There are letters scrawled over the paper, covering the original writing. Lily’s handwriting is illegible under the deep black letters.
The black handwriting is different. It is much cleaner, neater than Lily’s, and gives of a heavy scent of magic.
To the one who reads this...
You are something special. Only the one with her blood can read this, and if you are here. That means it worked.
It means the child survived. He was able to save them.
Whether you are that child, or a descendant of them...please hear me.
Soon, portals will open in your world. You will meet others, others that share pieces of your soul.
My name is Leno. I am far from your world, but you hold a piece of my home in you. As will your own descendants. Look for me when the Balanced Worlders converge.
I am waiting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The book slips from Link’s hands, and he feels like he can’t breathe. Aryll and Tetra are at his side in his instant, Serenity’s rough wooden hands brushing his hair back from his face and he leans over and dry heaves.
“Link? Link! What’s wrong?!” Tetra’s voice sounds muffled to him, as he shakes in her grip.
Aryll picks up the book, flipping the pages. She stops at the page covered in black letters, and a small gasp comes from her.
“What? What is on there?” Tetra asks, a confused look crossing her face as she looks at the black letters. “It’s some other language, what does it say?”
“It...” Link rasps out, “it says only people with the blood of...I guess whoever owned that book last...can read it the message... It... was written by someone named Leno. It’s saying portals are going to open up soon, and we’re gonna meet people that share pieces of our soul. I don’t know what all that means, but...I felt like I was gonna pass out as soon as I finished reading it...Fuck, I can’t breathe...”
Aryll and Tetra look to Serenity, who has gone silent. She is staring off into the distance of the ocean around them, barely swaying with the movement of the ship.
Her mouth moves, but no sound comes out.
“Serenity...what’s going on? Do you know what the message means?” Aryll holds the book out, trying to get Serenity to speak.
Serenity looks down at the book, then at Aryll.
“Leno is the name of a Fayrin. Someone who lives in the Dark World. They speak of the Merge, not unlike what happened when the sorceress pulled all the Eras together. This time it’ll be bigger, and a lot more people will be affected.”
“How do you know this?” Tetra slowly pushes Link to lay flat on the deck of the ship.
“Farore told me, before I left. She told me to watch for the signs of when it would happen. The book was one of the signs.” Serenity moved to sit next to Link, brushing her fingers through his hair.
“Skylar told you about this? Why didn’t you tell us?” Tetra hissed.
“I was told not to until the signs started. There would be no point if I told you beforehand. It’s not something you can prepare for. It will hit you when you least expect, and none of you will be ready. You just have to expect the worst when it happens.”
Tetra scoffs at Serenity’s response, rubbing at her face in frustration. “So....we just have to wait? For what, more signs that our world is about to get shoved into someone else’s again?”
“No. It won’t be the same thing as what the sorceress caused, and Phantom Ganon imitated. This will be smaller portals. People from other places being taken or thrown into other worlds. The sign that it is about to start will be a woman from another time coming here. Her name is---
It don’t gotta be fluff if you wanna do angst that’s Gucci 👌 Tyrant and Soldier oooor something angsty with Aoife?
This has been in here a little while. Let’s see if I can manage it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was raining.
Zelda ignored the soft patter of water on her head and shoulders as she sat in front of the tiny frog statue outside the McCormick house in Kakariko.
Just as she had ignored the little girl who had come out of their house to try and convince her to come inside.
Just as she had ignored Sean’s pleas for her to get out of the rain.
After a while, he just come out and sat with her, both quietly staring at the small statue, a single white daisy situated in the cover basket in front of it.
“I mis...miss him too, Aoi.” Sean stuttered out.
“Why do you think he gave me that name? Aoife? It’s pronounced weird. He said it was ee-fah. But is spelled differently.” The princess kept her gaze on the statue, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Old sh...Sheikah legend says...the prrr. Princess of the First Calamity. Her name was Aoife. The princess of the sss...Second Calamity was nicknamed that by...the matriarch of the time.” Sean swayed slightly in place as he spoke, trying to get the words to come out properly. Aoife glanced at him, eyes fixating on the stitches on the side of his head, visible through the shaved hair around it.
“What happened Sean? What happened on the battlements?”
“He was...” Sean closed his eyes, pressing his lips together. “Angry. Because I had been...hhh...helping you run off. We fff...fought. Then fell. I survived. He...didn’t.”
Aoife stared at Sean, eyes wide. She looked back at the statue, then down at the white petals of the daisy.
