basically memorized every name on that guardian's list that lab gave him all those months ago. "Nice to meet you, Henry. I'm Reuben, and this is Ryder," he stated, shaking the man's hand.
"I still haven't found any good books," Ryder stated, turning his attention to Reuben, tugging on his shirt a bit as he did.
"It's fine, we'll find something soon, hold on," Reuben whispered, turning back to Henry and Ethiriel.
"Let's find some books." an obviously feminine voice echoed throughout the area.
Reuben just rolled his eyes and slumped a bit in place. "Alice...please go away. Not now." Reuben huffed under his breath.
"Why are you so mean to me?" the voice called out again, this time with more precision as the creature who owned the voice began to fade into existence behind Ethiriel and Henry. "All I wish to do is to help Ryder find his books. What's so wrong with that?"
"Yeah, she just wants to help," Ryder chimed in, clenching tightly to the solid silver tree figurine.
Reuben sighed deeply, obviously annoyed and pinched his nose with tightly shut eyes. Shaking his head. "Fine, go find some books."
"Yay!" the toadstool raevan and his imaginary friend exclaimed in unison. Alice walked right through the bookshelf and disappeared as Ryder simply turned away from the group and floated down the isle slightly before his eyes landed on a book on the top shelf. Grabbing it down, he began to simply look at what the book had to offer.
"I'm so sorry about that. That monstrosity is named Alice...Ryder's 'muse' as he calls it. She randomly pops in and out when Ryder feels bored or out of place I've noticed. She's a mischievous piece of his power, that's for sure."
"I still haven't found any good books," Ryder stated, turning his attention to Reuben, tugging on his shirt a bit as he did.
"It's fine, we'll find something soon, hold on," Reuben whispered, turning back to Henry and Ethiriel.
"Let's find some books." an obviously feminine voice echoed throughout the area.
Reuben just rolled his eyes and slumped a bit in place. "Alice...please go away. Not now." Reuben huffed under his breath.
"Why are you so mean to me?" the voice called out again, this time with more precision as the creature who owned the voice began to fade into existence behind Ethiriel and Henry. "All I wish to do is to help Ryder find his books. What's so wrong with that?"
"Yeah, she just wants to help," Ryder chimed in, clenching tightly to the solid silver tree figurine.
Reuben sighed deeply, obviously annoyed and pinched his nose with tightly shut eyes. Shaking his head. "Fine, go find some books."
"Yay!" the toadstool raevan and his imaginary friend exclaimed in unison. Alice walked right through the bookshelf and disappeared as Ryder simply turned away from the group and floated down the isle slightly before his eyes landed on a book on the top shelf. Grabbing it down, he began to simply look at what the book had to offer.
"I'm so sorry about that. That monstrosity is named Alice...Ryder's 'muse' as he calls it. She randomly pops in and out when Ryder feels bored or out of place I've noticed. She's a mischievous piece of his power, that's for sure."
Henry beamed, well, up at Ryder at his introduction and would have reached out to shake as well if it hadn't been for Ethiriel lightly grabbing the nurse's arm. She knew what he was about to do, but if Ryder had affected her as much as he had, she couldn't imagine what his powers would do to Henry. Glancing down at her, it only took him a second before understanding that it was some sort of warning.
The voice behind them certainly started both Ethiriel and Henry -- Ethiriel more so given she hadn't heard a single footstep. The man turned to see the... very oddly proportioned girl appear behind his ward and could only stare incredulously. The Sigel merely stared ahead of her but listened intently.
When both Ryder and the mysterious girl walked away, Henry continued to stare in confusion... at least until Reuben explained. "So she's part of his power...? Honestly, I... definitely would believe that based solely on her looks." A gentle jab to the rib signaled Ethiriel's distaste with the comment, to which he offered a quick "sorry."
"It is connected to his hallucinations. Merely touching him sent me through a trance given that he is a toadstool. Perhaps that could explain some of the happenings surrounding him?"
Ethiriel only knew of Ryder making his "aunt" feel dizzy upon touch, so maybe the explanation would help his guardian figure some things out at home. "I cannot turn off my pheromones, so I do fear that anyone touching him will lead to unavoidable hallucinations or 'trips.' He may never be able to, well, turn it off."
Again, struck with confusion and awe, Henry looked to his ward with raised brows. It always amazed him just how intelligent his companion was, even though she wasn't even yet six years old.
The voice behind them certainly started both Ethiriel and Henry -- Ethiriel more so given she hadn't heard a single footstep. The man turned to see the... very oddly proportioned girl appear behind his ward and could only stare incredulously. The Sigel merely stared ahead of her but listened intently.
When both Ryder and the mysterious girl walked away, Henry continued to stare in confusion... at least until Reuben explained. "So she's part of his power...? Honestly, I... definitely would believe that based solely on her looks." A gentle jab to the rib signaled Ethiriel's distaste with the comment, to which he offered a quick "sorry."
"It is connected to his hallucinations. Merely touching him sent me through a trance given that he is a toadstool. Perhaps that could explain some of the happenings surrounding him?"
