Khy'eras

The silvery-grey cat padded had been sat on the wall, watching the main entrance to the East Hall for some time. He was waiting for his newest and most unlikely friend; a young mage named Kit Heron.

Helo felt uncomfortable being here again, as the last time he had been beyond that entrance he had almost been killed, but he was curious as to how the place operated, and wondered if he recognised any of the people coming and going. Though it was quite early, the place was busy. It seemed Artemis Black had built his own little kingdom amidst the non-noble powers and groups within Fellsguard, and Helo had to admit to admiring the man. Though the two had never met properly, or had any conversation, what Helo did know was that the man's charisma was famously inspiring and that people tended to follow him. Even Katarya had loved him til the end, when her heart had finally frozen over completely; she had still wanted his approval or forgiveness.

The cat's nose twitched. Had he been in his human-form, Helo would have been shaking the memories of the witch from his mind, but as a cat he was more steady and cool. He was also more patient, and so did not mind sitting here for so long as he waited. Occasionally someone would stop to pet him, stroking his fur, and once or twice someone would fish a treat out of their pockets, which he happily accepted. People liked cats!

It had been two days since he had seen Kit last, since he had spilled out his story and requested a very great favour of the young mage ... and when they had become friends, with an exchange of a smile and a handshake.

Finally, as people filed out of the place, each commenting on their marvellous breakfast, the cat jumped gracefully down and padded his way to the entrance, where he wound through the legs of the folk who worked or lived there. One or two exclaimed as they almost tripped over him, but he kept going until he found his mark.

Kit was just moving away from an area that looked to be where the people of the Hall ate their meals. The lad seemed happy; smiling and talking with a few people as he returned his plate, thanked the cook (who seemed to be offering Kit even more food, which the mage had politely declined and thanked profusely), before heading in Helo's direction.

Helo gave out a soft 'meow', as Kit neared him, catching the lad's attention with his own emerald eyes.

Alas, the lad was not as slick as Helo. I suppose being inherently good, meant that deceit of any kind would be difficult to do without having a 'tell', and when the young mage looked around him so guiltily one would think he had stolen diamonds from the Master of the Hall, before hurrying over and picking up Helo, over exaggerating about 'what a cute cat, must be lost, oh well, I will take him outside', the Changeling would have sighed in exasperation. He'd have to teach him a little better than this!

"Are you sure you won't have a bit more? Just another bit of egg and bacon? You could do with more weight on you!" The kind woman had said to Kit, before he insisted he was 'stuffed'

"It was wonderful, as always. Thank you so much." The young mage smiled. It was an exchange they had at every meal, but he didn't mind and was never irritated. She treated him, and many others, as if they were her children. Her kindness was wonderful and he would never tire of it.

When he finally managed to get away, Kit was exchanging pleasantries with Gavin as they left their plates at the wash station and moved off. That's when he spotted the cat: Helo. "Ah, look! A cat!" He exclaimed, as if no one had ever seen one before and he was showing them one for the first time. "I wonder if the poor fellow is lost. I'll take him outside! Just have to grab my bag!" Kit inwardly groaned at his over-enthusiasm at a -at least what others would see- a simple cat. "Have a great day, Gavin. I'll just make sure this little fellow doesn't get to Miss Lena's bacon ... cheerio!"

Gavin gave him a curious look, and laughed. "You never seen a cat before, Kit?" He laughed.

The young mage blushed. "Oh, I've seen lots! Maybe ... 40! Anyway, bye!" And with that he fled back to his shared room, cradling the silvery cat in his arms, glancing around him nervously. "When you said you'd find me, I didn't think you'd actually come inside!" He whispered as he crossed the yard and entered his room. He grabbed his bag, put in the lunch bag Miss Lena had prepared for him, and then headed for the exit.

