"Introductions" by Jessica M. Jordan

Players:
Amel Merc (Omar Hameen)
Melody Sareth (Jsong, me)
Drelsdane Syrxsis (EvilRex, Chris Vance) (cameo)

Amel Merc
*It had been pretty quiet for the past few days. That was a good thing, considering the main reason why he was there was because he sensed danger approaching. So far whatever feelings or premonitions he experienced proved to be false, which filled him with mixed emotions. Part of him was glad, it meant that no lives had to be lost, that no one would be hurt, that he didn't have to fight and no one else had to either. But one part of him felt guilty, or leaving the campaign he was a part of...even if it was for a good cause, even if it was only temporarily, he couldn't help but feel like a deserter. He wanted to talk to Drelsdane about a little of this, he wanted to get his advice, but that man was harder to get a hold of than a pig in mud. He used most of his time back in Dragondale to learn more about the guild he had found himself apart of so suddenly, meeting his other guild mates and practicing his magic...at least he was being productive. Every now and then he would lend some assistance to a city guardsman or two, as he had heard Drelsdane had appointed some of his more senior members to help with patrol...he was trying to get on Drelsdane's good side. A smile crept onto his face as he thought about his Guildmaster and he leaned back against one of the tall bookshelves in the guild's library, clasping his hands behind his back and craining his head towards the ceiling. He wondered why he felt this way, it was so strange, he couldn't remember the last time someone's voice made his heart flutter or someone's smile or simple gaze made him blush or feel warm inside. It was a silly crush, he knew that now, he just hoped that no one else did...he was quite subtle about his feelings...-he- wasn't even sure he knew what he was feeling...*

Melody Sareth
The main libraries weren't her favorite place, but Rune liked them. Melody preferred the more private library, but Rune wasn't permitted there. She had lost track of the boy, but she was sure he was on one of the levels and didn't bother using her senses to locate the boy. He would be fine - she knew that most of the guild knew who the boy belonged to, and wouldn't touch him. The only person she didn't like to be around the boy was Drelsdane himself. Something about the way he took interest in the boy bothered her to no end - she had to find some way to keep Rune away from the man. She was aware of another presence on this very level, though - but didn't pay it any mind. She brushed her fingers against the bindings of the books as she passed, silently checking their content - the only noise she made in passing down the aisle was the brushing of the leather bindings. She hesitated when her fingers touched something interesting, and she pulled the book from the shelf. She walked down to the end of the aisle and took a seat in one of two armchairs that were beside an oil lamp - that didn't seem to require oil. She let the book fall open and then skimmed the words on the page.

Amel Merc
*Amel had been too busy daydreaming to notice that anyone else was in the library with him. Still leaning against one of the bookcases, his eyes half closed and gazing at the celing. He wondered where Drelsdane was at the moment, probably taking care of some important, secrative business...definitely something more important than having a causal conversation with him...a nobody. He felt a little guilty, but after meeting Drelsdane and his other guildmates, he tried gathering information on the man...he found himself slightly intrigued...or perhaps more than just slightly...he wanted to know more. Unfortunately, the other guild members weren't much help. Drelsdane was quite good at keeping his personal life to himself. He sighed softly and shook his head a bit, it was time to stop daydreaming and get his head out of the clouds....leave fantasy behind and back to reality.*
*Letting his amber eyes fall back to earth, he scanned the bookshelf across from him, running a slender finger across the bindings slowly, absorbing the subject of each volume, until he came upon an older book, it seemed worn and from the dust, unused. He pulled it from the shelf and held it to his chest, with his two arms criss-crossed over it's surface. He headed down the aisle quietly and to his surprise saw Melody sitting at one of the lone tables, a magical lamp was lit nearby. Ofcourse he didn't know who she was yet, and he didn't hear her come in, but in order for her to be there, he knew she was a fellow guild member and he smiled as he approached her.*
*Standing across from her he gently placed his book down on the table and extended a slender hand in greeting. 'Hello there, I didn't hear you enter. My name is Amel, I am a new member of the guild...I am glad to meet you' *his voice was soft...softer than that of the usual male, actually, nothing about him seemed typical of the average male. His voice was soft and kind, as were his eyes and he smiled at her...a genuine soothing smile*

