The Missing Alchemist

[Stare]

(closed to arcana)

It was a place she had been but once, but that which brought closeness to her heart.

Friends were few and far between in her world, and it was all she could do to keep them close. Thus, Stare knew she had to take the opportunity when she was this side of the sea. Who knew when she would be back in this island nation, unless the church of Sabazios ended up being here. Despite all their work, and efforts (two whole days in the public Radasanth libraries, the old Ixian castle private library and the council archives) she and Vitruvion had not been able to find any source. It seemed that the church was too small, as Vitruvion had considered it might be, to be on any holy records.

Thus, the choice had been made to head back to Beinost and seek the other Bounty Hunter Guild hideouts over time. When they would certify the location of one the new plan was to send Stare out with a number of core guards, not just on her own. The fact that if she did go by herself that she could end up being yet another victim of the Guild chilled her blood. So she had agreed.

The final couple of recent days had been spent observing Vitruvion's new brewery. The Grand Celestial, it was called, a joke on what he was as well as the size of the thing, for apparently it could produce a hundred barrels a month when working at full capacity. It was something that made the noble smirk and be pleased, as his eyes wandered over the structure of the great brick and wood building.

Very structurally sound, he had said.

And so, she had gotten approval for her choice.

Now, she had her own spare half day, as Vitruvion made new connections with the merchants who would be his patrons. Heading over to the small town of Stonevale she took the same path as before. Her clawed feet took her past the same pub where they had met, around the same set of buildings and to the same street. A creaking sign above a familiar shop declared it to be an alchemists. The alchemist's. Her alchemist's.

Stare grinned in her eyes and marched onwards, resting a hand on the half helmet she had tied to her belt. The narrow head shape with a long beak marked it out as able to fit her and made her look powerful as she got faster. Some eyes turned, curious to see a crow humanoid coming to halt outside the door, just briefly, and others stared. The kenku however, did not pause to staisfy their curiousity, but marched straight in.

Ready to see her now bald, young dear male friend.

Not the androgenous, pale-haired weirdo currently standing behind the desk.

She stopped dead. And did what she does best.

Stare ... Stared.

[ArcanaFate]

Nevin had been gone for three days.

Three days on a 'research trip' for more supplies. Or alchemical knowledge. Or something. Ezra wasn't quite sure what exactly the alchemist had ran off to do, but the homunculus had been left in charge of the shop. Well, sort of. They were expected to sell the product that Nevin had left them, but not to produce any more until his return. Apparently, they could not be trusted working with the alchemy set by themselves. They wanted to argue, but, at the same time, he was the teacher and it was his shop. It would be disrespectful to disobey. Since his departure, the shop had been quite slow, and the main product bought was the Miner's Delight. Even then, the miners who came in barely spoke to Ezra and would hand off their money and depart. Apparently, without Nevin around, the store had lost some of its luster.

But, they would manage.

As they leaned against the counter and stared at the door, wishing, just wishing that a customer would walk through, their wish was granted! In the form of a humanoid bird. Ezra blinked, not quite expecting this turn of events. They quickly shook their head, braid bobbing against their chest before they stood to their full height.

"Greetings! Welcome to Herbal Magicks. My name is Ezra, how may I be of assistance to you today?"

They had been rehearsing that all day in the hopes of using it, and having someone there let it finally pay off. However, the avian just stared at them, and they couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. Was the avianoid even capable of common speech? Behind the counter, their hand slid down to their thigh, where their hunting knife lay within its sheath. They had learned to always carry a weapon on them in case another attack occurred, but they were unsure of what the raven's presence meant in the shop.

[Stare]

Definitely not Nevin.

Stare focused in, narrowing her vision immediately and taking a tense but friendlier (than some) pose. Jaw tightening, her heart began to race and for a mad moment she thought she might be in the wrong shop.

But no, it had to be the same. She wasn't an idiot. Her memories, feet, mind were clear - the sign was even the same. Nothing had been altered shelf-wise or colour-wise, with the same rough stock and order, apart from ... consultant behind the desk ... was not Nevin.

And was speaking in an alarmingly friendly manner. Not something the kenku was used to.

Analysis had to come first, then assumptions could be made. There might be, after all, a perfectly reasonable explanation for this, Stare just had to find out. Waiting and hoping to see a bright white, honest heart, Stare moved her focus out of the physical plane and into the soul's ... Where she received one of the greatest shocks.

Well. The heart did glow white. Which was an excellent start, it was only that everything else was ... Wrong.

The aura was entirely messy. Stare had seen one very wrong aura in her life and that had been from Eteri, the soul collector. This one was not as messy or disgusting but it was ... Odd. Mainly, overall, it was a dirty lichen colour, but there were what could only be described as imperfections. Spots of actual veridian, a deep green that was almost blue, which spoke of a calm evil, were scattered like scars throughout. A small spark of teal, that was a similar neutral to the overall, was nestled as coming from the skull. Stare, if she had had one, would have curled her lip in distaste, but as it was she showed dislike in her eyes as she went on to spying the power lines of the being.

Which made stop. And her heart begin to race as the sight of many bands of wriggling black lines scurried over the surface of this ... Man, woman? Stare couldn't actually tell, there was no discernible gender right now ... Black interfered with lavender. The purple-pink Stare had not experienced before, but the black alone was enough to make her heart pound painfully. So dark it made her shiver just thinking about it, despite the standard neutrality of his ... their aura.

Feeckk ... Demon!

Wait!

That voice in her head.

Vitruvion ... I thought you were with investors? she spoke quickly back to the god in her head, as her hand tried to secretly grapple for her dagger hilts.

I am glad I decided to look in on you. Let me ... and suddenly the air was clearer. Like the pollution and the stench of sweat had been torn away. Any distracting essence or was done away with to be replaced with a lingering smell.

The harsh stink of manure hit her nose. Very thick and very heavy. Definitely demonic, she said as she commented on Vitruvion's sense that he had gifted to her. A gift, like her aura sight, which could tell by smelling what types of lingering magics and creatures there were around. Each had their own recognisable scent. In demonic case, poo.

I knew it! she began to rip her white dagger from its holder.

Wait ... and was right. For there was a second, other smell. One of ... Lavender, like the colour lines in their chakras. Sweet, unimposing, gentle.

Nice.

What the ...

Ask them, the intrigued god said.

Stare blinked as she resumed the normal world, and was face with a very shocked and maybe scared shop keep. She paused, then pointed at them.

And accused.

"What have you done with Nevin?"

