• Memory • A trail run cold [Syb]

[Korik]

Ashan 50th, 717

Pulling the fabric of the cloak covering his body. The Lotharro made his way through the supposed seat of knowledge that was Viden. The memories of the hunt gone wrong still fresh in his mind. The bodies of his compatriots being torn apart and thrown around as if they were nothing gave the man night terrors. His face clearly showing signs of lack of sleep but the man pushed forward regardless.

He had began his travels as soon as it was made clear that his brother wouldn't just return home. His heart sunk at the possible idea of his brother being killed by the Lurkers that they fought. During his travels he had little luck finding any trace of his brother. No one seemed to notice a Lotharro that shared his appearance. No one seemed to notice anything out of their every day lives.

People seemed to be stuck in their daily routine. Not noticing anything that didn't involve their everyday lives. Reality had slowly begun to sink in for Korik as he realized more and more that he might been on a quest that has no end. A potential journey that would only see him driven to death or worse. As he traveled through foreign cities, following the whispers, he was informed of a city that prided itself on it's knowledge and so he began traveling into the cold north.

The trip had been long and hard. Traveling with a caravan, offering his services as a guard, he finally managed to make it. With his lodging settled the man made his way deeper into the city. Asking anyone who would give him the time of day if they had seen someone who looked like him.

As the day went on, with little luck, the Lotharro had managed to find his way to what seemed like a run down bar. Making his way inside, he looked around. Some of the patrons shot him glances, some lasting longer than others, before returning to their drinks. Korik made his way to an empty table and sat down. The handle of his ax clicked against the chair he sat on. The chain mail protecting his torso and cloak pulled tight around his shoulders. His indigo eyes scanned the room, looking for anyone who's eyes might still be lingering on the man who stuck out of the crowd.

[Sybil Malach]

This place was home to the least that Viden had to offer. The downtrod, and the underappreciated. Among the crowd, three distinct kinds of people could be discerned from not only their mannerisms, but forms of dress. There were the slaves, who carried themselves with a restrained air, fearful of shaming their masters, but far better treated than the likes of Rharne. They were observant, like one would expect the ever present servantry to be, avoidant eyes hiding a gleaming intelligence. There were the Precariat, men and women who had forgone the requirements set out for them by the State of Viden, and assigned to a lowly caste due to their unhoned potential. They spoke broken common, and only hald of them knew how to even read. Their posturing was aggressive, their speech was short and to the point. And finally, there were the students. Rarer than the two former categories, they were the more clean and upkept of the groups, often the target of harassment from many parties, but likewise more likely to start problems, the moment the booze started to flow freely.

This place, emblazoned with the title of 'Devils Advocate' was perhaps the least inviting tavern this side of Idalos. There were notices nailed to the outer wall, a proclamation of forbidding the sale of anything but the most basic of salted meats, and warning outsiders of the potential for illness within. However, the food, wasn't what people came here for. This was among one of the very few places that offered booze, within Viden. It was cheap, watered down swill, for a State that had all alcohol in copious amounts banned, this was the best one could do. One could see the men and women sliding nell, bribing the bartender to give them more than the legally allowed amount of ales and mead, and others being extorted into making the purchase for more larger patrons, forgoing the need for a bribe at all. In despite of the seedy nature of the bar, it was a testament that a tenuous peace could be held between vastly different backgrounds, with the aide of alcohol. Students sat next to slaves, and freemen sat next to Precariat, adding to the bustling, lively atmosphere.

A soft sort of lass could be seen, in the further corner of the bar itself. Fidgeting idly, as though very much nervous. The clean hands that practically stood out as a stark white against clean clothes, all but hinted at just how much this person was standing out from the norm of this place. The figure was small, but shrouded in a cloak, obfuscating the finer features of the body itself. However, Korik could very easily see the marble green eyes peeking out from below the shaded hood, staring at him with a curious air.

Sybil was always curious, about other races, and couldn't help but stare, fingertips tracing the rim of the ale-filled mug.

[Korik]

Eyes wandering over the mixed crowd filled with all ages and types. His eyes moving from slave to owner and back again. The thought of man owning another made him sick to his stomach, though he did not pull his gaze away. He stared for a few more minutes before being interrupted by a barmaid. A request was made and Korik nodded with a reply. Coin was paid up front and his eyes continued to scan the crowd.

