#oerties

Chapter 6 : Lingering Afternoons

After the heavy conversation after breakfast Ryn decided it was a good time to practice his magic, with the added bonus of giving Iggy and Albrund some space. It was becoming more apparent he was going to need to improve, after the last couple outings he was beginning to feel his skills were lacking despite marked improvement when it came to wickets. He also tucked a mental note away to ask Albrund about his wicket apartment. If he was able to get Hestia from the castle that would give them a solid option on housing.

He was also, not blind. Albrund and Iggy had become much closer. Albrund had taken a liking to Iggy from the moment they arrived, he was fairly certain that's the only reason Albrund had agreed to any of this. That had been blatant after they were attacked by the Mooncasters, Albrund had been beside himself when Iggy was attacked. Truth be told he was more worried for the Bloodcaster than Iggy.

This morning's breakfast was amazing but also, he knew who it was really for. Albrund suddenly had an interest in sitting on the couch with Iggy in close proximity. They leaned on each other, smiled more, and he had caught them both staring at the other, just little changes. It didn't bother him, honestly with everything he's heard from them about their lives, he was happy for them. They both need someone but it did make him feel a bit like a third wheel. As much as he cared about them both, it also made him feel better that they had each other, once he had Hestia he could leave knowing they would both be ok.

Inside the house Albrund had taken Iggy to his room in the basement. Iggy was in awe of how bright and beautiful it was compared to the upper house. Beautifully polished marble inlaid floors, swirls and flourishes done in burgundy, black, and cream stretched across the space.

Masterfully carved book cases that had to be from Mooncaster craftsmen, crammed with books of all descriptions. Multiple workspaces scattered with half finished papers, tapestries, and couches made the space functional and almost cozy. Then his eyes came to the arches draped in the finest burgundy velvet and beyond them a set of caskets. The sight of the caskets made his blood chill, while he realized Bloodcasters sometimes slept in caskets, to see them sitting there like another couch was unnerving.

Albrund sensed his trepidation and guided him to the darker chamber. "This is where I sleep. Well, when I sleep." Iggy glanced around the exquisitely decorated chamber. A large brazier for light and heat sat in the middle of the room. The walls were heavily carved but hidden behind more art. A pair of overstuffed armchairs sat waiting to cradle inhabitants through countless hours of reading or brooding, given Albrund's nature. Iggy continued to take in the palatial surroundings, he finally spoke "No wonder the rest of the house looks like you never step foot in it."

The Bloodcaster chuckled, "Yeah, I really don't spend much time anywhere but the parlor. This is mainly where I live, really the house is too big, and too quiet. Come on, I brought you down here to relax."

They took a seat on the couch, which wasn't as comfortable as the one upstairs. Iggy wrapped his arms around the Bloodcaster who relaxed into his arms.

They spread across the couch intertwined, chatting about the renovations Albrund had made to the room. Eventually Iggy dozed off on the Bloodcaster's chest. Albrund was content just to lay there holding him, listening to the beat of his heart, the rise and fall of his chest and basking in his delicious warmth.

It had been a long while since Albrund had let someone this close, he still had a fear of allowing it but Iggy had ignored that entirely. Part of him wanted to wrap Iggy up and protect him, to hold him until the end of the universe. Then again part of him wanted to sink his fangs into the man's soft neck. To taste him, to let his blood coat his tongue, the taste of sweat and copper ... Albrund stopped his wandering mind *no, no, no, we are not entertaining that.* He took a large breath and sighed. Iggy's silky dark curls framed his face, scars criss-crossed across his skin telling the story of his life, some large some barely visible. Iggy was a masterpiece.

Albrund watched him sleep, the light flutter of eyelids, *What are you dreaming of?* he wondered. A small smile crept across Iggy's face, his fingers lightly gripping, pulling the Bloodcaster impossibly tighter. Albrund didn't want this to end, he'd be happy to spend the rest of his days snuggled here holding him. This was the most comfortable he had been in ... well as long as he could remember.

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Chapter 7, Doors of Opportunity

Over the next several days, Ryn slowly got back to normal. Albrund and Iggy stayed close by. The Spellcatster would fall into deep sleep sporadically, but they were there to catch him. The sleeping draught from the Traveler was taking its time working through Ryn's system. Iggy was familiar with the potion from his time with the Travelers. He didn't share Idata's optimism, that this was a mistake. His concerns were bigger than Ryn's condition.

