xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The party had been scouting for days. It wasn’t unusual for watches to make rounds, but it wasn’t typical for the Archmagus to join. Iprix, however, was a welcome addition. His cheery attitude and attempts at humor encouraged most of the group, if not everyone found him equally amusing. Ulroth, a warrior encamped nearby, seemed to find Iprix’s optimism faint shades of annoying. Accustomed to a quiet life where he could brood in silence, the Archmagus’ nonchalance grated on his nerves.

As they approached the mountains, Scryer addressed the group.

This is where he was rumored last seen. Everyone keep an eye out.

Ulroth scanned the dark foothills, mist winding slowly in and out of the shadows.

If we do find him, we’ll need the chalice right away.

He glanced pointedly at Iprix.

Yes, yes, I’m ready.

Ulroth stared back at the mountains, and turned to Iprix.

Yes, in case you haven’t forgotten where you put it.

Forget? I..I.. he sputtered.

I wouldn’t forget that...It’s what I do! Iprix’s voice grazed indignantly higher at the end of his protest.

As Ulroth turned away, a look of concern flitted across Iprix’s face as his hand shot to the top of his pocket, wreathing his face in a smile just in time for Ulroth to return his gaze to the Archmagus.

That man is too friendly, he thought to himself as he stepped towards the misty shadows.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The group trudged back towards the citadel. The journey had proved fruitless, though Iprix was in his usual high spirits. Whatever troubled him, he didn’t see the need to bother others with it.

The boy from the village came astride him as he walked, having tagged along as usual.

What’s the chalice do?

Iprix, always one for conversation, perked up at the notion of a teaching moment.

Oh! Well it…

He glanced around.

No use being too subtle, I doubt there’s anyone around for miles.

He trudged on, leaning in slightly as if sharing privileged information.

It makes you immortal.

What??

Voices down, please...but yes, and we need it because if we find him, we need to make sure he lasts long enough, or - that’s rather impolite...I mean that he lives, so that he can share with us some, uh, pertinent information. Rumors that they captured him, you see, would mean he will be traveling hurt and we weren’t sure what kind of condition we would find him in.

So you can just make people immortal?

Well, not everyone. Not humans, specifically. And not that it’s a tool to be used lightly, mind you. But when the future is at stake…

It doesn’t work on humans?

Iprix sighed and looked at the boy.

I just said that.

He turned back.

But no. It’s been tried and to rather unfortunate ends I’m afraid...it seems it would have the opposite on humans. Everyone who has tried it, well...let’s just say it didn’t uh, go as one might have hoped.

The boy looked forward solemnly.

I wish it worked on humans.

Iprix patted his shoulder.

Me too, my boy, sometimes...me too.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The wind swept through Iprix’s tower. Papers fluttered about as Leo flew agitatedly about, cawing in distress. The darkness was unsettling – Iprix’s tower normally glowed with cheerful light. The air was cold and the door, squeaking open and shut with the gusts imbued the already ominous emptiness with an eerie soundtrack.

Agnor burst in. Magus Crowley, Wizard Brown and Ather Stulle hastened in behind him, taking in the state of the tower in horror. They couldn’t have taken an archmagus lightly. Footsteps pounded maddeningly up the long staircase as the boy, breathless, entered the room.

Where is he??

Agnor scoured the empty room, looking for any careless mistakes as clues.

We don’t know that, or we wouldn’t be here!

Agnor’s distressed pacing caused the floorboards to complain loudly.

Magus Crowley, take Wizard Brown and see to your crystals – if they can tell us anything, we need to know now. Ather, gather a party, light and fast, to travel right away. And tell them they need to have the stomach for it.

The wizards swept out of the tower at once, leaving Agnor and the boy to search the empty dark.

I want to come!

No.

The boy’s countenance crated with worry and the feeling of helplessness.

At least he’s immortal…

Agnor continued pacing the floor, looking for anything left behind.

They won’t mean to kill him.

He stood up.

It might be the one case in which being immortal is actually a disadvantage.

He strode past the boy and out the door.

Don’t linger here.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The dark stank of despair. It wasn’t a place for humans, wizards, of any of the like. It was a place meant to drown out hope, and draw out truth from those who sought to hide it. Too many had been taken, and too many lost already to a power that knew no bounds on its greed.

