"My school was less specialized. I could not boast a lengthy history or powerful and prestigious alumni. But the educators we diligent, and dedicated, and very knowledgeable and clever. They instilled in the students under their tutelage that generating effects does not make one powerful, no more than swinging a sword does. Power comes from using the tools at your disposal, including effect generation, with wisdom and discretion. You will note that other than a small few, I focused my education on effects with broader utility, rather than those of a directly damaging nature. I supliment that with some small martial skill and a focus on stealth."

Seeing Wizzlewick admiring the grimoire, she continues, "Do you desire that book, Wizzlewick? Your council has provided our crew a personal purse for our needs as we travel, and I would gladly pool my funds with yours to help you get it."

The elf pulls out a bag you quickly recognize as a bag of holding, and opens it, digging her hand inside. You can't be sure without seeing it, but there is a not insignificant amount of coins within.

The mousekin smiled, placing a small paw on Kyna's wrist, stopping her rummaging in her bag of holding. "Master Galinus' work is quite famed among transmuters, and yes I would love to explore his insights at my leisure, but it is a luxury, not a necessity."

"The council provided me with a stipend as well, and while it is probably enough to afford the book, almost certainly when shared with yours, we need to be frugal with our money if we are to be adventurers. All the knowledge in the world will not keep us from a sharp blade or hooked claw."

He blinked, realizing where his hand was, and pulled it back almost guiltily. "I... I shouldn't have done that, Kyna; I apologize. In my distracted state, I forgot myself."

He shook his head, turning away from the book and toward his stunning companion. "I would much rather learn from you than from a book in any case." His smile was shy, but genuine. "If we spend all our coin on an effect book, it won't be spent on the Conduit Baton you seek. Why don't we get the necessities, explore your insights into what would be most useful to you, and if between us, after all is said and done, we have enough, we can consider the book." Wizzlewick nodded at the case with the wands and staves in it. "Do you have a particular effect in mind?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Wed 13 Dec 2023.

As you try to withdraw your paw, Kyna reaches out and holds it for a moment, looking into your eyes and smiling. "I don't shy away from physical contact, Wizzlewick."

She releases your paw and stands as she continues. "No particular effect, but I could use some more damaging effects for my repertoire. I feel we will have reason to need such before long."

Wizzlewick shook his head, staring at the slim fingers on his, before meeting Kyna's gaze with something a little like awe in his eyes. "No, but I didn't have your permission, and I should have." He looked down, then back up with a small smile, letting it linger for a moment longer then nodded. "Right, the Baton."

Shaking his head, the mousekin fell in beside Kyna, listening attentively. "Ahh yes, sadly I fear you are absolutely correct about the need for damaging effects in the days to come." He considered for a moment. "The typical debate on the matter, at least among those debates I have overheard in the Aethercroft, is typically one of precision versus area." He shrugged. "Most of us spend enough time studying that we are not masters of the blade, so for me, at least when I was making my selections, I chose effects that didn't rely on me reliably getting past a trained opponent's defenses."

"What we term Magic Missile is probably the most definitively on the precision side of the equation. Reliable, consistent, goes where you will it." He chuckled. "Not particularly destructive, however." He looked up at Kyna, examining her again. "Burning Hands is more destructive but messy." He grinned. "And forbidden in the libraries of the Aethercroft, for excellent reason!"

Wizzlewick began examining the display, deciphering the various wands encased within for their function. "What effect do you feel would best complement your proclivities Miss Irongrace? Perhaps something that draws upon your already extant preferences and incapacitates through charm and glamour instead of mere force?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Wed 03 Jan.

Kyna considers for a moment before answering. "I suppose I'm looking for something that is versatile, that I can cast ahead of combat, and is unassuming, so it is easier to catch someone off guard. Do you know of an effect like that?"

Stroking a whisker, Wizzlewick pondered the options. "Interesting, and not just a little devious. I approve." He smiled up at the graceful elf. "That precludes most of the Evocations. They are anything but subtle... Burning Sands presents an option, but it is unlikely to catch someone off guard. Web Shot is more flexible and surprising, but it can't be prepared beforehand." He shook his head. "I think Conjuration is off the table."

He pondered a little more as he looked through the case. "Oh, yes, that might do nicely." A small, shy grin. "Perhaps unsurprisingly I am going to recommend something from my own area of expertise. There is an effect that imbues coins with aetheric energies that align themselves with the metal in the coin, which can then be thrown at an opponent. The coins retain the imbuement until thrown, so it can be prepared ahead of time, and I believe it affects up to three coins at a time. Rather boorishly named Coin Shot, but it does describe the effect without too much excess."