Ten days after his poisoning, Ryn still had some slight dizziness when he stood up too fast but he had regained his normal strength. As promised, Idata led them to the ruins for a personal tour. Merwyn and Ayas escorted them to the castle and stayed close by in case there were any problems. The presence of the Traveler meant someone knew the Spellcaster was here.

A carefully plotted route led them towards the library. They checked a ballroom on the way through. The paneling, which at one time would have been breathtaking, was eaten with rot and mold. The hand painted tile floors were cracked and faded. Albrund thought to himself how glorious the room must have been in its prime. How many galas and parties had been here when it was glowing with life. Idata interrupted his daydreaming to move them along. There was still lots to see. She pointed out parlors, offices, the main hall, which Ryn had checked before, the sanctuary with its hidden lab, which was no longer hidden. She walked them through the cloisters, or what was left of them. On the second floor, they saw the remains of bedrooms that looked like the occupants simply picked up their bag and walked away, leaving the suite to the hands of time.

Time had not been kind to Caerloyr. Mold and must enshrined what was once opulence. An entire colony of assorted bugs and critters happily munched away on the remains of intricately carved furniture that would cost a years wages. Deserted drapes and fabrics left to rot, they were now merely the burial shrouds of what was once the jewel of Oerties. Their desired location, the library, provided no clues. Ryn searched for any potential doors, the keys safely tucked in his pocket. The day was proving to be a bust. The doors that were still standing lacked an important feature, keyholes.

The Elder Wolf sat on a stone bench in what was once a garden, her knees couldn't take the climbing like they used to. Merwyn and Ayas stayed close to Idata, her protection was their priority. Albrund, Iggy and Ryn continued to scour the remnants of the castle. The Spellcaster returned to the library, he felt like he was missing something, his eyes pleaded for a break. It was devoid of books, scrolls, tomes or any other potentially helpful items. His eyes turned to the intricate carvings, the paint and gilt long gone, it was now only a testament to the Mooncaster craftsmanship that painstakingly carved each swirl and leaf. He followed the pattern as it shifted and danced, it continued onto the shelves, "how beautiful this must have been", he thought. His eye landed on a change in the motif, amongst the leaves and flowers was a key.

The Spellcaster's hands shook as he fumbled through his pocket for the keys. The smallest of the keys was an exact match for the tiny carving. Ryn felt like an ass, which was really becoming a habit at this point. He was looking for a physical door, where every bit of this mission told him that's not Lucjan's style. He firmly gripped the small key and directed it towards the carving, mumbling instructions to the key.

With a WOOSH an wicket opening appeared! It was much different than any he had seen. Tree roots sprung from the marble encircling a stone ring with glowing markings.

Ryn froze, his eyes widening in awe, what had he found? This was extraordinary!

Tentatively he stepped inside the wicket, he still wasn't entirely comfortable in them. What he found left him dumbfounded, it was an enormous library. The shelves were full of books that looked like they had been placed there yesterday. He gingerly removed one of the books placing it carefully on a book stand, not that it was in poor condition but in his mind he knew how old and precious it may be. Unfortunately, this was far too old for him to read, he didn't recognize the language at all.

Ryn closed the door and ran to tell Albrund, he and Iggy had decided to focus their efforts on the Sanctuary. The Spellcaster bounced in through the chapel door and vibrated with excitement as he told Albrund what he had found. The Bloodcaster's eyes widened as he listened, Ryn thought to himself that it was the most excited he'd ever seen him.

Ryn learned a little bit of a new trick, this wicket wasn't tied to the room but to the key. There in the space of the Sanctuary he popped open the wicket holding an expansive library, that seemed to go on forever. Albrund was truly shocked, Ryn's description didn't begin to really convey what he was seeing. Iggy still wasn't thrilled about his last experience in a wicket, he volunteered to stand watch at the door.

Ryn and Albrund entered the library. Once Albrund was able to absorb what was before him, he picked up several books and folios paging through them. The parchment was still crisp and the ink as perfect as the day it was laid on the page. There were notes penned by King Lucjan tucked into the pages. Ideas he had, or things he wanted to come back to. Albrund's eyes poured over the pages in wonder. A box of letters and correspondences sat on a table waiting for their owner to return. Notes from the High Spellcaster warning the King of increased deaths from the illness in the low country and an outbreak amongst the Greencasters. He urged the King to utilize the solution before it spread further. There was concern about it spreading rapidly through the Mooncasters. Albrund couldn't believe what he was reading. He shuffled through some more papers, reports on crop yields, taxes collected for Umbra, heads of cattle in the Kings pasture, not really anything that would help them.

