Archmage Claude Vincent

I am possibly the single most powerful magical being that you'll ever meet, but don't worry. I don't bite. Too much...

[claudevincentrp]

No I cannot turn you into a giant shark thanks for asking.

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Well then, it seems our next encounter is inevitable. I will attempt not to instigate you to violence when next we met.

But alas, I have duties to attend to, and so we must part ways. [Demetri stands and sketches a shallow bow.] Enjoy your juggling.

[claudevincentrp]

I will try. -picks up his juggling balls and smiles before continuing to juggle.- I hope you have a safe journey my lord. 

[xavierey-blog]

And The Crashes Are Heaven; ♛ Xavier & Claude

[xavierey-blog]

A wide grin split Xavier’s face when the other man moved to pull off his robes; he did love to see people enjoying the sea. More than that, he was hardly in the right sort of mood to behave properly as a king, much less His Majesty, the King of Corstorphine. That title followed him everywhere he went, and he was hardly in the mood for reverence. It was a pleasant change to be in the presence of someone who viewed him as less and more than His Majesty, who appreciated his sharp tongue and found him entertaining rather than harsh. 

A laugh pulled from Xavier’s throat at the Archmage’s display of acrobatics, hands breaking the water’s surface for him to clap twice as the older man spoke. “It always is,” he agreed jovially, letting the waves carry his body. “Quite a stunning display of flexibility, Archmage. You have aged quite gracefully.” He chuckled, leisurely kicks of the water allowing the water to drag him towards the other man. “So, what inspired the infernado? I’m certain that His Holiness of the Shining Assarian Empire would be bombarding you with letters begging your presence if he knew of it.”

[claudevincentrp]

He shrugged and smiled as he ran his hands through his light grey hair, smiling widely. "To properly use magic you've got to be in optimal shape, otherwise there is no way that you can cast spells, incantations and enchantments." he said, watching the King tread water. Examining him with a critical eye he couldn't imagine that any other King would act in that way, it was strange that this one was so different, you would almost never expect it. But Xavier was not a traditional King, he didn't act in the same way as other members of the Monarchy and he would not want to. 

"I have no idea, it was just a strange mood that affected me." he said shrugging with a roguish grin. "Besides if His Holiness of the Shining Assarian Empire wants my infernado then he is either going to need me, or a whole team of fantastic mages that I've actually yet to meet." he raised his eye brow. "But I'm really not a fan of sand, so I think I will stay here for a little while. Besides for the moment I prefer the climate here."

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

Becca was surprised, the door had opened quicker than she anticipated. She had thought perhaps it wouldn’t at all, she was doubting herself more than usual today. The woman looked a little surprised by Becca’s and Claude’s appearance, but not to the sort of extent like the more aged woman before. Ms. Tanner’s wrinkles were not so deep set, her hands not so rough, she worked-but not for survival. She simply didn’t have the years, but Becca knew how quickly that all could change. 

"Ms. Tanner I extend to you my most sincere condolences." Becca said gently with a bow of her head. The common response did not seem so posed coming from Becca’s lips, grief threatened to hit her like a wave when that door opened. 

The woman frowned lightly but nodded, “Thank you…only I don’t think know you?” Her expression posed more question than anything else, deep brown eyes glancing between Becca and Claude. 

Becca shook her head, “No perhaps not. I’m Becca Lewellyn, I run North Star, the charity? This is a friend of mine.” She motioned quickly to Claude, keeping his introduction brief. “We’ve brought you a few things, blankets, food, some money.” 

"Oh no I couldn’t take from a charity…" the Tanner woman breathed and Becca gave her a sympathetic smile, "There is no harm in it. I wish you would. There are times when modesty can be abandoned." Ms. Tanner chewed her lip in thought, "What grants my tragedy such kindness." 

Becca took in a breath, “Everyone deserves kindness. Please take the things, and keep in contact with North Star, we may be able to help you further.” 

[claudevincentrp]

As the door quickly opened Claude couldn't help but smile as he got to watch Becca in action. It was very impressive. Her manner, demeanor and words were all firm, yet somehow incredibly democratic, it was almost as if she understood exactly how the woman felt. He smiled at the woman warmly. Trying to reassure her. He didn't bother with magic, sometimes the only magic that you needed was a warm smile, or a cold frown.

"I would do what she says." he said smiling. Pride was something he understood well, as Archmage he was often in a position where he could help or hinder most problems that someone faced. Pride was often the only thing that stopped people from asking for help, or even occasionally it was the thing that stopped them from accepting help.

