Castle on the Lake

[Deion Ryder]

He hadn't truly believed the rumors that he had heard throughout Onibas regarding a mysterious castle resting in the center of a lack. Yet here he stood, kneeling down near the edge of the lack staring towards the very castle he had come to investigate. He felt attracted to the building, though he swallowed a terrible feeling he had about going anywhere near it. I should've believed it, after all with what happened to me and the fact Aether restored the entirety of Onibas back to how it was prior to the outbreak. I can only imagine that if this castle had suddenly sprung up, perhaps he had some hand in building it, he thought as he rose to his feet and stood up tall. Perhaps though, maybe the castle was simply hidden by something, he mulled it over. He wasn't sure how he should come to feel about the castle as he began to walk along the edge of the lack. His destination? The castle, and as he lacked a boat to go across the water he had little choice but to approach the castle by method of bridge. I have little information, perhaps we can find some suitable research subjects here. This place raises many questions that can only be answered by going inside, he thought as he stepped onto the bridge.

He was in awe as he took step after step across the bridge, moving slowly to admire the lake below him. It seemed calm, and Deion wondered if there was any life residing inside the body of water. Its possible, but doesn't look like it. I'd like to find out but I'm not going diving on someone's property. It's bad enough that the Magic Council would send their forces after me if I did any sort of research that they deemed unethical, he thought as he stopped, looking off the side of the bridge. He couldn't see how deep the lake was, which only brought more curiosity onto him. How deep? Is there caverns down there? Perhaps, he thought, deciding to keep moving towards the castle. He needed to remain focused until he knew he wasn't going to be attacked or detained for any sort of reason. After all, he knew he was the kind of person who could be killed by his curiosity if he failed to pay attention to what he was doing. He stopped moving as he stood at the castle, having crossed the bridge.

He thought about knocking on the large door, but he questioned whether anyone was even here. His face became inquisitive as he considered his options. Sure I could just knock and wait for someone to respond. There's no guarantee that someone would react. I could enter the building and seat myself somewhere and wait until someone finds me there. Surely that would scare someone that I entered the building. I guess knocking is the best choice I have, he thought as he brought his hand against the door, sliding it down before curling into a fist and lightly tapping against the door four times, before bringing his arm back to his side. He backed off slightly after knocking, before seating himself on the ground with his legs folded, waiting to see what would come of the choice he made. If no one comes I'd hate to simply enter the building, it would look bad on me, he thought.

[Merc]

The gentle tapping on the large doors caused a certain bird to stir where he was resting in a hollow not too far above the grand gates. Shuffling forwards, his head poking out between the stones, Atlas peered downwards, all but glaring at Deion as he sized up the human. Clicking his beak a few times in annoyance the barn owl took flight, circling above Deion in the sky before disappearing beyond the fortified walls of the castle with an eerie hooting sound.

A few minutes passed before the scraping of the door handle could be heard, and the massive doors slowly pushed open, revealing a single person standing on the other side, a female - the owner of the castle herself, standing there with her hands on her hips and something of a smirk playing at her lips.

"Many people have been watching from the shoreline, but so far you're the only one brave enough to cross the bridge." Riley idly remarked, unaware that she was speaking to a person that she had met once more. Raising her arms, she made a gesture with raised hands that simultaneously looked like a shrug and as though she were motioning to the surrounding area. "Welcome to Griffin Wing, traveler. Feel free to come in, if your curiosity is not yet sated." She smiled as she spoke, both pleased to suddenly have company and to have her guild back, even if it was basically void of life for the time being.

Oh, right.

"Truth be told it's a bit lonely in here since I haven't managed to hire any staff yet." Riley was quick to add, as though to reassure him that he was not intruding on her time or any such thing. Falling into silence, she watched him curiously as she awaited his reply.

