Those Forbidden Magics

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It all was starting to make sense just why Fredrick kept pushing Esther away from the magics that all interested her so. She didn't learn the fundamentals of magic, rather simple spells that required no skill to use. Simple levitation and making smoke, things that didn't teach her just what magic was or how to use it. Just how many times she could have died attempting any of the spells she knew started to weigh heavily on her shoulders. Just what would have happened if she tried to continue? The young apprentice didn't want to think of it.

At the man's question of what she knew of Meomorphis, she nearly smiled. "I used to live there. Ran among the streets with all of the other homeless kids." She knew the streets extremely well. Every hidey hole, every crevice was permanently etched into her mind. Likewise, all of the dangerous places and horrid people were mapped out in the back of her mind. It would be interesting, coming back to her old hidey places after so long.
 
Alexi merely nodded. The city of desolate beggars, the unforgiving city, the swamp of scum. The city had gained no limit to its infamous names, all of which told a story of what the city they were encroaching. It was a city of thieves, murderers, devious sorts and all called one of a dark heart. If this girl used to live there, then she definitely would know a few of the knowledgeable sorts around the city. It might come in handy if it came down to having to hunt down information.
"Once we get to the town, we should try and find out where the incident happened. Try and find some information and see if we can find some answers. Afterwards, you can start on that book. I want to see what you can bring away from that."

As they traversed the top of the next hill, the edge of the city could just be coming into view. It felt like they had only been out on the trail for 5 minutes, yet about a half hour had passed between the city gates and arriving at Meomorphis.
This was going to be a interesting first stop.

He sighed as they drew closer.
Of all the places to try and get some answers. Oh well, suppose nothing in the world is ever easy.
 
"Yes sir." Esther nodded in response to the man's orders. She knew she could find info for the master easily. It was all on where you had to look. However, as they approached the city, apprehension started to crawl up her skin. While she had lived there, she had stolen from quite a few people. Because of that, she had made many enemies. After being away for so long, she didn't want to think about all the grudges many of the others held against her. She took a deep breath as they walked closer and closer, finally reaching the cursed city. Everything seemed to be glaring at Esther, making her want to hide behind the man who she now called her master. However, that would be a sign of weakness. She had to be strong. So she straightened her shoulders, keeping her head held high.

It didn't take long for her to encounter someone who hated her guts. "Oh looky here boys!" An older boy called, glaring at the young girl following the magician. "It seems little Esther has come back to town! What, you get tired of sucking old magic cock?" The group laughed, the boy glaring at Esther. However, the young apprentice ignored the jeers. She didn't need to acknowledge them. They weren't worth it. "Oi! Look at me when I'm talkin' to you!" The boy grabbed Esther's shoulder, turning her toward the group.

Esther glared. "Just go back to begging. You're not worth my time." She tried to pull away, but a sudden pain in her cheek stopped her. She vaguely noted she was on the ground, hands scraped and bleeding.

"I said, look at me when I'm talkin' to you!" The boy growled, grabbing Esther by the hair and pulling her head up to look him in the eye. His left was forever sewn shut, an ugly scar marring the skin from above his eyebrow to near his mouth.
 
When they entered, Alexi lead the way even though he had no clue as to their destination or for who to go to. He figured his apprentice would say or point something out, but before that could happen trouble came looking for them. The boys were taunting her, and slightly him but like her he ignored them. If they were foolish enough to try anything stupid, he'd make them pay. Listening to his quote of looking at him, he knew they were in for trouble. No-one said that unless they meant business of some kind or another and in this city, business of any kind meant trouble.
As he turned, he saw the boys fist smack against Esthers face and her tumble to the ground.

A scowl formed across Voshers face as his robes started to wisp in a nonexistent wind around him. One of the boys tried to get the scarred leaders attention. "Back off, this girlies got this coming!" "But..but boss...the wizard...." The scarred boy looked up and Alexi Vosher was fully focused on him. "You struck my apprentice." "Shut up old man! She stole from me..and plenty others here! You planning on stopping everyone who comes looking for her!?"
A sigil forming in front of his right eyeball, the eye now glowing a brighter green.

