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Lucky Raven	A nice school like this- one might end up wondering what a filthy transient like Raven is doing in the library. Looking for someplace warm, perhaps- but then again, that... thing on her left arm maybe suggests otherwise. She flips through books at a healthy pace, apparently-painted nails of her bare hand flicking the paper along rhythmically. It's some dense, dry text of the history of the nearby scavenger lands, discussing the rises and falls of various kingdoms and the pre-history of the lands they inhabit. Odd choice, perhaps, but certainly there must be reasons.
Ignis	She's not the only one that soe might consider somwhat out of place, although perhaps just slighlty less so. Ignis can dress up and dress down for the occasion when it suits him. He's not without some minor wealth to his name given his family and personal affairs. Business has been good and he reaps some benefit even if most of the 'family work' is left to others. But right now - he looks like someone more used to hiking it and the impact of long days of travel and work that requires a more rugged hand. His hair is tossled and an unkempt amount adorns his jawline while his jacket, leggings and boots and the armor they rest under speaks to his interests and activities. Some might find it appealing but it's not exactly library student material. But that doesn't stop him from moving in and out of the aisles and into and out of vaults in search of..something.. AS large book is tucked under his arm as he rounds a corner and pauses in surprise to see Raven where he had thought he was alone in this section of the building. He peers at her, saying nothing at first, and instead studying her arm and the glistening gauntlet upon it...until he starts forward slowly once again and clears his threat. "Hello there. Sorry to intrude.. I thought this section of the library was..unused."
Lucky Raven	A pause from the not-so-clean woman as she looks up, brows rising a little. She doesn't say it, but she's about as guarded as a particularly friendly bakery, and it's clear on her face that she too wasn't expecting to see anyone. She snaps the book shut almost absently. "Can't say I was expecting anyone either- people seem to find this section boring, and the weather hasn't warmed up enough for the students to be feeling the spring feelings. Nor am I, if that was why you're back here, just as a forewarning. Unless you're looking for this?" she adds, holding the book up and waving it slightly in twisting motions with her bare hand.
Ignis	"It's hard to say. Maybe. Depends on the contents." His evasive answer is dressed with a smile that seems friendly enough and not particularly concerned nor put off by her appearence. Besides, as noted, he's only marginally better at the moment. Both are out of place, for sure, and he notes that by stating the obvious: "I take it, then, you're not a student but more like me and someone with a passing curiousity in what the contents of the books and scrolls down here may have to say." He sets his own book now, weaponry jostling slightly against his armor as he does so. The larger blade on his back shifting abit before he unslings it and rests it against a wooden table. "Mind if I ask what you're looking for? Maybe we end up needing to swap books."
Lucky Raven	"Oh I've found most of what I need," Raven declares, a self-satisfied smirk on her face. She lowers her arm and- with some struggle given the size of the tome and her decidedly average strength- tosses the book onto that same table. There's a significant rattling. "I've got digging to do, and I think I've got a lead! Why, you looking for a job?" she questions, grinning outright at that point. She rests her gauntleted hand on her hip, stepping out of the aisle and turning on her heel with a dramatic swish of her cloak- which, well. Probably shouldn't be possible in the still air of the library, but seems to cause or carry a breeze all its own. "Don't often see people toting swords and looking for books, you know. My own mother, maybe, but she was always just a little weird, you know?"
Ignis	"You say that like I may not be just a little weird." responds Ignis with a smirk that slowly pulls into a more sincere if lopsided smile. He reaches over and drags the massive book towards him after setting down his, admittedly less impressive, find. A plume of dust billows up as he opens the larger book up and he waves it off as he looks it over to study its contents in a cursory glance while also continuing to talk. "And as to if I'm looking for a job? Are you offering a job?" His fingers drop down onto one of the random pages he opened to, seeing something of interest and arcing an eyebrow slightly and then lifting his head up to look at Raven. His smile is smaller now, more tight lipped before he continues, "I'm not inexpensive but from the looks of that arm of yours, maybe budget isn't a problem..."