[ArcanaFate]

Ezra let their hand fall away from their knife. The avianoid had accused them of doing something with Nevin. Was it implied murder? Some sort of inquiry into their relationship? Was this a new villager who had already heard the rumors? By the Fates, this was getting out of hand. Looking over the avian, their purple eyes seemed to glitter with curiosity. They were bipedal, yet wore clothing for the sake of modesty, or perhaps mimicry of the other humanoid races. Apparently sentient, as they were able to communicate in the common tongue and emphasize emotion as this raven or crow seemed upset about Nevin's whereabouts.

Or, if listening to the rumors, his ever-changing love life.

Ezra blinked. Was this his lover? They had yet to learn much of Nevin's past, but this would be a rather interesting turn of events. Their eyes focused on the corvid's eyes once again, the gold runes in the Homunculi's irises lighting up for a moment before fizzling out. Apparently, there was some kind of magic the corvid was using that they could not copy. Another interesting development. Oh, the avianoid was waiting for an answer.

"...I suppose that depends on how you intend your question. If you mean in the sense of a romantic relationship, I have done nothing. I am sure you have heard the many rumors surrounding the alchemist, but I shall, once again, go ahead and refute the many questions I have received about him, myself, and our relationship." Ezra let out a sigh, leaning against the counter and stared at the Corvid as they began to almost rant. "No, I am not in a romantic relationship with him. No, we have never consorted in the evening for a 'romantic rendezvous'. As far as I am aware, he is not currently married to a feline woman or has a child with her. No, I am not his concubine that can be bought for a 'night on the town'. He is not any of the following: a spirit, a serial killer, a vampire, some sort of demon, a con man, a retired pirate king, or a noble on the run. And on that subject, I am not a witch, a familiar, a faerie, a seductress who lures people to their doom, a spectre, or any sort of elf."

They paused, then continued. "Now for the facts. Our relationship is purely professional, I am an apprentice in the art of alchemy and he is my mentor. I am not, and never will be, looking for any sort of romantic relationship with him. If you are accusing me of abducting, banishing, or outright murdering him, that would also be a falsehood. He has gone out on a journey to restock the supplies for the shop and will return. Sir Nevin did not give a time or date upon when he will be returning, but I can do my best to assist you if it is an alchemy-related question or possibly other questions depending on the subject."

Rising to their full height, they stared down the Corvid and their emotions became unreadable from a physical standpoint. "Now, I have three questions for you, my avian guest. Who are you, how do you know Sir Nevin, and..."

They began to move from behind the counter, but made slow and careful steps as to not scare their guest away.

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

[Stare]

As the man-girl-neither spoke, Stare blinked slot observing them through the various planes she had a hold of once more. The aura itself was a mystery. Now that she was in less chance of danger, Stare could listen at the same time as assess. With a general green-ness to the aura, the kenku knew by experience that the being before her could at least be reasoned with to some extent. That would give her time to throw them a single look of stunning and be out of there before worse danger arose.

The more worrying side was the chakras. Stare had seen few bound in black before, and though these were, admittedly, woven with thin and fewer bands than, for instance, the high mage of Sabazios that her and Nevin had killed, it still made her skin prickle. The lavender - a sort of ... Pastel colour - was an oddity and it did make Stare pause in all of her assumptions but truly, this was not the best start to introductions.

Stare listened as the worker listed everything that Nevin was not. A pirate (who on earth thought that?), a vampire (that was close to the truth though) or a noble (pah - he was not, Stare knew nobles too well). Then the person went through what they weren't, and their heart glowed bright white with honesty. They told Stare that they were actually nice, that Nevin was their mentor and he was out.

Stare blinked, and paused. And lowered her knife slightly, coming out of the immediate attack stance. Brow furrowed low she tried to arrange the connection between a blood mage and this neutral-minded, demon -thing, and why that might be. When the being went in to the last few words and offered ... tea of all things, Stare began to severely doubt.

Have you heard of a demon who offers tea? she asked internally.

There was a pause before an answer came. There are many forms of demon. Sabazios was not of evil intent until we unearthed his new nature.

So that is a no?

Vitruvion sighed, his hands curled around a gold goblet of rich red wine. That is a no, Stare. Obviously.

Thank you, she grunted.

And her employer - and master, and god - waved a hand dismissively and sat back. She could almost feel the weight of him coming into contact with the bench.

"Hmm," she was still uneasy, but the kenku to let the air of calmness reign for a bit before she attacked. Carefully she slipped her mythril dagger back into its sheath and paused before replying.

"I cannot except tea from you," she said slowly. "I don't know you, and I don't know if you even tell the truth. I want you to promise me that you have not done anything to Nevin or that ..." She stopped and noticed the heart again. Full and white and pulsing with brightest truth. It was her own power. She could not deny the facts. This person here was his apprentice, and had just said they hadn't abducted him. Or killed him. Which was good.

Her black eyes, the two downward glancing daggers that could frightful things, blinked slowly.

"Right, fine you tell the truth," she grumbled. "Fine, but he had never mentioned taking on an apprentice the last time we met so it must be recently." She clacked her tongue quietly on the edge of her beak.

"First I'm not an 'avian', I am a 'kenku' also known as 'tengu' but we prefer the former. My name ... I'm not telling you that yet, Nevin is my friend, and ..." She huffed deep. "Is the tea going to be poisoned?"

((OOC note: I think Nevin did make some kenku medicines a while back based on Stare's blood. They might still be in the shop))

[ArcanaFate]

Kenku... Kenku... Now why did that sound familiar?

In a fluid motion, the Homunculi reached underneath the counter and pulled out a small, leather-bound book. Opening it quickly, they flipped through a few pages until finding the list they were looking for. Nevin, in his infinite wisdom, had left Ezra a list of the current stock of the store before his departure. It was a clever idea, and they had been using the stock sheet in order to calculate how many potions were left in stock. On the list, they had seen three bottles for a 'Kenku healing remedy', but had forgotten to ask what its origin was. Apparently, the potions were designed to help with the healing process for Nevin's supposed friend. They stared at the kenku for a long moment, brow furrowed slightly.

"Well, then, mister kenku... Or is it miss? I do apologize, I have yet to meet your kind before, but I do have quite a few questions for you. But first, I do believe it is time for a break. I think I shall close up the store for a certain amount of time." As they shifted away from the counter, their footsteps were moving ever closer to the kenku and the store's front door. "Do not worry, I have no intention of instigating a fight with you. I am, however, going to lock up the shop because I do believe based on your line of questioning- which I will answer, mind you- it should be discussed in private without the wandering eyes of small-minded villagers." Making sure to give a decent birth around the bird, the homunculi quietly closed the door and locked it. With a simple flip, the open sign now read closed, and they let out a small sigh.