"No, I'll simply kill them...starting with you." The boy finally looked afraid, his body trembling but not very noticeable except for those close to him. The wizards look and tone spoke volumes about his threat and how all too real it was. He was not a patient man, especially when it came to others interfering with his work or his pupils.
"I'm counting to 5 and if you're not gone, I'll make sure no-one ever finds you." The invisible winds seemed to pick up and his robes wisped around him much more violently.

"One..two..three......."
 
"Come on, man, we should get going!" One of the group grabbed the leader, frantically trying to get him to leave. The scarred boy looked between the wizard and Esther. He carefully brought his foot back. The leader kicked Esther in the stomach. Frantically, the group ran away cursing and screaming. Esther clutched her stomach, curling into it as she coughed up a bit of spit.

Taking a few moments to regain herself, the young girl stood up slowly. "I'm sorry. I didn't think a scene would start so soon..." She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, reaching down to pick up her book. "If we're going to get any info we need to go to one of the local cafes. Just go to one with a sparrow on the sign." Esther straightened, ignoring the stinging in her hands and on her face. "Thanks for sticking up for me." The girl looked over at her master, clutching the book close to her chest.
 
As the people retreated, Alexi slowly let his magic drain away, watching the sigil in front of his eye slowly fade away. He was slightly appreciative that he didn't have to use that spell, otherwise it might have caused more problems that it solved. He gazed over at Esther. "Exactly..you didn't think. Especially in situations like yours, you must always be ready for what might happen. Wizards learn this early. If you're not prepared, then you're caught offguard and cannot defend yourself properly when the time comes. Keep this to memory, because if it happens again I may not assist."

She had mentioned a cafe with a sparrow sign above it. Shouldn't be too hard to find. As they traversed the streets, he could feel the eyes of everyone around him. They were directed towards Esther mostly, as he didn't see them wander with when he passed by. "Care to explain why these people seem so interested in you? Not even five minutes into town and you've fought one group and several people watch your every move. Should I be expecting more trouble before we get what we're here for?"

Part of his words were condescending, but mostly he wanted to be prepared in case there were others who would come looking. There were worse things than thieves and murderers in Meomorphis and he'd hate to find them..or for them to find him. His apprentice was not ready and he could only do so much against his enemies. He certainly could not take on the entirety of Meomorphis and hope to win. "Keep an eye out for the cafe you mentioned. I want to be out of here sooner than later."
 
Esther kept her head down, not bothering to look at the man. Did he have to be such a... such a dick about this? She knew the stares were directed at her. It wasn't a mystery that the town hated her. "They're just mad they were all outsmarted by a kid." Esther said quietly as she continued. She wanted to get out of the town as much as Alexi did, if not more. "Come on, this way." She turned down another street, quickly slipping into a small café with a sparrow on it. The shop was quiet, a murmur the only noise as people enjoyed their drinks. Turning to her master, she started to explain. "Order a black tea, hot with a dash of cinnamon. It's code. When you order that, they'll lead you to the backroom to meet Sparrow. He knows everything about anything in Meomorphis."

The worker at the counter cleared his throat. "May I help you?" The young man looked bored, tapping his hand on the counter. There was a knife near him, ready to be used if someone tried something horrible. Esther didn't speak, not wanting to cause more of a scene than she already had.
 
As they walked inside, Alexi could feel the weight of each persons stare on both of them, but more so on Esther. these people hated her..it was like a cloud of loathing descended on her wherever she went in this place. He glanced at the young man when he asked what they wanted. "Black tea, hot with a dash of cinnamon." Several of the people looked away as the bartender nodded. "This way...follow close." He led Alexi and Esther to the back room where a middle aged man covered head to tow in tattoos sat on a makeshift throne.

"Well well...now this is a shock. The hermit from Higans Peak graces my town with his presence...and I hear he also takes an apprentice. Our very own Esther no less. Now, he comes into my tavern, speaks my code fluently and stands before me. I must say this is quite the day for surprises." Master Vosher glanced around the room. This bandit, or whatever he was, knew many things about him. Higans peak was something not mention before him in so long he had nearly forgot. He refused to delve back into those memories.

