#v.d.

Like Zephry, the man was an engineer vying to be the first to bring magic to regular folk. He too was fixated on amalgamation magic and how its principles could potentially be applied to bring life to technology. Although he perished long before the inception of Soot Wizardry - the practical infusion of magic with machinery - his published theorums on the topic led to his recognition as one of its founding fathers, right next to Zephry.

It is not abundantly clear whether Zephry's relationship with the man was one of a romantic nature, or platonic, but from the letters exchanged between them it is apparent that Zephry had a profound love for the man - a love that may not have been entirely reciprocated. Zephry was easily beguiled by raw talent, and in their correspondence he rhapsodized about the man's brilliance and rapier wit - traits he aspired to have, himself.

It is thought that they agreed never to pursue the relationship fully because of their inherent class differences and society's reproval of interracial interloping. Others believe that the pair of them just really loved their work above all else, and their inclinations left little time for matters of love.