Lucky Raven	It may in fact be the most blatant evasion in all of Creation's history when Raven responds; "Hm... more of a short-term partner, might be the word? If you're into that book for the same reasons I am, it might even be the right line of work." Not-so-smoothly glossing over her utter lack of funds. "Of course, I'm hardly ingenerous, I'm happy to split things quite evenly- just be aware, it can be hateful and dangerous work... and that's before ghosts get involved! Nevermind what other beasts and ghouls and the like might crop up along the way- to say nothing of the outright traps!"
Ignis	That was..quite the evasion. The utter lack of skill in doing so was about as skillful as one can get. Ignis hoods his eyes slightly while tightening his lips in a clear revelation, based on expressio alone, that he's seeing right through her..at least the her that she's presenting at the moment. He eventually closes the book up, another plume of dust billowing as it *booms* shut from its weight. Dramatic echo well provided by the large empty hall. "It sounds like we may have to more carefully discuss those percentages. I'm getting the feeling I may have to put in more work then an 'equal partner' in such an endeavour." he notes calmly though a hint of amusement is in there. "Should I charge per sword swing or per rescue in keeping you from traps or per rival Scavenger Lord I have to chase off?"
Lucky Raven	An almost parental sort of smile from the rather young woman as she reaches out and puts her bare hand on Ignis's shoulder. "Oh, dear sweet new friend. I think you misunderstand. Do you think I wear this for fashion?" she questions, waving the gold-and-jade-and-adamant gauntlet about next to her head. "I'm afraid you have me aaallll sorts of mistaken- and fair enough! I'm not much to look at," she declares, once again whirling dramatically to take a few steps away as she soliloquizes. "But you're missing a few key facts- one, I was literally born into this profession, I'm quite familiar with how things work. Two, you look not upon any ordinary would-be scavenger lord, but a capable and powerful -sorceress-. And last, but certainly not least... you are not speaking with a mortal, but rather a prince of the earth." It's at that moment that she looks back over her shoulder with a cheerful, infectious sort of grin. She may not be subtle, but she's certainly not shy either.
Ignis	"Well I was missing some facts that I was hoping to draw out of you.." muses Ignis after she finishes. He takes a seat and leans back, spreading his arms wide abit in an almost helpless sort of gesture. He grins slowly once more and leans forward to rest his arm upon the table. "But now that you've provided more context, I think I can consider this matter a little more seriously. In fact, perhaps I'm the one that would need to be learning from you and following in your shadow then. So forgive my presumptions. I should, then, consider my usual rates for assisting you as I'd be aiding a scion of one of the great houses?"
Lucky Raven	"Pff!" says Raven, turning up her nose a moment. "'Great' houses, they always say. No, no, I am daughter of a scavenger lord of some repute who sadly passed away some years ago now. So like I said- I am all too willing to split any takings, but to be perfectly frank, I don't much care to get too deep into the minutia. My mother was similar to me, in a few ways- and yes that does include the large one you're wondering about now, albeit of another aspect. But being born to some house would not be how I cared to self define even if I was- I want to build this endeavour up myself, and that has to start small, and start somewhere."
Amethyst	Speaking of the Dragon-Blooded, perhaps it's surprising to see another walk through the doors. The multitude of pouches and bottles attached to her various belts all but give away her profession, and if those don't the violet-tinged goggles certainly would. The alchemist-dragon is equally surprised to see Ignis and another she doesn't recgonize. The elemental research will wait. The ever-shifting tattoos of the wyld dragon brighten with excitement as she makes her way over, "Of all the places I expected to find you this was not one of them. It's been a moment Ignis." Then addressing the wood dragon, she asks, "And I don't think we've ever met before." She looks between the two, "I hope I'm not intruding too much."
Ignis	"Perhaps we've something more in common then we think. My foster father was also a Scavenger Lord though most of his dealings lay closer to Nexus then Great Forks." notes Ignis, seemingly quite at ease despite addressing an admitted Prince of the Earth. "There are those who still manage his affairs though I managed to secure a humble inheritance and am able to use their efforts to fund my own persnoal expeditions. Now you've got my attention.." He turns in surprise to see Amethyst hwoever and he straighens up somewhat, resting both of his arms onto the table, "Amethyst! Yes..it's been a minute." he smirks and then says, "I do read from time to time. I've got reason to dig through old books and dangerous ruins. This is.." he pauses and looks to Lucky Raven, "Well a sorceress, just like you Amethyst. But I don't think we've ever properly exchanged names."