Ethiriel only knew of Ryder making his "aunt" feel dizzy upon touch, so maybe the explanation would help his guardian figure some things out at home. "I cannot turn off my pheromones, so I do fear that anyone touching him will lead to unavoidable hallucinations or 'trips.' He may never be able to, well, turn it off."
Again, struck with confusion and awe, Henry looked to his ward with raised brows. It always amazed him just how intelligent his companion was, even though she wasn't even yet six years old.
Reuben couldn't help but chuckle at the girls consistent jabs and looks towards her guardian. He could only hope that, one day, Ryder and himself could be so close. Right now, they had yet to really even find a common ground. Nobody really knew what to do to break through to the frei quite yet.
As he listened to the girls explanation of his charge's power, everything clicked. Why hadn't he even thought of that before? It made complete sense.
"Wow...you're absolutely right. That does explain...a lot," Reuben stated, instead of going into details of their home life and what he had experienced thus far. It then dawned on him that he hadn't ever really, truly -touched- Ryder's skin since they met. Reuben wasn't ever the overly feely type, and Ryder definitely didn't care to be touched either, so the two just never had contact, but it did make sense why Calista had such a strange reaction when she had first met the boy.
"You...don't think he'll be able to turn off his hallucinations? Oh boy..." he stated simply, crossing his arms and turning to see his charge looking through yet another book. Narrowing his eyes and turning his gaze back to the pair in front of him, he sighed. "Well, I definitely want to thank you for that insight, and I'm sorry he gave you that...trip."
"At least if he stays covered up, I don't think it can get through clothing at all. This may sound bad, but I've never even had skin-to-skin contact with him, personally. I'll have to test the waters and see what we can do about that."
As he listened to the girls explanation of his charge's power, everything clicked. Why hadn't he even thought of that before? It made complete sense.
"Wow...you're absolutely right. That does explain...a lot," Reuben stated, instead of going into details of their home life and what he had experienced thus far. It then dawned on him that he hadn't ever really, truly -touched- Ryder's skin since they met. Reuben wasn't ever the overly feely type, and Ryder definitely didn't care to be touched either, so the two just never had contact, but it did make sense why Calista had such a strange reaction when she had first met the boy.
"You...don't think he'll be able to turn off his hallucinations? Oh boy..." he stated simply, crossing his arms and turning to see his charge looking through yet another book. Narrowing his eyes and turning his gaze back to the pair in front of him, he sighed. "Well, I definitely want to thank you for that insight, and I'm sorry he gave you that...trip."
"At least if he stays covered up, I don't think it can get through clothing at all. This may sound bad, but I've never even had skin-to-skin contact with him, personally. I'll have to test the waters and see what we can do about that."
Ethiriel motioned vaguely around herself as she spoke, "As I had pointed out to Ryder mere moments ago, I release calming pheromones naturally. I cannot turn them off, but I can control their potency... perhaps one day he will be able to, as well." She then shook her head at Reuben's apology and smiled, returning her arms to their crossed position -- nowhere near foreboding, just casual. "It was... insightful. From the sounds of it, you had not been able to understand Ryder's ability, so I am glad to be able to explain it to you. He made me... see, at least, in my head. Normally there is nothing. His abilities will improve as he grows."
She didn't necessarily care to show off her silver manipulation again, but perhaps Ryder could show off his new trinket at a point later.
"It took Ethiriel and I a while to reach a point where we were friendly enough to touch..." Henry glanced to the Sigel to see if there was a look of disapproval, but there was none. Continuing, he said, "I unfortunately wasn't her first guardian. Some... stuff happened with him and he shifted guardianship with me."
Rather than letting Henry word this part, Ethiriel interjected. "I fell into a great depression and would not let Henry get close to me. It was... foolish... but I was hurt. Things have greatly improved since then, and I had even grown under Henry's care." The Sigel smiled softly in Reuben's general direction, softening her tone. "A bond will come in time. You need just be patient."
To that, Henry gave an animated nod and grin as he crossed his own arms before his chest.
She didn't necessarily care to show off her silver manipulation again, but perhaps Ryder could show off his new trinket at a point later.
"It took Ethiriel and I a while to reach a point where we were friendly enough to touch..." Henry glanced to the Sigel to see if there was a look of disapproval, but there was none. Continuing, he said, "I unfortunately wasn't her first guardian. Some... stuff happened with him and he shifted guardianship with me."
Rather than letting Henry word this part, Ethiriel interjected. "I fell into a great depression and would not let Henry get close to me. It was... foolish... but I was hurt. Things have greatly improved since then, and I had even grown under Henry's care." The Sigel smiled softly in Reuben's general direction, softening her tone. "A bond will come in time. You need just be patient."
To that, Henry gave an animated nod and grin as he crossed his own arms before his chest.
Reuben nodded and looked at his charge, who was still floating there silently reading a book. He certainly had hopes that Ryder would be able to channel his powers and gain control of them, otherwise he would definitely have a hard time finding friends outside of Alice.
"That's strange. His powers seem fairly potent and rather strong for such a youngster, right? Being able to make you see? I hope he'll get a grasp on his magic," Reuben stated with a sigh, glancing back at Ryder now and again throughout his words.
