Stroll through the stones

[Chambers]

Playful? What are you ... oh right, Thyrsus. 'I think we might be talking about our respective specialities. Not the same thing.' The shades of the dead didn't tend to be playful. Walking along his attention split between where they were going and their conversation. He nods. 'Yes I find it very fulfilling. It really helps give me a sense of purpose.' Well making them to try and save reality from the grips of the lie does anyway. 'That's neat.' As a Moros the idea of repairing stuff did appeal to him, he was just better at making it. 'What got you into that?'

And just as I was thinking about it. 'Yes, the world does seem to be losing its personal touch doesn't it.' Is online the same? better? The free council would say so but this Necromancer wasn't so sure. 'A willingness to do stupid stuff will see you far in many fields.' Usually. 'If it doesn't back fire.' Some of the risks members of the Mysterium took would be called stupid, but still we must.

That he ponders with care. 'What determines the meaningfulness of something?' Because it certainly wasn't what the lie would have you believe. 'If you find meaning in it. then.' He shrugs with open palms. Enough said. Before grinning. 'There are some truly beautiful cities in the world.' And some truly not. 'I tend for the more ancient ones myself. When traveling anyway.' Given the city he had chosen to study, work and live in was comparatively very modern.

He manages a rueful smile. Everything had turned out okay in the end. Thanks to October. 'Let it? No.' He shakes his head. 'Use it as excuse so I never have to again.' Nodding now. 'Absolutely.' The only part of the experience he had enjoyed was the company. 'Haven't done much pool. Went out for darts a while back. I was very out of practice.' But it does sound like she's more social then the rest of our little group combined so that's good.

He listens eagerly. And it takes an effort not to ask more here and now. 'Well who knows, you've come back. So he might.' Stranger things and all that. 'Whatever he's doing must be important.' And that makes it all the more interesting.

[Aurora]

A light shrug, “It could be a mixture of both.” Sure, she was a Master of Spirit, but she also dabbled a bit in Death. Spirits and ghosts were different, yes, but that wouldn’t stop her from having a bit of fun.

“Having work that fulfills you is often underappreciated. Such an important detail to living a happy life.” Well, there were a few more things that went along with it, but basic idea and all. “I wanted to try something different from what I was doing. I did a lot of the work in my loft, and found I really liked the work, there was a sense of accomplishment when it was done. So I decided to give it a go.” It was a fun hobby, but a hobby at best.

Nodding, “It does, but maybe we’re just part of a dying breed.” Laughing, “Not this stupid stuff, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt and got me the chance to do things I didn’t think possible. And yeah, backfiring is never a good thing, shit burns, you end up in the hospital and show is ruined.” Sighing, “Been there, done that.” But, she had to start somewhere.

“I suppose the answer is different for everyone, as we all ascribe meaningfulness in different ways. For me? It’s about leaving an impact, that my work will be remembered and I will feel like I accomplished something. What I currently do doesn’t check all those boxes. Sure, I’ve been doing it since I could walk, but I just think I can do, well, more.” Something with more intelligence and effort. “Sounds like you’re well-traveled, what has been your favorite place to visit?” everyone had a favorite.

Smiling with a laugh, “So long as you admit it’s an excuse. But you do you with clubs.” They were fun, but they were also exhausting. “Pool’s a blast! When I go out for a night of it, I’ll have to let you know. I even manage to get a private table, so there’s no bumping into other players. I’m not really good at it, I just enjoy being out with friends.” There had been some fun times with friends, pool and buying shots.

A shallow nod, “I doubt he'll pop by anytime soon, he was chasing his dreams, going after a goal only some of us hope to achieve. So I don’t think we’ll see him until he’s succeeded and even then, it opens so many doors for him.” And she wanted him to explore those doors and live his best life.

[Chambers]

That gets a forty five degree nod. Acknowledging her point. 'Fair and probably true.' Although I have no skill for your side of this coin. 'Not that I would know.' It seemed right to point that out, avoid any confusion.