A bar was always a good start in a city, rumors could give a person just enough to search move forward on their goal. Though the longer he listened and watched the more he thought that this place would be of no use. That was until his eyes landed on a smaller figure, finger tracing the rim of their mug and green eyes staring not just in his direction. But directly at him, almost as if they were trying to see through the cloth that covered most of his frame. He knew that he stood out in the crowd. Being tanner than most an a bit larger due to his raising in Uthaldria. Though this person seemed to be staring at him and not just offering a passing glance. He returned his gaze and offered a toothy grin. His enlarge canines further separating him from the regular patrons.

Once the maid returned with his drink. He took a swig of the pale liquid inside. His face turning up in disgust as he looked down into the mug. It was nothing compared to the ale of his homeland. It tasted like that of bitter water and discarded hops. He shook his head and sighed. Downing the rest of the mug, with little enjoyment, and pushed off of the table.

He made his way through the crowd with ease before coming to stand next to the hooded figure. "You know, where I come from staring is a challenge." He said clearly, now standing behind them. His arms rested at his side as the cloak remained over him. His face was clear to see and his eyes shone a bit in the light of the bar. "My name is Korik. I am in search of someone, maybe you could help me?" He stood at ease, his body relaxed. Though tired, his face didn't show any signs of ill intent.

[Sybil Malach]

Sybil's body froze in place, as the man made his approach. Eyes glancing across him, it was as though the frenzied student was trying to decipher something. Sybil was always a good judge of character, but something about the man eluded the student, something that was vastly different than the rest. His skin was kissed by the sun, and his bodied showed a type of breeding that was uncommon in most men, locally. Glancing away, for just a moment. Sybil caught a breath. It was as though this was a dream. Sybil had heard that some men like this existed, but never expected them to be so large, to be so exotic looking. Korik, the approaching Lotharro then showed his teeth, all but glinting in the hearthfire's light, and the light given off by a few shoddy lamps. The student was entranced in the man's differences. He wasn't as boring as the Eidisi. He wasn't as neutral as the Videnese brand of human. Korik seemed... Different. He seemed like something that Sybil had only read about in books during classes that more had to do with anatomy, than culture. The student's eyes shook in place, scanning the man for any hostile intention.

"You know, where I come from staring is a challenge." Said the Lotharro. His voice carrying with it a peculiar quality that Sybil hadn't considered in a voice before. It was distinctly... Masculine. Showy, almost. In comparison to the concise brand of Common that was spoken in Viden. Something that almost resonated within the bodies around him. It was almost intoxicating to the student. "My name is Korik. I am in search of someone, maybe you could help me?" The question was more... Soothing, as the man took a step behind the student. It was far more comforting than the comment made before. And the look on his face... Seemed genuine. Sybil shifted in place.

"Ah... Sorry. I just... Haven't seen anyone like you before." Comes Sybil's voice. The Common leaving the student's soft lips was strange. It was soft, yet scratchy, as though there was something wrong with the speaker's constitution. Paired with the hooded figure's general frame, it seemed that this person wasn't entirely built for much physical labor. Obviously Sybil wasn't sickly enough to not be barred access to a bar, but there was a general air of weakness that permeated through this person, "... Ah... Sure. I think I can help. I'm a student, from the Academy. We see plenty of people." The student's voice was wavering, as though nervous, around such a large, imposing figure. Though the man was attempting to seem approachable, the skittish Sybil was on edge, "Ah... Would you care to sit with me?"

Sybil's hood was not pushed back. The student was far too nervous that this was a faux pas in social situations. Perhaps, even not knowing in the first place that such a thing could be taken as distrust. It was like talking to a rabbit, almost. Some sort of prey animal.

[Korik]

He eyed the person hidden underneath the hood. Indigo eyes searching for a greater sign of identification. They were smaller than he was an appeared a lot softer. He raised an eyebrow as they shifted in their seat. "Ah... Sorry. I just... Haven't seen anyone like you before." The words coming softly out of their mouth left the Lotharro with little confidence. He knew that he was not exactly that of a common type in the area. But him and his brother shared in appearance more than most siblings. Born on the same day the brothers shared many features with one another.

