1081 Academically.

I have some things to say about Fall Of Cybertron, but I got caught up talking to someone on Tumblr, so I’ll save them for later. In the meantime here’s more story.

“So, you’re what, a grave robber? A theif?” Julius winced a little at her candor. “How do you describe your talents to a client?”

“Rogue is the diplomatic term.” His fingers fidgeted with themselves as he spoke. “But both of those things… And more… And worse… Have been accurate… To varying degrees and at various times. But I assure you, in spite of the negative connotations associated with my abilities, I am very trustworthy. At the best of times I’m more like a locksmith. I open things for the right reasons.”

“A common thief would hardly use connotations in a sentence, I expect.” She grinned.

“Quite…” He replied. “I’m a fair hand in a fight too. Though I prefer to avoid those sorts of entanglements.”

By way of proof he drew an arm across himself and drew a weapon. Niona had never seen its like. It wasn’t exactly a sword, but it was longer than a dagger. The closest thing she could classify it as would have to be a machete, but it was modified, if that was indeed what it started as. She held a hand out and Julius relinquished his strange armament.

There was little elegance to it, but she had to admit it suited its master. Most of the blade was meant for hacking and was clearly balanced for that task, and precisely so, but the end of the blade was angled to the spine to a fine point. With enough force he could probably penetrate armor with it. Possibly far enough to give an aggressor pause. For some reason she got the impression he had fashioned the odd thing himself. Perhaps an interest in weapon crafting was how he guessed her lineage so quickly.

“Did you make this?” She hazarded.

“A long time ago.” He said. “Unfortunately I’ve gotten used to them. Don’t know what I’d do if I lost one. Probably couldn’t make another one after all this time.”

She handed handed back his dagger, for lack of a better word and cast an eye towards his bow.

“I take it you didn’t make that.” She said nodding at it.

“No, no, that would be a feat well beyond me.” He replied, handing it to her. “I found this on a job and was given it after.” She raised an eyebrow. “I swear to it” He said, raising a hand.

“This was a princely gift…” She mused, turning it over in her hands. “Older than my armor… Enchanted too I shouldn’t wonder.”

“Draw it as if to aim.” He instructed. Niona complied and was noticeably startled by the telescopic effect.

“How fantastic!” She smiled. “How did you ever convince the owner to part with it?”

“He was a fool.” Scowled Julius. “Only wanted gold. No idea of the value of such a thing. I expect he thought he was cheating me.”

“Serves him right then.” She laughed, returning the bow. “You could buy a plantation for the price of that.”

“No.” He smiled. “This is a once in a lifetime get. I’m actually surprised you could identify it.”

“Such are the incredible powers of the loremistresse!” She laughed, raising her arms above her head.

“Well, you’ve certainly proven your story.” He laughed.

“And you.” She replied.

They returned to their seats and silenced filled the space between them for a moment. After considering the sky for a few seconds Niona spoke again.

“What shall we do till the others show up?” She asked. Julius thought it over.

“There’s a dryad at the edge of the valley that seemed lonely.” he replied. “We could go ask it questions about the area if it speaks English, or you know whatever their language is called.”

“Oh neat!” She exclaimed, and in moments he found himself struggling up the slope again after her, regretting having said anything.