The man smiled and resumed painting, bringing to life a small field of grain and corn to the right of what looked to be the remains of a city along with small buildings probably used to store the crops harvested. "Well it's not a cry you can hear. Not unless you have attuned your mind to the greater part of existence. The Heart of this old world is dying, and that death may come soon. It cries out for help, for life, and brings others from beyond into its thrall, to give It new life once more." He began adding soft clouds and a silver-grey sun to the skies of his piece, smiling softly in self satisfaction at Carabia's compliment.
"Thank you young lady. One day I hope to complete this mural and add it to the others." He then looked over to Alexander, smiling as he looked over the young man's attire. "You're an artisan yourself. Maybe not one of the fine arts such as myself, but you have the skills of an artisan nonetheless. This little wooden cottage is my home, I keep things simple and only have rooms that I need. An entrance and the place where I create my artworks. Although I'm sure you're more curious about where you are broadly. This is a world that I have lived in for many many years. A place that was lost and forgotten. I have ironically forgotten the name of this place despite being borne of It." He chuckled softly, it was true that he had forgotten the name of the world. It was an interesting thought that being created by what keeps this world alive and yet he knows not the name of this place.
"Thank you young lady. One day I hope to complete this mural and add it to the others." He then looked over to Alexander, smiling as he looked over the young man's attire. "You're an artisan yourself. Maybe not one of the fine arts such as myself, but you have the skills of an artisan nonetheless. This little wooden cottage is my home, I keep things simple and only have rooms that I need. An entrance and the place where I create my artworks. Although I'm sure you're more curious about where you are broadly. This is a world that I have lived in for many many years. A place that was lost and forgotten. I have ironically forgotten the name of this place despite being borne of It." He chuckled softly, it was true that he had forgotten the name of the world. It was an interesting thought that being created by what keeps this world alive and yet he knows not the name of this place.
Alexander listened to the elders' words as he searched outside the window for familiar landmarks. When he could not find any, it finally began to set in that he was not home. Most people would probably be terrified by this revelation; however, for alexander, this was exactly what he was looking for... well, maybe not exactly, but still, a new land full of things to discover and put into his journal always filled his soul with excitement. Alexander then reached for the book strapped to his back and gave a small sigh of relief when he felt its familiar leather bindings and magically bound locks.
Alexander then took his eyes away from the window and looked back at the elderly man with a smile on his face and a spark in his eye. "You are correct. I am an artisan of sorts. Although I cannot claim to create beautiful works like yourself. What I create are items with strange and wondrous abilities. if I can help breathe life back into this world I will certainly do my absolute best." Alexander then looked towards Carabia. "I believe you said your name was Carabia. It is a pleasure to be acquainted with you. My name is Alexander the Arcane Alchemist, but your more than welcome to call me Alex for short since I know how much of a mouthful that can be."
Alexander then looked at the painting again as the Elder added new details to the piece. "may I ask what inspired you to create this piece? Sadly I've never had an eye for art, so if there is a deeper meaning to it, I won't understand it. but I do find it a lovely piece."
Alexander then took his eyes away from the window and looked back at the elderly man with a smile on his face and a spark in his eye. "You are correct. I am an artisan of sorts. Although I cannot claim to create beautiful works like yourself. What I create are items with strange and wondrous abilities. if I can help breathe life back into this world I will certainly do my absolute best." Alexander then looked towards Carabia. "I believe you said your name was Carabia. It is a pleasure to be acquainted with you. My name is Alexander the Arcane Alchemist, but your more than welcome to call me Alex for short since I know how much of a mouthful that can be."
Alexander then looked at the painting again as the Elder added new details to the piece. "may I ask what inspired you to create this piece? Sadly I've never had an eye for art, so if there is a deeper meaning to it, I won't understand it. but I do find it a lovely piece."