He grins and nods. One day I'll show you the real work, see what you make of that But for now. 'Ah here we go. One of mine .' He indicates a very new gravestone for an elderly man that passed recently. Perfectly cut with carved and sculpted patterns scrolling vertically to frame the carved and dyed inscription. It stands uniformly with a quiet dignity and gravitas, polished without shining from excess or machine handling. The lettering neat and precise. 'I absolutely agree. An office would be the death of me.' That he understood. 'There is definitely a satisfaction to working with your hands and seeing the result. Something you still do?' Might have been hard with traveling.

He grins good naturedly. 'We might be, but I think some are starting to buck the trend. Even Online things like Etsy were people practice, promote and personalise hand crafted things suggests as much.' He hadn't lost all hope yet. 'For good or ill history does seem to repeat its trends.' And personal vs cooperate was definitely one such.

He casts her a cheery eye. 'The general attitude of being willing to embrace seemingly stupid things can get you far in general I meant. Your personal application certainly lends credit to the idea.' Mollifying a bit. 'That however does not. That sounds very unpleasant. Well done for not letting it stop you.' That takes drive and courage.

He listens politely, its both a good lesson and good insight. 'Impact is ... a difficult measure I find ... it can be hard to know what impact we have.' You can study resonances I reckon but predicting how that will manifest is still a skill that needs a lot of honing. 'What would you quantify as more?' He was no phycologist but he knew how to work a problem by tracing it back to its roots.

Sort of. He does chuckle as he recalls his trips and various instructors around the globe. 'To a degree yes. I haven't been everywhere mind.' If only I was better at keeping in contact with them. 'Varanasi. Prominent city in India. If I had to choose.' Then answer came quick enough it was either a clear winner he didn't have to think about or a rote answer to the question. 'And you?'

'Oh I make no bones about it. Its an excuse.' Still plenty to do at clubs other the dance if I need to attend one for any reason. 'I'll take you up on that.' Socialising was an important part of building trust after all. 'Even better the less .. bumping into tohers.' Get it? 'The better.' He chuckles at his own play off words.

A more Solem nod now though. 'There are many paths through our lives.' Trusting she understand him. 'No matter how entwined or similar we all walk our own in the end.' He would be asking more latter, but clearly this could get complicated in public so leaves at that.

[Aurora]

Walking up to the gravestone, she takes it in. Sure, she didn’t really know what to look for, having never known someone who did these. But it looked good, like care and time was spent on it, not something rushed simply for the money. “Having never really paid much attention to these, I have to say, it’s stunning. You obviously took a lot of care and time with it, not something a machine could do.” Could it do it quicker? Maybe, but there was something for a human taking the time. Chuckling, “I could never survive in an office.” She needed her freedom and her music. “Oh, here and there, I don’t think it’s something that will truly take off and keep the lights on.” Just a hobby.

“I certainly hope so. I always try and support small businesses when I can. Used Etsy a few times, some really talented people out there.” But that was for costumes and some of her fans.

Smirking to him, “If I stopped every time I got hurt, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You take the failures and turn them into successes.” It was the nature of what she did.

Nodding, “It can be. I found the impact I want to have is someone others want to be like. So I shifted my mind set and took up various educational paths, learned things I’ve been told would be impossible.” The Shaman wasn’t a stupid woman, despite appearance and profession. “As far as what is more? I wanted to test my mind and push myself to learn something completely new and different for myself. Things not related to the circus or sideshow. It’s been a ride, but has been very fulfilling.” It might not seem like more to some…but it was to her. Who had no real traditional education. She’d proven to herself that she was more then a pretty face who was one of the most flexible people in the world.

“Oh! India! Can’t say I got the chance to go while I was overseas, but what a fascinating culture! What was it that made it stand out to you?” he’d clearly traveled more then she had. “I would have to say Paris. As a performer, it’s the holy grail for us, a place we all want to perform in.” maybe it was cheesy, but it was the truth.

“We’ll have to make sure to exchange numbers then.” She was itching to play a bit. At the joke…or pun…he got a laugh, “You know, that’s a good one.” Of course, she got it.

