Magic in the Blood

An RP by NekoLen and Tachigami

Raven stepped out of the theater and breathed in deeply, immediately sensing warm wood smoke on the air. It was evening, and many of the small businesses on New Gibbean relied on their fireplaces and ovens to reach that good, earthy scent to the various things they were making, or set the right mood for their shops. Smiling, he moved away and started down the sidewalk, feeling rather drained. He'd just come off a several hour show, presenting his various tricks, illusions, and death-cheating stunts similar to any mainland magician, only his power was true and real. Not that he would tell a soul, of course. His position and status relied on people being mystified and trying, and failing, to figure out how he did what he did. Raven paused outside a bakery, looking through the glass at the various sweet and savory breads and buns, and smiling. He didn't need any, but it was nice to pause, look, and smell. His fingers manipulated the necklaces around his neck as he stopped and looked across the street, spying a market being set up. It was near the end of the year, of course, and people would be looking for a little more magic than they were used to. Strange and unusual things, little trinkets for their kids, odd foods they otherwise wouldn't be able to find, or even make, and mixtures and herbs found in the deepest, quietest areas of the island.

He crossed the street after a vehicle hurried by, spying a fish stall. It wasn't often he would find fish from other areas of the world, and his loving cat, Salem, would be happy to receive a treat. He dug around his pockets, finding some change on his person and buying a bright fish with rainbow scales and a flowing tail. It was as if Salem knew how to appreciate showmanship, and no doubt this finned number would entertain him before he ate it.

Raven put the cold bag over his shoulder to keep it close, and started wandering a bit. His cat was the only living thing at home, and soon he would be missing Raven, but the young magician wanted to get a good feel of this once-a-year marketplace. Perhaps find some rare herbs to begin cultivating on his own. His tongue tapped its silver bolt piercing against his teeth as he wandered---he was only one of a few already loitering about, but that would soon change as people got off work.