Melody Sareth
Before she heard him, she sensed his approach and looked up at Amel, folding her hands on the open volume. She was in her human form - a very lovely sigh to behold. Brown hair tumbling past her shoulders, pale ivory skin, and a deep crimson gown on her slight form. She was short enough that her feet touched the floor, but just barely. An uninformed eye would place her age in the twenties. But her dark brown/black eyes shower a wisdom beyond her apparent years, and she did not bother shielding them. The man before her looked like an innocent, but she knew better than to judge on appearances.
She did not extend her hand to return the greeting, and silently checked the location of Rune. Good, he was downstairs - it would not do for him to make another friend. Her expression was pleasent, but not welcoming. "Good evening, Amel. I am called Melody." Her true name was Sareth, of course - but very very few people knew that. She had chosen not to take the name her mother had given her to heart, but the name her father had given her.. that was sacred. "New, you say? Is Drelsdane recruiting?" She had glanced back down to her book - but was listening for Amel's reply. There was no gain in scaring the boy off yet.

Amel Merc
*When she showed no signs of accepting his handshake, his smile melted to more of a polite acceptance and he pulled his hand back and looked at it breifly and somewhat confusedly before using it to secure the book he was carrying to his chest once again. Amel noticed that Melody was quite an attractive woman, but the aura she gave off didn't match her outward appearance exactly, it was hard to explain, but he felt he was just being silly and didn't give a second thought about it. Amel was a tall man, very slim, almost sickly though, but he showed no signs of fatigue or illness, instead he seemed to have a spark of life in his eyes...a spark that had repeatedly been nearly extinguished, but it was still there. His hair was wavey, a dark chestnut in hue, soft thick locks of hair that hung close to his shoulders. He wore a blue fitting shirt, along with black slacks and matching boots.
'Melody?' *he repeated her name with a twinge of somthing in his voice, as well as leaning forward a bit and examining her for a brief moment before standing up straight again with the polite smile slowly increasing on his face. He did not speak yet, instead he waited for her to finnish before answering her question* 'Well I am pleased to meet you Melody...' *he offered a nod of his head* 'And why yes, I have only been with the guild for a few days. Master Syrxsis summoned me upon my temporary return to Dragondale. He was...interested in the form of magic that I weild...he...believed in my abilities' *he paused* 'I wanted to join the guild for him...I mean...*he stammered* not many people have faith in me or my magics...I did not want to let him down...' *he looks down at the table then up to her* 'May I join you Melody?' *he asked politely*

Drelsdane Syrxsis
-The parrot--Drelsdane--watched the pair from atop the bookcase. He adopted this form for numerous reasons while in his hall. Primarly, he chose this form because most of the mages overlooked the birds as common sight. Drelsdane had been privvy to numerous importnat dealings because of this. Yet tonight he wasn't trying to glean any information, other than how his newest recruit would handle himself.
Drelsdane didn't like Melody one bit, but he did respect her. That killer instnict raging inside of her had struck something within him, and thus she had received many rewards. Tonight he was interested to see how Amel would hold himself against the dark elf. He appreciated Amel's control of the elements, but he also knew the man possessed uncharted levels of valor and kindness--almost bordering on the naive. Tonight, it seemed, would be his first test.-

Melody Sareth
She nodded when he repeated her name. At his hesitation in his sentence she looked up from the volume in her lap and grinned. Was the boy taken with Drels? Quite a reason to join the guild. She had joined for vastly different reasons. She was lucky that Drelsdane's appearance had very little effect on her, but that came with her experience. The grin on her face could have been confused for friendliness by someone unaccustomed to her as Amel was. The Dweomerlord had summoned this man? Perhaps there was something she wasn't seeing.. Perhaps something she could take advantage of.
"What kind of magics do you weild, Amel?" She gestured to the armchair across from her - her grin remaining on her face. She checked on Rune, and relayed to him that he should remain downstairs when he asked if he could join her. "And why shouldn't someone had faith in your abilities?"

