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[Rufus Oryan]

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Things were slowly coming into motion; Rufus stood alone in the cemetery in Nujel'm, pondering on recent night's events. He brushes the hardened sand from the Gravestone before him, uncovering a portion of its text:

Here Lies, Ronous Oryan; General and true savior to the Peoples of Nujel'm. Rest Well...

It seemed that Rufus would only visit the outskirts of the City. He would never make his way through the town, even to 'check on it'. But still it pained him deeply. And he prayed, that before his ascension, and entrance into Gundeth, he would see Vaen's face again. And surely, as we pray, we are granted these wishes. The Large metal gate opened slowly, Vaen's footsteps were heard lightly taping against the cobblestone road through the Cemetery. Rufus raised his head, standing motionless, almost as if invisible, while wrapped in his hooded robes and garbs...

"I Lived in these Outskirts some time ago..."

Vaen paused, tilting his head slightly, "Excuse me? Do you need help?"

Rufus shook his head a bit, "No no."

"What brings you here? Just visiting, a friend? A relative? If so we will leave you in peace." Vaen spoke as Liam approached him, taking his place at his side.

There brief conversation grew deeper, and more confusing...

Rufus seemed to disregard his words, "How does the Legion fair in Nujel'm?"

Vaen looked to the hooded figure, "You sound quite familiar...and The Legion is fine. We recently held a boat race. It drew quite a crowd at such short notice."

Rufus grinned a bit, "We seem to recognize the voices of the past, and the essence of men quicker than anything...Mayhaps he was right for leaving Nujel'm..."

Vaen interrupted a bit, extending his hand, "What did you say?"

Rufus grinned a bit under his hood, "Nothing"

Vaen gestured strongly with his hand, "No, you were speaking directly of someone. What did you say?"

"Thank you for the conversation, I shall be on my way." Rufus spoke softly as he exited the cemetery.

Rufus retired to his Estate. Ameer's things were scattered about the various rooms, the young boy was exited about his trip to Zento. He would be spending much time under Lord Tai Otori and Lady Rryn. Rufus debated with sending his son there...away from his father, or even his mother he had not seen for many nights. But he was preparing him for a greater accomplishment, something far off. Rufus had to remain focused, he had spoken with Lord Tyranthraxus. He seemed rather accepting of him, and many of his pursuits; he Granted Rufus passage through all lands of the Ebon Skull, as well as permission to enter The Well of Souls. It seems the two had many things in common; many ideals and pursuits. He belittled the practice of Spiritmancy...thinking it to be a lesser form of the Arcane. But Rufus understood its true ability. Alarin had instilled in him a bit of fear, as well as understanding of what can be accomplished if one dedicates themself to a way of being. And perhaps, Rufus would master spiritmancy....Gundeth was only several nights away. Rufus would take this time to maintain his body, and conjure what energies he could before totally dedicating himself to that practice of Spiritmancy. Thus, a trip to Umbra...

The dark city maintained the essence of the falling. As unsettling as it seemed, Rufus grew calm in the area. he understood the engergies about. He brushed his hood back, as his steed, Saradain, trotted through the blackened streets. Rufus halted before the Large opening in a crevice of Umbra's hills, he peered into the blackness, digging into his pack, searching for his Journal, hoping to document this Journey, and the practice before the true trip.


Entry 1.

I have made my way to the Well of Souls. It's location has changed since my original practice of the Art of Spiritmancy, though I feel that the energy here will provide what is needed if not more. I pray for Ameer, Sarah and Nujel'm before I enter, and mayhaps in these nights, I will emerge a stronger man.

-Rufus Oryan

~*~
Rufus dismounted, and walked into the opening, pushing his hood back. The dark dirt walls about him erupted with sounds of tortured souls...a sound he last heard in Caina. He took in a deep breath, standing in the midst of the Blackness that surrounded him. The chamber was horribly lit, but mayhaps light was not needed for his practice. These lands did not rival the roaring winds of Caina...though they shared the energies. He closed his eyes, standing alone in the darkness. He cleared his mind, flashing colors erupting in his minds emptiness. The Hues changed as the screams and uneasiness grew closer to his being. His body began to shake as he took deep breaths. He began to sweat...knowing that he had not grown too far from his past practices. He clenched both fists tightly. Alarin's voice echoed lightly in his head...

"Which hue will represent you?!"

Rufus thought deeply, shaping odd objects in his mind..invisioning them in various hues. Gold being his former color. The Color that represented him and his Balance. But things...have changed. Rufus slowly opened his hand as the energies swirled about his fists...Souls Screaming about him...Enraged death covering his form. And yet, he was calm. He opened his eyes, standing within the swirling energy. An odd Maroon colored Dagger within each hand..."What is this hue?" The energies about him settled...he had done it again..

"It..It is incomplete...A combination of Crimson...and Ebon...What does this mean?" Rufus narrowed his eyes as his body became weak and his eyes slowly closed. His body became limp and he slowly fell to the ground. He rolled onto his back, looking into the air, Angered spirits above him. His eyes closed several times, before he fell into a deep sleep...
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"Balance - the harmony between the Principles of Order and Chaos...Harmony, Dedication and Rationality, the three Principles of Balance, are our highest ideals."