"This lady simply wants to help you and all you have to do is let her. It will make your life infinitely easier."

He hoped that she would really let Becca help, otherwise it would be very difficult and there was no way that the North Star could grow without people starting to accept her help.

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Ah, that shows admirable restraint. Most grateful. In return, I will make an attempt to be less… incendiary.

If you’re bored, my dear Archmage, consider venturing to Omnium. You say you’ve not met the queen, and her sister’s ball is an excellent opportunity. I’m instructed to invite anyone of note, and it seems to me as though we recently concluded a discussion of your fame and prowess.

Consider this an invitation, if you have not yet received one from the queen herself.

[claudevincentrp]

I do try, although you've caught me on one of the days where I'm feeling more careful than usual.

You don't have to worry, I plan on coming to the ball. I've got nothing better to do and I enjoy a good ball.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"If nothing else, It’s a wise observation," Becca acknowledged his thought provoking words with a nod in return. She began to chew her lip anxiously wondering if her quest out here was to be all in vain, what a fool she’d feel like then. But she followed the stiff woman’s direction. Fourth cottage on the left. The yard was a little unruly, but nothing horrendous. As Becca approached the door, leaving the small gate behind her cracked open a bit, she hoped someone was home. She knocked three times and wrung her hands about while she waited. 

[claudevincentrp]

Dismounting from his horse Claude smoothed his dark robes and smiled at her. "Let us see if we can help this lady out." he said confidently. Knowing that he could do more for her and in extension for Becca then she could ever imagine. A strange feeling washed over him as he sighed and ran a hand through his long hair that he insisted on keeping clean. Warm empathy was not something that he usually felt towards anyone. Enjoying other people's company was another feeling that he wasn't used to. So what was going on with him right now? 

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Well, I do not presume to speak for my kingdom or my queen, as I expect they possess within them the appropriate respect due a man or your particular grandeur. But as for me personally— the feeling is mutual.

Still, if we can avoid your wrath and my untimely death, I will endeavor to feign all manner of courtesy and charm.

What brings you to Corstorphine, my good Archmage?

[claudevincentrp]

I will do my very best not to kill you. But no promises.

Boredom.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

Becca frowned as Claude gave the stiff woman a coin, it was meant to be a jab, but as Becca turned the woman still seemed indifferent, and even happy for the pay off. It didn’t matter to her. As Becca followed along next to Claude she cleared her throat taking a moment to think, “Perhaps she can be the first to put your suggestions into good use. I don’t think she can stay here for much longer anyways.” Becca brushed some hair behind her ear, “Anyways, I did bring a few things in the saddlebags.”

[claudevincentrp]

Nodding he smiled understandingly. "Well whatever happens with her I hope that she does alright for herself in the end, no woman, man or child should have to live in hard conditions, not when there are others around them that are capable of helping. The evil of indifference is worse than the evil of action." he mused out loud. "Although I'm not sure how helpful my thoughts on the matter will be." He offered out loud.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"I did not." Becca admitted chewing her lip a little nervously, she would have to inquire and by the looks of it she did not know how much these people would trust her. She side glanced to Claude when he asked her to keep his identity a secret and nodded slightly, "Of course." Becca understood where he was coming from, and continued down the main road before stopping her horse and slipping off. 

"Excuse me do you know where a Ms. Tanner lives?" She asked a woman who looked a little rough around the edges. She was busy husking corn, but Becca offered her a faint smile, though it was not returned. "In a cottage just like the rest of us." The strangers mouth twisted with irritation, "Don’t see why it matters to you." Becca took in a deep breath, the stubbornness and distaste was unmistakable. "It matters a great deal, I’ve come to help her…please, where is she?" 

The stranger looked between Becca and Claude one more time before jutting her thumb behind her. “Fourth cottage on the left further down the road. Not everyday we get city folk, try not to scare her eh?”

[claudevincentrp]

"Much oblidged." he said with a smile at Becca. Claude shrugged gently, knowing that life must be hard for these people, although he had to restrain himself from making a biting retort at the lady husking corn, there were some people in this world that simply did not deserve the kindness of others, apparently that lady was one of them, there was no need for that sort of treatment, especially not towards someone who was being polite. There were many noblemen and noblewomen who would not even do that. "Something for your troubles." he said flicking a coin at her before reining his horse away.