Because I ran off.
I was running off.
He wouldn’t have gotten upset with Sean if I hadn’t been running off.
He was already so stressed and I just added onto it.
If I hadn’t been acting out so much, would he still be here? And would Sean have not had to relearn how to fucking walk?!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sound of shattering glass filled the empty room. A light thud, followed by heavy breathing and nails scratching against the metal floor.
Wisps of fiery red hair hovered above a pitch black body. Red eyes stared at the metal beneath them, their entire body shaking violently. Slowly, they pushed themself up, coming face to face with the blank face of another.
Their head was haloed by the same fiery hair as the newborn’s, but theirs moved much more, whipping around them as if they were submerged in water.
Glowing orange eyes peered at the newborn from behind the red hair, and an empty smile stretched almost painfully across their face. They raised a finger to their mouth, before disappearing into the floor, nothing but dark purple smoke left in their place.
Alright. So in the spirit of the season (read: Nanowrimo) I've finally finished this quiz I've been working on forever.
THE 100+ QUESTIONS
2. What about you is social? What do you like about people?
I don’t like people, and I am not social. Well…I don’t like people in large numbers, and I rarely like people one on one. …However, there are those special few who show strength and bravery against all odds. Those simple, innocent people going through their day to day lives, no matter the hardship. …Hm. I guess it’s just nobility and politicians I don’t like. I admire those who have to work for what they have.
3. Of what benefit could you be to the current group?
I’m a gods-be-damned super mage. And one hell of a good cook.
4. Why would you choose to join the current group?
It’s my job, I’m afraid. As Royal Lord Mage and King’s Confidante, I’m afraid I-…Wait, are you talking about an adventuring group? No, I’m afraid those days are long behind me. I’m old, dammit!
5. Invent an adventure/plot that your character would actively undertake (as opposed to just tagging along)?
A quest to find a particularly rare book, or a necessary adventure to protect king, country, and the ones I love.
Personal Questions
1. What is your real, birth name? What name do you use?
Ratha Feit Trynne. Of course, that was another time and another place. My name now is Fentayrin Tethra.
2. Do you have a nickname? What is it, and where did you get it?
Fayrin, mostly. It was first used by King Naitan, back when he was only three. He couldn’t work his little mouth around the complex name “Fentayrin,” so he shortened it to “Fayrin.” …Cute little tyke. Grew up to be a bear of a man, though. Gods. That must have been nearly six hundred years ago… I’m getting old.
3. What do you look like? (Include height, weight, hair, eyes, skin, apparent age, and distinguishing features)
I am 6’6” and very thin. And not attractive thin, either. I’m damn boney. Devon says it’s because I don’t sleep or eat enough, but I suspect it’s from hundreds of years of using high levels of magic. I believe that is also the reason why my skin is so pale, nearly white. My hair is black, shoulder length, straight, and limp. And also a little more oily than I’d like, but damned if I have the time to deal with it. Through magic, I have extended my lifespan, and am currently 730 years of age. This has had an…interesting effect on my body, and though I do not appear ancient, I sure as hell don’t look young, either. Most people guess my age to be around fifty or sixty. I have one blue eye and one red eye and three scars across my face. The blue eye is mine, the red eye is…borrowed. I have a bad left leg, so I walk with a limp and need a cane, and have a rough, gravely voice.
4. How do you dress most of the time?
Black robes with silver trim, bare feet, and my cane, black, the grip carved into an eagle’s head, with a silver beak and ruby eyes.
5. How do you "dress up?"
Black robes with more silver trim, a cape, bare feet, and my cane, black, the grip carved into an eagle’s head, with a silver beak and ruby eyes.
6. How do you "dress down?"
Black robes with silver trim, bare feet, and…no, I’m not going to repeat it again. Black robes are comfortable, traditional, and never go out of style.
7. What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Black robes. Without silver trim this time, just sleeping robes. Or nothing at all.
8. Do you wear any jewelry?
I have enchanted rings I will wear on occasion, as well as focus stones set into rings or pendants, but those are only for when I need them. The stone that works best for me is diamond, hilariously enough. Try finding that in an egg-sized pendant.
9. In your opinion, what is your best feature?
My talent with magic and my razor wit.
10. What's your real birth date?
October 28th.
