WELCOME TO "AWAKEN"

Part 22 - "Command The Flame"

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Part 21 - Ships At Sea

...

Orvus retrieved from his travel-pack a couple more flasks of gold Ormus, his water-bladder and a handful of the flower petals they harvested from the trees on the island in the lake. “How about some tea?” asked Orvus with a big smile. “Great idea, Orvus!” agreed the old man. Silgren happily directed the old man to a copper pot and some tea mugs hanging by the north wall above a water basin. The old man found some dried tea leaves in bags made from a thin, porous parchment made from the bark of an Ollek tree in a cupboard nearby and then brought it all over to the table. Merobaku watched curiously as Orvus poured the milky water from his water-bladder into the pot and added in the fragrant flower petals. “Silgren,” started Orvus, “I want you to heat the water using the candle's flame. Here...” Orvus held the pot of water up above the flame in the centre of the table. “Start by clearing your mind,” instructed Orvus, “focus on the flame and then recite the incantation.”

Silgren turned and faced the candle. The flicker of the light danced in the reflection in Silgren's eyes as the symbol of fire took hold of his mind's eye. Silgren spoke, “Purifying light and thee who wrought ashes, bring forth flame from your vibrant clashes!” Without warning, both the candle's flame and the crackling fire of the fireplace nearby roared forth with great ferocity. Merobaku's voice commanded over the hot gusts of wind from the fire, “Focus, Silgren! Find the calm and focus on one flame!” The noise of the fireplace died down to normal as the tower of flame from the candle reared back. Orvus let the pot sit in the flame a while longer and then pulled its' dark, scorched body from the flame. The presence of the room swelled back into Silgren's consciousness as he slumped forward out of breath onto the table. Orvus peered into the pot at the boiling water, “The tea's ready!”

Part 22 - "Command The Flame"

Orvus poured the fragrant water over the tea bags and into each of the four cups. Kogg let out a thirsty caw at the group and rubbed his beak on the old man's shoulder. The old man found his water-bladder and another cup, then happily poured Kogg a drink and set it down upon the table. Kogg hopped gracefully onto the table and began to drink his fill, pausing occasionally to click his beak in delight. “Tell me Orvus,” said Silgren taking a sip of his hot tea, “what favour could I possibly do for you after what you have shown me?” Kogg paused from drinking and gave an excited caw of delight. Orvus sat forward slightly, “We would like for you to negotiate us passage on the next trade ship to Verlys. If it comes to it, we can pay.” Silgren thought for a moment, then took another sip of tea. “Let me guess,” lead Silgren, “you're bringing the stone to the alchemist sages in the valley.” Orvus nodded twice, “We feel it's best to better understand its' power. I can't think of any place more suited for the task.”

Silgren nodded in agreement and set his tea down on the table. “Do you think you can help us, Silgren?” asked the old man before taking another drink. “I don't see why not,” responded Silgren, “I could probably get you aboard for ten Auerz a head.” Orvus nearly choked on his next sip, “Ten Auerz! That much?!” Silgren chuckled, “It's a trade vessel, not a passenger transport. They'll probably want a fee for the bird too, seeing as they have food aboard.” The old man seemed dismayed slightly, “That's nearly half of what we have! We'd be lucky to afford the fare back after accounting for meals and room rental costs.” Merobaku listened to the back and forth chatter as she sampled sip after sip, and the thought occurred to her that this 'tea substance' was quite pleasant and soothing. “I tell you what,” started Silgren as he grabbed his tea and took another drink, “I will negotiate a lower fare in exchange for making a more sizable purchase of goods from them than usual.” The old man thanked Silgren as Orvus happily patted him on the shoulder. “Now, the trade ship usually arrives around midday and stays for a while,” started Silgren, “but unfortunately it doesn't arrive 'til the day after tomorrow.”

