Not enough Answers

Mikilos makes his way through the Plaza, eyeing the surrounding with a bit of curiosity and caution. Not an uncommon mix so close to the Arcanists Society, but less for on one wearing obvious wizardly garments.

Daechir walks through the Plaza with interest and curiosity in his gaze. Not unlike Mikilos in fact. In fact it's this sameness which draws Daed's attention. He makes his way toward the other man and with a polite nod offers a greeting. "Hello. Is this your first time here?"

Mikilos starts slightly as he's addressed, not quite flinching, but close. Taking a slow breath, the elf shakes his head. "No, just... been away for a while. Not quite adjusted to being back just yet."

The shadow elf offers a friendly, welcoming sort of a grin. "Welcome back to you then." He looks around the place, showing a bit of pleasure on his features at the sight of it before returning his gaze to Mikilos and finally holding out his hand. "You may call me Daed."

Mikilos smiles, accepting the offered hand with a firm grip. "Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, Lord of Estranillia, Archmagus of the Sixth Circle, Builder Arcane. Though few bother to recall anything more than 'Mikilos'. I get the impression that you are new to the area?"

Daed lifts a hand to his chest and laughs with the twinkling of a bell echoing him. "Ah, you have outdone me. Here I offer you the shortened version of my name and you offer me the whole of yours. And a few titles as well." He lets the hand fall and then he tilts his head slightly to the side. "More... re-new. I stayed here once for a time, but am recently returned. Much as yourself perhaps?"

Mikilos smiles. "Some similarities perhaps, but I doubt overmuch the same. Unless you were also kidnapped by a demon serving vampire?"

The shadow elf arches one black eyebrow and seems to consider Mikilos again. "Ah, I did hear something about a wizard whom had gone missing." He hesitates a moment. "Kidnapped by a demon serving a vampire was it? That sounds... interesting. I doubt many can say the same. I hope you got something for your troubles."

Mikilos shakes his head. "Vampire serving a demon." He frowns. "At least, I think the 'Mistress' is a demon. Or Devil. But almost nothing certain is known, since nearly everyone who's encountered her has had their memory wiped. Myself included. I'm not sure if it's an effect of the 'Mistress' herself, the White Tower, or something else."

"Seems to me that vampires and demons have much in common. Perhaps the difference does not matter so very much. If it is a vampire in service to someone however... it must be someone of power. Vampires rarely follow any but their makers and even those for a short time." Daechir has a considering look on his face however; thoughtful. "It seems likely that the memories were taken from you by some means. Which means... perhaps there is a way of getting them back."

Mikilos nods. "I think I recall more than typically. Most I've heard from have only vague impressions. I recall a few short details. Far less than I would hope for, though I really hadn't meant to go at all. I have the impression the memories aren't so much suppressed, as they never formed properly at all. Victims put into a sort of drone state where the mind doesn't record surroundings. But I haven't done much research into the topic as yet."

Daechir makes a small displeased noise and nods. "If you remember more than typically, then perhaps you remember something which can give you a clue." Suddenly he flashes a semi-apologetic smile. "Forgive me if you will; if I seem to be asking you too many questions. It's an interesting subject. I have never heard that vampires are capable of causing memories to remain unformed. Though I know that they can dominate their subjects. I wonder then if one could force its victim to not remember what has happened by command?"

Mikilos nods. "Quite alright, I find the topic fascinating myself. How I got involved in the first place." He considers a few moments. "I know one can't suppress memories by wanting to, as with a Charm. But Domination is a different level, one I know less about."

"There are spells which can modify or change a memory if I remember correctly." Daed seems to consider this as well. "I know only a little bit about Domination myself, but it is a powerful ability that vampires wield. This may be the work of many things in combination with one another. Which does make one wonder at the nature of the individual who is using this vampire. Someone wise, careful, and powerful."

Mikilos considers, and shrugs. "I'm more inclined to think 'Powerful, reckless, clever, and powerful'. Not to suggest they don't have a plan, but actions seem haphazard. purposefully so. Sew chaos, and leave foes so uncertain of your next move they're paralyzed with their own indecisiveness."