Artemis had created a place he felt safe. The people were kind and rarely was their a quarrel. The interesting man had surrounded himself with loyal, clever people, and no one had been cruel or unkind to their latest resident. There was a lot of good-natured teasing, of course, and though Kit had the brains to quote a thousand sage's, all he could do was laugh when any jest-filled jabs came his way. He was very much 'non-threatening', and it had seemed to have worked in making sure that he was not a bother or that people avoided him. He was as unobtrusive as possible, and accepted any task or errand, however menial, with enthusiasm and a smile.

"You busy today? What's with the cat?"

Kit jumped as Lynwood walked into the room to grab something. "Just going to the Healer's Hall. Got the day off from my studies, and found this one wandering around, so thought I would take him back out, lest he ... trip someone up! Don't want anyone to hurt themselves ... anyway, if I'm asked after, I'll be back this afternoon. Got to run. Have a good day, Lynwood!"

*

When they were a few streets away, Kit dipped into one of the alleys and let the cat, who was squirming a little hop to the floor. "I don't think I'd make a very good actor!"

Helo, despite being being nervous in the East Hall, had been much amused by Kit and his failed attempts at appearing 'casual'. He would have been laughing hard if he were in his human-form, but instead had been carried around by the young mage, who hurried down the streets of Fellsguard as if he were carrying the world's most precious gem. It was quite touching actually.

When at last Kit had found a place where they might talk (an alleyway, really? Does the lad think that's where Helo preferred to be all the time?), Kit let him jump down, his form shimmering and then he rose from a crouch to give a laugh, giving the lad a quick hug and pat on the back. "Oh, Kit. You are adorable! Has anyone ever told you that?"

Kit chuckled. "Repeatedly. I think I should toughen up a bit! Sorry if I squeezed too hard; I was a bit nervous, after all. Why did you come inside? I thought you were afraid of that place!"

Helo dusted himself off, and motioned for Kit to follow him out into the street. "I'm afraid of Artemis Black and his lieutenants, but I am also practically invisible in my cat-form. No one cares about a stray cat, though I have had to evade the odd kick from the odd grumpy twat, now and then. And since I have no magic, no one will be able to sense anything about me. Perfect disguise!." He walked at a relaxed pace, having a place in mind where the two could talk more. "And no, you were fine. You did almost throttle me when that man entered your sleeping quarters, but otherwise you were quite gentle. I trust you are well, this morning?"

Taking side streets, alleys and shortcuts, Helo took Kit to the place he had become most familiar with since he had lost his place at the Elven Tavern; the Slums.

Dirty streets, homes that were shacks more than they were actual houses, unkempt people and beggars being the main bulk of the populace. Helo, in his ragged clothes (although from the look of them, they had once been decent wear) fitted in, while Kit, fresh faced, clean and well dressed, stood out quite a bit, drawing curious looks from a few of the folk there. Helo hurried them along.

They eventually came to a small place, a hut would probably be the best description for it, that was missing half a roof and sported a single hole in the wall for a window. The door was hanging off it's hinges, but with effort, Helo managed to open it, usher in the young mage, and pull it shut.

Inside was nothing but rubble and a space in the corner with a bunch of dirty blankets. Though he had told Kit about his situation, Helo felt embarrassed to be showing him this place. "This is kind of a ... I come here when I can't find a place to stay. It was easier when I didn't look like a street rat; I'd simply charm some woman and spend the night at her place. I'd have to give her a good tumble, but that's a win for everyone." He gave Kit a nudge and a wink "If you take my meaning."

He grabbed one of the cleaner looking blankets and spread it on the floor. "Have a seat, lad. Let's talk."

As the two moved through the city, Kit could see the change in the place as they moved closer to the east District. As they walked, chatting idly about nothing in particular (small talk of the most boring kind, avoiding anything to do with what they actually wanted to talk about), the houses became smaller, the streets not as well kept, the stores went from clothes shops and apothecaries, to dingy looking bazaars and run down taverns. Eventually they got to the place that he had only heard of, but had not visited; the slums.