Albrund sat at the expertly carved desk, it looked as though it's owner had just stepped away. Ink, parchment, quills, blotters, wax, all the implements of a writer carefully placed so that they would be ready the next time he sat. Albrund sat down to see if there was something helpful tucked into it's drawers. A beautifully crafted dagger sat at the front of the top drawer, behind it was a velvet lined, slotted tray, a formal home for the implements left on the table. The next drawer down was locked. Albrund waved Ryn, who was admiring some books on elemental magic, over to see if one of his keys worked on the desk. Sure enough, one of the keys fit the desk, the lock let out an authoritative 'click' releasing the drawer for inspection.

The drawer held a stash of personal letters and correspondences. A letter from Eminence Seneca requesting a higher trade value on kelp, another letter from Seneca discussing engagement of the royal Princess Quintenya to Lucjan's youngest son Prince Sidel. Albrund though over it for a moment, Prince Sidel was Icia’s father, these are the correspondences arranging the marriage. The Prince would give up all claims to the Spellcaster throne as his intended was the next in line for the Watercaster throne. He would become the Consort of the Eminence. There was also discussion that the marriage was a love match, not a political arrangement. Once Gonesic was removed Albrund felt these letters should go to Icia.

Further digging produced a letter from the King's Sorcerer, he had found a way to prevent the illness from spreading but had the unfortunate side effect of making all treated Dunerell human, Albrund had found the source document for the scroll at least in part. Over the next several weeks he and Ryn spent their time combing through the King's private study. They reviewed mountains of paper with snippets of helpful information or clarity on other things. Albrund had begun compiling what he thought was the most useful information into a dossier. He was gradually collecting documents that tracked the movement of the Agony. Where the cases flared, what made the difference between a case or an outbreak. He was still searching for the research notes, there had to be studies....

Poses: Thank you to @elen-shine (Hopelessness), @greensoulsims (Walking Together), @cazmari (Wand-erlust), @samssims (Fear reaction), @grownasssimmer (Bro Talk), @nagallz (DK pose 03), @greensoulsims (Happy standing), Wasset (Shocked Expression), @natalia-auditore (Letter Reading 3), @herecirmsims (looking up down), @elen-shine (Letter poses),

A very special thank you to @theroyalthornoliachronicles who was super kind and converted the key into a pose accessory, I appreciate it greatly. <3

Chapter 7, Consequences

Ryn's tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth, it felt like he had been licking rocks. Pain filled his head as he tried to lift it from the pillow, a groan escaped from chapped lips as he gave up on movement. A warm hand slipped beneath his head urging him to sit up, there was a voice attached but not one he could place. Once in an upright seated position a cup was slipped into his hand and the warm hands were now urging him to drink. The water burned as it invaded the desert that was his mouth, he could feel the water traveling down his throat. The water reminded him that he was supposed to be somewhere. The gears of his mind started spinning

How long had he slept? Had morning passed? Had he missed his boat? Oh, no Albrund would have his head! He dropped back on to the pillow, his head was splitting.

Foggy memories began to appear. Where was the Greencaster, Onid? Was she the warm hands?

Wait, they were attacked. He hadn't been able to defend them.... did the hands belong to the marauders?

Oh no ... Albrund was right, Fuuuuuuck he was going to be livid!

Tears started rolling down his cheeks from still closed eyes.

A kind but steady voice surrounded him as a cool cloth blotted his face "Don't cry, you're still here and alive. The Traveler has been dispatched and very lucky for you, I was trained by a Master Herbalist and able to treat you." She sighed softly, gently patting his arm, "The Traveler gave you a sleeping drought. It was enough to put down a horse, untreated it could have killed you. I don't believe that was the purpose just sloppy on the Traveler's part. Usually it's given diluted in tea, just a few drops. Instead you've been out for the past four days"

Ryn processed what she said, panic hit is stomach. He uttered a croaking squeak with such urgency that hurt his host's ear's "Thank you but I have to get back to the mainland, my friend is going to kill me. I was only supposed to be gone for several hours. He was already going to be mad but now..."

