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Warren Castille · **11-17-2014, 03:55 PM**

Warren listened with the countenance of someone invested in the subject matter, which was easy for him because he was. The lalafell's goals were certainly in the right place but Warren figured it'd been easier for him due to the generous size disparity between the two. He wondered if he would have had to courage to go barging in to save people were he the same dimensions as the lala.

"I can't speak for what the heroes do, but in the stories they're seldom the ones to go chopping first. I can't speak for what evils that hornet might have done to others, but perhaps your end result wasn't what you were looking for on account of your motivation being slightly off." Warren examined the lalafell closely for a moment, furrowing his brow in thought.

"You look the part, and you're skilled with a hammer and metal if you've made all of that yourself. A hero's equipment doesn't make him a hero, though. If you want to do good, you need something good to do! It's that simple, I think. If it's know-how with swinging a sword you're looking for, there are easier ways to go about learning than butchering the honey-producing species native to the deserts." He smiled knowingly for a moment. "That will teach you how to swing a sword, certainly, and where to chop a bug to stop it the fastest, but I'm not sure how much good that would do you in the hero business."

Dasair · **11-17-2014, 05:04 PM**

Xavarian pursed his lips slightly with a small smile while listening to the man's reply to the Lalafell's question. Â

"I have to agree that they likely don't merely go in swinging..~ Â Though I can't speak for heroes either, really. Â Simply that what may be 'heroic' is not necessarily always what is expected~ Â Or so I think, and it seems logical to me. One may call another a hero for performing something of particular importance to them or another, hm? Â Something that may save a troubled one- er, one who was troubled, rather, from a feat they could have never seen through themselves. Â Again, I think he is right" another gesture to Warren "that intentions are of merit, though.. I also think that a hero is not one who ever necessarily acts alone~ Â Or, well, acts without anyone else in mind, insofar as their 'heroic deeds' are concerned. Â Many things, such as training, preparation, and so forth can be solitary, certainly, but the reasons one can be called a hero are often due to what actions they see through with one beyond the self in mind. Â But, of course, I could be entirely wrong, I am merely speculating..~"

The duskwight waves a hand at that last remark, and shifts his position slightly in the sands, looking down at his book. Â He appears as though about to write something, then pauses. Â

"What it seemed you were doing here was.. perhaps an attempt at training yourself~? Â Of course, maybe not, but if it were, I am not sure just going in swinging is the best route for you yet~ Â I imagine heroes who choose to fight, intentions aside, have methods that work well for them in particular. Â So if you find that running in swinging leaves you in a pile of rocks, perhaps an alternate approach would be wise. Â At least until doing so comes easier..~ Â Such as.. a distraction of sorts? Â Being quiet perhaps? Â Or something of an immobilizing nature so you may come closer to one not expecting you." Â A pause. "Given you've a reason to be after a particular something in the first place. Â Perhaps you need a teacher by way of the sword, if, of course, you're the sort to listen to teachers~"

Xavarian covers his mouth with a hand for a moment, hiding an inaudible yawn that to anyone else might only appear a momentary furrowed brow. Â He certainly wasn't bored, but did appear somewhat weary. Â It had been a long night, and the sun just made him more longing for a dark retreat. Â Placing the pen down on the open pages, and running a hand through his hair, he asks a final question.

"Might I ask your name?" Â Inquired with a grin.

Gegenji · **11-17-2014, 05:22 PM**

"But... but what if the bees rise up against us?" the Lalafell questioned in an overly dramatic tone, thinking aloud to himself with a seriousness that bordered on self-derogation. "Knowing where to chop 'em would be good then, yeah?"

He didn't even wait for a response before continuing.

"Still, you mentioned easier ways to learn how to swing a sword," he added, seriousness fading into thoughtfulness. "Ms. Artemis merely explained some of the basics, then took me out here to put it to practice. So I just did that again... minus her... and yeah..."

His gaze drooped to the ground as he spoke. Now that he thought about it, it was a pretty terrible idea. He knew that he was without a safety net without Ms. Artemis there to back him up, but he just wanted to get better with a sword so badly. So that he could protect people with a blade, rather than just sell it to them. Was he wrong?

No.

"I... wanna learn how." He stood firmly and resolutely in a childish sort of way, staring boldly up at the much taller Highlander. "How ta use a sword. So that... if someone needs help... needs ta be saved from somethin' dangerous, I can. I dun wanna be th' sort that runs 'n hides when the goin' gets tough, I wanna stand tall. 'N be there for those who can't protect 'emselves."

He turned towards Xavarian, his little face screwed into a look of determination.

