And need a shelter he does, if only for a little while. He's been running since he realised he could escape his last master, and he just needs to stop, take stock, and figure out what his next move is. He keeps his head low, trying to avoid notice, looking for somewhere he can just...be. And preferably avoid other people - safe or not, he doesn't want to have to fight here, or do anything else, but he will. If he has to.

He finds himself in a large mess hall. There are people milling about... some are fully-augmented, but those are all sitting at a table by themselves.

Near the door there are three indentical boys that look his age, two of them notice him coming in and take a step towards him. The one with a clipboard smiles a friendly smile and asks. "Hello, welcome to the Vaesteri Daliath Temple. Are you seeking help and assistance?" the words sound memorized and his speech is understandable but accented.

He hesitates before he responds, judges the best response. (He's looking for a threat, looking to see what they want.) "Just a place to rest for a while, sir," he replies, keeping his eyes lowered.

He speaks in a very soft, soothing voice. "We can certainly help with that. Come in. What's your name? I'm Feliaris Vaesteri."

"They call me Parafi, sir," he states. (And waits, because he knows what that means, what the implications are, and more than one person took that as an implicit offer, when all it was was an answer.)

He blinks. "Pa-ra-fi? he repeats slowly.

The other triplet glances his way. "I'm pretty sure that's the word for 'bed warmer'."

The triplet that wasn't looking his way turns around. "Also, the slang for cheap prostitute."

Well. There went the hope of them not knowing the language well enough. Still.

"It's accurate enough," he says smoothly, shifting ever so slightly, and there's definitely an inviting and suggestive tone to his words.

"Ha..." the sound is so insincere and awkward that he doesn't even bother with a second 'ha".

"Well, my dude, we are not interested. So, sorry, but not sorry."

He lowers his gaze again. Murmurs something that might be 'you'd be the first', and doesn't seem quite sure what to do next. (He doesn't really want to have to fight anyone right now, he just wants to rest.)

"Anyway," He says like he is trying to erase the last minute. "Why don't you come inside and we can find you a place?"

Okay, he can still follow an order - even if it isn't exactly worded as one - and he nods slightly. "-yes sir."

Good. Feliaris walks inside while his brothers stay by the door. "Have you ever sought shelter in a place like this? Do you know the procedure?"

He shakes his head. "Sorry, sir, no."

"It's okay. I will walk through it."

They approach a desk with a young man. He gives Feliaris a barely disguised look of disapproval. "What can I help you, young Vaesteri?"

"Uh, just Feliaris. Where are the forms for admission? I need one for Parafi here."

"Sure," the man says with a snort, "just be sure to get his actual name."

He clenches his fist, because okay, it's not much of a name, but it's the only one he ever remembers having.

"And if that is my real name, sir?" he asks, low, intent, and just the tiniest bit arch. (He almost offers to show this man why it's his name, but...)

The man's face falls. "Uh... that's... I'm sorry for what your parents did that to you."

Feliaris is slightly interposing himself between the two. He rest a hand on Parafi's shoulder. "That's enough," he says looking at the other man.

...He has no idea how to respond to that apology.

The hand on his shoulder, however, gains a burst of heat, a warning, not an actual attack. (Not yet, but threatening to turn into one.)

Instead of heating up, the hand is covered in a bubble of force that throws it away from the shoulder. Feliaris is confused. The other man jumps up and his chair fall to the ground. "...Oh, I'm sorry."

Parafi flinches, as the hand is thrown from his shoulder, and the chair falls to the ground. He doesn't want to fight, but-

But he will if he has to. He just wants to be left alone. (It's not really a conscious thought or effort that has flames lighting around his hands.)

"I just want to rest," he says, and he doesn't sound combative, he sounds exhausted, and lost.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have touched you. Look, why don't you put the fire out and I will help you find somewhere to stay?"

There's a moment where it doesn't look like he's going to, where he stands, breathing too fast. And then the flames flicker out, Parafi watching Feliaris suspiciously, like this might be a trick.

Feliaris relaxes a bit. He offers a chair for Parafi to sit.

(The other guy sneaked away.)

He perches cautiously on the edge of it, ready to spring from it if necessary.

"I again, want to apologize for touching you. Should I assume that you don't like being touched at all or it's more complicated than that?"

Parafi gives a confused blink. "People- don't really touch me. Unless..." he trails off uncertainly. Because they said they weren't interested. And the boy opposite him doesn't seem to want to fight.

Nod. "That's not really a concern here. We check everyone's behavior. Every worker that is."

And that's a look of disbelief. "As you say," he agrees placidly anyway.

"I'm not really following protocol, but I do feel like asking... what do you need?"

That gets a blank, confused look. "Somewhere- quiet?" he says. "I just- need to. Make a plan." Which he has no idea how to do that. But.

Nod. "That can be arranged. We can even offer your alternatives if you need them."

"...alternatives?" he asks tentatively. (He's never had anyone offer him 'alternatives' before.)

