Kathryn
*It has been a long and exhausting day for Marcus... But fulfilling and enjoyable. The lessons and sparring Svilena was kind enough to host were a pleasant surprise, where he was able to learn much about some unique fighting styles and people... And learn a hard bit equally enjoyable lesson to never underestimate someone who's missing an arm...*

*With the lessons over, evening approaching, and other attendees having mostly departed, Marcus turns to the mysterious snakelike woman who graciously hosted. On top of being of a race Marcus was completely unfamiliar with, she was impressively skilled in the select few sparring matches she participated in during the lesson, and seemed to be rather insightful and educated. It all added up to make Svilena rather intriguing... She probably still has plenty she could teach even to a skilled military man like himself... And who knows? Perhaps even friendship is in the future - something he and his people desperately needed after thousands of years in hiding.*

*Approaching her, Marcus bows respectfully and says to Svilena softly: * "Thank you for hosting the lesson and sparring matches, it was most enjoyable and enlightening."

*He reaches into his travel bags and retrieves a large spherical glass bottle, half full with a clear liquid faintly glowing a pale blue.*

"I would like to thank you, and perhaps spend more time chatting if you find my company tolerable." *He smiles crookedly and shrugs at his self-depreciating humor, a departure from the formal, calm, thoughtful and almost stiff militaristic attitude he's shown so far.* "Care to share a light drink?"
George
"I'm delighted that ye enjoyed yourself Marcus, I was quite surprised to have such a decent turn out - certainly keep me hopeful for future ideas" *She remarked, watching as some of the helpers cleaned out the pavilion area. The sun was beginning to start its trek to the horizon, Svilena glanced at the liquid he carried, chuckling.*

"I could do with something to drink, come lets head back up towards the Dojo to better relax" *She offered, leading the way.* "Quite the mouthful of a title ye gave us when you introduce yourself; though I am curious to ask - human in appearance ye seem, yet the wings easily tell anyone you're more than that. Winged folks, beside birdfolk, are rare to see - but I gather it makes it easier to travel."

*Their stroll from the beach back up to the dojo likely wouldn't take long, a few locals of the town were seen strolling the smooth dirt streets - many were elves, but it seemed the town had attracted Tortles and even some Hadozees, often these groups would be working off their small boats in and around the nearby islands and close to the coastline. Svilena nodded her head to those they passed by - the seagulls flew about the area, calling out from up on high.*
Kathryn
"Ha! Mouthful indeed. Even we make fun of it back home." *Marcus chuckles good naturedly, gesturing vaguely at the mention of 'home'.*

"We call ourselves *Windrunners*, and I am the first of my people to openly return to Eluaria. We have been hiding ourselves since the days when the Blood Mages first came to power... So yes, rare we are I suppose. Rare enough your mention of other winged folk intrigues me - we have been under the impression for millenia that we are the last of our kind."

*Marcus observes the locals - and Svilena's interaction with them - with keen observant eyes during the stroll along the beach. The people here seem happy, and surprisingly accepting of other races to him. He is quiet for a time, but asks during the ascent from the beach to the dojo:*

"Forgive me if I'm too blunt, but I am unfamiliar with your race. I know of several kinds of lizardfolk and beastfolk, but none are like yourself... Would you mind dispelling my ignorance of your people?"
George
"The Blood Mages... I've only ever heard whispered tales of them, seems even though they are long gone they left a deep scar upon the world" *She remarked, listening closely to his words as they neared the dojo.*

"My folk are commonly called Lizardfolk, though many often have serpent features - I myself hail from the east, in the wild jungles of Hikitaw. Many of the tribes along with my own were more serpent like in their features and appearances - ye could find us in all manner of colors and shades, often to fit best into our home. Along with my tribe, there were tribes of monkeyfolk, and various bird clans that roosted in the higher trees or near the mountain ranges."