The water from the top of the corridor plunked onto Agnor’s head. Chiyo tread cautiously around the puddles, signaling to Ather to avoid their splashing that could give them away. They had already disposed of three guards, but how much further they were to go was unknown. Metal clanked as chains rustled. Chiyo signaled ahead as voices grew in the darkness ahead.

He’s holding fast, who would’ve thought.

The second guard laughed.

Not for long. He’s too weak. Tougher than he looks, scrawny scribe, I’ll give him that – but no one ever lasts - one way or another anyway.

He spit on the ground.

Let’s go.

As their voices receded, Agnor signaled forward. The threesome moved stealthily around the corner, searching each cell for signs of Iprix. Ather motioned to them.

Agnor nodded to Chiyo as she took her tools to pick the lock. A second later, the door swung open and Iprix, held fast by his wrists by a rope to the ceiling, swayed slightly with the breeze from the opening above. Blood traced down his face and his arms.

Agnor took the cleric in his arms, releasing the tension as Ather cut the rope. As he crumpled towards the earth, his neck remained stiff and his eyes some kind of pitch black. Chiyo looked at him.

What’s wrong with him?

Agnor picked him up, throwing him over his shoulder.

He’s channeling. The one way he can leave his body.

He looked around.

Let’s move.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The fight to get out of the caverns hadn’t been pretty. Escape near at hand, the otherwise utterly un-useful but always conveniently placed nuisance of a guard had spotted them by the Hinge. Calling all on duty mages to impede their captive’s release, more than one once-great wizard had fallen and the group had sustained injuries of their own.

The campfire crackled as the group rested around it in the night. The form of Iprix lay on the other side of the fire, still frozen and unresponsive. The group was subdued.

Chiyo: Do you think he’ll come out of it?

Agnor stoked the fire.

Yes, though when is anyone’s guess.

Ather whipped out his wand, dagger at the ready as he jumped up at the sound of approaching hooves.

Ekmira’s steed came into view.

Ather sheathed his dagger and stepped down from the rock.

As Ekmira dismounted, she rushed to Iprix’s side.

How long has he been like this?

Agnor replied.

Too long.

Ekmira looked down at Iprix’s pale face, his eyes black and blank. She touched his face.

Iprix…

Iprix didn’t respond. Ekmira turned to the group, and gazed around their surroundings. At once, Iprix’s hand caught Ekmira’s arm, clutching her wrist in a vice-like grip. With a start, she gazed back at his face. Still empty, the blackness in his eyes began to move. The arm he held fast jerked Ekmira closer as he shuddered. Slowly, his eyes began to clear. The blackness dissipated and Iprix’s green eyes shown through. His grip released as he relaxed down to the ground.

Ekmira…

He turned his head on the ground. Around the fire he could make out figures.

Agnor...Chiyo…. Ather.

He touched his head.

I thought I had a bad dream…

Ekmira helped him sit up.

Let me take you home. I have my horse.

Iprix stuttered.

They’re looking...We’re not the only ones. He’s gone beyond my reach now but even if he hadn’t….they didn’t learn it from me but they will track him. They will find his last location.

Agnor stood.

You have to be careful. We don’t think we were followed but they won’t be happy to have lost him.

Ekmira turned to Agnor as she helped steady Iprix.

I can handle them. And we’ll ride fast.

Agnor nodded.

We’ll follow you in the morning.

As Ekmira mounted her ever-so-slightly glowing steed, Agnor lifted Iprix onto Percival's wide back.

As the wind began to rustle, Ekmira motioned Percival forward with words of a forgotten tongue. The glow beneath his feet began to intensify as his hooves restlessly beat the ground. In an instant, they were gone.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The joy of the day set sparks in the air. As bells chimed, the village had turned out for the wedding. Streamers fluttered gaily in the spring breeze as pints of ale were merrily passed about and dancing ensued in the square. Iprix watched the proceedings, beaming as Ekmira sat next to him, a pint bubbling happily in front of her as Chiyo made her way through the crowd.

Not my scene, but I couldn’t miss it.

Iprix squirmed with joy.