"Me name's Chachanji Gegenji, 'n I wanna be a hero."

Show Content

Warren Castille · **11-17-2014, 05:50 PM**

Again Warren listened with a compassionate ear. He smiled inwardly at the tiny fellow's declaration of intent and there wasn't a doubt in the paladin's mind that this lalafell would stand tallest amongst his peers some day.

"If you're wanting to learn, you just need to find a suitable teacher. As our withering friend here spoke of." He gestured in kind to the elezen with a sympathetic grimace. He didn't know much about the fairer folk but he knew that, like Seekers, they weren't one for long hours out with the sun burning overhead.

"Have you considered the Gladiator's guild inside the city walls? They're rare to turn anyone away if they've got an interest in learning. I got my start there, believe it or not, though my start was a lifetime ago now. And I began pounding iron into shield-shapes, not on the 'Sands proper, but I know what it's like have that fire burning inside to push you to learn. If I can, I want to help you, Chachanji Gegenji. I'm Warren Castille, a Free Paladin in service to the city and most importantly, the people of Thanalan."

The paladin crossed a hand over his waist and bowed.

Dasair · **11-17-2014, 06:17 PM**

Xavarian couldn't help a snicker at the conversation. Â "Withering..~ Â By the hells, I should hope not, I have had quite enough of that~ Â Perhaps.. fading? Â Only temporarily of course, or so I hope~" Â The lilt to his voice persisted, tired as he was, and his hand was quick and skilled with a pen even still, writing a few things down in the tome as he spoke. Â

He didn't have much to add, insofar as anything related to swordsmanship. Â Only when he was quite young had he even considered attempting to wield such a thing, and even then, it being much more of a daydream than any serious attempt. Â The small statured hero-to-be could learn much more about where to find knowledge on blades from those skilled with them. Â Which certainly wasn't Xavarian. Â The Duskwight did, however, have the courtesy to introduce himself, though only just enough.

"I am Xavarian, an adventurer, mage, and.. a scholar of sorts. Â Aetherical disturbances, and, well, Aetherical anythings are of my interest~" Â A vague wave of his hand, which sparked a bit at the movement. Â "I am likely much less of use to your pursuits than Warren here, but would give help should you seek to ask. Â Well, if I could, anyway~"

Gegenji · **11-17-2014, 08:47 PM**

"Th'... Gladiators?" Chacha echoed, placing a finger thoughtfully against his chin. He'd been by the place a couple times, of course, during his various odd jobs around Ul'dah. Usually no further than the front counter to drop off a package or anything, though. He vaguely remembered the clashing of swords and shields there, and mentally slapped himself for not even thinking of asking them if they'd help him out! Dummy, dummy Chacha!

He was even more awed, if such a thing was possible, when Warren offered to help him out.

"Ah! That'd be great! Super great! The greatest!" He bounced up and down at the proposal, enough to even draw Gran's attentions from his epic stare-down with Victory. He caught himself after his little outburst, clearing his throat and trying to look like he hadn't just done that. To further convince them, he gave Warren a sloppy little salute. "Ser Warren! I'd be honored t' have yer assistance!"

Since he was in the mood for it, little Chachanji gave Xavarian a salute too when he introduced himself. Not for any particular reason. He just felt in a salute-y mood and two salutes were obviously better than one. That was basic maff!

"Oh!" Chachanji piped up suddenly, digging about his person before pulling out a beat up little book. "Ms. Artemis said it's good to write down friends' names so I don't ferget 'im!"

And so, in the middle of the Thanalan savannah, two new names were added to Chachanji's Book of Frands in his big, blocky script:

Waren Castle
Ksav Zava Tzav...

He paused on the second one after trying to write it and subsequently scribbling it out a few times, looking up at the Duskwight for guidance.

"... Can you spell yer name fer me? Is hard."

Warren Castille · **11-18-2014, 10:02 AM**

Warren didn't except the smaller fellow to bounce at his proposal and his surprise showed readily on his face, though it was quickly accompanied with a gentle smile.

"I don't have any doubts that you're eager to learn. The key is good fundamentals; Without a good foundation you won't be able to progress very far technique-wise. Besides, I suspect that this isn't something you'll be talked out of, so at the very least I should help make certain you can defend yourself should you find more of that hornet's kin, or in case someone else does and you're the only one around to answer the call. Protecting's a noble endeavor."

He didn't want to sound like he was posturing or worse, lecturing, so he cut himself off there and turned to the elezen. Warren felt slightly out of place being the only one of the three not holding a book, but gauntlets seldom played nicely with writing implements.

