Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Jan 18, 2014 1:58:11 GMT -5
March 23rd 23 CLE
The room was quiet, save for the gentle ticking of a clock and the halting breaths of Senior Summoned Kourelan as he blew pipe smoke into the rafters of his office. Spread out in front of him was a continental map of Valoran, marked along it's center with the route from the Institute of War to Rakelstake, Freljord. He sat at his desk, at different intervals pouring over the road-worn map, a water damaged notebook, and the handful of notes he wrote down for himself.
They would take the path through the howling marsh, then travel north over the plains in the shadow of the Ironspike Mountains, to Freljord. With more time, he might have made the journey around the marshes, or perhaps a ship north from Demacia. Now, the most important thing was speed, and the official priority of the task left him without cause for an arcane teleportation.
The light stones hanging above cast a multi-hued light onto the ceiling, but filtered down a clean white through the lid-like lampshade. The case would be finished tonight, and there's was little holding his departure back. He'd made the necessary plans for provisions and transportation, the route, the work. Kourelan ran through a list of names, all neatly written in black and numbered. He'd chosen two from a group of volunteers, to be accompanied by hired guards chosen by the institute. They made an eclectic group of companions to say the least, but more-so resembled a group of travelers making a routine journey to the frozen north.
Summoner Geokhan Clearwater. His Artificer background is preferable to unlearned summoners. Experience with physical and spell wrought weapons.
Summoner Robert Caldwell. A Freljord Native, he lends validity to the mundane nature of our cover. Ice Magic. Lightly traveled.
They were inexperienced, yes, but three senior summoners would stick out like a sore thumb on the road. If anyone was watching, they'd have a better chance of passing unnoticed as two young men and an uncle. The old man rolled he parchments and placed them in his travel bag, handing it to one of the laborers that carried the wooden crate and bags of foodstuffs down to their wagon.
He'd had it purchased for its lackluster appearance. Despite several tears in the canvas and a needed a wheel mended, it was sturdy. Patched up, it looked the part as well as Kourelan's old leather cloak and thick traveling boots, like it had really seen use, and its owner was just as worn and poor as anyone making the journey north. The sun would be up soon, and they'd be ready to leave in under an hour. All that remained was to meet his travel companions. They'd been told how to dress, and Kourelan sat at his empty secretary's desk with his travel bag by his feet. He waited, puffing on his pipe with an air of excitement that belonged to a younger man.
Geokhan was happy to be out of uniform for once. Years of regularly wearing purple robes had him glad to have to opportunity to not wear them for a few weeks, and still be paid.
However, it had come with a downside. He had to appear poorer, thus he had to dirty up his weapons and armor. His weekly routine was to spend three hours to ensure his equipment was properly maintained, and he spent the better part of this week undoing all of that work. He had spent an hour rubbing a stone over the scabbard of his blade, a full day on his leather armor, 5 silvers on a piece of leather that he then stretched over his shield to make it appear like a cheap handguard, and another five on leather to cover the crossguard and hilt. If he ever needed to use the shield, he'd be out that money and that bit of leather (which he had plans on re-purposing later if this trip went without hitch).
Thus, on his way to Empherlin's office, he thought again to why he was here dressed in a dirty brown robe with dirty leather armor, boots, wool clothing fit for many a peasant, and a pack filled with whatever he thought he might need or want that clocked in at 80 pounds. He was sore by this point and that colored his attitude.
"Weapon enchanted like none other and see the wonders of the Frozen North. All you have to do is try to make yourself look like shit and not get killed by the bandits or the Claw. Of all the places the Void could have attacked, why Freljord? Why not Bilgewater? Less bloody walking and wagons. Only have to worry about pirates and storms." Geokhan mumbled quietly to himself.
He stopped mumbling before knocking on the door of this revered man. Geokhan had read a few of Summoner Empherlin's papers on magical artifacts and looked forward to working with the man.
However, there was one question on the back of his mind. Why Geokhan? There are plenty of artificers with more knowledge and experience than him and he was a Bronze as well. He didn't have any connections worth noting. He hadn't even pissed someone off yet...though he was sure he had to with the unorganized nature of his reports and notes.
"Summoner...Vault Keeper....ummmmmm.....Mister Empherlin?" He said loudly into the door. Oh joy....he had forgotten the man's title....
'I'm good at this. Good bye, job! Nice knowing you, steady pay!' He thought to himself with a mental scowl.
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Jan 20, 2014 23:01:57 GMT -5
Kourelan watched the summoner approach toting his heavy bag of supplies. One down, one to go. HE nodded a silent approval of the summoners appearance. Scuffing on the scabbard and the buckler was a nice touch, although the state of his clothes was perhaps too worn. If anyone saw them starting their journey north from the Institute, they'd expect the boy to have been on the road through bad weather for several days at least to be in such a state.