It was a shock to see, and Kit could not understand how a place like this existed. It wasn't as if the city was poor! The noble houses had grand estates, plus the university of House Nyshasa, the hospitals of House Enlann. Even the middle classes had comfortable homes, and he had seen more than a few folk walking the streets in varying types of finery, jewellery and such. How can some live in such splendour when others had to live here?

When Helo brought him to the broken down hut and spread out the blanket on the floor, inviting him to sit. He did so, trying not to feel sorry for the man. He didn't mind being in such a place - he had ate and slept in barn after the death of his father, after all!

When Kit sat, he reached into a bag and produced a paper parcel, which instantly gave off the smell a savoury smell. "I brought you this. It's bacon, egg and cheese. And don't worry about me, I have plenty for myself too. The cook at the Hall seems to be trying to fatten me up!" He realised how that must sound to a man who had to scrape by just to eat. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to ... it's yours. I hope you liked it, I didn't know what you'd want."

Helo breathed in the smell of the food with a smile and a pleased sigh. "You have my thanks. And don't worry, I don't begrudge anyone of their fortune ... well, maybe a one or two of the lords and ladies or the noble houses could do with being brought down a step or two, but I am pleased you have somewhere you are happy with." He opened the paper and took a bite into the still warm sandwich. He groaned in pleasure. "This is beyond delicious, my friend! You should give your cook a special 'thank you' for me, if you get my meaning." He gave the boy a wink then chuckled at as Kit flushed red. "Apologies." He took another bite.

Of course, he didn't have to stay here. He could go back to trying to find a place to take him in, somewhere to work. But he had been on the streets just long enough that no one would take him, except for hard labour with small pay, which he would have done had he he the build for it. So petty theft was his best bet, and joining gangs of addictive herb dealers or any such organisation turned his stomach. He had not the best history with those kinds of folk.

"When I looked a bit better, I would usually be able to sweet talk some woman into bed, and then I would have a roof over my head for the night - or at least a whole one, which is better than this. This is just a pit stop. The house next door is empty, and the on the otherside is a very old man who is drinking himself to the grave. It's a place no one bothers with, so it's good as a hide-out. Plus!" He said, with a twinkle in his eye. "It gives us a place where we can meet and talk away from anyone who might not wanting us to do either."

Helo pushed the last bit of the sandwich into his mouth and gave a contented smile. "My debt to you is increasing, young Kit! How goes it with you? You said you were going to be taught how to use your magic - don't worry, no one can hear us here. Tell me about it."

Kit watched as Helo ate the sandwich with the same hungry rush he had eaten the pie just days before. Had the man even eaten properly since then? He must find a way to get him some supplies that would keep, without raising suspicion.

"Well, I've only just started with the Professor." He said, with a look on his face that suggested he was less than enthused about it all. "I know I just started, but it feels like it's going to be the start of something that will end up with me not being able to actually do anything. For a start, I'm not her only student. Then there is the rule that I can't practice anything I learn unless in a specific, designated area while under supervision, and I can't do any magic at all at the Hall. I have had strict orders on that front ... on every front, actually." He sighed. "I feel as though this is going to take me forever. Which is frustrating, as I want to be useful. I know so much about magic, and I have magic in me, but I just can't seem to do anything about it. Especially if I can't practice! 'Repetition and familiarity is the route to mastery.' Which is all well and good, but when I get no time to actually do anything, how can I ever master it!"

Kit scratched at his neck as he spoke. "It's a strange world ... my world, I mean. It is a thousand times better than my life before, and then some. But I still feel frustrated." He looked up. "I want to be useful, to be able to contribute to the Hall in more ways than shopping for apples and sweeping the floors. And I want to be a better student for Professor LaNore. She's quite something ... I can see why the students practically clamour over each other just for a single word of praise from her. Have you ever heard of her? Vanessa LaNore? She's a Fae bard and ..." Despite their friendship, Kit was not comfortable sharing all the information he knew about his tutor. "Well, she seems well known. She can be very intimidating. I think she's very powerful."

