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Post by Nomz on Oct 8, 2024 4:25:10 GMT
"Oh, thank the Maiden Mary and all of her children who were blessed with the ability to be forgiven for all of their sins," Anwir says loudly as he ducks into the abbey's library, spinning on his heel to shut the doors behind him. They click shut and he takes a few slow steps backward, hands raised as if expecting his mentor to come blasting into the room. Was he skipping out on his training a bit? Yes. Did he think his mentor knew exactly where he was and booked it to the abbey for protection? Absolutely.
As the seconds tick past, he finally breathes a sigh of relief and lowers his hands. Curious eyes take stock of the books surrounding him. Before his heart can get ahead of his brain, Anwir recalls the last time he decided to explore a room in the abbey and frowns deeply. He had tripped over a slumbering mage and busted his face on a pew. A dark purple bruise still shadows his right eye and cheek. He takes a moment to straighten out his grey sweater vest, pushing the sleeves up and wrinkling the white shirt under it.
"Ayo," he raises his voice to call through the make rows of bookshelves. He does not want a repeat of last time. "If there's any mages in 'ere, speak now or forever hold your peace! This ain't my first rodeo, fam, and I ain't bout to have a round two."
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 9, 2024 18:26:01 GMT
"I'll do both, if it's all the same to you. I've heard of your previous exploits, Anwir. I'm not the kind of wizard to get tripped over, and my peace is my own to hold for as long as I please."
A figure floated out of one of the ailes, legs crossed, cape billowing about him. A book was before him, hanging in the air, and the man glanced up from the pages as they turned by themselves. Dressed in fine blue robes, he didn't look unkind, a face showing an expression of inquisitiveness and intruige.
"Anwir Weylin Baudin. Welcome... I understand you've been here before."
He dropped to the floor with a dainty ease, snapping the book shut with a wave of his hand. The front page was an engraving of a tall mountain reaching the clouds, with a single tree perched on top. It smelled faintly of peaches.
"Doctor Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme. If James has been kind, he may have mentioned me. I take it you're a literary man? Any books that you are looking for in particular?"
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 20:46:25 GMT
Anwir takes a step back as he gets a reply, gaze locked on the mage floating out from an aisle. While Anwir looks like a college student, this man very much lived up to the title of wizard.
"To the abbey, yes. Not to this library," he answers quickly as the man steps down from his floating pose. The urge to learn, to ask questions, and to pick things apart surges in his heart as he watches these obvious displays of magic.
"Nice- It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. James may have mentioned you in passing. My days have been rather hectic since he brought me under his tutelage." Anwir says this and lifts a hand for a shake. If he is entirely honest, it often feels like James is about to mention something important only to get distracted. He's not sure if it is on purpose or not.
"I do enjoy books." He sees no point in mentioning to the Supreme Overlord of Mages that he had come here trying to escape. "I was wondering what all books were here. I've been scolded for trusting books in public libraries, but a magical library is different, is it not?"
He nods towards the book Strange had taken from a shelf of this magic library in a magical abbey.
"What book do you have there?"
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 9, 2024 20:56:52 GMT
"I'm so glad that he thinks to mention me in passing."
Strange's sarcasm was obvious, but he was smiling, on his lips and in his eyes. He took Anwir's hand, giving it a shake, though the young mage would feel a frailty to his hands. A quiver in his muscles. Strange didn't linger long, drawing it back and observing Anwir with a scrutinius eye.
"In here? This library is magical, not your run-of-the-mill public building. Whatever book you want to read is here, if you want it hard enough."
Strange glanced at the book tucked beneath his arms. What harm would it be to show him, he thought? He walked to a lectern, opening it up to a seemingly random page.
"This is a book on the Chinese Monkey Gods. I am... researching. Did James mention my apprentice, perchance? Sun Nao?"
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 21:19:14 GMT
There is a faint burn of embarrassment at the tips of his ears and he isn't sure why he would be embarrassed for his mentor. Anwir's hands are well calloused despite his young age and his drip strength is strong but delicate. Server's hands.