He nods and gives him a reassuring smile. It's quite charming. "Alternatives to - in general terms - improve their lives. Finding work that matches their skill or learning opportunities. Or ways to resettle somewhere. Also emotional or... spiritual counsel."

He's silent. "I- can't do much. Fight. Fuck." 'All you're good for. Useless if you can't do this.'

"Uh..." he is trying to not to sound corny, "that doesn't mean that's all you can do. Or that you can't learn new things and leave that life behind you as much as you want."

He makes a sound that would almost be amused if it didn't have an overtone of resignation. "I-" shakes his head. "No point, waste of resources."

"That... is very altruistic of you. But we are one of the best equipped temples in the continent. And very well-connected. Even if all we can do is hosting you for a few days and give you a ticket to somewhere else. And that's not the only thing we can do."

...what does 'altruistic' even mean?

Still. He shakes his head. "Just need a place to rest." He knows he's repeating himself, but he hadn't thought this far ahead. Had just done, and got here and-

And didn't know what happened next.

"Alright... Are you going to literally pass out? If not, we can just get some basic, security-oriented, questions out of the way and lodge you somewhere."

"I'm fine, sir," he states surely. (He's gone longer on less...everything, sleep, water, food.)

"Alright." He makes a general check on all questions instead of picking up the paper. "Where are you from? Are you a sorcerer and-slash-or an Efrossian?

"Efrossian," he confirms, but hesitates. "I- was told that at least one of my parents had to be a sorcerer."

He nods. The phrasing is... not that surprising given all the other signs. "Do you have any gifts or ritual training?"

"I. Um. Fire? Actual fire, not just heat."

The other things aren't relevant.

"As a breath gift? And nothing else?"

He looks away, considers nodding and letting them believe that. But-

But if he has to use his flames they're bound to notice the difference.

"I- no. Stamina, sir."

"I have fire creation for breath," he adds conversationally, not looking intimidated at all, "The place is fireproofed, but please don't use your fire to intimidate people."

"I won't," he says glibly. (Except, it won't be to intimidate people, it'll be because he needs to fight, and hurt and make people leave him alone.)

Nod. "I don't know if we have a fireproof collective dorm. But if we do, do you have a preference to room alone?"

He twitches ever so slightly, and there's perhaps a suggestion that he would definitely prefer a room alone, but...

"Whatever's easiest, sir."

"Alright... let me see, ah, any special needs? Medically? Allergies?"

He shakes his head, more because he doesn't know the answer to those questions than because he's certain the answer is 'no'.

"Alright. I will make arrangements. Anything you need from me before I go?"

"...Not unless you wanted something from me?"

"No... thanks. I will be back soon."

He departs (flees?) the room, which is more like an open nook with walls and furniture giving some privacy.

Nova stares after him in mild confusion, not...entirely sure what to do.

But. But he's been left alone, and-

He slides off the seat and tucks himself behind it, dropping his head onto his knees and...waits.

Parafi might notice people coming and going. Including someone's whose footsteps indicate they stood around the corner for a moment before turning away.

Soon, Feliaris is back.

Followed by a woman with a politely pleasant smile.

"Hello, Parafi. I'm Feliaris' grandmother, Dal-Yora Vaesteri."

He is very aware of the people around him, especially the person who loitered nearby, and he's tense(r) until they've gone.

He unfolds from where he's crouched as Feliaris returns, and bows, not straightening. "I- at your service, ma'am."

"Likewise. We can set you up in a moment. We just need to get a couple other things out of the way."

"...ma'am?" he asks. There's no confusion, but there is mild resignation, and perhaps a hint of warning that he will fight if he needs to.

Her eyebrow raises ever so slightly at the tone. "First. You and everyone sheltered inside this hallowed walls are under our protection both from external and internal dangers. No one here is allowed to harm you."

That sounds...false, and wrong (and no-one's ever cared about 'allowed' before), but...

"As you say, ma'am," he agrees.

"Second. Because of the first point we can't let the people under our protection to hurt each other. Feliaris is warded, so there was no harm done there and he shouldn't have touched you. But the rule applies to you too."

...Damn. Damndamndamn.

"I understand, ma'am," he says, bowing slightly more. "I won't."

"Alright. Follow us, we will show you your accommodations."

The two start leading Parafi through corridors and a couple of flight of stairs.

Nova follows obediently after them, keeping his eyes lowered, and tracking everyone around them.

In that case he will be led to an bedroom with two mistmatched bunk beds.

"The room is fireproof. No one is using this room at the moment and we don't have plans to move anyone in. You can rest now and go look Feliaris or one of his brothers when you get hungry or need a change of clothes."

He bows again, low. "Thank you, ma'am," he murmurs. "I am in your debt." (There's an offer of payment there.)

"You're welcome and there is no debt for you to worry about."

...He's not going to call her a liar to her face. Everything has a price. Instead he repeats his bow, and hopes they'll leave him alone.

Feliaris smiles brightly. "Rest well." And they leave him be.

