During the nights on crossroads...

Ontop of the crossroad mountains during the night a flame can be seen, the fire does not grow or spread. It might be seen from across the river and if the night is clear even from fox ridge and shadowdale east.

Individuals with rather sharp eyes might notice a man standing within the flame from afar. Those that are curious enough to approach the torch on the mountain can view a man with grey hair and beard. He wears nothing but a scorched loincloth covering him to knee lenght. Infront of him are two blades rammed into the ground. Black tattoes cover his body, within the tattoes runs a orange-red line that resembles the color of flowing lava.

More details can be found out if people approach him closer.

As he leaves the Academy, Cleo sees the flame atop the hill. He tucks some papers into his belt, then, curious, climbs the hill.

He stops, winded, still a bit distant, and nods, his young face flush from the climb and openly curious, but friendly nonetheless. He surveys the scene before saying anything.

As Cleo observes the scene he might realize that the man is rather concentrated, the ground beneath him is burned. He wears iron rings that might have some weight on his hands and ankles. He goes in several different poses with extending one limb after another. Every time he repeats this the limb is extended till the ironring starts to gleem in a deep red. One with sufficient wisdom might recognise this might be a kind of meditation or preparation.

If Cleophus knows Azzelas he can easily recognize him beyond the flame.

Having never seen this man's face, Cleo watches the stranger with what now amounts to professional interest. He makes no attempt to hide or sneak, as he carefully watches the exercise in self-immolation to see what it may portend. Any distaste or unease he might exhibit is mostly masked by a countenance of curiosity mixed with concern for stranger's well-being.

((((will pm stats to figure out what he might be doing

Having satisfied himself that the man's odd meditation poses no immediate danger to himself or others, Cleo prepares to reluctantly disengage, so as not to interrupt.

He starts to walk away, but then stops. He unslings his pack from his shoulder and begins to quietly rummage about, searching for certain items.

Cleo sets in a neat little pile a few healing kits, a vial, and a bit of dried meat and fruit. He reaches into the pocket where he'd stored his folded papers upon leaving the Academy, hesitates, removes his hand, nods to the man, and walks away.