Clara
_**The Capital of Khisfire, Sol's Landing.**_

**Between busy markets and buildings of numerous services, lay the common streets of Khisfire's Capital! Wanderers rich and poor, and those with their fates ultimately challenged by the numerous Thieves. A City with a clear reputation, but not one lost of its innocence and youth.** 

**A common corner place just a few buildings off of the center plaza would host a local gathering place of the Khisfiran youth. Where games were played, chatter exchanged and the future of Khisfire peacefully going day by day under Solaris' bright gaze. Yet, that attention would be caught by another. One, native to the sands, yet ever distant from her home far closer to the border territories.**

**A Tiefling Woman. Young in her adulthood, but carrying far more experience than the audience she had considered today. A fang-filled smile highlighted with a gaze of gold, flutters of golden glitter further highlighting at her eyes and the Raven black locks draped long and often over one eye or along her shoulder. Her attire distinctly Khisfiran, perfectly suited for the heat and draped shamelessly so. - Albeit primed more for an Adventuring lifestyle.** 

**Her presence would catch clear attention, and soon her purpose clear. Setting herself up infront of the crowd of Khisfiran youth and adults all the same, an arm raised up in a relaxing slither. Fingers soon fluttering out as she dared with a smirk then the aura of a purplish hue dancing along her fingers. Her spare hand formerly clinging to a dash of silk at her hip, soon raising up to follow as in her mind began conjuring up the gentle waves of sand in illusory form. A crowd clearly caught, as a street performance began under the careful casting of Illusions by Vayra Vakara, the Trickster Adventurer!**
Candace
**Sol's Landing,**

**It's been a time since the Yellow Mage traveled to the scorched land of Khisfire, but, this sandy kingdom, beneath its dunes, had troves of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. She remembered in her early years having excavated in the dunes, and having found an old Leteron castle— a place which held the dark and macabre, where tragedy befell her and her friends. After those events, she continued to return to Khisfire after that tragedy all those years ago, but, she wouldn't discover something to _that_ caliber in the centuries she has walked the world. Perhaps, deep down, she hoped there was nothing else to discover. That maybe ignorance is bliss. However she knew that there was more to be uncovered about ancient human civilization— so many arcane works and theories lost to the harsh sands of Khisfire simply awaiting to be found and shared with the world once again.**

**The Yellow Mage kept her apparel less thick in this region, as she hadn't wanted to suffer heat stroke. She wore her usual leather boots, with white baggy pants held by a yellow sash. Her top would be form fitting, a simple black top with sleeves which cut off at her biceps. Finally, of course, she wore her black robe, inlaid with chainmail links, with yellow threads which lined the seams. What was also notable was her gloves with gold studs which lined her knuckles— a more modern take on a magic foci, gold had been the element of purity, and acted as a conduit for magic. With these gloves she's be able to make hand signs far more effectively.**

**She would walk the streets, the silvery haired mage having kept her hood up as she scanned the area as she moved. Her one exposed eye, the other covered by an eyepatch, would catch wind of playful cheer and laughter.**

**She approached, then observed from outside the crowd which had been formed. A Tiefling dancer. She had been a gorgeous woman, the She-Elf watched the way her hips swayed, how she twirled and moved o' so freely. Her fingers fluttered as she produced an aura, creating illusory shapes and colours. How amazing!**

**The Yellow Mage would simply smile and watch closely. It was impressive— the dancer might have not realized it herself, but subtle casting wasn't common. No, most mages needed to at least whisper the verbal components of their spells, but this Illusionist hadn't been speaking. A rare talent, this dancer was.**

**She knew this to be true too, as a Master Diviner, she had the ability of True Sight. She would be able to pick apart and unveil the illusion which surrounded Vayra. She would observe no lip movement, and that alone spoke volumes to the dancer's talent. Soleil had an eye for observing diamonds in the rough, and so she simply waited until she had the opportunity to speak to the Tiefling woman.**

"...Purple Hue, Sharp Pitch, Loose Weave..." **Soleil had simply muttered to herself— her words not meaning anything in particular to anymore, except to herself.**

**She couldn't help but feel eager to talk to Vayra now.**
Clara
**All manner of observer watched and awaited the Tiefling in her environment. She was not taken by the crowd, but instead nestled within a world of her own. Every movement and step brought to life under the Grey-skinned woman's imagination. And thus, a show for others to witness. - Even a former Archmage.**