Lucky Raven	"Ah yes- you -both- can call me Lucky Raven- or Raven, if you prefer. Or That Damned Fool, as a few people have opted for. Many other monikers, I'm sure," she offers, grin not faltering for a moment. "Then perhaps you understand- I'm not looking to mount some massive undertaking of fifty people- yet. Just get those first few done, get back into the rhythm, and build up the resources to have that two and a half score of personnel -later-. All things in time, and all that."
Amethyst	"Always pleased to make an acquitence with a fellow sorceress." Amethyst grins. "I'm Yim Amethyst, most folks just call me Amethyst tho." She tips her head as a show of respect and takes a seat. "Sounds like whatever you two are up to I want a piece of it. I'm looking to build my own strength by the by, came here to do some research on elementals as I figure out the finer points of summoning them." She explains, ears perked up. "But um, what /are/ we up to?" She asks, leaning in just a little.
Ignis	"I can vouch for Amethyst's power and skill. She's quite capable and knowledgable as well." notes Ignis, folding his arms now as he leans back and looks to Lucky Raven once more. "Honestly..I'm not sure. We haven't gotten that far yet." he asides back in Amethyst's direction. "I have had my own personal goals that I've set to the side of late. I'd been debating if I wanted to involve myself in the upcoming tournament or if I wanted to sit it out but maybe this is reason to consider doing so." He gestuers at Raven, "So what sort of dig..or exploration..did you have in mind?"
Lucky Raven	A dramatic set of flicks as the pointed fingertips of Raven's gauntlet settle on the table from her standing position, a sly sort of smirk on her face. "Well, see, here's where my blinding intellect, unparalleled expertise in the supernatural, and unassailable humility converge into a find nobody else seems to have ever figured out." She reaches out for the book she handed Ignis earlier, flipping it open to somewhere loosely around the middle. "See, this kingdom here- and two others- they all have some shared... or similiar in some cases- quirks in how they go about tributes to the local deities and certain social interactions. See, they match up with this oooooold priesthood from way too long ago, and based on their border shifts over the centuries and some of the cultural drift, I'm pretty sure I know where that god's original temple originally was and since collapsed. Word has it this god derelicted his office to take over another posting closer to some of his designs on higher status. Thing is, a few other gods fought over -his- position, the temple and such were lost in the chaos, and those followers eventually became that kingdom and the other two- which are since gone themselves, so really nobody's got a claim to this place- so all those offerings over the years and such that nobody managed to stake claim to? Should be some digging away, at worst. Maybe a few ornery ghosts?"
Ignis	"Amethyst, you never struck me as the ruin-delving sort." notes Ignis, momentarily placing his full attention onto her after the quip about the tournament. "-And- you're entering that tournament? Plus you've got your shop. How do you find the time?" He grins at that, hands raised as if giving up on trying to determine her secrets. "Sounds doable though." he then adds, looking back over to Raven, "Though I would be surprised if nobody has a claim on it whatsoever given the need for resources around these parts but perhaps we just got ..well..lucky!"
Amethyst	"If you don't compete that'd be one less face I'd have to deal with in the tournament." Amethyst says, looking towards Ignis. "That said, I understand it might be a bit risky to compete. I heard there might even be /anathema/ hidden among the contestants." She knows what she's doing, practically whispering the world 'anathema'. "It'll be a trip, for sure." Amethyst then quirks an eyebrow. "We're extremely humble aren't we Raven?" She shakes her head with a chuckle. "But I do have experience both with ruins delving and putting the undead to rest, as well as a large knowledge of both the elements and the occult. And some new folks to run my shop in my absence, so don't worry about that."
Lucky Raven	"Well!" says Raven with a dramatic and abrupt flourish of her hands to the side that sends a few loose papers scattering... probably a little more than it should? Something elemental at play there. "Sounds like we might have a fair bit in common, Amethyst, as I'm something of an -elemental- sort myself, if you catch one of my three or so different drifts," she says, winking slyly with about as much subtlety as a brick. "As it turns out I know a thing or three myself, and can ward ghosts, among other tricks. Pretty good at getting people up and down and around, too. And Ignis here... well so far I've got that he's got money and also a sword that he presumably knows how to use?" She shrugs, with that. Lost steam a little there.