{Or the Demaris equivalent, I’m still working on the calendar system. Also, that makes Fayrin a Scorpio.}
11. Where do you live? Describe it: Is it messy, neat, avant-garde, sparse, etc.?
I live in my personal quarters in the Demaris palace. It is located in the basement and constructed out of grey marble and is very, very messy. I have a large number of rooms, but I spend most of my time in my study, which is filled with books, papers, research, and whatever yesterday’s lunch was.
12. Do you own a car? Describe it.
The hell? What nonsense are you speaking?
13. What is your most prized mundane possession? Why do you value it so much?
If I treasured and hoarded every damn knick knack a page, prince, or apprentice gave me, I’d have a dozen of storage rooms filled with garbage. As it stands, I only have four. Honestly, though, I consider my cane and my books my most prized possessions. Particularly some of the hand written manuscripts I have.
14. What one word best describes you?
Shrewd.
Familial Questions
1. What was your family like?
Wealthy, powerful, corrupt, and terrible.
2. Who was your father, and what was he like?
A cruel bastard who wanted me to be just like him. And I almost was.
3. Who was your mother, and what was she like?
An insane, scheming bitch in whose eyes I could either do no wrong or no right, depending on her mood.
4. What was your parents marriage like? Were they married? Did they remain married?
Married by arrangement, and they…tolerated each other.
5. What were your siblings names? What were they like?
I had none.
6. What's the worst thing one of your siblings ever did to you? What's the worst thing you've done to one of your siblings?
I was an only child, you ass.
7. When's the last time you saw any member of your family? Where are they now?
A very, very long time ago. With luck, they’re all dead.
8. Did you ever meet any other family members? Who were they? What did you think of them?
Ohhh yes. Cousins, aunts, uncles and all manner of close and distant relations. The family tree had quite wide branches. All were in the same manner of mind as my parents, with very few exceptions, an uncle and his children, but I rarely saw them. They rarely accepted invitations to social events. At the time, I found them as distasteful as my parents found them. …Now I wish I’d gotten to know them.
Childhood Questions
1. What is your first memory?
Myself in what must have been my nursery, the nursemaid giving me some sort of sweet.
2. What was your favorite toy?
A set of ivory and velvet horses I had, one black and one white. …Which is hilarious now, because I hate horses, and they seem to hate me.
3. What was your favorite game?
Dear gods, when? As a child, I did not have other children to play with, so any playing I did was with little games I made up myself. As an adolescent, I enjoyed a variety of sports and hunting, along with Hounds and Hares. We have a game very similar to it here in Demaris, known as Hawks and Hares, and I still quite enjoy it. Nowdays, I also enjoy a good game of Weave Echoes, but I rarely play because I always win, and no one will play against me.
{What sounds better? Weave Echoes or Mirror Weave? Can’t decide on the game’s name.}
4. Any non-family member adults stick out in your mind? Who were they, and how did you know them? Why do they stick out?
There were always many people around. Nursesmaids, nannies, guardsmen, priests… I saw them more than I saw my parents. There was one guard who would play with me when no one was around to tell him not to.
5. Who was your best friend when you were growing up?
I’m afraid I did not have one, though I enjoyed the company of the hunting dogs my parents kept.
6. What is your fondest childhood memory?
The first day I touched Magic. It was as if I’d been blind my entire life…no, as if I’d been blind, deaf, cold, and numb and was suddenly thrust into a world I didn’t know I had been longing to find. I was…nine, if I remember correctly. Perhaps younger, perhaps older. My parents had been hoping I would show magical talent, and before I Awoke, I remember hoping they would be proud of me if I became a mage. Once my mage talent Awoke, however…I knew that I would never need their hard-earned approval, never need their recognition, because I had discovered something that I understood and…somehow…understood me.
7. What is your worst childhood memory?
The day my favorite dog, a short-legged Foxhound, turned rabid and attacked me. As an adult, I understood that the sickness had taken his mind and corrupted him, but as a child, the betrayal was crushing.
Adolescent Questions
1. How old were you when you went on your first date?
I don’t know if you could call them dates…a more accurate description would be “women my mother lined up for me.” They started when I was fourteen. Too young, in my opinion, though I enjoyed them at the time. …I think.
2. It is common for one's view of authority to develop in their adolescent years. What is your view of authority, and what event most affected it?
I very rarely had to answer to authority figures. As a result, I was a spoiled little ass. I didn’t earn my humility until years later, and then I was placed in a position where only the Demarian king and queen had authority over me, which is the situation I am still in. I suppose I don’t have any respect for authority. I respect the person, not the position. And if I don’t respect the person, why the hell should I respect the position? If you’re king and a miserable wretch, you’re still a miserable wretch.
