Broken Compass and a Broke Man

Noah's head tilted at Bishop's reaction to his question. He seems sort of .. nervous. Or guilty? Noah glanced downwards, looking at his palm for a few seconds. His palm's actually undecorated by lines, which is rather peculiar. Before, he thought of it as a sign of a lack of future. Whatever its meanings is insignificant now. His hand closed, weighing the broken compass with it.

Noah creased his brows in thought, barely watching the interaction between Scribbs and Bishop. He did hear Bishop's reply though, but didn't really look at the writting that Scribbs made upon the floor. Noah was silent.

He snapped to attention at the pause that he noted in the middle of Bishop's words. He watched as the man brought some sort of locket from his pocket. Noah weighed it in his head, which has always been quick to calculate accurately the worth of an object.

Noah's not a superficial being. Gold is valuable, but that's beyond the point. Scribb's reaction to Bishop's offer made Noah curious. Perhaps it has some sort of hidden value. Whatever it may be, at the very least he could keep it as remembrance or something. Some things can be kept for the future.

"Yes." There was a pause, "Give me an half hour." Noah turned and without even waiting for reply, used his keys to open the counter. He moved by it, closed the counter, then strolled through the curtains to his work-shop.

*She smiled seeing Squiggy's hand. She nodded listening to his words, making as much sense of them that she could. It was that she didn't understand him, she just had a little trouble not much though.*

"Thank you for everything, for talking with me, but you have to understand, I have given up. What's the point of always hoping there will be one, when I am the one that pushes them away. I have given up a long time ago. There is no hope for me."

*She didn't know if she could but she placed her hand on Squiggy's in appreciation to everything he has been doing. Listening to her meant the world to her.*

"Do you need to be getting back to Bishop and the other? I don't want to keep you or end up stealing you away"

*She realized he had been there for over an hour now. Hopefully she wasnt doing anything wrong by keeping him.*

*Rhian saw the black pool approaching and Squiggy stare at it. Well it looked like he was. They talked for a moment. It seemed the other creature and much urgent news. She held the kitten close to her for a moment before sitting her in the grass. She was a bit shocked to see there was tension between the two. Rhian nodded at the introductions. The tension came once again. This was all quite peculiar.*


Can someone tell me what is going on?!


"No, Paige does not bite. She is actually a rather sweet kitten."


*Paige seemed to have enough of this creature business and ran off crawling into the house by the ajar front door. She looked at the two. Squiggy...Scribbs. She shrugged a bit, mostly to herself. She got up on her knees about to stand.*


I wonder what these two are bickering about? Maybe I better go.........


"Well you two seem to have some important business. Thanks again Squiggy. It was really good to have someone to talk with. Oh, and tell Bishop, the girl from before said hello."


*She stood and slowly walked to her house. The temperature outside dropped a bit more and by this time she was full blown cold.*

Noah was at the back, unpacking his carefully organized tool-set. His hand tugged upwards, nimble fingers flicking on the lights. Plopping down on the comfortable cushion on a wooden chair, he placed the compass on the table. Noah picked up the first essential tool, and worked at bringing the compass apart. He would examine each detail on it; this is how he learns his skills of trade. He learns as he go. That's also the reason it'd take him an half hour, instead of much shorter amount of time. As he took in each detail, he wrote it on his notes, drawing the compass.

Noah melted the crumpled brass, then cooled it in its appropriate shape. The brass took form, and Noah etched the fine details upon it from his notes. He replaced the needle with a straightened one of his own, then a new glass. The rests of the details were added as necessary; Noah glanced to the clock.

Almost time. Noah flipped the compass meticulously over on his palm, checking to make sure it works. Standing up, Noah put his tools aside. He strolled out of his work-room, brushing the curtain aside as he did.

"Here we are."

Noah sensed the atmosphere of excitement, and anxiety, around Bishop as he strolled out. He plucked the locket out of the man's hand neatly as he placed the compass on Bishop's palm.