"Senior Summoner Empherlin or Vault Warden Empherlin." He said, clarifying his identity. "Don't think too hard on that, we wont be using titles if anyone asks. Get used to just Kourelan. For the duration of the trip that's all you should call me. And do you go by Geokhan or just Geo? Hmm?" A nickname would be even more convincing. He'd get their introductions in order first, then they could discuss business.
Post by Robert Caldwell on Jan 21, 2014 2:43:14 GMT -5
Robert was rather pleased that he had been granted permission to accompany the Senior Summoner on this assignment and the thought of going back to Freljord after his years of absence only made him happier, though he did understand he still had a job to do that wasn't going to stop him from the feeling nostalgia. For this outing he decided he would need a slight change in his attire in order to brace the loving chill that was Freljord, he wore a blue pointed hat that was akin to his usual brown one accompanied with a simple blue shirt and his normal choice of pants and a white cloak in place of his blue one as well as a pair of traveling boots.
He'd made sure that he was packed his bag the night before this assignment was to be begin and double checked his supplies, the only real task he had to perform before coming to the office was making sure his pet ferret would be taken care of by a neighboring summoner. Aside from that he supposed he was ready for this chance to return 'home' as well as prove he might be ready for an advancement.
He arrived and noticed who he assumed was the senior summoner and someone else who looked like they had a long and difficult journey outside a door, he picked up his pace and decided to make his presence known.
"Summoner Robert Caldwell present Sir Empherlin." He gave a simple nod to Geokhan just to be polite.
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Jan 21, 2014 16:31:27 GMT -5
He'd hardly finished speaking when his second traveler entered the room. While Geokhan had put a lot of effort into dulling his attire, Robert's white cloak and blue hat stood out as well kept and somewhat fashionable. By his expression, Kourelan could tell Geokhan would expect him to have words with Robert. The old man sighed before standing slowly.
"Good morning Mr. Caldwell. Before we get started there is one matter to deal with first. During this trip, we will be referring to each other by our first names. You have my permission to call me Kourelan, only. We'll be presenting ourselves as travelers, not summoners on league business. Is that understood?" He waited for their reply.
"About that, sir...Why are we being sneaky about this? Thought we had a bit more...political and magical power to generally be able to radiate a aura of 'fuck off'....if you'll pardon my obscenity, sir. I mean Kourelan, sir." Geokhan said, rotating his right hand as if spinning that index finger about was turning the mental gears in his head.
"The Freljordians might be arguing about who is in charge, but I think all sides generally agree not to dispute the fact that we are not a group of people they want to...be uncivil with. I mean if we're just worried about bandits, there'd be more of us, right?"
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Jan 22, 2014 13:53:56 GMT -5
The old man turned slowly, letting Geokhan finish before responding. "You underestimate the dangers of our world Geokhan. There are plenty of people willing to fight and kill a summoner for the shine of rings and the jingle of pockets, people who can disappear into forests or cities just as easily as a common rat."
He cocked a white eyebrow. "Magic is not ours alone, and arrows still our hearts as well as other man." He turned to regard Robert, his eyes taking in the white and blue that would blend in only with the sky. On second thought, they would be spending some time in the snow.
"As for our disguises, to never be attacked is the best defense. A large caravan or a well dressed company would arouse interest in any onlookers. Likewise, perhaps too bland of a group might also be suspicious. You may keep the coat." With that he stood, making his way to the doorway with a steady pace. "We'll have plenty of time to discuss more on the road and if we are as formidable as you say we should have little to worry about."
He gestured to the doorway leading out of his office. "A long ,uneventful trip, hmm?"
Post by Robert Caldwell on Jan 22, 2014 23:41:51 GMT -5
"Very well Kourelan." He said flatly. In regards to the short exchange between him and Geokhan he personally couldn't care less, an assignment is an assignment and a chance to visit home is a chance to visit home. Whatever they face along the way he was certain they could handle it, and besides... who would be dumb enough to try and mug a group of casual travelers? Aside from his family no one really came to mind.
He simply paid attention as Kourelan explained that during their travels they were not to draw attention, though with Roberts attire that might be a problem till they hit Freljord, he assumed they were going to be teleporting there or some other manner of quick transport but regardless he'd just have to watch his back since he was obviously going to be sticking out like a sore thumb. He was about ready to toss words of annoyance as Kourelan said he could keep his coat, as if he would simply go back to his room and replace it!
He nodded his head to Kourelan and made his way to the door the old man was gesturing to with a simple remark. "Your average outing indeed."
