The Angel Tears and Scale Rot was in bloom today. It was the only reason he was out of his home and so far away from it. The Angel Tear was a parasitic -some say carrion- flower that attaches to the underside of tree limbs as well as on corpses who’s skeletal remains are in acceptable positions, hence the carrion portion of the description. Their bloom is their green stem turning grey as the leaves around the bud fall away to show a vaguely luminescent golden bud. They were quite useful in healing potions, though their uses were not contained to just that. Meanwhile, Scale Rot is a fungus that produces flowers once matured. It skitters across rocks, scales, and other tough natural substances in a scale like pattern. The blue green moss produces a clear aquamarine flower to entice insects and birds to transport the fungus elsewhere. Alchemically, it was malleable. The moss like portion of it being useful for disease prevention, and the flower for one’s endurance. But, just like the Angel Tears, there was more use to the plant than just that. There was an experiment that he had in mind that was perfect for the more esoteric and elusive properties of the plants he gathered.<br/><br/>Lucius had struck gold when the woman dropped to the ground. A tree had grown out from beneath a boulder and, through weather alone, sculpted it to loom over in a hanging motion. So, from a single gathering spot, Lucius found a tree full of Angel Tears and a Rock covered in Scale Rot, most likely carried there by birds resting on the tree and insects pollinating the Angel Tears. The girl was not of Lucius’ concern as he carefully separated Rot flower from the Rot itself, putting each segment into a different division in his bag. The information she was giving him was of no concern. Her features betrayed one family or another in the area that Lucius just did not care for. The only reason he was this far into the region was, again, his alchemical supplies. Then… many things caught his attention. It was not the words that the men said to him, nor was it the sound of resistance. It was two things.<br/><br/>First was the essence that boiled within the girl who had tried to get his attention. She was a novice with not enough magicka to use it, but it was strong. A black pearl that rested in her soul was bursting at the seams whenever she tried to use it. Unfortunately, there was nothing for it to feed off of. Something that could be shaped into a respectable tool and reputation. The second thing that got his attention was the immediate plea for assistance no matter the cost. Today was a great day for Lucius. Slowly, as he set his basket down next to the stone, Lucius finally spoke, his voice was measured and calm, radiating a power and authority that he easily held in check.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">“I do hope you know what you have agreed to, young lady,” </span>Lucius said, putting his hood down and turning to the men. With a slight wave of his hand, the world grew cold and the color in this small little clearing shifted, the warmer shades vacating wherever they would be visible as the world took on hues of blue.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, no one would be able to see this, as both Xiu and he captors stood in a moment of stopped time. With all the time in the world, Lucius strolled over and freed Xiu, standing her up and pushing her over to his bag. With what time he had left in his frozen world, Lucius positioned himself between the young lady and her assailants, folding his fingers together as the time began to move normally.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">“Terribly sorry, gentlemen,”</span>Lucius said, as he stared down the two men.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">“That woman offered me her life, and all it contains. Which is much more valuable than what you could possibly possess.”</span>As Lucius’ hands disconnected from each other, a black ichor began to pour out of them, barely missing his clothes and forming to distinct puddles of pitch blackness on the ground. Forms began to rise from grainy shadow out of the ichor until two men of pitch black stood in front of Lucius and the men of gold and white. There was no other comment made as a moment later the shadow men were… inhaled by the captors. The men went slack, nearly falling, before immediately standing at attention. But Lucius did not care. Instead, he returned to Xiu.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">“They shall not be a problem any longer,”</span>Lucius said as the men began to move away, weapons ready.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">“Now, I believe you promised me quite a bit for your rescue. I am Lucius Rhylaere, Darkmoon Mage. And you are?”</span>