Their voice waved with what he could only assume was nervousness. He was asked to sit with a reassurance that they might be able to help. Korik replied with a nod and pulled out a chair. The muscles in his arm appearing from beneath the cloak. He could understand if this person felt nervous, they didn't seem to be a fighter of any type that Korik knew. The Lotharro had the advantage of strength and size against them.

He leaned against the table and cleared his throat. "I am in search of my brother. Though if you say that you have not seen someone like me before. Than I doubt you have seen him. We were born on the same day and share in most features." He said simply. His eyes studied the person as they sat. The little he could make out from under the hood seemed soft and pale. "May I ask your name?" he requested. He did not know the customs of this land, though he could have only assumed it was polite to ask.

He watched them as they sat. Curious as to this person that he approached. They have chosen to keep up their hood even though the man was a lot closer now. Did he make them that nervous? A smile crossed his face again as he looked away for a moment. The idea didn't sit to badly with the Lotharro. A stranger in this land he would take any advantages he could get. While being intimidating might hurt his quest, it would aid him in keeping away the lower citizens of the city.

He had only know the laws of his homeland Uthaldria and a little of those in Ne'Haer. He could only assume that violence and fighting were viewed as they were in Ne'Haer. Returning his gaze to the one sharing the table with him. He remained silent for but a few moments before speaking again. "I appreciate your willing to help. If there is anything you seek or anything that I can do in return, please let me know."

[Sybil Malach]

The din of the tavern was beginning to increase, as a few men and women entered. They were covered head to toe in soot, and some of them bore bandages over such curious parts of their bodies. They dispersed into the building, once they had entered, seemingly only having their point of origin in common, rather than being a part of some group. The ones that settled near the bar seemed to brave the advisories against the food here, and placed in an order for spiced meats, with something excessively hot. It wouldn't be long, before they were more loose with their coins, bribing the bartender and barmaid into giving them the 'better selection', when it came to drinks. All it truly was, was an upgrade from watered down swill, to concentrated swill, in truth. Those that had joined the main body of the tavern brought with them dice. A few of the more disreputable and rakish alike seemed to brighten, at the glistening of the game pieces made of bone. These were the Miners from the mountains, and they had finally came back with a decent amount of pay. This was the time where gambling would begin to see an uptick, in the underbelly of Viden, due to the lower class having more money to throw around.

However, at this corner of the room, there was only Korik and Sybil. The student's eyes were trained upon him, as though trying to make sense of him out of the corner of the student's eyes. Not trying to give up the fact that Sybil didn't fully belong here, but that would be a lie. And the student was absolutely horrid with lies. "I am in search of my brother. Though if you say that you have not seen someone like me before. Than I doubt you have seen him. We were born on the same day and share in most features." A rapid blink crosses the student's eyes. This would be something that would prove to be interesting.

A slow breath is given. The ruse can't continue. It simply wouldn't make much sense, given how much Sybil is truly terrible at charades. The student slowly brings back the hood, allowing it to rest against the cloak's back. Revealing the soft features of Sybil's face. Marble green eyes that are cold in color, yet paradoxically radiate warmth in gaze. Pale, paper-like skin, which turns red so easily. The student's features were cold in nature, by birth, but by the attitude alone, and the rosy cheeks that were aided by alcohol, one could not deny the warmth that the person gave, "... I don't speak to many people. But I know of where I could ask. As I had said before, there are many that pass though here. I would simply need to know... More. About you, and about him. It's... Hard to ask questions that I don't know." Sybil offers, in an attempt to be helpful.

"May I ask your name?" The Lotharro asks. Sybil glances to the side.

"Ah... Yes. My name is... Sybil. Sybil Malach. Just... Don't go telling anyone you saw me here." The student said, with a flustered, nervous expression. Voice almost trembling in anxiety, at the notion of getting caught. Though the student was nineteen at the time, the Videnese had a dim view of people who went to this place. Even though Sybil merely people watched.

"I appreciate your willing to help. If there is anything you seek or anything that I can do in return, please let me know." Came Korik's words, speaking to Sybil after the pause. It was something that gave the student a cause for pause, something to consider. ... No one had ever rewarded information like that before. Most of the teachers the student had done favors for, merely allowed Sybil to attend more classes.