Her nod was a shallower one, eyes looking back to the gravestone for a moment. “That’s true, but it doesn’t make it easy on others. But, I hope he’s finding success and living his best life.” Maybe they’d cross paths again someday.

[Chambers]

Chambers stares at his handicraft silently. It had come out well, he was proud of it. It would serve as a monument to the existence of this man long past those who would remember him in life. And once its sympathy to him is strong enough serve as a perfect connection to record his name. 'Machines. Can do a lot. More every day.' Pause at that sad state of fairs. 'But no they can't do this.' He will move some flowers that have been left, back towards the grave, an animal or the wind having disturbed them. 'Or what you can.' The day we have robotic performers will be a problem. 'Who says it has to. A hobby doesn't need to be monetized.' No rather defeats the purpose if you ask me. 'If your looking for any projects there's this great fair once a month. you can get all sorts of old furniture fairly cheap, usually because it needs a bit of work done.' Also some useful bargains for those just settling back in. He didn't know if it had been running when she was last in the city or not, but it can't hurt to pass on.

So far, she's making a very good impression. 'When I can't make it myself. I'm likewise inclined.' Which applied to less things the more he tried to make. 'I generally get my writing equipment from etsy.' If anyone had ever wondered were the themed stationary he left messages on came from it wouldn't be hard to find. 'I'll choose to nurture talent, over something cooperate every time.' Even if nurture just meant ensure they can eat.

He returns the smirk. 'Things that start poorly do have a habit of ending on a higher note.' The only way is up. If you didn't suffer life changing or mortal injuries.

Continuing to listen. 'A fellow academic.' An excited gleam enters his eyes. He had not assumed either way. 'Role models are very important. And so few good ones exist. That's a heavy burden to take on.' Not one he reckoned he could do intentionally anyhow. 'And if learning it achieved what you were after, fantastic.' He was actually a little unsure here. Learning can be both a sleeper and an awakened topic so he's not going to push that in public. Just in case. 'I'm currently studying myself.' Which is why. 'And I must confess my travels are largely thanks to that, not personal choice or achieving life long dreams.' Which made her the better person in his mind.

India. He had nearly stayed. Very nearly. 'Every society is concerned with what makes a good person. My exposure is mostly Christian. The idea of a judgemental God.' Who is most certainly not waiting in the realm of the dead. 'Its focus is on the reward, what comes after.' Good done for selfish gain. 'In India I experienced a very different set of ideals. The various Dharmas, the generation of Karama and eventually liberation or Moksha. Its very grounded in the here and now. In the actions taken within the confines of each moment.' And very resistant to change. 'What we perceive as good and evil carries little baring because what is good is determined by a series of factors that outline your dutys or Dharmas.' He strops short. He had started to lecture, a bad habit. 'I really resonated with the ideas.'

'So.' Paris considering how close it was relatively why did I never go? 'If you've made it Paris where does a performer go from there?' How do you reaccess when you reach the top of Everest? What takes it higher?

He nods. 'Sure. If you haven't grabbed it off the board already here.' Pulling out a smartphone. He'll pass the number across. The advantage to offering his number for all to see. He had become a little less concerned about handing to out to those who could get it whenever they wanted to.

[Aurora]

Nodding as she spoke, “No matter how advanced machines become, they will never match the passion of something that is handmade. That’s something that comes from here,” a hand over her heart, “and nothing can match it.” Not in a sentimental way, but in a way of how people work. “No, one doesn’t need to make money off a hobby, but something has to pay the bills.” Side show didn’t pay as much as people thought. “I tend to find them on the side of the road. Though it’s a matter of finding things that will fit into my car.” Laughing, “Might need to buy a used truck.” Especially since Chase was gone.

“I’ve gotten everything from costumes to metal fans from Etsy. Because lets face it, if I tried to sew something it would be a nightmare.” She could do quick repairs, that came with years of being on the road and doing things on the fly.

“Exactly.” She had her limits when it came to failure and her drive to keep trying.