I love events like this...everyone smiling, everyone happy...

The three watched the dancers, turning this way and that. A child, racing haphazardly through the throng, tripped in fantastic style, sending his drink soaring and crash landing like a baby bird learning to fly. Agnor swept him up.

Ho, ho! Can’t have that, can we? You ride up there, enjoy the view.

As the giant warrior sauntered off, Claeron thrilled to be seated upon the tallest man’s shoulders, the bride and groom joined to greet the group.

Iprix: Tired of dancing?

Groom: No, never! Not with this one anyway…

He threw his arm around his bride.

Iprix: You make a wonderful pair.

The couple sat down, the bartender conjuring drinks with gleefully dancing garnishes.

Iprix smiled.

What a journey. Look at you, my boy! A savior of the crops one year, and turning into a rather fearsome fighter as well, or so I hear from Agnor.

He lifted his glass and glanced at Ekmira.

And today our hero has found his heroine. And what’s a hero without his heroine, eh?

Ekmira smiled and raised a brow.

Is that what we are?

Well, I..I mean..

He glanced around the table.

Well you’re a heroine and I’m, well, I’m a small hero...occasionally..

Ekmira smiled and kissed his cheek.

You’re my hero, always.

Iprix blushed dark red, his moustache tips practically changing color.

The young man’s laugh rang out across the table.

Don’t be shy, Iprix. You taught me everything I know.

Iprix’s mind cleared at the chance for a verbal joust.

What did I teach you?

You’re right, not much. Just all the sciences necessary for the crops, and astronomy, and anything else I wasn’t being too annoying to learn. And as for Agnor, who knows – but I’m enjoying my studies.

Iprix beamed proudly.

You’ve done well here.

The young woman smiled knowingly as she watched the pair. The man finished his drink and set the glass strongly on the table.

Well..we should be off back to the dance floor I think.

She met his glance.

Indeed.

As the pair receded, Iprix watched them go. Once in a while, his faith in humanity paid off. Exchanging a happy smile with Ekmira, he set a hand on her knee as together they watched the happy crowd, the sun shining down warmly on a joyful day.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The battle had reached the outskirts of the citadel. Smoke from enemy campfires had engulfed the city, and those most vulnerable had left to the outlands. Fighters from surrounding areas had convened in the capital, determined to hold the city against the forces from Alroth. They were a small bunch, but nasty, capable of inflicting damage beyond what would seem their means to do so, and persistent past what they should have been capable.

Rumors swirled that the Alroth had been imbued with dark magic. Maybe it was true, though it didn’t much matter. The only pertinent point was to defend the city, the orb contained within its walls, and the old magic hidden away in the swathes of scrolls in the tower.

The citadel led the charge against the Alroth for the second day. The young man from the village had joined – Iprix couldn’t discourage it, and he had insisted to volunteer. Indeed, his presence brought others, his half-human half-wizard genesis encouraging those from both sides to do the same. Lost in the crowd, the citadel’s troops swathed the interior of the capital.

Agnor and Scryer led the front contingents, wizards generating shields from strategic angles above the frey. Ekmira sat astride Percival, with her longbow and her wand, as Iprix stood on the opposite cliff, eyes obsidian and hands out as he maneuvered an army of shadow to the front of the line. The creatures that dared enter fell violently, returning to their ranks to attack their own kind as if possessed. For the first time, the Alroth paused.

Commanders walked the ranks, barking to their soldiers to advance. As their impatience grew and the foul creatures began to fear their commanders more than the shadow before them, they pushed forward. The volume of the attack began to shake the defenses. Iprix’s hands shook as Leo soared above the battlefield.

The defenses began to break. Blood and sweat began to bead on Iprix’s forehead as the strength of the magic running through him intensified.

An Alroth broke through the shadow. With a screech, it was stopped in its tracks by Ekmira’s longbow. But the defense was weakening. Warriors and wizards alike murmured and shuffled as they prepared for a full-fledged attack.

With a flash, a white light met the shadow at the forefront. A burst of electricity caught both sides astride, tossing those nearby away as if they were drops in a giant sea. As both waves trailed away, creatures began to pour through the darkness. With a roar from the citadel, fighters pushed forward as the battle clashed.