The voice cut him off "Ryn, calm down. Your friends are already here, we sent Merwyn to collect them."

Ryn's eye's popped open, it took a moment for them to focus but as they did he found an elderly woman at his bed side. Her face was kind, framed by long silver hair that fell in braids around her shoulders. She wiped his face again and in a low rumble she reassured him that he was safe. She gently redirected his face and looked into his eyes, he had the look of a snared fox that would sooner gnaw it's own leg off than admit to being caught. "Hmmmm, little fox, you need to calm down. I can't let your friends in with you like this. Let's breathe, in... and out, good. Again in....hold it...and out, alright." As she spoke she wrapped her hand under Ryn's shoulder guiding him to a sitting position "I realize I haven't introduced myself, I'm Idata, an Elder Wolf and the healer of this Pack. You've already met my son, Merwyn. I believe you've met Grelee and Ayas as well last time you visited."

He nodded, his voice tumbled out raw and gravely "I was looking forward to seeing Ayas while I was here, or at least hoping to."

She smirked "That can be arranged but I believe you have more urgent company." She rose from her seat and made her way through the door. Ryn watched the door close behind her, his whole body buzzed with nervous anticipation.

Iggy was first through the door his brow knitted and more somber than Ryn had ever seen him, followed by a visibly angry Albrund. Ryn suddenly wished he was still unconscious, he struggled to swallow the bolder lodged in his throat. Albrund took the seat next to Ryn's bed that had been previously occupied by Idata. He cleared his throat and tried to smooth his tone "It was foolish for you to come alone, you should have waited like we talked about."

Ryn dropped his eyes and his head, "I'm sorry, I just felt like I wasn't don't anything, like I wasn't helping."

A vein raised up on the Bloodcaster's forehead he growled "Well, this certainly didn't help!" he shifted in the chair trying to stop his own shaking, whether from fear or anger was irrelevant at the moment. "We're here worrying about you instead of working on how to stop Gonesic, or figuring out what the box means!" concern flooded through the shell of his anger, his voice shattered "You could have died! The only thing that saved you was Ayas, he saw you veer off the path and sounded the alarm to the rest of the Pack. Putting yourself in danger helps no one, I was clear, SAFETY ISSUE! YOU DON'T LISTEN, YOU ARE AN ADULT FOR ROVUNI'S SAKE ACT LIKE ONE!" He rubbed his temples and grasped at his composure "You ignored everything I said and you still left. I am furious at you and also very thankful you are alive."

Ryn pulled his knees up and rested his forehead on them. He let out a long sigh, tears dripped down his thighs, his voice was low and heavy "I'll have to thank him when I see him, Idata didn't tell me." Ryn turned his head and looked over at Albrund and Iggy "I am truly sorry. I'm sorry for everything. Sorry for what I said and sorry for not listening when you were trying to help. I just feel like an idiot, you did say safety was your concern, wait for Iggy. I get it now. I figured it would be like last time, come over, search the ruins, hopefully find something, go back. I was wrong, incredibly wrong." his voice began to crack and squeak again but the apology continued to tumble from his lips in a flood "Iggy, I'm so sorry for what I said, you didn't deserve it. You're right, I'm no better than the rest of them. I regret what I said. You've done nothing but help me from the moment we met. I feel like a horses ass for acting like I did. All I can do is promise to do better."

The line between Iggy's eyes deepened "I accept your apology, I know you mean it but where we stand is going to depend on what decisions you make going forward. I care about you, but I also care about me, I won't put up with someone that treats me like shit then thinks an apology fixes it. You're sorry, show me, don't tell me. Right now all your sorrys are sounding very hollow."

Ryn nodded slowly "Fair enough..... thank you. I will do better." Even though Iggy's response had been harsh, it was still kinder than anything Ryn had imagined.

Albrund took the apology with a grain of salt as well, not that he didn't mean it but he seemed to have a knack for doing exactly the wrong thing "In your absence, we do have some information..."

