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Post by ELI JACOB ROSWELL on May 21, 2013 15:05:59 GMT -5
bleed and breathe the air 
Eli jolted awake, sitting bolt upright and gasping for air. Pale moonlight streamed in through the large, ornate window, casting shadows all across his room. Sweat beaded the man's forehead and he threw his covers off of himself. Crossing the room to the pitcher sitting on his nightstand, left every night by one of the maids, Eli poured himself a glass of water. His hands were shaking and, for a moment, he put down his glass and pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed tightly.
It wasn't often that he had nightmares, but it was just one of those nights. Eli's guilt was once again closing in on him, practically suffocating him. Drinking from his glass, he carried it to his window, leaning against the stone wall and looking out over the grounds. Slowly, but surely, his heart rate returned to its normal pace. Draining his glass and setting it down, Eli sat on the edge of his bed, pulling on his boots. Had Andrus still been alive, he would have insisted that Eli meditate until his mind was clear. That's exactly what he intended to do, more or less.
Slipping a white shirt over his head, Eli didn't even bother to tie it up and instead left it hanging loosely over his muscular torso. Feeling flushed, he was desperate for cool air. Leaving his chamber and locking the door behind himself, the archmage wound his way through the hall and up the stairs until he reached the hall of Faelbane. The entire tower was quiet, the only sound echoing around him was the sound of his own, light footfalls upon the chilled, stone floor.
The high ceiling of the hall was filled with nothing but shadows, even as the sconces on the walls lit up as Eli walked past them. A part of Eli was excited by the prospect of being up and roaming the tower at such an hour, if only because it reminded him so much of his own days as a student. He could remember being caught by the tower's cook in the kitchen, stuffing his face along with a few of his closest friends.
Ascending the steps to the roof, Eli pushed open the door and stepped out into the cool autumn air. Finally, he felt as though he could breathe and took in a nice, long breath of air. The night was so clear that Eli swore he could see the entire universe from where he stood. The crisp air was refreshing as he approached the statue of Arniel Faelbane, standing tall and proud. Stone robes were billowing in the wind, a long beard hangind down almost to the statue's knees. Arniel's form was forever more depicted in a defensive stance, his glowing staff directed at an unseen foe.
Rather than taking a seat upon one of the benches that wrapped around the center of the roof in a circle, Eli took his usual spot at the base of the statue, resting his back against the larger than life form of Arniel as he let one leg hang down off of the base, foot resting upon the floor.
With his face directed toward the ethereal skies, he closed his eyes tightly, trying to rid himself of all thoughts of his family. There were often times that he wished he had killed his father for the things he had done, but he always managed to talk himself out of going out there to finish what he had started. Henry Roswell deserved to rot in jail like he was. Besides, Andrus had always been proud of Eli for his decision to not kill his father. His mentor was a man whose opinion Eli had valued over anyone and everyone elses' since the day he firt came across the man. He could only hope to live up to the man's reputation as both a man and an archmage. After all, Andrus was the only true father that Eli had ever known and the only father who ever mattered to him.
Though his eyes were closed, Eli's mind and ears were wide open. Just as Andrus had taught him so long ago, Eli could see just as well with his eyes closed as he could with them open, in a manner of speaking. The last thing he expected though was for anyone to be up and about at such an hour. On nights such as the one he was experiencing right then, Eli often discovered students or younglings up and about. They reminded him of himself and, most of the time he sent them on their way with a mere warning to not wake their caretakers or anyone else in case they should get in trouble. Sometimes, if they were hiding, he would simply walk past with a slight smile on his face, allowing them to believe that they had fooled him. Most of the time they saw him as an intimidating figure, but in all honesty, Eli enjoyed knowing that some of the younger ones still maintained a sense of adventure.
His eyes were still closed, though he could tell someone was drawing nearer. Whether they knew he was there or not, he could not say and he stayed completely silent and still. It was an energy he recognized, just as he recognized all energies of those within the tower. After all, it was his job and he did it well, though he wasn't always so sure of this. Finally, his eyes opening and reflecting the light of Arniel's staff, Eli spoke. "It's awfully late to be roaming the tower..." he said, his voice low and strong. He did not so much as shift his gaze from the sky and merely awaited a response.