*The rounded open gates would welcome the pair inside, as a few of the working monks and nuns would be mingling about - they'd greet their Bhante as they hurried about, though some paused upon seeing the stranger with her.*

"Much of my dress and manners I adopted upon coming to these lands, it was an elven monk that I took for a mentor... He opened my eyes to a great many things. I was much more wild when back in the jungle - but that was the normal feeling for myself." *Svilena would welcome him into her own quarters within the dojo, settled towards the back, with a charming garden in front - the openness of the space allowed for a soft wind to blow through and play with the various wind chimes. Upon the wall there sat two instruments, a semi large Handpan Drum and a finely carved Sitar - they seem well cared for.*

"Please make yourself comfortable, would ye care for any fruit?" *She asked, going over to her small kitchen space, picking out some fruits from the baskets and placing them into a bowl.*
Kathryn
"Fruit? Aye, I'd be happy to try some of the local fruit, thank you kindly." *Marcus responds, smiling appreciatively. He reaches up to poke gently at one of the various wind chimes, a form of art he enjoys.*

"Wind chimes are a rarity back home - we have grown to avoid noisome arts out of fear for discovery... Another scar as you so aptly put it that was left by the Blood Mages tyranny... But in the centers of our settlements such things still thrive - seeing as we would have to have been discovered anyways for someone to reach deep enough to hear them."

*Marcus then follows Svilena to the kitchen area, observing the room and it's contents with quiet curiosity, and asks quite simply if there's anything he can do to help - find a pair of chairs? Some cups and plates? Move a table?*

*It is apparent from the way he asks with almost restless body language that he prefers to serve, rather than be served... Perhaps he comes from a lowborn background used to working hard rather than having things handed to him?*
George
"Please Sir Marcus, do try to relax - or tis that in the code of Windrunners? Least then ye would be living up to that name" *She said with a chuckle, bringing the bowl of fruits over to the low table, of which had some padded cushions around it.*

"But if ye must do something, then ye may bring some of these plates and cups over" *She remarked, motioning to the small tray on the counter of which had some simple plates and cups.*

*She would be tending to the slow boiling kettle herself* "So ye say you are the first of your folk to come out of hiding, are ye acting as a scout then so to speak?"
Kathryn
*Marcus smiles at Svilena's joke about the Windrunner name, but lets it pass and just responds:* "A scout is a good way to put it," *As he retrieves the aforementioned plates and cups.*

*Sitting on one of the cushions beside Svilena, he places the plates and cups appropriately and then retrieves the faintly glowing drink he had shown earlier. As he is about to place it on the table, he pauses and turns to Svilena to ask her:*

"How sensitive are you to magic? Some people... Don't enjoy this stuff if they're particularly sensitive and aren't used to Moonshine... Ah, I've come to understand there's a strong homemade liquor that is commonly called that, but this stuff is quite different. We use mirrors to collect actual moonlight and a catalyst to condense raw mana from it. Add some light wine, and... I won't bore you with the details. Do you wish to try it?"
George
"Collecting moonlight ye say" *She clicked her tongue, looking over the glowing drink he had, it had made her curious.* "I would say my senstivty to magic is average at most, its certainly grown in my years with practicing in the arcane arts. I'll give this lunar drink of yours a try, oddly given its made from raw mana; reminds me of those Mana Potions some claim can recharge one's strength."

*She'd pour the warm water from the kettle into a teapot, bringing it over to the table and sitting down herself - welcoming him to sit down as well.* "So what has brought ye out of hiding as you put it, did ye and your people perhaps sense some sort of shift in the world? Given the news of late, it seems all sorts of trouble here and there" *She remarked, motioning to three folded newspapers on the counter.*

*With a flick her of her clawed hand, Svilena casted a bit of wind to bring the three newspapers over to the table. He could look them over as he wished, while Svilena added the tea leaves to the pot, keeping them separated with an infuser of sorts.*
Kathryn
"Ah, is this the *Plumage Gazette*? I've heard of it a few times, haven't seen a copy until now though."

*Marcus eagerly takes the three newspapers to glance through for a moment as he responds to Svilena's question.*

"It's Dragons that finally inspired us to return to the world at large. The Blood Mages basically won the war thousands of years ago, driving our beloved wingbrothers into hiding like us. One would have thought that Dragons would return with the Blood Mages' downfall a few centuries ago, but they didn't, so neither did we; for fear the Blood Mages weren't truly vanquished... Among other reasons."