Nova tugs the blanket off one of the bunks, wraps it around his shoulders, and curls up under it. He just needs to rest, he can...he can figure out a plan after he's slept.

So he sleeps. (Restlessly, and on edge, on guard for anyone coming in.)

Elsewhere the Vaesteri talk.

"You didn't mention that we knew that he was lying about not having other powers."

"I made a guess... He is very obviously on the edge and I don't think he is believing us. Telling him that we knew wasn't a priority and would only make him more stressed."

"Aaaand it's much better if we find out that we have been lying by omission."

"Tell the truth if he asks." Dal-Yora says just a tad exasperated. "Just let him have his rest first. It's bad enough that your brother provoked him."

"Sorry."

The other two brothers...

...give her extremely unimpressed looks.

Which causes Dal-Yora to reconsider saying. "You're not supposed to apologize to me."

Instead she, honestly, changes her mind and says. "Everyone makes mistakes. You managed to salvage the situation quite nicely."

Parafi doesn't sleep for long (he never does, survives on fits and spurts of rest grabbed whenever he can).

He lies awake for a little while, staring at the bottom of the bed above him. His stomach reminds him he hasn't eaten in... Too long. And he could-

But he isn't managing to plan anything, can't seem to fit his head right around the idea that he needs to make decisions now. He takes a deep breath, and slides from under the bed, remaking it quickly. Then he heads for the door, pausing to see of he can sense anyone in the immediate vicinity.

No one immediately on the other side of the door. Three people in a room diagonally across his (he does remember that there is no door in that the section of the wall so the room opens to a different area) and another person down the hallway, near the stairs.

...alright then. He'll venture out. He keeps himself small, unnoticeable, and makes his way back towards the main hall.

The person at the stairs notices him. "Hey, you're awake. Granny wanted me to show you around."

He goes briefly still and then nods. "Yes sir," he agrees.

That is sure a tendency to go still very often. "Okay... call me Teronmas," he says in a tone that's very obviously trying to be soothing, "do you need anything?"

He considers for a moment. "I could- use a little to eat? If that's- not a problem?" (See him, not calling Teronmas 'sir', even if it sounds like he wants to add the word.)

"Sure. I will show you the kitchen."

He starts leading Parafi down.

"So, first time visiting Milirevi?"

"Thank you," he gives a slight bow as he follows.

"Mm. Yes? I think so. I- never really knew. Where I was." He winces as he admits to that.

"You traveled a lot?"

He shrugs slightly. "Went where I was taken. Didn't always see much." (That he wasn't supposed to be fighting or destroying.)

"Why?"

"...Because that's...what they wanted? What they told me to do?"

"Okay..." Even he is not tactless enough to ask clarifications. He just clenches his fists.

Hey, here is the kitchen. Currently empty. "So, what sort of things do you usually eat?"

"...Whatever's easiest, sir?" he says, not quite submissively. "I eat what I'm given."

"Alright." He looks Parafi up and down. "I will grab you the large plate."

He does that and starts grabbing food. He throws a pear for Parafi to nom while he assembles a sandwich.

"...the pear would be fine, sir, thank you?" he says, a little perplexed. But he does nom the pear.

"Teronmas," he corrects, "you don't like sandwiches? If you get full really fast you can just take it back to your room and eat it later. Heat powers must be convenient for that sort of thing."

He blinks. He has never had so much food that that's ever been a thing. "As you say, sir," he agrees - which might give the impression of the fact that he's never done that sort of thing before.

"Call me Teronmas, or Thomas. 'Sir' is my dad back on Earth."

There's a brief, frozen pause as he tries to process that and then: "...I will, try to remember your preference, s-Teronmas."

"Great." He piles up more food on the plate.

...That seems like. A lot of food. Even if they intend for it to feed him for a while. His eyes are wide, and he doesn't argue. (He feels like he should, but he isn't really sure how to argue, and he's been told he can't fight.)

Teronmas is piling up more food. Though at this point he might just be distracting himself by making a food pyramid. 

"I- si- Teronmas? I- you don't have to-" He steps forward slightly. "I'm sorry?" he offers quietly, barely resists sinking to his knees, because right now he needs food, and he doesn't want to distract and-

"What? Oh. You don't actually have to eat that much."

...That's good at least.

"Then why-?" he starts. (are you giving me that much?)

Shrug. "It's not like you don't look like you need it."

"I am...grateful, for your indulgence," he admits. "But this will be- more than sufficient." (For the next week if the food keeps.)

"Heh, bon appetite then."

He stops the pyramid pile up and instead plays with some telekinetic ability to manipulate objects as long an object is touching a chain of objects he is also touching. He creates a tower of grapes in the palm of his hand that way.

Parafi meanwhile, eats what he can, observing the display from the corner of his eyes. He vanishes some of the less perishable items into his pockets without seeming to. But eventually he's full, and he sets the plate to one side.