Sybil's lips part. But they soon stop in their tracks. There's something wrong about asking about that. The student's lips knit to the side, "... No. If you're looking for family, you needn't do anything for me. ... I've lost some family, too. A happy reunion is a reward in on itself, isn't it?" ... This wasn't utilitarian. It was giving resources without expecting a return. A slow breath escapes Sybil's lips. The student was a poor Videnese person. Too ruled by emotions.

[Korik]

As more patrons poured in, Korik paid them little mind. A quick glance over his shoulder before returning it to the one in front of him. Sybil studied the Lotharro and he couldn't tell if it was simple curiosity or something deeper. Many thoughts crossed the mans mind as they shared a table. If they were interested in seeing more of him, Korik wasn't shy. He chuckled slightly to himself as he waited. The roar of the crowd sounded nothing like the ones at home. The celebrations of these men seemed almost weak to the man. They didn't hold the value of life and freedom behind them.

"I don't speak to many people"

An eyebrow raised as they spoke. One so curious did not speak with people? The large man sat back in his chair and tilted his head. A look of his own curiosity settled on his face. He nodded and looked around the tavern quickly. There did not seem to be anyone that he felt would be to much of a challenge. He turned his look back to Sybil and smiled another toothy grin. He undid the top of the cloak and shrugged his cloak off of his back and onto the chair. The chain mail resting beneath and the muscle that was hidden beneath showed clearly now.

"Than ask anything that crosses your mind. I shall answer your questions to the best of my ability." In Korik's mind, the only one who knew more about his brother was his brother and the only one that knew more about him was his brother. A name was given and Korik nodded and held out his hand.
I am Korik of Clan Stahlmark. I am pleased to meet you, Sybil Malach."

Just... Don't go telling anyone you saw me here

"Are you in danger? I can aid you if that is the case." he said eyeing the smaller person. Korik was used to fighting and brawling. He spent many seasons in Uthaldria and Ne'Haer taking part in kind of challenges and games. He was skilled in the ways of combat, trained to defend and protect. He studied the Sybil more and his eyes examined them with little care if they noticed or not.

"While I appreciate your offer. I do not feel that it is fair to take and not give. Even if you only require company, I would like to offer something." He said crossing his arms over his chest. "Do not be afraid to make a request. I am not here to cause you any issue or harm. If you can not make it today, I shall be in town for a short time." He did not hold back as he spoke. His voice filled with his own strength and confidence as he sat comfortably in the chair.

[Sybil Malach]

Sybil couldn't help but blink, as Korik shrugged off his cloak. It didn't really sink into the student's mind that a man could really look as well put together as what the Lotharro was putting forth. Curiosity struck deeply in the student's mind. Inquisitive eyes traced over his chainmail, as though looking for some sign of heraldry, or markings. For a brief moment, Korik was the target of a deep, intense curiosity in almost all counts. The material of his clothing struck the student as strange. The material of his armor looked alien, to what Sybil was used to. Many rangers didn't wear their chainmail obviously, preferring to stick with leathers, to conserve as much heat as possible. But this... Was hardier. It was the type of armor that the guards of the aristocracy, and the Directorate would wear. It was rare to see them out in such a way, but this close... A curious mind like Sybil's couldn't help but be enraptured by the sheer amount of differences between body, garb, and mannerisms between the two. A distinct impression that Korik was the first Lotharro Sybil had seen was obvious. One is not so fervently glanced upon casually.

"Than ask anything that crosses your mind. I shall answer your questions to the best of my ability." Korik says, his voice remaining within Sybil's mind. Even his accent enticed the student's curiosity? It's almost comical how much wonder Sybil carries upon the face, "I am Korik of Clan Stahlmark. I am pleased to meet you, Sybil Malach."

The hand is accepted, after Sybil strips off a pair of leather gloves. Slender, pale fingers are what come out. It's perhaps a bit shocking, with the lack of callouses. An implication of a softer decision of trade. Something that the average Lotharro would likely see on the people they bring back to their cities, rather than on themselves, "Oh, my apologies." Sybil's eyes avert for a moment, a clearing of the throat is given, "... You just... Have so many things that catch the eye. Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Sybil's grasp is... Soft, against Korik's hand. It's a weak handshake, but more so due to the lack of strength of his conversational partner.