Kourelan's words did not soothe Geokhan's nerves. As a matter of fact, they made him more defensive. Kourelan actually sounded like he was saying that seeing some action was not unlikely.
"Until the cannibalistic bandits awaken from hibernation. Then it gets 'exciting'." Geokhan sarcastically added, following his new-found companion with his over-sized bag up over his shoulder.
This was not exactly what Geokhan had in mind for his career. He figured he might see the field every once in awhile, but nothing dangerous. However, fate wished to test him. Geokhan was not looking forward to it.
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Jan 26, 2014 1:21:26 GMT -5
The old man turned his head with a smirk, leaning against the door frame with a long look at both of his new colleagues. "It's about that time of year." There was no harm in toying with them, and no reason to tell them how close to the mark Geokhan's snide comment fell. "Welcome to acquisitions." Maneaters
The three of them walked up the stairs from the Arcanum Majoris, across the wide square the junior summoners called the black yard. There were areas in the Institute that were cultivated, were soil was brought in, light and water supplied, but here there was just smooth obsidian, carved from the mountain and polished to a shine. The north gate of the Institute of war had the same steps as the others, and Kourelan led them down to the stable door below.
Their wagon was ready with the same age, wear, and patches as before. An unglamorous way to travel, it wasn't the high priority teleportation that the void operation required. They'd be taking the long way.
Post by Robert Caldwell on Jan 30, 2014 2:45:09 GMT -5
Robert wasn't surprised as he saw the state of the cart they would be traveling in, after-all if they traveled with an official way of transportation it would ruin the whole reason they set off in the first place.
He noticed that on their trip down no one had said anything, if they were to work together once they reached their destination then there'd be no better time to start the bonding than now.
He decided to break the silence "This is definitely going to be a long trip." his said casually obviously regarding the simple and hopefully functional wagon.
"Could be worse... At least we don't have to go to the Shadow Isles in this... thing... Could... Is this going to survive the trip? Do we need to have spare parts?" Geokhan said with a incredulous look.
"Well," Geokhan said with a sigh. "I guess if it was going to be comfy the Gold's would be lining up to do this. I mean, isn't playing with weird artifacts that could potentially corrupt you brain into a pile of ash...I guess they might not want to play with Vo- oddly enchanted stuff... Are mental scars covered in the Health plan? Wait, do we even have a health plan? Oh joy my brain is focused on worst case scenarios and I'll be mumbling about it-" Geokhan quietly carried on to no one in particular as he off loaded his luggage onto the cart and did his own glance over of the axles to check for rust damage or rotted wood.
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Feb 2, 2014 3:16:22 GMT -5
While several small crates were hefted into the wagon by Institute staff, Kourelan walked around the vehicle. He checked the chassis, the harnesses, and the condition of the horses while he addressed his new cohorts. "We have the equipment to handle the sword. If you listen closely and work carefully you will be fine. By the time we get there you will know exactly what to do and when to do it."
He kicked a metal bound wheel gently to no effect, then tugged on a strap from the leather covering. "Your brain will be fine. The wagon will hold up. The only thing we should worry is whether or not the sword has a new owner." He turned to regard them both with a serious stare, but his expression softened quickly.
"Cheer up! Do you think every Gold gains their rank by winning matches on the fields alone? There's more to being a summoner than summoning. Believe it or not, it takes more than the game to keep this world from falling apart." With that, the old man turned and took a deep breath, sighing with satisfaction. If he felt younger it was only by a few months, and nothing to notice, but he was excited.
Post by Robert Caldwell on Feb 11, 2014 18:04:33 GMT -5
Robert was still unconvinced that this wagon would be able to get them to Freljord and back, but if Kourelan had faith in it and the equipment he was bringing along... well he didn't have much room to argue now did he?
He took off his pack and put it onto the cart and decided that till they got there he'd just play it cool, he gave a mental facepalm to himself for making that kind of statement before letting out a sigh. "Though I'm not particularly a man of faith, I'll put some into those words Kourelan."
Post by Kourelan Empherlin on Feb 13, 2014 0:20:34 GMT -5
"Faith?" The old man slowly loaded the remainder of his belongings into the wagon, mulling over the word. It had been some time since he'd been on a journey more dangerous than a trip to a foreign auction, or a summoners estate sale. His work with the Institute of War was rewarding, but nothing like the days of his youth. How much was trust in him still worth?
"That will do." He put his back to the wagon and faced them both. "No steps backward gentlemen. If you've forgotten something, let it stay forgotten. We leave now, and without delay." He smiled, eyes shifting from one man to the other, his apprehension all but gone. "Find your seats."
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