Daed smiles softly. "If they have a plan, then it would be wisest to divine that plan. It would likely tell you not only how to stop them, but likely who they are. We reveal ourselves in our actions." This thought gives the shadow elf great pause. "Though they likely mean to sow chaos to befuddle those who would stop them... Amid created chaos one's hand can be shown. Why target you for instance? Did they know they were targeting you? And if they did - What was the purpose in that? Given that you are a mage there must have been risk in doing so. So why take the risk?"

Clever red eyes peer into Mikilos' own. "Did not someone say that this white tower had something to do with the plague which has stricken the city? If that is true... then they have targeted Alexandria. Why? And more importantly, what does targeting the city itself tell us about who they are?" He laughs suddenly, a twinkling of bells. "More and more questions; I apologize again."

Mikilos laughs, and nods. "No, I quite understand. I think I've been something of a thorn in their side. The ritual magics which first revealed the White Tower was held at my request. My research has found treatment for the plague, though I've yet to find a proper cure. And I'm quite sure they were looking for me in particular. The vampire had my named carved into his arm. I don't think the vampire, Kol Demontry, knew who I was when we started talking, just that I was a wizard and likely knew 'Mikilos'. I'm unclear if he'd figured it out when he spirited me away."

"It is disturbing to think that they were simply kidnapping whatever mages they could find. I am uncertain whether it is even more disturbing to think that he might have known it was you. Kol Demontry. You know his name and that means that he can be tracked down." Daechir hums to himself. "Sounds as though you indeed garnered some attention onto yourself. It may be wise to take caution in the future lest they realize you are gone and try to capture you again.

Mikilos nods. "I hoped to talk and gain more information before resorting to violence. I don't plan to let my guard slip again. As for tracking, Kol and the Tower have proven elusive. However, I hope Menel Dinmorin proves otherwise."

"Menel Dinmorin?" Daechir says the name carefully and with great curiosity. "Another vampire?"

Mikilos shakes his head, and frowns, considering. "What little I do remember, is being helped across a snowy plain, carried, really, by a man with white hair and ice blue eyes. Others have mentioned him too, as a friend who helped them escape. His name is Menel Dinmorin." He frowns, considering a long moment. "My paranoia wonders if it's yet another layer of deception. That Menel is a villain in some way, tricking us into thinking him a friend. But... that doesn't feel right. His actions feel genuine. I think he's truly an ally, who has helped several escape from the White Tower."

Daechir opens his mouth and then closes it briefly, his brow slightly furrowed. "If he has managed to do so, then... how?" Daed sighs and shakes his head. "Perhaps that is the wrong question. I think you have the right of it however, and perhaps by looking for him you will find your answers though... I might exercise some caution in using his name in casual conversation. If he is rescuing people he likely does so at great peril to himself, and if they knew of you... what do you think they would do to him knowing that he is working against them?"

Mikilos shakes his head. "He's already captured. A servant, of some sort. The Mistress knows full well her... 'toys'... stands against her. But she seems to have a... cognitive blind spot. Something her demonic mind can't grasp. Helping each other. Putting ourselves at risk for the benefit of others, without gain for ourselves."

"Interesting." Daed barely murmurs these words, but he nods. "It is good to know that someone there is helping those that need aid. I can not imagine..." Suddenly he trails off, lifting a hand nearly to his neck but landing just shy with a dark look in his red eyes. One that firms. "If we can, we must in turn rescue him."

Mikilos frowns. "I... don't think it's possible. The White Tower... seems to move though time, as well as space. I think Menel Dinmorin already died for the cause... or will? Others apparently encountered his ghost." He sighs, and shrugs. "Certainly I intend to try. Even if his death has already happened... with time travel, I can't say for sure what has happened can't be undone."

This causes Daed to blink twice. "His ghost? On what occasion? I ask because... if he is a ghost then there may be an easy solution to this after all - resurrection."