On the cliff, Leo landed with a screech, talons bearing into the dirt as Magus Elderon ran towards Iprix. Glitching in and out of life, he sat up from where he had crumpled into the ground.

Leo, go! See to the ground.

As Leo returned to the air, Iprix stood to channel once more.

Magus Edleron: You can’t! Iprix, they’ve already broken through. The fight is on the ground now. But the shield considerably weakened their forces.

Iprix stared at the battle below.

To the tower – go!

You can’t be serious.

Elderon, I’m never serious. But I need you to tell me one thing – do I look serious today?

We can’t use the orb!

And what if we have to?

As Elderon and Iprix reached the entrance of the tower, a horn below sounded. It was too quick, yet a raging cheer lent up from the citadel as Leo crowed above. The two wizards climbed the stairs of the tower to see enemy forces receding. A black mist crawled in their wake, ebbing as the Alroth dissipated. Familiars, wizards, warriors and humans pushed forward in pursuit.

A solider entered the tower. Breathless, he fell to one knee.

Iprix, you should come now.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Iprix’s robes tore as he raced across the battlefield.

No! No!

His face flickering from exhaustion, he collapsed at the young man’s side.

Ridon. Ridon can you hear me? My boy, wake up.

The young man managed to lift his head.

Iprix..

He smiled.

Iprix I…

He took a labored breath.

I never thanked you.

Iprix fumbled in his robes, knowing full well that even if the situation were grave enough to use the goblet, that the young man’s human side would render it ineffective.

Don’t talk, just rest. Don’t talk...

You wouldn’t leave me behind. You never left me behind.

Iprix glanced up across the battlefield, smoke rising across the citadel’s floor.

He looked back at the young man, whose face has stilled into a calm expression.

Ridon! Ridon!

Iprix shook him.

No!

He leaned forward, his head bowed on the young man’s chest.

No! No!

Ekmira appeared on the battlefield. Running pell-mell across the burned earth, she knelt next to him on the ground as his tears plunked softly on the silver plate of armour.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The mood in the town was somber. A victory had been won, though the ultimate outcome remained unknown. Perhaps as it always was. Peace came, and peace went, as it had as long as humans and human-like had roamed the runiverse. The world was always a dark place - which made the bright parts within it all the more valuable.

Agnor had come to call. Much unlike his first visit, Agnor was now a staple in the tower – the bench slightly bowed from his weight, he took up his usual spot. Iprix perked at the sight of a visitor.

Agnor! Please, come in.

Leo squawked as he clunked an empty flagon down next to Agnor. With a wave of his wand, Iprix filled it with ale.

Leo intends to be a bartender.

He looked up at Agnor, his smile fading softly as he took in his friend’s countenance.

He sat down next to him. Realizing he wasn’t tall enough to look the man in the eye from the same vantage point, he reevaluated and pulled up a chair. He waited for Agnor to speak.

He was a good student.

Iprix understood.

He became more than we even could have hoped.

Agnor studied him.

You seem to be doing well.

Iprix drew a breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it. He leaned in, echoing the emotions etched in Agnor’s face.

Through parallel runiverses, other timelines and other worlds, energy is never destroyed. It changes, and it changes many times over, but it is never destroyed.

He leaned back and looked down.

I wish he’d had more time here. But it wasn’t my destiny to choose. It was his.

He looked pointedly at Agnor.

And it was certainly not yours.

He paused, staring at the floor.

I shall miss him. He was a great joy, and joy is never lost.

He leaned forward, putting a hand on Agnor’s giant shoulder and looking him in the eye, at once both sad and mysterious.

Don’t let the limitations of your mind make you dark. After dying more times than I can remember, the one thing I know for sure, is that you never know.

He stood, starting back to his desks.

Maybe that old fart - er, Archmagus - will come to take his job back.

He smiled.

Maybe I’ll retire.

Agnor finished his ale and stood. He didn’t always understand what the funny little wizard was saying, but somehow it seemed like a comfort. Iprix approached him, looking up from the floor.

You can’t live for centuries in this world without grief. But there are great joys in this world and they’re worth holding on to. Like I said -

He waved a hand in the air.