"With Dragons now having been seen recently, that changes everything. Is Eluaria finally healing from the Blood Mages' tyranny? Or is there something worse on the horizon they are coming to fight?"

*Marcus sets the pages down, not wanting to rudely ignore his gracious host and intending to look at them properly later. He has a serious look on his face for a moment as he mutters pessimistically.*

"Honestly, I'm starting to believe it may be the latter case. There are enough rumors of dark and terrible things to be more than mere coincidence or rumormongering... And I've yet to discover a single one of the many other orders of Dragonsworn that are supposed to exist..."

*He sighs, shakes his head and forces a smile to his face.*

"Sorry for turning dark for a moment there."
George
*While Marcus spoke, Svilena took the moment to peel herself a ripe orange, using her claws to easily cut the skin off the brightly colored fruit. Indeed the conversation had turned dark, but Svilena found it better to be upfront about such topics.*

"Tis often better to face and known such possible troubles, then it is to turn a blind eye to them - indeed, since the attack on Miller Dale and the rumored sightings of Dragons... A change seems to be underway. Many fear such things, so easy it is to become content with their lives. And the moment something rattles them, it can often lead to uncertainty."

*She'd plop one of the orange slices into her mouth, savoring the treat before speaking again* "As for anything on Blood Mages, perhaps the Collegium might be able to aid ye? I would gather all these events have caught the attention of the mages there surely?"
Kathryn
*Marcus nods, taking an orange for himself from the basket Svilena had been kind enough to share. He eagerly peels it as he responds - citrus had always been among his favorite fruits.*

"Aye, Shirisium seems like a good place to do research if I need to - but it's not information on the Blood Mages that I'm after. What I seek, I doubt can be found in scholastic circles. Other orders of Dragonsworn would have been in hiding during the Blood Mages' rule just like us after all."

*After eating a few slices of his orange, Marcus tilts his head in thought, eventually shrugging and continuing.*

"Although it certainly couldn't hurt to ask around. There are a lot of extremely knowledgeable people there after all, who knows what rumors or clues they might have put together that could aid me?"
George
"Other Dragonsworn orders? How many are likely to exist?" *She asked, pouring herself some tea, and offering him a cup as well if he so wished.*

"I myself haven't heard anything of such orders, but my guess is ye could try Collegium or even the elven capital of Islefield - I've little doubt given the long memories of elves... They may have some answers for ye." *This was all that Svilena could frankly offer on the subject, was all quite new to her - even though she had lived in this region for many years.*

"All this talk of change often reminds me of my home the jungles to the far east, so often it seemed like change was uncommon there - besides the tribes sometimes brawling here and there."
Kathryn
"Ha! True enough. I suppose I should head for Shirisium after this... I just hope no professors try to pin me down to study me - I'd prefer not to sit for days on end under the proverbial magnifying glass."

*Marcus chuckles a little, and gratefully takes the offered tea, nodding his thanks.*

"To answer your earlier question... It's complicated. My people are all Dragonsworn of one kind or another, each swearing to one or more of the Dragon Lords of old, and some to other notable dragons... But we sort of form a cohesive whole that is somewhat comparable to an order of Knights or Paladins - to make a comparison outsiders easily understand. We are somewhat unique in that respect. Other orders are most easily compared to religious cults."

"The number of other Dragonsworn orders changed with time when the dragons lived among us - at times there was an order for almost every noteworthy dragon; at other times there were only a handful (including my people). When I embarked on my journey, I had expected and hoped to find at least three or four other orders, one for each of the Elder Dragon Lords."

"Alas... As I've said I have yet to find any, let alone any clues or even rumors of them existing."

*He spends a few moments just sitting and enjoying the tea now that he's finished explaining. He tilts his head in curiosity and asks Svilena:*

"May I ask what brought you here to this island and away from your people in Hikitaw?"
George
"Well there certainly hasn't been any other sightings of dragons since the possible one at Miller Dale" *She remarked, having a sip of her tea* "And I've not personally heard anyone talk of these Dragonsworn, though maybe they are still choosing to remain hidden?"