**The golden flicker of her eyes tracked at the crowd mid twirl, a fang-filled smile apparent as her right arm extended loosely and made a sprinkle-like motion, earning a fun little snicker from the Tiefling as she did. Droplets of the familiar purple magic would rain over the dancer, acting in sparkly fashion as her heel eased to a halt now facing the crowd. Droplets formerly raining down, forced to a halt as she quietly huffed behind the concentration of her spells. Still, dotted around the woman as the preparation for her next cast began.**

**No casting with her voice, instead the brief shut of her eyes and a raise of her right heel. Knee extended forward slightly, as her hands twirled in dance-like motion, soon extending forward. And there, she felt it! Her gaze returning to the crowd, a look of expectation clear as the dots of floating purple soon moved forward above the crowd. Slowing upon the motion of her hands disguised seamlessly with her dance, soon raising above her form with a jig of her silk-clad hip. And there, those small orbs ignited into satisfying sparkles! Catching the younger audience especially, and perhaps the older audience too at the satisfying display with some token of applause.**
.

**Her concentration caused a satisfied breath as she managed the channeling. The jangle of her golden jewelerry reflected well in the Solaris sun, her skin as much a showcase as the garb she wore. Her tail twirled against her leg in reaction to the applause, a playful bow of her head as her performance seemed to be nearing its climax. She had been performing for some time before Soleil's arrival it seemed, managing to catch this level of crowd happily enough. And with a final smile she beckoned the crowd for the finale, a finger at her lips to offer a playful shush in anticipation. Then, eyes shutting again. - Leg raising and knee bending to plant against the side of her other leg as she motioned a ball-like gesture between her hands. Coming together and twirling in unison. A final culmination muddled in the void that was her mind. Until.. BANG!**

**The sparkles above exploded out into a wild diversity of colour. - An audible cue to follow them as they reflected a sky painted by fireworks. Her final applause earned by the wonder of her audience, and Vayra managing a soft smile. Behind it however, the energy behind such a cast surely taking a toll. To the more experienced eye, Vayra was truly going all out for this simple crowd!**

**After some time and the applause would the crowd cease and conversation exchanged. The Tiefling Dancer soon left to recuperate, although after been offered quite the number of drinks and coin. **
Candace
**Soleil would continue to mutter to herself as she observed Vayra and her dance. The formula to her spells remained the same. Somatic component, the dance. Hue, purple, Illusion. Pitch sharp, creation of effects. Weave loose, the magic does not impose itself strongly onto reality. The gears in her mind turning as she was lost in the wonders of Mathematics and Arithmetic, studying the calculus of Vayra's dance.**

**Each movement was in itself a working— instead of magic circles, the dancer used sets of movements, likely rehearsed over and over again to achieve the ability to cast without speaking— or, perhaps, the vocal component came down to breath? Soleil observed how Vayra breathed, how her movements although grand and beautiful were efficient— yes, that's what it was. Movement patterns and breathing likely had been the components used, whether Vayra knew it or not, to cast these illusions. Soleil felt confident in her study— but she had yet to reach a conclusion.**

**So now she just watched until the showing was over. Vayra was... Pretty. Her guise captivated the High Elf's eyes. And soon, fireworks! She watched as children laughed and people cheered; people began paying the dancer and leaving as Vayra's performance was over. Soleil lingered, until nobody remained, as she would approach.**

**She pulled out a few coins, extending it to Vayra. The woman's head remained shrouded by her hood, however that irradiant yellow eye would expose itself, peering at the dancer Tiefling.**

"You're quiet the talent." **Soleil would comment, retracting her hand as soon as she gave the coin she offered.** "Subtle casting is a rare talent, only seen by mostly Sorcerers. I'm curious— where did you learn to cast those illusions?" **Soleil would ask, placing her hands by her side.**

**Now up close, she would study Vayra with an inquisitive gaze. She was even prettier up close, the jewels which hung off her body would be kissed by the sun's radiance, shining as they hung off her clothes. Soleil herself looked awfully plain, and her form would be indicative of that of a teenager, while in truth she was three centuries old. The most noteworthy feature was that yellow eye— how it held this radiance to it. The eye of someone whose been graced by heaven; Vayra didn't know this, but she was met with The Honoured One. Perhaps, the strongest mage to ever grace Lucidien at this present time.**