She soon finds herself nodding gently, even as she watches the harvest come to life beneath the gifted touch of his brush. "Hmm..So an accidental summoning of us, if you will? Such as an injured party extending a hand to anyone they might reach in a desperate time?" Carabia reasons, her tone somewhat rhetorical though she would not reject an answer all the same. Like others, she is surely trying to comprehend this bizarre Happening. "Ah, an ancient world, no doubt.." She chimes in upon a quieter thoughtful exhale. "Is there any more you can tell us of this Heart? Is it...Sentient? Or perhaps a different sort of Being entirely? How might people like ourselves help It?" At long last, her gaze which was once lost in unspoken thought snaps toward the almighty Alchemist, all but oblivious to his endearing first impression of the young Lady. "My apologies!" Carabia begins before she turns to face him, one ankle crossing the other so that she might pinch layered skirts and drift within a low, fluid curtsy for just a moment. "Yes, that is me. Princess Carabia Devereux, but similar to your own title, you are welcome to something a touch easier." Rosy lips cast him a warm smile in spite of these worrisome times. "Please, feel free to call me by Carabia. It is lovely to be met with a friendly face, Alexander." With his specialty something of personal interest, she is sure to have many questions for the gentleman in the journeys ahead.
"The Heart isn't necessarily sentient in a traditional sense. It has motivations and intentions, but I do not believe that it is capable of higher thought. Though I cannot say for certain how true that is, despite being a Vestige of the Heart itself." He smiled at Alexander's compliments. "This work is representative of the world as it is now. The fourth in a series of murals I have made at various points in time within the life of this strange place." In an area near the bottom of the painting, he added a piece of tattered cloth laying on a pile of ashes. It had an insignia of an hourglass with black sands drained to the bottom with a clock behind it, the hands white and gold with the hour hand at position 5 and the minute hand at position 7.
The man then gestured to the window to his right which was covered in a very thick layer of dust. The dust seemingly blew away from the window, revealing a landscape very similar to the one he was painting, although not quite the same one. "That out there is the world that needs help. Now whether or not you choose to help is entirely up to you. If you wish to return home, then you will need to find the heart. Passage back to your worlds from there is quite simple indeed." The dust then returns to the window as if nothing had happened, each spec of dust perfectly back in place. "I cannot say as to how you might help the Heart recover, if I knew that then you wouldn't be here. But I do know of some who have attempted to restore the Heart in the past. They had failed but they remain alive. One such individual lives alone in the remains of an old temple. I can let you off near the temple but there will still be some time to travel." He continued to add detail to the cloth in his painting before moving on to other areas.
The man then gestured to the window to his right which was covered in a very thick layer of dust. The dust seemingly blew away from the window, revealing a landscape very similar to the one he was painting, although not quite the same one. "That out there is the world that needs help. Now whether or not you choose to help is entirely up to you. If you wish to return home, then you will need to find the heart. Passage back to your worlds from there is quite simple indeed." The dust then returns to the window as if nothing had happened, each spec of dust perfectly back in place. "I cannot say as to how you might help the Heart recover, if I knew that then you wouldn't be here. But I do know of some who have attempted to restore the Heart in the past. They had failed but they remain alive. One such individual lives alone in the remains of an old temple. I can let you off near the temple but there will still be some time to travel." He continued to add detail to the cloth in his painting before moving on to other areas.
Alexander smiles when he sees Carabia curtsy and, as a sign of respect for her status, also engages in a much less refined but still trying his best bow. "I'm always happy to meet new people Princess Carabia." Alexander glanced in the direction of the Elder as he listens to what he has to say. "how long will it take for you to create the portal for our departure." Alexander was also curious about what the elder said concerning being a vestige of the heart. "I hope I am not overstepping my boundaries as your guest, but when you say vestige are you insinuating that you are all that remains of the heart's power, and if so, could you not take us to the heart itself since you are a part of it? or is there something hindering your ability to do so?"
Alexander thinks back to the first few words the elder spoke when he had arrived. "you also said we were "another pair" did you mean to imply that we are not the first travelers to greet this home of yours. If so Do you, know how many people have been brought here? and if possible, tell us what they look like in case we come across them."