Amel Merc
*It seemed he was standing there for a while, he quickly thought to himself, what he would do if she refused to allow him to join him. It was her perogative after all, he wouldn't get angry, but would probably be dissapointed. He wouldn't have to feel badly this eve though, as she waved her hand to the armchair across from her, he quickly took a seat, like an eager student ready to learn and he folded his hands atop the surface of his book* 'Thank you for allowing me to join you' *he smiled at her with half closed eyes as he got comfortable in his chair.* 'The magic that I am able to weild is that over the elements. When I was younger, I was only able to command one element, but now, after so much practice, training, studying and hard work, I am able to effectively use seven of the elements of nature. Presently I am still learning how to manipulate weather patterns' *he spoke proudly, people didn't usually ask him about his magic...they didn't think it very useful either...because it was limited.*
*When she asked her last question, he paused for a moment and looked down, his Amber eyes seemed to be focusing on something that wasn't there, but he soon looked up to meet her gaze and offered a lighthearted smile* 'I...don't know...' *he frowned again* 'I sometimes have the tendancy to make matters worse...not on purpose ofcourse....but...and...others don't view me as stong, or capable...or even important...' *he curled up a little* 'But I do try hard, and I put my all into everything I do...it's just that most of the time...it doesn't seem to be enough...'
Melody Sareth
"An elemental mage.. Hmm. I haven't met many of those." She had met none worth her time - but she didn't add that. From the looks of him, the boy would probably burst into tears at that comment. Her grin became a bit more genuine as her thoughts entertained her. "Studying? Did you study with anyone or on your own? How old are you, Amel?" She did her best to sound interested, but it still seemed forced. Still, she was getting better at it. If the man were smart, he wouldn't answer - Melody gaining information about anyone she came in contact with was not a good thing.
She glanced up at the sound of claws on the top of a bookshelf, and spotted the parrot. Ever since she had seen Drels land on Rune and then reveal himself to the boy she had watched birds with a little more interest - but still thought them tiresome. The bird was a bit still to be one of the regular parrots, she looked back to Amel, listening to his sob story, feigning interest. "You make matters worse? That's not good at all. Are you good at anything else besides magic?" Because if you aren't good at the art, you probably shouldn't practice it.. Those were her thoughts, but she didn't vocalize them. Doubtless... someone would hear her though. After all, she was in his tower. "It is true, you do not look strong - but appearances, such as my own, can be deceiving."

Drelsdane Syrxsis
-He would've have chuckled at Melody's last comment... if he had the ability to. He was fairly certain she saw through his guise, but he also knew she wouldn't dare reveal him. In fact, he liked it that way. It was a constant reminder of his power over the guild and its members. Melody had tested his limits on numerous occasions, but she'd always backed down. She was smart to do so.
But poor Amel, his heart was so good, so genuine. A pity hhe couldn't see the vile creature for what she was, but it was not his place to reveal that either. Drelsdane was far more powerful than any in his guild, but he respected all of their powers--and all of their agendas. Dreldane didn't want slaves--you couldn't get much of what he desired from slaves--no, he wanted his guildmembers to live as they had prior to joining... as long as they kept his rules in mind.-

Amel Merc
*The boy was fragile, he looked as if you touched him the wrong way he could fall to pieces, but as Melody had mentioned, looks were deceiving. She was seeing most of Amel, what was on the outside and what was in, except there were parts of him that she didn't see and she wouldn't unless given the proper circumstances. The boy was stronger than he looked and what he gave himself credit for, not only in magic, but in other things as well. He nodded quietly to her statment and answered her questions* 'I am not surprised. Where I am from, elemental mages were in great number, but that was years ago, before I was born...I'm afraid now I am one of a handful that still practice this art. For that reason I do want to learn as much as I can and progress as far as my mind and body will allow me...perhaps if I can master this magic, it will become popular again, instead of nearly forgotten*
*He was glad that Melody was smiling, even if it wasn't why he thought* 'Well, I began studying with my grandfather, he was a great elemental mage...but...he's gone now' *he said sadly, though he began to smile again* 'I learned so much from him and he left me with much to study from, the rest I have learned on my own, it is difficut without someone familar with the magic to instruct me, but I think I am getting along quite well' *he smiled and nodded proudly. His cheeks flushed a bit when she asked how old he was, but he did not try to avoid her question or her gaze* 'I am 24...how old did you think I was?' *he smiled and chukled softly*
Amel was quite naive, he had no clue she was gathering information on him, he just thought she was genuinely interested in what he had to say, that she might possibly want to become friends. He didn't like to think of people as being dishonest or tricky, he much rather preferred to think of everyone as kind and caring...until they proved their true colors*
*When she looked up at the parrot, Amel blinked and looked up as well, smiling at the bird who perched above them. He then remembered that Drelsdane had a parrot on his shoulder when they first met, a magnificent bird...and...*he glanced at the ring on his finger* it was a parrot as well...he wondered if Drelsdane had an affinity for the bird. He looked down at Melody as she spoke again and he smiled softly, though he really felt like frowning, like curling up and hiding. Her choice of words wasn't very flattering, but she didn't seem like a flattering person* 'Well...besides my magic...I...um....' *he was going to say that he knew how to sing, that he loved to sing, and that he longed to act, which he wasn't bad at either, but instead he just smiled* 'Oh...not really...nothing that I would say I'm really good at...' *He inclined his head to the side and smiled as he glanced at the woman across from him* 'But...tell me a little about yourself? To be honest, I've already met some of the other guild members and...well...they told me that I should be careful around the one known as Melody...but I'm not sure why they would say such a thing, you seem like a very pleasant person' *he smiled with a nod*