Orvus didn't seem bothered by a days wait, “Would you mind if we stay here for two nights to save on resources?” Silgren sipped more tea and pondered, “I only have one extra spare room... two if you count mine. With my nephew Grayden here, we'll have to make accommodations.” The old man thanked Silgren again before finishing his tea. “Good thing I have lots of spare blankets and pillows,” chuckled Silgren. He continued, “The lady can take my room, and I'll sleep out here. You two can fight over the bed in the guest bedroom.” “I'll take the floor,” chimed the old man, “it's the least I can do for Orvus paying my fare.” Orvus looked at the old man with a disappointed look on his face, “Not so fast old friend. The man clearly said we battle it out for the bed. His house, his rules.” Silgren smiled at the both of them as Merobaku watched with ultimate curiosity. She finished her tea quickly in excitement of the coming battle, not wanting to miss a thing.

The two old friends looked to Silgren for instructions, when Silgren simply pointed at the flickering flame of the candle, “Show me what you got!” The old man seemed confused at the task, “Care to elaborate?” Silgren pondered for a moment, “It's simple, you see. Orvus, you will attempt to put the candle out, while your friend here tries to keep it lit.” Merobaku seemed disappointed slightly and asked for more tea. The old man raised his eyebrows, “Seems simple enough. How do we know who wins?” While Orvus poured Merobaku a second cup, Silgren retrieved a small hourglass set in a wooden holder from the shelf above the fireplace. He allowed some of the black sand within fall into the empty chamber below, “There, that should be enough time.” Silgren got up from the table and stepped back, directing the old man to sit down. “Don't you even dare thinking of letting me win!” said Orvus frowning his brow at the old man. Kogg cheered the old man on with a series of morale boosting caws. The old man smiled and nodded as he sat down in the chair.

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The two old friends both turned their chairs toward the candle's flame. Both stared at it intently in silence. “When I set this down, the battle will start,” relayed Silgren. He continued, “When the sand runs out, the state of the candle will determine the winner.” Merobaku sipped her tea, having less flavour than before, but seemed slightly more intrigued and watched in silence. “Ready?” asked Silgren to silent nods from both, “go!” The small hour glass hit the table as they both locked their attention on the candle. Mighty flames roared forth from the candle as the old man took a quick lead. Wax diligently dripped down the side of the candle as Orvus caught up with him and soothed the flame's fiery ferocity. Back and forth the flame went as each of them commanded the flame. Orvus soon got the upper hand and the flame died down until the wick was glowing red like a hot ember. The old man pushed back with everything he had, and just as Silgren had done before, both the candle and the fireplace began to roar. Their shadows danced on the wall as the fireplace calmed. Merobaku watched in anticipation of the victor as she sipped her fragrant tea. Beads of sweat rolled down each of their foreheads, pattering the table below. Orvus gave his final push back as he saw the sand dwindle in his periphery. Time was almost up. Suddenly, the old man lost his concentration as salty sweat pricked precariously at his eyes like hot irons. Orvus had seen his chance in that moment and vigilantly commanded the flame away. Not even an ember was present. “Time!” called out Silgren, as white smoke wafted toward the ceiling.

Awaken

Part 01 - Message to Orvus
Part 02 - The Lake Beckons
Part 03 - Night of Rest
Part 04 - The Tomb's Secret
Part 05 - The Deep Gouge
Part 06 - Dismay Down Deep
Part 07 - Orvus Restores Order
Part 08 - Magic Sans Scroll
Part 09 - Clear Path Provided
Part 10 - Trace The Key
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Poem 01 - Immortals of the Aegis
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Part 11 - Eigin Rooted Magic
Part 12 - Ancient Koaj'kah Magic
Part 13 - Elemental Wisp Infestation
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Poem 02 - Elemental Call Song
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Part 14 - Kogg's Aerial Ace
Part 15 - Fiendish Fiery Foe
Part 16 - Water Wisp Woe
Part 17 - Home Sweet Home
Part 18 - A Blessed Breakfast
Part 19 - Ships At Sea
Part 20 - Gifts And Favours
Part 21 - Tea By Flame
--
Poem 03 - In Verlys Valley
--
Part 22 - CURRENT

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