"You must be sparrow. I need the location of a kidnapping here in Meomorphis. I need to know whatever you know about it and your guarantee that I can examine it in peace. After that, we'll leave since our business will be complete." the man laughed, gesturing to the 7 or 8 people in the room protecting him. "Leave it to the destructive Vosher. I know your skills wizard and they do not intimidate me. Not..at..all. there's nothing you can do here that would scare me into giving you...."

"Twistamytanordo." Sparrow looked confused. "Excuse me?" "It's a rarer spell that I mastered couple years ago. It is quite the sight so let's see what your men and you think of this. After the spell is officially cast, a symbol will appear in front of my eye and everyone will start to see your body twist like a bad loaf of bread. Only this won't stop until you start to feel your bones snapping and breaking into tiny little particles and once you look like a wet rag and you're in such pain that you wish you weren't living anymore, your organs will start to dissolve from the inside out. Very slowly. I'll start with you sparrow and then one by one your men, at least those that don't run away. Give...me...the location."

Vosher was done playing games. He knew Sparrow was going to be wily and play games, probably try and barter the info for Esther since he knew Alexi hated apprentices. He skipped the pre-tense of the whole thing and cut to the chase, something Sparrow probably wasn't used to and laid out his options. Cooperate...or die.
 
This was going terribly! Esther scowled as the man threatened Sparrow. What was he thinking?! He was just going to cause a huge ruckus trying this. She saw Sparrow's smirk and narrowed her eyes. She needed to gain control. A part of her mind argued that her master could handle it. He was supposedly a great man, someone who knew how to do amazing things. However, she knew Sparrow, had worked closely with the man once. She knew just how he could twist others to get what he wanted.

The tattooed man folded his hands, leaning back in his throne. It was just too easy to get under the skin of people such as Vosher. "Oh no, the Destructive Vosher resorting to violence. Whatever will I do? You never really change, do you? I'm sure Higans Peak can attest to that." The man dug his words like claws further into Vosher's skin and mind. "I won't tell you anything. All you'd do is just kill me anyway, so there really is no point in giving you what you want. Just another death on your record. I'm sure that will cement that destructive part of your little nickname firmly into your identity. Why don't you tell young Esther here just what happened with Higans Peak, hm? Tell her how you got your nickname? Your reputation as the Destructive Vosher?" Ooh, he could just feel the tension off of the man. He was pushing all the right buttons.

Esther quickly intervened. "What do you want, Sparrow? I'm sure we could strike up a deal. Something that won't involve killing each other." She glanced at her master as she said this, taking charge. This was her territory. As useless as her master saw her, she knew how to work with the men here. The girl didn't show any fear, not letting the man's smirk get to her. She was back in her element.
 
As Sparrow began to taunt him, Alexi gave no indication that his words were affecting him but in reality, he was majorly disturbed. The screams of the past flooded his ears even though the room was fairly silent. Images of Higans Peak flashed in static images before his eyes and he had to try extra hard to maintain control over his composure. That was when he heard Esther step up and try to negotiate a deal. To anyone else watching the interaction, it would seem like playground antics of children. Taunts, jests and poking mean insults at each other with little effect but Sparrow knew his stuff. Sparrow knew how to play the game and get to people.

He didn't claim his self proclaimed title of "Meomorphis king" for nothing. He probably would never call himself that, but Vosher knew he felt like it. He knew about Higans Peak, a feat all in itself since not even Fredrick knew about that incident. Threatening him in such a manner only opened the door to attack Alexi in one of his most vulnerable areas. Now it was up to Esther to try and salvage his blunder. "A deal little Esther? Tell me how I'm supposed to do that when so many people want a piece of you here..including me? If you want to deal, then you're going to have to offer something great. Something that shows me that you really are willing to get this information."