"Hmmm, interesting. I think that might synergize with some of my existing capabilities." Kyna turns to find the shopkeep, and asks for the price.

"Coin Shot, miss? Well, one of our most powerful mages crafted that wand, so it would be 7500 gold."

Kyna leans down to Wizzlewick. "Is that a reasonable cost? I am worried about being taken for a fool."

Kyna may not have reacted to the cost, but Wizzlewick did, his whiskers rising in momentary shock. Not that wands couldn't be expensive, especially when crafted by exceptionally powerful casters, but he had never seen one created by such an individual. It made his earlier comment about being frugal about a book that might be a third as much seem so... Pedestrian.

The little mousekin tried though. "If the provenance is accurate, and I have no reason to doubt our host." He smiled at the shopkeeper nervously. "Then that would be a fair price for the work of a skilled user, especially with an effect like Coin Shot, where the creator's advancement affects the outcome so."

He paused, curiosity scratching at the back of his mind. Turning his attention to the shopkeeper he kept the smile in place and asked a question. "I am something of a Transmuter myself Miss, and I am curious as to the maker, if it happens to be someone I might have heard of?"

"Of course. This particular wand was crafted by Master Transmuter Gæfugandr."

[Private to Master Wizzlewick: You definitely recognize that name. Gæfugandr is world-renowned as a transmuter of great skill and subtlety. You know he has been adventuring lately, but you never expected to see one of his crafted items in this simple shop.]

"Gæfugandr? Here?" There was a reverent hush in the little mousekin's voice. He looked up at Kyna for a moment, with a very different sort of awe in his eyes. "I think you could do much worse than to acquire one of his works, Kyna. Master Gæfugandr is quite famed on the continent for his skill and subtlety in the arts of transmutation."

He looked back at the shopkeeper for a moment, newfound respect in his eyes before continuing. "I'd heard he had taken a sabbatical from his studies to take up adventuring again. I am slightly surprised that he would imbue the effort of crafting so fine a device into something so... Introductory." A pause then a flustered explanation followed. "Not that we wouldn't be delighted, or she would be delighted, or..." Wizzlewick trailed off, hanging his head. "I hate words some days..."

He lifted his nose from pointing at the floor. "If you are interested in the baton Kyna, I think you would be getting a very fair price for it." He looked back at the shopkeeper. "I don't suppose you know how to contact Master Gæfugandr? I would be interested in sending him a missive thanking him for sharing his genius with the world, even if Miss Irongrace decides not to acquire it."

"And regardless, I have some items I would be interested in seeing if you have them in stock. A ring and an amulet for deflecting blades." He looked around the shop. "A new cloak as well, but for the moment those are most pertinent."

"No, I unfortunately do not. He was in town not 2 days hence, but was only here for a single night, to rest, sell some products, and purchase some supplies. We don't know where is is going, but he comes back once or twice a month. But let me go and get you our selection of rings for protection."

Kyna begins counting our coins, and it quickly becomes apparent that the council wanted to ensure the Veridonians did not run out of money, as she clearly has a decent supply of coin after counting out the cost of the wand. When the shopkeep returns, she indicates her desire to purchase the wand, and the shopkeep opens the case and hands it to Kyna while you look over the rings.

The arcanist nodded, disappointed, but not entirely surprised. "Completely understandable, madam." He waited for the shopkeeper to return with the rings, whiskers twitching occasionally as he continued to look around the shop.

"It is curious how many notables have already turned up in just a few short days, Kyna. Almost as if destiny itself were interested in your arrival." He chuckled softly and shook his head. "Not that I ascribe destiny any consciousness or anything so mundane, just that it seems curious."

When the shopkeeper returned, he turned his attention to the case, a soft crackle of energy sparking like a Jacob's Ladder along his whiskers. Wizzlewick began examining the rings, not touching them, just looking with serious intensity, all out of sorts to his normal, slightly retiring nature.  "If it would not be too much trouble, I should like to leave a letter for him with you to deliver on his return. Gæfugandr's work in our shared field is groundbreaking enough that I would be foolish to miss the opportunity to open a correspondence with him." He kept looking at the rings as he spoke, his attention focused.

"Tell me about this one." He pointed to a relatively plain silver band, decorated with a shield bearing a starburst. "And that one if you would?" The second ring was more ornate: silver and gold interlaced in an intricate ivy pattern with small golden flowers decorating it. Neither appeared particularly powerful to his magically enhanced senses, but Wizzlewick was being frugal.