Trotting off down the road he looked over at Lady Becca. "So what exactly are you going to do for this poor widow?" he asked intrigued. "Is there much you can do for her?" he asked curiously, genuinely wondering what she could do. Give a man a fish and it will feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for the rest of his life. Although perhaps Claude should alter it to woman, but he assumed that the principle was the same.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"That would be a nice change." Becca added, thinking she certainly deserved better surprises than a skittish horse and wolves. As they continued down the path Becca kept a much better eye on her surroundings. The forest was gorgeous, when it wasn’t working against you, she thought silently to herself. 

The trees and other shrubbery began to clear somewhat until they opened out into what seemed to be a very small cluster of houses. The outskirts of Corstorphine, if one could even give it a title. Becca imagined these people relied on one another indefinitely unless some  soul was willing to haul goods out this far. “It shouldn’t take to long to find her.” Becca muttered to Claude, seeing people pause in there work, that mostly consisted of farming and hauling, to stare at the strangers. 

[claudevincentrp]

"Indeed it would." he said smiling at the quaint little village, he had to say that there was not enough credit given to these people. They were isolated from the major towns and markets, they were near a great forest filled with danger, and yet not only did they manage to survive in some very tough conditions, they managed to thrive, these people were amazing in their own right, and it mattered not that  they had magic or not. "Did you arrange a meeting place?" he asked, as he slowed his horse down to a simple walk.

As they slowly passed through the village he wondered how many of the villagers knew who he was, in their condition he doubted any of them recognized him, but occasionally you'd find one who had traveled. Turning to Becca he spoke quietly enough so that only she could hear him. "If you wouldn't mind being discreet about my status as you-know-what." he said in no more than a murmur, "I'd be very appreciative." 

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Well, pardon me, then— I could guess your identify, I’m sure, but in Omnium it’s customary to offer your name to another at first meeting. Since you were ungracious enough to withhold your identity, I had no choice but to assume. From your haughty air and assumption of grandeur, I considered nobility a strong likelihood.

Still, if you want me to guess, I suppose I can. I assume you must be a magic user, then. One of some note. Are you the one they call Archmage, perhaps?

[claudevincentrp]

Right on all counts, perhaps you've yet to realize but I'm no Corstorphinian and in fact that I do not abide by anyone's traditions except my own. Now once you've got your head around that then perhaps we can talk plainly, so that we're clear. 

I care not for your traditions, I care not for your kingdoms, nor the opinion of your Queen, and I care even less for you. Do not anger me, lest I do something that you'll regret.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

Becca tilted her head slightly in thought, “Don’t they say things often come in threes?” She questioned him, but with a playful lift in her voice. Claude’s assurances were solid ones and she had no doubt in his capabilities. “If you are so certain, I don’t see the harm in taking the risk.” Becca decided taking one last glance at the calmed wolves before clicking her horse forward. “We should not mention any of our mishaps, I wouldn’t want the poor woman to feel guilty.” Becca admitted. 

[claudevincentrp]

"Well I hope for the sake of whatever is to come that it is a good thing, because I'm getting awfully impatient with the bad things coming. I might have to teach it a magical lesson otherwise." he said with a slight smile. "But let us press on wards, the sooner that we arrive the sooner that we can help this poor lady." he said with a gentle sigh before urging his horse to follow suit. "Not to worry." he said with a smile aimed to reassure. "I won't mention anything that could unnerve her."

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A person could know the Archmage was easily one of the most powerful people in the world, but seeing magic put to work, especially when you were not used to it in everyday settings was a constant surprise. A fire after all, was much more visual than healing powers which Becca could only feel for herself. Now scorch marks were left behind the surge of power, and Becca sat still holding her breath. Claude was someone to have as a friend and not an enemy, that much was certain. 

"It would seem so." Becca responded to him in a soft tone mirroring his own. Yes, luck was certainly not on her side today. "Perhaps we should forget the widow, and get out of the woods the quickest way." Becca’s doubts creeping up on her, "I can always write her and arrange a more, well suited meaning." 

[claudevincentrp]

Claude finished his incantation, the wolves suddenly calm, and much more passive to his commands. "Stay there please." he murmured to them before turning back to Becca. "If you wish to turn back m'lady then it would again be my pleasure to escort you home." he said with a quick smile aimed to reassure and comfort. "However." he said confidently and assuredly. "I am sure that we are not unlucky enough to have three incidents in one single day."

"Besides, I assure you that even if we were to be attacked by an ancient dragon, I am still quite capable of defending and caring for the pair of us." he said smiling. "So if you wish to continue I would enjoy taking you along with me." he said smiling, hoping that she was not about to give up now, this was turning into quite the adventure after all.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"Well, I certainly appreciate the honesty." Becca informed him bowing her head to look down at her hands as she held tightly onto the horses reins. It was ridiculous after all when people lied to her. She always knew they were doing so, deceit and guilt were powerful things after all. She had to give Claude his open honesty and nodded in agreement quietly, "Nature is indeed a force that should not be reckoned with." Magic could do many things-but that didn’t mean it should do everything. 