"So, first things first." Ezra stated, placing their arms behind their back and once more giving the avian guest a wide berth as to not invade their space. "I am a recent addition to Sir Nevin's shop, you are correct. We met in here in Stonevale and had a minor discussion before I was swept into the middle of a crisis involving an ambush party of Goblins. Thanks to the alchemist's quick thinking and prowess in potion making, he was able to save many lives here. Which has made him a bit of an oddity, especially with the rumors previously discussed." They continued moving through the shop, adjusting a few of the potions on shelves that were slightly unaligned among the others.

"I have already told you as well, I have done nothing with Nevin and he is, as far as I can currently assess, still out retrieving herbs to restock our supply. But I do find it rather interesting that you keep asking such questions or declaring such accusations, then state I am telling the truth. How are you able to ascertain that I am speaking the truth? Do you believe yourself to be able to understand the human emotion so well you are able to detect my honesty? Or..." They paused, returning to the counter and tracing a finger along the open notebook Nevin had left behind, "Are you perhaps using some form of magic to sense the truth to my words? Is this an ability that all kenku possess, or are you the only one? I cannot comprehend which one it is, but I do know that I am incapable of copying it."

"As for your tea, no, I have no intention of poisoning you. Even if you were not Sir Nevin's friend, as you claim, I have no reason to inflict harm upon you. You are wary of me, yes, but most of the villagers in this town are so it is not a feeling I am unaccustomed with. So, I shall make two cups of herbal tea, then, unless you have a preference of some other flavor? I will ask, is there any sort of thing you cannot digest due to your avian nature? I would rather not accidentally poison you and have to explain how I slew one of his friends. It would be a... less than enjoyable conversation."

They moved away from the counter, now stepping towards the doorway that led into the kitchen. Pausing, Ezra looked back at the kenku with a flat expression. "And I understand the wariness of sharing a name, but I would rather have something to refer to you as instead of 'the kenku' or Sir Nevin's friend. Names are important, after all."

[Stare]

She left the being time to say more ... If they wanted to. It seemed at least they really liked to speak, blabbering on about the rumours that weren't true and questions about Stare and trying to convince the kenku that they weren't at all a danger to her.

Oh yes, they asked about her magic. But Stare wasn't quite ready to give any information there. When asked if she could see emotions she shrugged slightly - the first real natural movement aside from tensing she had done - and then let the being continue.

The being. Whatever it was. Honestly, even that was unclear, and that was the basis of her sight sometimes. Stare had merely been putting it off because it was so confusing. They were ... Something. Certainly there were elements of human but there was also a darker beast and elf like features. A true chimera.

And so, more questions. As many as the other being seemed to have for her. With a final promise of not making poisoned tea - backed up by that still white hot heart - Stare let herself relax further, and she stood straighter, though remained alert.

So this being was Nevin's apprentice, and that meant he trusted her. It would take some time for Stare to get over the demonic parts, but perhaps some explanation was to be had. Slowly, she blinked, let the time wear on.

And when it was not filled, when it was clear the being had finished, Stare took in a long breath.

How to proceed?

Suggestions?

It took a couple of seconds for the man to reply. She caught a glimpse of him writing on a fine piece of parchment in a calligraphic hand, then he answered.

On how to proceed? Only with caution. You like the blood mage,
he intrigues me. This one does too, despite its ... Disgusting parts. He paused. If things go wrong and you kill it, bring it back. I want to study the body.

Vitruvion. Ever the scholar. The things he knew were vast, and the things he didn't were very few and far between.

Stare breathed in slow, watching the locking of the store and knowing perfectly that there were several reasons to do so. One being to kill a victim, another purely for privacy. She wasn't that freaked. But she was still ready. And so she waited until the being was back in full view and she answered with a low voice.

"People call me Stare. You like to talk. But you still haven't given me your name. And I'd really like to know what the freakish Ansaldo's balls you are. You're really ..." She paused. "Confusing."

[ArcanaFate]

Ezra blinked, watching the kenku for a long moment.

"Stare is a curious name." They finally answered, shifting back to the kitchen to start preparing the tea. They began to rummage through the cabinets looking for the kettle, mentally slapping themselves when they found it already over the fireplace. After a few moments of struggling to rekindle the flame, they were able to successfully light a fire and began brewing the water. They weren't entirely sure when it would be safe enough to drink, but they could estimate it well enough.

Now, to focus on Stare's request.

The avian wanted to know what they were and believed they talked too much. It wasn't intentional, to be fair. This was the first kenku they had ever met, and to be a friend of Nevin's atop of that? Why, it was almost too good to be true! Ezra had seen behavior like this before from a few of the other villagers before. This was the feeling of nervousness, and this line of questioning was a dangerous one. It could end very badly, with one of them likely slain and Nevin's shop destroyed in the crossfire. So Ezra took a deep breath and once again returned to their spot behind the counter, and just eyed Stare with an almost judging glance.

"So, Stare," They finally started, trying their best to keep their breathing even, "I do believe I gave my name to you when you first walked into the shop, but you might have been distracted and missed it. My name is Ezra, and I am an assistant to Sir Nevin here in his shop. As for what in 'Ansaldo's balls' I am, well, that is a little more complicated to explain. It is not something I so easily share with people I have only just met, so do understand my hesitation in just giving you an answer straight away."

They trailed their fingers across the wooden counters, as if in thought. After a few moments, the homunculus would look up at Stare, purple eyes seeming to dance with an innate curiosity.

"How about this: we make a deal. I have questions about you, you obviously have questions about me, so I believe that information should be traded as knowledge should be free, not contained and locked away. I would like to know how you met Sir Nevin and more about your friendship with him, and in return, I shall do my best to answer any question about my origin and 'what I am', as you so crudely put it."

They attempted a small smile, but quickly hid it away. Ezra didn't want to make Stare feel any more uncomfortable than they already were.

"Do we have an accord, then?"

[Stare]

Stare had her body still caught in a heightened state of awareness, the flight or fight mentality burning through her. Many things told her to trust this being of neither gender and no firm race - their honest heart, their neutral state of mind, the way they were trusted by Nevin. The alchemist would never have taken on an apprentice that he would not trust. And Stare trusted him beyond probable reason - because of their trials and triumphs.

Stare had very few friends in the world. This was a mixture of both coming from a private society, and working for a man who was fiercely over protective. Vitruvion said it was down to safety - there were times he would not allow her to walk down a street without talking to her about every step of the way. After all, he had made her his own property partly for the simple reason of finding her if she went lost.