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Post by NAM'EN EN'DALETH on May 22, 2013 5:26:49 GMT -5
 I don't know who I am without you all I know is that I should The night outside the window was navy and star-speckled. The moon, a thin sickle rising above the stark outlines of dark trees, cast a pale light across Nam'en's bed. She rolled over, her gold eyes gazing beyond the pane of glass. The stars shall be bright this night, she thought to herself, a feeling suddenly tugging at her to rise from her bed. After a moment's thought, Nam'en did so, casting back the covers and gracefully sweeping her bared feet to the floor. The slight chill of the stone floor hardly crossed her mind as she reached for the pale lavender cloak hanging from a nearby bedpost. With a deft flick of her hands, she threw it about her shoulders and fastened it at the base of her throat. The sheer nightgown beneath would do little to ward off the cold, so she held the thick fabric of the cloak close.
'Searus,' she whispered. The house sparrow fluttered his wings, his distaste at the hour showing in his expressive dark eyes. Nam'en frowned good-naturedly. 'Come on, Searus. Where is your sense of adventure!' Reluctantly, the sparrow stretched his wings and flew to perch upon her shoulder. He gave her a light peck on the cheek before tucking himself into the warmth in the crook of her neck.
Nam'en slipped out into the hallway and made her way down corridors quiet with sleep. Within a few minutes she was entering the Hall of Faelbane. The enormous, airy room seemed somehow a little melancholy without its usual sights and sounds. Nam'en's eyes grew wide as her gaze took in the light streaming in through the stained glass windows. Purple, green, blue, gold and silver were splashed upon the floor in a mosaic of odd shapes and images. On tip toes, Nam'en danced her way gracefully through the colors. Searus lifted off from her shoulder and watched from a candelabra.
When the halfling had crossed the Hall, Searus returned to her shoulder. Nam'en pushed through a door and ascended a staircase. It did not take long of Nam'en to find herself standing before the way onto the roof. She didn't really understand why she was so breathlessly excited, but she supposed it was because this was something she hadn't done in a long time. The library had been quite busy recently, trying to keep up with the sudden influx of students, staff and resident mages. Tonight sleep had forsaken her and Nam'en didn't care.
Flicking a strand of dark hair back over her shoulder, Nam'en pushed at the door. She slipped through the gap between wood and stone, and found herself at the top of The Tower. The air pulled gently at her clothing, tangling itself in her hair. A smile touched the sides of her mouth. Searus launched himself from her shoulder once more and fluttered off to explore the night skies. It seemed he had decided he might as well make the best of an undesired situation.
For a moment, Nam'en thought she was alone. There, at the base of the statue of Arniel, was a figure silhouetted against the pale glow of the statue's staff. Nam'en paused, unsure of what to do. She considered speaking, but she was loathe to surprise someone also enjoying the sights of the cool night. Her feet decided for her as she began walking forward. Perhaps if she just made herself noticeable there would be no surprising done this night.
'It's awfully late to be roaming the tower...' the figure said, and immediately Nam'en recognized the quiet, strong voice of Eli Roswell.
Nam'en smiled. 'Yes,' she replied accusingly, 'It is. Which is why I shall in return question your presence here, Archmage.' 617 words NOTES Hope you don't mind me joining this thread!
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Post by ELI JACOB ROSWELL on May 23, 2013 12:58:45 GMT -5
bleed and breathe the air
A smile crossed the man's face when the sound of the tower librarian's voice sounded through the air. Finally shifting his gaze to her, his eyes alight with mirth, Eli motioned for her her to join him by the statue. "I was simply searching for unruly children, out and about when they should be asleep in their beds." His fib was an obvious one and intended to be humorous. "Shouldn't you be guarding the library? What if one of those unruly students wants to read a book?" Though it may have seemed to some that Eli was too soft on the students, this wasn't true. He merely knew the difference between harmless behavior and... well, corrupted behavior. Eli could remember, during his childhood, ascending the tower's stairs to the roof in order to scout for demons and dragons... as if he could have taken them on himself.
"I was unable to sleep," he admitted after a few moments of silently reminiscing. He saw no reason to tell her of his nightmares regarding his sister and the rest of his family. Not very many knew about his search for Rosalie, his sister, and he intended to keep it that way. He had been searching for her for years and he would continue to do so until he found her or until he took his dying breath.
"I assume, since you are here, that I'm not the only one that sleep evaded tonight?" The look he gave her was a questioning one. Whatever her reasons for being up there, he didn't mind the company in the least. Any distraction was a welcome distraction on a night such as that one.
"I hope you're not disappointed to find me up here, Nam'en; I can go if you like." Eli arched a questioning brow at her, poised to stand in case she did ask him to leave. He didn't quite expect her to ask him to leave, but people often surprised even Eli. His blue eyes remained on hers, shifting only momentarily to take in her familiar. His own familiar, Erebus, was likely roaming the tower... either that, or still snoring at the foot of Eli's bed. Erebus was not at all lacking in personality, much like Eli himself.
