The Tome (Closed)

[jc199123]

Thomas Rhoads was an adventure by heart but he helps the local mage’s guild when they need an escort or hired muscle depending on what they needed from him. He didn’t mind to help them because most of the sorcerers and sorceries there was nice to him and when they went to where ever they needed to go the mages always made sure that Thomas was taken care of and in some cases even attempted to even get to know him thus become friends with Thomas.

Thomas had just gotten home from a contract where he was to escort a caravan form Winterfall, where he lives and the mages guild is, to a town called ravenscrest he lays down to get some much needed sleep when he hears a single loud nock on the front door and then nothing but the hustle and bustle of people outside. He went to the door to see a note had been shoved under the door and thus instantly knew that the mages needed him for something. HE stands there reading the note to find out that he is to escort young sorceries to an old mage’s laboratory where the mage would create or better spells and incantations.

Thomas quickly got ready not even stopping to nap a little bit because of the last time he blew the guild off they ended up creating an illusion of the head mage and Thomas had thought that his place was haunted because the illusion wouldn’t let him rest till he met with the mages. He put on his armor as well as his favorite great sword before he made his way to the guild.

HE was greeted at the door by the head mage Thor which got his name because at a young age he was able to control lighting as well as cast lighting based spells. Thor told Thomas that in a couple of days he was to leave with a very young yet promising sorceries on journey to get a magical tome as well as anything else the sorceries thought would be useful. Thomas was told to wait and Thor would get the sorceries so they could get acquainted and make preparations over the next two days. Thomas waited in what looked like a living room filled with magical looking items. Tomas was afraid to touch anything because he didn’t feel like getting turned into something else. Thomas jumped when he heard Thor clear his throat to signal that he was there.

 

[MissyDemeanors]

Esma Donning didn't like going for adventures or hanging with people. Actually, she didn't like people in general. The world is vast and beautiful and there were a thousand things to be wrapped up in instead of other people.

When she had been given the task to seek out the tome she politely declined. When they insisted it wasn't a suggestion she LOUDLY declined. They threw around a few threats and she submitted. It didn't take much just promises to invade her personal space to no end and to mess with her notes.

She was a no nonsense sort of person. Being surrounded by men with ample power proved often too annoying for her. Top that with her complete lack of humor and it led to a rift between her and her peers.

She walked gracefully next to Thor and would be considered beautiful if not for her look of disdain. She whispered softly to Thor "I hate you." Thor smiler and cleared his throat to get the adventurers attention.

"Thomas Rhoads this is the mage you will be working with" Thor gestured to the woman "Esma Donning."

Esma waved her hand to stop Thor from talking further. "We don't need to get familiar Rhoads. Once this journey is finished it would be best if you stayed away from me." She looked him up and down immediately judging him. "You may call me Madam Mage, nothing more, nothing less."

Esma brushed imaginary dust from her shirt "my shield magic is weak and the ONLY reason I'm not going on my own. What we are seeking is very important and if you fail me ill be sure you don't get paid. Questions?"

The entire time Esma spoke Thor struggled to keep a straight face. Almost everything Esma had said was false. He was lower ranked than she and couldn't speak out of turn but she still made it hard for him to hold his tongue.

She had been the one to discover the facts about the tome but it was small chance of being where it said. The order was interested in it but it was Esma who really wanted the ability to leave and travel anywhere she wanted. There was also a passage saying a female was involved to make the tome effective.

She had to go with a guard because she tended to tick people off and if word got out that they let a female mage get assaulted for having a loud mouth they wouldn't live down the scandal.

She had no control over if he got paid. She needed him more than he needed her. If the tome could be wielded by anyone but a mage they would have sent anyone but her.

 

[jc199123]

Thomas turned to see a beautiful mage but that quickly went away as soon as she began to talk. He could tell that she either wasn’t used to traveling with someone or that she just didn’t like people that much.

He knew from the very beginning she was bluffing and decided to call her on it “Yes I do have a couple of question Esma do you think I’m an idiot I know you don’t control if I get paid or not? Also do you not think I have encountered mages before? I know why they sent me with you it’s because of how weak you are with your magic or they don’t want you to get beat to death and cause a scandal towards the guild.”

Thomas also knew that most of the magic mages did or knew where mostly for long range attacks and defense. He didn’t know if she knew any of the close range magic but he knew that there. He didn’t know how strong her magic shield was so he didn’t know if it could block anything or if blades and physical attacks could get through to her.

He turns to leave but stops short of door and he says to her “I’m going to go get a few things for our travel you are welcome come with me or stay if you want Esma but if you stay here and not help get anything for our travels I better not hear any complaining.”

He left the guild and made his way to his home so he could take inventory of everything he had and to see what he needed to replace and buy. He couldn’t help but to think about Esma and how beautiful she was and if she would lighten up she would be a wonderful woman. He kept searching through his things he didn’t know if she followed him or stayed at the guild but he hoped that she would have followed him so that he wouldn’t hear her complain about not having some items she needed for the travel. He hated it when people complained at him when he gave them a chance to go with him to grab some things for the travels.

 

[MissyDemeanors]

Esma's fists had clenched when the adventurer began talking back. He missed Thor grabbing her wrist. He could sense the power she was drawing in. Her defense spells were weak but her attacks were not.

Esma was beside herself "did you hear how he spoke to me Thor !" Zaps or electricity were buzzing off on her. She rarely lost her cool but even rarer was someone insulting her. She couldn't be the way she was if there wasn't a bit of fear and respect woven in.