Helo cocked his head as he thought on that name. Vanessa LaNore ... "It sounds familiar, but nothing comes to mind. Maybe I've overheard her name, with her being a bard, as well as a Professor with House Nyshasa."

"I understand your frustration, and your curiosity, and even your desire to - as you put it - contribute." He gave the lad a reassuring smile. "But you have only been here a few days. You have plenty of time. I actually didn't have you pegged as impatient, Kit." He reached out and gave the mage a friendly nudge on the shoulder. "You'll be knocking the socks off everyone at that University before you know it. I mean, this Professor of yours must love you! You're like a walking library. Surely that already puts you in a good place starting out? You said on the day we met that you know a lot about magic, so that side of things is already taken care of!"

Helo leaned back so he was sitting against the wall. House Nyshasa ... the name made him feel uneasy. Katarya had had some kind of arrangement with one of their lords at one time, though Helo had never gotten the full details, and as far as he was aware, Katarya had an intense dislike of whoever it was from the noble house she was dealing with. He looked over to Kit. "How much do you know about this Professor of yours? Have you stopped to wonder why she would even bother teaching you? In a city where magic is illegal?" He gave a shrug. "What's her motive?"

Kit held up his hands. "That's part of the problem," he said, in response to Helo calling him a 'walking library'. "I have read hundreds of books, studied intensely. I could recite fifty spells without even having to think about it. But it's proving more of an obstacle than a leg up." He shook his head. "The Professor sees magic differently than I do. Most magic users do, I think. But ours is very far apart, and also, I have all these conflicting theories that I have grown up considering. Yes, I know a lot about magic, but you don't have to be a mage to know what I know; anyone who studied and read as long as I did would know just as much. It might even have been easier if I had never read anything at all, and had no experience in the use of it - even as small as it is - so she could teach me from the ground up." Kit sighed. "If I could just practice!"

When Helo began asking about Vanessa, Kit gave him a confused look. "Motive? She's a teacher, so she teaches. And she takes in magic users so they can control their powers and not get caught by the authorities." The word 'Inquisition' had been mentioned enough times that he had learned to fear it, even if he had no actual experience with the whole thing. Helo's words did hit something in him. "Do you think I should be worried, or something?"

[collab post]

Helo opened his hands. "I'm not sure," he said. Then he leaned forward. "But think! Why would a noble house be training mages? What happens to those mages when they are all fired up and ready to go? Do they just give them a certificate, shake their hands and send them out into the city?" Helo gave a shrug. "Perhaps so. Or, maybe, they are training mages to that they can use them! Think about that for a moment. A noble house teaching mages magic in a city where magic is illegal. They have to do so in secret, and the mages they train can't say anything about it without the risk of being taken away or killed, or whatever they do. It wouldn't be outside the realms of possibility that House Nyshasa is gathering a little army of magic users under its wing."

Kit shook his head. "No." He said, definitively. "The Professor is mysterious, and very intense at times, but I honestly believe her when she says she wants to help people like me not get locked up or killed. Mister Black trusts her, and even Dáire said I should take her offer when she made it, and he doesn't even like her! She is helping us to control our powers so that we don't -"

"Kit." Helo stopped him. "Your Professor might have the best intentions in Fellsguard, and she might be a very prominent member of your place of learning. But remember; the noble houses are not run by teachers. There are lords and ladies way above her station who will know all about what is going on. All the Houses are cautious and wary, and Nyshasa is ... well, it's 'shady'."

Kit thought about that. Helo made a good point; Professor LaNore might be strong and respected, but she was not a ruler of House Nyshasa, nor was she even a member of their noble family. What were those people, sitting in their grand estates, thinking about what was happening in the University they funded? There was no doubt in Kit's mind that someone up high knew magic was being taught. But was it really as nefarious as Helo seemed to hint at? Would Professor LaNore be involved in such a thing, if she suspected? She was wise and clever, there wasn't a chance she wouldn't have thought the exact same thing. "So what am I supposed to do? I can't turn down the chance to learn how to use my powers, and she can teach me. That and so much more. Besides, she is not going to be particularly happy if I just decided to stop my lessons; an untrained mage walking around the city? She's be obliged to take action; anyone would!"