Iggy moved forward and cut the Bloodcaster off "I spoke with the mystic in Umbra. She was familiar with the stones as a legend but was actually shocked to see them in person. They are rune stones and according to the tales, Kessian the Elder gifted them to King Lucjan to aid in healing the realms after the end of the Great Caster War. Kessian thought the stones would be able to help the King see a clear path to ending the illness. The mystic was able to tell me they were a divination tool used by ancient mystics. They have the ability to reveal the past, interpret the present and predict the future. Unfortunately, you have to know how to read them. They fell out of use, it's been generations since anyone has even seen a set let alone been able to read them."

Ryn was transfixed on Iggy's words, "That's fantastic Iggy, that's more progress than any of us has made."

Albrund cleared his throat, shooting a small glare at Iggy "Not to interrupt, but like I was telling you before you decided to be an idiot, that isn't the only mystery solved. Each of the trinkets came from one of the realms of Oerties. Based on their age and the information I could find on their owners, they are tied to the Caster War treaty. The pearl is from the Watercasters, I told you I was able to decipher Casteana's name. Initially, I found a short edition of her story, that she built the Shimmering Sands and was said to control the tides. However, after some deeper digging, I found she was the first Eminence of the Watercasters and still a bit of a legendary figure. She built the Shimmering Sands by blowing on the coral which listened to her command and built the castle at the heart of the tides. She enchanted the magic kelp, which she grew in the gardens surrounding the castle. The kelp of course is a staple of the Watercaster diet and if eaten by a human, they will become a Watercaster. The Jewel of Casteana was the center stone of the Eminence's diadem, last seen worn by Eminence Seneca. Seneca was the ruler of the Merfolk at the time of the Caster Wars and one of the signers. I was also able to translate the Mooncaster engravings on the tooth, again a legendary item, The Tooth of Magnus. He was the first Mooncaster Alpha after the Splinter Rising. In legend it's said that it holds "essence of Mooncaster power" metaphorically and symbolically "the root". There's more about it but I was interrupted by something more important." He raised an eyebrow at Ryn.

Albrund continued, "Taking into account the Pearl, the Bloodcaster amulet and Lucjan's Medal of Honor, with the realization each realm is represented. The trinket box is not just a box of tokens, they are important items, even if we don't fully grasp their meaning."

Ryn was in awe at how much they had accomplished while he was out, a new wave of embarrassment rushed over him when he realized how much his stunt had really cost. "That's fantastic Albrund, it sounds like you two pretty much got everything figured out. Did you figure out why the box and rune stones were kept with the Tome?"

Over Albund's face swept a look of frustration "No... that remains a mystery. I haven't found any mentions of the items in relation to the treaty, only two of the items show up in records to begin with. I don't really expect to find anything mentioning the tome, no one aside from King Lucjan and his highest council would have laid eyes on it. Though based on Gonesic's blabbing, I'd say the High Spellcasters have some knowledge of what's in it."

Idata poked her head back into the room. She made her way to the end of the bed. "I have to ask, what prompted you to travel all the way out here alone little fox?"

Ryn was a bit embarrassed, "I came back here looking for more clues or areas we haven't looked at in the ruins."

She raised an eyebrow, "What areas are you looking for? I've been in every inch of that castle and know it better than any of these pups."

"I want to take a closer look at the library and maybe other areas for some hidden locked doors." He was hopeful that it triggered some memory she might have.

Idata shared a bit of what she knew, "Well, the library is still there but empty, as you know. The Spellcasters took all the books when they moved to the new castle. I don't think I've seen any doors in the library. There are some doors in other areas but most lead to empty rooms and broken remnants of things that were once important. None are locked, well, anymore."

The light in Ryn's eyes faded a bit.

"Once you are on the mend and able to travel, I'll take you to the ruins myself. I'll even give you a guided tour.

A small smile crept across his lips, "Really? That would be wonderful."

"Absolutely, and we can take your friends who have sat so patiently waiting for you to wake up. That said" She looked at Iggy and Albrund, "He needs rest, you can catch up some more tomorrow."

Albrund and Iggy made their way out, but first they paused to tell Ryn they were happy he was awake.

