An Unlikely Trio.

[Ingway Desmodius]

The journey from the Grasslands was a quite one, filled with an awkward silence that persisted throughout, but the very notion of traveling with a companion... of sorts was a nice change of pace. Stepping through the massive gates, Ingway and his elven cohort laid witness to the hustle and bustle that was an everyday event for the citizens of Silicis City. Pushing his way through the masses of people that obscured any clear walking path, Ingway spurred on Loraala as he forced his way through the intersecting crowds.

Being in Roccia had several purposes, for Ingway at least. One was aiding his new acquaintance with her search for a way back home, and what better place to do so than the home of the largest Library in the known world. Aside from that was Ingway's original purpose: meeting up with Seigmand and getting his reward for passing his message to the Heroes and with the possibility of something awe inspiring being delivered unto him by the King of a nation, this woman and her personal problems could take a back seat for a bit.

Finding his way to the Castle gates, Ingway paused for a second before leaving the obscuring mess of the crowd to pull a hooded cloak out of his cloak; a rather humorous notion if one though about it. Donning the thick, hooded garb, he suggested that Loraala follow suit and cover up her face. Approaching the guards that, well, guarded the towering doors, Ingway was met with that staple snide gaze that all guards seemed to have perfected.

"Halt!" cried the short, rotund one as he pointed his spear at the hooded figures. "State your business in Castle Roccia or begone!"

Pulling a parchment out from under his cloak, Ingway opens it, revealing a Request of Audience signed by Seigmand himself. The Guards promptly stiffen up, requesting the doors be opened as they retained their rigid state. Ingway could not help but smile under the veil of shadow that his cloak provided, the notion that his forgery skills were as good as they were causing him to chuckle on the inside as he entered to monument of Roccian Architecture. Winding their way up the seamlessly endless flights of stairs, the duo arrived at the entrance to Seigman's "Office," a much more befitting word considering the amount of paper that littered his quarters, and knocked several times on the illustrious door that blocked their entrance.

"Hello, Seigman, you home? If you are, you should really let me in. It's Ingway," He stated in a whisper.

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand had been busy riffling through his old stratagem reports when he heard the rapping against the heavy marble door he had to his quarters. He'd been back from Earth for only a week or so and the news of the Twilight Kingdom's declarations of war had had him busy looking over the various intel he'd collected on the other nations. With a quick motion he shoved the door open with his Geomancy, leaving it wide open to see Ingway and a second person cloaked standing beside him.

"Hello Ingway, a pleasure as always. How have things been during my trip? Forgive me if I seem distracted, but it would seem the elders have much that needs my attention and I the kingdom has kept me quite occupied. I trust you are familiar with Queen Lunestise's actions of late?" He took only a passing glance at the second figure before returning to his scrolls. "And who may I ask is your friend?"

[Loraala]

"A bustling crowd, just perfect." Loraala thought to herself as her new companion led her through this gathering of people that he called..Silicis City. She fought the crowds trying to keep pace with Ingway, shooting a glare under her hood at any person who gave the slightest look at her. Though she did not carry much, a mass of people as big as this had a calling to thieves, and she would not be a victim. Though the stress was wearing her down, the thought of having someone she could call an ally put a strange ease on her mind. He could easily slit her throat in her sleep if he wanted to, but somehow she knew that he would not; and when you are in a world that you dont know up from down, its a blessing.

She was told that they were going to the largest library that was known to him. Initially she thought it was a waste of time until he had explained that my kind at one time did roam these lands. If she could get even the slightest lead on finding a familiar face she would gladly take it. Before she knew it they finally escaped the crowd, keeping a distance between Ingway and the guards that lay before them, being careful not to cause any sort of alarm. The guards had stopped Ingway, Loraala almost let out a laugh when the fat one spoke. Apparently a guards etiquet towards visitors is universal, barking out empty threats thinking they own the whole castle. Though truthfully they do not even own the -door- that they guard day in and day out, pathetic. She knew better not to open her mouth though, she did not want to become the threat of a whole city just because they have poor excuses for guards. A few moments later, Ingway finished his business with the guards and they were let in. The architecture of the castle was breathtaking, a gasp of disbelief escaped Loraala's lips, nothing she had ever seen before was so elegant, the craftsmenship was simply exquisite.

"Hello. Seigman, you home? If you are, you should really let me in. It's Ingway!" Loraala was surprised how abrupt Ingway was, he talked like this castle was just an ordinary dwelling. Before she could question Ingway about it, the door in front of them swung open, and she came face to face with a man overlooking what she could only guess was his work. Her mind was put at peace when this man acknowledged her companion as a friend, she honestly had no idea what kind of trouble she could have been led into. Though she had no idea what was being talked about, she felt it necessary to speak when the stranger referred to her. She bowed down respectfully, for all she knew he owned this castle and if this man could help her in her crusade at all then she would be polite, "My name is Loraala, and forgive me if I am out of place, but who may you be?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand stood up and walked forward to his two visitors. "Forgive my manners, I had thought Ingway would have informed you of who he was visiting. I am King Seigmand Dezmar; ruler of Roccia. Welcome to my kingdom." He gave a small bow to her before turning to Ingway, wrapping his arm around him and leading him off to a corner of the room. "Do not worry Loraala, I merely need him for a quick moment."