Chuckling, “Sort of. I never attended a traditional school growing up, so I have little experience with academics. So maybe a new academic, maybe.” She wasn’t sure she would go as far as to say academic. “I just wanted someone others who didn’t graduate from high school or attend college see education was still on the table.” In a way, it made her not the stereotypical member of the Mysterium as well. “I’ve been studying ancient languages, so far only French and Latin, but I have a list.” It sounded like something she was excited to talk about. Not maybe knew her ability to even speak those languages, let alone enjoy it. “Yourself? Interesting. Have you learned anything?” studying oneself seemed like the most difficult topic.

The Shaman listens, but it wasn’t a topic she felt strongly about one way or another. “Something I’ve never personal put much thought into. But it sounds like it sparked something in you.” Sounded like something he was passionate about. “I personally think you should do the right thing, or the good thing, because, well, it’s the right thing. Should never be about what it gets you, so maybe some of what you said rings true for me.” Maybe.

“That depends on the performer. For me, it means I can let go of that dream and focus on others. I was able to perform with some of the best, and in a way, it’s reawakened a desire to reinvent my show, improve on things I do, maybe pursue acts I never thought possible.” Only way to go was up.

A cell is pulled from her jacket pocket and she’ll pass along her number as well.

[Chambers]

He smiles. 'A very nice way to put it.' Before giving a shrug that indicates he concedes the point. 'Unfortunely you are correct, something does.' A grim distraction and debilitation that drew the focus of so many that might otherwise see things as they are meant to be. 'Unless you find it along a riverbank I'm afraid I can offer little assistance in that regard. I don't own a car. Or any road vehicle actually.' When was the last time I even drove one?

He shrugs. 'I'll have to take your word for it. When was the last time you tried to sew?' Another skill swiftly dying off, that one is.

He snorts in derision here. 'Academia doesn't need to be taught via schools. Any element of learning, any one who pursues knowledge is part of the global community of academia.' In trying to understand Pancryptia he had come to realise you needed to take holistic approaches to things if you hoped to unravel the truth, each concealing a different facet. Only in combing the fragments could what is real be found again. 'Far to many brag about and hide behind there papers, the pursuit of the goal, while admirable is all to them, that is not academia.' She catches his interest with that. 'Ancient languages are something I haven't gotten to yet but have a healthy interest in, please go on.' Sorry what ... oh. He waves his had self dismissively. 'My fault I see what happened there. I myself, am currently engaged in studying philosophy.' The order had been insistent he continue it, and he was starting to see why. 'Learnt is an interesting word here. Its made me curious about a great many things. Helped with a few breakthroughs.' True enough his understanding of the art had diversified somewhat lately.

He nods. 'It did. I think in truth just the stark contrast and difference between the two made it stand out. But I must say I think I preferred their system.' Still not perfect, far from it. But more focused on achieving what to him still sounded like ascension. There's something there I'm sure of it.

The idea of possible, ah what that means to a mage is such an interesting discussion. 'And what if I might ask.' Clearly curious. 'Do you now see as possible that you didn't before?' Because what can we say is impossible really?

[Aurora]

A nonchalant shrug, “I have my moments.” It had been the only way to describe it. A sad nod, “So unless my plan of opening a brewery strikes it rich, I am doomed to work forever.” It was ok, she did enjoy what she did. An eyebrow raised in curiosity, “A riverbed?” did he have a boat or something? “Afraid anything along the river would be too damaged to repair. Water damage is a bitch to restore.” It was a skill she lacked. "Well, a good thing I have a car then, should you need a ride or something.” But Sacramento had excellent public transportation.

“Me?” thinking, “Probably the last time I performed on my own. So, maybe a little over a year. I can do general repairs to my costumes and what not, I just can’t throw a whole costume together.” But repairs on the fly? She was your girl.

A small smirk, “You would have gotten along great with Campy, you are similar in your lines of thinking.” Campy had been who had pushed her to explore, to try languages, instilled confidence in her. “Not sure what else I could say about my studies,” no one had asked since Campy, “the hours are long, but rewarding. I’m thinking of diving into Arabic next, or ancient Greek, haven’t decided which yet. Though Egyptian would be quite useful in some of adventures for our book club.” But she was leaning towards Arabic, she had already started it a couple months ago. “I hope you get a chance to study some of the ancient languages, they’re quite fascinating." she'd greatly enjoyed the challenge. “Ah,” nodding at the misunderstanding and then correction, “that makes more sense. I hear it’s a vast and meaningful field of study.” Not something that really interested her though.