Melody Sareth
Elemental mages were only useful in certain situations, Melody believed. And there shouldn't be very many of them, because there wasn't a need for many at all. One here and there was quite enough, more than enough in her eyes. "I doubt it will be forgotten. We always have books." She nodded to the one in her lap, and devoutly hoped that it did not become "popular" again. She had toyed with the elements from time to time - but had found her calling came from a much darker, powerful type of the art. One that came naturally.
Family learning was a commonality between them then. Melody had learned most of what she knew from her father, Nevoh. She had had other teachers along the way, but she had surpassed them all. She had lost contact with her father, but she was still sure that he could best her. Perhaps one day they would test their skill against each other. "Family is one of the best places to learn." One of the few genuine statements she'd ever uttered. 24? A young one indeed. He had a long way to go in his field, and he had plenty of time. "I wasn't sure. As I said, appearences can be deceiving." And Melody didn't want to use her talents to probe the boy for information - that was the easy way. More fun to draw it out of him.
When Amel touched his ring, she was reminded of her own on her right hand. It was the only ring she wore on that hand, and it shone through her assumed human facade. "What would you like to know Amel? And why would someone say such a thing about me? Surely I'm nothing but pleasent." She glanced up at the parrot again and winked, as if she shared a secret with the bird. The guild members who had spoken to Amel of her would be the recipients of a very stern warning from her, regrettably it wouldn't mean their deaths - for Drels had been quite specific on that.

Amel Merc
*If he could read her thoughts, Amel would agree with most of what Melody thought. His magic really came through in certain situations, and in others it could be useless, but part of his studies and training was to overcome that obstacle. He already felt there were things he was able to do with his magic that stepped outside the norm...he didn't expect to impress anyone, but he could show them that if you worked hard enough...limits didn't have to exist. For instance, his magic wasn't specific for combat situations, but he's been able to incorporate some of that into his workings, perhaps clumsily now, but it could be perfected in time...or perhaps he didn't really want to use his magic as an offensive weapon...and let it remain teetering in the middle somewhere*
*He smiled at her when she told him how she felt about family teachings. He assumed from her statement that she learned her magic from someone in her faily as well, he could be wrong but that's what it sounded like, and he mearly chuckled when she made the comment about why she asked about his age and he nodded* 'I assume you've learned your magic or studied with someone in your family as well. Are you still able to study together?' *hea sked innocently, still smiling*
*Amel raised a slender hand to soft strawberry lips as she commented on being "nothing but pleasant" I agree...I am still not sure of what they meant...it was a little hard to understand, they told me that you were...dangerous...but perhaps I took it the wrong way...I suppose we can all be a little dangerous?' *he blinked and eyed her with wide innocent eyes. If anything seemed it could prove him wrong it was that innocent look he gave her...though it was misleading, because he could be as dangerous as any other* 'Well...what type of magic do you use? What is your place in the guild? Where are you from?' *he asked all at the same time, he was quite interested to learn more about her and hopefully in time become friends*
'...Melody? This might be a strange question but...do you know if Master Syrxsis is fond of Parrots?'