"Any book at all?" It isn't doubt that leads Anwir to speak. It is the simple wish for confirmation that the information was understood correctly. Did the magic here really work just by want? By intention? "What if I wanted something that was in the Great Library of Alexandria?"
Anwir follows behind as Strange leads the way to a lectern, flipping the book open.
"He did not make mention of your apprentice. Is Sun Nao a young mage as well?" He asks as he stands to the overlord's side, looking down at the book. The faint smell of peaches rises to his nose. "I don't know much about Chinese Monkey Gods. Or gods in general."
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 9, 2024 21:29:21 GMT
Strange grinned as he looked back at Anwir, winking slightly.
"Don't worry about it. James has a lot on his mind. Sometimes, I feel even more than I do."He waved his hands towards a shelf, and closed his eyes. Strange reached in, concentrating, and pulled out a book. An old looking tome, with ancient letters across the cover. He floated it to Anwir with care. "Anything. It is the lost stories of Homer's Odyssey. Just don't try and remove it from this place, or take any Snapchats or Tiktoks. The library won't like that."
It was a standard sentence but a hard warning. Strange knew what these magical libraries could do, and hoped Anwir had enough sense to heed his words. The Sorcerer turned back to the lectern. "Sun Nao is the son of one of the Monkey Kings. He came to me partly to learn, but also for protection. These Kings do not take lightly to being outshone."Strange licked the end of his finger, turning the old page with care. He frowned, his face full of concern as he studied the words. "I have reason to believe his family is in danger from this Monkey King. Revenge for him coming to me and escaping his clutches. So I'm trying to find out if there's anything I can do to stop him. It's alright, kid. Being in the presence of a god isn't something you ever want. It's a terrifying... wonderous event. One you will never, ever forget." |
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 21:50:35 GMT
Strange's little wink seems to settle Anwir and he turns to where the mage waves his hands before reaching. The book that comes back in his hand is far older than either of them. While he cannot read enough to understand the language, Anwir could never mistake Greek. He takes the tome gently in his hands, struggling and failing to keep the awe off of his face.
"Sir, this is- just, wow. Holy smokes," Anwir breathes while brushing his fingers over the cover. "I won't bring my Tiktoks or Snapchats in here. My nokia doesn't really have the ability to handle either."
He nods his head as he listens to strange, cradling the book in one arm and oh so gently opening the cover. This is perhaps the most wonderful moment of his entire life.
"Can these Monkey Kings not be reasoned with or are they too proud?" He doesn't seem bothered at all by being called 'kid.' Not when it came from Strange, at least. "Not everything has to be resolved with fighting or underhanded maneuvers, though I suppose some must be. It wouldn't be our world if the kindest path always worked."
Anwir hesitates, eyes no longer absorbing the page before him. "Do many people come to you for help and protection, sir?"
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 9, 2024 21:58:06 GMT
"Yes... that is what I hope. Fighting a Monkey King would be unwise. If they can be bargained with..."
Strange is impressed. Anwir had a sharp mind on him. He shouldn't have expected anything else, not from Johnny's chosen intern. He is thinking outside the box already. Strange nods at the book, turning another page. "There are ways against violence. It relies on feeding their ego, or gaining their respect through tricks and mischief."He frowned at the question, glancing back at the young mage.
"Some do. I am not the only magical practitioner in this world, though. My talents are often meant for... larger events. I cannot help everyone, but I help everyone I can."Strange suddenly slammed the book shut and spun around to face Anwir. A strange grin was on his lips. "That's it. I think you've got it, kid. Ever been to China?"
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 22:34:18 GMT
Anwir digests that information a bit, comparing the words with his rather limited knowledge of cultures at large. He's fairly certain monkeys are often considered mischievous and perhaps there is more truth to that than he suspects.
"Do you plan to feed their ego or gain their respect?"
He can feel Strange's eyes on him, but Anwir does not look up from the Odyssey. His school had been too poor for them to read much more than a small passage and now he just wishes he could read Greek well enough to understand what he sees.
