westfallcorndog | Annarchy and Ageswaps (For Viatorus)

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Annarchy and Ageswaps (For Viatorus)

"Are there any mages around?" a young girl shouts. Her voice already sounds hoarse; presumably she's been at this for a while now as she walks along the sidewalks of the Nexus. She's found herself at the edge of the crowded Downtown district where highrises and quirky restaurants are soon to give way to The Underbelly. At a loss for where she is or where she ought to be going, she simply goes. If she walks in a straight line long enough she's sure to find someone who'll help her. Right?

"I need a mage's help! Anybody?" she tries again. She looks to be about twelve with dusty blonde hair, tanned skin, large front teeth, and a look of utter confusion on her face. She wears a red plaid shirt rolled up to the elbows and a pair of canvas shorts stained and smudged long ago by dirt and grass. Her arms are wrapped around her tightly and she looks in all directions like a person expecting to be ambushed.

"I– I can tip?" she tries, though not too loudly. Who knows what'll happen if she announces that she has money in the city?

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Harrowheart's proud beaming is mirrored by Isidor, but Viatorus smiles sheepishly, awkwardly trying to appear humble and harmless.

"You have something in common then. Viatorus used to go up trees all the time too. He was always looking for somewhere quiet to read or sleep," Isidor tells them.

"Different places mean different feelings when you drift off, which means different dreams," Viatorus jumps into explaining. "It was interesting, and important to testing out my skills."

Isidor is all too happy to share the ordeals of being the dreamwalker's sister and patron. It's with light hearted exasperation that she continues. "As soon as I would turn away for two seconds he would tuck himself away somewhere strange and hidden and fall asleep. So he wouldn't hear me calling him." She leans closer. "One of his favourite spots was on top of bookcases. We had high ceilings and bookcases that would stretch up to them. Sometimes there was a bit of a gap between the bookcase and the ceiling. He'd use a little air magic to get up there, out of the way and hard to spot."

Anna rests her chin in her hands and listens to the Durants as if they're telling the most adorable story she's ever heard. Harrow has to go and blow it, though.

"Shoulda put a bell on him."

Anna tisks and elbows him, but he only keeps grinning.

"Not like a cow! Like a cat!" He says, as if that makes it somehow better.

Anna squares her shoulders and steps up to bat for Viatorus. "I think I'd like to sleep on top of a bookcase too, if I could. It sounds lovely and pleasant. And quiet!"

"Not a lotta quiet around our house," Harrow says with a laugh. "You know, V and Isidor don't have to share a room? They each get their own rooms."

Anna "ooh"s quietly. "And they have their own library? Wow... I wish we were mages! I'd love to spend all day reading and never the same book twice. I don't think I'd ever sleep, even if I was a dream mage."

Harrow pats her back and she chooses to change the subject. "Ms. Durant, what sort of mage are you? I want to say... Fire. Or are you something special? Like a chronomancer?" Oh, so exotic!

Harrowheart's suggestion gets a full, unrestrained laugh from Isidor. It might be the first in a long time. It certainly feels like it. Buoyed by the ridiculous notion, she cheerfully replies, "I still might!"

Viatorus comes dangerously close to rolling his eyes, but doesn't quite. "It was nice. Before people found out."

Calming, Isidor stumbles a little at Anna's question. "I'm... just a patron. I don't really specialise as much as a scholar, like Viatorus, would."

Beside her, Viatorus blinks at her, confused. "But you are a specialist." It's his turn to be proud as he announces, "Isidor is one of two mages in the entire world to have mastered the art of wielding pure magic."

"I wouldn't say I've mastered it," she interjects.

He levels a look at her. "Everyone else thinks so."

Isidor's laugh! What a rare and beautiful thing to hear! Harrowheart's cheeks flush and he has to focus on his hands to keep from staring at her too obviously. Throughout her conversation with Viatorus and Anna he peeks up from time to time to see her face again. Some glances are more subtle than others, and when it's all through he's outright staring.

Anna, too, is incredibly curious about all of this. She scoots forward, which gives her brother an excuse to do the same. Both of them are taking shallow breaths to keep themselves as close to the table (and by extension, the Durants) as possible.

"I'm sorry..." Anna starts quietly. "What does that mean? Pure magic?"

She exchanges a look with her brother, the most magical person she knows, but he only shakes his head in tiny motions. He doesn't know either, and so nods in the direction of the Durants. They'll explain, he's sure.

It seems like Isidor is happy to let him do the talking while she does her best not to look embarrassed, folding and refolding her hands. The staring isn't helping. While the two children lean forward, Viatorus leans back, straightening and taking a deep breath as he works out how to explain.

"Vercor Augustus Durant, our current Archon, became an accomplished scholar by discovering how to harness pure magic. That is, using magic in it's purest, most refined form. The most refined that we know of, anyway." He shifts forward so that his elbows can rest on the table and his hands can wave as he talks. "Mostly this allows for more efficient spellcasting. Once you master it you can use more powerful magic with a fraction of the energy." He hesitates and then sobers slightly. "It can also be used by itself. Offensively it's known as dragonfire, which is why some people call the Archon 'der Drache'." He pauses to look at Anna, "It means 'the dragon'." Then he straightens again to smile at his sister. "And Isidor is the only person so far to be able to use it."