"Ah my reasons for leaving home ye ask... Tis been a while since someone asked me of that" *She said, eating another orange slice, as she collected her thoughts.* "I hatched within the jungles of the Iriyen Vale region, I had always been considered a tad different from my kin - my coloring being one notable thing. But it was also that I had a burning curiosity about me... I was very young when Port Iriyen was still being managed by the humans of Ostia."

*She could recall those days when she snuck off to observe all the races at the Port, delighted to see what sort of wonders they would show her.* "I use to sneak off many times to observe the Port and the races that came and went from there; I was a young adult when all the tribes of the jungle banded together to attack the Port - in all that chaos I had managed to slip in and take a few notable items. I collected quite a little treasure horde to say the least" *She chuckled, but she did also seem sad when recalling when the Port was attacked.*

*She didn't understand why the tribes had attacked, but now that she was older and looked more into the matter - it made more sense.*

"Among what I managed to save was an old map of the three kingdoms, and as some would say... The rest is history. I've been living in these parts for many many years now, but I do often think of home - ye can't take the jungle out of me."
Kathryn
*Marcus just listens, nodding to show he is paying attention. When he finishes his tea he sets that cup down and reaches for his bottle of 'Moonshine' to pour some for Svilena, then himself, in the clean cups he had grabbed earlier. He then squeezes an uneaten slice of his orange into the drink.*

"I have spent quite some time in the jungles. They are of course quite vast, and dense enough to hide many peoples and villages... But I still find myself somewhat surprised we have yet to meet your tribe. Would you be willing to share a little about your people, their culture, and perhaps even whereabouts in the jungle they reside? Ah - and do you want to try the drink with or without some citrus?"

*He holds out the cup he had poured for her, as well as another untouched slice from his orange should Svilena wish for it.*
George
*She nodded her head and added a bit of the squeezed orange into her cup of moonshine, she had a small sip of the drink with a quick flick or two of her tongue.*

"Tis been honestly many many years since I left home, so I know not where the tribe might be currently - my kin often shifted from the higher regions of the jungle to the lower riverbanks every few years. We shared much in common with other Lizardfolk tribes, some we were friendly with... While others we avoided if possible. But we all did share one thing in common, a distrust for strangers - Port Iriyen had been something of a breaking point for not just Lizardfolk, but even other tribes of the jungles. One would have thought after uniting against a common cause that all the tribes might grow closer."

*She had another light sip of her drink, pondering the flavor* "And for a time it seemed that tribal relations would become stronger, yet we had no leader or group of leaders to bind us together. Thus the tribes returned to their former ways within a few short years, but I'll say that our trading with other tribes had improved. Perhaps they have undergone much change as I have in these lands."
Lester
*The drink is sweet and smooth, rather like a honey wine actually. The citrus adds a slight tartness that contrasts the sweet drink nicely. It's flavor is unique - something unidentifiable with a hint of white wine*

*Svilena's skill with the Arcane allows her to immediately notice that the drink really does contain a form of raw mana. She can feel the energy course through her whole body, and it seems to touch something... More, something spiritual perhaps, that brings a profound sense of peace. Were Svilena tired, drained of mana, or injured the drink would clearly be beneficial. As is, it's just plain pleasant and calming... That is, until she notices the drink is glowing brighter.* ***Significantly*** *Brighter.*

*That's how it starts, just a glowing drink; but soon a hazy outline seems to appear around every living thing nearby. They're not particularly strong or bold, but each adds a* ***Vibrancy*** *To everything around her that is absolutely breathtaking. The colors of these auras - for that's by far the most likely explanation for what they are - change in an almost rhythmic dance that must have some sort of meaning... Like the music of the soul.*
Kathryn
*Marcus has no idea yet that Svilena is discovering an unseen layer of the world for the first time, and continues to sip his drink and converse as normal.*

"I've always wondered what it was that brought the various tribes to attack the port. Were the humans truly that disagreeable and disrespectful? Or was it something else? What exactly was the breaking point for everyone? Perhaps the humans of the empire are different, but most of the ones I've met so far have been quite good folk."