Then he moves, graceful and smooth, and not quite into Teronmas' personal space. "Let me thank you?" he breathes, inviting and submissive (and tired and resigned), sliding smoothly to his knees.

Teronmas takes several steps back.

He makes himself smile. "Dude, stand up. I get that I'm irresistible and everything. But I'm not interested."

He hesitates, and then rises with the same grace he descended. There's definite confusion, and-

"I- will admit I do not understand what is expected of me here," he admits. "The rules seem...different."

"I sure hope they are. And I'm not entirely sure what do you mean with expecting things from you, but I will take a wild guess and say that the answer should never be sex for food and shelter."

He gives a shrug that is far too tight to be as unconcerned as it tries to be. "It is hard to argue with a thing that has always been."

...Confusion.

"I- I'm sorry?" he offers, with no other thing he can think to say.

"I'm not angry at you. I'm angry on your behalf... Are there more people in your situation?"

He shrugs. "I- likely? I don't- know. But we were...disposable."

"Again, not angry as you. Okay, do you know where are they now? I think we should contact- whoever in this planet is responsible for human rights protection."

"I am...unsure," he admits. "It was not- something I felt I needed to consider, except to be where they are not."

"Well, how long ago did you escape? Do you think you could retrace your steps if we gave you a map or something?"

"Not long," he murmurs. Thinks. "I- maybe? Maybe."

"Would you?"

He drops his head, shrugs a little. "-I'll try," he agrees. (It's so little, in return for what they've given him, it's the least he can do.)

"Are you alright, dude?"

"...Yes?" (There's 'why would I be anything else?' and 'why would you care?' mixed up in that single word.)

"I mean, you don't look so chill right now. Which, reasonable, I guess."

He shrugs. "I- am fine? Better?"

Nod. "Well, at any rate you don't have to ever see those people if you don't want to."

...He knew that. He would run before that had to be the case. He would die before that if he had to. They'd taught him to fight, forced him to, and- and then he'd turned that against them, and they wouldn't have him back. (Except he wasn't sure he could fight them again if they tried.)

"I- as you say, thank you."

"Don't mention it. Do you want to know the rest of the facilities?"

"If that's alright, please?"

In that case will show him around. They already saw the mess hall and kitchen. Here is the courtyard (there are people milling about). That section over there is a Sports court's, Teronmas is not sure what the girls are playing (but it's a fairly common game around these parts).

Parafi seems more on edge around other people, but he looks around somewhat curiously, and maps his surroundings. He watches the game, but doesn't seem massively interested.

Heh. This part can be called the temple proper, the main worshiping area with the central altar and small historical museum over here. Next to that there is a space dedicated for classrooms and workshops.

He continues to be attentive as he's shown round, building up his mental map. He'd probably be more curious about the museum, classrooms and workshops if he thought they were likely to be of use to him, but right now, he still mostly doubts they will be.

Ah, this part between the actual temple and the classroom contains the libraries. One for kids, another for the classes and a historical library that's most a small extension of the museum, plus some sorcery texts (behind glass panels).

This gets a more...immediate, awed response, although he still does his best to hide that. (He wants to be able to read, badly, but...)

Aww, that`s nice. "As long the doors are unlocked any residents can pick out books."

He starts to glance sideways (why would Teronmas think that was at all relevant to him?) , catches himself, shrugs slightly. "That's nice," he notes blandly.

"Which, includes you, at least if you want to stay long enough to read something."

"...Perhaps," he agrees, a little thoughtfully. (Maybe he'd be able to find a book that would teach him?)

Teronmas remembers something about the training he received. "We have a bunch of classes, including how to read or write in various languages."

He blinks, looks sideways. "Ah, um. As you say," he agrees. (That still feels too much like not earning something.)

Teronmas shrugs. "In case you decide to stick around longer."

He hums quietly. "Thank you, si- Teronmas," he says after a quiet moment.

"You welcome, dude. Lets move on with the tour." Here is a living space for game, television and radio. It's currently packed with people, mostly families.

...that sure is a space full of people. He stills briefly, scanning the room automatically for threats, and then shifts his stance some, defensive but also not a threat, not a threat.

Some people look their way. Some people even look at Parafi with what might be considered a challenging look... but no one stares at him for more than a second. Most prefer to look at Teronmas with looks that range from challenging, to deferential and even happy. Teronmas waves at a couple of kids.

Parafi observes this, almost curiously, but does his best to maintain the appearance that he isn't a threat. (He needs this sanctuary too much right now to risk breaking their rules.)

He'll admit to being a tiny bit charmed (and envious) of Teronmas' brief interaction with the children, but he doesn't show it obviously.

Another child waves at Teronmas and at Parafi.

Teronmas leads him to a side building where the clinic is.

Parafi gives half a cautious wave back, and continues to follow Teronmas.

He hesitates when he realises this is a clinic, "I- am fine?" he says quietly.

"I didn't say you weren't? It's just part of the tour."

"...Oh, okay." That...does in fact make sense. He nods sharply.