[Private to GM: Just casting Detect Magic, and since its the season of giving, maybe dropping the amulet for a ring for Kyna. That way we can exchange gifts. ;)]

"The first ring is a simple ring of protection, of the lowest level, and the second holds a subtle enchantment that helps enhance the wearer's diplomatic side. I could let them both go for... 1800 gold, if you like. And I would gladly hold a letter for you."

[Private to Master Wizzlewick: The rings are a +1 protection and +2 to bluff, diplomacy, and sense motive]

The mousekin nodded, satisfied. "I think those will do." Looking up, he smiled at the shopkeeper before turning his head to Kyna and pausing, lost for a moment in the subtle play of motion as the graceful elf familiarized herself with her new wand. A slight shake of the head and he spoke up. "Kyna, could I get your opinion on this?"

Once, and if the elf joined him, he pointed out the ivy-laced band. "I was curious what your opinion on that one in particular might be." His voice dropped a little, a touch unsure. "If you think it is becoming enough that you might wear it?"

He stumbled a little with words, but hurried on, not letting his nerves get the best of him. "S,Since you were so generous as to offer to help me acquire Galinus' work, I thought it only fair that I get something for you and, and I thought this was almost lovely enough to grace your finger, and I thought perhaps we could exchange gifts, and..." Wizzlewick finally trailed off, realizing how utterly silly he must sound. A sigh of defeat. "If you like it, I think it would suit you."

Kyna looks taken aback for just a second but smiles warmly. "I would be honored to wear such a beautiful gift. And since you mentioned it, I was going to wait until dinner to give it to you, but I talked to the shopkeeper while you were examining the rings..."

She opens her bag, and produces the spellbook you examined earlier, presenting it to you with a shy smile on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Wed 03 Jan.

Wizzlewick could not have been more careful taking the book from Kyna's hand than if he had just been handed his firstborn. His tiny paws cradled the tome with the utmost care, not doing anything else as he stared at it in shell-shocked awe. "You got me Galinus' Tome?" He looked up from the book, wide-eyed and helpless at the elf before his gaze fell back to the book.

A hundred thoughts went through the arcanist's mind: how it was too much, too generous, how paltry his little ring looked compared to the immensity of this gift, how this was all going to be yet another joke at his expense.

How he didn't deserve it.

"I am unmade. Such a boon..." He looked up again, catching Kyna's shy smile, and in that moment, sheltered little Wizzlewick understood. It was time to be bold, to be an Adventurer. He matched her smile, a paw coming up to trace over the delicate silver filigree on the cover. "This is a remarkable gift, Kyna. Almost as remarkable as the woman giving it. One I am sure we will be able to spend many, many hours together learning from."

Wizzlewick most carefully put the tome in his pack, then pulled out his purse, turning to the shopkeeper. "Both rings." He quickly paid the agreed price, picking out the delicate gold and silver ivy one and, taking Kyna's hand, slipped it carefully onto her slender finger. The mousekin didn't let go, holding onto her hand. "Is there anything else you would like to look at my lady?" His whiskers twitched as he smiled up at her, his voice whispering for her alone. [Private to Kyna Irongrace: "Something I can acquire to keep that smile on your face? The moon perhaps? A bottle filled with stars and seafoam to light your cabin at night? I would see you forever happy Kyna, whatever that takes."]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Tue 19 Dec 2023.

"For now, I think lunch and a conversation would suit me absolutely marvelously. What sorts of foods do you prefer?" Kyna answers with a sprightly tone in her voice. She keeps absentmindedly playing with the ring on her finger as the two of you converse.

The bookmouse was a little light-headed, giddy with what felt like a monumental triumph to him. Food was something of a love of his, not in the realm of books or reading, certainly not in the category of the feeling of making magic happen, but Wizzlewick loved exploring food. It was a magic all its own. "Hmm, an interesting question. Dining is its own kind of adventuring, one I am a bit more experienced in."

Opening the shop door for Kyna and falling into step with her with a spring in his step, Wizzlewick pondered the question. "There is a wondrous sort of alchemy in cooking, blending simple ingredients into complex sensations. I don't know that I have a preference, except that it is interesting, a symphony for the palate." He looked around a little as they wandered up out of the shops district, trying to get his bearings in the unfamiliar city. "I don't want to assume too much, but I suspect you've had your fill of fish and salted rations." He squeaked out a soft laugh. "I mean we're in a port city and all, but Selenius is close enough to the Jirasak Provinces that I suspect that we can find something with a little more inland flavor."