Stare looked at Ezra for a moment - do they did have a name after all, she must have missed it beforehand - and then grunted quietly.

"Questions are ... Hard to answer, confusing apprentice," she replied, eyes sweeping down to watch the tea brew. "Very much so."

She had come through to the kitchen without much hassle. Now here though she was beginning to feel awkward and somewhat lost - she had never been back here with Nevin. Instead they had met once and then made very good friends in one night and just happened to then end up in some cells together.

Stare blinked and looked the strange creature up and down, collecting in the messy whitish hair (like Vitruvion), the almost adorable purple eyes. They looked honestly just normal. No missing eyes, scars that told terrible stories or odd veins like Nevin. Just oddly pale skin, but that was not strange to Stare. She rubbed her shoulder, taking in a general sweep of the wooden cabinets and tables and stone worktops and oven, before nodding once.

Yeah? she asked.

But strangely, she received no answer.

Thus, she made her decision and proceeded with caution.

"In brief I can ... see things. More than others see," she said quietly, still tense but far more less agitated than how she had been at the start. So far she had not seen any poison go into the tea, or indeed any evil enchantment said over it. "Not emotions directly ... Not completely. More like ... I can see a person's true self, see their soul, their gender, their race, their chakras, what ..." She fixed Ezra with a glare then. "What type of power they have."

And a deep-rooted caution came again and she moved back slightly, shifting from foot to foot.

"I will defend myself if you attack me, friend of demons. I know Nevin will be not pleased, but I'm sorry - I will defend myself."

[ArcanaFate]

The water in the kettle began to bubble and boil furiously, but it was ignored.

What had Stare just called them? Friend of demons? Ezra was not certainly a friend of demons, although there might have been one. Ezoreth did make a deal with some form of entity to keep Ezra safe, and thinking back to their conversation, the homunculus was pretty sure the masked figure had stated they were a demon. But did that make them friends? It was more like a business deal, but they didn't really understand how that made one friends. But, if that is what Stare saw them as, there had to be a reason why, and perhaps it had to do with her magic. Further investigation was needed.

"Interesting. So your vision allows you to see the 'true self' of an individual. You stated that you are able to see the soul, the gender, race, even powers? I would say that I am rather upset at this turn of events. Having you here would have sped up my research significantly, and the fact Sir Nevin hid such a fascinating friend makes me upset."

Despite stating their unhappiness, the homunculus' face and voice showed no sign of displeasure, no clear showing of any emotion at all. They began pulling various herbs out from one of the cabinets, muttering aloud about the ratios of lavender to sage and how much of the dried citrus needed to go in. Retrieving two rather plain teacups from another cabinet, Ezra quickly portioned out various ingredients that went into the teacups before moving the kettle from over the flame to pouring the hot water. Once both cups were full, they gently poured the remaining water over the flame to douse it and turned back to Stare.

"Stare." They started, eyes locked with the kenku. "I am in need of your ability. If you can see what I truly am, as you so claim, then I must know the answer. Sir Nevin and I have been at a crossroads for a while regarding my origin, so you may be the catalyst to restart my investigation. Will you assist me?"

"Also, please stop assuming I am going to attack you. I feel at this point I am just repeating myself. I do not want to fight you. I do not wish you harm. I have no interest in delving into a contest of blows with you in this shop or even outside of it. We are to have tea and have a nice social gathering with you, the kenku, and myself, the alchemist's assistant."

[Stare]

Slowly Stare took up the ceramic cup that awaited her on the table and took a long time to curl her clawed fingers around it as she considered on how to respond to Ezra. How much should she really reveal, without giving too much away? Was this all part of an extended plan by the church of Sabazios to get close to her and sieze her again - kidnap her and learn from their previous mistakes? But then why would Nevin allow his precious shop - in which he had many expensive elements and potions - be given so easily to someone he might consider to be the enemy? He was clever, surely if he did not trust this person, then he would not allow them to stay here.

Unless it was all part of some truly fancy plan. But that was crazy compared to what Stare was sure she could find in here. Poisons being one thing, blood magic secrets being another. Therefore, she took her time to consider before she answered, the cup warming her hands but not touching her beak as yet.

"Can you give me proof that you are not going to kill me?" she asked quietly, "I - sorry ..."

Stare stopped herself and remembered what Ezra had just said, literally not a minute before. 'Please stop assuming I am going to attack you.' The fact that the being had stressed this so passionately was perhaps their way of showing their anger. After all, their heart still shone just as brief white when they said that they did not want to fight her as the first time it had to be said. Really, now, it was Stare's issue. She had to either decide whether she could trust them or not, whether Nevin was their friend or not, and whether she considered the church of Sabazios really to have got this far in only a few days.

That was another thing - the timing between Ezra being assistant here and Stare being kidnapped did not really fit. More evidence to trust. And Ezra seemed entirely stressed out by the demon stuff ...

You can fight it off, if it comes to it, Vitruvion sighed. Just ... find out what you can. Tell it how powerful you are and if it is an agent of Sabazios ... well, they will only discover how potent you are, my dear.

Stare huffed, but then squared her shoulders and simply spoke.

"Right, sorry," she blinked as she looked back up from her tea at Ezra, "I am a naturally suspicious person, this I know. I cannot see your race, or full gender, which I usually can do in the sight, and that makes me confused and lost. Your chakras ... which I can also see, are mainly humming with demonic power but also something lavender. Which, I have no idea what that means. This makes you even more confusing. Hence 'confusing person'." She paused. "My eyes are ... powerful. I cannot really give you view to your origin, just questions. You are a mixture of what looks like three souls at least, fighting for dominance, with a focus there," she pointed a dew claw at the forehead of Ezra.

[ArcanaFate]

Ezra gave Stare a look, doing their best to remember the proper way to look frustrated. Furrowed brow, arms crossed over the chest, even a frown forming as the kenku asked for some sort of proof that they weren't going to kill her. Why did no one listen when they spoke? They said things they meant; there were no lies in their words. In fact, the idea of lying had always left a bitter taste in their mouth. The truth was absolute, and the homunculus could not comprehend why people would often fabricate it just to avoid minor consequences when the falsehood would create larger problems down the road.

Before arguing yet again about their honesty and lack of desire to kill the kenku, she apologized and confessed to being paranoid and not trusting of others. Ezra blinked, uncrossing their arms and setting their tea cup on the counter. It would make sense that with her different appearance that society would treat her poorly, and she had probably grown up with an eye always over her shoulder and blade in hand. They were lucky in that regard; although they had walked through various villages and cities, they had yet to experience any major hostility from the townfolk.