Alexander then pulled a beautifully designed inkwell pen engraved with runes across its surface from one of the many pockets on his coat. from his satchel, pulled out a roll of parchment to properly write down the descriptions if any were able to be given. "also, if you could give us a description of the individual that you speak of so we can better pinpoint his whereabouts." Alexander always had his inkwell pen and journal on his person mainly because he never wanted to be unprepared to document something and because they were his only two prized possessions. Both enchanted to perfectly complement his lifestyle.
Alexander thinks back to the first few words the elder spoke when he had arrived. "you also said we were "another pair" did you mean to imply that we are not the first travelers to greet this home of yours. If so Do you, know how many people have been brought here? and if possible, tell us what they look like in case we come across them."
Alexander then pulled a beautifully designed inkwell pen engraved with runes across its surface from one of the many pockets on his coat. from his satchel, pulled out a roll of parchment to properly write down the descriptions if any were able to be given. "also, if you could give us a description of the individual that you speak of so we can better pinpoint his whereabouts." Alexander always had his inkwell pen and journal on his person mainly because he never wanted to be unprepared to document something and because they were his only two prized possessions. Both enchanted to perfectly complement his lifestyle.
While gloved hands are drawn together to lace as before, a rhythmic strum of a thoughtful thumb silently taps against the back of its' neighbor. "I see...Thank you for making mention of home. In truth, I feel far more comfortable and reassured knowing that we are not quite trapped here. Similarly, now that my focus is not split between escape, I too wish to make the most of my being here. The Heart does not sound prepared for death to greet It. I would like to do what I can to learn more and perhaps find a means of assistance." She finds Alexander's smile to be a contagious sort, sure to return the gesture with a smile of her own in kind. "An excellent catch." She compliments the recent acquaintance by her side. Of all the things on her person, the ability to take notes of importance is not among them. Were they anywhere else, it would not lie beyond her to facepalm. "Travel is welcome for an important cause, Sir." Carabia reassures the mysterious painter sincerely. "So it seems that our first step is journeying to the temple remains where we might find more insight into the Heart. Can you tell us anything else about this world we ought to know, Sir? Any known dangers, perhaps?" While no stranger to conflict, it never hurts to learn more where possible! Rosy lips drift apart, impressed and amazing at the manipulation of something as fine as dust. Such a simple, yet no less precise stroke of magic. Damn artists and their over-achieving nature. She almost smirks at the thought when attention returns to the topic at hand.
The Artisan remained silent for half a minute, focusing on his artwork intently before looking back to the pair. "So many questions, so many. Your return to your own home will necessitate visiting the Heart, for only it can ensure safe passage. The numerous dangers of the world have died off, leaving behind only a lack of food and water being the greatest threats to your safety. The man you seek is the only one who lives within the remains of the temple, so I hope you can figure that one out yourselves." He spoke somewhat quicker than before, setting down his brush and retrieving a small satchel from behind the painting. He set it down in front of Carabia. "A doorway or a window can be quite useful." The front door opened up, revealing the world beyond, a field of grey dotted with small patches of green and yellow here and there and a sun slowly creeping towards the horizon. "Travelling straight ahead from this place will lead you to the temple you seek." Some dust blew in from the door but it never went beyond the foyer, a small pile forming at the doorway between the foyer and the room where the Artisan sat. "Also, I've found that the dust out there makes for a great pigment for paints." He then returned to his painting, drawing a pair of figures in the distance who were simple in design but shared the same colors as Alexander and Carabia.
Alexander accepted the response the elder gave and did not press further. Alexander was aware that he could drive one mad with all his questioning and decided it was best to be thankful for what he got. Alexander then quickly wrote down a detailed description of the Elderly man to later depict him. Alexander would have to decide on a title for the elder once this adventure was over.
Alexander then put the parchment and pen away and made sure his journal was secure. after making sure everything was ready. He looked towards the elderly man. "thank you for doing this much for us. I will do my absolute best to bring this world back from the brink of death. And if possible, when I do, I'd like to study this heart for a bit before I return to my own home." with a park in his eye and a smile on his face he looked towards Carabia. "would you be willing to join me on this endeavor Princess? and if possible be willing to watch my back in case of any dangers i promise to do the same for you." with alexander walked towards the edge of the door and waited for Carabia to respond.