Sparrow was grinning on the inside. He knew he had rattled Vosher even if he didn't look it and now Esther was trying to come in for the save, but he wouldn't make it easy for her. Almost everyone in Meomorphis had some kind of issue with her that needed resolving, including himself and a couple of the other major names here. If she expected to get out of her alive and in one piece, she would have to wheel and deal on his level to get anywhere.
 
Esther smirked a bit, pulling up a farce of knowing just what she was doing. She knew that this man, and almost everyone else in the town, wanted her dead or at least severely injured. Sparrow was a crafty man. He would work to get what he wanted, when he wanted, and would do everything in his power to do so. If he wanted her dead, he could easily have her killed before Alexi could even groan about it. No, this wasn't going to be easy, but she was going try. "I can't give you my head on a platter. I promised that to a different man for stealing his apples."

Sparrow chuckled, cutting off whatever Esther was about to say next. "Well, then I guess you just aren't going to get your information, now are you? I'm sure that the guards would love to escort you out, thank you very much." One of the burly men started to move toward the girl, but she held her hand up. She wasn't finished with the man.

"Now hold on, don't go rushing so quickly. I thought you would love to have me run another job for you! Just like the old days!" Now she had him listening. Sure, she had only run a few jobs for the man but every single one of them was successful. It got her food and shelter for the night, and the man got whatever info the sneaky rat could gather.

The tattooed man leaned forward, curious. "Oh, but last time I offered you a job, you refused. You were too good to stoop to our measly level and get your hands dirty, don't you remember, Esther?"

He had her there, but she was quick to come back. "It's still way too messy for me to try and kill someone, however, I can get you information." She left it hanging, purposefully. It would make her offer all the more enticing to the man if she waited. She couldn't pull her aces out yet.

"Oh?" Sparrow quirked an eyebrow, his smirk growing larger. "And just what kind of information could you possibly get me? I know everything about everything in Meomorphis! They don't call me the King for nothing!" He swung his arms out, pretty much gloating as he waited for Esther to pull out her next move.

This was her chance. "I admit, you know a lot of things, but there is one man you could never get information on." The man's smirk was drooping. Good. "A Mr. Marxus Derilius, correct? The biggest, baddest man in all of Meomorphis?" Ooh, she could feel Sparrow's blood practically boiling. "I know how to get to him, even met him a few times. He's quite the gentleman for being such an influential black market dealer. I would absolutely love to gather some information for you..." The tattooed man's eyes brightened. Hook... "But... I guess you don't want this information since you won't give us what we want. After all, you just want me dead. It's better for me to just leave and have you kill me since you won't give up the information I want..." Line...

The girl started to walk away, giving every intention of leaving the man's office. "Wait!" And sinker. Esther turned around, blinking her eyes innocently. "If you do this job for me, I'll tell you what you need to know."

She quickly added on, "And you'll let us look through the area peacefully."

"Look girlie, don't push your luck-" Sparrow sputtered.

"Then I guess you don't need that info. We should just walk away right now." Esther withheld a laugh as Sparrow quickly called them back, sighing before starting to tell them their information. Esther glanced up at Alexi. Did she still seem useless to him?
 
Alexi may not be the best at reading people or knowing the best approach when dealing with people. He knew that for a fact. Beat approach he knew of was to threaten and be done with the subject as quickly as possible. Still, in this case against a know it all hardcase like Sparrow, his tactic was utterly useless. He knew better than to interrupt or get in the middle of their back and forth antics. Far as everyone in that room cared, he didn't exist.
When she glanced at him, he smirked and gave a approving nod. She was far from useless, but in the method of magic she wasn't even a beginner. She had much to go through and Vosher felt that, in her world and the methods of survival, he did too. "You got a small taste of what I know. The rest, along with the location...and my promise of safe viewing...after the job is done. I surely hope you don't plan on pulling a stunt like last time girlie...it would be quite foolish."