• you really never know.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Spring passed. Winter came. Summer, and fall, and again. Iprix shuffled about his tower, organizing what seemed to be an endless stack of scrolls. A young wizard popped his head up from beneath a pile of papers.

Boo!

Ah! Ahh...yooo tiny one.

He shook a finger at the imp.

How many times have I told you??

The imp giggled and started off for the bookshelf.

The rustling of papers continued as a veritable army of young wizards (and some humans) bustled around the tower. Some, under Iprix’s tutelage, had even learned how to use a few of the spells the scrolls contained, though occasionally the students were over-eager. A scroll caught fire at the end of the desk.

Yaa Grossus! Don’t practice that one near the paper!

A young witch near the door was levitating a vibrant yellow bloom, it’s petals glowing with solar energy.

I say! Very well done Rita. Indeed!

He turned his attention to the door as Ekmira entered.

Ahh, class dismissed everyone! Yes, yes, there we go, time to go!

He made a sweeping gesture towards the door.

See you tomorrow!

He yelled down the stairs.

And Alden, bring your lunch! If you eat my table again I’ll have your buffalo eat you!

He sighed, smiling as he closed the door.

Well, hello.

Hello.

She smiled at her wizard.

Have your hands full, it seems.

Ha! Indeed. It’s been enjoyable, but I won’t deny I’ll be happy when the Headmaster is back.

She smiled.

And you get your tower back?

He glanced her way with a half-sheepish shrug.

Well.

Ekmira watched him fondly as he made his way to her at the window.

It seems it does you good.

It does.

He smiled at her, then looked out the window again.

It really does. I like being alone up here, but there’s something about helping.. It’s a nice reminder, that there’s something to hope for…

He trailed off. He turned to face Ekmira, taking her face in both hands. A tear slipped down his cheek into his coiffed mustache.

My love…

She reached up to brush it away.

I’m not sad.

He studied her face, taking in every detail.

I’m happy.

She met his eyes with a sympathetic smile. It was for him as he always said, that it was the dark that made the lights shine brightest. She put her hand atop his.

Let’s go home.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The fire crackled in the hearth in front of the sofa. Iprix and Ekmira sat together, feet up, at opposite ends, legs covered by a blanket in the middle. Teacups steamed merrily in their saucers next to each, Leo asleep on a shelf and Mathilda, Ekmira’s familiar, curled by the fire. Iprix read from a scroll – an entertaining if not somewhat unfortunate tale written long ago by an old archmagus who most likely never imaged anyone else reading his writing – as Ekmira almost spit out her tea giggling at the antics contained. Iprix pointed at her.

See? This is why I don’t keep dairies.

His mustache quivered as he could barely contain his glee. He sighed and put the scroll down.

Poor Holnor. We’ll let him alone for tonight. Hee hee…

Ekmira put down her tea and rearranged the blanket. Resting her head on his chest, he tipped his head to hers as the pair sat content in the quiet, the fire glowing low in the quiet hours of the night.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [years later]

Iprix and Ekmira hummed about, pulling out plates and trays.

How was your day?

Fine. The fae are being rather unruly again.

Unruly?

Well, overexhuberant. They’ve chosen to celebrate spring by gathering all the flowers from the fields and floating them down the river, but they’ve blocked the river at the neck and now it’s creating rather a lake.

Iprix giggled.

Ah, the fae…always good hearted though, aren’t they?

Always. I’m afraid it’s left me some management to do – she gestured in the air with quotes – “forest management.”

Ahh a clever one! Haha that is what they call it in the modern world….I went there once, so different.

So different.

She continued.

I’ve hear they’ve been at it again in the village. You know, the talkers.

What’s it this time?

About how she’s adopted. The usual.

Iprix didn’t lose a beat.

Should we kill them?

Ekmira raised her brows conspiratorially as she passed him with a tray.

How would we do it?

Iprix faked as if lost in thought, followed by a quick shrug of dismissal as he made his way to the table.

What were we supposed to do?

Leave her for dragon food, I guess.

I’ll tell you what, most people should be dragon food.

Althea popped up, startling Iprix almost off of his chair.

Who’s dragon food?

You would be, if you were bigger.