Alexander then put the parchment and pen away and made sure his journal was secure. after making sure everything was ready. He looked towards the elderly man. "thank you for doing this much for us. I will do my absolute best to bring this world back from the brink of death. And if possible, when I do, I'd like to study this heart for a bit before I return to my own home." with a park in his eye and a smile on his face he looked towards Carabia. "would you be willing to join me on this endeavor Princess? and if possible be willing to watch my back in case of any dangers i promise to do the same for you." with alexander walked towards the edge of the door and waited for Carabia to respond.
In quite literally any other circumstance, she would be far more tactful and polite in her engagements with another. But here? No regret is had in her questions for the painting Greeter. These happenings are simply far too pressing to worry about niceties, after all. "Safe travels, Sir. Thank you for your time." The practiced parting words regarding travel seem to be a cultural sort, offering him a deep bow of her head and heading to the open door, following his direction when he gestures to their departure with such haste. A gloved hand will hope to find landing upon Alexandar's shoulder, if allowed. A smile warms beneath his gaze as she passes the threshold and into a journey unknown. "It would be an honor, Alexandar. Let us make the best of it." The young Ruler vows to look out for this one.
Once Carabia and Alexander passed beyond the wooden door, it and the entire home of the Artisan vanished and left the two alone in the field. What little shreds of life that existed were simply small patches of grass that managed to grow past the layer of dust on the ground. Off in the distance there was the outline of what seemed to be a hill with the remnants of a large structure jutting out of it, most likely the temple the Artisan spoke of. In spite of the time worn state of things, the structure still stood tall with two towers having avoided the brunt of the wear along with a few smaller structures nearby. In the far distance left of path to the temple was a series of rolling hills not too dissimilar from the ones the Artisan had painted already. There even were a few small structures that peaked out past the hills but they were scarce, barely visible in most cases.
As they left the structure, Alexander was fascinated by the ability to make an entire house disappear. "amazing. truly, I've never seen such feats of magic in my life. Although I guess that would make sense given where I grew up." alexander chuckled at that thought and started walking at a leisurely pace. Alexander understood that there was indeed high stakes in this adventure, but that wouldn't stop him from smelling the roses. Or, in his case, taking small samples of the roses to study very shortly.
Alexander wasn't a stranger to long journeys. In fact, he greatly enjoyed them. Even as a child, he remembered getting lost in the forests around his home only to come back hours and sometimes days later with pockets brimming with his own little discoveries. It seems that habit never went away. While he walked, He had his book out and grabbed samples of anything and everything he could find. Be it dusts with slightly different colorations bits, of new stones, and especially any greenery that he found, he made sure to take a small sample and catalog it into his journal. after several minutes, he remembered that he had an entirely new individual walking beside him. "Princess i hope I'm not being to intrusive but if you would be willing I would greatly enjoy hearing about the lands you come from and, if possible anything involving your magics and alchemy." alexander listened excitedly as he walked beside Carabia.
Alexander wasn't a stranger to long journeys. In fact, he greatly enjoyed them. Even as a child, he remembered getting lost in the forests around his home only to come back hours and sometimes days later with pockets brimming with his own little discoveries. It seems that habit never went away. While he walked, He had his book out and grabbed samples of anything and everything he could find. Be it dusts with slightly different colorations bits, of new stones, and especially any greenery that he found, he made sure to take a small sample and catalog it into his journal. after several minutes, he remembered that he had an entirely new individual walking beside him. "Princess i hope I'm not being to intrusive but if you would be willing I would greatly enjoy hearing about the lands you come from and, if possible anything involving your magics and alchemy." alexander listened excitedly as he walked beside Carabia.