With adequate distance between them Seigmand leaned in close and whispered to Ingway, "I should hope that your senses have not been clouded as to bring someone into this delicate partnership of ours without full well trusting her Ingway. Things have gotten much worse since Earth and Trucido has grown quite wary of all of the Sumata. I can't afford a slip up at this point."

[Ingway Desmodius]

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Seigmand, you hurt me with such words. There's no need to worry, she's just another..."client" of mine who i happen to be helping at the moment, and i just so coincides that we seek information at the finest libraries in Crepusculum, well that and i was hoping to come "collecting" if you catch my drift," Ingway states with a wink as he rubs his fingers together with a glint of avarice in his open eye.

"After all, it was thanks to my deft agility, and ability to gather info that aided in things going your way... or wait, things did go the way you had planned, yeah?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand scanned over the young woman, somewhat put off by the concealing efforts of her hooded cloak. "Hmm, fair enough Ingway. After all you have proven yourself nothing if not capable in the past. And yes, the time spent away proved successful. We were able to get what we came for, though our enemy was by no means defeated. It saddens me to say this Ingway, but at the current pace I won't be able to maintain this subterfuge much longer."

"As for your reward Ingway, I have prepared a sum worthy of your efforts for you. I have it right here." He slipped around to his desk and tossed a gold filled pouch towards him. "Now, seeing as how I have you here Ingway, I don't suppose you'd be ready for another job would you? This more than anything will require you and your...unique collection."

[Ingway Desmodius]

Catching the pouch with a deft swiping motion of his hand, the motion continued until his hand was concealed under his cloak. Taking his hand out from under the draping brown garment, he briskly pulls off his cap and does a quick bow. "I'm glad to know my record still hold only positive feed back," he quips as he places his cap back on his head.

Ingway liked working with Seigmand. Though he was curt, and always serious, and kind of a recluse, those were all things that Ingway could toss aside, as he held a good deal of respect for Seigmand and his efforts. Raising an eyebrow at Seigmand's mention of uniques collectable, Ingway leans in close and with a cheeky grin says, "And just which one do you have in mind? I possess quite a few interesting "collectables," but I'm assuming you have a specific one in mind, no?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"Mmm yes, the prize you claimed from your last mission actually. Let's just say that I have no doubt in my mind that they will prove to be unequaled in your task. Of course, the mission I have is quite a bit more dangerous Ingway so be assured that the reward I will have waiting for you will match it. Can you handle yourself in combat by chance?"

He glanced the younger man over. Sure enough he had the looks of an thief. Thin, not terribly muscular but the lack of any real weapon he could see is what interested him most. The miniscule blade on his waist looked too small to cut rope much less a sturdy foe. He looked as a man who relied on sharp wit instead of a sharp blade, but was he combat worthy? Seigmand clutched the awaiting letter in his hand tucked from sight.

[Ingway Desmodius]

He noticed Seigmand's inquisitive gaze as he looked him over, his eyes pausing for a second at Ingway's waist, no doubt examining his dagger as much as his physique.

"Eh, combat is such a barbaric task. I much prefer to get the jump on my foes, but should i get into a rough situation, I've been known to pull through. In fact, just for you, my friend, I'll give you a hint to my secret. *Ahem* My collection is massive but never too far, as it stands on the border here and nowhere, waiting for but a though to appear." He pauses briefly to let the cryptic phrase sink in for Seigmand. "Sorry for being vague, but a master just can't reveal the tricks of his trade," he stated, still barring his cheeky grin.

"As for this job, I'm a man of action, so why not, it could be fun. It's been sometime since if participated in a brawl and it might be a nice change of pace. So what exactly is this job that you propose? Bounty hunting? Retrieving some fair maiden from the clutches of evil? I can only assume that my job would take me to Alberisato if you mention my gauntlets. So what is it?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"Very well Ingway, eager as always. I'm glad, it's rare to see anyone as committed to a task these days." He handed Ingway the letter he had held in his hand. "This is an urgent letter that must be sent to Queen Milicia of the Crepusculum Kingdom. The struggles presented by her war would make it impossible for me to dare get near her without alerting the Sumata, so I intend to send you to deliver it personally. This is too important to even risk interception, so I'm counting on you."

Hmm, as for that power he has... pocket dimensions? Perhaps a pact with one of the gods? Too many possibilities to guess, but a man that can make things disappear will certainly come in handy. "By the way Ingway, in light of your revelation, I have something that needs to disappear. Rather a couple things..." He paused as he fished around in his clothes for a moment, stopping only to pull out a small ring and a brooch from within. "I'm sad to say they were no help to me, and right now its better if they don't exist at all. At least for the moment." he placed them securely in Ingway's hand. "These objects must not see the light of day. I trust you can make that happen?" He looked on, curious to see if Ingway would use his power now. Now that he had been teased with the info, he wanted to see it in action.

