Jul 09 15:19:38 106 PA - Library Chat and Planning
From Chronicles
The current game time is: Sat Jul 09 15:19:38 106 PA.
As the third hour of the afternoon ages, Zachary is settled at one of the tables in the library, hard at work. The place is well packed for a place of learning, the weekend afternoon a prime time for the scholarly, but for now the table Zach is at remains his alone. Regardless, he keeps to his own little workspace, a notepad opened near to hand, along with a small sheet of paper with a tight graph on it. Several drawing tools are laid out, along with a reference guide on common magic. Or one volume of it, the thick tome marked as one of a set. Zach's brow is furrowed and he works over the paper slowly with pencil and straightedge, forming lines with a slow, deliberate hand.
Taldrean has been wandering around the library for a few minutes. He's been in here once before, but only made a cursory examination of the place. Now he's examining the library more in-depth. As he comes accross Zachary, he smiles a bit and goes over to the Elf's table, keping his voice low to not disturb the othe patrons. "Good afternoon, Zachary. Did you get the note I left for you at the garage?"
Zachary looks up when Taldrean speaks, a light smile coming to him in response. "Good afternoon, Taldrean," he returns in kind, a welcoming movement made towards the table. "I did and I have already spoken to Cali. After some talk, it is left to me to make a final decision and once I have, we may begin your work." He smiles broadly, leaning back slightly as he allows his work to pause for now.
Taldrean nods and looks pleased. "Excellent. Did any of the spells on the list catch your interest?" "Several," Zachary replies. "Some have intriguing implications and potential uses. Though I believe two are most prominent. one being the Light Healing spell and the other Watchguard. I had considered some healing devices before and the Watchguard spell, well, it could have many uses as primary and secondary aspect of a device. I have not yet fully decided, however. But it shall not take long, I believe." Taldrean nods. "Alright. just let me know when you've made a decision and when you would be available to tutor." The elf mage seems to relax a bit more. "SO, how have you been?"
"I have been well," Zachary replies after a nod to the mention of his decision. "Life has settled well for me here. I have steady work, a comfortable living space and time enough to pursue my personal projects." He seems about to say more, yet after a moment he smiles and leaves it at that. "I had doubts when I first came here, but I do believe I shall find what I seek here. And you, friend?"
Taldrean sighs and shrugs a bit, his smile tyring to difuse his furstration. "I have been well, also. I've gone out among the refugees outside the city, tyring to find any word of what's going on. Most of them are stilltoo traumatized to recall events accurately. The others were taken by surprise as quickly as I was." He shrugs, "I have met a couple of people that might help. A woman named Tirzah apparently is part of a mercenay group that undertakes missions up Tolkeen way. And a there is also a woman named Vixen that does a radio program here that seems to know a bit more of what is going on, although I haven't talked to her much yet."
Zachary frowns faintly when Tirzah is mentioned, the expression lingering just a bit after. "I have hear of her." Said when Vixen is referenced, though without more than casual recognition. "I see. You intend to go forth and delve into that conflict then?" His tone evening out as he asks that. "Quite a dangerous thing to do. Such a conflict seems almost too big to contemplate getting into."
Taldrean shrugs. "Tolkeen is my home. If there's something I can do to help out, I have to do it. More to help protect the innocents stll there than anything else. I don't think the war is going to be winnable. Not without going down darker paths. But that unfortunately might happen in the despiration of the COUncil. And if it does, military victory or no, the Coalition States will have succeeded in destroying Tolkeen, even if the city still survives the conflict."
Zachary nods his head once. "I can understand. I have worried at times what might happen if the Coalition were to attack Lazlo." His expression firming. "I truly don't know what capabilities the Coalition has, but everyone believes them to be ever so large. They do seem far too powerful, however. What is it you will be doing, I wonder."