3. What were you like in high school? What "clique" did you best fit in with?
I never attended the public schools. I had private tutors my whole life. My few…well, you could not call them friends, but my few associates were all like me. Spoiled, rich, privileged, arrogant, and confident that we were the greatest humans to set foot on the planet. And cruel. …Very cruel.
4. What were your high school goals?
I had no real goals. Not like an adult has goals. I took my life and my status for granted. I excelled as a mage, and expected to be a powerful wizard who would have everything handed to him on a silver platter.
5. Who was your idol when you were growing up? Who did you first fantasize about in your life?
Arrogance kept me from having idols. I was sure I was better than everyone I met or heard of. All my dreams were of myself and what I would become.
6. What is your favorite memory from adolescence?
My first kiss, and the young woman who, for four months, I was sure I was in love with.
7. What is your worst memory from adolescence?
Finding that same woman in the arms of another young man. Even worse, however, was her reaction after I extracted my revenge on the young man. My arrogance, anger, and hurt kept me from listening to her and realizing what a cruel thing I had done, and I discarded her as well.
Occupational Questions
1. Do you have a job? What is it? Do you like it? If no job, where does your money come from?
I am Royal Lord Mage of Demaris. This means I am the personal wizard of the monarch, and do anything the monarch requests of me. I have authority over every mage in Demaris, including the Guildmaster of the Mage Guild. I also have a seat on both the Council and the Inner Circle and have a voice in how the country is run, though I don’t give a damn about petty things, like why fishing taxes are higher on the Salis River than on the Adoniss coastline. My time is split between being an advisor to the king, maintaining the magic that protects the palace, sitting on the council, attending courtly functions Devon requires me to be at, teaching my apprentice, and working on my own personal research. Yes, I enjoy it, even if I complain about it.
Financially, I actually do not get “paid.” However, my food and board is taken care of by the palace staff, and I have access to the Royal Treasury, whenever I need anything. It just means I have to deal with the Treasurer.
2. What is your boss or employer like? (Or publisher, or agent, or whatever.)
That would be King Devon, at the moment. He is a fine man, honorable, wise, and a good leader. He is also stubborn as a goat and has a wicked sense of humor. I consider him a good friend.
3. What are your co-workers like? Do you get along with them? Any in particular? Which ones don't you get along with?
I have no quarrel with anyone in the Inner Circle, though spend a great deal of time taunting Samttir, the Seneschal, but in all honesty, I have great respect for the man. And don’t you DARE let him know I said that. Many people on the Council, however, are petty, ignorant, selfish politicians, and I hate most of them.
4. What is something you had to learn that you hated?
Sometimes the greater good requires the sacrifice of one individual. …It is hardest when that individual is not yourself.
5. Do you tend to save or spend your money? Why?
I save. Though, as stated above, I really have all the money I need, so I tend to not worry about it. Though spending money means talking to the damned Treasurer.
Likes & Dislikes Questions
1. What hobbies do you have?
I play harp. I prefer a lap harp, though I know how to play a full harp. Once upon a time I knew how to fence, but I haven’t done that in centuries.
2. Who is your closest mundane friend? Describe them and how you relate to them.
Friends, by definition, are not mundane. However, one can be friends with mundane people. And Samttir is boring as hell. He’s all old fashioned and is fascinated by politics and laws and all kinds of irritating, boring things. But I know the man well, and Devon looks up to him as a mentor, and I helped Sam through a very difficult time in his life, and he’s used his knowledge to help all of us at one point or another.
{I think this question is referring to those “We’re friends but we don’t hang out” kind of people. Fayrin doesn’t have those. He has his close friends, and then everyone else is co-worker status or lower.}
3. Who is your worst mundane enemy? Describe them and why you don't get along.
Oh GODS. There’s this ass in the Court who is prejudiced against magic. Duruham is his name. Duke of Somewhere East and he hates magic and hates mages and has this personal vendetta against me. True, I illusioned his prize stallion to look like a donkey, and stated in front of the entire court that I couldn’t tell one ass from another while he was riding it, but who haven’t I done that to? Also, he insulted my apprentice.
{Fayrin does, however, have mundane enemies. I take that to mean “We hate each other, but you haven’t attempted to assassinate me.”}
4. What bands do you like? Do you even pay attention?
I notice the popular songs when they come around in Court, but I don’t follow any bard in particular.
