A young wizard politely asks Wraithvine to teach them how to duel for self defense. -- Fighting Fit
The problem with immortals is that they get a reputation. Strodius had been through five mummers so far who claimed to be the immortal Elf of lore and legend. They would hear him out, listen to his cause, and then attempt to charge gold for their services.
The real Wraithvine would do no such thing. Gold did not enter into an equation where the first factor was two kind hands.
Strodius tracked down another Elf in another Inn. Dappled hide, true Elf, though the hair was a different hue to what Strodius expected. The Elf was sharing tea with a Kobold - nice touch - and what he first thought was a fur stole... stretched. It clambered off of the Elf's shoulders and helped itself to a diplomatic portion set aside from the Elf's own plate.
This one had a cat. Elves generally held cats in employ as pest control rather than pets, and tended to treat them as scenery. This cat was being spoiled rotten.
The clothing was neither gaudy like a mummer nor quietly stylish like most Elves. It was comparatively practical and dull. Purchased for its lasting power rather than style or how well it stood out. In their way, this Elf stood out. Like -to use a rude metaphor- a cowpat in a marble palace.
They noticed Strodius and said, "Can I help you?"
That was what made him believe he had finally found Wraithvine. "I need a teacher. I need to know how to defend myself properly in a Wizard's duel." And once more, Strodius explained his story.
There was a Wizard who had seized a crown, who was destined to be defeated by someone had taught. And since a Wizard can't help but teach, he made sure to kill all his students before they acquired enough knowledge to be a true threat.
"In my way, I was lucky I saw it happen to another in his school. I left that night. I've been looking for the right teacher ever since. And if you're not Wraithvine... it seems to me you're close enough."
Wraithvine - if that was hir - didn't seem to be listening. Ze had a bean on hir fork and was showing it to the cat. "It's a bean. You don't like beans. Why do you continue to try taking beans from my plate?"
Strodius sighed. "I understand. You have other business. I apologise for taking your time and I know the usual fee." Five gold's worth of copper and one last silver stacked neatly on the table.
"Is that what the others charged you?" the Elf left the bean on the table, where the cat methodically batted it to the floor. They took a single copper from the stacks of coins. "If there must be a fee, this is all I will accept. Put your money back away, and get some rest. We begin at dawn."
Strodius gained his faith back, as fast as he regained his coin. "You really are Wraithvine, aren't you? I really found you?"
"Yes. It is me. Though you only have my word for it. The cat is named Lilbit. The Kobold is named Gikka Lightfinger. Be warned. In return for this copper, I will teach you what you need to know. And in return for your victory... I ask that you help me teach people not to impersonate me for profit."
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / ARCADI62]
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