He swept her up and set her at the table.

But for now, you can eat with us.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Another day, another visitor. People were always coming to the tower for random questions, inquiries about missing people, and for insights or resources – the tower was one of the oldest and most comprehensive troves of old magic and writings in the region. Iprix’s visitor today was a bit of a skeptic, generally distrustful with a side of always mildly nervous. He watched Iprix hum around the tower as he stood awkwardly in the entryway, hat in his hands.

How are you...how are you so happy?

Me, happy? I'm not happy.

His eyes blackened and his voice deepened.

IM EVIL

As his guest gasped, Iprix giggled and glanced at Leo, who flapped off from his perch.

It never stops being funny.

He looked back.

Sorry. Please, sit.

The man gestured towards the crow with his hat.

What’s he doing?

Leo? Oh, ah, babysitting.

The man looked increasingly shaken as he watched the bird push blocks towards Althea with his sharp, curved talons as she constructed an intricate tower.

Iprix looked back, hands on his hips as the man’s eyes grew wider by the minute.

Tea?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ekmira poked her head into the room.

Iprix?

Yes?

You should probably come in here.

As he entered the room he saw Althea seated on the floor, eyes pitch black.

Ahh! Wandering wizards, that is scary.

He waved a hand in front of her face.

Althea? ..Althea?

He looked at Ekmira.

What do we do?

She looked at him, amused and dubious.

Me? I don’t dabble in black magic. She was piggybacking off my magic earlier, saw her creating flowers in the air. This looks like your department.

Iprix looked back at Althea.

Haha right. ...Ok, so….right.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dinners weren’t always had together, but the mundane nature of a quiet evening was rather enjoyable. The usual vibe permeated.

Iprix watched Althea pushing food around her plate.

You know that’s not the way to make them disappear.

Iprix (eyes black): EAT YOUR PEAS

Althea giggled.

Althea: (eyes black) I WILL NOT EAT PEAS

Iprix: Stop that. That's black magic. I would never do that.

He pointed at Althea.

Isnt she adopted?

Ekmira shrugged.

Couldn’t tell it from here.

Iprix raised his eyebrows, returning to his plate.

Ill say.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The tower was nearly empty save for two young students and Althea. The jovial nature in the air was gone, and it was clear whatever had made the two others think they were very clever had had the opposite effect on Althea. Iprix swept in, small sparks popping under the clever ones as they yelped and lept up.

[Zap! Zap!]

Oh, my! What? What’s happening?

He feigned confusion as the two lept about.

There seem to be some kind of very tiny explosions….my, you two had better go!

As they ran from the room, he knelt next to Althea. She struggled to hold in tears through her anger. He picked her up and put her on his desk, Leo landing with a hop next to her. As he swept about the room, she broke down, frustrated.

I’ll never be like them.

Iprix returned at once to the desk, a scroll in one hand and one under her chin, looking her in the face.

And thank the Quantum Downs for that.

He brushed off again, watching her from the corner of his eye as she fumbled with her emotions.

I’m different. I just..am. My skin is green and my ears are big and…

And?

...and I don’t look like you or mom.

So?

So I’m different.

Iprix stood in front of her once more. Growing up was never easy in any century. He helped her from the desk and sat her in a chair, taking the one across from her and tucking a tendril of her hair behind her ear.

We are all different, just as much as we are all the same.

Did you read that in one of your scrolls?

He stared at her blankly, faking indignation.

No -

He tilted his head to the side, mumbling.

I made it up.

She laughed.

Iprix: What are they?

They’re nimbly humble dumple puffs.

Do we care what nimbly humbly dumple puffs think?

No!

And are you going to let nimbly humble dumple puffs decide who you want to be?

Never!

Well said.

He helped her up.

Leo, ice cream! Or...whatever these tiny people eat.

He started for the door. Leo cocked his ebony head at Iprix incredulously.

Iprix paused, waving agitatedly.

All right, ice cream and, uh ...a mouse.

Leo took to the air as the tower door creaked shut.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ekmira was away again, her work calling her often to various parts of the realm. Althea, an emissary to the Rhine, was preparing to leave with her convoy.

