”Ah, Lady Winter, I dunno if I’m the exception to this group or not but, uh... I don’t know how to use magic. Not a bit. How exactly we suppose to use magic, you fill in our gaps when we ain’t never handled it before?” Goro asked.
Winter bit down on her lip. "Me neither. That's the point of this endeavor - to figure it out and learn how to use it. I have some ideas, but we shall see."
"Your grace, Goro makes a good point," Leliana said. "I myself am very eager to learn the language of the gods. Forgive my prodding, but I truly wish to learn the art of Necromancy, not some back alley parlor tricks. The power to create with one hand and destroy with the other, that is what I desire. I will do anything to prove myself worthy, and considering Goro and Nkosi have traveled from far and wide as well, I feel it only fitting they receive the honor of learning it as well."
Naswaru, however, did not appreciate the idea of necromancy. “This necromancy you speak of, I will learn it, but I will not practice it. There are somethings that are seen as taboo to my people. However, I will focus and share my efforts with the rest of you regarding nature and the earth.”
Winter took another pineapple piece. "Mmm, this is so good. Sorry, anyway, yes, I feel it would be beneficial to learn Necromancy, but I, too, find it rather distasteful. My own people consider it an insult to use their bodies in such a way. There are some uncomfortable philosophical dilemmas involved, to say the least. However, just because some of us have no wish to use it for ill doesn't mean others won't, and learning it would doubtless improve our ability to fight it, should such conflict arise. So we shall learn it for defensive purposes."
She ate the last pineapple piece and rinsed off her plate in the sink. "Mister Naswaru also raised some interesting points. Brandishing technology to peoples unused to such things is liable to bring unnecessary conflict. If the villages could be recruited, we could help make up the difference. Mister Naswaru, you shall be our guide through the eastern realms."
The young man had just one more question for her. “Missus Winter, you said there would be four horses waiting for us. Are you joining us on our expedition or are we waiting for another?”
She dried off the plate and put it back on the shelf. "Why yes, I do intend to join the expedition. After all, I know precisely as much magic as you do, and have greater need of it. While I suppose I could handle all extant threats to our party all by myself for a time, magic poses threats that even my own equipment cannot counter, so you will all need to grow stronger. There are things in this world far more powerful than you can even imagine, things that I at my peak cannot even touch. We must tread with utmost caution until we become masters of the arcane."
Winter slipped on a strange silver pendant and slung the bag of supplies over her shoulder. "Next stop: the palace. If you still feel inadequate without upgraded equipment, we will need support from the royal coffers, which I hope to procure. Come; it's just around the corner." She swung opened the door and gestured for everyone to step out.
Built in the shadow of Midhaven Tower, the palace seemed diminutive in comparison, but in truth, it was still a remarkable feat of engineering. Built from great stones cut with surprising precision, its sturdy structure and solid foundation allowed it to tower well-above what modern architects thought possible - and it was built hundreds of years prior to modern construction techniques. It was one of the few modern marvels that the ancients had no hand in, and if not for the backdrop of Midhaven Tower, it might well have been one of the single tallest man-made wonders in the world. Winter approached the golden gates with a certain gravitas that she hadn't exhibited in the prior hour. Despite the bag hanging over her shoulder, no one needed to see a luminous glow to ascertain who she was; her perfectly upright posture and measured steps betrayed her heavenly origins.
And it must be said that the bag seemed strangely light in her hands.
The gates swung open to let the visitors pass. Beyond them, the guards dropped to one knee and bowed low before the Immortal. No escort was assigned to them, a testament to their high estimation of the visitors' abilities. Winter handed the bag of supplies to an attendant just as a certain luxuriously dressed man came to greet them.
"Winter Valentine! My dear, my love, how good of you to come visit me!" said he.
Winter reddened slightly and rolled her eyes. "My friends, this is His Royal Majesty King Dragan. Your Majesty, these are my companions, Goro, Leliana, and Nkosi Naswaru. Say hi, everyone!"
King Dragan dipped his head a little. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Any friend of Valentine's is a friend of mine."
"We are not married," Winter added quickly.
"Yet."
"Or ever."
"Unless by my gentle wooings I sway your heart?"
She glanced back at the group and gave a hopeless smirk. "See what I put up with every time I visit?"
Dragan put a hand to his heart in faux distress. "My lady, you wound me!"
They shared a chuckle before once again donning their serious faces. Dragan asked, "What brings you here, My Fairest Lady?"
Winter withdrew a map and pointed to a spot on it. "We're headed eastward to the town of Bel'kin, where all magic is said to originate. May I trouble you for resources to help us on our journey? I am prepared to offer you half of the knowledge we gain."
The king stroked his chin. "Not quite good enough, I think. How about you throw in a date with me in the bargain?"
Winter smirked, and the two shook hands. "Done," she agreed.
Then the king turned to the group. "So, I understand you would like some upgrades? I can't imagine they would help much against magic, at least as the myths and fables would have us believe, but I shall defer to your better judgment. Please state your preferences, and I shall endeavor to have my craftsmen match them."
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