**Soleil flipped her hood off to reveal her silvery hair. It was now made clear her left eye was covered by an eyepatch. She has seen her fair few trials in life, this was evident. Her expression was neutral, as she looked face-to-face with the Tiefling, as they stood in equal height.**

**Can Vayra keep the curiosity of the Yellow Mage?**
Clara
**The Tiefling had collected her coin and keenly pocketed it away, a neat little bonus for a fun little performance. It seemed like everyone had cleared out, until the Illusionist spied that hooded figure. A similar height, brandishing an offering of coin and compliment to boot.**

"Thank you!" **Vayra added quickly, plucking at the coin with a smile from the curious stranger. It seemed she had more to say, attention claimed as her hands shuffled to her hips. Her voice was distinctly Khisfiran, a dialect native to the Border regions with Alynthi. Practically everything of her screamed Khisfiran, except the cunning of a Thief. The High Elf's question intrigued her, rarely ever did she overhear someone more curious with her illusions than her looks. Intrigued, the Tiefling would seek to indulge the stranger.**

"Mmh? Taught by my family, mhm! I'm.. Originally from Nacuzar. I.. Suppose it runs in my family, these illusions?" - **Vayra questioned herself, never dwelling too far regarding her bloodline. Composing herself, her answers turned to a smile as she offered her hand to shake.** "Oh, I'm Vayra! Vayra Vakara. It's not usual that people ask me about my Illusions, heh." 

**Using that time, she'd finally get a good look at the interested party. - Hood now unfurled, her own golden gaze looked longingly at the yellow stare and eyepatch. An attire form fitting yet clearly foreign to the lifestyle in the Sands. Appearing young, yet not acting so. Vayra seemed to get especially curious over this stranger, herself. Many questions bubbled in her thoughts, but one so blatant that it had to be asked.** "It's lovely to meet you, uh.. Miss..?"
Candace
**The She-Elf nodded her head along as she listened to what Vayra had to say. So her ability to cast all was simply innate? 'Runs in the family', usually the words that marked a Sorceress, as particular bloodlines have a naturally strong inclination towards magic. High Elves typically were all Sorcerers, but Soleil herself was not. To reach where she was, it took hard work and effort to place herself at the pinnacle of magic. Perhaps that's why she was set apart from her elven kin— the fact that she had to work towards her aptitude as opposed to simply being good from the beginning. After all, it was usually those with bountiful talent and innate skill who typically carried arrogance among her elven kind.**

"A pleasure to meet you, Vayra." **She took Vayra's hand to shake it. Her hand was gloved by leather, so the Tiefling couldn't feel the texture of her skin, but, the way she placed her hand into Vayra's was graceful, stoic. She maintained eye contact with the Tiefling, before relinquishing her hand after they shook their hands.**

"My name is Soleil." **She responded.** "I am a nomadic wizard." **She would describe herself in a short, concise, and simple way. She didn't need to share everything else about her— after all, she was sure it'd bore the Dancer to death if she started going off about her history. Nobody was impressed when they were _told_ something, so, Soleil always rather show who she was through her prestige in her arts.**

"If I may be so bold..." **Her words lingered for a moment, as her mouth breath breath before speaking.** "...I would like to study you and the way you use your magic. You have a unique talent that normally takes others years to master." **She would explain, yet again, in shorter, concise terms.** "I am willing to make an exchange. Knowledge for knowledge. I'll teach you a few tricks to adjust and enhance your technique— as well as one or two additional workings that may improve your performances." **Soleil offered. She knew in the land of Khisfire, everything was transactional. It was rare for people to stick their necks out for strangers, especially when you're likely to get mugged.**

"What do you say?" **Soleil now asked.** "Care to entertain me?" **The She-Elf added, her face still maintaining this neutral, stoic look. There was not the hint of an ulterior motive behind that radiant yellow gaze— only truth appeared to have been spoken here. Right at this moment, Vayra was the apple of Soleil's eye.**
Clara
**Vayra always seemed to meet Elves. Not like it was difficult with their diversity amongst Lucidien, but it did amuse her! Always a surprise to unravel, questions often complicated by their endless Youth and years of learning. Hand shaken, Vayra extended her smile as her bare hand met leather. The gracefulness wouldn't go unnoticed, the Tiefling seeming to match the movements as best she did with a nod to follow it. Always eye contact, too! The Tiefling seemed to notice that the yellow eye rarely ever avoided her gaze. It made it all the more difficult to consider if she was trying to decieve.**