Poses: Thank you to @snarkywitch (Peaceful Goodbye), @herecirmsims (Sleeping Ugly, Seated Emotion Negative), LOVE (Quiet Reach), @lady-moriel (Throne Poses, Model pose), @greensoulsims (Neutral Emotion sitting/standing, Sad Sitting, Angry Sitting), @nefaricussims (Bed Conversation), @samssims (Emotions Anger standing, Neutral standing), @rebouks (Bed Bumperpack), RJ (Standing Talking), @fenrir77 (Emotions Thoughtful),

Chapter 6 : About Last Night, Part 1

Iggy had left for Umbra and the house was too quiet. Albrund retreated to his basement, he spent the day there. He was livid with Ryn's behavior, if the kid had somewhere safe to go he would send him there. What he had said was cruel and ignorant. He had promised Iggy he would try to get through to him while he was gone but he needed to calm down first.

As his temper started to cool, in the back of his mind he recognized Ryn was young, inexperienced and had spent his entire existence, up until very recently, in the pressure cooker that was Avequa. He also, had just lost his mother, he was hellbent on collecting his sister and every ounce of stability he knew was just ripped out from under him. He had also shown himself to be kindhearted, willing to help and able to learn with a little push. He wasn't a bad person, he just needed to learn or in some cases unlearn.

As aggravated as Albrund was, which was still less than Iggy, this moment could be a push forward to be better or the moment he digs his heels in and doubles down on the brain rot the Spellcaster's teach. Albrund needed to devised a plan on how to approach this. His own parents had been instructors there and in the back hallows of his memory he could remember his father's complaints about the curriculum. That was two centuries ago and it doesn't appear to have improved. Albrund himself had been similarly naive leaving the town's walls.

Those first years had been a big learning experience when it came to how the world actually works and how the rest of Oerties people actually are. He'd also had two century of learning from and about the people in Oerties. Human Mystics, Herbalists, and Alchemists were just as capable as most Spellcasters. This was going to be a rude awakening for the kid, the thought crossed Albrund's mind that his own parents likely felt the same way as he rode out the gates of Avequa so sure of everything he knew. This wasn't his kid or his responsibility but after some contemplation and a large helping of introspect, the only way Ryn was going to move forward was with someone pushing.. hard ... possibly with a boot.

Bright flames in the hearth faded to glowing embers, Ryn had sat watching them all night feeling horrible for what he had said and how he had acted. With nowhere to turn his energies he sulked and stewed in his self-made misery. His thoughts turned to Hestia, what had she been told, did she think he was dead? Soft light flooded the empty parlor, the sun was coming up and here he sat alone, marinating. Albrund had taken the box to the study in the cellar, he needed his older records which he kept tucked safely away from the light. Iggy had been gone a full day. Ryn felt truly alone for the first time in his life and it was all by his own hand, there was no one to be mad at but himself. He also felt like he was the only one not helping. Iggy was traveling to Umbra with the stones and Albrund was working on figuring out what exactly was in the box, both things he'd been wrong about. So far he had been wrong about everything.

It was time to lay down, if for no other reason than to quiet his mind. For someone that didn't sleep in the bedrooms, Albrund kept the rooms of Oakenward very nice. The drapes were a think double velvet that kept out the light and cold. Linens that were nicer than anything Ryn had slept on in Avequa. Fluffy down clouds made up the pillow and the mattress, he imagined this was probably what the beds in the castle were like. Even with as wonderful as the room was, sleep was avoiding him this morning.

His eyes burned with exhaustion, he should have passed out on contact, instead he was inspecting the ceiling for nonexistent cracks. Ryn's mind was a looping playback of every mistake and misstep of the past month. Amongst the errors and gaffs it occurred to him there was an item he could work on, the keys.

He could easily travel to the island and check the ruins. His mind was fresh with ideas and it allowed sleep to finally creep in.

Poses: Thank you to: @simmercreator (Male Poses #2), @elen-shine (Male Poses #4), @greensoulsims (Emotions Angry, Sad), @herecirmsims (Sleeping Ugly), @sciophobis (Insomnia)

Chapters: 53/53 Fandom: Original Work, The Sims (Video Games) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Original Spellcaster Character (Sims)/Original Vampire Character (Sims), Original Character(s) & Original Characters(s), Original vampire character (Sims) & Vladislaus Straud, Vladislaus Straud/Original Character(s) Characters: Vladislaus Straud, Original Characters Additional Tags: Vampires, spellcasters, Werewolves, Magic, Violence, Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Supernatural Illnesses, Character Death, Minor Character Death, Alternate Universe - Aliens, Alcohol, Blood and Injury, Blood Drinking, Past Domestic Violence, Wrongful Imprisonment, Grief/Mourning, Angst with a Happy Ending, Originally Posted on Tumblr, No beta we die like Guidry, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, alcohol use, Explicit Sexual Content, Idiots in Love Summary:

A young Spellcaster grows up in the shadow of Avequa, the Spellcaster seat of power. A mystery illness continues to ravish the magical population, with no cure in sight. He finds himself the unlikely key to a centuries old mystery due to a rare gift. To find the answers he must beg the last person to have that ability for their help and set off on a quest for a cure. Will their efforts be enough to save Oerties?