"I suppose I should give you directions on how to move around the city, most adults got those, but I'm not the best source of those."

"I- I did okay getting here," Parafi says. (Which is not necessarily a ringing endorsement of his ability to navigate the city as a whole.)

"Which is itself a small miracle giving this city's urban planning literally caused citizen uprising in the past."

...

"What, really?" Parafi asks before he can stop himself, and then goes still in place of flinching.

"Yup! The dangers of an upper class with too much magic in their hands. Someone tried to give the city a hexagonal grid and someone then tried to undo that, among other things. The residents felt their lives and lifeforce was not being properly managed so they took the people responsible and..." He makes a hand slicing the throat kind of gesture.

Parafi pauses for moment, and then smiles, a not entirely pleasant smile. "Good for them," he decides. (Because really, had he been all that much different when he decided to run?)

"Hey, that's the spirit. Sadly, that still leaves us with a maze of a city to navigate." He thinks. "What sort of places do you want to know how to reach?"

Parafi shrugs a little, considers. "Maybe somewhere I can find work? And-" Pauses, considering. "Somewhere I can just...be outside? That isn't just the street?"

He answers the second question first. "Does a park works? Or does it need to be away from people? ...A park might be a better still." Then he pauses. "What sort of work?"

"Park? -Yes, yes that'll be fine."

He has to think for a moment before he shrugs. "Good at fighting, manual labour, that sort of thing."

Well, it isn't sex work... which Parafi might just not admit anyway if questioned. "Not a lot of opportunity for fighting. Definitely opportunity for various sorts of manual labour at the docks and around the portals. ...They rarely need help refrigerating the products, but I hear that Efrossians are well liked for the free temperature regulation in hot days."

He nods thoughtfully. "Thank you. I'll- try those."

"You're welcome. There is someone should help us figure out where you can find work." He pauses to think for a moment than leads the way.

He nods, and follows along, a silent shadow.

Teronmas leads him to an older woman that wants to know Parafi's skills.

Yeah, there's...not really many of those. Heavy lifting, fighting, setting things on fire, the temperature thing that was a part of him.

There is not much need of fighting around these parts. Security is a thing, but typically it involves more of a background check (or legal presence at all). Plenty of heavy-lifting things, she will find something. They mostly have things on a day-to-day basis with vans to transport people to that day's job.

He can do that! When and where does he need to be for those vans?

Four in the morning. They leave through that back entrance over there.

He can be there for that. He doesn't need that much sleep (he doesn't say). He thanks the woman for the information.

The woman replies with a curt nod.

"Alright, is there anything you want to do now?"

He shrugs a little. He's not used to having this much free time.

"What usually you do in your free time?"

That gets a look of pure confusion. "Free... Time?"

"Right, sorry, I forgot about your... kind of situation. Uh, is there anything you wanted to do? For fun or whatever?"

"Read," he says without thinking, and then flinches, because he can't.

"Ah... that would take a while to learn, but you're welcome to stay. And now I am wondering if there is magic for straight up literacy."

"I- know," he admits, ducking his head. "I- don't-" shakes his head slightly. "Don't want to take up your time, or be in the way."

"Hey, my job is having time taken by you and have you on my way."

"Oh- I- there's not- someone who needs your attention more?"

"Nope!"

"O-okay," Parafi agrees, although he seems entirely confused by the idea of somehow being more important than anyone or anything.

"Is there a problem? And do you want me to figure out a spell or extend your stay and get you reading lessons?"

"I- no," Parafi shakes his head. "I- I'm fine."

Considers, bites his lips. "I- either, whatever's easier. I-" He doesn't exactly have plans, although he doesn't want to be in debt to anyone, even if he already is.

Teronmas... decides not to push the issue too much. For now. "Okay, I can check the library for a literacy ritual... it's probably related to translation and I know where to find spells for those in our private library. Do you want to come?"

"If- that's okay?" he agrees quietly.

"Sure. Easier that way because I can cast the spell on you right away."

He inclines his head. "As you say," he agrees - and that sounds more genuine than any other time he's said that.

Baby steps. Teronmas leads through another set of stairs that goes up to the Vaesteri's residence proper. Is a very nice place, obviously old, but renovated and taken care of. Nicely furnished and decorated. Teronmas leads him through an office and then a private library.

He follows, but keeps himself small, especially when they enter what is obviously a private residence. He's doubly careful not to touch anything here, keeping his hands tucked neatly behind his back.

"You can take a seat." Teronmas says pointing at a fancy armchair. "This might take a while."

He looks a little startled at that, and uncertain, but obediently perches himself on the edge of the chair. (Still being oh so careful not to risk anything that might dirty or damage it.)

Teronmas pages through various books. "Uh.... I am not really finding anything that does permanent literacy. There are some long-ish term translation options that might deal with it, but they would take a longer time to prepare. Do you want a temporary effect to see if it works?"

He...isn't sure, and that's fairly obvious. "I- whatever you think best?"