A young wizard on a horse rode up. As Iprix looked as if he were about to speak, he took the opportunity to reassure him.

Don’t worry, Mr. X. I’ll look after her on the journey.

Iprix looked surprised.

Oh! Oh, good, great - perfect. All set then.

He gave him a giant, encouraging smile.

As the wizard rode off, he turned away, chuckling to himself.

Ahhaha...It’s not her I’m worried about.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gomorrah stood below the tower.

Many seasons, and sets of seasons, had passed since he had crossed paths with Iprix. The wind whipped across the highland, sweeping his hair up around his glowing eyes as he looked above.

Iprix watched the lone figure. Even from the vantage point of his tower, he knew the goat’s arrival was not a tiding of good news. Leo flapped his wings on the ledge, an agitated caw ringing out. Iprix looked at his familiar.

Well. Let’s bring our guest up, shall we?

---

As Gomorrah entered the tower, the slight smell of smoke followed him. He took in the homey tower, papers strewn about, scrolls lining the walls, a bowed wooden bench and a set of desks, surrounding a dainty tea set organized neatly, as if opposed to the chaos around it. Leo flapped on his perch, his eyes glowing faintly red as the Evil One stood in the entry. Iprix sat at his desk as Agnor stood by the wall.

Tell me what it is.

Gomorrah stood in his place, taking stock of the small cleric.

We beat them back beyond the Pale. They were trapped there for many years.

Yes.

The spell will no longer hold. We can reinforce it, but it will break. They’ve been chipping away at it with tools from an ally in the north who thinks they may find them useful.

Iprix waited for Gomorrah to speak further but there was nothing.

So its battle once again.

He rose, staring at the floorboards for a long moment. Finally, he raised his head, eyes clear.

Okay.

The goat never ceased to be surprised at the cleric’s resilience.

You must be tired of war.

The cleric looked at him with a wry smile.

My friend, the only one who’s not tired of war is you.

Agnor spoke for the first time.

Will it ever end?

Iprix looked at him sincerely.

There will always be darkness.

He started back to his desk.

The thing to remember is, that it’s in darkness that the light shines the most.

He winked and raised his goblet.

And who knows, maybe this time’ll do it, eh?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Character notes: Prim but classy, dapper and gentlemanly, Iprix is actually very handsome, though you never usually notice it because he’s so awkward and nerdy. Happy in his tower, with his scrolls and learning, he’s an intellectual who’s actually rather uncomfortable around people, and terrible at small talk though he makes every effort no matter how awkward. Similarly with children, he doesn’t really know what to do with them unless it’s a teaching moment, in which case he lights up. Iprix is many things, but at the heart of his character are two: 1) He has a huge heart, and 2) He believes kindness is the only way forward in the world.

Ekmira: Iprix was utterly content alone in his tower for centuries, hanging out with his familiar and poring through scrolls and tomes. He never even thought about needing anything else, even through heartbreak he would retreat to his tower where the knowledge contained with help him heal and recover – his safe space. When Ekmira walks in, it’s the first time ever that his world is completely bowled over. The first time he feels a connection to something outside of his books, the first connection of such a deep kind with another human being. She’s the only person that he’s ever completely comfortable with, where he can be himself and feels at home, where he doesn’t have to be a teacher, or an archmagus, or anything else. She becomes the only other safe space for him, where he leans on her during heartbreak as much as he does his studies and books.

Ekmira herself is a strong figure, known throughout the realm as a leader/manager, and known also as beautiful. Complete opposites in character, Ekmira is smooth, collected, and can handle people. Through all her travels, Iprix is the kindest man she’s ever seen in the runiverse, despite his considerable power. They find in each other something neither has ever found anywhere else, a unique peace, attraction, and happiness that just works – even if an unexpected match – and are very strong together.

Ridon/Althea: Iprix has two great loves. His scrolls, and helping people (and Ekmira, after he meets her) Beyond happy in a quiet life together, they’re a pair that also doesn’t turn away from a great need. Iprix has always possessed the capacity to love anyone unconditionally, and is seen occasionally mentoring (Ridon) or in the rare case of Althea, where they take her in as their own as she grows up.

Entered by: 0x9DAd…79F8 and preserved on chain (see transaction)