Vosher ushered Esther to his side and whispered to her. "You have a little bit of explaining to do, especially this history with Sparrow, but you've done well. Now tell me, and be honest....can you do this? Can you get this information from this man? I need to know that I can count on you to come through."
Glancing around at the various guards, they looked anxious to throw them to the wolves. They obviously had enough of this cat and mouse Sparrow and Esther had going on. He hoped she could...he'd hate to make a scene for the council to complain about when they hadn't gotten very far in their investigation yet.
 
That nod of approval and verbal acknowledgement made Esther smile. She was proving herself! Soon she would be able to get that same reaction from how she used her magic! As they left, she felt an involuntary shiver at Sparrow's last comment. "I'll explain whatever you want to know after I'm done with the job and we're far away from these bastards." She glanced at the guards, rolling her eyes at how distrusting they looked. "I can do the job. I've got a few more tricks now than before, even if you still need to teach me some things. I know more than enough to get the information Sparrow wants." She started to leave the room, knowing Alexi would follow. "So, you can count on me. I won't let you down, sir." She started to leave Sparrow's building, keeping her head held high as she felt the glares and whispers float up around her. She squared her shoulders only until she exited the establishment. Then, she slipped into a more crouched position, feet ready to dash in any direction.

Turning to her master, Esther gave him a small smile. "I have to run this alone. Sparrow wouldn't want to give the information if he knew you went with me. If you want to follow me, fine, but please don't let Sparrow or his spies notice you. We won't get the info if he thinks I had help." Digging out her small stone allowing her to channel her magic better, she took a deep breath and focused. "Removemus conspectus." She was gone, the magic cloaking her so she was invisible to the naked eye. "I won't mess this up. I promise." With that, the young girl dashed off, skillfully blending in with her surroundings, the spell only helping her mask her presence to those who knew nothing of magic.

Marxus Derilius was not a patient man. Nor did he like dealing with these Warlocks and Wizards. They all tried to pull one over him with their magic tricks and slight of hand. No one could fool Marxus Derilius though! So he sat in front of a cloaked warlock man, tapping his fingers as the man tried to explain just why he needed access to the man's underground network. "Look, you want to kidnap kids, I ain't gonna ask you bout that. However, how in the hell does this benefit me if you go around kidnapping young children from their idiot masters?"

Esther knew the way to Marxus' place quite easily. It was the one house that everyone avoided in Meomorphis. She turned, stopping in front of what most would assume was an abandoned house. A window was popped open to let air flow through the scorching building. Perfect. Esther snuck through the window, dropping down before looking around. A few guards were posted at a door, but none of them had noticed her. Esther couldn't help but smile. Now it was time to get to work. She practically crawled toward the stairs, making sure to keep an eye out for any type of disturbance that might get her caught. It was time to get this man's files and important papers.
 
She sure seemed confident. She acted like she had this in the bag and Alexi could not deny that she seemed right where she had things under control. "I don't need to tag along. Not my job, so not my fight. I'll be waiting here for you to get back." He watched her vanish off down the streets and sighed as he wandered back into the tavern. Being out and about in Meomorphis while being associated with someone who everybody hated wasn't the wisest idea. At least inside here with Sparrow, he was guaranteed to be safe.

Sparrow called for a seat and had Alexi sit a fair distance away from him, straight across from him so the two men could face the other. Sparrow might get his information, he might not. What he knew for sure was Vosher was not safe from him during that time. "So, master Vosher...how much do you remember about Higans Peak?" "You're awfully interested in me Sparrow. Why is that? I'm not worth such attention...." Sparrow laughed almost to the point where he fell out of his chair.

"You're far too modest little hermit. The butcher of 1000 people, the destroyer of Higan, the phoenix unleashed. I don't suppose you'd forget such illustrious nicknames after such an event would you?" Alexi sighed but kept his facial composure. He hated those names, those horrid and unspeakable names. He hadn't heard those in years and yet, Sparrow spoke as if it was happening right then. Could Sparrow have been there? Been a survivor or a witness to the atrocity?

