Private Western Brisshal An Evening Out

[Lucia Mierz]

It had been a short while since Lucia had come back, the 4 year break. Since then things seem to have been overgrown almost completely though, her old stomping grounds filled with trees and tall grass, it had been quite a lot of work to clear out and replace what had been lost in that time between. Naturally though her undead worked tirelessly, laboring in order to ensure Lucia had the things she needed, the things that were once her's. Her book cases, tables and chairs replaced, silken blankets woven and cleaned, her tent rebuilt and well dressed as it once was. Even now barrels of wine being uncovered and wax sealed after aging a few years, it was fortunate that they managed to track down some of the lost resources such as the cheeses and alcohols.

This led to Mortimer's current trip and adventure, the gentleman wraith king as regal as ever as he moved through the brush and woods as one would expect from a ghostly specter. While he had no legs, suspended only by a fog-like cloud below the knee one couldn't even see anything while below the waist any sense of leg was purely ethereal and non-physical. Instead the only portion that seemed to remain physical that far down was the man's long flowing coat, with noble dressings here and there, edged in fine materials. Gloved hands clasped behind his back in a semi-casual posture, the steward floated with only a porcelian mask being any evidence of his identity, anything else, such as ears or hair had long since faded away, with no eyes or mouth to need holes in his mask, instead only faint fogs wafted off of his blackened physique as if any skin was long burned and charred to a deadened black.

The Wraith King's objective was his old stash of tea leaves as well as his garden. Some 4 odd years later it remained every bit the epitome of meticulous hard work, even with all of the overgrowth from the time, it remained manicured to an extent simply due to the man's perfectionist tendencies. He passed through the garden he'd made in the depths of the woods, a casual hand occasionally cupping a flower or stroking a bush in disapproval. "My, it's like the time I was brought back, time certainly is as cruel as ever. Such an unruly place I would have long abandoned were it not for the purpose it served." The man sighed in disapproval before releasing the plants once more, glancing about as if wondering where he might begin. Were it up to him he would have set fire to such an unruly place and started fresh in a place that was cleaned so that he might build it to perfection once more, but alas, his miss could not do without tea for guests or flowers to scent the air. Not only would it be discomforting for her but would also harm her image-- and any harm, even such a tangential harm was something the Wraith King simply would not tolerate.

"I suppose, it's best to deal with the extraneous plant matter first..." He sighed, with a simple flick, a blade came to his hand, and with another large swaths of ivy and vines were minced and carved away. Even when swinging only once, he seemed able to carve large patches with intricate detail, freeing bushes and shaping them to their well manicured state with a few sweeps at a time. The Wraith King worked, even humming a tune as he pruned and moved about with deadly accuracy, but even so he had to make the area presentable at the very least before he began accounting for what was undamaged.

@Jin

 

[Jin]

"A garden left to grow unchecked," he mused idly as he checked the map again to verify his location and the distance to his destination. "Strange request, but I've heard stranger." Jin moved in strange circles and met stranger people on his path to the Underworld. Astorea was a nation predominantly controlled by Players, and so the power center for Landers was understandably run behind the scenes. They were left to their devices and checked only periodically by the Playerbase for reasons of safety. That meant during the times they weren't being scrutinized, they often got up to mischief.

Hiring any Traveler willing to look the other way morally was standard operating procedure. The shady man who offered him this task was unwilling to give a name or show his face, yet he was eager to impart details about the mission and only glossed over the dangers inherent to it. It made sense as he drew closer and the sweet smell of venomous flora permeated the air that the NPC was so ready and willing to pawn the task off on an adventurer.

Toxins deadly to breathe were dangerous to most humanoids. A non-human might be able to navigate the area ahead with relative ease, but for Jin, to trespass deeper in his current direction spelled an quick and not altogether painless, avoidable death.

For the moment, death was far too great of an inconvenience.

"Plants used for medicine," he appraised quietly to his left, "and poisonous roots often sourced for their properties by assassins. Kept and cut at proper intervals, they don't take on a pungent scent, and they aren't dangerous in terms of proximity."

It struck him that this had been a place for research, or the garden of some herbalist that had fallen into disarray. The timeline seemed to add up that it might have been left behind by another Traveler, back when the VRSA scrubbed Terrasphere from the web for the first time. Intangible to that was a more ready point. "No one with a pulse could trim things back without proper safety equipment."

There was a certain disappointment in the fact that he could not trespass further. If the Lander who told him about this place was to be believed, there were many useful plants that the "people of Astorea deserved to have liberated from the Travelers." Not that Jin cared much for that outcome.

Poisons and potions for his own private use held a much greater allure than the promise of coin.

Fortunately, the garden was more expansive than its most dangerous portions, and there were areas where he could travel. The overgrowth made for a difficult trek, but the view was rewarding enough. Plantlife that mirrored reality and other flora that beggared belief met his gaze and transfixed him momentarily. Though he was no botanist and had never been a lover of plant-life or flowers, there was a necessary appreciation that welled up inside him for a fleeting moment.

New experiences were why he came to this world in the first place. To not appreciate something flew in the face of that. He lifted a hand to touch his chin thoughtfully for a moment as he committed the colors and the subsequent scene to memory, the smile on his lips born of true bliss.

In the next moment, it was gone. He heard the sound of shears as they pruned the vegetation and the Bloodsworn turned to see a wraith busying itself with something as mundane as gardening. How very curious, he thought.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

The Wraith King continued his efforts for a great while, cutting, cleaving, with single knife in hand he made quick work of much of the overgrowth while the other swept it away with a sweep, the hand gesture seemed to have an eerie ethereal quality to it that brushed the clippings away like a broom as he moved. Every small planter he passed had been trimmed to an immaculate and manicured shape it had once been and the pathways swept clean of debris and made presentable once more as he moved.

It would be very rare, but when he did stop his graceful work flow, it would be to study a peculiar branch, or a particular portion of the path as he went. Bringing a hand to his masked chin with a musing demeanor before sweeping away whatever problematic part that stalled him and continuing on the wiser for it. If Jin was studying his actions well enough, he'd notice Mortimer only ever truly paused when there was evidence of trespassing, distinguishing what was intelligent movement and the action of a wild beast quite easily and it was only ever those 'intelligent' disturbances that gave him pause. Rather then tracking down the source or finding ins and outs however, Mortimer focused on the repairing of the garden instead, his priority somewhat clear; While there might be intruders to the space, the invaders weren't the issue when compared to the condition of the garden.

While working however, the Wraith King didn't simply remain silent, after the disturbances became more numerous, he would slow his work down, trimming by hand rather then using eerie martial arts technique, he slowed down as he spoke. "Hm, I'd not thought my work to be this interesting, how unique. Perhaps we should touch up security now that things have calmed down once more. Just enough, as with before, I do like to run a tight outfit after all." The Wraith King mused, but in reaction showed he wasn't alone. As if phasing into existence, other more indistinguishable varieties of wraith appeared. Lacking the charisma and power to be as distinct and elaborate as Mortimer, the lower Tier Wraiths were more what one might expect from a Specter like monster, floating in the air with blades and daggers held in shadowed hands before dispersing like smoke to different corners of the garden to simply watch and wait.

"Though, I suppose we should address our current tourist first. I understand things are rather unsightly now, had you waited a few moments longer I would have had time to clean up a bit first, so I do hope you'll forgive me on that point." Mortimer spoke, turning it's mask towards Jin with a gentlemanly nod in greeting. "Though, I must say, I find it peculiar the living are now traipsing around this place as they please. Is there something the living populous find in these gardens that has some allure? It would be good for my notes if there's anything particularly appetizing or intriguing among my pieces." Mortimer mused, treating the garden as a simple pet project as one might a rooftop garden or farmer's plot rather then a dangerous or poisonous place

@Jin

 

[Jin]

It was curious the way that this specter worked his way through plantlife like it was nothing. His attention remained visibly split all the while, and though he did not immediately regard Jin, the Bloodsworn felt his skin crawl unbidden as an unseen gaze settled on him. With no sudden movements, he waited for the ghastly entity to speak.

It was a gamble. There was the off-chance that the being had no interest in conversation and would treat him as an intruder. For Jin, though, the danger only jeered him to stand more rigid, biting tight into the back of his lip as he anticipated what came next.

There came a quiet sigh when he was not attacked. In fact, Kijin looked visibly disappointed. "The prospect of finding things that they might use often entices the living," he gave answer. "Especially if they can risk someone else's life rather than their own."

Poisonous, stifling fumes, overgrowth that made the garden virtually impassible, and a haunt that seemed less than thrilled with his presence. All of these things made it apparent that he had been used as the bait to determine whether or not the garden was dangerous. The Landers were too afraid to risk exploration on their own. "It would appear to he the garden of an botantical enthusiast, perhaps someone with an interest in medicine or alchemy," Jin dared to speak further. "It could prove useful for nearby merchants were they able to source their wares here. Though I won't be reporting that it is, I think."

He felt no real camaraderie with the man who sent him here, presumably knowing full well waited there. Jin glanced sidelong at the Wraith. "Not that I think that will curry your favor, by any means," he rested his arm across the pommel of his Katana. "I won't complain should you decide on retribution for this trespass."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Mortimer naturally craned his neck across his garden once more in consideration of what the living might desire within. The man seemed to struggle to find what the purpose would be though, unaware that it was only because his standards were set to high to follow those of other means. "I see, there's something among my work that piques their interest. How odd, twas my understanding we'd already offered some of my work to the living but they seemed bothered by our efforts." The Wraith King mused as if finding the sudden about face to be an interesting turn. Though he still seemed to struggle to decide what it was that the humans might be so interested in.

Though his following words about Medicine or Alchemy were somewhat alarming to the Wraith King who could be considered somewhat versed on the topic. "Oh? So they're interested in medicine and alchemical reagents is it... Fufufu... How quaint, I'd thought this garden sufficient for the production of teas, alcohols and floral arrangements." He couldn't help finding it somewhat amusing, uncertain if he simply had standards too high or if the man's employers mistook his defensive measures for experimental products. If Jin seemed at all taken aback by the revelation, the Wraith King would continue with enthusiasm and spirit. "Why, those types of more volatile substances I was forced to keep in a more quarantined zone where the living folk are less likely to simply wander across you see. Though, I suppose that particular grow zone is also not without it's own unique breed of interloper." Mortimer mused as well, considering whether or he should continue with these discreet gardens or something that would be more heavily guarded.

Of course, if ever there was a time that Jin's hand would come to his Katana's hilt, even if simply out of reflex Mortimer would take another action. One frame standing and considering, the next frame already reaching a hand out as if to place it on the butt of Jin's blade to ensure it remained firmly in the sheath. "I'm not one opposed to favoring like minded friends good sir. Why, I've quite a few living people among my associates with whom I share numerous hobbies." He spoke, his voice growing slightly more grave as the Wraith King leaned down bringing his Porcelain masked face into Jin's direct line of sight as he spoke in a softer tone.

"I do however run a tight ship as you can see. One important rule of mine, good sir, is that in this place, I will ask all guests to refrain from reaching for any type of armament on the premises. There is a time and a place for all things you see, and while I wouldn't be opposed to trading a few friendly pointers, I do get a touch anxious as the condition of my garden reflects on me in the same light that my ability to manage reflects on my Miss." The Wraith tried to explain, it had no problem with physical confrontations, but his garden's condition was already so disheveled from the lack of care. If it were to then be compounded with an anxious swing of swing of a blade turning into a tussle, the Wraith feared it might reflect poorly on his creator.

@Jin

 

[Jin]

It seemed that this wraith had some manner of agreement with people outside of the garden but if that was true, it was decidedly not the same people who had hired Jin to, for lack of a better description, "sneak in and snoop around." After a cursory glance around, Jin was made aware of just how true Mortimer's words were. But for the more restrictive areas of the garden that were beyond his ability to freely traverse, most of the plants he saw were domesticated and best suited for brewing teas and various other drinks.

Truly, that much was a disappointment. He expected more when the initial description was handed off. To be told by a ghost of all people...

Jin sighed. He glanced down at the spectral hand rested on the tsuka of his katana and then up at the entity that bore it, blood-colored eyes betraying nothing of the thoughts that hid behind them. Could he kill a ghost? Perhaps. Did he intend to try...?

Not simply for bearing bad news, at any rate.

His expression shifted from a thoughtful one to a soft smile. "So long as you do not bear arms at me, you have no cause to worry about my weapon leaving its sheath," he assured his host at last. Jin was not fully aware of the enemy before him, and so, with the opportunity to learn and observe extended as a courtesy, the Bloodsworn accepted. The ghast had spoken of his "Miss" and trading pointers besides, and the young man found himself fascinated.

"With nothing useful to return to my benefactors with, I find myself with no benefits to be wrought," he opened both palms in front of him to show he was empty handed, flaunting the fact as he spoke, "and so I would like to leave this Garden with at the very least something to show for my efforts. A conversation, then. Possibly about the flora, but I am open to all manner of topics, should you find yourself in a talking mood."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

When it was clear there'd be no trading of blows or clashing of blade, Mortimer gradually relaxed and gave the man a once over. He didn't seem particularly bad to the Wraith's eyes, it was the familiar demeanor that made him put forth a particularly firm request for sheathed blades though. "So long as we've reached an accord, I've no qualms with guests while present I suppose. The Miss has always been an open-minded and inviting individual." The undead thought, the Wraith King in question wasn't used to people in his gardens, but he wouldn't shoo someone away simply because they'd stumbled in.

Though hearing that the man had nothing useful to return with, Mortimer could only chuckle, it was a bargaining tactic surely, whether or not Jin even intended to return to those 'benefactors' remained to be seen. "I wouldn't be opposed, a nice tea, or a liquor if that's more your speed however if you're expecting something more ominous, I'm afraid that will need either the Miss's input or a Majority vote among my peers. The former would require you knowing our Miss, which doesn't seem likely... The latter-- well, you'd be hard pressed to convince me let alone the others of my caste." The Wraith King explained with a hand gesture. Naturally it could rule out Jin as someone who knew his Creator, purely because those who did come into contact with her were always scrutinized by one of their number. As for the convincing, Mortimer was willing to part with some cultural items as they were to be distributed anyway, but the more potentially dangerous variety would be disastrous in certain hands.

A Conversation though, wasn't something it was opposed to either. While the Wraith King managed Lucia's networks of intelligence, at the same time, it's creator was very firm in the belief that knowledge was to be shared or built upon. With the few exceptions of certain locations and figures, there wasn't much Mortimer needed to be guarded about. "I'm known to enjoy a nice conversation, I'm a rather refined artisan after all, a Master of many crafts you could say. Why-- There's even a well known lecture our Miss is quite well known for giving to those like yourself, words of caution and advice you could say." Mortimer began casually, turning to once more begin caring for plants. If Jin was curious about the advice he wouldn't hesitate to begin sharing, or if he had his own topic of choice the Wraith King didn't seem to mind provided there were no wandering hands stuffing pockets.

@Jin

 

[Jin]

He smiled. The obvious ploy was set in motion, and the Wraith seemed to accept it at face value. Jin knew better than to assume this being was overly trusting however, so he deigned not to celebrate prematurely. "Your Miss, as you call her, seems to be quite the commendable individual for you to speak so highly of her," the Bloodsworn offered. It was a topic the Wraith seemed inclined to speak at great length about, and allowing the ephemeral man to wax poetic bought Jin both time and information. Both precious commodities, all told.

The two of the same mind about Knowledge, and of its importance. Jin did not know the whole truth about this garden, its creator, or the mastermind behind the ghostly presence now regarding him with some amount of interest. That meant that, for the moment, he was at a disadvantage.

Jin preferred to level every playing field whenever possible. "As I am quite sure I am unfamiliar with any of the aforementioned individuals, it would seem that the most I might impose on you for just such a "nice conversation," and provided you are willing to indulge me-"

He pressed forefinger and thumb gently to his chest, indicating his person.

"I should very much like to hear this lecture that your Miss is fond of," he tilted his head curiously. "Though it grieves me to admit, I do not know what you mean by 'those like myself,' and any cautions or advice that might be prudent for me would be a great boon."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

The man's hands paused briefly when his 'Miss' was spoken about. Tilting his head back, as if half in nostalgia and half in contentment. "Commendable, I'd suppose. Some would call her overly ambitious, a Maverick if you will. She sacrifices a lot for us, even though we'd serve regardless... A lot for those like you, even though she's rarely thanked." The Wraith spoke, a touch of melancholy in it's voice as it turned and tilted some plants and bushes as if ensuring they were aligned properly. Thinking thoughts of his creator's efforts though he gradually shook off that more dim attitude as it continued. "It's for that reason we all endeavor to work harder, from those of my caste to the lowly skeletons down below." Mortimer nodded with a touch of pride.

When he mentioned the phrase 'those like myself' though, the Wraith paused his work once more, gradually relaxing his posture. If he was interested in his creator's lecture, that would take priority to the pruning for now. "Those like yourself. I cannot hear some of the words you speak on this topic, but I am not so naïve as to be unable to piece some things together. The Travelers, as yourself good sir, are not native here like myself, try as I might to hear more details from my Miss, the words cannot reach my ears if she explains too much. And so we call you Travelers, those 'like yourself'." He explained, referring to players. When NPCs heard talk of the real world or other game-like language, it was always gargled static they were unable to hear or process. To Mortimer, he was not unique in this aspect, but wasn't unable to theorize using his Miss's experiences. While it might not be the truth, it was the best the Wraith King could put together using the information at his disposal.

"As for our Miss's lecture, I'm quite fond of it. I cannot fathom why those like yourself often don't value life, effort, technique, however our Miss notices these bizarre incongruencies you see. Rather then develop a skill or a technique, the Miss explains that you all acquire 'numbers' and grow stronger from these 'numbers' you steal from others." The Wraith began to explain. Unaware of mechanics like Experience and levels, the Wraith could only rationalize this growing ability as 'stealing numbers'. "Because of this, you see, our Miss believes those like you are more prone to wildly swing weapons and call it swordsmanship or throw balls of fire and consider it magic. Wielding these 'numbers' as power, without developing a means of exerting that power." The Wraith King spoke, though it was different from how Lucia would explain it, it was present during many of her lectures as Lucia tried to explain to people that just grinding levels and increasing masteries wasn't enough. She told many that there was more to the game, more methods of gaining power and developing their masteries, but the Wraith King lacked the knowledge of the game system to truly explain.

Instead he used what he could understand from the lecture to try and speak from his own perspective. "And so our Miss lectures, in hopes of inspiring others to nurture a new kind of power, not relating to 'numbers' but something deeper, an artform, an origin point." He explained, particularly passionate when it came 'artforms'. Of course if Jin seemed perplexed or confused the Wraith would hesitate, leaning in towards the man as he tried to clarify. "For example; If you are a fire mage... Where does your flame come from, where does it originate, how does it refill? If you are a sword fighter good sir... How does your power reach your blade, how can a slender arm and a muscular one split stone just as easily?" The Wraith asked, gesturing with a hand, as if implying that Jin should try to answer if he could. It was a question his Miss asked many, and each time it was baffled and shell-shocked when people replied with 'it just comes out' or 'from my hand' or 'I just do it' as if such things were natural.

 

[Jin]

Ah, we who do not belong. The Travelers. Players.

Jin often found himself amused at the distinction, as though the world were filled with AI who had not fully come to comprehend the distinction between man and machine, but were cognizant that such a distinction did exist. To hear such high concept theory from the wraith surprised him less than it should have. Rather, it enticed him deeper into the conversation, which initially had been a whim.

"You had my interest," Jin remarked smoothly, "now you have my attention."

Had it been some sort of derogatory inference about him being a trespasser or ne'er-do-well, Jin would have written the next words off entirely and played the part of guest with a few well placed grunts and sounds of affirmation. Instead, he listened thoughtfully.

The distinction that the Wraith made which fascinated him most was the idea of stealing power, or the accumulation of experience points- without a full and passing knowledge of the UI or how Travelers increased their power, Jin could understand the spirit's difficulty in articulating the point. Nonetheless, the Bloodsworn understood the theory in principle.

"Conservation of Energy," he intoned, reciting something that he learned over the course of his time in boring, monotonous, compulsory education. "The idea that nothing is lost, rather it is converted into a new form, and even if it remains unused, it still exists. I'm aware at the very least of the fundamental law," he gave voice to his thoughts as the Wraith explained his Mistress' words.

"So, she posits that simply taking that energy and using it to fuel something does not fully tap into the potential of either the energy itself, or the user?" he queried. It was a bold notion, and not entirely unthinkable, but it seemed a bit romanticized. The very verbiage used from the beginning, about "stealing power" assigned value and agency to those being stolen from, and for Jin, well...

His expression was thoughtful now, but it retained none of the jovial façade he normally wore. If anything, as his gloved hand masked his mouth, his eyes looked sharper and more cruel than before. He paused for a long moment as Mortimer finished asking his leading question about the origins of flame, or the strength of a swordsman.