Even though she hadn't had the honor of seeing the magic in action, it was no less of an amazing feat. She steals a glance to the land the house once sat with a peek over the curve of her right shoulder, pouring ivory ringlets backward in doing so. The curious layer of dust lining this seemingly empty world is sure to spiral subtly as she drifts forward, both the floor-length gown and tips of feathery wings interrupting this otherwise untouched ground below them. "Curious.." Carabia hums. "You don't suppose this space draws similarity to the first painting we saw? I recall him painting us next, if memory serves. I may be mistaken as it is a heavy bout of information to learn so quickly. But if I am correct, this leaves me wondering if we are not too far behind the other pair journeying to the heart." Truly she is in no immediate rush to catch up to strangers specifically, instead focused on the task of the distant temple instead. Though it would make for poor companionship if she hadn't voiced an observation in spite of its' unknown accuracy.
Like the eager and endearing Alexander, she too seems entirely content at the notion of travelling on foot. Crimson curious hues peek toward his workbook idly, already wondering what specific notes he might be jotting down. Yet his question is first met with a warm smile and a bright enthused gaze. "I do not find it to be intrusive at all. If anything, I find it quite touching that you are curious! I would love to share, and in the spirit of fair trade I would adore the opportunity of hearing about your homeland, too!" A smaller, seemingly affectionate smile decorates rosy lips, the spark of nostalgia evident across her features while speaking of home. "I come from Tanbarune. A vast land of a bright and sunny climate made up of several intricate islands. The natural layout of the land allows many merchants and various trades to flow through the country. Predictably perhaps; I live in the Capital, Eldrenae." She halts here for only the time being, for the sheer amount of information on her treasured homeland hosts enough to talk the poor gentleman's ear off! "Regarding Alchemy, it is a personal source of fascination though I do not practice it myself yet, regrettably. Instead, my specialty lies with Demonology, classic Herbology and hopefully potions in the near future. I attend a magical Academy in the Capital and the potions' class is very dear to me. I consider my knowledge in the topic...Intermediate, shall we say! It would be wonderful to advance in the study." The young Lady offers polite pause before aiming to nudge his shoulder with her own, the gesture a gentle and friendly sort, if allowed. "Your turn."
Like the eager and endearing Alexander, she too seems entirely content at the notion of travelling on foot. Crimson curious hues peek toward his workbook idly, already wondering what specific notes he might be jotting down. Yet his question is first met with a warm smile and a bright enthused gaze. "I do not find it to be intrusive at all. If anything, I find it quite touching that you are curious! I would love to share, and in the spirit of fair trade I would adore the opportunity of hearing about your homeland, too!" A smaller, seemingly affectionate smile decorates rosy lips, the spark of nostalgia evident across her features while speaking of home. "I come from Tanbarune. A vast land of a bright and sunny climate made up of several intricate islands. The natural layout of the land allows many merchants and various trades to flow through the country. Predictably perhaps; I live in the Capital, Eldrenae." She halts here for only the time being, for the sheer amount of information on her treasured homeland hosts enough to talk the poor gentleman's ear off! "Regarding Alchemy, it is a personal source of fascination though I do not practice it myself yet, regrettably. Instead, my specialty lies with Demonology, classic Herbology and hopefully potions in the near future. I attend a magical Academy in the Capital and the potions' class is very dear to me. I consider my knowledge in the topic...Intermediate, shall we say! It would be wonderful to advance in the study." The young Lady offers polite pause before aiming to nudge his shoulder with her own, the gesture a gentle and friendly sort, if allowed. "Your turn."
Alexander listens with unhidden enthusiasm as the young princess talks about her world and jots down small notes about the details she brings up. "fascinating. This all but proves that we are from entirely different worlds." alexander thinks to himself for a long time, lost in his own thoughts, until a gentle nudge knocks him out of his thoughts. Then, realizing that he was a poor host, he stands up a little straighter as he takes a deep breath in preparation for his explanation.