"I want to help people and my talents are not meant for larger events. Not yet," he says with a slow smile. Anwir jumps when Strange slams his book, head jerking up and looking at the taller man.
"I've got what? China?" Anwir oddly resembles a confused pup, closing his book with the care it deserves. "I've never left the country if I am honest, and even then, I've only been to a few states. I don't even have a passport or a Real-ID, sir."
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 10, 2024 17:04:44 GMT
"A bit of column a, a bit of column b."
Strange tugged the corners of his cape, looking at Anwir with a glint in his eye. The boy had potential. Reserved, collected, smart. He'd go far.
"Lucky for you, kid, that this isn't a large event. Call it... a house call. We won't be facing any Monkey Kings on our outing."
He hoped. Strange turned to face the wall of the library, raised one hand palm-out, and with the other began to trace a circle in the air. "Don't worry about it. Where we're going, we don't need passports."Golden sparks filled the empty air, following Strange's fingers until they were joined in a pure circle of light. A sudden wind rushed out, flapping Strange's cloak in wild mayhem around him. He looked at Anwir with a nod. "Ready for an adventure?" Not that anyone ever was. Strange gave him a grin, before stepping through the portal, and coming out the other side in
Chengdu Strange glanced around as he stepped into a quiet street. A few pedestrians stared as he turned to take in the surroundings, then to see if Anwir had followed after all.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 10, 2024 19:39:21 GMT
Awnir leans over to place his book gently on the nearest shelf, resolving to come back and spend more time with the library.
He is quick to follow after Strange, eyes curious as the man traces a circle in the air. He's seen how others have cast magic, but no one quite does it the same. Anwir imagines this is just another law of magic.
The gold sparks appear and Anwir is utterly entraced by them. Questions flood his mind, but none of them get a chance to be spoken as wind pushes Anwir's hair into his eyes. When Strange grins at him, the lad mimics it all too easily.
Anwir steps through the portal and is hit with the soft sounds of a town and wind in the trees. He turns around in place, awe carved into his features.
"Sir, this is- that was- how did?" Anwir stumbles over his words, but he feels no shame over it. Excitedly, he turns to Strange. "Your teleportation just works with tracing a circle? That is amazing! James had to do a whole thing with ashes and it looked like a whole lotta math."
His eyes dart from red paint to green roofs to the stonework under their feet. He grins up at Strange, something playful in his eyes.
"A house call, is that a joke because you introduced yourself as 'Doctor' or are you really a medicine Doctor?"
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 11, 2024 9:13:29 GMT
Strange flashed Anwir a smile. A compliment went a long way with him, and true excitement also resonated well. James' apprentice was making good impressions with the Sorcerer.
"I mean, I have to have a sling ring," he said, flashing the gold ring on his fingers, "and I did study for a long time to perfect it. But yes. I focus on the place I want to go, trace the shape in the air, and the rest is history. I have tried James' form of magic, but it requires a lot of thinking that I could never get my head around. My magic is more about feeling for what I want."
He pulled out an old-fashioned folded map from his inner robes. It was a map, opening like a concertina to reveal the outline of China. There was a little monkey sticker placed in one area. Strange narrowed his eyes.
"Damn, we're just under 560 miles off. Isn't that always the way? Looks like we've got a bit of a walk ahead of us."
Strange said it as if it was a saunter to the shops, not a hike across a foreign country without the proper gear. He didn't seem phased by it though as he looked again at Anwir, grinning.
"That's actually good, I've not heard that before. I am actually a Doctor, though. I was a famous neurosurgeon before I lost the use of my hands."
He spun, pointing in an arbitrary direction.
"Come on, kid. Adventure awaits!"
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Post by Nomz on Oct 12, 2024 2:21:40 GMT
"Your magic feels more like magic rather than math or science," Anwir ventures carefully, stepping up next to the Supreme Overlord of the mages. "Would I be able to try using a sling ring? Is finding your form of magic casting something I should look further into?"
He watches as Strange pulls free a map, looking over the old parchment. Anwir raises an eyebrow at the little monkey sticker. It feels at odds with the map, somehow.