Chapter 5: What's In The Book?, Pt 7

Ryn had been quietly listening to Iggy and Albrund debate the origins of the Agony, but his concentration was on something concealed in his pack. Albrund noticed the quiet "Ryn, are you alright, you've been buried in that bag for the last hour?" the Spellcaster quipped "Yeah, just looking through some stuff that was in the wicket with the book. Looks like some busted jewelry, old medals, bits and bobs, oh! and a bag of rocks."

The Bloodcaster was thoroughly confused "A box of broken odds and ends and a bag of rocks. These were in the Great King's wicket along with one of the best protected spell books in the history of Oerties? You didn't mentioned there was anything else in the wicket."

Ryn explained "I didn't think any of it was important. They were probably just items with personal meaning to the King. My father had a box in his dresser like that."

Albrund wasn't in the mood to fight about it but it did remind him, he had a souvenir of his own.

The leather satchel still sat in the corner of the library where he had dumped it when they arrived from Avequa.

The Bloodcaster pulled out the scroll he had found, the only feature that stood out to him was that it held the Great King's seal, otherwise he probably would have left it packed in the crate with the rest.

He'd need to take this down to his office.

He stretched it across his table, for all he knew it was a market list. He'd have to translate it, the writing was in Calysian which he spoke well enough, but reading, especially something formal would take some time. He had read a lot of Old Cuquan documents from that time period but Calysian was still the language of business. Albrund set about translating the scroll and left the other two to their own devices.

Iggy pulled Ryn away from the trinkets and outside to continue training. They concentrated on foot work today, being able to side step an attack could be just as helpful as defending against it.

Inside Albrund was making progress and the beginning hinted that this was not a market list. It started with the usual pomp and fluff

"I King Lucjan of House Carwynn, Ruler over the Realm of Eldovire, Keeper of the Peace, evoke the good will of Their Eminence Seneca of the Blue Tides...."

Albrund's brow furrowed, this is a message for Eminence Seneca who led the Merfolk, this shouldn't be in the sanctuary. The tiny bite made him want to know what this was about and why it wasn't in the hands of the Merfolk?

Poses: @rebouks (Floor Bumper Pack), @herecirmsims (Floor Convo), @greensoulsims (Seated Emotions), @samssims (Couch Reactions, Look Down Reaction), @natalia-auditore (A Letter For You, Reading A Letter), @pandorassims4cc (Kickboxing, Kung Fu), @elen-shine (Letter Poses)

Chapter 5: What's In The Book?, Pt 5

Morning arrived sooner than they hoped. Albrund had begun the morning with his theories on Gonesic and the book. Only to be interrupted by Ryn who was nursing a crushing hangover. A muffled "Do you have any willow bark tea?" emanated from the lump on the table. Iggy suggested "Some bread and black tea will help you feel better." Ryn groaned in response.

Albrund chuckled "You may want to get that kettle on."

They sat with Ryn as he made his way through the tea and toast. Iggy and Albrund chatted away. Ryn's head was pounding, his mouth was dry and his whole body hurt. Iggy suggested he go back up and lay down for a little while.

Outside the first snow had blanketed Lethemyna. Even with the fireplaces lit, Albrund would need to check his trunks for some heavier clothes for his guests. His family had made a habit of keeping old garments. His Grandmother had been very frugal, never letting go of a scrap she thought could be stretched. He found a heavy linen shirt and a lined tunic that would fit Iggy. His leathers were well made but not really practical for domestic life. For Ryn, he found an embroidered wool tunic and pants. He wasn't sure how long they had been in storage or where they came from but they were in good shape and looked like they would fit better than his current clothes. He also pulled some outerwear aside, eventually they'd need to head to town.