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Post by NAM'EN EN'DALETH on May 23, 2013 20:22:46 GMT -5
I don't know who I am without you all I know is that I should Nam'en silently noted Eli's smile. He turned to peer through the darkness at her. As always, every time his gaze settled on her, Nam'en noticed how blue his eyes were. And reflecting the light of the staff just made them even bluer. When he gestured for her to sit beside him, she gracefully obliged. As she did so, Searus returned to her shoulder. He chirped once in friendly greeting and was quiet.
'I was simply searching for unruly children, out and about when they should be asleep in their beds.' Eli's lively eyes were humorous as he joked about his reason for wandering the Tower at this late hour. 'Shouldn't you be guarding the library? What if one of those unruly students wants to read a book?' he added.
Nam'en laughed; a soft sound like a breeze dancing through wind chimes. She smiled warmly and smoothed her hands over the fabric of her cloak. Nam'en had always admired the way Eli could often tell when the Tower's students were just having fun, and when they needed to be reminded of the correct behavior. There were not many people like that left in the world, Nam'en decided.
'I was unable to sleep,' he explained, and Nam'en caught a hint of unease beneath his friendly tones. Although she frowned she did not press him for an answer. People had secrets, and they need not be shared with others who had no reason to know. Eli continued, returning Nam'en's attention to reality and to his questioning look. 'I assume, since you are here, that I'm not the only one that sleep evaded tonight?'
Nam'en nodded. With a slender hand she pointed to the sky. 'The stars,' she explained in her quiet way. 'There has not been a night this clear for moons, and on those nights that have been clear ... my work has kept me.' Nam'en breathed out contentedly, her breath turning to a gentle cloud of air that vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared. 'But this night has gifted me a chance to gaze at the skies. The roof has the best view, of course, so naturally, I am here.' Nam'en suddenly wondered if Eli had wanted time alone. She had arrived here unexpectedly after all.
She had opened her mouth to ask him, but he was already saying, 'I hope you're not disappointed to find me up here, Nam'en; I can go if you like.'
'No,' she responded quickly. 'I would enjoy the company.' She hesitated a moment before slowly saying, 'If you would like, I could show you some of the constellations. Provided you are not already familiar with all of them.' Nam'en was not sure Eli would be interested, but if they were both going to stay she felt she should find a way to stargaze and include the Archmage.
474 words NOTES none.
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Post by ELI JACOB ROSWELL on May 26, 2013 1:08:45 GMT -5
bleed and breathe the air
Eli smiled at the sound of her laugh; it was comforting to be in the presence of someone who could appreciate your jokes. He'd come across plenty of Arcane Masters and other workers within the tower who seemed to have sticks jammed so far up their rear ends that they couldn't even smile let along laugh. That never stopped Eli from using his witty tongue, however. If there was anything that Eli admire more than a good sense of humor, it was someone who could appreciate one in turn.
Pleased that she didn't push him for information pertaining to his lack of sleeping, the man's gaze followed her pointed finger to the stars above. Looking up at the sky, his expression was an impassive one. The smile that crossed his face next was somewhat grim as he nodded in understanding. As the Archmage, he fully understood what it was like to have your work consume your time and energy. There was no taking a break from the circle.
In all honesty, Eli couldn't remember ever having taken an actual vacation. Sure, he had more time to himself during the holidays, when classes weren't in session, but any vacation time he ever took wasn't exactly spent relaxing. The last time he'd taken a break was when he was still a teacher, a good five years prior. The time that he'd taken off was spent searching every nook and cranny of Van'ostgar for his last remaining relative. He'd come back from the trip more drained and weary than ever.
He was happy, but not at all surprised when Nam'en insisted that he stay. His smile broadened when she mentioned the constellations. He was no Astrologist, but Andrus, the closest thing he had ever had to a real father, and the previous Archmage, was rather enamored by such studies. On their journey to the tower, when Eli was just a boy, he could remember Andrus telling him stories about the divines and the stars. Thoughts of the man Eli wished had fathered him were rather bitter sweet, but welcome nonetheless. When Eli made money as a mercenary, he spent a number of nights under the stars, remembering those nights of stargazing.
"I'm familiar with some of the constellations and the stories behind them, but I'm far from an expert in that particular area," Eli admitted truthfully. "Still, I never tire from hearing about the constellations. It's been a while anyway." The smile he offered her was genuine. He was already straining to remember the constellations he had learned as a student and apprentice and was curious to see how, considering her descent, her view of the constellations may have differed.
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