Moving onto the subject of touch, friendship, and all that, Reuben asked, "If you don't mind me asking, what finally allowed you to be able to open up to each other? Was there anything that helped you two bond?"
Reuben stepped a little closer to the two and whispered, "Ryder stays in his room all the time and just reads. It's rare to even see him. I've tried to go in there and make some conversation from time to time, but he doesn't really act like he wants anything to do with me. I'm definitely a patient man, but I just don't know what I can do to help that process along."
"That's strange. His powers seem fairly potent and rather strong for such a youngster, right? Being able to make you see? I hope he'll get a grasp on his magic," Reuben stated with a sigh, glancing back at Ryder now and again throughout his words.
Moving onto the subject of touch, friendship, and all that, Reuben asked, "If you don't mind me asking, what finally allowed you to be able to open up to each other? Was there anything that helped you two bond?"
Reuben stepped a little closer to the two and whispered, "Ryder stays in his room all the time and just reads. It's rare to even see him. I've tried to go in there and make some conversation from time to time, but he doesn't really act like he wants anything to do with me. I'm definitely a patient man, but I just don't know what I can do to help that process along."
Henry glanced to Ethiriel at the question -- it wasn't so much his decision in the end as it was hers. She seemed as calm as always despite the heavy topic at hand.
"He had proven his kindness and devotion. I was able to reach a point where I began to trust him... but I must add, each Raevan is different. Just because I came around to Henry does not mean that Ryder will be as easy -- Not to discourage you. He will come around when he is ready."
With a silent sigh, the nurse turned back to Reuben as he began speaking once more. He remembered when Ethiriel would do the same: remain in her room, hardly speaking with anyone at any given time. There seemed to be a lot of inner turmoil with Raevans, something humans possibly couldn't even understand, but he knew all it took was time and a little bit of effort on the guardian's part. "Just... let him go at his own pace. You know how if you don't want to be bothered, anyone messing with you only makes it worse? It's the same for Raevans. They're people too."
"He had proven his kindness and devotion. I was able to reach a point where I began to trust him... but I must add, each Raevan is different. Just because I came around to Henry does not mean that Ryder will be as easy -- Not to discourage you. He will come around when he is ready."
With a silent sigh, the nurse turned back to Reuben as he began speaking once more. He remembered when Ethiriel would do the same: remain in her room, hardly speaking with anyone at any given time. There seemed to be a lot of inner turmoil with Raevans, something humans possibly couldn't even understand, but he knew all it took was time and a little bit of effort on the guardian's part. "Just... let him go at his own pace. You know how if you don't want to be bothered, anyone messing with you only makes it worse? It's the same for Raevans. They're people too."
Reuben nodded. Every person was different. He just had to have hope and faith that, one day, Ryder would come around. "Thanks, Ethiriel. I appreciate your wisdom. And to you as well, Henry. You're right, if he doesn't want to be bothered, I should just leave him alone. After all, I remember what it was like living with overbearing parents," he said with a small chuckle. He knew leaving his frei alone would likely be the best decision in the end. After all, Ryder needed to be the one to branch out; Reuben just had to be there to accept it when it was offered.
It was at that time that Ryder had begun to float back. "I found a couple books, Reuben," the frei stated, holding them in his arms.
Reuben turned to his charge and smiled. "Great! We'll get them then."
Ryder just nodded and looked at Ethiriel and Henry, straight-faced. With a small half-smile to Ethiriel, he turned around and began to float away.
"Uhh, Ryder, aren't you at least going to say goodbye?"
Ryder turned around at the end of the isle and nodded. "Bye." Only to float off once the words left his lips.
Reuben rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the pair. "I'm so sorry. He's just not used to being around...people," he said, sighing towards the end and shaking his head. Reuben didn't really know what to say or do with his charge at some points. It was like he was Reuben's complete opposite. So quiet, reserved, and honestly somewhat socially awkward. Reuben hoped to break him of that one day, or at least ease it a little bit more.
"This kid...Ryder! Wait up! It was great meeting you guys. Hopefully we can meet up again someday," Reuben stated running after his charge.
It was at that time that Ryder had begun to float back. "I found a couple books, Reuben," the frei stated, holding them in his arms.
Reuben turned to his charge and smiled. "Great! We'll get them then."
Ryder just nodded and looked at Ethiriel and Henry, straight-faced. With a small half-smile to Ethiriel, he turned around and began to float away.
"Uhh, Ryder, aren't you at least going to say goodbye?"
Ryder turned around at the end of the isle and nodded. "Bye." Only to float off once the words left his lips.
Reuben rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the pair. "I'm so sorry. He's just not used to being around...people," he said, sighing towards the end and shaking his head. Reuben didn't really know what to say or do with his charge at some points. It was like he was Reuben's complete opposite. So quiet, reserved, and honestly somewhat socially awkward. Reuben hoped to break him of that one day, or at least ease it a little bit more.
"This kid...Ryder! Wait up! It was great meeting you guys. Hopefully we can meet up again someday," Reuben stated running after his charge.