[Deion Ryder]

Deion watched from his seated position as the owl took to the skies and circled above him. Interesting, is this place abandoned or is it a companion of sorts? I'm sure the answer shall present itself. Maybe the owl will open the door for me, he thought. Such silly ideas made him laugh, though it felt rather strange doing so by himself. Nonetheless, there were more pressing matters to attend to as the owl flew back into the walls of the castle. Perhaps it will bring someone to open the door, such poor manners the staff of this castle have if any, he mused, wondering if the castle even had staff.

It felt like an eternity for someone like himself to remain seated waiting, his curiosity could consume him at any moment if he didn't proceed to do something. He began to rhythmically tap his fingers against the ground, growing increasingly distressed at the lack of information for him to take in outside of the castle. Damn, there's not an interesting thing out here aside from the lack, I'd rather not go for a swim right now, he thought as he heard the scrapping of a door handle. The noise was followed by the appearance of woman he had met before.

He rose to his feet as she stood there with only what he could describe as smirk. He listened attentively, soaking in the details. I figured I was not the first to approach the lake and view the castle from a distance. I did wonder however if I was the first to approach, he thought on what she had said. The wizard saint also mentioned Griffin Wing. Deion had heard the name before, supposedly a former guild stationed in Onibas. Perhaps this was their way of resuscitating themselves? He wouldn't dwell on it until he questioned it later.

Apparently one of the wizard saints is lonely? I'd be happy to provide some company, though I can't say that my preferred subjects of discussion would interest her at all, he thought as he took a bow, and then returned to standing up straight. "I simply could not resist approaching, after all its not an everyday rumor when you hear the people speak of a castle appearing from thin air.", he spoke to her.
"Speaking fairly, how could anyone resist to approach a castle when they learn about some of its secrets.", he said, raising a hand dramatically and pointing at Riley.

"After all, its not every day you hear the name Griffin Wing. Or meet the Wizard Saint Riley Aquila once again.", he stated as he lowered his hand. "But truly, it is a pleasure to meet you again. I would take absolute pleasure in sating my curiosity."

[Merc]

Watching as the man bowed towards her, Riley offered him a smile and nod in response, which only widened when he began to speak. "Well, that's fair enough." She agreed, laughing. Besides getting the rights to the land once again she hadn't really forewarned anyone of what was to come - rather she had a bunch of supplies carted it from all across Fiore and had the building assembled in no time at all, much to the dismay of the locals.

Plus, there hadn't been a lake before, but she had one created as another means of defense for the guild - which should be fine henceforth, irregardless of whether or not she was around to look out to it. Much like the building itself, the lake had appeared in no time at all, crafted, conjured and filled by magic. It must have been quite a sight from afar, watching a building sprout forth out of nowhere. 

The man knew the guild name as well as her own, and though she first assumed that his 'again' had been a slip of the tongue, he went on to add another, causing her to regard him curiously. "Again?" She mused, taking a few long moments to look the man up and down. She couldn't immediately place him, but he might have been someone that she had known three years ago, perhaps someone that had grown a lot over said years? Well, maybe not, since he looked to be older than herself and probably didn't have any growing left to do.

"I hate to be rude, but I'm afraid I have no recollection of you..." She somewhat awkwardly announced, rubbing at the back of her neck as the sensation of guilt settled heavily upon her thin shoulders. "I'm sorry, I've been... Out of town for some time, and everything that has happened seems to have addled my mind more than I'd like to admit sometimes. Would you care to introduce yourself again?" Giving a somewhat forced chuckle she took a step back, gesturing for him to follow her as they entered the inner courtyard, which was rather empty at the moment, though it seemed to have a freshly planted garden, some training equipment, and even a stable - which was also empty.

[Deion Ryder]

Deion nodded. "I can only imagine how the stories of this castle will continue to grow. I'm sure you'll benefit from such rumors.", he stated rather plainly. She hasn't really explained anything yet, simply that its fair enough, he thought, question that perhaps details of its creation were kept vague for a good reason, though he suspected that given the lack of any clear construction going on other than the transportation of the supplies as he had heard, it is as if someone was behind it. Deion could suspect that the same person who rebuilt Onibas and altered his physical age could be behind it, but he had little to base it around other than what he has witnessed.