“There are a few things I lacked the drive to achieve, going the easy route and not putting in the time and energy. Despite what I am capable of doing, I still have to train my body, and that takes time. And I could tell you what those acts would be, but that takes away the fun. See, I plan to get back into performing in Sacramento, putting my shows on again, and I want the new parts to be a surprise. But I will say, it involves a bow and arrow.” It was something she had tried in the past, but got lazy.

[Chambers]

She is a fascinating one, another profession you don't see to often. 'Now that, that sounds like a solid plan.' And a friend worth having, for then the beer of course. 'Do you brew anything at the moment.' He nods. 'Yes I find the waterways just as effective to get around. With Buses and the light rail thrown into the mix.' He takes a moment to decide, they would already be meeting at a later time to discuss order business, did she need to know here and now? He decides that can wait, never know who what is listening after all. Sleeper business and profession is all well and good but home address, a little to much. 'So all those stories of people finding things washed by the sea. Not likely to happen?' As much curiosity as a jest.

'That's more then nothing, and definitely more then most.' Being realistic about ones own abilities is all well and good, but how you frame the realism is just as important.

He nods slowly, in consideration. 'If so then yes I think we would have, or might yet.' Never one to rule out what tomorrow may bring. 'To hold one form of learning above others is a contradiction to the idea of learning itself. Each will learn and achieve differently, and no path to knowledge should be counted out.' It was part of the order I could not agree with, those lofty academics and masters who espoused that schooling is everything. 'More traditional methods work well for me, I'm fortunate in that. But certainly not for all.' And there's a reason for that. Eyebrows go and head tilts as he weighs his thoughts on the subject. 'At first I thought it was a lot of nonsense, and on the surface it can be that.' Many red herring or insights yet beyond him. 'But The deeper I study, the more I agree with that.' Socrates and his daemon definitely merits more study.


That gets a playful grin. 'Well if it for preserving the surprise. I will have to wait for a show.' Because why not support a fellow awakened in their pursuits. 'I wish you luck, its a packed field these days. Always a lot to do in the city.' But with confident she seemed he had no doubt she would crush it. 'Oh its fine. Keep your secrets.' Tease away it'll come out or it won't.

[Aurora]

“I don’t have anything brewing at the moment, having just recently gotten back in town. But I plan to get a summer ale started this weekend, maybe a cider as well. I had been trying to perfect brewing a mead, but it’s proven to be quite difficult to nail down. But I’ll keep trying.” Thinking, “I actually have some bottles of the last winter porter I made.” Beer could be kept for months and years after brewing. “There was a friend that seemed to only be passing through a couple years ago who really solidified the idea for me. Even leaving me a piece of art I had intended to hang in the brewery.” It was the green fairy, but it still fit. A quick nod, “I do love the public transportation of Sacramento, makes nights out much easier.” And for those without cars easier to get around. “Eh, not in my opinion. Maybe sea glass, or some old bottle, but nothing structurally sound that could be saved. Least I haven’t seen anything. If that changes, I’ll let you know.” Water damage was no joke.

Chuckling, “It was learned from a life on the road and not having the luxury of Etsy. Plus, in my earlier days I needed to make costumes last as long as I could.” Money was tight. And while she wasn’t rolling in cash, she was comfortable.

“I like to think learning can happen anywhere and from anything. Some of the best lessons you can learn won’t come from books.” Looking thoughtful as she thinks over his words, “See, I never graduated high school, and college wasn’t a traditional college but a national circus school for performers. So it’s taken me a little while to get the confidence to chase academic studies.” And she had that now. "I'm glad you found something to study that you seem to enjoy and agree with."

A confident smile, “My name and fame always draw a crowd. I usually wait for events in the parks because permits are easier to secure then, and I can offset the cost.” Every city always wanted a permit if you were bringing fire, it never failed.