Agin, the elf shrugs, not sure of his path. "I don't know. Hopefully, I can find something constructive to do and at the same time find a way to help TOlkeen." Taldrean treis to put on another brave smile. "Regardless, I'll stay true to my guiding principles and not let myself be dragged down into the stereotype the Coalition like to protray mages as. I think Tirzah's group is a good option, but I can sense that many are leary of her. If it turns out that her band is not compatable with my philosophy, I'll not deal with them."
Zachary shakes his head slightly. "I can only tell you what I have seen of her. I gave her aid in an effort some time ago. A minor help, really. In the end, we battled a rogue mage.. warlock I think. He was defeated and she decided to maim him rather than bring him to some proper justice. When I later confronted her with it, she felt it proper justice. I admit, we were not near to Kingsdale, but she did not look to any who were with her for counsel and simply did it without allowing dissent. And saw fit to criticize me for not somehow realizing what she would do to stop her." He shakes his head slightly, brows furrowed. Taldrean nods and listens carefully to the words. "Having not been there, I can't say who was right and who was wrong. I'll take the situation uder advisement, but I'll judge her on the actions I see. NOt that I don't believe you, but my master taught me that there are always two sides to a story and sometimes, neither side fully sees the truth of a matter."
Zachary nods his head once. "I understand. I would only advise you watch closely. Be prepared should such a situation come to pass once more." And with that he leaves it at that. Breathing out softly, he shakes his head a little. "But let us speak of something more.. positive. is there anything I might do to help you settle here? I can understand how it feels to be in a new place, uncertain of what's around you." In the midst of 3 PM, he and Tal are at a table amid a busy library full of individuals. Zachary has a reference book on magic, a notepad and some graphed paper out, a half finished diagram scrawled on the graph paper.
Taldrean is sitting at the table with Zach, talking quietly with the other elf. "Not really, no. I'm learing the lay of the land and meeting people, which is the most important thing. And I've spent most of the plast 10 years moving around and travelling with my master, so I'm used to new situations."
One of the many other people is Tirzah, actually just entering the Library proper from the garden. She makes her way to the directory to see where the books on gardening are, and to wait. As it doesnt take her long at all to find the reference, but she stands there waiting, taking a moment to observe the many people about this place of knowledge.
One of the many other people is Tirzah, actually just entering the Library proper from the garden. She makes her way to the directory to see where the books on gardening are, and to wait. As it doesnt take her long at all to find the reference, but she stands there waiting, taking a moment to observe the many people about this place of knowledge.
"Then I suppose you had an advantage over myself," Zachary replies with a slight smile. "I've never done much traveling. The trip here was the longest I had ever taken. Before then, I'd been deep within my studies and the minor work I did for Lazlo. Now.. well, I do have my work for Cali and.. well, Ambrielle. I suppose my urge to travel is no greater for the trip here."
Taldrean smiles some. "I've been to Lazlo a few times. A most wonderous city. MOstly, though, my teacher took me around the Southwest and West. I got to meet many of the Native tribes and see many of the cities and villages around what used to be Mexico." He frowns some. "A rather tragic situation down there. One that fuels the propaganda machine of the Coalition States."
Having been tending to the needs of the garden, Sage only arrives after she's taken a break from one of her passions that happens to coincide with work. As she leaves the garden, she takes a band out of her hair and shakes the hair free before she glances around the library and considers what she may do to pass some time.
Looking back towards the garden Tirzah steps away from the directory to walk up to Sage with a warm smile. "There you are, you must have been up above again. This place is so much more alien with me not being able to touch my link here. Its like I'm a naked babe. It does not encourage my reading." She explains, her tone a bit exasperated but not directed at Sage. "I wanted to get your advice while I research something. If you can indulge me." She then tells her partner, her complaining tone completely gone. "I'm looking into making vertical gardens for the area where the refugees are going to settle."
Zachary smiles, pleased to hear the good word in regard to his hometown. Though his expression sobers a bit as there is talk of bad things in Mexico. "I'm not too clear on the lay of the lands far away from here. "I've hard of Mexico spoken of before. But I wonder just what it is you're speaking of when it comes to the tragedy there," he queries, a hand lifted to stroke his chin lightly.