Ignis	A hand snatches up and plucks one of hte flying papers from the air with casual ease as Ignis states: "Well we -are- in Great Forks.. home of seekers of the exigence, god blooded, Exigents themselves, Dragonblooded, sorcerers, priests, martial artsts and a -host- of who knows what.. and no Immaculate Order or Book of the Hunt able to take root here so perhaps an anathema or two or three or four or more isn't out of the question. The Three dont' seem to mind so should we?" He ..doesn't whisper the word and isn't trying to play coy particularly hard either and he grins once more. "Yes I have a sword and I have money so are you suggesting I finance thi slittle endeavour, Raven? WHat do you need then?"
Amethyst	"If I had to guess?" Amethyst looks to Raven, "I'd assume you're a wood dragon." Amethyst's own aspect markings leave nothing to chance about her. "It's funny since I've been coming to understand the element of wood better in recent times. Useful for a wide variety of purposes, even if I do like my fire and water." "And yeah, Decadance is kind of known for its... interesting population. Of course I'm among them myself, having a fae for a mother'll do that." She flicks her pointed ears just a little. "Also Raven," She squints a little, "Why do you look like you don't have a cent to your name and yet you also have this obvious artifact on your arm?"
Lucky Raven	Another rather exaggerated point at Amethyst, and a nod with a laughing sort of smile from Raven. "You in fact just missed my dramatic announcement of the fact to Ignis here- although I didn't put in quite so much detail." "But, money? No. Just a comment I had. I actually had a much simpler plan in mind! We just go there, work off the land along the way, and when we've got things to take with us, I conjure up a pleasant little tornado to carry us and the spoils all at once. Might only have room for a couple hundred pounds of the stuff with two passengers, but who knows, maybe Amethyst here knows that trick too. Although- a supply of salt or seeds or something, for a trick I know, might not go awry." A more curious look at Amethyst for a moment at the question, and Raven smirks and waggles her eyebrows a moment. "Curious indeed, isn't it! Short answer, I've had this thing for years, and up until my long trek back to Great Forks I had some silver and scrip, too. Little touch and go at the moment, but with skills like I have, it doesn't cause me much in the way of problems."
Ignis	"Bold and direct Amethyst, as always." laughs Ignis. He listens to Raven's response and then finally shrugs and chuckles with a shrug as he relaxes once more. "I don't have a problem providing some financing for this endeavour to make some elements of this a little easier Raven. I might require something in return but I don't think it would impact our findings. I have an interest in doing diggings that aren't exactly related to the locating of treasure though I don't turn down money.." He grins again as he inclines his head to the side. "It's clear to me that you are what you say you are and I appreciate you being so transparent..but since you've lucked out into stoking the interest of two fairly wealthy individuals due to our own exploits..why not let us help you honestly? Say ..arrange a proper cut in future business endeavours or something like that. At the very least we can see how things go on this smaller exevacation effort and see from there... You've certainly got nothing to lose...Right?"
Amethyst	"I might know a trick or two when it comes to going long distances with sorcery." Amethyst muses, "We'll be able to bring everything back that we find useful." "But rather than working off the land on the way there, I could... just pay our way? It's not that difficult. As for salt and grain," Amethyst produces some grain from one of her pouches, "I keep plenty on me for various reasons, the least of which is laying down lines the undead can't pass. But unless we find ourselves at the edge of a particular potent undead, I'd rather just lay it to rest, personally" "I'm trying to create an organization of sorts, to coordinate and combine the strength of those with strange and potent talents across this incredible city." Amethyst explains, "I didn't plan on selling a pitch on it today, but basically, I'll help finance things in exchange for good will in the future. And use those connections to get people with similar goals working together." "As of the moment though, I'm particularly looking for ways to expand my alchemy business beyond Great Forks, but that will come in due time." Amethyst notes, and then she focuses on Raven, "Of course, if I assist I'd appreciate some cut of whatever we find, but I'm going to get you some coin. No cousin of mine is going to be this destitute if so I can help it." Indeed, bold and direct as always.