Helo held up his hands. "I'm not trying to poison you against her, or dissuade you from pursuing your studies. But maybe just be careful. See what you can find out; keep your eyes and ears wide open, so if something comes your way, you will at least have some idea as to what that might be. Surely you have some wise old saying or quote in that head of yours to back me up!"

Kit gave a small laugh. "Forewarned is forearmed?" He offered.

"Ha! Even I know that one." Helo teased.

Kit grinned. "How about ... 'Readiness without sufficient preparation and vigilance, is as futile as excellence without effort'? Belmis Tor, though he died when he accidentally burned his home to the ground when a spell went wrong."

Helo laughed. "Let's hope the same won't be said for you when people are spouting quotes from your very own books, one day." But he gave Kit a serious look. "But it's a good quote, either of them. Don't snoop, because you'll get caught. No offence, but you'd make a terrible thief."

Kit laughed. "None taken."

The Changeling motioned to the hut around him. "Plus, you can practice magic here! We're out in the slums ... any one with magic would not be here, unless they're in hiding, and then they're not likely to say anything to anyone. And we're far enough away from anyone for your powers to be sensed by all the people who are telling you when you can and can't use it." Helo gave a satisfied grin, raising a questioning brow. "Yes, I know. I'm brilliant."

"It's a great plan, but the flaw is the type of magic I use. I use Mind Magic, so I would need to use my powers on an actual mind, one that is not my own. That's the benefit of having a teacher. That problem can be solved." Kit envied those who simply conjured ice or cast illusions; they didn't require another person to help them cast. "I could always focus on my telekinetic abilities, I suppose." He said, a little glumly. Though telekinesis was of course very useful for a vast array of reasons, developing his other skills in telepathy and mind manipulation seemed much more interesting and, to Kit, had many aspects that were superior in usefulness and application.

"Use me!" Helo said, happily. "I mean, I did ask you to help alter my memories, after all. You could get, I don't know - familiar - with my mind, or something. Just don't turn my mind to mush, or anything."

Kit gave a sad smile. "I'm afraid that's probably exactly what i would do, if I managed to get in ... which I can't. At least not yet. Telepathy is not novice stuff, I have to start with the basics." He explained.

"Which are ...?"

The young mage sat straighter. "Well, I have the theories and the spells, so the knowledge part is covered ... at least on a basic level. I guess the first skill I need to master is empathic magic. Right now, if I open myself up and use my magic, I can sense if someone is really angry, or extremely happy. Anyone with eyes and ears can tell if someone is angry. But with proper empathic abilities, I could sense if someone was lying, or if they were keeping a secret. I could sense more subtle moods." He ran small circles on his temple as he spoke. "It might not sound as impressive as telepathy, but it has serious ..."

"Potential!" Hale finished, excitedly. He was imagining now just how beneficial that could be, for both of them! Kit would be better protected if he could somehow sense danger coming, and applying it practically ... Helo could take his 'procured' items to a fence, and he'd be able to find out if the fence was giving him coppers for something worth much more, since all he could ever do was trust their word ... and they were fences; they lied for a living. The possibilities ... "You can use me for that! I mean, you will only be 'sensing' me, after all. No mind invasion or anything. So it's not like you'll turn me into a vegetable. And surely we're far away enough from the University that they won't detect you?"

Kit couldn't deny he felt excited a the prospect, although it made his stomach giddy with nerves. [speech]"No, they wouldn't be able to sense me. Empathic magic is about opening yourself up to the emotions of others, not exactly like casting an actual spell. It's still magic, but someone would have to be quite close by to sense me, and with the Professor's help, I could even learn to contain the energy so that even if I were close by a magic-sensitive person, using such a technique shouldn't even register with them ... provided they weren't actively - and by that I mean magically - keeping a watch on me ..."[/speech] Kit looked up, smiling. "Okay ... I'm ... let's do that, then! Though I have no idea what to try first!"