"Are you in danger? I can aid you if that is the case." His eyes glance across the student. Sybil wasn't the most physically adept person. It was obvious on first glance. Such small hands, and such a waifish body, it wasn't something built for combat, unless the student was deceptively agile. But judging by the amount of anxiety rushing to the surface, it's highly unlikely, at least on a surface level, that Sybil is capable of much harm at all. Sybil can't even keep eye contact for too long, always glancing to the side, as though trying to respect the cultural difference, but it comes off as absolutely riddled with anxiety.

Sybil's eyes glance at Korik, ears going a bit red in embarrassment, "Ah, no... Ahm. It's just, they look poorly on that sort of thing, here. I'm a student. There are... Expectations." The handshake is awkwardly continued.

"While I appreciate your offer. I do not feel that it is fair to take and not give. Even if you only require company, I would like to offer something." He had said, crossing his arms over his chest. An action that once again brought Sybil's attention. Glancing down at the man's shoulders, to his biceps. He was definitely developed. A slow cant of the head is given, before rapidly blinking.

Sybil simply raises a hand, giving a light chuckle. It's more of a nervous tic, than anything. Poor thing looks to be on edge, "Ah... Well. If that's the case... I would like some company. It'd be... Nice, to talk to someone." A slow blink crosses Sybil's eyes, before simply offering a slow nod, "Ah... Right. I'd need to know of... Well. What kind of man, was your brother? It'd help, with where to start, when asking questions."

[Korik]

He was being studied and his ego flourished. Feeding off of the energy of the eyes wandering on his body. A sly smile spread across his face as Sybil returned his hand shake. Removing the gloves to reveal pale, soft hands underneath. Korik tightened his grip on Sybil's hand just to show a small amount of his strength without risking doing any damage. The smile remained of his face as his eyes looked over his friend sitting across from him. His soft features appealing to the Lotharro's more dominate side.

The difference between their skin was like night and day. Korik's sun kissed skin stood out in the region of cold. Yet the pale features of Sybil seemed to stand out just as much. Though the man wouldn't really have known since he had been so focused on finding his brother.

"... You just... Have so many things that catch the eye."

A hearty chuckle escaped his lips as he shifted in his seat. Is that so? He thought to himself. His deep indigo eyes locking with Sybil's marble green eyes every time they made eye contact. He was curious if that comment was meant to be just because of his race or if there was something else that was calling to Sybil. He nodded when he spoke about it being looked down upon for a student to be here. "Well you are here with me now. If anyone ask's than we can just say that I asked you to come here because I do not know of many other places in the city."

He paused for a moment, looking back at the crowd that seemed to be getting louder at the bar. His attention turning back to Sybil, he leaned forward on the table. Placing both arms to support the weight of his chest. "Ah... Well. If that's the case... I would like some company. It'd be... Nice, to talk to someone." The innocence behind his voice warmed Koriks chest. While Korik wasn't evil or full of mischief, he wasn't the most innocent of men. His time in Uthaldria was spent living life to the fullest. "Though if you wish to go somewhere safer for you. Than I do not mind" His words softer this time than normal.

"My brother is a hunter. Kind, passionate, strong and smart. Though more reserved than myself, he would always be by my side. We helped each other without question. He was... He is the most important person to me." He said. Speaking of his brother caused his memories to run wild and his voice to warm and soften. The brothers were like two sides of the same coin and it was rare to see one without the other. "We challenged each other to be better. But never let one fall on their own. He is the kind of person you would want at your side. If you are in trouble he can figure out a solution."

He paused and looked down at the table. The memory of their failed hunt playing back in his mind. Korik getting tossed aside by one of the Lurkers that destroyed their hunting party. After a few moments, he shook his head clear and looked back at Sybil. "Forgive me. The memory is still fresh." He could share more about his brother but what he knew wouldn't have been of any use to Sybil. Memories and cherished thoughts of the time the two brothers spent together.

"While I specialize in the ax and hand to hand combat. My bother uses a blade and a bow." He added, rolling the thoughts in his head of what to say to aid this quest. He rubbed his chin and sighed, leaning back in his chair. He stared at the ceiling and stayed quiet for a few moments.