His lips pursed closed. He didn't want to discuss this anymore. He would rather Sparrow stab him and twist the blade inside than discuss this any further. "I see that you remember. That's good. Such events deserve to be remembered instead of whispered or buried don't you think so? Still, I am shocked that whatever brought you out of retirement or hiding or whatever you call it made you take someone under you to teach. Seems like you're getting desperate for such a risk. Care to tell me how that's working out for you so far?"

Vosher continued to remain silent and Sparrow sighed. "You're being such a bore hermit. Geez, can't you at least say something?" Alexi turned to him. "Sure. I hope you don't plan on me staying long. She'll be coming back shortly." Sparrow smirked defiantly as he leaned back against his throne.
 
The Warlock smiled as he pulled out a rather large sack, throwing it on the table inbetween himself and Marxus. "What we can offer you is protection and payment. After all, you wouldn't want your empire to fall so easily, now would you?" The thinly disguised threat struck the other man, making him narrow his eyes. This imbecile had dared to threaten his hard work, giving the man an ultimatum. The payment struck Marxus's fancy. It seemed like a good sized amount in the very least, something he could use to his advantage. Having Warlocks with him instead of against him could garner more from the magical community as well. Magic items always sold quite well in the underground.

Leaning back, Marxus smirked. "How much we got in there?" As he was making his deal, Esther snuck through the different rooms, constantly alert for anything that might possibly trick her. Each room was filled with different items, maps, jewelry, and even some things that held a really dangerous aura. Nothing useful could be found. The apprentice nearly growled in frustration. However, she knew that men like him never held important items in obvious places. Almost always important information was kept somewhere safe where the papers wouldn't be found so easily by thieves like herself.

Hearing a woman grumbling, most likely a guard, Esther ducked into the nearest open room, careful not to disturb anything. Turning, she examined her new hiding spot. It was a small room, but it was filled with maps that were written on. Files that seemed of some importance were scattered hastily on a desk, surely more stuffed into envelopes and drawers. Jackpot. Spotting a bag sitting innocently on the corner of a chair, she grabbed it before starting to shove whatever seemed important into it. She cared little if the papers were crumpled, only continuing to shove whatever she could until the bag could fit no more. Taking a deep breath, she slung the bag around her shoulder. Now it was time to get out.

"There is twenty thousand gold pieces in that one bag, sir." The warlock leaned forward, holding a hand out. "Now... Do we have a deal?" The other man seemed to think over his answer before gripping the Warlock's outstretched hand and shaking it. Smiling, the magical man leaned back. "Good, now, I think you have a bit of a visitor waiting for you. I'll help you take care of it, as an act of sealing our deal-so to say." With that the warlock got up and headed out the door toward the magical signature.

The whole job had been going well... almost too well. Esther couldn't help but feel paranoid as she worked her way back to the open window. If she could leave the house, she would be able to run back to Sparrow and Alexi home free. However, an ominous feeling grew as she finally found the window she was going to dash toward. She was so close! Just a few more feet and... Bam! A tanned hand slammed the window shut. Dark eyes gleamed as a small smirk sent shivers down Esther's spine. "I know you're here, little apprentice... I won't hurt you, I can promise you that. Why are you here all alone? Did your master abandon you?" The warlock took a step forward, his dark robes shifting menacingly. "Now, why would someone leave such a useful student? Here, I'll help you find a new master... One that can teach you much more powerful magic than your old master could."

Esther knew from the man's whole speech that he was a warlock. If the scary looking appearance wasn't enough, it was the way he seemed to try and lure her into his grasp. Well, he wasn't going to get her that easily. Quick as a whip, she dashed away, trying to find some other sort of place to escape. A bolt of lightning sparked near her feet, making the young girl yelp. "Now, now, let's be reasonable. There's no need to run away!" Esther took a sharp turn, scanning for some type of exit, any type of exit really. Others were wondering what the hell the warlock was shooting at, as different guards and underlings started to cause a commotion. Good. She could use that.