"Lets start with the small test first. Are you good at setting up rituals according to instructions?"

"Yes, sir," he nods. (He was good at following instructions. And sometimes his masters had required him to do this.)

In that case he and Teronmas can set things up in the ritual room.

Parafi is focused and careful as he follows the instructions, but also very efficient at it.

That's a very good trait for ritual casting! And eventually they have it all set and after some magical words are spoken while some crystals are held.

Then Parafi feels lightheaded following by feeling like the opposite of that and then back to normal.

Teronmas offers a book cover for Parafi to test the effect. It worked, reading feels weird, but he can understand the meaning behind the letters.

Parafi stares at it in quiet amazement, a small, genuine smile winding its way onto his lips.

"I- thank you," he says fervently.

"You're welcome! Is there anything you want to read?"

He's still staring at the cover of the book. "I- I don't- I never thought- I don't know?"

"Uh, fair point. Maybe a short story collection? ...I am sure we have something with Efrossian tales if you're interested in your heritage and everything." He turns around and searches the bookshelves.

"Uh, either? Both? Whatever's- easiest?"

"Right." Choices are hard. Poor guy. "Okay. I will grab a collection of short stories from here and then you can look at the library downstairs for more. Uh, the spell is going to fade, but we can then do the longer lasting version."

He glances around this library. "I- is it- okay to-?" he makes a small gesture at their surroundings.

"Yeah. These books are warded enough that's okay for me to lend them to you. As long you don't take away from the temple. I don't think the books downstairs are likewise protected. So take care. Report any damage."

"I- yes, sir- Teronmas, of course. Thank you!"

"You're welcome, dude!"

Teronmas can't locate the Efrossian book. But he locates one about Daliath tales and then leads Parafi to the public library downstairs.

He's still very grateful, and follows eagerly, a faint smile on his lips.

Great! Library is where they left it. Teronmas points at the reading area and then goes to search for more things that Parafi might want to read.

Parafi is cautious to sit there, worried he's breaking some unspoken rule. But he does - he was, a little, instructed to - and settles down to read. (It's strange, and wonderful and how does he pay them back?)

Teronmas comes back with a handful of books. "Are you planning to stay here for the next while?"

"I- uh. If that's- okay?"

"Can't get okay-er than reading at a library."

"I- then yes," Parafi nods.

"Cool. Are you okay if I leave you for a while? If you need me, it should be easy to find me or one my brothers."

"Yes, that- that's fine. Don't- let me keep you?"

(Parafi is, perhaps, a little more focused on the book in his hand than what he's saying.)

Good for him. Teronmas leaves him be.

Yeah, Parafi is probably not going to move from where he's curled up until someone tells him he has to, too busy avidly devouring the books Teronmas found him.

Then that will keep Parafi entertained.

A kid swings by, sees the pile of books and then starts arranging Parafi's book pile. From thickest to thinnest.

Parafi notices the kid the minute he appears, but to begin with just observes him from behind his book. After a moment, he steels himself a little, tilts his head. "Hi?"

"I am helping!"

...He is hopelessly out of his depth here. But-

"Yeah," he agrees with a small smile. "You are." Beat. "Uh- do you- help often?"

"Yup." The kid says and arranging the book pile according to some inscrutable but precise angular principle.

He watches for a moment longer. (Happy, really, to see the kid so comfortable, even if he isn't entirely cognisant of that emotion or what it is.) After a moment he speaks again: "How're you arranging them?"

"Not-to-fall-ness!"

"Good way," Parafi agrees. "...wanna teach me how?"

The kid nods. "You have to make the weight be all the same over all around."

"Mmm. I can try to give you a hand? You might need to keep me right?"

"Dunno, do you shake?"

"I- don't know what that is." Parafi deflates a little at that.

The kid stares at him and then raises a hand and starts shaking it.

"I- no?"

Nod. The kid shows how to to balance the books.

And Parafi is attentive and picks it up fairly quickly!

Then they can do that, until someone calls the kid away. A woman that's likely the kid's mom. Her hands shake visibly even from a distance.

Parafi watches, a little sadly. He hopes they'll be okay, but he's not sure what he could do to help. He just thanks the boy for teaching him and bids him goodbye.

Then he'll go back to reading.

The books are there for him! So reliable, these books.

One of the triplets - they don't use identical clothes, so Parafi can tell it isn't Teronmas - approaches. "Is everything alright, Parafi?"

He looks up, a little startled. "I, uh, yes, sir. Ter- Mr Teronmas said it was okay to read?"

"It is okay to read. And Teronmas went out on an errand, but he did mention that you're under a temporary literacy spell."

He nods. "I- yes, sir."

"Do you want the less temporary version?"

Parafi brightens slightly. "I- if that's okay? Please?"

"Sure. Are you okay with pausing your reading?"

He pauses, hand lingering on his book. "-I can come back to it?"

"You're not to bookmark the books by folding the corner or similar damage, but yes."

"I'll remember where I was," Parafi states with surprising surety. "But yeah. Now is good."