He felt her eyes go up and down his body, regarding him with what he assumed as curiosity. He expected as much after making such a statement. He smiled to himself, shaking his head. "That is quite alright, I never had any expectation that you would recognize me at all", he stated rather quickly, giving a rather loud and cheerful laugh along with it. "In fact, I counted on it, though we have only met once before, in Onibas during the rather unfortunate events and such forth.", he stated with a rather sad face. "But let me explain."

He followed Riley to the courtyard, admiring the newly planted flora that it held. Though it didn't seem like much at the moment, Deion could imagine it when it was fully-realized. "I can imagine many possibilities that remain to be seen here, but let me explain who I am.", he said as he bowed to her.

As he rose back up, he gave her a small smile. "Riley, you may call me Deion Ryder. We met in Onibas as someone was getting attacked by a crowd of people.", he stated. He gestured to the whole of his body. "As you can see, things are, vastly different than before. When Aether used his magic to restore the city I suppose I must've been affected in some way and I aged rapidly. I believe I'm about 28, its hard to tell.", he responded rather dejectedly. "But there's lot of praise, I like the new me.", he said as he cheered right back up.

[Merc]

Arching a brow as the man told her that he had never expected her to recognize him, Riley regarded him with curiosity, particularly when he revealed his name and fate - a look of recognition crossing her features as she nodded in understanding. "Ah, Deion, the same thing happened to Aether when he used that spell on the city..." She mused, looking him over once more. "I scarcely understand it myself - he aged from recreating the theater, aged extremely when he restoring the city, which somehow resulted in his appearance completely changing, but upon building the guild with his magic, he just got a little tired..." Her voice trailed off, green eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Hopefully some of the magical texts I've been seeking out will provide some answers."

Blinking as she realized she had forgotten to mention something very important to Deion, she brought her hand to her face, thoughtfully caressing her chin. "As far as I know he's able to reverse the effects of the spell. If you hang around here for a while you're sure to run into him. He was the first person to join the guild." With this said, she opened the large doors of the great hall with a flick of her wrist and a tug of gravity.

"Maybe we'll find him in here somewhere..."She commented, talking into the building. Immediately they were greeted with long tables that seemed to guide them deeper into the castle, with draperies with the guild emblem bowls of magical fire and at the head of it all a mighty throne for the owner of the castle herself.

[Deion Ryder]

He laughed. Genuine at Riley's comment about reversing the effect. "I'd hate to dampen such a thought, but I much prefer this form than the the prior form. I have an increased size and muscle mass, so my capabilities in combat are improved and I can reach the top shelf without a stool.", he said to her. "I think its a great improvement, and I intend to keep it. But I am rather fascinated by his magic, I'd love for you to indulge me in what you've learned about it.", he added. Well well, Aether is here too? This is very exciting. Perhaps I will get the chance to research his magic and the side-effects of it, he thought, following Riley.

He wasn't distracted by the wondrous room before him. Though he was quite amazed it didn't seem to bother him in the slightest, showing little facial reaction to the room they were in. Despite that, his eyes darted back and forth rapidly to take in the entire room and gather his bearings. Seems a little over the top, but it is a castle so I suppose I can forgive, he thought. He didn't exactly form a strong opinion on the bowls of fire, which he assumed were magical of course. It would be much more expensive to have a real fire going, or so he assumed. "I see. It is rather large.", he stated, though very disinterested.

"I would much rather inquire about Griffin Wing. I've heard the name before but I can't remember what about. Perhaps I simply heard it in Onibas. But it has certainly captured my interest with what I've come to see.", he said to her, turning to face her. "If you would of course, as a guest I would much appreciate learning about Griffin Wing and what exactly it is.", he stated as he took a chair for himself and leaned back, trying to get comfortable.

[Merc]

Though she was surprised that Deion was fine with perhaps losing a few years of his lifespan (really, she had no idea how that worked), she nodded her head to him, honoring his wishes and dropping the subject for the time being. When he inquired about Aether's magic, she smiled, as it was something that she was also curious about herself, and the feeling was not unlike meeting a kindred spirit.