5. What tape or CD hasn't left your player since your purchased it? Why?
…The hell?
6. What song is "your song?" Why?
I have a few songs that I enjoy, but nothing that I consider my own.
{“Fundamentals” by Mercedes Lackey is an Aaron and Fayrin song, and “Tourniquet” by Evanescence helped me write out when he lost his eye, but I don’t have a song that’s for Average Day Fayrin.}
7. What's been your favorite movie of all time?
I rarely have the time for plays, and I have never seen one that truly impresses me. I’d rather read a good book.
8. Read any good books? What were they?
I have read thousands of good books. I have read a little of everything, but most of what I read is research and studies and theoretical magical practices. I read a great deal of non-fiction, and very little fiction. I find reality far more bizarre and fascinating than any fictional story.
9. What do you watch on the Television?
If you keep asking me questions that don’t make sense, I’m leaving.
10. When it comes to mundane politics, do you care? If so, which way do you tend to vote? If not, why don't you care?
Mundane politics? I could not give less of a damn. I don’t care about the petty squabbles of the lower politicians, those barons and mayors that reign beneath the dukes and elected councilmen. Devon sees to it that none of their little spats harm the common man, so I can keep my nose out of it. My attention goes to the King and the Council.
11. What type of places do you hang out in with your mundane friends?
I told you friends are not mundane. When my few close friends and I wish to relax, we spend time in the palace, or go out on the palace grounds or into the King’s Gardens. Devon likes to go riding, but I do not join him on those outings. Horseback riding doesn’t agree with my leg.
12. What type of places do you hang out in with your normal friends?
See above. Though, perhaps by your definitions, I do not have mundane friends. I only have normal friends.
13. What annoys you more than anything else?
Many, many things. Irritating people. Stupid people. People who complain and make a fuss over things that don’t matter. People who interrupt. People who ask a question and don’t listen to the answer. People who come to you for advice and then don’t follow the advice you give them. Actually, mostly just people.
14. What would be the perfect gift for you?
A book I don’t own. Even better, a book I haven’t read. Also, coffee refills.
15. What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
A particular sunrise over the Darrow Mountains while riding Gryphonback. Either that, or the sight of a friend I had thought dead returning from a battlefield.
16. What time of day is your favorite?
Late evening, when the work of the day is done and Devon and I get time to chat, or else I am able to retreat to my rooms and work on my projects.
17. What kind of weather is your favorite?
My favorite weather to be out in is sunny with a few clouds in early summer. Not too hot, not too cold. My favorite weather to watch is in winter, during those calm snowfalls, when the snow falls thickly, but there is no wind, just silence and the snow. However, my old bones don’t agree with the cold anymore.
18. What is your favorite food? What is your least favorite food?
My favorite food would have to be lemon tarts. I first had them at a little cookhouse in Glovendale, and they were so good that I had the chef hired on as one of the palace cooks. After years of asking, I managed to get the recipe from him, and have insisted that it be made in the palace by every pastry chef that has come after him. I also enjoy hard boiled eggs and roasted fowl, especially chicken.
19. What is your favorite drink? (Coffee, Coke, Juice, Beer, Wine, etc.)
Suluhari coffee is my drink of choice, taken black. It’s sharp and bitter, good for snapping me awake and hiding the horrible taste of my medicinal herbs. I also enjoy Gorthiac whiskey, either in my coffee or on its own.
20. What's your favorite animal? Why?
I’ve always been fond of dogs, ever since I was a child. They’re loyal, brave, and will show unconditional love and devotion. I also like falcons, owls, and other hunting birds. Especially owls. I enjoy their grace and power.
{Left unsaid: Fayrin things owls are super cute, with their big eyes and bitty beaks and round faces.}
21. Do you have any pets? Do you want any pets? What kind?
Do apprentices count? No? Damn. Well, I’ve never had a pet that I’ve exclusively cared for, nor do I want one. I don’t have the time anymore. I used to have owls that the royal falconers cared for and I would go night hunting with them. I’d always take the falconer out with me, too. I’m not one of those damned nobles who take all the credit for an animal someone else trained and raised. I had this Great Grey that was quite fond of me, but…well, ever since I hurt my leg, I haven’t been able to do my night hunts. Not to mention I have an apprentice to train and a Guildmaster and King to advisse and my research is going well and…I just don’t have the time. …I do miss that Great Grey, though…
22. What do you find most relaxing? (Not as in stress relief, but as something that actually calms you down.)
There’s a difference? Reading. Reading, or letting myself get lost in my research.