[Sybil Malach]

Even as Korik spoke, he could still feel that inquisitive gaze upon him. It was like a thorough massage to the ego. The way that Sybil's eyes looked at him, it was like he was among the fabled men of legends, as though he was the absolute exception to the norm. Out of all of the people in the Devil's Advocate, he was the one that gained this person's attention above all else. There was just so much for Sybil to be curious about. The tight grip, even, when he shook the student's hand, made Sybil blink, head tilting, and looking at his hand. As though forced to acknowledge the raw power that the man held within his padded, massive by comparison hands. Korik was becoming increasingly the focus of almost all of Sybil's attention, as he shifted the conversation forward. The skittish Videnese student seemed almost entirely enraptured in his words, as he spoke. The waif's gaze constantly trying not to make eye contact, even as those piercing indigo eyes remain still. It's almost like a game. If Korik keeps staring, he can see Sybil giving in, and glancing towards him. The bridge of the nose, the cheeks, and the ears dye a deep pink, and a glance to the side is given. He is so thoroughly able to control the student's reactions, just by a look. And that's all it truly took.

"Well you are here with me now. If anyone ask's than we can just say that I asked you to come here because I do not know of many other places in the city." Korik had said to Sybil, in his strangely accented tone. Sybil glanced to the side, as the statement was made. A slow swallow. Korik could see it with how the student was acting. Sybil was a poor liar. It was highly unlikely that the student would be able to hold any sort of footing, if anyone questioned Sybil on the matter. But a slow nod is given, as though the fact that it was even offered in the first place was comforting enough. A slow breath leaves the lips, before Sybil's eyes glance up, seemingly a bit more comforted. Was that all it took? What sort of sorcery did Lotharren have over Videnese people? A slow nod of understanding is given, to Korik, seemingly accepting his word at face value. Trusting, perhaps, to a dangerous extent.

If this had been anyone else, how likely would this student end up being robbed?

"Though if you wish to go somewhere safer for you. Than I do not mind" Comes the offer from Korik. looks around, for a moment. The men and women within the tavern, while nothing by comparison to the mass that Korik had, was filled to the brim with the types of people that could easily chew Sybil up, and spit the student out without a second thought. Crossing Sybil's mind, there had been a few instances within, and around, the establishment that the student had almost been shanked or mugged. This was, perhaps, the poorest place to people watch. But there was no regrets. Where else in Viden could Sybil meet with a Lotharren?

Sybil offers a light clearing of the throat, "I, ah... If you have a room at an inn, or something, I would gladly come with you. ... I just, ah... I'm in the process of getting moved over to another Prism. It's quite far, and it's more than a little bit of a mess..." The waif offers, in such a soft, yet scratchy tone. It was the type of voice that sounded particularly... Vulnerable, "This place, honestly, scares me to death. ... But there's nowhere else I can go for a drink... Well. You know. Ale, rather than juices."

"My brother is a hunter. Kind, passionate, strong and smart. Though more reserved than myself, he would always be by my side. We helped each other without question. He was... He is the most important person to me." Korik offers. Sybil considers this information, eyes flickering about Korik's frame, "We challenged each other to be better. But never let one fall on their own. He is the kind of person you would want at your side. If you are in trouble he can figure out a solution." A pause, "Forgive me. The memory is still fresh."

A deep feeling of sympathy washed over Sybil's expression. The man's words were touching. He was genuine. Lips knitting to the side, the student simply says, "... I lost someone close to me. ... He was murdered. The Academy barred me from attending his funeral. ... Distance, from the ones you love can bring a great pain..." The student's gaze slowly turned towards Korik, resting upon him, "... I can try and help you the best I can. It's the best I can do. I'm sorry, that you're suffering like so." Sybil was... Tuning in, it almost felt like, to the man's connection. A hand is offered, from across the table. The small, soft hand remaining against the tabletop. Letting Korik choose if he wants to take it on his own terms.

"While I specialize in the ax and hand to hand combat. My bother uses a blade and a bow." The statement makes Sybil's lips pinch at the corners, into a tiny, hopeful smile.

Glancing to the door, Sybil seems to get an idea, "Hunters often come to the Rangers to turn in bounties for what they hunt. I'm sure if he passed here, he would have had to accompany a hunter, or do some hunting himself. I think... I know someone who can pull a few records." The offer is genuine. Soft. Eyes settling upon Korik, "But I'll need some time."