Lessons in disobediance((ATTN: Tig))

[Kura]

Arcon was in the library, brushing up on his military tactics. He knew he could hold his own in any battle of state, and perhaps infiltrate a palace or two with his wit and charm, but he still had limits to his knowledge. He wanted to not only be able to copy, but understand the plans that the generals of nations formed, to better serve his Great Lord. This however, was only one area of study for the Adept. More advanced books of cultures and styles, assassination, and so much more were stacked around him. He would be one of the greatest servants, and then he'd be allowed more freedom and power. Perhaps one day he would sit on the council, inferior to only his Lord and the Chosen.

 

Ahh the Chosen! The greatest of another age, an age where wonders beyond his imagination were commonplace. He wanted so badly to have a mere tenth of the knowledge they considered 'trivial'. The weaves they knew, the intrigue they practiced. He looked down at the sword on his hip, the skills that one in particular possessed with a sword.

 

His internal monologue was broken by the appearance of a mere Acolyte. Her features were almost void of emotion, and she simply stood around, as if waiting for something. Realizing what a valuable ally a future Dreadlady would be, he decided to get to know her a bit. Leaving his books open on the table, Arcon approached her with a gentle smile on his lips. "Hello, I'm Arcon Dadread, Adept of the Fortress. You look a little lost, anything I can help you with?" The facade of a gentle helper came easy to the Adept. "Well? Speak up girl. I do have my own studies to attend to."

 

[Tigara]

I hate free time. Terra shuffled down the hallways looking completely lost. She never before had "free time" as it were. She was told to do, then dismissed to sit in a corner if she was done. That was how her mistress had treated her. She wasn't sure how to feel about her. She never had to think for herself before. It was as if she had an entirely new life and everything was different. And she had been here for months already! She sighed as she shuffled. A hobby would be a good idea.

 

She decided that the library was the best idea. She had found secret pleasure in reading before. Maybe she could find open pleasure in it now. She opened the doors and stared in awe at the vast collection of books. There were so many kinds in so many colors, genres, and sizes. She had no idea what book to start with. She had always been told what to read before. She was startled by someone speaking. An adept appeared to be studying something, but was taking the time to offer her aid. What kind of land was this where random strangers offered you help? Never in any of her two previous lives had she experienced anything like this. It took her a moment to figure out how to reply.

 

"Ummm, I was just trying to decide what to read. I've never had to make a decision before. What would you recommend?"

 

Terra Cyrene

Ugly Acolyte

[Kura]

Arcon was puzzled. Never had free time before? What kind of life had she lived before coming to the fortress? Regardless, he gave her his best reassuring grin, and let out a chuckle. "Well, I don't know. What do you want to read about? Do you want to learn about the cultures of our world? The people? Histories? Just tell me what you enjoy."

 

Of course he was fishing for information; he wanted to figure out this... curious girl. He led her to his table, to give her an idea of the books that he had on his table. "Here, I am reading a bit on military tactics right now. I believe this knowledge will help me better serve the Great Lord, and besides the ambitions that ever dreadlord is bound to have, that is what we are all here for." He put a hand reassuringly on her back, "And I don't recall hearing your name Acolyte...?" Through his speech his voice was light, reassuring, doing his best to act the mentor to the girl.

 

After all, she could be useful. 

 

[Tigara]

What a puzzling man. "That's the problem. I don't know what I enjoy. I was never given such options." She thought about what might be useful to know. Since arriving, she had become increasingly aware of her far less than average appearance and it was getting to her. The other girls made fun of her and tripped her all the time. She heard that you could change your appearance with the One Power, but that was above her at this time. Maybe she should learn to apply make-up and wear pretty dresses. "Are there any books about make-up?" she asked. She was embarrassed to ask, for she had before been discouraged from gaining interest in the more feminine aspects. "Oh, my name is Terra. It's nice to meet you."

[Kura]

Arcon laughed at her choice of books. "Well Terra, I can't be sure, as I've never really looked for them before. Still, maybe I could find one for you, come along now." He went to the shelves, running his slender fingers against the spines, seeing familiar titles and those he'd never bothered to pick up, along with those he would get to eventually. He found the section he was looking for; Courtesans. Scanning through the disappointingly large section, he found a, rather large, book upon make up and beauty, with a large section devoted to seduction. "Well, this, I suppose, will suffice."

 

He held out the leather bound tome to the girl, having to use both hands to do it. "Now, maybe you could tell me why you would want this book? Are you planning on mixing the One Power with make up? Or what?" He let out another chuckle, not mocking, but friendly. It was a well practiced facade.

[Tigara]

Terra's eyes nearly popped out of her slightly deformed head. That was a big book. A very big book. All on beauty and make-up and girly things. Arcon handed it to her with both hands and she had to grunt to carry it. It was amazingly heavy for being paper! She set it on the wooden table and sat down like a sack of potatoes. "Well, as I'm sure you've noticed, I'm not a very pretty girl. In fact, I'm rather ugly, so the other girls tell me. I'm hoping I can use make-up to cover up some of my more obvious blemishes since I don't know how to use this...Mirror of Mists or whatever it's called. I really don't like drawing attention to myself."

 

She flipped open the book and read half a page and then her head perked up. "Where am I even supposed to get make-up?"

[Kura]

Arcon nodded, understanding the desire to be able to blend in. It was without a doubt a useful skill. One that he thought he had good control over, if he wanted to. "The Mirror of Mists is very difficult, so yes, make up is probably your best bet." He eyed the book up and down, not sure how to feel about it. "I am sure that this ought to be able to help you in your search, as well as open up some new avenues for you. Hell, it might even give you something to practice in your new free time," he had been measuring her this entire conversation and decided to take a bit of a measured risk, "give yourself a whole new identity. One or six of your very own."

 

His eyes, deceptively perceptive, focused on her for any kind of reaction. "And I am sure some dark friends visiting or perhaps a dread lady would be able to provide you with some make up. A quick air weave ought to be able to the shallowest woman out of a case of blush. Just don't kill; it is against the Fortress rules."

 

An idea came to him, "Now, when you get your make up and the guys start falling over you, you remember who helped you out on that first day." He tossed her a wink. In truth, it was nothing more than a barely concealed guise to get her to remember him fondly, maybe even trust him. Every bond needed to start somewhere.

 

[Tigara]

Terra smiled as Arcon talked. He didn't order her around, he didn't make fun of her ugly face or her awkward limp or the lump on her forehead. He was...nice. She never met anyone nice before. Yes, it would give her something to occupy her free time. She could have several identities. "Yes, I think this book will do exactly what you say. And I'm sure the Dreadladies have some extra they could give me, or at least have a way to get it to me." This was going to be very good for her.

 

remember who helped you out on that first day.

 

That phrase rung in her head. Yes, she was going to remember. She would never forget Arcon. She started to delve into her book and Arcon went back to his. No one said anything, but it was...good.

 

 

Terra Cyrene