"I come from a land know as Ester. I live on one of its main continents. I lived in a small human settlement that could be easily assumed as a village, but we were happy. Every once in a while, adventurers of several sorts would wander into our lands and share with us their adventures. You could say this is what sparked my interest in traveling. My father was a local alchemist, and he taught me his trade and all that he knew. My mother was a seamstress, and she actually made all the clothes for the children in our village. She was a wonderful woman." alexander remembers good times as he speaks, including the day he set off on an adventure. His father had gifted him the journal he uses to this day. "granted, it was only a basic journal when it was given to me, but after several adventures and lucrative discoveries, I was able to afford to get it enchanted. That's also where I got my pen. Two of my most prized possessions." alexander continued talking about his adventures. "and then there was the time I met my first Belfost. They are an interesting race of people—tall people at that. The best way to describe their features would be to say that they look like a slime that tries to look like a bipedal person but doesn't understand what a face is. They live far north, where most would freeze to death. However, they seem to enjoy the cold. They also happen to be some of the best smiths in my world. they also love making war machines." after a while, alexander realized he had started down a rabbit hole. "I do apologize. There is just a large amount for me to talk about. Perhaps we can talk in more detail later about our two worlds."
Alexander continued to walk until a thought came to mind. "do your feathers molt?" upon realizing he spoke without thinking, he quickly attempted to alter his words. "I mean in my land, we have a race of people know as the Corvanians, and they also have feathers, and they molt, so it came to mind that you have feathery wings, so I was wondering if you also molted." believing he had fixed the situation with his reasoning for the question he felt better.
"I come from a land know as Ester. I live on one of its main continents. I lived in a small human settlement that could be easily assumed as a village, but we were happy. Every once in a while, adventurers of several sorts would wander into our lands and share with us their adventures. You could say this is what sparked my interest in traveling. My father was a local alchemist, and he taught me his trade and all that he knew. My mother was a seamstress, and she actually made all the clothes for the children in our village. She was a wonderful woman." alexander remembers good times as he speaks, including the day he set off on an adventure. His father had gifted him the journal he uses to this day. "granted, it was only a basic journal when it was given to me, but after several adventures and lucrative discoveries, I was able to afford to get it enchanted. That's also where I got my pen. Two of my most prized possessions." alexander continued talking about his adventures. "and then there was the time I met my first Belfost. They are an interesting race of people—tall people at that. The best way to describe their features would be to say that they look like a slime that tries to look like a bipedal person but doesn't understand what a face is. They live far north, where most would freeze to death. However, they seem to enjoy the cold. They also happen to be some of the best smiths in my world. they also love making war machines." after a while, alexander realized he had started down a rabbit hole. "I do apologize. There is just a large amount for me to talk about. Perhaps we can talk in more detail later about our two worlds."
Alexander continued to walk until a thought came to mind. "do your feathers molt?" upon realizing he spoke without thinking, he quickly attempted to alter his words. "I mean in my land, we have a race of people know as the Corvanians, and they also have feathers, and they molt, so it came to mind that you have feathery wings, so I was wondering if you also molted." believing he had fixed the situation with his reasoning for the question he felt better.
As the sun began to slowly dip past the horizon, streaks of light emerged from the ground, slowly rising and then moving north, occasionally shifting and moving in different patterns and shapes while doing so. As the lights traveled, Carabia would be aware of the slightest sensation of magic passing through the air, with the sensation especially notable when the darker red and violet colored lights passed by her. Alexander would be more aware of that sensation of magic from the softer green and yellow light streaks. Any attempts to interact with the streaks of light would result in them dispersing for a moment before reforming and continuing their path north towards the rolling hills. Additionally, the structure ahead of them had numerous orange streaks of light leaving from the openings in the windows and doors, spreading out as they traveled north.
A dark wooden home was all that one would see in this one instant. The place was small, only having a foyer and a living room. An elderly man hunched before a vast painting, using a knife to scrape away at some paint while grumbling to himself in irritation. He seemed, dissatisfied with the outcome of one part and worked to remove it. "And yet another arrives it seems. Existence has no shortage of those who the Heart deems worthy I suppose." The man seemed quite bored and disinterested in the new Arrival standing in the foyer.
Moderators: SolarLoki