"Okay, follow me. And I am Fenrad, by the way."

He follows, and nods. "Pleased to meet you, sir."

"Likewise. Are you finding the Temple comfortable so far?"

"Yes. It's- peaceful."

"Fitting." Fenrad comments absently. They are back at the Vaesteri's place of residence again.

And again, Parafi makes it blatantly obvious that he is being very careful not to touch anything.

Dal-Yora crosses them down the hallway, talking to a secretary looking person, she waves. The two are clearly Too Busy for Small Talk.

...Oh. Good. He doesn't have to try and make his way through that then. But look at him being very well behaved and not attacking anyone or anything.

He hopes they aren't going to be here for long.

"There is no need to be nervous." Fenrad says while they set up the ritual.

"I- um. Not used to- any of this, sir," he gestures around at the Vaesteri residence in all its grandeur.

"Ah. Yeah, I guess it has that effect. I don't know the details of why you're worried, but they are not really warranted."

"I- yes. As you say."

Finishing off ritual preparation?

Yep. The ritual itself takes longer than the previous one. But isn't meaningfully harder.

He follows any instructions he's given, quickly and efficiently, eager for this to be done.

(His mind quietly reminds him that payment is going to be due...)

And done. It feels very much like the same. "There."

"I really am very grateful, sir," Parafi says, stepping a little closer, half waiting for a cue.

Does staring at Parafi with a flat-yet-judgemental look while floating a step away counts as a cue?

...Yes it does, and Parafi flinches. Because he's managed to mess up, again, but he isn't entirely sure how, and still doesn't understand how this is free.

"I- sorry, sir."

"I am not particularly offended, but I am worried that you tried that again."

"I just- everything has a price."

"I think your evaluative abilities have been severely skewed by your unusual upbringing." Pause. "Which is not at all your fault."

"...as you say, sir," he agrees quietly, sounding a little confused.

"As an example, by default you should not offer sex as payment for services. And when I say 'by default' I actually mean never."

"-but I- don't have anything else to pay with?"

"As another default, people shouldn't demand sex as payment. This is even truer when the terms were not specified before hand and even more truer when things are explicit or implied to be free."

"-oh," he sounds like that's- completely new information. "I- I didn't. Know. I'm sorry."

"Apologies from you over this to me, are not necessary." Pause. "I mean that you're the wronged party here."

-and there's another new concept apparently.

"I- as you say, sir," he agrees instead of arguing.

"Hopefully your time with better company shall help you deal with this."

"I- yes. Hopefully. Thank you, sir."

Nod. Back to the library or maybe Parafi wants to eat something?

He would probably eat if reminded, but in the immediate: library.

The library is there, with it's books.

Books! He'll quite happily go back to reading if no-one wants anything else from him.

No one does... at least for a while. "Parafi?" One of the triplets approaches. The smiley one.

"-Sir?" he responds immediately, looking not sure whether he wants to put the book aside hurriedly, or clutch it to his chest.

"There is no reason to worry. I just wanted to check if you had dinner."

He blinks. "I- uh, no, sir?"

"Are you hungry?"

"-yes?"

"Well, you still can catch the tail end of dinner time."

Oh. Yes. He can do that, can't he?

"Thank you," he says, and sets about clearing up the books.

"I's no trouble. Let me help you." He helps clearing up the books. "Do you want take one out?"

"-I'm allowed?" (He thinks he remembers being told something about that, but hadn't exactly thought it applied to him.)

Feliaris blinks a little at the confusion. "Yeah, you just need to register that you took it out and then you need to return it after... I think it's two weeks max."

"I- thank you," he says, and pauses, before choosing one of the books. "I- how do I do that?"

He smiles genially. "Let me show you."

Feliaris walks him through the process at the desk, there is a sleepy librarian there that checks them out. It requires a signature, but Feliaris signs on Parafi's behalf.

"Thank you," he says again, hugging the book carefully to his chest.

Feliaris almost pats him on the shoulder, but quickly retracts the arm and keeps him stiffly to his side to avoid accidental touch. But he smiles brightly after a second and leads him to the dinner hall.

Most tables have seats taken, but only a few are full at this hour. Feliaris will show the process of getting plates, food and silverware.

-he almost wishes Feliaris had patted his shoulder. It- It hadn't hurt earlier, just been...startling.

Still, he follows Feliaris' instructions, and looks for an empty or low-populated table.

"Do you mind if I join you for a bit?"

"I- uh, yes? I mean, no, sir- I mean- If you- if you want?"

"I just wanted to make you company if you wanted to. You are my responsibility, but my brothers ended up picking up all the slack and I don't want you to feel like I don't want help you."

"-oh, I- I'm very grateful, sir, but- please, don't put yourself to any trouble on my account?"

"It's no trouble. Unless, that's code for 'I am too afraid to tell you to go away' in which case it's exactly too much trouble."

-Parafi actually thinks about it before responding. "I- don't think it is?" he says after a moment.

