Ride: With Lucian Falken (Scene/Episode 2) Lucian

"I don't," Radu says plainly, "but the power and status, and the control, allow me to protect my homeland from darker things. I...made a promise to do so. As it happens, I would never have left had the call to come to T'Lorn came a decade ago, but when that call did come, my kingdom had known peace for several years - nearly every potential dissident or source of turmoil routed. Then again, I suppose that is why Lord Orb's summons came precisely when they did. I would surmise, they came at a particularly right moment for you as well, yes?"

Marythel enjoys his tea and a smoke while listening to his guests. He nods occasionally to response to a particular detail of the conversation, but doesn't interject.

Curious, it was an answer Lucian wouldn't have expected. That was why he liked people. It also sounded slightly fun, just being able to deal with the people who opposed you. So, ruling had one perk. "Well, at least it was convenient for you. I will admit I would not have thought of such noble motives for you, but that's what makes it fun, no? Can't say I feel protective of anything or anyone - outside of Useless and Marengo. As for the timing of my call...well, I was bored I suppose. So maybe it was the right moment? I hadn't been randomly kicked out of town yet, but it did feel like the time to move on was quickly arriving. I'm used to 'creepy' things happening, so when I did get the call I found it interesting more than anything." He paused briefly. "The girl in the mirror was a surprise, never had that happen before."

Radu grins. "Noble motives don't suit me, is it? Your honesty fences with bravery, Lucian. You are right, though. There is a certain, hm - darkness, yes. A certain amount of poison I have had to ingest in order to cleanse my land. Soaked up like a spunge and it festers in some ways, making it a constant struggle to hold onto any amount of my noble intentions. That is one reason I maintain loyal retainers, such as my Queens. I trust them to help ground me, to an extent, so I don't lose sight of what's important."

He gestures to the pseudodragon. "This is, I assume, Useless? Quite an interesting name - there must be a story there, as a I suspect they are anything but. And what of this Marengo? An invisible friend, perhaps?"

Luci couldn't deny that darkness seemed inclined to stick to a host when it found one. This little gathering was turning out to be quite enjoyable, if less investigative than he had hoped. Ah well. "Well, bravery or stupidity, either one. You seem very much the type to know what they want and take it. I can't say I've met many of those types who also have noble inclinations. It's an interesting combination of impressions. I much prefer to stay as out of people's minds as I can, and do things like throw rocks at these hazy people to see how they react." When Radi motioned to Useless, the little dragon chirped in response.

"Ah, yes, this is Useless. He's rather vital to me, and thus I would have named him something different, but he decided that was the name he wanted. Seemed rude to not oblige, and maybe one day he will give himself a new one. Marengo is my horse, you can see him from the balcony if you missed him on the way in. Both of them are incredibly opinionated, but I like them. I think Useless likes to lord it over Marengo that he can come inside with me sometimes, but I could be wrong - he could have annoyed my horse in some other way. In a way, the two are the same for me as your Queens are for you. If I ever go off my rocker, start by getting one of them."

Radu nods, knowingly. "It is good to have such influences around us."

He considers, "Are you a magician of sorts, Lucian? Your mention of throwing rocks at the shades, it smacks of the sort of intellectual pursuits my court sorcerer employs."

"Hmm, yes I suppose I am. Nothing quite so formal as a court sorcerer, mind you. I'm not sure that has any effect on my random curiosities though. When I saw the weird hazy people - shades is a much better name though - I wondered how present they were. If they could feel pain, think, those sort of things. Marythel kindly provided a pebble for me to see, and pain is usually the easiest to discern. Or at least a reaction from some sort of impact. Going around experimenting on things based upon my desire for knowledge is generally frowned upon though." He pauses for a moment. "Is it a magic user trait? I haven't had the chance to meet many, or know the ones I have met well, so you might have a better idea about that."

"It is a trait of intellectualism, I would say," Radu says, "and in my land, those who have the time and desire for such things, tend to bend their wills toward the arcane. It may not be true in all realms, I'll admit. I am finding a great deal of everything I know can be questioned, since arriving in T'Lorn.

What did you learn, with this pebble? Do the shades feel pain, do you think? Can they be interacted with?"

He looks to Marythel. "Who are, or were, these shades? Were they once more embodied, as you yourself?"

"Well, it was just the one pebble, so not exactly an ideal sample size. But it did certainly react as it seemed to be more...present for a brief time. Interaction could eventually be possible, although whether it is worth the effort that might be involved remains to be seen, simply from lack of information." He sighed when he noticed he was out of tea before he started to wonder if he should toss more pebbles. Lucian looked at Radu as he thought. Maybe he could make a better throw, which could make a bigger impact, which could possibly change the reaction of the shades. Assuming, of course, that force had been the key there and not something else.

Old Marythel seems to be nodding off sitting at the table. He occasionally catches himself and jerks slightly as he re-awakens.

Radu chuckles as the older man slips in and out of sleep. "Well, I wonder if perhaps we have overstayed our welcome, Lucian. I would be curious as to what, if anything, you learn further about the shades. This city is...I want to say a mystery, but I think it more like a puzzle. There's clearly much more to it and I feel we've only scratched the surface. In any case, I think I will head back to the palace." He tips back his cup and drains it before standing and bowing respectfully to Mayrthel. "Do you plan to stay, Lucian?"

While he wasn't thrilled with the idea of going back to the palace - castle? - Lucian wasn't about to keep Marythel from sleeping if he needed to. He stood up and gave their host a nod in farewell. "I hope I can bother you for conversation again, Marythel, it was quite enjoyable." He turned to Radu. "I might as well head back. I doubt I will get different answers from any one else here - not without a lot of searching, at any rate. And I suppose I should be there for when they want us. If you are ever bored, do let me know, but I will certainly let you know if anything comes from the shades." Although...perhaps he needed permission to do anything? Tsk, annoying but he should probably ask.

Old Marythel gives his guests a weary wave from his seat. "Thanks for dropping by. I trust you both can find your way out. My servants will guide you."

End Scene