Dasair · **11-18-2014, 12:23 PM**

Xavarian snickered lightly at the enthusiasm, not in mockery, but in being pleased that the Lalafell seemed to have found a direction worth taking. Â He never could argue about taking a leap to acquire new knowledge. A slight nod was given in return to the salute, and after, a small shift where he was sitting. Â The Duskwight seemed to perk up a little as well when the Lalafell pulled out a small book himself. Â A grin flashed across Xavarian's face, and the slight chill to the air abruptly became something warmer when he leaned just slightly to get a better look at it if he could, more the book itself than the contents.

"So you are also the sort to take down note and word, hm~? Â I do always appreciate crossing those who, not only have ability to read what is written, but write themselves~ Â It is much less common here than I actually would have thought, the literate and those who write. Â But ah" Â He gestures with vague amusement. Â "Such as a scribe and binder of tomes would ramble~ Â Xavarian is spelled X-A-V-A-R-I-A-N, hm~? Â This Ms. Artemis you know sounds wise~" Â

Xavarian spoke with a smile, though was inwardly glad he'd omitted his last name. Â Unlikely, but possibly a trouble that might be with some if it should get around...

"And perhaps this isn't so, but it sounds..- well, you two likely wouldn't oft be adrift and asleep at this hour, would you? Â Warren sounds like he may be interested in showing you how to fight those hornets with a blade..~" Â A glance of affirmation is given up to Warren from where the Elezen sits. Â He has only a slight mischief to his look. Â "Or was that mere elaboration by direction to the guild~? Â Perhaps I am mistaken. Â It is late, but by all roads and means, if, Chachanji, you wish to head onward to train yourself in any ways offered, do be free to follow the Knowledge you seek~ Â I, for one, would be none of the sort to hold you from it, unless you need of some Aetherical assistance. . ." Â A vague hand gesture is given, leaving tiny embers in its wake, before he takes the pen in that hand and puts down more in his tome.

Gegenji · **11-18-2014, 12:45 PM**

".. A-R-I-N, got it!" Chachanji chirped, oblivious to the missing letter. Considering how many of the - albeit few - other names scribed within were also mangled in some way, Xavarian's stood out as almost looking right. The lettering on it seemed neater as well, as the little Lalafell had used the awesome might of a slightly protruded tongue to add focus to his writing. His deed done, he clapped the tiny book shut again and tucked it away so as not to lose it.

"Oh! Ms. Artemis is very smart!" Chacha agreed with a smile and nod of his wee head, moving on to energetic gesticulations. "She knows a lot 'bout th' bookmagics 'N how ta wield a sword. 'n she has a bunch of neat lil' friends, like a kitten 'n a fairy!"

Xavarian's insinuations did not escape the Lalafell's ear, either. Once he was done gushing about one of his first new friends in Ul'dah, his violet-hued gaze was again turned to the towering Free Paladin. Chacha positively exuded an aura of excitement.

"Ah! Ye'd help me learn howta sword? Really? Really really?" His little shoulders were hunched and his hands balled into wee fists mere finger-widths from his chest, looking set to start bouncing about again. "That'd be wundaful!"

A thought occurred to him.

"Oh!" he breathed as he turned back to the Duskwight. "'n about learnin' th' magics! I dun know too much there, but Ms. Artemis said I should learn 'bout conjoory ta help with helpin' people!"

"Tho'..." he noted thoughtfully, folding his arms across his little armored chest. "I know a lil. Me brother Gogo taught me a piece'a bookmagic after I hurt myself playin' wit onna Papa's finished axes. If'n ya want ta talk magicks, he'd definitely be th' one you'd wanna see!"

A sudden sadness flitted across the Lala's features. He brilliant violet gaze dimmed as his eyes found the ground. The words that followed were little more than a murmur spilling over pursed lips.

"[sub]... If'n I knew where he was...[/sub]"

It was followed by a long sigh, as if he was venting his depression along with the lungful of air. He closed his eyes, patted lightly at his cheeks again, and then turned back towards Warren with a bright smile.

"'Ey, if'n we could, how soon could'ya start teachin' me ta sword?"

Warren Castille · **11-18-2014, 01:20 PM**

Warren had been making notes while the elezen and the lalafell spoke in turn, but he was tucking them away as mental notes. There was something about Xavarian that caused him to feel momentarily suspicious and the particular phrasing of some of the things he said didn't sit correctly with him. Similarly, Chachanji's brief aside about his absent brother went without verbal comment from him. All things in due time as it were, and Warren decided the middle of Thanalan was not the place to delve into someone's history. Trust was a thing to be earned, after all.