Melody Sareth
He really was innocent, wasn't he? He didn't seem to have a malicious bone in his body - and that dissapointed Melody. Her father had molded her into what she was, an evil - self serving dark elf. She assumed Amel was molded into a naive boy by whatever circumstances he had grown up around. "Yes, the art is a family trait. And no, I no longer study. I teach." She didn't study in the way he meant, anyway. There were many ways of "studying." The fact that she did not teach the guild younglings was still a blessing. She was reserved for "special" tasks, and would not have enjoyed taking on pupils other than Rune. She had no tolerance for the untalented.
"Yes, Amel. We all can be dangerous. That is a fact you should remember." A brow raised at his line of questions. As of yet, no one else had dared ask her those questions. But, the answers would not be harmful if she was vague. "Many types. Higher than yours, and far away from here." She meant it to be a harsh answer - but it came out a little harsher than she meant, and she quickly schooled her features back to interest. She grinned at the question of parrots, and looked back to the bird on the shelf.
"He is. Why else would he have chosen them to be the symbol of the guild? Colorful, aren't they? Why do you ask?"

Amel Merc
*Although he was an adult, he had the heart of a child, and at times he thought like one as well, not saying that he wasn't intelligent, just not very wise int he ways of the world. Naive, eagar to please, too open...to trusting. He had been hurt many times before for these same reasons, yet he still hadn't seemed to learn a thing. Maybe he wasn't that bright...or maybe he just kept choosing to believe. When Melody said that she taught magic, he thought that she must have been quite skilled in whatever field of magic she used. His amber eyes brightened and he leaned in a bit but quickly sat back again* 'Really? Is that so... I had no idea. You must be quite experienced then' *he said with a hint of admiration in his voice. He had no idea that she didn't want to be bothered with teaching the underlings, otherwise he probably wouldn't have asked* 'Do you think I can study magic with you sometime then? I'm sure there is a lot you can teach me! Maybe we could even learn from eachother.' *he practically beamed...there was that eagerness again*
*The conversation seemed to take a turn here, a bad one. Amel found himself frowning now at her choice of words. When she gave vague, one word answers and spoke of her magic of being of a higher power than his, it was a bit hurtful...especially since he had opened up to her so much but she couldn't even give him a straight answer...but he thought she probably had her reasons. It wasn't easy for everyone to open up like he did...lots of time people wanted to protect themselves from anyone getting too close, and perhaps Melody was one of those people* 'o...oh...' *he stammered softly and lowered his gaze to the book that rested on the table before him, but when she continued speaking he looked up at her again*
'I suppose you are right. And yes, they are quite colorful, I like them as well, they seem to be a bird of cheerfulness and thier plumage is very pretty. I wonder why Master Syrxsis is so fond of them...I wonder if it is for the same reasons I just mentioned....*he blinked at her follow up question as to why he wanted to know* 'Oh...no reason in particular' *he shook his head* 'I was just curious as I saw the parrot perched above us and I remembered that there was also a parrot with Master Syrxsis when I first met him...and the symbol on the ring of the Arcantifers is also that of a parrot...'
*he looked just a bit more nervous now as he tucked a few strands of hair behind a delicate ear* 'Um...do you know much about Master Syrxsis? I'm afraid I barely know anything about him, yet I am a member of his guild. What type of man is he...do you know? Is he married...does he have children?' *he was satisfied with those questions, it didn't sound too obvious...he just sounded curious. Perhaps Melody would be able to provide him with insight that the others had not...in a way he felt badly because it seemed he was using her, but then again, she didn't seem inclined to talk about herself when he asked, maybe she would feel more comfortable talking about someone else perhaps?*