Except Salvar. But curse their zealotry and hatred for magic.

Listening to Stare's explanation of her hesitation with Ezra, things begun to click into place. Clearly she had never encountered a homunculus, so her magic couldn't make sense of what they were. All they saw demonic energy and some lavender form of power, which was intriguing in its own right. So, the magic used in their creation was definitely uncommon as if Nevin couldn't identify the magic runes on their body and now Stare couldn't identify the source with their magic sight. Clearly, Magister Vrall was very powerful if he was able to tap into some form of hidden arcane power to bring Ezra to life. They picked up their tea cup to take a sip of the herbal brew, but actually sputtered and spat their tea out onto the table at the mention of three souls.

"Oh, Crimson." The homunculus sighed, using one of the usual phrases of frustration that the alchemist often muttered around the shop. Setting the cup down away from the mess, Ezra turned and grabbed a towel to wipe up the spill before it stained. "I apologize for the outburst, that has never happened before. But you caught me entirely off-guard with your assessment. I do not believe that there are three souls; in fact, there should only be one soul inhabiting this body." They paused, towel still sitting on the spill as they turned to properly face Stare. "Since you have a shared a secret of yours regarding your magic, I suppose sharing what I know of my origin so you may better assess what you see."

Reaching for the shoulder of their dress, they gave the fabric a strong pull downward to reveal a few of the alchemical marks and other magic seals etched into their flesh. The pale white symbols stood bright against their tan skin, and the homunculus gave a straightforward look towards the kenku. "You know me as Ezra, but I carry another name. We were once Magister Ezoreth Vrall, a powerful sorcerer of the arcane, and apparently other magics based on your ocular assessment. We were in the middle of researching something powerful; so wondrous it would revolutionize the very foundations of magic." They let go of the fabric, covering up the markings before taking a seat once again. "However, old age had caught up to him; the human life span was apparently not enough for us to complete our work. In his wisdom and desire to better the world with his knowledge, he utilized all of his prowess in the arcane to provide himself a new body. One that could, in theory, last forever and allow him to complete his work."

"This sort of spell had never been attempted before, so there was no sure sign that he would be successful. He chose to have faith and gambled with the odds, and the went through with the incantation." They let out a small sigh, crossing one leg over the other in a sign of minor discomfort. "I am, for lack of better terms, a homunculus. But the description of a homunculus is rather inaccurate to describe my existence. I can somewhat empathize with others, I adapt and learn at a much higher pace than any other synthetic being, and I have a proper conscience to know the difference between right and wrong."

"But I am not perfect by any means. Although I can somewhat empathize, it is difficult for me to truly feel. I can smile, but there is no joy or elation behind it. I have been told it is rather unnerving, so most of my facial expressions are limited as to not make others uncomfortable. Most, if not all, of my facial reactions are rehearsed and based in what I have witnessed from others' experiences, so it could be argued I do not belong with most of society as I am... an oddity."

They blinked, shifting their gaze to wall away from Stare. "Apologies, I did not mean to turn the conversation toward the various imperfections of the spell. You stated that there are three souls combating with one another based in my forehead, according to your ability. However, as far as I am aware and stated previously, there should only be one soul, which is that of Ezoreth Vrall. I suspect it could be possible that the second might relate to the demonic presence you feel radiating from me, but I do not believe that I am currently the vessel for an entity from the nether. I do have an... associate," they let the word roll off their tongue as if it was difficult to say, "who may very well be demonic in nature. They know of Ezoreth, but I have yet to locate them to ascertain the truth of their words."

"As for the supposed third, I cannot comprehend its source. Perhaps it is the mysterious lavender aura you have seen within that is affecting your ability?"

[Stare]

Going back into her aura sight - for the fourth or fifth time now, she could not be sure - the kenku stared deeply at the wavering auras that came from the figure before her. True, there was one soul that dominated all others, true there was technically only one full soul. However, there were two others, perhaps not dominating but still clearly there. As clear as day.

She huffed. "There are at least three souls ... Attached to you then. One dominates, clearly," she pointed at the lichen green that made a halo around her. "That must be yours. Then there are two others, I'm thing one must be this ... Ezoreth."

Looking closer there was a defiant soul that had a stranger presence, almost as if it was flickering in and out of existence. This was the darkest of all the souls, the broken dark blue-green that spoke of something nearing chaotic. Burned into Ezra at certain points - livid, still surviving ... Just.

"Your maker then," Stare began. Then she paused.

They had a maker, a literal creator that they could know and identify. They called themselves a 'humonculous'. A flurry of excitement ran through the kenku then, for the first time since coming into this scene she felt happiness. Ezra had theirr own soul, but they had also been made, not that long ago. That meant life, a soul, had been summoned into being by a person who was not a god. Even though Ezoreth might be powerful Ezra had said nothing about him being a god.

"Wait, so you have a soul yourself, but were made," Stare slowly lowered her cup. "That is ... Incredible. And Ezoreth was not a god." Clearly. There was no sign of divinity anywhere. "You get your power from the demon work done on your body. So your not a demon but it was used to make you ... Huh. I didn't know demons could make souls."

And her feathers rustled wth delight. Eagerly she pushed at the corners of her mind.

Vitruvion. Can demons create?

It was a pause before he answered. Demons destroy, was his foul tone.

But can they make life? Is it possible?

He let out a mental growl. It has been known to be possible. Half children exist, beings exist.

Have you ever met one of these humonculi before?

The god grunted, swinging up his goblet. Yes, but not made with demon magic. No more questions.

She nodded a thanks and looked to Ezra. "Sorry about my attitude earlier. I do not tend to trust demons, but I understand more of what you are."

She held out a hand. "I'm Stare. A kenku, from near Akashima originally, where my people reside, but I'm currently living in Beinost, Raiaera. What questions do you have for me?"

She decided to leave the lavender for now. Likely it was coiled in the form of the third soul. Wether it was wrapped up in the original creation of Ezra, or had something to do with later occurrances, it was not clear. But that could be left for another matter - for research would need to be done.

[ArcanaFate]

Ezra remained rather quiet as Stare ran through her assessment of the souls inhabiting the homunculus' body. The kenku had implied that they had their own soul. Their own, actual soul. Not Ezoreth, not the demon, but Ezra themselves was a true being on this plane of existence. They furrowed their brow, trying to ponder the probability of such a thing occurring during the spell. By all magicks they were aware of, it should be impossible. One cannot simply create a soul; the fact that Ezoreth was able to create one while attempting a soul transfer was so astronomically small the Fates themselves had a better chance of appearing on the material plane and offering everyone candy.

