To Slay A Giant... [Wycliff]

[TheHopeseeker]

@Wycliff

The Connloathian temperatures were still far too cold for Ignis' liking, even after his "adventure" with Kairius and Fade, he couldn't bring himself to become accustomed to this country. Old habits died hard, he supposed, and his body was simply trying to tell him what his mind had finally begun to accept; it was time to go home.

His bags were packed, minimal as they were, within the day, his farewells said and done the next morn before he set out, the road unravelling before him as he ventured into the great unknown once again. It was good to be moving again, the be free of the constraints of man and city. While the company of his companions had been a pleasant exception to his general view of humanity, he would not be swayed from his ways in a few simple weeks, and it was with a great sense of freedom that he left the city behind.

Dawn broke above him in brilliant shades of gold and yellow, streaking across the landscape like the first brush strokes on a blank canvas. These were the things he had missed while trapped within the city; the beauty of the dawn, the fresh, crisp air, and constant chatter of the wildlife around him.

It was good to be on the road once more.

[Wycliff]

Aven watched the youth as he walked, the dawn casting darkness over the land not so fortunate to be in the golden light's favor, shadows that enveloped the Mage as if he were kin. Youth, huh? How cynical he had grown. The boy couldn't be more than a few years younger than Aven himself.
Aven sighed. Nevertheless, he is a Mordecai, and I can't underestimate him. Hopefully, he won't be as hilt-happy as most.
"Quite a beautiful sunrise, isn't it?" Aven stepped out from behind the nearby foliage, seeming to part from the darkness as if he were part of it. "A shame that such a light only darkens that which it refuses to touch."


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[TheHopeseeker]

The sudden voice broke through his thoughts alike to a fist smashing through glass, unnaturally bright blue hues snapping down to focus on the source of the voice. He only realised after the fact that his hand had shot to the dagger sheathed on his thigh, fingers right around the warm steel. The man emerging from the foliage covering the terrain surrounding the path didn't exactly pose an intimidating figure at the present, but trust was not something Ignis would throw out willy nilly.

One foot sliding back into a defensive stance, he kept one hand loosely wrapped around the hilt of Harbinger whilst watching the man before him, eyes narrowed as he catalogued every little detail, "I am not in the mood for riddles, stranger. What is your business lurking here?"

[Wycliff]

Aven sighed once more. Just as hilt-happy. Perhaps this one was the wrong choice for such a delicate mission? The thought had to be considered; after all, one mistake would throw off his plans by miles. Aven inspected the boy's stance: defensive, weapon still sheathed. A tad jumpy maybe, but then again, Aven had snuck up on him for this exact purpose. He'd give it a passing score; on to the next.
Aven's eyebrows raise in mock surprise, and his arms and shoulders form a slight shrug, feigning innocence. "Lurking? I'm just passing through this area, nothing more." A number of black particles appear out of thin air and lazily float around him, barely noticeable in the light of the rising sun.


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis raised an eyebrow, exasperation painted across his face as he snorted. Did this man think he was an idiot? It was clear he had been waiting there, concealed within the foliage. His gaze traced the dark particles floating away from the strange man, before flicking back to his face. Head tilted ever so slightly to the side, he spoke, "I am neither blind nor stupid. Speak."

[Wycliff]

Aven watches Ignis's eyes trace the particles. Good, it seems his perception is up to snuff. The question is, exactly how good is he with that dagger of his...
A smile spreads across Aven's face. "Fine, then, Ignis. Truth be told, I'm here to hire you for a most peculiar job, one that pays far better than a pompous duke ever would." His black-speckled eyes glance toward Ignis' dagger. "At the moment, however, I find myself without the final bit of proof I need that you are right for said task. Would you be able to show me your skill with that blade?"


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis' eyebrows shot up in a clear sign of disbelief, his hand unconsciously tightening around the dagger. It was more than a little disconcerting to know this strange man knew his coming and goings, or about Kairius at least. Frowning, he weighed the options in his mind for a few moments, eyes never leaving the man before him.

"Just what is this "most peculiar job"? I won't be doing squat for you if you think you can pull the mystery card." He warned. He couldn't deny the strong calling to return home, but this man struck his curiosity, a most fearsome beast he had yet to tame.

[Wycliff]

Aven smirked, waggling a finger while tiny black specks played around it. Looks like I've piqued his interest. "It's a delicate plan, I can't afford to toss such info around casually," He snaps his fingers, an idea seemingly occurring to him, "I'll tell you what, Ignis; you succeed in cutting me with that blade of yours, and I'll tell you the details of the job, then you can decide whether or not you want in." Aven's shadow writhes unnaturally behind him, as if alive.