Melody Sareth
She would have laughed if she weren't so guarded - but she did not, she just smiled at the man before her. He had asked to learn from her. She somehow thought that he would not wish to learn what she would teach him, though. But, somewhere deep within her - it reminded her of when she took Rune in. The boy was really her only care in this world - other than herself. She quickly pulled herself out of the past and back to the present, and Amel asking to study with her. People would trust this boy. Trust him enough to speak openly around him. That could be useful. "Let's. That would please me."
She watched his reponse to her words, and approved. It made him uncomfortable, as it should have. Still.. Dresldane had sought this elemental mage out for a reason. Perhaps she could find out that reason as well. Back to parrots. Melody stifled a sigh, but indulged the boy. Why were boys so interested in parrots? Rune was as well.. "You are observant, that is a good trait." Another useful trait.
And now questions of Drelsdane.. She was confronted with how little she knew of the man, and she was starting not to care. Drelsdane was necessary at this moment, perhaps somewhere in her future - he would not be, and she would move on. That was all that mattered. Drelsdane was tolerated. But.. this mage had a unusual interest in his personal life. Hmm.. "We can talk of Drelsdane later. I look forward to seeing you again, Amel." She would make sure that he came in handy. Especially if she had to endure -studying- with him. She glanced away for a second and summoned Rune. Seconds later the boy bounded up the stairs and bowed to Melody, then waved at Amel. He had a grin on his face that meant he had been up to something. Melody put the book that had been reading in her lap on the table, then took Rune's outstretched hand and rose with his aid. "Goodnight, Amel." She did not introduce Rune and he looked a bit dissapointed as he escorted Melody away from the table - after she had paused to listen to anything Amel said in parting.
Rune leaned closer to Melody and whispered. "Brown hair tonight? I liked red." Melody's nails dug into the boy's flesh and he winced and remained silent until they were out of Amel's sight.

Amel Merc
*Closing his eyes with a warm smile, he looked even more child like when she agreed to teach him a few things. Still smiling he opened his eyes, obviously excited and glad that Melody had accepted his request. Not only could he learn a few pointers, learn a little something about a different type of magic, but it would also give him the chance to possibly get a little closer to Melody. Though she seemed callous at times, he did like her, he thought that she could be a bit kinder if one took the time to get to know her...he might be wrong, but it was wroth trying. 'Oh thank you...I'm very glad to be able to study with someone as talented as you...I am sure it will be a great experience for the both of us...I will do my best to learn what I can' *he said with a nod, then calmed a little as the conversation turned to parrots then to his vigilance* 'Oh, thank you' *he spoke softly* 'I suppose there are some things I am good at after all' *he smiled and his voice was almost teasing in a way, perhaps that was some playfullness on his side*
*Amel looked so eager, so anxious to hear what Melody had to say about Drelsdane and when she told him that they would discuss it later, it felt like a blow to the stomach and he made a strange face, but only for a moment...dissapointed, he looked down* 'Oh...allright' *he spoke softly. He really wanted to know if Drelsdane was married or not, now he had to be kept in suspense even longer. When he thought back, he didn't remember spotting a wedding band on Drels's finger, yet that didn't necessarily mean anything. He felt he was being silly to be concerned with such things, but he found himself not being able to resist. It was harmless fun...no one knew...he kept his feelings to himself and he would continue to do so* 'I look forward to seeing you again as well Melody. Thank you for letting me sit with you...I apologize that you weren't able to read as much as you would have liked, but I did very much enjoy our converstaion'
*When Rune came into the room, Amel turned to look at him, he smiled and thought the boy was cute. He returned the wave with one of his own, smiling a warm smile all the while* 'Why hello there' *Amel had a simple aura about him, a warm and friendly presence. It wasn't uncommon for people to warm up to him. Though he soon frowned when he saw that Melody did not introduce the young boy, but at the same time it did seem as if she was in a hurry, he thought he would ask her about him next time* 'Goodnight Melody, I look forward to our next meeting' *he waved to her* 'Goodnight to you as well young one' *he bent down a bit and waved to him in parting*
*He watched as they left, but didn't notice the bit of abuse Melody gave Rune for his choice of words, though he probably would have spoke up...he was still drifting, this was all so new to him and he was eager to learn more, experience more, he found himself wanting to show the others what he could do...but he also didn't want to embarass himself...but for Drelsdane, he wanted to do more, he wanted to prove to him that he wasn't wrong for asking him to join his guild. He stood ther for a few moments, then walked back over to the table to fetch his book. Holding it to his chest again he looked up at the parrot perched above him and slowly he began to float towards it, the wind pushing him through the air until he landed gracefully so that he was sitting on the railing next to the bird and he looked at it with a smile*
'Well, I guess it is just you and I now...I was actually hoping for someone else...*he blushed*...but I think you'll do just fine' *he smiled and opened the book in his lap, it was time to study, though for a few moments, his mind would drift again, into fantasy...he liked it there*