Something wasn't adding up.

"I am not aware that I have my own soul. By my knowledge, I should not have my own soul. I was designed to be a host for Ezoreth's soul via alchemy and, according to your observations, demonic magicks. And I have never heard of a demon creating a soul, but demonkind has been noted to have layers of hidden secrets and unknown powers. It could be possible, in theory."

They paused, tilting their head slightly.

"And Ezoreth was not a god. He was a mortal, like all of the other inhabitants of Althanas." At the hand extended out to them, Ezra stared at the avian's outstretched arm for a long moment to almost admire the difference in physiology between them. They carefully placed their hand into Stare's, then gently squeezed it.

"Greetings, Stare. I am Ezra, but you already know this. I currently reside here in Stonevale. I suppose we can start with two simple questions: How did you meet Nevin and what is your relation to him?"

[Stare]

Stare frowned deeply, so much so that it even affected the fleshy corners of her beak. Certainly she could see the soul of Ezra, at least the major soul that encompassed the person before her. And there was definitely two others. One likely Ezoreth and - well, she had already considered this all. The lavender would prove to be a discovery that changed all of their prespectives, Stare was sure.

Since Ezra was determined not to accept it, Stare decided to leave the matter, for now. Thus, she turned her attention to the questions she had been asked, about how she had met Nevin himself.

Uncertainly she set her cup down and fixed her two great eyes on the homonculus. For a while she was silent, considering Ezra without aura sight now, the way they looked, dressed in simple clothes. How they held themselves - rather strongly but also humble, with a sense of kindliness. They way they looked back at Stare, uncertainty but also determination. Stare saw in this being someone she thought she could admire, and possibly call friend.

"I met Nevin in a pub," she spoke, quietly. "He was writing ... things and mumbling about me. I went over to correct him, and then we fell into conversation, and became friends." She paused, "That is all we are. Friends. Though I have heard strange rumours ..."

Coming into this town today she had been roughly hit with various rumours of a 'red-haired man' with a 'wife'. Stare did not know anything of the truth of this, but looking up to Ezra she suddenly considered that that was why Ezra might be working here. Were her and Nevin romantically involved? Certainly it made an amount of sense, because he was young and had a good business. A man like him, in his prime, would be available and highly sought after. Excepting for what he was - a blood mage who had a scar on his soul, the memory of another life.

"Are you his sweetheart?" she asked, tilting her head. "If you are, I am nothing like that to him. He is a friend, one of the few I have and since I spilled my who life story to him and him to me, I hope he would consider me the same. We saw him a few days ago in Radasanth, my employer and me and I wanted to come to apologise."

She leant forwards and tapped the kettle, "Any chance of more un-poisoned tea?"

[ArcanaFate]

...Sweetheart?

The kenku thought that Ezra was Nevin's significant other? Well, that was certainly a long jump in their current relationship with the alchemist. But how would a human respond to such a statement? They didn't think they would be angry; Nevin was a gentleman through and through of what they had seen and he would likely make an ideal mate for any of the village women who fancied him.

Which were quite a lot, from what the homunculus had seen.

Feeling upset wasn't quite right, either. Ezra had no desire of entering that sort of relationship with the man currently; very likely they would never reach the point of desiring a romantic partner. Ezoreth had never desired such companionship, so it would make sense that once all of their memories had returned they would not want such relations either. Being joyous was wrong as well, so what does one do when they are confused about how to respond?

"Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha."

The laugh came out flat and somewhat forced, and Ezra began to fiddle with their long hair braid in hopes of destressing from the complications of social responses. "No, I am not currently in that sort of relationship with Nevin. He is my friend and mentor, but I do not have those kinds of feelings for him, or anyone for that matter. And it is good that he has other friends. He can be rather aloof and it does not seem to exemplify good mental health practices. Although I do not understand why you have to apologize to him? Were you working when you met with him?"

They paused for a long moment in an attempt to think, then tilted their head in minor confusion before righting themselves once more. "Ah yes, sorry. I got distracted by my analyzing of your need to apologize that I ignored your other question. I will gladly prepare more tea for you, Stare. Are there any questions you have for me, or may I ask another? I have quite a few regarding your physiology and culture, but I do not wish to be an impolite host and smother you with inquiries." They stated as they moved to refill the kettle with water and get a new fire started. "I have come to understand that I learn somewhat better as an observer and that sometimes my questions are... less than appropriate in a social setting. I do try to mind my manners, but it is rather difficult when you cannot remember what your manners are expected to be."

[Stare]

Stare tilted her head as she watched the - what was it again, ah yes, humonculus - pick the steaming kettle from the stove and begin the ritual of making more tea. Black eyes pierced the back of the head of the curious being, who was human in form but not in spirit. Her tongue very quietly clacked on the inside of her mouth as she considered that Ezra was very much a 'them' and not a 'he,' despite the fact their creator, Ezoreth apparently was defined by such. When the pronoun had changed was curious to Stare, it meant that at some point there had been a lack of a preference for male or female. Either it had been during their creation or after, and it had something to do with either both male and female were existent, or none were. It was a curious question, but one that Stare was unsure if it was impolite to ask.

Either way, their aura defiantly spoke of neither preference. They just were they.

As Ezra turned back around Stare decided to simply respond to their own interest. About her anatomy and physiology. As far as a homonculus was probably from a human, a kenku was probably the same - and more.

"I only have questions regarding how you are made. Ones that you seem to have yourself. That third soul is definite present - my sight never lies." She waited until her cup was filled again and took a moment.

"That and I am wondering why Nevin took a liking to you, but then that is a question for him perhaps. If you are not his sweetheart, and just his friend, then we have a friend in common." She inclined her head at the being who was settling back down opposite her. "As to my physical make up, my species has its own mythology about where we came from and stories of how we were once simply corvids on the wind, who were given human form. The truth is a little different, but I will not bore you with that." It also included needing to explain that actually they came from a whole different planet, and had been sent here as a species that was innocent and stupidly, entirely naive, but that was too close to admitting that she worked for a god. Which was completely not allowed. Therefore, she went on.

"Instead I can tell you that we do have hollow bones - it makes us lighter and faster than the normal being. Over average height is five foot only, and we mostly are all black. We can go around naked and not cause alarm, because the plumage covers everything, but we developed the social acceptance of wearing clothes because that is how the world is." She paused. "We lay eggs that our young hatch from, but we also lactate. We suspect that is from the influence of the mammalian inspiration on our design. Oh and I have tail feathers, but they are tucked away. We die younger than you do - a life expectancy is around forty or fifty years, and we live in a very feudal society back in our homeland."