"Perhaps we will meet again someday."

Noah pocketed the locket, keeping his keen eyes upon Bishop. The man gave a locket of gold away for a brass compass. There must be something valuable about that compass. Whatever it is, perhaps Noah will find out from his notes once he goes over them later.

"I welcome you back any time."

Noah lifted his brows at Bishop's words, returning the gaze with one of his own.

"What does it do?"

Noah was left curious as of the workings of the locket. What is the real worth of the item he has in his hands now? Noah gave a curt nod without much consideration. Upon thinking of it later, he figured he made the right choice. There's no point in losing a chance to learn the use of an item that could be useful in the future.

"Lets see."

Noah took out his keys, unlocking the counter to stroll out. He stood right in front of Bishop, placing his keys upon the counter. Eyes fixated upon the wires and locket that Bishop grasped, Noah creased his brows in thought.

*Rhian stopped before she opened the door her hand on the knob.*

Why would they want to stay with me??

*She turned to them leaning against the door seeing how they were like lost little puppies. She laughed at herself for thinking that, but shook her head.*

"It's okay that you came. You were not interrupting anything. I know what you needed to say was important. And yes I have been given a keepsake. But it wasn't something precious. It was just a heirloom. Thats all. And of course you guys can stay!"

*She was really excited they were staying*

Noah was silent, observing Bishop intently as he spoke and began to uncoil the wire. His words made Noah's thick eyebrows lift upwards in curiousity, but he kept quiet for now. He followed each step on the process, each like a fine imprint on his mind.

The spinning motion of the needle caught Noah's attention, so he stared at it. It's moving on its own? He leaned closer some to get a closer look, but made sure not to come too close. Six years? That's a long time. Six years ago, Noah would be a different man. How old is Bishop? At the mention of twins, Noah thought of his own twins: a baby girl and boy, his children.

Eyes widened at the voice that seemed to resonate from the depths of the silver glow, but Noah managed to stay quiet. Magical artifacts. He once met a master of crafting, who made his armor and weapons for him. But this item seems to have a life of its own. It's own mind? Ida.

Noah smiled faintly as the globe shifted hues. It seems almost humane. It seems to Noah that Bishop's friends are mostly other worldly creatures, or magical items. They do seem fairly close, considering the casual talking style.

Then something took shape. A woman? Noah listend to the directions given, and tilted his head as the image of the female manuevered about. He glanced towards Bishop, and smiled again. "No questions necessary."

Interesting things happen everyday. It seems that Noah has happened upon a useful item now. He must test it out later on.

"Thank you for the demonstration."

Noah felt strangely intrigued by the locket. It seems to him that the locket possesses many hidden, and great powers. He must try it himself eventually, and try to tap into its powers.

"The basics?" Noah echoed, eyeing the hologram in disbelief.

"What're the advanced techniques?" He felt extremely curious, but upon rethinking, he would clear his throat and stand still. Whether the hologram would demonstrate more is its choice, or Bishop's, since it seems Bishop is the owner... though if it has a life of its own, it might even disobey Bishop. If it can't, why did Bishop have to flatter it to get it to demonstrate?

It amazed Noah that such a little, seemingly plain locket could be of such value. But then again, a book should not be judged by its cover. Sometimes it is those who appear most simple, that're more spectacular. Noah shifted his gaze to Bishop, contemplating in silence. And of what magnificence, is he?

*Rhian just watched them as it seemed that staying over was the best thing that had happened to them in a long time. Rhian opened the door keeping it open for Squiggy and Scribbs.*


"I must warn you, I do not have of anything here. I don't see the reason to buy things for this house when there is no one to see it."


*As she said this the conversation between Squiggy and Scribbs they had before replayed in her head. She started to wonder about them. She took them through a tour of the house, and really it wasnt much of a tour. There wasn't much to see.*


I wonder if I can talk to Squiggy alone? Something seems to be happening....just not sure what....


*As they came back to the living room, she looked at them both and asked,*


"Can I steal Squiggy away for a few moments. I need to talk with him about something in private."


*She didn't know if she would be able to or not, she walked to her room and started to get out some clean clothes laying them on the bed. If Squiggy came she would talk with. Either way she had to change so to her it was all up to them.*


*The sky grew a little lighter and she looked out the window, so glad she had the day off tomorrow. If she needed to sleep she could then. She hardly ever sleeps though. On the bed she had a pair of shorts and a regular t-shirt laid out.*

Noah stared, like a child taught a new, extroadinary lesson, at the hologram. The locket seems to amaze him more and more.

Then at Bishop's words, Noah's head would turn, and cock to the left. Curiousity flitted across his masculine features, but he gave a curt nod. He would take the advice, and remember it well.

From Noah's experience, all tools can be turned against the user, aswell as used wisely against the opponent. He would need to be careful. Such a tool would need to be harnessed, before hasty steps are taken to manipulate it.

The holographic Bishop appeared, and Noah squinted at it. He glanced to the Bishop truly standing in front of him, then back to the hologram. What a resemblance! Noah memorized each moment, espicially the figure eight. Perhaps he could test it out later on, after trying the more basic uses.

Noah has heard of the summoning of allies in the midst of battle. He has always wanted to try it, but never bestowed with the inborne abilities to try. Dulac. But it seems the dragon isn't the only possible ally. What're the possibilities? Noah must explore them all!

"It shows discipline in fighting." Noah smiled. Bishop seems so humble. He admires that. Humility is so hard to keep, and it's a life-long task. Noah was once haughty, but those times have long passed.

"Thank you."

There was a pause.

"How long will you be staying?"

The junior Noah Mayllen glanced about him, a sign of his insecurity outdoors. Hands slid against the hard muscles along his upper-arms, and he continued walking. His build and face closely resembled that of his father's, except his hair is light brown, instead of his father's silver, or black [which was what it was before it turned white]. His eyes are light brown, compared to his father's dark brown ones. But they both have the same broad structure, strong-jaw, and masculine facial features. Noah Jr. is like a younger Senior Noah, except he's more nervous.

He came upon Bing Hei, eager to visit his father. He's espicially close to his father, whom he looks up to as a role-model. Noah Jr. has a birth defect, and he heard it's from his grandfather. He only feels close to normal around his father. Hands shoved into his pockets, and Noah would step into Bing Hei.

There was an awkward silence. Acute eyes took in the scene before him. A man was coiling wires, and his father was observing calmly. Noah Jr. instantly felt bashful in the presence of others, and heat rose to his cheeks. He gulped, then spoke in a cracked voice, "Father?" He sure hopes he's not interrupting something.

The elder Noah looked up at another's entrance. His son strolled in, and Noah could tell by the way his eyes flitted about, that he's rather nervous. Once again, Noah was reminded of the defect in his son. It must be from Muido Shinoji, of whom Noah hates with a passion. He waved his son over, then nodded towards Bishop, "This is my customer." A pause as Noah nodded towards his son, "And this is my eldest son, Noah."

Noah Jr.'s mother had chosen the name, and now whenever someone says the name, both father and son would react. What confusion. Noah creased his brows, and glanced towards Bishop. He's not sure if Bishop wants to let his idenity be known, so he'd let him introduce himself specifically, if he so desires.

Thoughts of all sorts sifted through Noah's head, and an idea came to him. He eyed Bishop curiously, then his son, of whom is only about thirteen in age. Possibilities of all sorts soared through his mind, and Noah felt a tad excited at the visions he saw.

Noah Junior eyed the anonymous personage. June? The stranger seems rather friendly, and he felt the tension ease up slightly. But Noah, naturally an introvert compared to his brother, shuffled his feet nervously.