23. What habit that others have annoys you most?
There are dozens. Do you want the list? I rattled a few off earlier. A good general rule is that if anyone might find it annoying, I do find it annoying.
24. What kind of things embarrass you? Why?
Being wrong. Especially if I am corrected by someone who would gloat over the fact.
25. What don't you like about yourself?
I’ve had a long time to get used to myself, both my good and bad sides. However, I would do anything to get rid of the pain in my leg and this gods-be-damned limp. I also wish my face didn’t scare children.
26. How would you like to look?
Exactly the same, but with two blue eyes and no disfiguring scars. Also less oily hair.
Sex & Intimacy Questions
1. Would you consider yourself straight, gay, bi, or something else? Why?
Straight. Or…I was. I think I’m so old that my hormones have withered away to nothing. No one, man or woman, stirs me in that way anymore.
2. Who was the first person you had sex with? When did it happen? What was it like? How well did it go?
I never had a first time. Intimacy out of wedlock is heavily frowned upon where I grew up, though society is much more relaxed here in Demaris. I put work before love, and thought I would find the right woman and fall madly in love…and I grew old before I found her.
3. Have you ever had a same-sex experience? Who with, what was it like, and how did it go?
No.
4. What is your deepest, most well-hidden sexual fantasy? Would you ever try it?
I had some, once upon a time, but I can’t recall any of them. Sex doesn’t interest me anymore.
5. What was the wildest thing you've ever done, sexually? Who was it with and when did it happen?
*has to think about it for a few minutes* I think I touched a woman’s breasts once. When I was in my twenties. No. Earlier? Nineteen? I don’t remember. We were interrupted before it could go further.
6. Is there any sexual activity that you enjoy and/or practice regularly that can be considered non-standard? (Bondage, Fantasy Play, etc.) Why do you like it?
No.
7. Is there any sexual activity that you will not, under any circumstances, do?
I don’t put much thought into it anymore.
8. Do you currently have a lover? What is their name, and what is your relationship like? What are they like? Why are you attracted to them?
No.
9. What is the perfect romantic date?
Ironically, even though I have had very little experience with women myself, I am frequently put in the position of giving relationship advice to those younger than I. It’s different for each couple, of course, but a romantic date I frequently recommend is to take a chariot ride out of the city of the countryside, have a candlelight dinner in the middle of nowhere, and watch the sunset together.
10. Describe the perfect romantic partner for you.
There is no perfect woman for me, so why speculate?
11. Do you ever want to get married and have children? When do you see this happening?
I sometimes wish I had children…but that isn’t possible now. And I wouldn’t want them now. With my magic longevity, I would outlive my children, and what parent wants that?
12. What is more important - sex or intimacy? Why?
Intimacy. Sex without intimacy is meaningless.
13. What was your most recent relationship like? Who was it with? (Does not need to be sexual, merely romantic.)
Terrible. And also my fault. She cared for me; I was too busy for her. That was a long, long time ago.
14. What's the worst thing you've done to someone you loved?
Had her new partner exiled. That was an even longer time ago.
Drug & Alcohol Questions
1. How old were you when you first got drunk? What was the experience like?
I was…eighteen I believe. And it was extraordinarily boring. I said some rude things, fell over, and passed out.
2. Do you drink on any kind of regular basis?
Yes, I drink whisky often, but not enough to impair my judgement.
3. What kind of alcohol do you prefer?
Gorthiac Eastdale Whiskey. Only the finest.
4. Have you ever tried any other kind of "mood altering" substance? Which one(s)? What did you think of each?
No. I disapprove of such practices, whether they be herbal or magical.
5. What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Are there any people should not do? Why or why not?
Mind-altering herbs and magics should only be used for medicinal purposes and administered by a healer. I have nothing against alcohol, but it should be used responsibly.
Morality Questions
1. What one act in your past are you most ashamed of? What one act in your past are you most proud of?
I once killed a man who later was proven innocent. He tried my temper and I lost control. I am most proud of the work Demaris and I did together, escaping and sabotaging an evil regime and starting a free, independent government.