Taldrean grimices as Zach asks about Mexico. "The land is fairly overrun with vampires. Small vilages exist either because they are food stock for the vampires or becasue there is a group of hunters in the area. ONe of the largest hunter groups is Reid's Rangers, although I never met with them. My master said it was best to steer clear of them, but why he would not say."
When Sage notices her partner, a smile comes to her lips as she moves to greet the other woman. "Here I am." She agrees with a light tone, before she nods softly to the comment the woman makes. "It has hampered me as well." She comments softly, "But, likely not as much." She concedes, before she raises a brow slightly as curiousity settles into her features. "Sure..." She comments, before gesturing towards a table. "Do you want to sit?" She asks softly, glancing away briefly. When she looks back, she has a mildly thoughtful look on her features. "Will they be sheltered?"
Tirzah pauses, following Sage to start at the table as she considers her question. "I'm not sure, they could be expansive as it is. Sheltering them will require even more resources. let me go find the books as the methods I'm thinking of are a bit different." She says turning to head to the section the directory noted. In so doing she spots Taldrean at the other table and smiles lightly, though it flattens again as she recognizes Zachary and she turns back to rejoin Sage. "I'm a bit flustered sorry, you're more than versed enough that the book would be redundant." She admits taking the seat. "The area sports a few abandoned factories so i'm looking at rooftop and vertical gardens." She starts off.
Zachary is quite openly appalled at what he's told. "That is.. horrid," he replies brow creased deeply. "I could not imagine.." He pause and simply shakes his head. "Troubling for sure. I've not heard of Reid's Rangers, so sadly I could not say either way, but to fight in such a place must be a great strain. I have heard there have been vampire troubles here from time to time. It is what prompted me to create my Firestarter. I was told that fire was helpful for disposing of the creatures for those who cannot conjure it up themselves."
Taldrean nods. "Also running water. A squirt gun is a deadly weapon to vampires. Most fo the Techno-Wizard weapons for fighting vampires focus around shooting water, wooden stakes, or silver amunition. Still, like many places on the Earth, despite the encroaching horrors, life still manages to survive." He looks over when he hears TIrzah's voice and catches her smile. THen her frown. He catches a snippit of the girls conversation with Sage and turns back to Zachary. "Would you mind if I excused myself to talk with Tirzah? She seems to be planning something around housing the refugees and I'd like to help them however I can."
With the other woman seemingly agreeable to her suggestion, Sage walks over to the indicated the table. "Well... perhaps I should hear what you have in mind first..." She says, trying not to jump to conclusions at this point. She settles into a seat as Tirzah moves off, following the woman with her gaze until she notices the table that draws her partner's attention. She recognizes Zachary and will offer a wave in greeting if he happens to glance in her direction. When Tirzah re-joins her, she smiles softly with a faint sparkle of humour in her eye. "Don't worry about it." She replies. Her lips purse as the idea is fleshed out a little bit. "Well, hanging gardens are nice... but I'm sure the one that's in the garden here would be more work to maintain if it were outside. And, a vegetable garden may be more prone to lose depending on the design and what gets planted where."
Tirzah shakes her head slightly at the comparison to the hanging gardens here. "Not a hanging garden actually but a vertical one using hydroponics and mineral cloth. Vine plants would be best, like strawberries, tomatoes and cucumbers. Of course more traditional beds can be set up to for more plants that arent suited for vertical culturing." She explains. "I also found a reference to 'bokashi' composting to make it more sustainable." She illustrates for Sage. "The refugees could be numbering in the thousands soon so they will be building either up or down, they will need additional agriculture I think."
"Water." Zachary muses that thoughtfully before he mentions Tirzah. Zach glances over, his expression firming just a little. Until Sage greets him. His expression relaxes a bit as he responds to her wave with a nod. After that moment he shakes his head slightly and says, "I will accompany you." Which he prepares for quickly. The notebook closed up, the drawing tools gathered with the graph paper. all carefully slid into the carryall that he has down beside his feet. The spell manual lifted up after, he'll not be far behind the other elf, efficient in putting away his things.