She huffed, "Never touch a kenku's beak or tail feathers without asking, they are considered the pride of the being. Aside from mine, I have got over my aversion, but then I do not live in my community anymore. And we cannot fly. One bit."

"Is that what you wanted to know?"

[ArcanaFate]

"I will be entirely honest with you, Stare. It was much more than I was expecting that you would share with me. So thank you."

Ezra turned to face the kenku after setting the kettle down once more. Fresh tea was brewed and poured, and the conversation continued. The information provided was intriguing, to be certain, but some things were so odd. Despite being avian, they lactated like mammals? Did the kenku breastfeed like the other races, or did they just bottle the milk in some fashion? Did their diet consist of insects or did they eat the same meals as humans? So many possibilities, but how far was too far diving into their inquiries? Would asking about their lactations and similarity to non-humanoid corvids too inappropriate for how little time they had known one another.

"Nevin's interest in me is purely academic in nature." Ezra started, adjusting their posture to sit up straight. They had begun to slouch as they spoke with Stare and apparently sitting up fully with a straightened back showed interest and proper poise was much healthier than slouching. Or so they've been told. "I was in need of an alchemist as I needed a start to figure out how my body was composed. I recognized a few of the symbols on my chest as being alchemic in nature, but I unfortunately no longer have the full expertise that Ezoreth did so I had to find someone who had the understanding..."

A pause, then Ezra let out a small sigh and leaned forward again to look at Stare directly. They seemed to have trailed off and began to speak once more with much more firmness in their tone. "Of course, I did not so much ask for his assistance than began disrobing to show him the runes and sigils on my back and shoulders." Their lips seemed to curve in a small smile, but quickly vanished as soon as it had appeared. "I was, and still am, rather unaware of the proper social cues. I do not see myself as a human; so to show my body was not something I viewed as lewd, but as one might view a golem. Alas, he disagreed. Proceeded to fluster red in embarrassment but was rather curious about my creation and agreed to assist me. He offered to teach me alchemy and I offered him my body for research. He gains knowledge in the arts of alchemic transmutation, and I learn more of my creation and possibly a solution to the missing memories. It is a mutually beneficial agreement."

They looked down into their tea cup and let out a low, frustrated exhale.

"Although I cannot define our relationship beyond the professional aspect, I would like to believe that he and I are friends. However, I am unsure of how people tell that their relationship has moved passed acquaintances. You stated, Stare, that we have a friend in common in the alchemist. But does that make us friends? Could we become friends?"

[Stare]

Stare's brow went high and her eyes went very wide as she listened to the story of ... disrobing. Blinking, slowly, she said nothing and stayed absolutely silent, trying not to make a comment. Even though Ezra had just told Stare that they and Nevin were not intimate, this description was certainly weaving its way to suggest so. Even Stare knew not to go out in public naked, because of the questions that might get asked. Yes, she herself had plumage that covered her entirely, but social ettiquette meant that clothing top and bottom was rather necessary.

It made her begin to consider what Ezra might have ... below. Though their main soul (for they definitely had one at least) was undeniably neither male or female, it was possible that their body had some form of gender specifics. Would it be male, as Ezoreth had been? Or was it androgynous? Sort of ... just lacking. But then where did they relieve themselves from?

UGH, ugh, ugh, not whilst drinking this tea.

Stare tried to keep focused and not let the distaste come to her eyes. She waited until Ezra was finished and gave a few understanding, contemplative nods. The subject had changed to friends, though the ... previous issue was still in the kenku's mind. Desperately she tried to rid herself of it but the curiousity was still there. After all the digestive system was rather a curious thing. Though not many knew about it, Stare certainly did, and a lot else besides. It was what you got from working for a god who was a scholar as a hobby and was coming to more of a greater understanding of the universe every day.

"Yes, why cannot we be friends?" she tilted her head, trying not to make it look like she was tempted to look elsewhere. Just do not think about it. You cannot ask. It is an utterly, very rude question. "Nevin is my friend ... he is your employer. We have shared many things between us."

She paused, lifting her tea to her beak, then changed her mind and set it back down again, feeling slightly peaky.

"Unless you mean yourself and Nevin? I do not understand why that is not possible. You seem close, and have a working relationship. If you are not his sweetheart, then you can be a friend. I would say I am his friend." She paused, thought about, and nodded again.

"Yes I am."

Shifting a little awkwardly from one foot to the other she attempted to distract herself from the thoughts that still snuck in.

"Can I answer any other questions you might have about me? I ... am a kenku, we covered that already. Oh, do you have any of the mixture Nevin made from my blood before. And would it be possible for me to give more for him to work on?"

[ArcanaFate]

A small smile crept up on the homunculus' features, and they couldn't help but nod at Stare's confirmation of their new friendship. It was nice to make more friends, especially ones who already knew Nevin and were quite nice and were a very interesting conversational partner. There was plenty of information to learn from the kenku, possibly even more magic related topics that could assist Ezra's own quest. The idea of being Nevin's friend hadn't really crossed their mind; the two had a professional relationship already and it was somewhat uncommon for the two to 'hang out' after work unless it was off-hours study for Ezra's origins.

"Hrm. I do have questions, but I am not sure how to ask them. As for your inquiry regarding the specialty elixirs for kenku, we still have three bottles in stock. As for making more, I am... unsure. I would not see why we could not, however, I have never done the process to draw blood and I fear that I could harm you in my attempts. If you wish to continue, I will do my best to draw more but you may have to assist me in order to make the process as efficient as possible."

They shifted from their position slightly, purple eyes scanning over the black-feathered humanoid standing across from them. Stare was truly a unique specimen of creature; they had only seen a few non-humanoids since their journey started three years ago, and even then, they had been mainly elves and a few dwarves. So meeting someone who was, in the homunculus' opinion, an entirely different race, they couldn't help but feel almost happy at making her a new friend.

"But, back to your previous question. My questions for you are a bit more personal, as we are now friends. I would like to know more about you in general. Do you have any family? What types of foods do you like to eat? Are you restricted in your diet like the non-evolved corvids? Are you employed currently? I am also curious of the various discriminations you may have faced while travelling. Up until this point, I have not met many outside of the standard human fair, so the difference in perspective would be quite valuable information for me."