After a full hot bath, thanks to Ryn who was still struggling through his hangover, Iggy came down and showed off the new clothes. His hair that was usually a tangled mat of curls, tied back with a leather cord was hanging loosely around his shoulders in waves. The glow of the fire cast an amber wash over his rich sable locks. The scars and tattoos were the only visible signs of his career. Albrund cleared his throat "It fits you well. Is it more comfortable?" Iggy smiled and nodded "It's a lot lighter, and this time of year the sleeves are more practical. It'll take some getting used to, but thank you."

They sat watching the fire unsure of what their next steps were. All three were lost in their own thoughts. Albrund had decided to put off the conversation about Ryn's future until he had a clearer head.

Conversation eventually drifted back to the book, the Anguish and the High Spellcaster, Albrund had taken time to look through the tome. He was preoccupied by several of the spells and potions he had found in it's pages. "I'm curious what, if any, information will cure the Crimson Anguish. There were some things in those pages that should have been burned not handed over to Gonesic. Desperation can awaken some of the worst creatures that lurk in the mind."

Ryn defended Gonesic's intentions "I'm sure he just wants to protect the the realm. I'm not saying he's a good person by any means but he still answers to King Benorin. I don't think the King would approve of the Clergy committing atrocities in his name."

Albrund and Iggy stared at him like he had sprouted a second head. Outside of the borders of Eldovire, King Benorin had built a reputation of being a puppet to The Children of Rovuni, a feckless ruler that only provided a face for official functions. Ryn responded "What? I mean were obviously missing something..."

Ryn's defense ignited Iggy's temper, he roared at Ryn. “The same King that allows the Order to confiscate homes, lands, farms, and goods in the name of Rovuni and in his name? That King? Or the King that continuously raises taxes and tolls? How about the King that has closed sick houses throughout the realm leaving Dunerell too sick to care for themselves to die alone or beg compassionate care from their neighbors? How can you be so blind to everything!”

Ryn’s face dropped “I’m sorry Iggy, I didn’t know any of that. I'm not blind to it, inside the walls, we're a bit cut off from things. It's not seeing something and ignoring it, it's never seeing it to begin with. Every time I open my mouth I feel like I stick my foot in it. The King does his announcements, the occasional speech, a ride through town a few times a year and that's really all that we see him. I've been too wrapped up in my family stuff to follow or care about what King Benorin does. My goal has been to keep my parents away from the sick houses. I had no idea they had closed any of them, the ones in the city are overrun. My mom took care of my Dad until he died, she didn’t want to put him in the sick house. When she got sick she made me promise we wouldn’t let her die in one. I promised she would be in her home for the rest of her days, and apparently that’s one promise I did keep. The sick houses in Avequa are a fast track to meet the Grim, most people live a few weeks once they get a bed. Even then the beds are scarce.” Iggy bit back "That's exactly what blind means, you don't see beyond the city. You don't care what the King does. You are so quick to defend a villain and a despot, why? They will, and have, shit on you the moment you are no longer useful."

Albrund interjected in sharp, almost icy tone "That's enough Iggy, you've made your point!" Iggy sighed and tried to cool his anger. Ryn had no real experience outside of the malignant heart of Eldovire. He needed to stop getting so worked up about it, at some point the three of them were going to need to have a conversation. Ryn really didn't know, but if he was going to make it on this side of the walls, he needed to learn.

Iggy apologized for the outburst "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I know you haven't spent much time outside the City, but you live out here now. These are problems that will effect your life. My point stands but I should have been kinder in my delivery." Ryn nodded in acknowledgement. Iggy redirected the conversation to Albrund, "Spellcaster's aren't the only Dunerell affected, they all are. I don’t hear much about Bloodcaster deaths from the Agony. How are they protected? "

Albrund nodded welcoming a shift in topic "Bloodcasters are mostly safe, the lack of a functioning immune system is rather helpful on that front. That doesn't mean there have been no deaths, just less. It's not a death that can be reversed with our magic, when we die it's true death. Bloodcaster's aren't immune to blood infections, it's really the only infections they are susceptible to."

Poses: Thank you to @samssims (table conv, couch reactions), @natalia-auditore (Getting Dressed), @greensoulsims (Seated emotions), @helgatisha (Male Pose 05), @nagallz (Friendly 07)

Chapter 5: What's In The Book?, Pt 3

Content Warning: Alcohol and blood consumption. Fully clothed "hinted" spice.

Cut added just in case: