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The passerby
He pauses at the warrior’s words. Surely, save for the lack of silver weaponry, no mere were-creature would pose much of a threat to this man. Unless, of course, this is no mere lycanthrope of which he speaks. And once more there is reference to a mage. “Clearly,” he says with a wry smile, “there be more to this matter than a lycanthrope and a wizard.” That said he holds up his hand, “But we are newly met and I understand the need for caution in speaking of such matters.”
Larry has turned to him, and he smiles at the young man’s question. A practitioner of magic! Always the same question regarding his craft. Still such lack of understanding has always served him well and the young man seems a bit free with his tongue. His external bearing betrays nothing of his thoughts, displaying only the relaxed and friendly caution of a man among new traveling companions. “Yes,” he says simply, “one might say that I am.” He steps forward and places a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Listening, my young friend,” he says in a companionable tone, “is a most useful skill and an art worthy of practicing well. I did not say that I could determine the location of this sword, only that it might be possible for me to do so ......”
He steps away from the young man that he might speak to his new companions at once. “Should we find a readily defensible location, I can see to its concealment from all but the most alert and penetrating of gazes. Seeking after this blade, however, requires a most unusual enchantment for I must look for it within my dreaming and should my sleep be broken before the dream has ended any vision I receive will be lost.” He turns directly to the warrior. “I will trust you, then, with my life.” After a pause, he continues, “But I do ask something of you in return and that is your permission to glance at those pages from which so marvelous a vision emerged.” A note of genuine excitement rings in his voice. “There is great artistry in spellcraft such as that ......” His voice trails off. After a moment he continues, “If, however, you would rather I not see the book, tell me, at least, what you know of such artistry and the one who has produced it.”
Turning to Larry he smiles at the puzzled expression on the young man’s face. “Yes,” he says, “it is a peculiar trade – the balancing of life against a glance at a book. But as a warrior’s life and his artistry with a blade are bound together, so it is with those whose lives are given to other arts. And one learns from a master whenever the chance presents itself.”
Looking again at the two of them he pulls up short. “But first things first,” he laughs. “I am called Joseph,” he says simply and extends his hand.
ooc: Joseph is at least as charismatic as Morguerat. This charisma does not express itself in terms of natural leadership, however, so much as it does in a natural and easy likeability and capacity to elicit trust.
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