Taldrean nods and stands up. He walks over to Tirzah and Sage, giving the two women a freindly smile and bow. Turning to Tirzah, he smiles wider. "Hello again. I'm sorry for eavesdropping but I heard that you're talking about housing for the Tolkeen refugees. Is there anything I can do to help out?"
Content with the nod she receives, Sage doesn't dwell on the other table as the topic at hand is of interest to her. She considers the other woman briefly. "The tomatoes would likely be best given a cage for support, but the other two would do well enough... you may be able to be able to grow beans and corn as well." She pauses as she realizes someone's come to join their little discussion. "Feeding them at the moment." She says softly, as she begins to consider the man.
Looking over to Taldrean, Tirzah shrugs lightly and gestures to a vacant seat. "You know anything about gardening?" She asks in reply before looking back to Sage to nod at the suggestion of beans. "And peas as well come to think of it. But how would corn work vertically?" She asks, not seeing how she might manage that. "We could put up lattice for the tomatoes." She adds, the thought coming to her late.
Zachary nods to Sage again when he comes along with Tal. "Good afternoon, Sage." His eyes shift towards the other woman and he adds, "Tirzah." His voice polite as the greeting is extended to her. Though be seems content to listen quietly for the moment, lingering to Tal's side and a step back with the magic manual held at his side, carryall over the other shoulder.
Taldrean chuckles and shakes his head. "Unfortunatley, no. Nothing more than making sure the plants get plenty of warter and sunlight." He looks over at Sage and nods his head in greeting. "Taldrean Sunbow, recently arrived in Kingsdale."
A small smile comes when it seems both men have come to visit their table, "Hey Zachary..." She replies, before letting her gaze drift to the Elf. Faint amusement touches her features at the man's comment about gardening. "Sage." She replies, "Nice to meet you." She adds, "I imagine you two can sit unless you're just passing by." Her gaze shifting after that to Tirzah. "Yes, peas would work well enough. They may need a little support to make harvesting easier too." She comments, before she pauses briefly. "Well, corn only needs vertical space to grow... and the stalks could help support some of the other places. Might be good to place the beans near the corn. Will help keep nitrogen in the soil."
Tirzah nods slightly as she looks to see Zachary has followed. "Zachary." She returns, the politeness going no further though. She can be civil, really.. Moving on she shrugs slightly at Taldrean's lack of expertise. "Well then being an apt learner or an innovative thinker are also desirable. This settlement is going to face tons of issues, gardening being pretty minor, but hugely beneficial if done well." She explains to him. Looking back to Sage she nods the layout starting to build in her mind. "The corn could border the wall then at ground level, the nutrinized water running into the beds." She concludes.
Zachary nods his head once to Sage and moves to settle himself as well. "I will not impose long," he tells her, the book laid on the table before him. He listens for a little while, though after that bit of quiet he wonders, "What are the major problems that will be faced, I wonder?" Seeming to have not too much for the current focus of discussion.
"Well, you'll find that I'm both," Taldrean responds. He nods and smiles at Sage. "A pleasure to meet you as well. Now, as to the issue at hand, are there any nature mages in the area that can be consulted? Any druids or such? And has any thought been given to helping the refugees relocate? To Lazlo or maybe somwhere out West?"
As the conversation develops and adds new potential sources for ideas, Sage is content to let things develop. Her expression becoming thoughtful as she considers the possibility of difficulties. She can't help but smile faintly at the Elf's comment. "I'm not a mage... but nature has a way of whispering its secrets to me." She comments softly, before pausing to re-collect her thoughts. "If they are moving into the Dregs, protection would likely be an issue. Set up will be important since poor design may lead to time consuming setbacks..." She comments, "Perhaps we will not have to worry overly much about win with the corn." She offers a faint shrug to this.