"Only 560," he asks in a soft voice before scuffing. "A walk? Feels more like a stroll to the kitchen and back. I hope you can keep up, sir. I don't have the strength to carry you up the mountain like Madame Zeroni."
Anwir seems surprised by the admission that Strange was a legitimate doctor, more so a neurosurgeon. It feels odd that he ended up with a more 'feeling' type of magic rather than a 'science' type. But, perhaps, that was precisely why.
"I am always ready for adventure. This adventure comes with great conversation, correct? I saw you floating, can you fly? What's your favorite spell?"
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 12, 2024 16:01:46 GMT
Strange smiles at Anwir's enthusiasm. It really did remind him of Sun Nao, a relentless energy and interest. And a sense of humour! Strange had spent too long with dry, dusty old wizards and doctors in his time. "Magic, the kind I was taught, is about feeling and sensing. You encounter a problem, you take a second to feel what would be the best solution, and you channel it into a spell. I harness the energy that is all around us, and even beyond our dimension. It's all about knowing where to find it.Strange pulls off his slingring, tossing it to Anwir.
"Careful, because that's our ticket home. Give it a go. One hand to focus, to see where you want to go in your mind, the other opens the portal. Don't worry if it doesn't work first time. It takes people years to master it."Strange began to walk along the street, passing by gawping pedestrians. He didn't exactly come across as subtle. He smirked at Anwir's humour, but waved a hand.
"We won't need to walk the whole way, Anwir. Because, yes, I can fly, both with spells and with this wonderful cape. It's a sentient piece of cloth that allows me to fly. A very loyal and close friend of mine."The cape billowed out, despite the lack of a strong breeze, the corners stroking Strange's cheek. He brushed it off. "Alright, you soppy thing, stop that. I can fly myself, though it requires concentration, and it's easier to rely on my friend, here. My favourite spell though? There's one where I create many copies of myself. I suppose that is up there, as it makes doing the chores around the Sanctum easier."Strange chuckled as he glanced sideways at Anwir. "What about you, young apprentice of James? What kind of magic do you wield?" |
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Post by Nomz on Oct 13, 2024 2:13:53 GMT
Anwir stumbles forward a step to catch the ring with both hands, surprised and grateful in one. He slips it onto the correct fingers on his left hand, showing just how much attention he pays.
"Sense the best solution for a problem and channel it into a spell. I hadn't thought of that," he says honestly while keeping pace with Strange. Anwir keeps his head held high as he notices people watching and whispering about them. If Strange is comfortable enough, there is no reason for him not to be.
"I knew you could fly. Sorry, but I think the Supreme Overlord of Mages should have that ability."
There is a thoughtful smile on his face as he holds out a hand towards the cloak. If it has sentience, then he should introduce himself properly.
"Hello, Magnificent Cape. I am Anwir. It is a pleasure to meet a friend of Doctor Strange."
Sincerity rings true in his tone and mannerisms. He is not merely trying to make a joke at either of their expense. His eyes are wide again upon Strange's next words.
"I don't know what I would do if there were multiple copies of you. That sounds dizzying. I'm sure your opponents regret it once you cast that spell."
Anwir turns his attention back to the slingring, trying to figure out how to work it. He holds one hand out in front of him, thinking about where he would like to go.
"I stumbled into my magic in a moment of desperation." He tips his head, imagining the end of the street as he turns his other hand in a circle. "The few times I've managed to get anything to happen is because I wrote it out in runes. The median seems unimportant, but the method appears to matter."
His eyes drift shut as he focuses, feet planting and halting his movement. The problem is distance. The solution is a portal. He makes the circle motion again. The circle is a door. Didn't many of his runes start with circles?
Anwir does not see it, but he hears the crackle of a spark. He pushes a little harder and agony flares down his arm from fingers to shoulder. The pain steals his breath, preventing him from doing much more than jerking his arm close to his chest and gasping. Blisters blossom across his palm as if he had put his hand too close to a firework.
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