The apprentice dug her small stone out of her pocket and clutched it for dear life. "Impedivisum!" She yelped as another bolt got way too close for comfort. Smoke poured into the room, seemingly coming from everywhere. People started panicking, bumping into one another as the Warlock tried to get back to the girl without hurting the people under his deal. With the confusion taking the warlock's focus off of the young girl, she pushed through a back door, not even bothering to close it as she ran away from the godforsaken house. She gripped the bag close to her, not stopping as she swerved through people and ducked into turns. The girl deliberately took a confusing way back to Sparrow, not daring to look behind her in fear of seeing the dark eyes and lightning bolts. With a slam, she rushed into the café, her invisibility spell now gone. The girl struggled to get a good breath in, looking around as if she were prey boxed into a corner. She just needed to get the damn bag to Sparrow, then she could tell Alexi about the warlock.
 
Sparrow didn't seem to want to let this go. It was like he wanted to make Alexi remember every harrowing detail of the incident. As he started to go on again about the disaster of Higans Peak, one of his men came running in. "Sir, she's back!" Both Alexi and Sparrow stood up and hurried out to the common area. Everyone looked apprehensive except for Esther who looked like she had sprinted through an entire 3 day marathon. Alexi got ready to go up to her, but Sparrow brushed past him first. "Did you get it? Where is it Esther?"
He was definitely nervous..off his normal game. Was this information really so hard to get? As Alexi drew closer to her, his mind started to reel and he almost collapsed.

What the hell? Such dark energy. What did she find in that place? When his senses finally started to clear and he was close enough, he finally sensed it. The scent of evil cackling energy. She'd encountered something while over there. She was practically drenched in maliceful energies. Was it a person? An artifact? He couldn't tell, but whatever it had been wasn't altering her state of mind or body so that was a plus.
Far as he could tell, no-one paid attention to the frail old man near the entrance to the back room as most eyes were either gazing at others in the room or at Sparrow and Esther.

She was the center of focus once again. Once more, all eyes and ears were on her and Sparrows especially. "So, did you get it? Were you able to get what I asked for? Were you successful?" He wanted this information. Having inside information on the runner up for leader of Meomorphis would significantly boost his influence and status, as well as keep Marxus in check.
 
Esther flinched as Sparrow quickly walked up to her, asking over and over again for the info. "Give me what I want, then you get your damn information." She glared at the man, pulling the bag closer to herself. Her whole body was on edge as green eyes scoured the area. Everyone and anyone seemed too innocent. She just wanted to get the hell out of the town, far away from the warlock that seemed to haunt her even though she knew the man was not near her nor did he know what she looked like.

Sparrow sighed before leading Esther back into his office, glaring at the others before looking longingly at the bag that the girl was clutching. "Alright, girlie, alright." As they all settled, Sparrow leaned forward. "The last disappearance was northeast of here, near Begger Alley and the magic shop you wizards like to visit. The apprentice just vanished into thin air, poof. Master didn't even know what had happened until a good while after. I won't hassle you, as promised, now... Give me my info." He smirked, his eyes glistening in greed and ambition. This was it. The information he had been longing for this for so long.

Taking note of every detail Esther took a deep breath before handing the info off to the man. Now that her job was done, she wanted to leave and fast. The short haired blonde looked up at her master, raising an eyebrow as if asking what they should do now. Her hand still clenched tightly around her stone, knuckles turning white as small crests imbedded themselves in her skin.
 
Alexi watched Sparrow practically giggle as he took the information in his hands. His men circled him and shouted congratulatory cheers as he drew close to Esther. "We have to go. There is something I have to do before we go to the alley." Curling his arm around her, he ushered her out of the back room and out of the tavern completely. He took her through some of the side streets until the got to an isolated corner where no-one seemed to abide. "Listen to me, you might be tainted. When you came back, you had a touch of very evil magic tagging along with you and it might still be there, so I have to do a cleansing on you. What I need you to do is keep calm while this happens and recall everything, even the most little detail, from when you left me to when you got back. Don't lose focus no matter how much pain you feel. Do you understand?"

