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[givingchase]

[the journal is pretty much ripped open. sora's sounding a bit rushed.]

Hey, uh - has anyone seen Riku? I just - [... a little laugh] He wasn't in his room this morning, and uh, his name on the door is sort of... gone? I guess? So, uh, if you've seen a guy with long white hair around, let me know. [and let him know that this is a terrible joke too

Comments

dictated;

[thelifemeddler]

[... Oh. He remembers Riku. So this is his friend...

Well, he can try. He is certainly curious. A pretty, neutral voice appears on the page.]

Do you have something of his? I may be able to search for him without it, but it will make the process much easier.

same foreverrr

[givingchase]

Uh... not... really?? [...] We picked up a cat a few weeks ago, and, uh, it's sort of all of ours but mostly his??

[thelifemeddler]

[A cat is fine, too.]

It would not hurt to try. Would it be possible to meet you and the cat in person?

[givingchase]

Yeah, sure! Thanks. Uh, I'm Sora... Who should I be looking for? [already scooping up kitty and heading out.]]

[thelifemeddler]

Wait in the lobby for now. I will make myself known to you.

[Which is somehow less threatening than I WEAR A CLOAK ALL THE TIME.]

[givingchase]

Uh... ok. [:|a] I've got spiky brown hair. You can't miss me!

[and lo, in the lobby a few minutes later, there is a kid with EXTREMELY spiky brown hair. you can't miss him]

[thelifemeddler]

[Wow, he wasn't kidding about the hair.]

Sora, I presume.

[The dragon mage steps out of the shadows of a pillar, red-streaked silver hair leaking from his hood. He is tall yet rather slight. The shape of his cowl is made somewhat awkward by the elf ears poking from beneath. Despite his dubious taste in clothing he seems more of a benevolent presence than a threatening one, and anyway, he's wearing some nice mage robes underneath.

Maybe he should ditch the cloak and get a wizard hat.]

I am called Krasus. Though my efforts may prove futile, I would like to search for your companion with the use of magic. The pet will act as a compass and will not be harmed.

[givingchase]

[... another elf? like vereesa... huh. He hoists the little white bundle of fur up in front of him.] Thanks, Krasus. I really owe you one.

[thelifemeddler]

You owe me nothing. I owe you my thanks, however, for allowing me to experiment this way. I have not had the opportunity here.

[He kneels, removes a crudely-drawn map of the castle and its surroundings from his robes and spreads it on the floor. A small, clear stone on a string appears in his right hand; he lets it dangle about his wrist.]

I would prefer a quieter place to scry, but I suppose it cannot be helped. This is as good as any.

[Krasus reaches toward the kitten, allowing it a moment to sniff him and grow more accustomed to his scent, then he gently takes it into his arms. He scritches gently beneath the animal's chin as he does his work. Holding out his free hand, the stone spins and spins above the map as it gives off a soft white glow.]

[givingchase]

[... just... watching...] What are you doing? Like... Did Riku leave something with her?

[thelifemeddler]

Everything that one touches leaves a fingerprint both physically and magically. The more cherished it is, the stronger the bond between it and its owner becomes. We wish even subconsciously for all that we love to be returned to us, and that is how the cat aids us now.

[The crystal spins faster. He narrows his eyes at it, but the stone doesn't seem to pick a spot, flitting blithely over the map instead. Krasus mutters something under his breath-- a word older than humans have existed.

The crystal goes black and falls to the side.]

How disappointing.