*Marcus' gaze is distant as he ponders something for a moment, but soon he turns his gaze to Svilena as he is not quite sure where to take the conversation next. That's when he notices that something is... Different. His glowing eyes narrow and he gets a concerned look...*
George
*The effects of the drink certainly hit Svilena quickly, the taste is certainly good but what it showed it was quite something else - she focused for a time on the vibrancy of her surroundings. But Marcus's voice and his questions bought her back into reality again, though the colorful auras did still dance about.*

"Goodness, quite the drink indeed Marcus, tis very relaxing if I might say" *She remarked to him honestly, as for his questions related to why the tribes attacked the port; she sighed as she set her cup down.*

"Frankly, many of the humans that had come to the jungles didn't seem to care to even establish relations with the tribes - I had heard stories that some humans even openly hunted some of the jungle folk as if we were no more than wild animals. Yet there were some humans and even other races like elves that tried and had some luck making good contact with a few tribes that leaned more towards peace - sadly this only led to abuse by some in the port that wanted to export more and more things from our homeland... There were many factors that stacked up over time; until it all came crashing down."

*She hissed a tad* "As for the breaking point, I would have to say it was likely when word traveled between the tribes of Lizardfolk and others being captured and carried off into slavery... This was mostly of the younger ones, whom were more easily led away."

*Svilena grew quiet from there, not noticing the concerned expression upon his face.*
Kathryn
"Yes... Our whole nation would be furious if any of our young were carried off to slavery, we would have attacked then too." *Marcus says cautiously, looking Svilena over several times. Before his gaze can become uncomfortable, he speaks up again.*

"Your aura has changed... The drink affected you in an unusual way, didn't it?"
George
"Aye... Tis a sort of strange vibrancy to my surroundings, though I feel at ease and my mana feels almost refreshed... I can least say this is a better feeling then being drunk or having to deal with a hangover" *She remarked with a chuckle, not choosing to pick up her cup again. She didn't think it wise to drink anymore, least until the current effects might wear off.*

"Did ye brew this current batch yourself?" *She asked, going to pluck another orange slice to plop into her mouth.*
Kathryn
"Hmm... Most unusual. You are the first who has been thus affected... A vibrancy you say?" *Marcus ponders a moment before he stoppers the drink and downs the remainder of his own serving. He turns to face Svilena more fully, and while he no longer has a concerned look he definitely is curious and... Tense perhaps?*

"Yes, I would have had a hand in this particular batch to answer your question, but tell me more about what you see. I'm not worried, I can see from your own aura that you are quite healthy and not suffering any ill effects, but... Well, honestly I'm unsure what to say. As I mentioned, this is a first."
George
"Aye, tis mostly the colors of things... They seem almost brighter, expanding themselves outwards. Some I see expanding and contracting in waves..."

*She did her best to explain it as she was seeing it* "And it almost feels as if I could touch it, though I don't think I can change it... I'll say my eyesight does feel much sharper. I wonder if this vibrancy is the natural magic of my surroundings... What is normally supposed to happen when one has this drink?"
Kathryn
*Marcus tilts his head to the side in an expression of curiosity.*
"Nothing really. For my people, who have a connection to the ethereal and can see auras it does have a tendency to enhance that ability slightly, but normally it's just a refreshing drink that has the benefit of restoring one's mana. If one has a damaged mana vessel it can also aid in healing, and those with weary souls tend to find it soothing. But you..."

"You sound like you are describing the very auras that I can see. Have you ever been able to see auras before? I find it most curious that the drink would do this to you."
George
*Svilena would eye the glowing liquid remaining in her cup, clicking her long tongue for a moment in thought at his words.*

"Auras ye say... Nay I haven't ever seen them least in this manner so to speak. But I can say I often do sense magic itself from time to time, but this mostly came out of practicing my magic itself, and growing my own mana. I often did use to hear tales of some elders being able to perceive magic... It was said to be like many threads, a woven tapestry so to speak."

*She did somewhat hope the effects of the drink weren't permit so to speak, seeing things like this all the time... Could become annoying, but she did see the benefit of having the use of such sight for others.*
Kathryn
*He nods thoughtfully, and looks out at the nature around them as he ponders.*

"A tapestry, a colorful symphony, a beautiful vision that fills the soul... Peering into the Ethereal to see the auras of the life and magic that surrounds us constantly is indeed incredible," *Marcus says in a soft and reverent tone.*

"It can also be incredibly useful, and it can be frightful. It can be beautiful and awe-inspiring, and some souls and creatures can even inspire complete disgust and dread when viewing their auras. Like everything in life, it has its benefits and its detriments."