Feliaris smile brightens, which is remarkable given how it was fairly full of sunshine already. "Alright then. Interrupt me if you need anything, include a conversation."

He pulls a notebook and starts noting things that might be spell designs.

Parafi can't help but smile back, even if he still seems unpractised at it. He eats, but seems slightly distracted watching Feliaris' work.

Feliaris is focused but occasionally lifts his eyes up to smile at Parafi.

Apparently he is doing some sorcery homework on balancing out a ritual to manage lifeforce waste.

It takes Parafi a moment to realise what it is, and a moment longer to convince himself that saying something isn't going to be bad. So he explains his own way of doing that - a fairly simple way he'd figure out, out of sheer self preservation.

"Oooh, I see. I was trying to be clever, but your solution works so much better. Thank you!" He beams.

Nova smiles shyly, ducking his head and blushing slightly. "You're welcome?" he says, like he's not quite sure those are the right words.

Giggle. "Yes, I am."

-sound that might be an answering giggle. If somewhat confused.

Well, that feels like a win in Feliaris' book.

(More importantly, he hopes it's a win in Parafi's book.)

Well, he seems a little more relaxed as he finishes his meal, so that's something.

Feliaris shows where to dispose of his plate and silverware.

He has a guess, and he knows it's a wild guess, but does Parafi wants to go back to the library?

Good guess!

-Unless there's anything else he should be doing, that is?

Not at this moment, no. Feliaris will sit near him again.

Parafi goes back to the books, seem content and excited at everything he has to learn.

Feliaris will occasionally ask about what he is reading.

He seems startled by that, but answers carefully, obviously not used to being asked questions where his answer matters.

Does this behavior persist if Feliaris keeps doing it, but while trying to be gentler about his phrasings?

He relaxes some as he gets used to being asked question, his answers are still somewhat hesitant, but less so.

That's good. Will he react negatively if Teronmas and Fenrad show up?

They take seats side by side Feliaris and say hi to Parafi.

He is briefly unsettled, but doesn't seem upset, he nods back, says 'hi' in response.

It returns to a similar equilibrium as before, but with the triplets' low whispering comments on sorcery.

-It's fairly obvious that he's interested in that topic, even if he's trying very hard not to look like he's listening in.

"Do you want to learn sorcery?"

"-can I?"

"We can set you up for an apprenticeship."

"If you didn't meant something as serious. We can teach what we are learning."

"I- don't- know. I want to but-"

The three collective make a "go on" gesture.

"I don't-" he takes a deep breath, trying to figure out what he's trying to stay. "I don't understand why I'd be- allowed to be trained." Pauses, flinches. "Unless you- need me to-" he swallows thickly.

"Need you to...?"

"-need me to- fight, be a-" How had it been phrased? He can't remember, grasps for the nearest thing. "-a foot soldier?"

"We... we don't use foot soldiers," Feliaris says, muttering something in English under his breath.

"We are not - in anyway - a military organization. Even our security-"

"Is that something that someone did to you?"

"I- yes? It- was...part of what I was...for?"

"People are not for things."

"I- uh, no, of course not, sir." It's quick, glib, placating in its way, and there's a sense that Parafi's disagreement is more about where he fits in terms of 'people' than because he disagrees with Teronmas.

"Which, includes you. I also you don't need to call Teronmas 'sir'."

"Or feel like we are going to snap at you at any mistake... I mean, it's not good that you feel that way, but it's not your fault. And we won't snap."

"I- uh. Yes. Sor-" He stops the apology, not sure he should continue it when they seem to think it isn't his fault.

"You are learning!"

That gets a tiny smile. (He liked doing things right, even if they are confusing.)

"So, do you still want to learn sorcery?"

"I- yes? Please?"

"Cool. Anything specific you wanna learn? We mostly know defensive or healing stuff."

"I uh, defensive stuff? Would be-" (Good, nice, reassuring to have...)

Teronmas will take the seat next to Parafi if he doesn't mind. And either way, he will pull another notebook and start teaching.

No that's fine-

And once he starts teaching, Parafi seems to forget about the proximity. He proves a diligent and eager student.

Would Parafi appreciate if Teronmas taught him the theory behind a fire ward?

Ooh. Yes please!

So here it is. This bit does this, and that one does that, and to make them work together? You arrange things like this.

Oh, that makes sense! Thank you!

Lets see if Parafi can figure out how to complete this other ritual. There are two steps missing, and they are in this list of ten sample steps.

(It's okay he is not able to, Teronmas is no teacher.)

Parafi frowns as he tries to work it out. He manages to get one, but not the other, although the flinch when he admits defeat seems more reflexive than expectant.

Teronmas checks. "It's okay. I should've tried something easier."

He pauses, not entirely sure how to take that. "I- which one was it?" he asks after a moment.

Teronmas nods. "It combines with the other component and that component over there. It's how the ward is closed safely."

He nods. "I- yes. I see it now."

"You did good. Let's move to the next exercise?"