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis snorted at that, finally releasing his hold on the aforementioned dagger to fold his arms across his chest. His expression was a mix of disdain and amusement as he watched Aven, now, blue eyes impossible to read. "I hate to have to tell you this, but I don't work that way. If you want me, hire me, otherwise, get out of my way."

[Wycliff]

Aven breathes a sigh of relief, his shadow returning to normal. He wasn't a gambling man, but having rolled the dice for the second time that day, Aven was feeling extremely fortunate. If it weren't for his appearance, he'd consider going to town on a few card games with his current luck. "You pass once more. I apologize for the deception, but it was quite imperative that I ensure you have no outstanding bias toward mages. I'm glad to see my judge of character hasn't yet failed me." Aven performs a formal bow, sweeping his arm along his chest in the process. "You may call me Aven, I am a Shadow Mage, and the currently seeking skilled individuals to assist me in bringing an end to the Civil war in this country."


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis' eyes narrowed at that, slight curiosity managing to claw its way back into his gaze. This man was...different, that was for sure. Whether his motives were as he claimed, or something else entirely, only time would tell. It was certainly an interesting offer he extended, but Ignis didn't trust him, not so early in the peace with his 'tests'.

"Is that so?" He asked at length, shifting his weight from foot to foot, "Tell me this; how did you know where to find me, Aven?"

[Wycliff]

The Mage lets out a tenuous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don't give me that much credit. I was in the area investigating a village that was found decimated, when I happened across a large Mordecai field, which led me to you and that girl, escorting the newest member of Grand Duke Calent's puppet collection." He shifts his stance into a more relaxed position. "I've never seen your face in Reajh, the Mordecai headquarters, which indicated you were either a new recruit, or a mercenary, and I took a gamble that you were the latter." Aven makes direct eye contact with Ignis, the black particles roaming through his silver irises slowing their erratic behavior, giving off an aura of deadly seriousness. "Your eyes crave excitement, I can see it, Ignis. Your potential is far beyond a simple escort, don't you agree?"


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis snorted again at that, a more relaxed expression on his face now. "Stroking my ego wknt't get you anywhere, but I'll admit I'm interested. It's true I'd like to see that prick of a Grand Duke dethroned, but it's not my war to fight," here, he paused, giving Aven an unreadable look as he tapped his fingers on his arm, "For now."

[Wycliff]

Aven raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms in response. "I think you'd be surprised at how much 'ego' plays into these things. You're wondering how much I'm willing to pay, aren't you?"


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis couldn't help the chuckle that slipped from his lips, a deep sound, "Am I really that shallow?" He asked amusedly, "Generally, I'd say yes. But this time...Maybe I'll help simply because you," he pointed an index finger at the mage, "You intriuge me."

[Wycliff]

Aven can't help but grin at such a dubious statement. "Really? You would oppose an entire regime of Mage-hating psychopaths, on the platform of learning what makes me tick?" The young man's eyes narrow slightly. "I wish you luck on that errand: pardon if this comes off as cocky, but I am not such a simple soul to figure."


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis smirked, the expression purely vindictive. "Oh I'm counting on it." He murmured, blue eyes even brighter now, "And in regards to the Mage hating phychopaths...well, I don't suppose you've ever seen a Mordecai pitted against a Mordecai." He grinned, then, the expression feral, and full of teeth. Like a wolf, waiting to snap up its prey.

[Wycliff]

"Not yet, but I've seen the shock in their faces when their power fails them." Aven's eyes flashed, but a different emotion played across their silvery depths: something dangerous and volatile, and gazing into them, Ignis might have felt a sudden unease, as if his Mordecai field were struggling to contain a force beyond it's control.


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[TheHopeseeker]

Ignis could only nod to that, prickling his own power at his fingertips for but a moment before he banished it once more. The look in Aven's eyes was...different, to say the least, but it only served to make his intrigue all the stronger. Even if it meant delaying his original goal, he had a feeling that helping this man would lend him knowledge, not to mention throwing some water over the fire of his need for excitement. Offering a smirk, he thrust out his left hand, cocking an eyebrow at the silver haired man as he waited.

[Wycliff]

Aven accepts the gesture with a similar expression. "It's settled. Welcome to the team, Ignis."

[[OOC: I'm gonna be afk for like the next five hours, gotta work.]]


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