He glanced around, as if searching for another exit, or even a corner to curl up at. Bishop. Noah Junior peered at the compass in the center of Bishop's palm, watching the illusions with something like puzzlement in his pools. He knows magic?

He only saw something like magic in what his father did. Actually, his siblings inherited their father's abilities, aswell as their mother's. Sometimes Noah Junior's abilities would go haywire, and an accident occurs. But usually it isn't catastrophe, and is easily solved.

"The copper is very pretty." And that, is the junior Noah's defect. Like his grandfather, Muido Shinoji, he has a problem with speaking at times. He would make the most sponetaneous remarks, often seeming nonsensical. He meant to say the compass is finely made, as a compliment to both the compass and his father's abilities, but it came out .. sort of awkward. It happens more often as he is nervous, which he is now.

Noah smiled, watching the scene from afar. He could easily perceive his son's anxiety. He's always like this, espicially around strangers. Bishop, on the other hand, seems welcoming enough in his manners. From what Noah discerns, he sees Bishop as a pleasant-mannered, agreeable fellow, aswell as knowledgable. It's rare to find such people nowadays, Noah believes.

At his son's remark, Noah furrowed his brows. That's a sign of extreme nervousness. Noah's son is socially awkward, even more-so than he was in his youth. Why must Shinoji curse his descendents with such a trait? Noah frowned for a moment in contemplation, then stepped closer to make a sort of triangle in the group. He first glanced to Bishop, then the junior Noah.

"Noah, mind telling your mother for me that I'll be home later than normal today?" He glanced to his son for a reaction, of which he could already make a guess. His son would most likely use this as a chance to go back home, and visit less often. His fear of society would be his ultimate downfall in the future, and make him a hermit if nothing is done.

*Rhian sat on the bed and looked to Squiggy.*



"Hey is something up? When Scribbs came, you seemed to get irritated and there seems to be a lot of tension between you two."



*Rhian sat there and watched you carefully. There had to be something she didn't know, or maybe she was over analyzing things. She truly did not know. Either way she had to find out. If there was something up, she wanted to try and help fix things if she could. As Scribbs said, they are always together. There shouldn't be tension right?*



*As she sat there, she twisted her fingers together, it almost looked as if she was nervous. You could never tell by her face what it was though. She hardly ever showed any sort of emotion. Only in major events, most of the time her face was blank. Since she was little she was taught never to show any sort of emotion for that wasn't what a female should do. There were only two things a female was put on the earth to do. 1) Marry 2) Have kids. Showing emotion was a sign of weakness.*

When June spoke, he didn’t laugh or perk a brow. In fact, the remark made his blue eyes twinkle.

“Indeed, it’s very pretty. It’s amazing how the small things make the bigger picture—“

He paused and tilted his head in thought. The word he wanted to say was at the tip of his tongue, but it didn’t want to leave. He wrinkled his nose, showing slight frustration. Perhaps it was a sign that he shouldn’t use ‘big words.”

“—ah, extravagant.”

Or maybe he just needed to dwell on it for a moment. When Noah spoke, Bishop placed the compass in his pocket for safekeeping. A brow was raised at the question, but it lowered. He understood that a dear one needed to know someone was keeping her husband late. However, he sensed there was something else was on Noah’s mind, like a question bubbling to the surface. Perhaps, sending June on a task would let Noah release it.





When Squiggy went to the room, Scribbs started to draw items on the floor with its hand. It drew a plush loveseat in the center of the room, a sofa to the right of the loveseat, two chairs to the left of the loveseat, and a wood burner by the back wall in front of the furniture. Much like the rose Squiggy drew for Rhian, everything appeared in reality when Scribbs was done. It gave a nod and jumped onto the sofa, before curling on its side.



Squiggy looked up at Rhian and thought for a moment before it explained.

He interrupts. Know better English. Bratty scholar.

It lowered its head as it continued.

And Bishop gave value away.

Of course it meant, ‘gave a valuable item away.’

We hurt so we tense toward other.