Her horse stopped suddenly, sending her lurching forward-but Becca only planned to fall off the animal once today and caught herself well enough. But now her irritation flared and she scoffed shaking her head, “I don’t know what her problem is today, honestly.” The horse was known to be cautious by nature, but not skittish and helpless. Becca urged the horse forward but the horse refused and Becca let out another breath, sight only catching a glimpse of yellow eyes hidden with the foliage. She sat up a little bit straighter and side glanced to Claude when a low growl was heard soon after. Wolves-just perfect. 

[claudevincentrp]

"Honesty is what I try and live my life by." he said sincerely, knowing that if you lied there was always some way that it would get back to you and make you regret your actions. He saw the eyes in the bushes just before he heard the growls, reining Apocrypha forward he forced his horse in front of that of the Lady Becca's so that she was shielded from ravenous animals by himself and his horse. Without thinking he set a huge fire ablaze in the palm of his hand lighting up the clearing with a warm flickering golden light that illuminated everything around it with staggering power.

"I think that perhaps you've done something to annoy someone up there." he joked gently before turning back to the wolves and slowly whispering an incantation, the wolves seemed momentarily stunned by the sudden fire, but Claude knew that this would not last for long, his mouth worked over time reciting a long spell designed to calm and relax animals both domesticated and wild, he refused to kill anything unless it was wholly necessary when it came to other animals, however he didn't have quite the same restraint with other people.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"Perhaps not." Becca agreed, smile upturning more with amusement, "I’m flattered you think it’s worth it-not everyone would agree with you." Becca told him honestly, "Your magic is known throughout the lands, it must earn you an immense amount of respect. Do you ever get tired of it?" It was a inquiry that meant to be a harmless one. Becca was curious by nature and since she could not sense any of the Archmage’s feelings on her own, she’d simply have to figure it out through the more traditional route. 

[claudevincentrp]

Distractedly running a hand through his silvery-grey hair Claude shrugged. "I'm a very fickle being, tomorrow I may have changed my mind." he warned. "But for now your North Star is something that intrigues me, I wish to do more to assist." he said nonchalantly. Her question caught him off guard, it took him a moment to answer it. "I don't mind the respect, I believe that it is something deserved and as Archmage I've earned it by my feats through the year." he said carefully, after a long pause. "What I object to is the assumption that just because I have the power to help that I will, sometimes I believe that the world, nature has a way of telling us all something, and if that happens then nothing that I do will change that. I can fight a Volcanic Eruption or prevent a tidal wave, but something else will happen that I'm unable to fight."

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Perhaps I’ve never been across the Assarian desert, good man,  but at least I don’t hold to fantasies of equality and perfection.

Perhaps I mistake my youth for intelligence, sir, but it seems you make as great an error, as you mistake it for stupidity. Perhaps I lack your experience, but I’m no fool, sir.

[claudevincentrp]

-raises an eyebrow highly amused- Well if you're no fool then you'll be able to tell me who I am, for only a fool would be unable to guess. It is clear as the day before you.

I'm no sir, I'm not of noble birth and I'd appreciate it if you refrain from using the incorrect honorific.

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

A Risky Trail || Becca + Claude

[cassiegermaine-deactivated20220]

"Perhaps I should hire you." Becca laughed lightly, side glancing to Claude and clearing her throat after a moment. There was a chance it was not as funny as she contrived it to be, and she never heard of the Archmage working for others under pay-at least not with a thrilled attitude. She nodded, "Omnium indeed. Any help would be greatly appreciated." It was clear Claude had abilities far beyond Becca’s own reach, she couldn’t really  imagine just what he could contribute. If it would be safe. Becca trusted him, but people as a whole were often weary of the powerful man. 

[claudevincentrp]

He chuckled and shook his head. "I'm no business man, I don't have the patience for it." he could not stand the idea of having to run a business where you had to deal with the bureaucracy and ignorance of the system, it was all but a death sentence for him and he knew there were others who could do a better job. "So perhaps being hired isn't the best plan of action." he said with a gentle smile. "However I would be interested in helping you with your charitable endeavors, at least for the moment." he said smiling gently. "It seems to be something that would be worth investment in." he said with a nod. "Besides I'm sure people will flock to help when they hear that the North Star has the backing of not only a noble woman but the Archmage."