Their methods differed, but he had a hunch that their answers might not be so different.

"Will," he answered finally. "Ultimately, power itself is fuel, and the body a conduit; but the connection between the two is made through willpower. Whether that power is innate, or "stolen" from another source, the power still exists and is distilled into a new form through the application of will. Two stones that strike each other produce a spark, and the hands that manipulate them serve as the mechanism to allow them to create flame, but the will of the person striking them is what ultimately engineered the event."

He glanced up, his gaze less stern, infinitely less intense.

"What your Miss is implying is that function follows form, yes? And that in order to harness any energy optimally, the user must create a form that optimally functions."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

With a chuckle, Mortimer tilted his head from side to side, an indication that he'd considered it partial credit if it were a quiz. Though the Wraith king himself was internally debating whether or not it was because of a fault in his explanation or because the concept was high level for travelers. Unable to weigh in on either side the man decided to explain further regardless. "I'm afraid I refer not to the laws that guide our physical world and give it order, but instead, perhaps a more simpler question; Where does the energy come from?" He tried to elaborate. "As one would need friction to start a fire, or a jolt of magic to ignite a blaze, where would you, as a fire mage, begin this reaction? Does it begin in the words you speak? Or the gestures you make to cast? If it were so simple would that not allow others to do so if it were the proper method?" He asked, posing the question again with a gesture, as if this were the one he was trying to compel Jin to think on as opposed to the nature of fire and it's chemical requirements for ignition.

The topic of will made Mortimer nod, it was approaching the point his Miss typically was satisfied with hearing, though not quite there yet. The Wraith King beginning to think that perhaps it simply lacked the eloquence required for such a high level topic, but in the end it persevered in order to do his creator's lecture justice. "Will, yes, it is our will that compels those forces and energies. To return to the fire analogy, if what I'm asking for is your 'spark' or 'friction' will would perhaps be the action of clashing flint and steal, but the resulting spark, the oxygen, the tinder so to speak." He spoke with another hand gesture as if to imply that there was something inside of Jin that acted as that initial energy, that there was something in everyone. Whether you called it Ki, Mana, Prana, Life Force, Murderous Intent; It was an energy that had many names and flavors.

When he spoke of function following form, it was at the cusp, the Wraith King nodded along simply. "I'd suppose, in my own lacking vocabulary, that most exercise this power in a primal way, through exertion brute force if you will. In order to exert this energy optimally, as you say, a proper system is important, a structure that facilitates this power's movement, regeneration and reinforces it's quality. Whether it's the creation of an organ to contain it, or using a system of points on the body to guide it, or perhaps even a central focal point to saturate with it. Whatever one decides on-- Having a foundation and a structure, no matter how sparse or underdeveloped is better then none at all." The Wraith punctuated, hoping that he'd done the lecture justice. Though he wouldn't be so forward as to guide someone on the creation of a power structure or those core internal systems, his Creator often preached that it was important to develop one early so that when one reached the peak of their levels, there would still be more growth that can be achieved.

@Jin

 

[Jin]

At their core, every system had a series of processes that made them functional. Whether they were defined or not, simply creating a new process to streamline or simplify the older ones did not inherently mitigate them. However, if those processes were to exist regardless of the newer simplified one and could be relegated to redundancy...

"Ahhh," he tapped his cheek with his forefinger thoughtfully. "So instead of wasteful allocation of energy, you seek a singular, preferred method for optimization. A 'style' or a 'skill' or some other method that minimizes effort and maximizes utility." The process seemed vaguely familiar from a gaming standpoint, like using mods or macros. It added something of a personal touch, but detracted from the immersion.

At the presupposition that there was something more, Jin kept his expression neutral. The very idea that there had to be something was blasphemous to the concept of magic. The sheer process of creative expression through unfettered imagination was the crux of a world like this one. The assignment of parameters to that was a limiter, a boring notion used by those who sought to understand something that did not truly need understanding.

Those who answered "it just happens" or "I just do it" were not the kind to be shunned or defrauded, in his mind; rather, they were the ones most in tune with their freedom. For Jin, it wasn't a matter of assigning value or stripping it away. The power he had, regardless of its source, was a tool to be used. The result was ever in flux, and when it found a tangible form, the excitement it brought, the beauty of it- these things were fleeting.