*He sits silently for a moment more, then returns his gaze to Svilena. A gentle blue aura surrounds him, and his glowing eyes seem like miniature moons with how the aurasight blends with actual vision.*

"You seem to be thoughtful, levelheaded, and incredibly wise for your age; on top of having a surprising spiritual depth. If you wish to learn more about auras I will happily teach you during my time on this island."
George
*She admitted his words did touch her, and she was glad to see someone recognized her skills - as for his offer she pondered on it.*

*Being able to view these Auras in such a manner could indeed prove most useful - though she had to agree on the likely detriments, it could make her more guarded against some without even needing to speak with them firstly.*

"This Aurasight is a most interesting thing, I am surprised it can be taught... Though is it hard for some to learn? Either way, I would be most glad to learn more of it - though I hope the requirement isn't having to drink that liquid all the time?" *The last thing she wished was to become addicted to the glowing liquid, though she didn't feel any such desire to have more of it at the current time.*
Kathryn
"With a sheepish but somewhat playful grin Marcus chuckles slightly and responds quickly.*

"I am not an expert, and it has been millennia since my people interacted with others, but we have many stories of monks, priests and wizened elders being able to see auras like us. Your mention of elders in your tribe being able to see magic leads me to believe it is a latent talent, and the drink brought it to the surface."

*He gently taps at her cup still half full of the glowing liquid for emphasis with his next few words.*

"I suspect this drink will act like nothing more than a crutch as you learn. I've never heard of anyone suffering ill effects from it - unless they're already an alcoholic - so I strongly suspect you won't find any troubles leaning on it to help you learn to see. I suggest you start with simple meditation while you have the sight, and meditation once you've lost it to discover the missing puzzle pieces."
George
*She would listen to his words, eyeing the liquid in her glass* "Hmm I see, well if ye are willing to guide my path ahead on this I most certainly welcome your offer to learn more."

*Though it would be a tad too late to carry on such lessons* "We have some spare rooms here at the Dojo if you'd like to stay the night, though the taverns in town should still be open and have rooms as well if you prefer those locations." *The least she could do for now was offer him a place to sleep.*
Kathryn
*Marcus nods, and looks west to view the striking colors of the sky as the sun begins to set. Dark is still a ways off, but as Svilena has wisely pointed out without directly saying so the hour is a tad late.*

"I believe I would like to borrow one of these spare rooms you so kindly offer. This place has a calm and pleasant aura to it, likely from the many years of diligent study and introspection of its inhabitants, masters and students. Thank you."

*He stands, straightening his uniform before offering a hand to Svilena in a gentlemanly manner to help her stand.*

"The hour may be late, but I would still recommend some meditation before you sleep, while the Sight is still with you... If you feel so inclined."
George
*Svilena would politely refuse his offer to help her stand, as though she didn't doubt his strength, she also didn't wish to by any chance pull him down suddenly. The Bhante rose to her clawed feet as she motioned for him to follow her to his room for the evening* "I'm quite glad to hear that you find the dojo to your liking, but ye flatter it with talk of years... Wai Oromarde is a fairly new settlement for the kingdom; though I certainly hope to see it and this Dojo flourish for many years ahead."

 *Taking hold of a lantern with her tail, Svilena would guide Marcus over to another nearby building, allowing him to step into the simple room* "I'll allow ye to get settled for the evening, thank you for the conversation Sir Marcus - and I believe I shall do some meditation before I turn in myself. Let us discuss more in the morning?"

*Thus with a few farewells, Svilena would soon return to her own rooms - taking up Marcus's advice on doing some quiet meditation while the sight was still with her. She pondered what the next sunrise might bring...*
Kathryn
*Marcus is mildly puzzled when Svilena gracefully declines his hand, but does not let it show. Perhaps she simply doesn't want to trouble her guest, or perhaps her species is heavier than appearances might indicate - some peoples are like that - and was worried of embarrassing him? Marcus simply smiles, acknowledging her thoughtfulness.*

"Perhaps the kingdom is new here, but is the dojo new as well? It seems like a much older place... Either way it still has a delightfully calming presence."