"It's new magic. After a few generations everyone will be using it," she tells them with forced certainty.

Viatorus is clearly not convinced. If anything he smile turns goofy. "I doubt that."

Anna is practically vibrating with energy at all of this new information and the unsaid implications. Her mind is one that can work quickly if left to its own devices. Her eyes dart to and fro as her thoughts fall into place.

Suddenly she takes her brother's nearest arm in a death grip and locks eyes with him. "You have famous friends!" Such a wild notion! "You! A-and now me!"

Harrow laughs humbly and half-heartedly waves a hand to dissuade her. "Iiiiiidunno about that. They're just my pals? They're Viatorus and Isidor?" The whole idea is so beyond him. Maybe it isn't humbleness, but an inability to comprehend that his two casual friends are more than simply magical aristocracy.

"No." Anna insists sternly. "On their world they're Khadgar and..." She glances at Viatorus. Who is he to be compared to? "Anduin."

Harrow laughs incredulously. "Noooo... They're just my friends..." But his ability to deny the truth is waning along with his smile. The reality is dawning and the pieces are falling into place. Famous, titled father. Masters of magic. Mansions, riches, servants. He looks back at Lyall. Bodyguards.

Anna is right, and the very obvious reality of the situation is hitting him in earnest for the first time in a way that visiting their home and seeing their lifestyles somehow did not. These are important people. Not important in the way he knows people to be -- not in an emotional, unquantifiable way. Legitimately important. If their names aren't famous on their own world yet, they will be someday.

He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, looks down at his lap, and mutters, "They're just... Viatorus and Isidor."

To convince himself of it he looks up at his friends and forces a smile. He'd rather live in deliberate ignorance of reality than confront the reality of his friends' stations. In a cheerful, hopeful way he asks them, "Right?"

Edited 2016-09-05 15:33 (UTC)

"Right!" Viatorus chirps happily at the same time Isidor says, "Not really..."

The two Durants look at each other for a split second. Viatorus starts, shrugging his shoulders, his features rolling in and out of confusion and irritation. "We're not famous."

"Yes we are," Isidor's quick to retort. She stares at her brother like he's gone mad.

Viatorus sighs, tilts his head at her and looks at her in a way that suggests she ought to recant. "Isidor, most of the world doesn't even know about magic."

"There are plenty of people who do. Important people, other mages, magical beings..." The fervour with which she speaks makes Anna's guess of her being a fire mage seem extremely fitting. "Our family has paved the way of magic casting and study for years. Our journals form the most in depth library of magical study the world knows of. Everyone who's part of our world knows it. Even as business people we own flourishing companies. We are famous. To everyone but the general populace."

Still, Viatorus shakes his head calmly. "We're not. Our family, our bloodline, is. But us? We're only known because of the Archon. The two of us are just Durants to those people. Isidor and Viatorus are the people Harrowheart and Anna know."

"'Just Durants'," she snorts and crosses her arms tightly. For a moment she looks as if she's about to make a snarky remark, but freezes and returns to looking unhappy at him instead.

Anna watches Isidor closely and only spares her brother the occasional side-eye. As Isidor speaks she finds herself nodding slowly, almost imperceptibly. She's absolutely on Isidor's page.

Her brother, meanwhile, rides the emotional roller coaster. He and Viatorus share matching looks as Isidor continues to impart the importance of the Durant family and what it means for everyone currently at the table. Viatorus' continued attempts at humility hearten him, but Isidor is there to tear it down every time. It's too hard to look at her when she's being so haughty, so full of herself. He presses his lips into a thin line and shakes his head.

Anna catches him and once again she's elbowing his side. "What's your problem?" she demands, but doesn't let him speak. She knows what his problem is. "So they're famous? So it sounds like they're rich, too? What's the problem?"

She must know what she's doing. This is her brother, after all. Surely she knows his opinions on the class divide. He immediately snaps back, "It's only the biggest problem ever, Anna! Being rich is like... It's like top five in the list of bad things in the universe!"

His words are interrupted by Anna poking him right in the forehead with a stern finger. "And the others are rude people, jealous people, people who disrespect their friends, and the Scourge. You ought to be ashamed of yourself! You wouldn't be acting this way if Mom were here." Instantly he frowns. He downcasts his eyes, but that doesn't stop there from being a finger still boring a hole in his forehead.

Anna continues, still serious as ever. "So your friends are rich? So they're famous?! Stop being such a Lawrence! Be happy for your friends! They're nice, and they're lucky, and they deserve to enjoy what they've got! It sounds like their family worked hard –"

"Our family works hard..." Harrow tries.

Anna sits back in her chair and wags her finger whilst she shakes her head with gusto. "No, don't you even. Everyone works hard. How we live's got nothin' to do with how they live, ya fool." Oh, she's riled herself up into her accent now. She reaches over and takes her brother by both cheeks and forces him to look at the Durants.