"Well, when he used his magic to restore a theater in the city, there weren't any visible drawbacks besides some fatigue. Immediately after he did this, he removed some wounds of mine and ended up aging into his mid to late forties for several days." She began, raising a hand to stroke somewhat thoughtfully at her jaw. "After restoring the entire city he aged to perhaps a hundred years old for a week, the stress of which seems to have permanently altered his physical appearance, and after 'building' the guild he was fine after laying in the grass for a few moments." Which reminded her that she had agreed to visit him at home, but had forgotten about it entirely when she got wrapped up in her persona affairs.

Deion's reaction to the great hall was somewhat lackluster, but in the end she was happy with it and it would take a lot more than that to dampen her mood any. The reason for this came a moment later, when he admitted that he was looking for information on the guild, which was a touch ironic, bringing a small smile to her lips as she opted to sit nearby him.

"Griffin Wing is a guild dedicated to gathering information, from the mundane, to gossip, to intricate details about magics and creatures most people don't even realize exist." She explained, reclining in her chair and crossing one ankle over the opposite knee, she similarly crossed her arms over her chest.

"After what happened in Onibas, the magical disease and all the chaos that came along with it, it became painfully clear to me that the government lacks the ability to deal with such things, and frankly I would rather prevent them from happening rather than trying to find a solution when they do." Plus, she wasn't entirely sure that the government didn't have something to do with the whole ordeal. "Originally it was a guild that only stood because the master before me had some secrets that she never had a chance to pass on to me, but now I wish for it to be something greater... I want to unravel the secrets of the world and lay them bare at my feet." Perhaps it would sound a bit selfish to him, but ignorance was a terribly dangerous thing.

[Deion Ryder]

"Ah. I knew I had heard thing correctly.", he said. He sat up straight in the chair and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "You aren't the only one who wants to unravel this world, thread by thread. I share that same ideal, though perhaps with less appropriate restraint. But regardless of how my work ethics are I assure you, learning everything about this world is a truly worthwhile goal I would fight tooth and claw for.", he stated to Riley with a smile on his face and a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. He was almost like a child full of wonder and amazement. Though it would not last long.

"I myself intend to research magic, the rare and unique creatures of this world, and its people. The notion is of course noble, but like I mentioned before I lack restraint. Had I begun my work alone I surely would have become a target of the Magic Council and given a bounty.", he said, shrugging as if he didn't understand why they would. "I'm sure they'd consider such research as inhumane if it were to be applied to living creatures, to alter their skills and capabilities despite what possibilities exist.", he said to her, before lowering himself back into his chair, having not realized he had stood up.

"Forgive me however, I'm sure you have little interest in the more morbid subjects of research and development. I shall do my best to refrain from such language as it is rather inappropriate for a guest to start saying such things.", he stated to her with a smile. "So Griffin Wing, you want to see the guild unravel the secrets of the world?", he asked, leaning back in his chair. He narrowed his eyes to her and tilted his head forward to make eye contact.

"You realize that such a goal will create many enemies, many of which may simply disagree with it if you gather their secrets.", he said as he closed his eyes and let out a short chuckle. "One must always be prepared to fight, most people would like to see their secrets buried in the ground. This is a path you want to commit to? Tell me how far you're willing to go to protect that?", he asked her, referencing both the guild and her intended idea for it.

[Merc]

Riley couldn't help but notice Deion's excitement as they began talking about learning the secrets of the world. He seemed to have a great deal of interest in experimentation, perhaps more taboo in nature than the government would have liked, and she found herself watching him closely, her face unreadable as she studied him. If nothing else, he seemed quite passionate about his work, and there was certainly a lot to be gained exploring... certain avenues that were not often walked upon.

His expression seemed to somber, becoming more serious as he leaned in. He gave her a warning that brought a hint of a smile to her lips as she gingerly folded her hands atop her lap, waiting for him to finish.