[Stare]

Stare took a moment to absorb all that Ezra wanted to know and had to say. When they mentioned the presence of more kenku potions, Stare perked up. Her ear holes - somewhere on either side of her head, hidden beneath all that plummage - would have perked up had they had any form of external mass. Instead she cocked her head, tilting it to the side like a real bird would and listened intently, blinking her large black eyes slow. She remembered that her brother, Avin, had had a very distinctive pink marking in one of his eyes, that had not made him blind for it seemed to lie outside of his pupil, but it had always made him the most noticeable ronin kenku anywhere.

How she missed him.

As Ezra went on to ask questions Stare paused, and thought about how to give blood again. Certainly, the potions had been useful, and she reasoned with herself that more could not hurt. Thus, she dropped her gaze when they began and stared (what she did best) at the dagger at her belt. After what seemed an age she plucked it out and looked around until she saw a usefully empty cup. Holding her knife in one hand and bearing her forearm she paused, looking like she was going to stab the table.

She turned back to Ezra, and paused, realising what it looked like.

"I mean you no harm, I was just trying to figure out how best to get you the blood."

Pausing, she tossed over the knife to the other hand and nodded, before answering.

"I had a family," she said with a rather mellow voice, expressing little emotion. "They are all dead now, including my older brothers, who were murdered. My father died of old age - we kenku can only expect to live to forty or so - and my mother of a broken heart. Hence me starting out in the world. Now ..." she paused and shrugged, a claw picking at the edge of the knife. "Now I guess I just have Vitruvion."

The idea in her head that her master (aka her god) was the only family in her life made Stare feel slightly sick. Her eyes dropped down to where she fingered the knife and she let out a huffing sigh.

Thank you? came the amused voice.

Go away, she grumbled. Vitruvion said nothing, only gave her a whistful smile before he swilled down his drink. Stare turned her attention back to Ezra.

"Foods ... I literally eat anything. Meat though, is a good one. Perferrably cooked, but we are omnivores. Our bodies have sort of adapted over time I guess to accept the foods of other places. And yes, I am employed." She shrugged. "By a man who is currently listening to our conversation via the back of my head." She paused, realising it sounded a bit like he was some form of symbiote. "I mean we have a telepathic link, that is the best way to describe it. He ... finds you interesting. He is a scholar, academic sort."

[ArcanaFate]

Ezra immediately flinched when the knife came out. It wasn't so much that they believed Stare, who was supposedly a good friend of Nevin's, would actually harm them. But after their adventure in Salvar and the near life-ending incidents with the Church of the Ethereal Sway, the paranoia of being hunted down by one of the Church's mage hunters had always lingered in the back of their mind. Their left arm burst into lightning, the purple streaks of electricity bounding from their palm down their forearm. Their eyes were wide but both the emotional outburst as well as the lightning magic vanished after a brief moment. Their facial features returned to the usual stoic appearance they always carried as the realization the kenku was simply going to use the knife to draw blood for Nevin's alchemy.

"Ah... sorry. I have had some... less than positive experiences when it comes to myself and someone else with a knife in the same room." They stated, stretching their fingers to relax how tense their hand had become. The lightning magic was a rather new spell for the homunculus, and its use was still uncomfortable to wield properly. Ezra raised a brow at the confession of being an orphan except for this Vitruvion fellow, and they made a mental note to look into the man a bit more. Their new friend had let out a sigh about the man, and that did not usually bode well. Perhaps Vitruvion was not a good person? Ezra could not place why, but the idea of one being subservient to another seemed to leave a bitter taste in their mouth. With a quick reach, they grabbed one of the honey candies in the nearby basket and plopped it into their mouth. The sweet taste sent a shiver down their back, and their muscles seemed to relax and their stance became much less tense. The taste of honey had become something of a relaxant for the homunculus.

At the mention of the telepathic link with their employer, Ezra's eyes sparkled with excitement. "How very interesting! That is quite a powerful magic that your employer has. And with that link, he is aware of my... origins, for lack of better term. Well, that is most unfortunate. I prefer to have the discussion about such things in a more private setting, but it cannot be helped. I would only ask that he keeps it to himself. But an academic man, how curious. Is he well versed in alchemy? Perhaps he could explain a little more of my background at some point in the future. But, I doubt you are interested in talking about such boring topics like work. Your diet does surprise me, as certain species of birds are incapable of digesting certain foods so the fact that you seem to be able to eat like a human is quite odd. Odd, but fascinating."

They shifted their gaze to the ceiling for a moment, then around the room. Once they had done a full glance, they locked eyes with Stare once again and let out a faint laugh.

"...I will admit I am still learning how to commence in 'small talk' so I have little experience in coming up with topics to discuss."

[Stare]

Well? she offered, Now is your chance to properly show off?

I do not 'show off,' as you so colloquially put it, my dear, Vitruvion grunted, showing her briefly his view. He sat in a bar, alone, right in the back and in a private booth overlooking the main area from a mezzanine. Before him was a goblet that he had his hands curled around, and a set of stairs that ascended to his area to the right. However ... He paused, and she was shown a picture of him grinning.

She gave out a grunting sigh and looked at Ezra. "So far he has freaked out because you have some essence of demon, and has certified that to his knowledge demons cannot create life." Awkwardly she fidgeted with the end of her knife, concious of the blade digging into her skin. When she remembered Ezra's comment about not being fond of knives she stopped what she was doing and smiled uneasily.

"He will not - wait -"

You won't spread their secret right?

Vitruvion leant back, his eyes still observing the hoi polloi below, No, I will not. Purely for the reason that I want to know what this friend of your alchemist's is, and if they are powerful then I will want that power for myself, likely.

Stare rolled her eyes. "He will not tell anyone about you, don't worry." She huffed, "Despite his ways he is actually trustworthy and is rather good at keeping secrets. You can be persuaded that he will keep it to himself. As for knowing about alchemy, I would not be surprised if he did not know about some of it at least.

The god nodded, I do know some.

"He does know some," Stare related. Then she paused. "I apologise for not telling you earlier about him, its not every one who thinks that having a voice in the back of your head is normal. Or belongs in the realms of sanity." Gently she placed down the knife and swapped it for the cup. Taking a moment she took another sip of the tea, angling ceramic to keratin and chugging it down in a less elegant corvid manner.

"Really the knife was about me thinking it might be good to give you some more of my blood. If I do, then perhaps Nevin could use it, like he did with the last lot. And I could give you a feather or too if you are that interested?"

She gently placed a claw over the dagger and waited for Ezra's answers. Meanwhile Vitruvion fell back to silence, merely observing them as he did the crowds in the bar, like a god over his world.