"They're your friends," she says. "And you like them. And they make you laugh. And you make them laugh. That's all that matters in life. So Mister Durant, don't be so worried and humble. And Mister Weatherhill, don't be so rude! Be a good friend and be happy for the fact that they got somethin' in life."

She releases him, and Harrow sighs heavily. How embarrassing. His cheeks are totally pale, his eyes averted. He folds his hands on the table and mumbles something that sounds like 'Sorry,' but it's difficult to tell.

Anna continues shaking her head. "When we get home, we are so having a talk."

Edited (typos) 2016-09-05 20:18 (UTC)

When Harrowheart says that being rich is one of the worst things possible, Viatorus cringes, though he does his best not to show it. Anna's defence of them, her attack on her brother, doesn't help. He looks thoroughly uncomfortable as he listens.

As the rant unfolds, Isidor goes from looking surprised to amused. At the end of it all, she laughs. "So this is why you didn't introduce us sooner, is it?" She smirks as she lifts an eyebrow at Harrowheart. "You were afraid she'd agree with sense?"

Harrow, though Anna has defeated him so soundly, still has the energy to protest, however meekly. "No," he tries. "Because..."

Anna knows what he's going to say. She knows, and she's already looking so remorseful. She puts her hand on his and stops him. She can interrupt him one last time. "Because there's something I know about him that he's afraid I'd tell people. But I promised I'd keep it secret." She turns to her worried brother now and firmly reminds him, "And I have. It's not something I'd tell anyone, ever, no matter what."

He smiles weakly, but the mere mention of there being a secret of his she's keeping is enough to keep him quiet. He squeezes her hand, and she squeezes back.

She says, "And even though he's been so embarrassing... I guess I have too. And... Even though I came here wanting to ruin everything for him... I... I had a wonderful day." Now he really perks up. He's reluctant to smile and worried what might come next, he can't help himself from being a little optimistic. "I had a wonderful day with my brother for the first time in... Years."

"I can't believe it's been that long," Harrow whispers.

Anna shakes her head. "It doesn't feel like it. Today, looking like this... It feels like you're my brother again."

He puts his other hand on top of hers and, smiling softly, assures her, "I've always been your brother. And I always will be. When I'm with you and when I'm gone." His mouth hangs open like he's got more to say and her lips part as well, but both of them are quiet. It feels so awkward suddenly. So public. He reaches out to pull her into a one-armed hug and she accepts, laughing.

"We're still having a talk," she tries to scold.

"Oh definitely," he says with another laugh. "About how Isidor and Viatorus are cool... And all the rest of the rich people suck."

Anna immediately cuffs him on the head and disengages from the hug. "You idiot! We were having a moment!"

He grins so widely at all three of them and takes such terrible satisfaction in shrugging. Smug little shit...

Edited (typos) 2016-09-05 22:34 (UTC)

Isidor smiles and Viatorus actually chuckles gently as the two of them share this moment with them. It's undeniably sweet, and Viatorus is silently glad to see his friend repair familial bonds after enduring so much.

"Speaking of talks..." Isidor tips her head to stare down her brother. "You and I need to have one too." Viatorus sighs wearily, but Isidor ignores him, instead turning to the two children. "And we've intruded enough on your privacy today."

Viatorus can see where this is leading, so he leans forward. "It has been lovely to meet you, Anna. I hope you come and visit again."

Anna nods respectfully to Viatorus and is glad to say, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Durant. I'll make a point to see you again when we're all back to normal." She stands then, and as she passes Isidor's seat pauses for the tiniest of half-bows, her best approximation of what a goodbye from one well-mannered lady to another ought to be. "And Isidor, it's been very nice to meet a lady like you. Hopefully I'll see you in the future, too."

Harrowheart rolls his eyes and follows his sister to his feet. As he leaves he stops by Viatorus, smiles, holds his arms at his sides to give his friend a moment's notice, then dives in for a powerful hug. Well, as powerful as a young boy's arms can be. When he disengages from the hug he points a finger at Viatorus and says, "Think about the sideburns."

Anna grunts. She takes her brother by the arm and tries to gently lead him away from the long-suffering Durants. "You're so dumb," she whispers.

Harrow laughs and follows along. "Yeah, well, that's why they like me! I'm a vacation from their usual company: Smart-asses like you." He keeps on laughing even as his offended sister swats his arm.

In return, Anna gets a well practiced dip of Isidor's head. "I hope so too, Anna, it's been nice to meet you."

Harrowheart's hug is unexpected. That it doesn't choke the life out of him is even more unexpected. Viatorus freezes in surprise for a split second... and then laughs, patting Harrowheart's arm. "I will."

"No you won't," Isidor mutters through a smile.

It's a charming sight to see, two siblings reunited and on good terms again. Well worth the small bill for a few cakes and hot chocolates.

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Annarchy and Ageswaps (For Viatorus)

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