*Marcus follows quietly beside Svilena. At the offered room he looks around briefly before turning back to her and bowing respectfully.*

"Thank you again for the use of this room, I look forward to continued discussion tomorrow. I hope you find your meditation both interesting and calming."

*Farewells complete, Marcus spends some time removing and caring for his armor and weapons. He spends some time in meditation as well, trying to think of ways to explain what comes naturally to his people - aurasight - before performing certain duties and retiring for the night...*

・ーーーー・

*Having chosen to meditate before retiring for the night, Svilena will likely notice the faint tingling of a powerful - but harmless - spell being used nearby. Several auras nearby would visibly react and dance about, swirling in unique patterns for a brief moment before returning to normal. How curious...*

・ーーー・
*Come dawn, Marcus wakes with the sunrise. Dressing himself quickly and smartly, Marcus exits his room looking refreshed and ready for inspection by some superior officer.*

*He wanders the grounds for a short while, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the dojo, before exiting to perform a morning exercise out where he won't disturb anyone. He spends a moment stretching before taking his spear from his belt, commanding it with a thought to extend to its full length. The drills he puts himself through look simple, but as he performs them he seems to be dancing rather than simply drilling himself. Each movement is accompanied by a command, a name, a yell, something to match each movement such that he seems to be chanting in rhythm with his movement.*

*To him these drills are a form of meditation. The familiarity calms him, and he's been at it for so many years he doesn't even need to think about what he is doing, so he is able to clear his mind and think about things when he does this. He will be at it for quite some time, likely until after most people in the dojo have woken...*
George
*Very often Svilena would have a bit of a walk through the city upon waking up - yet the distant sound of someone using the training yard alerted her.*

*She could only guess it could have been Marcus, and thus she made her way over and spotted him practicing with his spear.*

*Svilena would wait a few moments before approaching and calling over* "A fair morning to you Marcus, I trust ye slept well?"

"I am about to do my morning walk through the city before the dojo begins to cook breakfast, would ye care to join me?"
Kathryn
"Yes... Indeed... Sleep comes easily... When one is exhausted..." *Marcus responds quickly, a few words at a time between movements in his current drill. A short moment later he has finished, and he plants the butt of his spear in the ground as he turns to face Svilena. He bows graciously to her with his next words.*

"A good morning to you as well, friend. And yes, I would enjoy accompanying you."

*His spear shortens again with a thought, and he returns it to his belt as he steps up beside Svilena and waits for her to lead the way on her walk through town...*

"Did you have a chance to meditate last night before retiring?"
George
*They would begin their walking down into the city, of which itself was beginning to slowly awaken with the coming sunrise - the rings upon Svilena's staff chimed as they walked.*

"Aye I did meditate a bit before sleep found its way to me, I most often meditate by playing one of my two instruments - playing my Handpan Drum, I could feel its very melody rippling outwards which each time I played a part of it" *She remarked, giving a wave to some of the local Tortle that were heading down to the docks.*

"Twas like a dance of many colors if I had to find suitable words, and I did feel something coming from your direction that evening, I gather ye were meditating as well yes?"
Kathryn
*Marcus gives her a sidelong glance, and murmurs softly:* "You continue to surprise me. I was not expecting you to be sensitive enough yet during your meditation to feel that magic. Yes, I did meditate as well, among other things."

*Marcus stops at a morning market stall, exchanging a few coins for some fresh local fruit. He offers one - a mango - to Svilena before he speaks again.*

"The colors all have meaning. It takes time to learn what they mean, and the colors are not always consistent - you'll likely have to learn to rely on context found in other auras. For example, a red emotional aura can often be from anger. Red however can also be love, passion, righteous fury, or... Umm... I'm not sure what to call the last one other than 'gentle care'. And that's just for the emotional aura colors."