He hated to do this, but depending on what she had encountered it was necessary. Dark wizards tracked their enemies in such manners and oftentimes, poisons or other manipulative magics could be hidden inside such delicate maneuvers. "Let me know when you're ready and we'll begin. Remember not to lose focus when recalling your job. Not one detail missed or you'll be sorry."
Standing over her, he steadied his hands alongside her head and waited for her call. This was a painful process to drain any negative essences from her body in a rather forceful manner and dispel them as they exited the skin. Such methods were often frowned upon, but worked very well under the pressure of time restraint.
 
Esther let Alexi lead her, leaning into the comforting arm that was encircled around her. The lingering fear started to fade as she walked with her master. Someone was there who could help her. Alexi wouldn't let the warlocks get to her, and they were going to catch the damn people once and for all. However, her fear started to spike back up as Alexi explained to her that there was some evil magic tagging along with her. Was the warlock tracking her? Would he take her along with the others? A very real possibility popped into her head. What if the warlocks were using apprentices for practice and experimentation? Would she become a part of that horrendous cycle?

Vaguely Esther heard Alexi tell her that she had to calmly recall her entire job. She took a deep breath and let it go with a ragged timing. She just had to stay calm. It would hurt, but she was a tough girl. She could handle a bit of pain. She wasn't any crybaby. Moving to lay her stone near her heart, Esther waited for her heart to calm. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. Breathe in and out. "Alright. Let's do this." She started to describe her job as Alexi started the painful process. "I left you and Sparrow running down the street. It was almost a straight shot to Marxus' house, but I had to take two right turns before seeing the house. It looked the same as always, abandoned, but there was a window open. I snuck in and started to search the rooms, making sure to avoid all of Marxus' guards. It only took a while to find the info, but Marxus had just finished a meeting with a Warlock when I tried to escape. The warlock talked to me, telling me that he wanted to find me a new master, all while shutting the window I used earlier. When I tried to run away, he shot some kind of lightning spell at me, but he didn't use any words. The guards were getting confused and scared so I used a smoke spell to try and help get away, but the warlock got another shot near me. I slammed out the back door and I don't remember what route I took to get back to you and Sparrow. I know I took a lot of twists and turns." Small dots of blood smeared across Esther's hand. Everything hurt, and she just wanted it all to stop. However, she trusted Alexi. He hadn't tried to kill her nor hurt her, so she could take a bit of pain. The girl ignored the tears trailing down her face as she tried to keep calm.
 
As she recited her journey, he took very slow and careful steps to extract the magic that had attached itself to her. Each second she focused on her recap was one less she was not focusing on how painful the process was. He was doing to her senses and insides the equivalent of a maid wringing out a dirty rag in order to extract every ounce of dark energy. He had to completely and utterly focus all his time and effort into this. The slightest mistake could cripple her permanently or at the very least, kill her very painfully like he had threatened Sparrow and his men with.
When she mentioned a warlock who used lightning without a chant, he became worried. It had to be a master Warlock. No-one else knew the secrets of channeling non-committal spells like that.

If a warlock was in Meomorphis, then going to the alley was almost guaranteed to be a trap. He would have to figure out a plan. As he finished extracting the final bits of the dark magic and dispelled it into nothing, he noticed that she had long since stopped talking. Tears had streamed down her face and yet, she had held strong. Never flinched, cried out or begged to stop...just stood there and bore through it all. "You did very well. I am proud of you."
As he sat down, he sighed heavily. He was worn from such a feat and luckily, it did not feel like a tracking link. He was lucky. That meant this warlock, as far as he knew, did not know of his presence here in Meomorphis. This could work out to his benefit, but would also put Esther in very grave danger.

"Apprentice..." He had to speak slow to reserve his energy. "I must see the abduction site, but this warlock you saw...will not give up his hunt for you. If we are to gain access, it will require I put you in his path again." Taking a deep breath, he continued. "If he deems fit, he might curse you again or worse. I need to know if you feel prepared to face such a foe. If not, I must face him alone." Alexi Vosher knew he could take this warlock in most cases, but after a cleansing....even Fredrick and the Archbishop were exhausted after one of those and he was no exception. If he were to face this warlock now, it would disastrous for Meomorphis.
 
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