Lucky Raven	A shake of the head from Raven, and she waves off all the offers in one simple gesture. "I don't think you two are quite... getting it? At least for why I plan to do this. I'm not looking for financial backers, or any kind of arrangement like that. Proper partnerships and such can come later." She pauses a moment, considering her phrasing as she clicks those jade nails against the table rhythmically. "An associate to do a dig and split the returns? Certainly. But as I mentioned to Ignis earlier- this was my parents' business. They've been gone a while now- and if I were carried part of the way in one fashion or another... It would feel not quite like I was giving my personal all to taking back that legacy. Does that make sense?" "Perhaps it's foolish and irrational, but nobody ever mistook me for -Earth- aspected... even if I can conjure stones and the like in a pinch to help fend creatures and the like off. If you'd rather travel that way yourselves, that's quite alright by me- but I'll be meeting you there, you understand? I've cashed in their favours enough, I need to take a step or two directly, and push and trial my skillset in the process."
Ignis	Ignis is silent for a long moment and then nods his head in acceptance. "I understand, Raven, but let me just say this on the matte and then I'm done.. If your parents 'built' something..they'd have understood that a business requires business partnerships and would have used that to their advantage. Accepting help be it from loans or from mutual arrangements..I don't think that you would be somehow tarnishing thier legacy but I can't speak for your experiences. You have to do this the way that works for you." Ignis nods his head in agreement and then says, "So in the interests of that..we'll do this your way. Fair enough? Far be it from me to try and force my methods upon another who ha their mind set and path laid out.." He then glances to Amethyst, "As to you..? I'd be interested in learning more of your intentions, Amethyst, but I'm afraid this sounds a lot like an attempt at a 'Deliberative' if you know what I mean.. And that will take some doing to get people on the same page.. Not to mention not rile others up that mght feel threatened by it.."
Amethyst	Amethyst hehs at Raven's dismissal. "I get it, I get it. You gotta prove yourself first or some such, yeah? I feel that way sometimes myself." She says. "Just know that the offer's there if you want it, yeah?" "Either way I think I'll meet you there, yeah." Then she turns her attention to Ignis "Truth be told I haven't fully ironed out what exactly I intend on doing, but I assure you I don't have any intention of creating anything like the deliberatives back on the Blessed Isle. My own goal is, let's just say to bring harmony to the desparate sorts that I find around this city." Amethyst explains. "Not to create some sort of governing body. That'd cause all sorts of upset and would run counter to my goals."
Lucky Raven	"Well, governing body or no, I'm probably not your first pick for a big org like that. Smart as I am, a bureaucrat I am not. At least not yet- I'm sure I'll pick some things up once I settle in and get a few employed, and all that," Raven notes- somehow managing to self-deprecate and speak as though her success and building of a business is a foregone conclusion in the same breath. "I mean, sounds like a noble endeavour and all that, just maybe need to sort some things out before I go offering any favours or anything, y'know?"
Ignis	"I'm afraid I'd have to agree with Raven. It sounds lke a fantastic opportunity but there are some hurdles to consider." adds Ignis, "But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be attempted. I suppose you just to layout what your final goals are and determine what common good might bring different ones together." Ignis sets the paper he'd caught earlier down and pushes it over with the rest of the pile as he continues, "Any sort of gathering of those with supernatural ability and sorcery is going to draw eyes to it no matter how large or small but I know you're experienced and powerful enough to be able to attend to that."
Amethyst	"It's alright, I'm still working out the details myself, so no rush." Amethyst says, smiling but with her ears down in a little bit of embarassment. "I gotta set up some stuff with my other partner in crime too. I'll come back and ask again once I get it all sorted out then." "In any event, I think we have a plan? We'll meet up at these particular ruins, help excavate and transport whatever we find, then split the spoils?" Amethyst asks as though to confirm.
Lucky Raven	"Sounds about right to me- I'll get you official directions in the near term and all that. Guessing your shop won't be hard to track down," quips Raven, smirking yet again at the comment. "On that note, however! I should be on my merry way for the moment. Quite the experience to meet you both- I'll get you tracked down one way or another before it's time to go." She bows elaborately, before turning on her heel. Stepping through the door into the outdoor garden section of this particular academy, she looks around herself an upwards for a moment, before leaping -straight- up and out of sight in an impressive rush of upward wind. The sound of her sprinting across the roof and off into the distance is... not subtle.