That was art.

"Then allow me to ask," he turned now to look at the Wraith King with his arms folded. "If an artist is restricted to a single, small canvas and one medium, it is entirely possible that they can make art; and absolutely, it is a fact that many artists do so. But that art, as widely varied and beautiful as it might be, is still limited to that canvas and that medium, yes?"

He blinked, slowly, and then, Jin smiled.

"What makes the artist any different from anyone if they choose one medium to paint with for the rest of their existence, never to experience variation, and never to create something that deviates from their routine?"

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Mortimer nodded with a snap of his fingers, seemingly feeling as if he'd successfully delivered the lecture as Jin had arrived at a conclusion that seemed to match at least. Though his moment of pride was brief, he straightened with a reassuring nod. "Precisely, as a proper style of execution, one has the power but in order to your strength is being focused, it's best to have a system prepared, whatever one you might choose to place your faith in. Our miss too has constructed her own model for her abilities as well, a living testament to it's potential you could say." Mortimer nodded, after all he was created through that system, and while he might not be the person he once was in it's entirety, he was content with the type of creature he became with her influence.

Hearing Jin speak though, particularly about art, Mortimer chuckled, the further he went on about the 'limited nature' of his ideal, the more grim the chuckle became. After all, Mortimer very much considered himself an artisan, to the extent that in both of his lives, he had refined his artform to a peak. "Then let us speak from a point of view of 'art'." Mortimer spoke, folding his arms behind his back, the Wraith King almost seemed taller when speaking from the perspective of an artisan as opposed to a steward. "If you were given hundreds of canvases, thousands of mediums to work with, produced millions of pieces, painting one moment, sculpting the next, singing the next, writing the next... from one to the next spending your life doing everything, I suppose you could make something interesting..." Mortimer spoke, but clearly didn't believe his own statement. Rather he doubted a person could make a quality piece only working with different and varied mediums.

"However..." Mortimer continued as if deeply reflecting. "Suppose you found a medium you treasure, and you create hundreds of pieces using it, recreate that canvas a thousand times, refining each line each time, developing each curve with repetition. Suppose they focus further, and find a subject they adore, and further refine art of that subject ten thousand times, or a favored tool wielded hundreds of thousands of times? Tell me, good sir, which of these two examples seems like it would produce the more immaculate piece? The one who tried infinite amounts of mediums, tools, canvases and subjects, or the one who refines a single medium, skills with a single tool set, with a single subject mm?" He proposed, feeling the answer should be clear. Though towards the tail end of Jin's question, Mortimer shook his head at the thought of variation and inspiration.

"Why, I would argue that's exactly what makes an artist an artist good sir. Your average person does many things throughout their lives, hundreds, perhaps even trying millions of things as we talked about. An Artist, however, is known as such because they are inspired, by whatever reasons, to refine one particular thing into an artform. It can be versatile or limited, it can be complex or simple, but the artisan's technique-- Their artform-- Their piece, if you will, will never be beaten by one who hasn't undergone a refinement process of their own to match them I'm afraid." The Wraith King shook his head, almost sympathetically. All people himself included desire to master a thousand artforms, and millions of techniques, but the closer one gets to perfection the more they understand that it's possible to reach a peak in skill, but impossible to battle against infinity to achieve perfection. "Inspiration, I would argue can come from anywhere good sir, as creatures of this world we'll do many things through merely existing, if your goal is to be inspired, I encourage you, by all means. If you would however mistake a carefully honed and perhaps even lifelong adventure of chasing perfection for a reckless and dogged pursuit blind to everything but a single goal post; I'm afraid my advice won't have much meaning." Mortimer explained as if uncertain. It was the first time he came across a person who would seem to forsake or discard the proposition to hone one's abilities in fear of missing out on other experiences.

@Jin

 

[Jin]

He rested his chin on the back of his hand and watched the Wraith intently. The spirit's resolve and devotion to a system, to rank and file, to the concept of categorization and call numbers made the bloody eyed boy contemplative. The being hung on to the concept of art, and he went on to make his own example. At that point, he smiled.

"Certainly, they may become paragons of their craft," he conceded. "And absolutely, they may learn how to do that singular thing its apex. But at what point do they recreate the peak of their ability again and again before it loses its appeal?" he asked.