"Soleil? You share similarity with Solaris, what a treat. Lovely to meet you, truly!" - **Vayra replied quickly, though her mind tracked on the case of a Wizard! A magic caster, of course! Now it made sense why she cared for her illusions. Preparing to talk and discuss, it seemed she wouldn't have to wait long as the sudden entrance of an offer came to light. One, that completely surprised the Tiefling dancer.**

"Heh.. You want to study me..?" - **Words reflecting that aforementioned surprise, Vayra's own golden stare turned to a narrow as she contemplated the sudden offer. Hands slowly planting to her hips, eyes set upon the Nomadic Wizard. The further simplifying seemed to help in some light, an offer to teach the Tiefling some new tricks! Yet, for how easy it was for her to trust, she still knew very little of this total stranger. No proof of the competency to make this exchange truly fair. More answers were needed, noted by the growing part of her lips.** 

"I've.. Never quite heard such an offer, Miss Soleil. I'm not entirely sure! You wish to watch me cast, is that what you mean? And... You can teach me these arts in return, Miss? " - **Vayra wasn't so cynical, moreso seeking some way out of her ignorance. The Tiefling needed some final answers to settle her thoughts, which for her was quite the achievement!**
Candace
"Yes." **Soleil said in dry tone, her face deadpan. Her words were like a hammer striking a nail— there was no need for elaboration. She wanted to watch Vayra cast in more detail, in order to analyze and study her methods of casting— Perhaps the Tiefling possessed something that'd make it easier for future pupils to learn how to cast without speaking. To Soleil, mastery of magic casting is subtraction. The art of using the least amount of components while maintaining efficiency— and Vayra, without knowing it, could do this feat. The lack of verbal components in her casting was enough to make her worthy of Soleil's attention.**

**While studying Vayra's face, she could see the skepticism which lingered. Oh, did she perhaps doubt Soleil? It wasn't the first time, neither would it be the last.** "I can _show you_ what I can teach you." **She then added, the silvery haired woman offering the chance for clarity to the Trickster.**

**Then a thought passed in her mind. Something that came from a place of arrogance. A place of _pride._** "Would you be interested in having a spell duel with me?" **She would then offer— adding an entirely new layer of intrigue to the matter at hand. Actions spoke louder than words, and a display of power would assist in selling the idea that Soleil had a vast wellspring of knowledge to offer.**

**Was Soleil really going down that path? Yes, she was. Because she'd get the opportunity to analyze Vayra in live combat and better understand how her machinations work. In exchange, Vayra could attempt to extrapolate a few tricks from Soleil herself— it worked out. Although, Soleil knew people didn't learn as effectively when stressed. In fact, they learned better when they were playing, thus, Soleil knew she'd have to be gentle with the dancer.**

**She would patiently wait on an answer, staring at Vayra.**
Clara
**The Dry nature of this Wizard wouldn't be lost on the energetic and cheery Illusionist, causing quite the amusement by way of her smiles and casual inspections. Not deterring her in the slightest, simply something to note from a Caster intently lost in their books of study! Something which a Sorceress simply would never grasp!**

**But her amusal would soon shift a notable surprise upon that sudden offer. A brow perked, hands further planted against her hips in clear contemplation. There would be no hiding her reaction, her words much less open already.** 

"Huh..? A duel..? Well, uhm.." **Spoken not out of confusion of the concept, but bewilderment. First to be asked of her Illusions, then offered to be studied. Now, a duel to prove the Master's worth! It was never a common venture for Vayra, and rarely had she fought another spellcaster that didn't resolve in her rushing off as quick as she could. Still, there was no doubt that the prospect was enticing. One way to prove the worth of this Wizard for certain, she supposed.**

"Well, that's another request I rarely get.. But I see the idea behind it, mhm! Okay, you're on! Well, uhm, assuming we're not really hurting eachother?"
Candace
"Fret not. Nobody will be hurt, I promise." **She would say.** "In fact. I do not intend to hit you at all." **Soleil then added in that monotone expression of hers. Although her tone plainly neutral, a etch of a smile would form.** "We'll play a game of 'tag'. You just need to touch me with your hands or a spell at least once. Sound fun?" **The wizard would propose to the dancer. A friendly game of tag would be dynamic and fun enough for a wager between two casters. Especially an Illusionist who could trick Soleil's mind— presumably, could trick her, anyways.**