"Conjury and aetherial manipulation is something that isn't for everyone. In my experiences, anyway. I understand some of the theory behind the arts but I myself have always seemed lacking the gift that allows some others to casually strike flame from the air." He indicated Xavarian again with a nod of his head, the small pyrotechnics display having not gone unnoticed.

"But you're not asking me about magic, you're asking me about war. If you've got some time today I can provide some basic instruction. It won't make you into an army-slaying avatar of destruction in an afternoon, but with some practice every day and repetition you'll become more familiar. Swinging the sword is only a part of properly wielding one, and it takes a different sort of discipline to master than the magical studies require. If you're unable to make time today, however, I understand. Perhaps you'd be more willing to learn from Xavarian here." The paladin looked towards the seated elezen once again and flashed a slightly apologetic grin. "He hasn't offered, but he doesn't seem the sort to turn down someone seeking to explore their capacity for knowledge."

Dasair · **11-18-2014, 02:07 PM**

Xavarian listened with interest, not without scribbling things down either, when the subjects of Aether and those who knew it arose. Â The elezen seemed to spark a bit through the time he sat and listened, little streaks of lightning aspected Aether jumping along his body. Â He didn't seem to be readying any hostile movement, however, by his face and posture, still with a smile and looking relatively tired. Â In fact, he may not have even noticed...

"Is she~? Â It sounds as though she is a Scholar of Grimoire, among those who utilize tomes for Aetherical direction.. How intriguing, this Ms. Artemis sounds like she would be interesting to meet~ Â Though, ah-" Â He pauses a moment, bring a hand up to his lips to think, and finally realizes it's sparking. Â By now some of his hair has started to stand up from the static, and he huffs, shaking his hand out as though that might be rid of the sparks. Â It only partly works, though the air chills slightly instead. . .

"Excuse me." Â He mutters, before continuing, more curious but with a hint of concern. Â "You cannot find your brother?" Â Clearly his sharp ears hadn't missed the murmur. Â "I, ah, well, you need not speak of it if you'd rather not, of course, but.. if he has an interest in Aether, and you seek to find him, perhaps I can be of use there. Â Or, I mean, so much as looking out for one of his description. Â ... If you'd care for such a thing, anyway, I do not mean to mettle." Â He waves a placating hand, not wishing to offend somehow. Â

"But beyond that, I ah- Conjury is something I- well, I've some knowledge in, but not the most apt. Â Yet. Â A field of study I too am still.. learning." Â A hand runs through his hair, the air becoming a bit colder around him, though there's none to say it might not be a nice relief in the desert sun. Â "Considering the differences in Aetherical sources, I can only help in ways of teaching to appease one's surroundings and the ... Elementals" the word said with an odd, thoughtful distance "to draw their Aether in tandem with one's will so much yet. Â 'So much' being 'little'~ Â That of nature finds it.. amusing not always to listen to me, I suppose." Â He huffs lightly, thinking of the various mishaps he had with both Wind and Earth seeming to choose wills of their own to follow instead of his. Â There were untold hairknots, being blown over, and bruises those days. Â

"I will not deny one's search for knowledge, but in that regard, there are those far greater to teach than I~ Â My particular skills of current lie much closer with that of the self's Aetherical potency, hm~? Â I've, ah." Â He shakes a hand some, little bits of frost now falling from it to melt before they reach the ground. Â "I've quite a lot of that~ Â I just seek to learn everything of all sorts of Aether that I can, but have much yet to see. Â So if you are interested in discussing theory, doing experiments, and finding application of various Aetherical manipulations, then I would quite enjoy speaking to you of such matters, but.. well," Â A gesture to Warren, with the inclusion of a somewhat amused, sly look as to say 'I see what you did there.' to the Paladin. Â "As he said, knowledge of spellery and the sword are different matters, and I have only the former~"

Gegenji · **11-18-2014, 02:28 PM**

Chachanji nodded eagerly at Warren, puffing up his wee chest proudly before speaking. "Aye, I had slated most'a this day ta gettin' better wit me sword. So I'd be happy fer any halp ye can give."

As the three conversed, Gran had gone back to his posturing in front of Victory. The baby behemoth was making quite a wide manner of snorts and snuffles, daring the chocobo to come at him. He rose up in a few mock charges and pawed at the ground a few times for added emphasis. Whether he was actually looking for a fight or just wanting to play was hard to tell, but little Gran seemed excited about it nonetheless.