Helo shrugged. "The obvious one, of course: how to sense when someone is lying! Imagine what that will mean for you. You will know if someone is misleading you, or you are in danger. It's the perfect start. And we can practice right here! You ask me questions, and I will answer them, either truthfully or with a lie. You use magic to tell which is which!"

The Changeling's enthusiasm was infectious, and Kit sat up straight - but the move pulled on the wound and dressings on his back. He had managed, through great difficulty, to keep his back and the dressing Calem had put on it, secret. It was no easy task when the bathing area was shared by a fair few of the men, and that he shared his sleeping quarters with two of the workers. Ignoring it, he sat up straight. "Okay. Shall we begin?"

Helo's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's wrong?"

Kit shook his head. "Nothing." He said, averting his eyes.

The Changeling sighed. "You're also a terrible liar. But if you don't want to tell me, I shan't force it out of you. If you ever want to though ..." When Kit remained silent, Helo shrugged. "Let's give this a go. Ask me a question and let's see what happens."

Kit was relieved that Helo was so willing to allow him to keep his secret. He would also have to try and learn to lie better about his back, if it came up with anyone else. His back was a hideous, scarred mess, and a source of great emotional pain and shame to him. The fewer the people who knew of it, the better, as far as he was concerned.

But the task at hand called, so Kit took a deep breath, then another, allowing his vision to shift slightly, and a shimmering world of webs and pulsing lines filled his vision. It felt good to do this out here, free from supervision. [speech]"Let's begin."[/speech]

"Lie?"

Helo raised a brow. "Are you guessing?" He asked.

Kit's shoulders slumped. "Yes." He answered, glumly.

The two had been at this for hours and it was going nowhere. Kit was 'open', he was 'seeing', and though that in itself was fascinating, it was no help in their little experiment. The shimmering strand that connected Kit to Helo did in colour and consistency when Helo answered a question, but there was no obvious pattern that he could determine.

Helo was very patient, remaining perfectly calm and still. The Changeling was obviously doing his very best to help. "You're not supposed to guess." He grinned.

Kit sighed in frustration. "I just can't ... there is a change in the thread when we speak, but it's very inconsistent. There is no pattern to show me if it's a lie or not." He thought for a long while, scratching at his temple. "I don't think it's going to be as simple as 'blue means truth', 'red means lie' ... each response brings a different colour of type of consistency to the thread that connects us. It's going to be more complicated. I need a book, and to keep trying, but I don't want to have to keep you sitting for hours on end when you could be -"

"Don't worry about me!" Helo shrugged. "Remember, this is all part of helping me, too! Let's take a break. When do you have to be back home?"

"I don't have a set time, but someone might wonder where I've got to." He also considered the word 'home'. It didn't really feel like 'home', not yet anyway. But he felt safe there.

"Well, let's call it a day." Helo said with a smile, getting to his feet. He patted Kit on the shoulder, and the boy winced as he did so. "Everything okay?"

Kit cleared his throat, awkwardly, then gave a weak smile before picking up his bag. "Just a cramp." He said. "I'm fine. Just sat too long. When do you want to meet again?" He wanted the query to go no further.

Helo nodded. The kid truly was a very bad liar. Suppose it came with being a genuinely good person. But if Kit had something he didn't want to share, Helo was certainly not going to try and get it out of him. "I'll be around. If you see me and can get free, just follow me when you can. Alright? And don't worry about today; you're not going to master anything in two hours, Kit! Try and relax."

Kit nodded, but he still felt frustrated. Why was it so hard? Such a basic skill for any Mind Mage, and yet he couldn't get to grips with it. So much for all the reading and theory!

"Come on, I'll walk you back halfway." He offered. "Don't want you to get into trouble on my account."

And with that, the two unlikely friends left the broken hut and set off back to the Hall.