Looking back to Zachary, Tirzah shrugs again. "Just the basics, space, food, and work." She answers simply before nodding to Taldrean. "Well actually Sage here is caretake to the Museum's garden, and starting a large operation at the landing strip as well." She adds feeling free to boast for Sage. "But the refugees are quite firm in the notion that they have travelled far enough to come here. They would rather face and conquer the hardships offered by the Dregs than start over a third time somewhere else. Personally I think that resolve is impeccable and wont offer a word against it." She explains.
"The Dregs?" Zachary frowns faintly at that. "Yes.. a most unsafe place," he agrees, lightly thoughtful. Tirzah's words prompting a slight nod before he looks to Tal and wonders, "Perhaps a potential use for the Watchguard spell. A pity that the Ley Lines don't reach into the Dregs, however. Such devices would require constant feeds of power otherwise to be effective for the purpose of security. Unless there are many mages, it would be prohibitive to keep it running."
Taldrean nods. "And casting the spell myself would only last an hour at a time. And it would only alert me." He sighs. "I can certainly understand their feeligns on the matter about nt wanting to move. And the sooner a center for them can be established where they don't have to live in the Dregs, the quicker their lives can start to normalize. Although I fear there will soon be too many refugees to house in one structure alone."
Not having as much first hand knowledge as some of the others around the table, Sage can't say much but what she's heard when she's had a moment so spare from her turmoil and duties. She considers Tirzah when her partner seems to attempt to inflate her status but it seems to slip past in favour of more important matters. "I'll admit I haven't really had to worry about accomodating a large number of refugees before." She comments, "But, some sort of additional temporary structuring may be useful if the numbers get too large... but I am not sure what ... rules are in place for this."
Tirzah snickers, shaking her head slightly at Taldrean. "The area chosen is a good start of structures that make up an abandoned industry park. You should come see it, its promising really in that it could actually work with some effort." She corrects before giving the spell mentioned some thought. "Vixen is organizing an electronic warning system. I'm looking into technowizardry to heal create and protect for them. Already I've started collecting the resources to make a magic healing bed." She explains to the new elf. "If you like you can work with Renos and I in the tw developments we are exploring." She then offers with a wide grin.
"From what I have heard, there is no other place for them here," Zachary notes to Tal. "And to be honest, most don't seem to want to aid them. The talk I've heard seems to say so anyway." He glances towards Tirzah as she notes her path towards TW resource obtainment. His head nodded once before he looks back to Tal. "I can see things are well in hand. But if there is any need you have, you can find my room easily, I think." He then looks to Sage and Tirzah. "If you will excuse me, I have some matters to attend." He takes up the book as he rises from his seat.
Taldrean nods to Zach as he gets up to leave. "Alright, I'll talk to you later, Zach." He turns back to Tirzah. "Well, if your Techno-Wizard doesn't have a healing spell, I have a minor healing spell I can teach him or her if that would help. Ptherwise, I'm afraid all I have to offer is my rather frail body and resonably educated mind." He smiles and chuckles at the self-assessment.
"Careful or they may end up living better than us." Sage muses softly, before letting the jest fall off to the wayside. She glances towards Zachary when he makes a move to leave and nods faintly to him. "Take care." She replies, before glancing back to the other two people. As she realizes the topic of conversation is shifting into the magical realms, she just leans a little back into her chair and listens for now.
Tirzah smiles demurely nodding slightly as Zachary takes his leave. "Renos is male, and would be glad to learn the spell from you. And I will appreciate it as well. It will save me about thirty thousand credits to not have to buy the scroll." She points out with a confident nod. "And I'm sure the other spells you have could be useful as well, we intend to explore every resource available." She offers before looking to Sage as her hand seeks out her partner's. "That wouldn't be so bad, as this endeavor may have me living among them to see it through." She points out with a wink at Sage's jest. "Though what rules were you asking of?"
Zachary nods his head once to Tal, then speaks a general, "Good afternoon," to those around him before he turns and starts off. Dropping off his book back at the shelves before he takes his leave of the library itself.