The adventurer was out of line but they had no one else to take her. She agreed to the terms so she could have the sole responsibility of tending to the tome. She didn't need to gather her things they were already packed. Her robes were magic and held most things. She also had a bag and her staff. Anything else she could conjur or pay for.

"Don't kill him Esma." Thor said as she gathered her things. She glared at Thor wondering if he thought she might actually do it.

"Don't be stupid Thor. I won't kill him, but if he disrespects me again he'll wish I had."

Thor grabbed her arm "just ignore him or don't talk to him please Esma." Esma shook off Thor's habd and nodded.

"Fine, but if he gets in trouble he's on his own." He wasn't around to protect her. He was around to protect others from her. She went to where he was located ready to move forward and with luck do less talking she truly did not like people.

 

[jc199123]

After Thomas had looked over everything he had and decided that he needed to go to a local enchanter to get his armor enchanted so that if Esma had a hissy fit and decided to use her magic or if they encountered another mage he would be protected.

The enchanter he knew was a close friend in fact they had became friend when Thomas had helped him secure a very strong enchanting table. The enchanter was greatful and told Thhomas that if he ever needed anything enchanted that he would either do it for free on at a steep discount.

Thomas takes off his armor and slides what he could over his sword so he didn't have to carry anything by hand and juggle multiple pieces of armor on the way over.

He left his house only wearing his commoner clothing. He seen out of the corner of his eye that Esma coming down the street but paid no attention to her. He didn't know what she was wanting but he hoped she didn't plan on leaving earlier than he was told that they were to leave.

Thomas quickly makes. his was over to the enchanting shop. He hears a bell ring out telling the owner that a customer had stepped in or left. "I will be with you in a minute!" the owner shouts from the back.

"Ezra I know you're not going to set back there and not greet me in person." Thomas said as he walked up to the counter.

"Well if it isn't the devil himself... give me a minute Thomas. I am in the middle of a very important part in a enchantment and can't stop or it won't work." Ezra said from the back.

Thomas began to walk around looking at some of the enchanted items Ezra had on the shelves . Ezra emerged from the back of the store with a smile.

"How are you Thomas... what do you need enchanted today?" Ezra asks looking at the armor.

"I'm good Ezra I just need my armor enchanted to stop magic." Thomas said still looking around.

"I have a enchantmet that lessen the blow of a spell and absorb the energy. but you are not a battle mage so I don't know if you will be able to use it. Is there anything else you needed?""Ezra asked.

"Yes I need my sword enchated with the ablity to shock someone... because if I remember correctly mages' mana are affected by lightening." Thomas said laying everything on the counter.

"Ahhhh someone has been reading the book I gave them... I guess you are expecting to meet mages on you're journey." Ezra said picking up Thomas's armor.

"Yes I am... how long is this going to take?" Thomas asked.

"Come back tomorrow I should have everything done."Ezra said with a smile.

Thomas only nodded and left to go home. He could see someone waiting at his door or the guild made another illusion again. He slowly walked up so he could see what or who it was.

 

[MissyDemeanors]

Esma's rested on the wall next to his door. Her eyes searched him. He looked smaller not decked out. Her bags were ready and her boots were strapped on. She crossed her arms across her chest glaring and daring him to insult her again.

"I was told we were leaving today. Are you already behind schedule?" Esma tapped her foot. One eyebrow raised she scoped him out. He was a good looking man. Sadly that usually meant brains were lacking.

She bit her tongue remembering Thor's pleas for her to get along with him. She knew most people didn't like her. She didn't need him to like her but she did need his help and she would try and stay on his good side.

She sighed and stuck her hand out. "My names Esma Goodall. I've been informed you are the adventurer they have chosen to be my guide." She still had a scowl but she kept her hand extended. She didn't know how else to start over. This was more courtesy than she offered most and she hoped he'd take it.

 

[jc199123]

Thomas could see that Esma already wanted to leave even though Thor had told him that they didn’t have to leave until two days from now. He was only reassured when she told him that she was told that they were to leave today. He was surprise when she introduced herself and stuck out her hand. He grabs her hand and shakes it while he said “my name is Thomas Rhoads.” He let go of her hand then finished “I was told by Thor that we were to leave in a couple of days so I had to take my armor and sword to get some things done to them seeing how we may encounter some rouge mages on the way so I needed to have some protection from them. The things I had done to my armor and sword shouldn’t take more than a day at the most so we can leave as soon as I get my armor. You are welcome to come inside so we can talk about the path you plan on taking.” He opened his door and waited to see if she wanted to come inside.

 

[MissyDemeanors]

Esma managed to refrain from cussing. Thor had set her up. What better way for her to get to know her traveling companion then to wait with him while his gear got worked on.

She gathered her things and went inside. She left them by the entrance and waved her hand for him to direct her to where she could sit. " I can work on some research I brought with me."

She fidgeted trying to pretend to care. "We could talk about." She grasped at anything "you, I guess."

 

[jc199123]

Thomas pointed at a chair next to the dining room table and says “You can sit there and work for a bit I’m sorry but I just came back from an escort mission so I am a little tired so I want to relax before I start having a conversation.” He walks over to a cabinet and grabs two cup from it. He grabs a huge jug that contained his water from the mission he looks at Esma and says “in this jug there is fresh spring water if you are thirsty and I have some salted meat left over from the mission.” As he sets down place the jug and two cups on the table.