2. Have you ever been in an argument before? Over what, with who, and who won?
*uncontrollable laughter*
{He will find any excuse to argue with anyone over anything.}
3. Have you ever been in a physical fight before? Over what, with who, and who won?
I used to be quite the fencer a lifetime ago before I got old and creaky. Most of my battles are fought with magic, but I have fought many times physically, including a few barroom brawls when I was much younger. There was one memorable fight when the elf Seilarion challenged me to a duel because I insulted him. His defeat was quick and embarrassing, and he embarrassed himself further by trying to say I had used magic to cheat. …It was true, of course, but no one believed him.
4. What do you feel most strongly about?
Protecting those who are innocent, especially children.
5. What do you pretend to feel strongly about, just to impress people?
Nothing. To hell with your opinions. I don’t give a damn what you think of me.
{When politically necessary, Fayrin has been known to pretend to care about whatever an individual was complaining about.}
6. What trait do you find most admirable, and how often do you find it?
Honesty. None of these half-truths and political agendas, but bare, bald truth. Adults, especially nobility and politicians, seem to have forgotten the concept. It’s one reason why I love children so much.
7. Is there anything you think should not be incorporated into the media or art (sex, violence, greed, etc.,)? If so, what and why, and if not, why not?
I have very strong opinions on censorship and don’t believe anything should be banned from books, music, plays, and other media. However, the content of the audience should be taken into consideration. There are things children need not be exposed to while young.
8. Do you have any feelings in general that you are disturbed by? What are they? Why do they disturb you?
I am shocked by what people can and will do to each other. I am also disturbed by what I am capable of.
9. What is your religious view of things? What religion, if any, do you call your own?
As most people do, I believe in the Seven Gods, though I don’t actively follow any individual aspect. I figure if the Gods want me to start acting pious and devout, they’ll let me know.
10. Do you think the future is hopeful? Why?
Yes. I’ve seen times that have been worse.
11. Is an ounce of prevention really worth a pound of cure? Which is more valuable? Why do you feel this way?
Dear gods, yes. I’ve seen one wrong word create a world of trouble that is a thousand times more difficult to clean up. Stop a problem before it starts!
12. What's the worst thing that can be done to another person? Why?
Putting them into a situation where they destroy everything they love, and then either destroy themselves or be forced to live with the guilt of what they’ve done. Depending on the person.
13. What's the worst thing you could actually do to someone you hated?
…I should say that I would give even the most evil of men a swift, merciful death, but I have my flaws, and my short temper can turn to vindictive wrath. I may hate myself for it later, but I could needlessly torture someone before killing them. …Only someone who deserved it, though.
14. Are you a better leader or follower? Why do you think that? If you think the whole leader-follower archetype is a crock of shit, say so, and explain why?
Leader, definitely. I’ve already established that I do not respect authority, so following someone I don’t respect is not going to happen. I will follow my king, but that is because I respect the man, not the position.
15. What is your responsibility to the world, if any? Why do you think that?
To protect the king and the people of Demaris from external and internal threats. It is my job, my duty, and I am one of the few people who has the power to do so.
16. Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be? If not, why do you think nothing can redeem itself?
Yes. But only if the individual in question truly wants to change. I have seen criminals, wicked men and women, feel sorrow and remorse at what they’d done and turn their lives around. Far more often, unfortunately, I see evil remain or relapse into evil. Redemption is possible. But only if the sinner wants it.
17. Is it okay for you to cry? When was the last time you cried?
No. I don’t like appearing vulnerable. The last time was when I was told a friend of mine had died, far younger than he needed to.
18. What do you think is wrong with MOST people, overall?
Conformity. Too many people are sheep, following the herd, even if it is leading to their own destruction. Why stand up for yourself when you could take the easier road and do as everyone else does?
Post-Supernatural Awareness Questions
1. When did you go through whatever made you supernatural? What was it like (in your opinion)?
I mentioned this one earlier, and I think I was nine…but I could be off by a year or two. I Awoke all at once, and I have been told by others who had their mage touch and mage sight Awakened simultaneously that it feels like drowning, or being caught in a blizzard Not so for me. When I Awoke, I was alone, hiding in a garden because I was avoiding my tutor, when it just…happened. One moment, I was under a lilac tree, holding my breath and hoping my tutor wouldn’t hear me and just pass on by, and the next moment I was…I can’t even describe it. It was if I had spent my life underground and was suddenly flying. As if I had been blind, deaf, and numb and awoke into a midsummer festival. As if I’d spent my life alone and been thrust into a crowded dance hall with a hundred thousand people. I never actually fell unconscious, but I was unaware of anything around me for hours. When I came to myself, I was in my bed, surrounded by worried nurses. But I could see the Threads and understand them, I could touch and move them, all before I had even stared my official training.