"Griffin Wing has always had many enemies. If the truth scares them so much then it is no doubt because it is unsavory, yes? Things that people should be aware of all the more." She shrugged, half lidded green eyes fixing upon Deion's face. "I built a castle perfectly capable of defending the guild irregardless of whether or not I'm here - irregardless of whether or not I'm even alive." Riley informed him. Though it perhaps looked like nothing more than a fancy castle sitting in the center of a lake, the building housed many secrets and would hold many more when she found the people able to craft them for her.

"I am much more afraid of remaining ignorant that I am of whatever the world might throw my way for daring to question it. The government, other guilds, the people, I'll bare the burden of their hatred if it prevents something like the disease from happening again." Tapping the fingers of one hand against the knuckles of the other, she chuckled deep in her throat.

"It goes without saying that I would die to protect what is mine. My guild, my purpose, my city. I'll go to war, I'll sheathe my blade first, I'll visit the dreadful places no one wishes to set foot in, I'll ask the questions people are too afraid to ask until I'm given answers or I find them for myself..."  Exhaling, she looked to a nearby firebowl, watching the colorful magical flames.

"Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees, as they say."

[Deion Ryder]

"Ohohoho!", he exclaimed with a rather pleased look upon his face. "I agree. People are quite afraid of what they don't understand, what they don't want others to understand.", he responded to Riley. "Many would call in unsavory, quite correct on that.", he added. He nodded as she spoke about the castle's strategic location. "Indeed, this location certainly is ideal to carry out such an agenda. Many would have trouble approaching, and I'm sure that you've prepared some form of defense aside from the lake.", he stated, taking a guess that if this building would protect Griffin Wing, whether she lived or not.

Of course. It is quite the burden. Sadistic as I am, even I can respect such an ideal. Even admire it. She certainly presented herself and Griffin Wing as an ideal place for me to roost. Of course, I can't forget to experiment as well. Should certainly be interesting, he thought, understanding that this would be quite the narrow path he could walk by joining Griffin Wing. He nodded to her as she continued. "Indeed, I see. So that is your answer then?", he said, probably not intending to ask another question, although it sounded as if he was.

"It takes courage to admit some things. I admire that, the will you have. I possess a deep respect and drive for knowledge. War is all too common with disagreements, and perhaps going down this path will give us the end result of a war. Sheathing the proverbial blade may lead to mercy, but eventual execution.", he said, narrowing his sight on Riley again. "So then I suppose I do have one last question, if only out of a moment of curiosity.", he stated as he folded his arms.

"Would you enjoy the company of a doctor and researcher, however morbid and sadistic his work could potentially become? You've already admitted to be willing to take the precautions to protect what is yours, my services are being offered up. Don't worry of course, I won't remove anything from someone who needs something.", he stated, before giving her a dead-pan stare. "However, I consider your enemies fair game.", he said as a rather violent smile found itself plastered across his face.

[Merc]

Deion seemed to light up at her words, and he proceeded to banter with her until he posed a final question - an offer, in fact. Watching him curiously for a few long moments, she reclined in her chair so much that the front legs came off of the floor and she was balancing solely on the back legs. Here, she crossed her ankles and eventually propped her feet on the table as she contemplated his offer.

"This is a morbid business." She eventually began, folding her hands in her lap. Green eyes watched Deion intently for a few long moments as she carefully mulled over her thoughts before continuing. "The pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, indeed... But this castle is equipped with the best materials and equipment I could find. Would be a pity not to make use of it." A chuckle left her throat, and she tilted her head slightly to one side, as if to get a better look at him. "I would very much enjoy the company of such a doctor and researcher, and give him full range of my medical and magical instruments should he desire them, with the condition that I hold the leash, of course."

"Not that I expect you to try to create and spread a new magical disease or anything, but I ought to cover my bases and I do like to keep things out in the open, all things considered." Lacing her fingers together over her thighs, she offered him a smile. "If you're still interested, we can work out the nit picky details of it all later."