[Ingway Desmodius]

Now Ingway was a little confused. His mention of the gauntlets hinted at the involvement of plants, and the part about having to fight was obvious, but now with this letter that he was supposed to deliver to Crepusculum Kingdom, things suddenly got thrown out of whack a little. But Ingway wasn't about to get hung up on the details, as this was his subtle way of assisting the Heroes in their efforts.

Taking the envelope, he tucks it under his cloak, all the while looking on with curiosity as Seigmand hands him the small ring and broach. At first glance, the items were but simple accessories, but with a bit of deft perception and sensation, Ingway could feel them emanate with an archaic power, something that Ingway really had no experience sealing. Taking his attention off the accoutrements in his hand, his gaze now focused on Seigmand's inquisitive look.

He lets out a brief sigh before snickering a little. "Geez, way to put a guy on the spot. Guess I'm gonna have to show you how it works then, aren't I?"

Taking a few steps back, he sits on the ground with his legs crossed, placing the objects apart from each other on the floor. Placing his hands overtop the ring, the area around it begins to glow with a faint green aura. After a second, a green glyph appears under the item; the area inside it inscribed with intricate symbols and shapes. As he sits there, his hands suddenly begin to move in frantic patterns, the glyph seemingly changing relative to his movements. Stopping several times, the circle flickers and sparks a bit with each pause, Ingway wincing a bit each time.

With a final sweep of his hands, the circle brightens and then fades, the object atomizing when it does. Placing his hands over the broach, he repeats the same process minus the mistakes, and the ensuing flickers of light that followed. Standing up, he wipes of his pants followed by his brow.

"Well there you go, the master's grand trick revealed! But I'll have to be careful that i don't phase them in and out to often, as I had to take a few liberties to get them go. Whatever those are, they're high quality stuff, and contain magic like I've never seen." He paused for a second, his look suddenly becoming a bit more serious. "I'm assuming you aren't going to tell me what they are exactly, presumably for my own good, but it'd better not put me in an awkward position having to carry these around. But all that aside, have you got anything else for me, or should I be on my way?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

He took note of Ingway's confusion and merely leaned in to whisper closely, "The first step of many Ingway. All will become clear upon its delivery."

The next words from the spry boy left him silent, realizing he'd get to witness the mysterious power Ingway had hinted at. Rushing over to his travel sack he found his compendium and stood ready to take notes. Fascinating, clearly a lost magic. It would appear the object must be scanned by the runes before he can make it disappear. "Truly worth seeing Ingway. I shall consider myself indeed lucky to have employed such an extraordinary man."

"As for the objects, have no worry. To the best of my knowledge only two other know I even possess these, and with this exchange none shall know they are in your hands. After all, I've made very sure no one knows who you even are, much less what you do for me. Now it's best you be off, the both of you. I have a very important meeting with the elder council and I dare say those codgers get annoyed if I leave them waiting." With that Seigmand began to gather a variety of the items he'd been looking over when his visitors had arrived, giving them only a passing attention as they went to leave.

[Ingway Desmodius]

"Just don't go spreading stuff around about what you saw, alright. You're the first person to actually see how I do this and I'd prefer that my abilities are kept a mystery if you catch my drift. Anyway, I guess I'll be off. Creusculum Kingdom is a couple of days away, so I'd best stock up on the few essentials and ship out post haste," Ingway mentions, the last part being more to himself than anyone.

Pulling the thick, heavy cloak out from under his much more comfortable one, he dons it with an annoyed grimace and opens the large doors to leave. Just before closing them, he quickly pops his head back in, a sneaky grin on his face.

"See you around Seigmand, oh and if it's not to much, could you have your alchemists construct something interesting for me instead of giving me gold for this job? I don't really have anything specific in mind, so just use the gold you were planning on paying me as funds for it and have them go wild, okay? Thanks, bye-bye," he quickly blurts out before closing the door, giving Seigmand no chance to protest to the idea.

With his smirk still in tune, Ingway leave Roccia Castle and ventures to a few of the surrounding stores to stock up before leaving to deliver the sealed envelope to it's destination.

[Seigmand Dezmar]

"Not exactly subtle is he? I suppose I'd best keep his interests if I want him to stay with me. It'd be a shame to kill him if he ever defected." Seigmand muttered softly to himself, alone again with his research.

I guess there's no sense in waiting anymore. With Ingway sending that letter, it's time I get the backing of the council before we rally the troops. It's been a while since the Asmati have fought in any war, I just hope life in Silicis hasn't made them too soft. The papers that filled the room were quickly shuffled under his arm, puffed out as a wide collection of scrolls and his own notes as he made his way down the stark corridors for his meeting with the elders.