"Many who have talent in this use other talents to learn Aurasight. Your music will be a great ally as you move forward..."
George
*She would take the mango, nodding her head as she took a bite - she did have a bit of a chuckle at his words* "Aye, I believe I perfectly understand that context - aye one's body language can give much away about a person. Funny, tis one of the earliest things I can remember being taught as a youngling when we were old enough to tag along with the adults to hunt in the jungles."

*As they made their rounds, a few of the younger Apelings could be seen swinging around on the branches of nearby trees, while a few of the elven locals were also doing their morning strolls.* "Pray tell Marcus, did you hear about the events that happened in Miller Dale some months back? Though there was such chatter about dragon sightings, it seems its all become a faded memory - but I have heard that Miller Dale has managed to bounce back - still some merchants that came from there state much of the city is rather guarded since the battle."

*Svilena herself hopped to never face such troubles in her own town, but she had been working to from her own sort of force to better protect Wai Oromarde - they always couldn't turn to the elves of Islefield for protection.*
Kathryn
"I visited shortly after the event - as soon as I heard about it." *Marcus murmurs softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.*

"The city is recovering quickly, and has significantly improved their defenses and security. There will be growing pains with that, but it will be for the best. The residents all tell of the Dragon's visit, but I arrived too late to pick up any lingering aura from the Dragon. Perhaps one more skilled than I could have..." *He sighs, then shrugs and returns his attention to Svilena.*

"I shouldn't dwell on it, I met friends there so it was still worth the visit. In any case... As we walk though the town pay attention to the younglings. Children frequently give off much stronger auras than adults. It's part of the infectious energy and exuberance one feels around children. People feel it all the time without realizing it - a child is overflowing with life, emotion and energy. You might even notice some colors around them - when I look at them I tend to see green and yellow auras most strongly..."

*Marcus spends a moment trying to explain all he sees, hoping it might somehow inspire something in Svilena's quest to gain aurasight. Who knows, maybe she'll surprise him once again and start to see as she ponders his words?*
George
*Svilena would nod her head, her eyes open as they walked around the town - easily catching sight of some Tortle and Elven children playing with that looked like a woven ball of leather. Though their voices and body language easily told anyone how the children were feeling, the aura each child gave off wasn't as bright as it had been, but it was noticeable enough - giving her the impression their emotions weren't too wild.*

"Aye you're quite right on that, though seems their auras isn't as bright as it had been, though they are still quite notable... Almost like the brighter the aura, the stronger the emotion?" *She remarked, pausing as the ball bounced against her leg, the children called for her to kick it back and the serpent agreed, lining up her long tail before giving the ball a good smack back towards the children; whom cheered as they returned to their game.*
Kathryn
"Generally speaking, yes, brighter means stronger. At least with Emotional auras and Life auras that is. Magic though... Magic can be rather deceptive in that regard."

*Marcus shakes his head in bemused wonder - this woman hasn't had any of the Moonshine today, yet can already see auras without it. Sure, a child's aura is strong enough that even an ordinary plebeian without the sight can often* ***Feel*** *It, but still! Svilena continues to greatly impress Marcus.*

*For much of the rest of their walk together, Marcus continues with pointing out various auras; going back and forth between "What do you see?" And explaining what he sees. By the time he and Svilena are nearing the edge of town on the way back to the Dojo he is rubbing his temples however...*

"Apologies, I am not skilled in the Sight. I often get headaches when I use the Sight. Worry not, it will pass quickly... But if I may trouble you to point me towards a dark room for a moment that would be appreciated..."
George
*Svilena remarks on a few colors that stand out to her, most seem to be softer - almost unseen at first - shades of color. Of their emotions she can mostly pick up on a few positive ones, some neutral, then a rare negative - indeed it was most interesting when she chose to focus in on it.*

*The mention of the headache she did understand, one seemed to creep up on her as well* "Aye I understand what ye mean, ah yes we should have a dimly lit chamber over this way." *She would guide Marcus through the gardens to what looked like a meditation hall, it was simple but the rooms would likely serve his needs; once he was settled she would remark.*

"Thank ye for joining me on my walk through town, do let yourself rest as much as ye need to." *Svilena herself would then close the doors, heading off towards the training yards to get her morning work out in.*