"Now then. The game starts now." **With that, Soleil simply clapped her hands—** `"Misty Step."` **—as her form vanished from sight, a faint mist being left behind as she moved 30ft vertically up towards the roof of a building, standing on its edge.** "Come on now! You'll lose me if you don't start moving, Vayra Vakara!" **The High Elven woman shouted at the Tiefling who was now below her.**

**The challenge was now on! The She-Elf couldn't help but hold a smile now as she was getting into the mood. This was going to be the most interesting and exciting game of tag she'll ever play! She knew playing was the best form of learning— she hadn't wanted to stress her potential new pupil, and simply wanted to demonstrate the vastness between the pair, and how much Vayra can learn from this individual.**

**She waited— her invisible `Arcane Eye` which floated above her granting her 360 degree vision gave her the necessary perception to react to whatever Vayra had coming.**
Clara
**Nobody hurt, a plan perfect for the pair! Yet, the intention to even avoid hitting her caused a perk to brow. Confusion, only momentarily as the Mysterious Wizard quickly explained. Tag! A fun little game, potentially striking at powerfully egos but Vayra had no such arrogance. The idea, instead bringing a notable smirk.** 

"Hah! I-" **Words cut off by the Misty incantation, Vayra forced into a swift narrow of her eyes as she glanced about the place in sudden surprise. Soon enough darting her glance on up, as the Wizard teased from ever so far above. Misty Step, a spell known to the Tiefling. The Wizard had casted it in a manner she had never quite delved, so swift and effortless. Perhaps a flicker of just how this little game would go..?**

"Woah- Okay, okay! Here I come!"

**Unintentionally spoiling her own arrival, Vayra's mind was simply set on catching up to the Elf watching from the rooftops. If Misty Step was her method, then she'd shamelessly replicate. A spell used in past through the annoying bends of ruins or jumps too far for the poor Illusionist to make on her own two feet. No clap of her hands, but the quiet hum to herself. Collecting herself, focusing, until her mind went blank again and began the slightest of poses. Purplish hues fluttering around her ever faintly, her arm slowly raising aswell as an inch of her knee upwards. A dance-like motion, ending with the reopening of her eyes and a notable smile. A swift flick forward, imitating the slightest hop forward into a step that accounted as a spell.** 

**And there, vanishing from her spot would she appear on that same rooftop. Not right next to Soleil, but a slight step or two away as if intentional. Her dance -like pose remained, golden gaze watching intently if she'd react. If not, notably moving to reach for Soleil and tag her!**
Candace
**Soleil had intentionally designed this moment to see how Vayra would reach the Yellow Mage, and with the identification of `Misty Step`, Soleil had a general grasp of the sort of individual she was playing with. A trickster, an illusionist, a conjurer. She anticipated the sorts of tricks she'd use— by no means was she a versed Illusionist, however she's studied in how to counter them, along with other schools of magics such as Enchantment. Utilizing a `Counterspell` would be all too easy to halt the Dancer's movement, and thus instead invited Vayra to get closer. After all, it'd be so much funner this way.**

**When Vayra had appeared but a few feet from Soleil, the Yellow Mage already decided the sort of game she'd play. She would focus on the use of Conjuration magic— a simple exercise for someone of her talents. As Vayra's hand threatened to end this game of tag, Soleil hadn't needed to twist her head to look at the Dancer— her invisible `Arcane Eye` gave her the necessary 360 degree view to react from any an all angles. Even spells which required line of sight were ignored through the `Arcane Eye`. The Yellow Mage had simply incanted thusly,** `"Fog Cloud."` **Before exhaling loudly. From her mouth, fog escaped rather rapidly as within a 20 foot radius centred on Soleil would be covered by this thick fog, obscuring both their vision. Just when Vayra thought she tagged something, instead she would swipe air— and a step further would lead to the Dancer accidentally tripping off the roof.** 

**Soleil, having the use of her `Arcane Eye`, would use it as a point of reference to accurately maneuver the fog. While Vayra was swiping for her, Soleil with light feet and elven grace practically danced around the Dancer. Side stepping from her hand and moving backwards along the edge of the roof, escaping the fog.**

**She stood outside the fog sphere she made, patiently standing a couple feet outside of it. She would ponder if Vayra would accidentally throw herself off the roof, or if the Illusionist-Conjurer would adapt.**