Mikilos sighs, and shakes his head. "I'd need to check my notes. The White Tower has been encounters a few times, in different locations, including upon a different plane. In one of the encounters, I'm not certain which, they were helped by his ghost." He considers a moment, and shrugs. "Perhaps. Maybe he's already been resurrected? When it comes to time travel, everything becomes uncertain."

Daechir makes a face then laughs, another twinkling of bells echoing in it. "Indeed. You should look into the matter certainly. After all, if the man is so easily raised then you have a very direct method for asking him questions that he would be uniquely capable of answering." Daed suddenly ducks his head in a sort of polite half-bow. "Of course, if I can be of any assistance in the matter do not hesitate to call upon me."

Mikilos nods, and smiles. "I try to utilize all resources. But in this case I'm uncertain, what exactly is it you do, Mister Daed?"

"I am a sorcerer, though my skills with magic are not so great. Other times I am a philanthropist, a traveler and a wanderer of the wilds. Even on occasion an adventurer. I like to keep myself occupied when I can." Daechir smiles. "And if you will; it is Daed alone, I am not so fond of titles; and if I were I might choose to go by /my/ full name." This causes him to chuckle darkly.

Mikilos nods. "A wizard by training, though I also craft a range of magical and mundane items. I have a shop up on the mountain road, just look for the giant sword. Though now you have me curious, what -is- your full name?"

Daed coughs and looks slightly to the side. "Ah, and now you have asked. My full given name is Daechir Calithailin." He seems quite embarrassed by this. "It was my father's choice and I suppose he had lofty hopes for me. Even so, calling your child 'Lord of Darkness and Shadows' seems... over the top do you not agree?" He's smiling but it's clear that the name bothers him somewhat.

Mikilos considers a moment and shrugs. "I've heard worse, but understand and respect you prefer being known as 'Daed'. In Silvermoon, collecting titles is almost a game. Which are to be mentioned in what situation, in what order, who is entitled to omit the titles of whom during formal address. I enjoy a good puzzle, but it quickly all falls into petty snobbishness."

"I have heard that some Oruch tribes have a similar customs, and that the telling of their names can last for hours." It seems to amuse Daed that the two races have such in common, and it does. "Are you from Silvermoon then? What of my youth that was not spent in the noble houses of Charneth were spent in the capital of the Llyranesi." An oddity to be certain.

Mikilos nods. "The Mithralla family has been part of the nobel houses since the First Age. Though recent years have been... less than kind."

"Interesting... In fact I think I do recognize the name. I should have before." Daed offers a slightly wry expression, and his red eyes fade back to memory. "I was only thirty-three when I left the city so I was quite young. It was not so easy to be the half-breed child of a llyranesi woman and a mul'neissian man." He returns to the present with a light motion of his body not unlike a shudder. "I am sorry to hear that your family is not doing well."

Mikilos waves vaguely. "A line of nobel warriors go off and do warrior things. Like die in battle. A few generations do well, but over time the odds add up, and so there aren't many of us left. Admittedly, becoming an adventurer doesn't say great things for my own odds, but I like to think I've done well. Despite a few... noteable mishaps."

Daechir chuckles, though not meanly. "Indeed. In any case, allow me to leave you to your work." He nods once again to the llyranesi nobleman and steps back gracefully. "As I said, if you have need of me call upon me. I live in the noble district in a house that is not terribly difficult to find. If you get lost you can ask any of my neighbors where I live; they do not soon forget that they live so close to a 'shadow' elf."

Mikilos nods, and frowns. "Amazes me what human culture forgets, and what it remembers. Mul'niessa heros have been saving the city for years, but it's the occasional villian who is recalled."

"Do not forget that elves have memories longer still. They can be as unforgiving as humans in this way. Besides, there are I think more villains in Charneth than those mul'niessa in Alexandria could ever make up for. But that is only my opinion." With this dark thought Daechir turns and lifts a hand, waving it slightly. "Well-met Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla. I hope I will see you again soon. Our conversation was the most interesting I have had in some while."

Mikilos waves in return, and smiles. "I look forward to having others. Fare well, Daed."

-End