The mousekin paused long enough to ask directions from one of the liveried city guards, starting them towards the southern cliffs as they continued to walk. "Jirasaki food, in particular, calls to my heart. They do the most amazing things with spices, peanuts, and rice noodles. It really is a feast for the senses, an almost magical transmutation of the mundane into something magical."

He paused for a moment. "I should warn you though, the Jirasaki claim a great elemental in their heritage, a titan of fire and fury. It shows in everything, but especially in their cooking. Even mild Jirasaki curry can be a little warm on the tongue." He looked up at his tall companion, just admiring, the subtle interplay of muscle and sinew as she moved so gracefully. "What about you Kyna? What food brings a fond smile to your face, just for the memory of it?" He let his voice fall in a stage whisper. "And perhaps more importantly, is there anything you dislike?"

"Well, I am very fond of spice and heat in food. I remember my mother made a wonderful chicken dish that was blackened, not burned, and so heavily spiced it almost hurt. I miss that warmth sometimes. But I have never really enjoyed the red meat of bovines. Why don't we find a Jirasaki restaurant? It sounds delicious."

Wizzlewick was positively beaming with pleasure at the elven maiden's confession and decision on lunch. "Well, it will never be as good as your mother's, of that I have no doubt, but I think you are in for a treat, Kyna." He paused again as they entered a more upscale neighborhood, nose raised as he sniffed the air, searching for the pleasant sting of curry. "Ahh yes, that way." The little arcanist pointed with his free paw and turned them a little westward again, back towards the water and a red tile roof off in the distance.

The bookmouse took in the neighborhood as they walked, admiring the architecture and studying the lay of the land. To all appearances, they were in a more high-end section of the markets, but that troubled him not at all, for he was in the company of a princess, was he not? "So, you said your schooling was focused more on effective application, and the wisdom to know when to use effects than it was on a particular class of effects." He smiled. "A remarkably sage way to educate I must say. Thinking back to my own studies, there was a definite drive to master at least the most basic of effects. For me, and for most of the bookmice of the Aethercroft, that was Mage Hand... Doubtless, in Veridonia it is named something less whimsical, but remote handling is useful for all of us working in the college. Some of the texts there are quite ancient and fragile, and I sincerely doubt anyone would be allowed to handle them with their actual hands."

He shook his head. "It winnowed the wheat from the chaff admirably in that one narrow application, but I have to wonder how many Users never even got the chance to learn because they couldn't master Mage Hand?" A gentle sigh as they rounded another corner and the restaurant came into view. "I'd like to know more about your education, Kyna; maybe someday I will have enough influence to see it applied here."

The aroma was enticing even from here, a blend of spices and aromatics that hinted at the richness of the food within. The not-so-humbly-named Western Crown was almost certainly Jirisakian in ownership, from the firebrick red tiles on the steeply sloped roof, to the red and orange murals painted on its walls, none without at least a nod to fire. Hand in hand with the elven user, Wizzlewick approached and then opened the door for his companion, trailing her inside.

Being the more worldly in this rare instance, Wizzlewick took the lead as the owner approached. "The blessings of Juffil the Unquenched upon your house and heritage." He bowed to the elderly proprietor respectfully. "A seating for two please, private if it is available."

The proprietor, a stooped but still powerfully built genasi with flickering flame in an improbable combover on his head, greets you both warmly. "Yes, of course, right this way! I have just the table for you." He leads you both to a secluded booth in the rear of the restaurant, where the spicy aroma of the kitchens is strongest.

Taking a deep inhalation of the pleasant spells, Kyna exclaims, "Wizzlewick, this smells so much like home I might just cry. Thank you for bringing me here. What would you recommend we try?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Mon 01 Jan.

Clambering up into his place opposite Kyna, Wizzlewick couldn't help but smile at her expression of joy. He tilted his head, thinking for a moment, his nose twitching and whiskers trembling as he took in the spice and scent of the kitchens. "Well... Why don't we make a proper Jirisakian meal of this, introduce you to their culture properly?"

He smiled even wider and turned his attention to the proprietor. "As appetizers, why don't we start with some spiced chicken spring rolls, grilled corn fritters, peanut, and red sauce for dipping, and a bottle of ginger white wine. Very warm, not hot, If you please of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Mon 01 Jan.

"At once sir." The elderly genasi totters off, leaving you both to continue your discussion.