Jin closed his eyes and continued. "You create a hundred million works of "art," all standardized. The exact same, devoid of blemish, bereft of emotion, wiped clean of the entire experience that brought them to that point." He looked up to the Wraith King with a bemused expression. "A masterpiece ought only exist in singular form, complete with its imperfections," he crooned, tilting his head. "Something so beautiful, so unique that it cannot be recreated, and any attempt at fabrication merely dilutes it."

He found himself with some respect for the spectre's willingness to champion the point. So few people wanted to stand for anything, and even if he disagreed with them, conviction was a beautiful thing. And for this particular being to not be a Traveler... he had happened upon a rare thing indeed.

"Make no mistake, I do not besmirch the artisan his craft or seek to disparage the workmanship and quality, nor seek to undermine the time and effort that goes into such a pursuit; rather, I contend that what they do is an important staple of society- but art, in its truest form- art is something that cannot be emulated. It cannot be learned, copied, or taught."

Jin chuckled.

"An artist, therefore, cares nothing for function," he contended at last. "Only the form that their masterpiece takes."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Mortimer chuckled at the prospect, it was a subject he found himself musing on from time to time as he worked on his own craft after all. It was a philosophical topic the wraith king thought, on a person's determination and persistence, diminishing returns of investing blood and sweat into a craft. Nodding along at the question, the Wraith had a simple answer. "For some, it might lose it's appeal, it's zest if you will. While I can sympathize with such artisans, I'm afraid I can't consider them paragons of their craft if that's the case. In my experience, I've come to a conclusion that once refined thoroughly enough, all things come to the same peak. The lines between magic and physical blur, artforms blur, combat styles blur into each other. Once one can truly perform at the apex; what need would they have for another craft? If with one sweep of a paint brush you could create a magnum opus at the same time you butcher men by the thousands what need would you have for a sword or magic?" The Wraith questioned as if it were the easiest topic to answer to the present. If Jin seemed doubtful that painting had the potential to kill a man though, Mortimer would lean in mirth in his tone as he would explain. "If one can't achieve that level of skill, I would hardly consider them a master of their craft, let alone a paragon."

Though as Jin continued to explain, Mortimer stood back straight up with a firm nod. "Ah, and so we return to speaking the same language. I quite agree, to perfect an artform requires an open mind, one will experience many things while refining their craft make no mistake. These experiences will no doubt influence and gradually act as a grind stone to further refine one's craft." Mortimer acknowledged but raised a finger, his tone amused as he continued. "I would propose an interesting alternative however, in asking where is it that you, good sir, would set your standard in comparison to I?" The Wraith King asked, though it was more rhetorical as he felt he had a faint grasp of Jin's standard from his words. "If I can create a piece that is dull just because it is the same, I can say it will not meet my standards. Until I create something with true perfection, that can look exactly the same as dozens of others with each evoking a different emotion, that can be viewed by the same person but tell a different story each time, that can evolve through one's eyes with a myriad of transformations-- It will not meet my standards." Mortimer spoke pleasantly, an impossible task perhaps, but such was the thrill of trying to truly and perhaps naively perfect a craft. "It is my belief, good sir, that one cannot truly achieve perfection if they cannot transcend your statement. For how could you call yourself a paragon, a true master of your craft if you were not capable of at least that much?" The Wraith proposed.

Despite his poetic waxing and waning though, Mortimer sympathized with the man's thoughts, they were more down to earth, realistic perhaps. It was why Mortimer's distinction for his artform and his dedication to it set him apart from his peers. The Wraith King however, was steadfast in his resolve, with a hand gesture he beckoned for Jin to not be worried. "It's quite alright, I do grow passionate about artistry, I understand. This is why I find it so interesting, arguing for art's uniqueness, while at the same time denying that an artform can lose it's identity through emulation and refinement. I would pose the question, if art is so free, why can it not be emulated if one so chooses? Why could it not be learned, copied or taught if an artisan works to achieve it? Could this imitation in and of itself not be considered an artform and why must it detract from the original piece?" Mortimer inquired, a gentle hand gesture swirling slightly as he continued. "I would suggest, instead, that if one truly does intend to reach the apex, function and form can harmonize, likewise one can completely abandon either function or form. What it would be best said that when a piece or an artform truly achieves perfection, it will become 'True art' rather then the other way around mm?" Mortimer mused on the subject