"Ah, err... ya heard that, didya?" Chacha commented sheepishly, only turning his head enough to get eyes on Xavarian again. The chuckle that followed was a melancholy one. "Heh heh... 'm sorry. Me brother was always inta th' readin' 'n bookmagics 'n stuff. All th' stuff yer talkin' about jus' reminded me o' him a wee bit. I'm sure 'e woulda loved ta meetcha, coulda talked smart-stuffs wit ya fer days."

Putting a lighter spin on the matter seemed to brighten the Lalafell's mood a bit. He turned more fully to the Duskwight, either unaware that the various element-tuned aether flitting around him was odd or - quite possibly - not caring overly much. As the Elezen spoke of aetherial potency and manipulation, Chachanji just smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, Gogo would'a loved you." He had no clue what Xavarian was even talking about, but he was quite certain it would be right up Gogonji's alley. He followed this up with a corrective waggle of his finger as he continued. "Anyroad, ya still know more about th' conjoory than I do, so any bit'll halp! 'Specially if'n it can protect people."

Warren Castille · **11-18-2014, 02:54 PM**

Victory couldn't figure out what to make of the plum-shaded companion. He clearly seemed ready for Victory to tangle with him again. The bird lowered his beak again and attempted to brush the creature on its side once more, since doing that the first time seemed to get a reaction.

Warren was taking his turn to listen once more in the meanwhile, though he did cast a watchful eye over towards the armored bird. He didn't think Victory would go so far as to hurt the roaming pig, but...

"I have some bells before I'm due anywhere, so at your leisure I can see what you've already learned and try to expand upon that." He smiled again and rested his hands on his waist, one settling on the hilt of his sword comfortably and familiarly.

The conversation shifted once more towards things magical and Warren resumed patiently listening. What little he'd read and what little of that he understood would surely balk in the face of true, applied study. He couldn't help his thoughts turning to events prior but beyond a faintly vacant passing moment in his eyes, he remained smiling cordially.

Dasair · **11-18-2014, 03:03 PM**

Xavarian huffed, though with amusement more than anything, and brought a hand to his face with a grin. Â "I cannot argue with that~ Â I will help you then, but only if you promise to find a better teacher than I, later~ Â Knowing how little I know, I cannot merely leave you to thinking that my tiny experience is all there is~"

He gives a somewhat warmer, though tired smile before scribbling down more in his tome. Â And that warmth was reflected in a subtle shift in temperature around the Elezen.

"Though, it won't be this sun. Â I- Well, I am the sort that may do things strangely to those of you who live on the- er, 'above', here, and I sleep during the sun's hours~ Â Right now it's.. quite late for me, and I am truthfully exhausted. Â Any teaching now would be dreadful at best~ Â But!"

A finger is held up in emphasis at the pause in his deep, lilting tone. Â

"Where might I leave word for you, or meet you again? Â I do not live in the city, and... travel quite frequently, but if you know an evening you would be willing to hear and try what little I've to say and show, then I will return to teach you. Â Should you want it, of course." Â The Duskwight couldn't help a dorky sort of pursed-lip smile at that.

And meanwhile, Vathen, who had been resting most of the conversation, peered over at the exchange between Gran and Victory. Â Only a low coo came from the observing chocobo.

Gegenji · **11-18-2014, 03:19 PM**

Ah, but Gran was ready for the assault this time! With a glimmer in his porcine eye, he dodged to the side and away from the oncoming beak. Seeing his opening, he pressed his advantage and charged into Victory's leg!

... And bounced off with a sound not unlike a dog's squeaky toy. Still, Gran considered this attack a success and spun around once in a little victory dance. Eyes closed, snout upturned proudly, one would think he had defeated a long-set rival rather than merely bumped a bird in the leg.

Chachanji, on the other hand, was currently still engrossed in much more peaceful matters. At Xavarian's admission to his weariness, he took on a shocked and then apologetic look. He padded his way lightly towards the Duskwight and gave him a gentle pat on the leg.

"If yer sleepy, ya should go sleeps," he advised wisely. "If'n ya need ta get in touch wit me, I'm pretty sure ya can leave a message wit Momodi. She's lettin' me shack up in th' Hourglass while I do my halpin' out 'round Ul'dah, so she'd be me best bet."

He took on a firmer tone once that was said, looking at the much taller Elezen sternly.

"Now, off ta bed wit ye! Ya need yer sleeps!"

With his piece said, the little Lalafell marched his way back over to Warren, looking up at the almost-as-tall Highlander. He looked the Hyur over, recalling what he had just said about showing him what he knew so far about the fine art of swording. His gaze flitted to his own little indigo-hued blade, then to Warren's much larger weapon, and then back at the man himself.

"So... err... am I sposta attack ya or somethin'?" he queried neatly.

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