2. What do you think now of being supernatural? Is it cool, or have you been screwed?
I cannot comprehend life without it.
3. Do you have a mentor? Who are they? How did you become their student?
I had many tutors in magic as a youth, and I argued with all of them because what they said and what I felt from the Threads didn’t match. After I reached adulthood, I started teaching myself, instead.
4. Do you have any magical items? Where did you get them?
I have many mundane magical items, most of which I enchanted myself. My cane was a gift from the elf mage L’tainor, who is a good colleague of mine. He enchanted it to be virtually indestructible and carved it himself from ironwood. It is also enchanted to return to my hand with a thought. I also have a book said to be penned by a god. I stole it.
5. What do you think of the other denizens of the World of Darkness? Why for each? (If you haven't met something, do you think it exists, and if it does, is that bad or good?)
World of Darkness? You mean Hell? This is a poorly worded question. Demons are evil and I’ve never met one that I liked.
{Note: In canon, Fayrin has never met Drax.}
6. Think of a major event that happened during your training/initiation. What was it?
Far too many major events to list.
7. What is something you had to learn during your training that you hated? Why did you hate it?
I hated my training in general because I felt I was being taught incorrectly. I shouldn’t have to trap and catch Threads, then force them into a pattern that they barely fit in. Instead, I should be able to pull Threads directly form their natural currents and weave them seamlessly together. Revising the way magery was taught was a relief.
Miscellaneous Questions
1. What is the thing that has frightened you most? Do you think there is anything out there that's scarier than that? What do you think that would be?
I want to say something selfless and profound, like fearing someone I cared for had died, but…unfortunately I am more selfish than that. I have been most afraid when I thought my soul was going to be eaten by a Hell Lord. If it had, my soul and consciousness would have spent eternity in the belly of a demon, not in Paradise. I still fear that Morthios will attempt to come back for me, or those I care for.
2. Has anyone or anything you've ever cared about died? How did you feel about it? What happened?
My longevity forces me to watch all my loved ones die around me, so yes, I have lost someone I care about. The pain never hurts any less. I have never witnessed the death of a dragon, though, so that should say something about their longevity.
3. What was the worst injury you've ever received? How did it happen?
The injury that left me with a limp and one eye. Though I did break my back once, and that was rather horrific. You should know that by now where the limp came from, and the back was from a bad fall. Off a dragon. Over a cliff.
4. How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
I’m not.
{No really, he’s not.}
5. What is your current long term goal?
To protect the people and country of Demaris for as long as I can.
6. What is your current short term goal?
To train my apprentice to be a fine, upstanding wizard and find a cure for his condition. Also, to get Devon married.
7. Do you have any bad habits? If so, what are they, and do you plan to get rid of them?
Most of my “bad habits” are things I do on purpose because I’m trying to annoy someone. However, I will often refuse to accept when I am wrong, I’ll take revenge for petty insults, I pick arguments when I’m in a bad mood, and I am not above cheating to get what I want.
8. If you were a mundane person, what would you do with your life? What occupation would you want, and how would you spend all your time?
Gods, what would I do if I wasn’t a mage? If I wasn’t part of the King’s Court? If I was boring? I would be a teacher and an academic with a vast library. Lots of books to read and students to torment.
9. What time period do you wish you had lived in? Why? (Looking at this as an attempt to change history doesn't count.) What appeals to you about this era?
I have lived through centuries and watched the world change around me. Tacking on a new time period to that is uninteresting.
10. How private of a person are you? Why?
Very private. I only have a few close friends and I don’t trust anyone else with my private thoughts and feelings.
11. If you were to gain an obscenely large sum of money (via an inhertiance, a lawsuit, a lottery, or anything else) what would you do with it?
I have the royal treasury at my disposal and I do nothing with it. Any extra money I “won” I would give to the crown, which would probably go right to public funding: building schools, roads, bridges, things like that.
12. What would you wish for if you found a genie?
Three wishes, correct? For my body to be restored to what it was 30 years ago (no limp or demon eye), for Demaris to be forever protected from war and invasion, and for my collection of ancient books to be complete.
13. What do you do when you are bored?
Read. Or, if I have no book on hand, work on whatever my current research project is.
14. What is the most frightening potential handicap or disfigurement you can conceive of? What makes it so frightening?
Losing my magic. Hands down. Though losing my sight would also be horrific.