Kyna, sitting opposite to you, reaches out and takes your paw in her hand. "Wizzlewick, I have to thank you for accompanying me on this shopping trip. I must admit, I was unsure about all of this. New land, new people, everything is unknown for us. But you have helped me feel normal in a very not normal situation. I feel connected you you, like I have not experienced ever before." Suddenly seeming shy, she withdraws her hand and seems to compose herself a little bit.

"I remember you asking more about my education. It was quite the experience. My teachers believed in real world application and finding more uses for effect generation than just combat. They constantly provided the chance to research novel uses and applications. It was very hands on, focused on being of use to those around us. But what of your education? What was your schooling like?"

The little mousekin barely heard the proprietor leave to start their meal; his attention focused on the way his companion's lips moved as she spoke, the way her nose crinkled when she smiled, the incredible sensation of her warm hand enveloping his paw. His voice was soft, a touch awed, as the hand withdrew and his lovely companion composed herself. "I think it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. It has absolutely been my pleasure, Kyna. I can hardly imagine a more magical way to spend an afternoon than with someone so intriguing, intelligent, and lovely as you, and I wouldn't trade today for anything in the world." He paused, just lost in the wonder of being here, in this moment, in this place, with this woman. "I feel it too, a sense of belonging, of oneness with you... And I very much want it to continue." He smiled a little bashfully and let his head drop before turning his attention to the questions.

"I think..." He considered for a moment. "Your teachers may have been wiser than mine. We were schooled on practical, practical, practical." A soft chuckle. "The bookmice have that name for a reason; those of us that rise to sapience from our beginnings almost all work within the Aethercroft College. It is our home, and we are, to a mouse, rightly proud of it. Those few of us who rise even further to study the mystic arts almost all focus on how we can benefit the college. My people are proud to be the custodians in the walls, the curators in the stacks, the librarians of the lore."

"That means for most of us who are Users, we mastered how a spell was supposed to work and how best to apply it in a regimented, organized environment. I am... Something of an aberration among the Users among the bookmice. I delved into the source of the magic instead of just focusing on its application and wanted to understand the underlying principles. Magic is..." He shook his head as words escaped him. "Magic. It is like water I suppose. Water can take any form presented to it, why should the raw energy of the universe be any different? Why shouldn't a conjurer be able to call up an arrow of ice instead of fire? What is the limiter, and why can some Users bypass it while others simply cannot? There's an underlying principle that needs discovering yet that will change our entire understanding of our art..."

Wizzlewick continued to converse with Kyna as they waited for the food, asking questions as much as he answered them, as hungry to learn about her as he was for the mouth-watering aromas slipping from the kitchens.

In the flickering glow of the candlelit tavern, Kyna found herself captivated by the animated discourse of Wizzlewick. Unveiling a tapestry of arcane wisdom, the mousefolk mage held court with an air of effortless mastery, his words weaving a spell of undisguised admiration around the attentive listener.

As the tantalizing aroma of a sumptuous repast enveloped the air, Kyna embarked on a gastronomic journey, savoring each bite with a profound sense of joy. The culinary symphony before her was a harmonious blend of familiarity and exotic allure, a culinary dance that mirrored the intricate conversation unfolding with her diminutive companion.

With a thoughtful pause, Kyna delved into the depths of her own educational tapestry, a mosaic woven with threads of diverse experiences. "My schooling," she mused, "was indeed a divergent path. Your methods intrigue me; I find myself standing at the crossroads of a breadth of knowledge, yet yearning for the profound depth your discipline imparts. I often ponder the heights I could scale with a more specialized focus."

As the hands of time continued their silent march, the meal evolved into a timeless communion, the intensity of flavors mirroring the depth of their newfound connection. Hours slipped away in the shared enjoyment of the feast, a culinary testament to the blossoming camaraderie.

With the sun now relinquishing its hold on the day, the duo made their way to the inn-laden enclave. Amidst the labyrinth of establishments, Kyna's sharp senses discerned The Ruby Hearth, guided not only by sight but by the melodic strains of Polly's enchanting voice. Wizzlewick, ever the gallant companion, swung open the door, inviting Kyna into the warmth within. The atmosphere hummed with conviviality, and the inn's name, The Ruby Hearth, seemed aptly chosen, reflecting the warmth and vibrancy within its walls.

The two adventurers stepped into the heart of the jovial establishment, greeted by the mirthful ambiance of their crew. Wizzlewick, embodying chivalry, ushered Kyna forward, and with each step, they delved deeper into the camaraderie awaiting them. Eager to reunite with their comrades, they sought not only refuge for the night but the promise of shared stories, laughter, and the prospect of unveiling the mysteries that lay ahead.