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| gonna join? |
| mebbe |
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42% |
[ 14 ] |
| of course! |
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9% |
[ 3 ] |
| sure.. |
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3% |
[ 1 ] |
| nope |
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45% |
[ 15 ] |
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| Total Votes : 33 |
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 Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 2:52 pm
Lariexith's seductive grin became more into a sly smile as she listened to the mage's talk.
"I like your ambitions, darling. You have a good head on your shoulders. I am certainly interested in seeing the outcome of this project of yours. And I am willing to provide what I can for you. I'm sure you'll find use of our Library and Apothecary. And of course you'll have your own room. Which brings me to another question. You see, we are indeed a very young House. And yes, I would love to think we have more kick then the other Houses, but as you said, they all say that. But, being as we are a young House. We have a lot more options, I would think. We have a lot of positions available. And depending on your position, I can figure out where to place you to sleep. So this brings me to a list of questions I must ask. Do you think you have what it takes? Are you confident in your skill of the Arcane Art? Do you think you can lead a mage army if it comes down to it? Can you be my right-hand man? I'll need you to summon and scry for me on occasion. And most importantly, can you teach this art to others? Can you teach, to my daughter?"
Just in the nick of timing, Briza appeared through the portal wall of the Guest House. She was looking down, with her cobweb sleeved arms crossed in a X and holding her hands tightly as they rested on top of a flowing powder blue gown that seemed to drift in the slightest breath of air. Her hair was longer then her mother's and carried the same flow as her dress.
She stood there as close to the portal wall as she could, half hidden by shadow.
"Better later then never I suppose!" Lariexith's tone in her voice carried a distinct disapproval.
She then turned back to the drow and gave him a smile, "This is my daughter, Briza. She is a little behind in her studies because of constant moving we've had to do. Overall her studies inside an Academy would have to be at least 20 years in general. Beside that, she's been roaming about in the family spell book. I've tried to teach her myself but I am a Matron, not a professor. I have other things to do."
Lariexith then turned back and looked over at her daughter and snapped at her, "Well come on! Come out of those shadows and introduce yourself! That's poor behavior, love!"
Reluctantly, Briza walked further into the room and approached her mother and the strange drow.
Her mother swept up and grabbed her by the chin to force her to look up, "Manners Briza! State your name!"
Briza looked up and starred at the drow sorcerer with dull red eyes. Beside her resisting expression, the priestess looked extremely pretty and old for her age. She looked almost older then her mother. In fact, the two could be mistaken as siblings with Briza being the oldest.
"My name is Briza... Tor'afin. Daughter of Lariexith Tor'afin and Priestess of House Tor'afin."
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Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:25 pm
The Drow continued to keep his wolfish smile as he listened to the Matron's list of questions. As he was about to answer though, another presence appeared. Appearing about the same age as the Matron in appearance, the newcomer carried a very reluctant air about her, as though picking flowers in her fancy courtyard was more her suiting than crushing another House. Straightening his appearance some before the priestess, M gave an elegant bow to the maiden, his silver orbs never straying from the priestess's own red eyes.
"Ol zhah biu bel'la ulu thalra natha yathrin d'lil Orbb Valsharess." Though the younger looking Drow would reach out to take her hand and kiss it, he held back the habit for the sake of the girl, whom seem out of place in the meeting. "I am M." He continued, straightening up and offering Briza a smile that was different from his usual smiles of devious nature.
Turning his attention back to the Matron, M alter the smile a bit to his previous grin. "As to your questions...I believe I have what I take. If you think otherwise, come and test me, though I warn you that I will not be responsible for the damage. I am confident in my skills in the Arts. Could I lead an army..." The sorcerer suddenly began to let out a deep chuckle. "Well, I've done my share of leading armies. So yes, I could lead an army if you will it. Can I be your right-hand man? Well, that would entirely be up to you."
The short haired spell caster then paused as he reached the last three questions. "I excel in scrying, but will be honest that my summonings are a bit mediocre. As for teaching the Arts...well, I am not like your wizards. Unlike your wizards, who are taught the Arts, I was born with a gift of the Arts. I am not like your run of the mill wizards or your daughter, who has experience in the Academy. All my skills. My powers. They are of my own will and have been taught and mastered only by myself. Yes, I have learned much from others, but most of what I know I've earned from years and years of practice and experience. What you wish for is a wizard. Ones who do not intimately know the Arts like I do. Heh, as the saying goes, 'those who can't do, teach.'"
M paused as he let that sink into the females, aware that this might break the deal between them. "Asking me to teach the Arts is like asking a fish to teach you to swim...But if you and your daughter are patient and open-minded, I am willing to share what knowledge and wisdom I have in the Arts. Will I teach others than yourselves? I will if you wish it." With that, the smirking man gave another bow of respect to the ladies.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:15 am
Briza shrugged off the drow's smile and resumed back to her spot by the portal wall.
Lariexith ignored the action and pressed back to the meeting, "Summonings... I'm sure we can work around. With my summonings I tend to work with many people. Close people. I'm sure with someone who is very intimate into the Arcane Art, you have the potential to one day master that skill."
"As for this talk about the difference between you and other wizards, I'd say I would have to somewhat agree with that statement. But how you said it, was wrong. All drow are born with a certain amount of magic. Some have more than others. And those are the ones who are destined to work in the Arcane Art rather than play with swords. And those who work in the Arcane have their own methods. Which I do not doubt you have discovered your own method. I am asking you to be her guide. Show her your methods. Tell her your story. Teach her new spells whether they're your own creations or basic. Arcane is an art that's practiced and taught by experiences. But it has a certain base to it. And its that base that I want taught to her. She's very open minded and willing to learn whatever there is to be learned, " at this Lariexith shot her daughter a sharp gaze and then continued, "I want her to know all there is to know. Fill her with as much you can and guide her through it. Do you think you can do that?"
Briza looked up slowly from the conversation and looked at the sorcerer with almost an intrigued gaze.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:26 am
The sorcerer moved some, repositioning himself so that he too could take a glance at the Priestess. He kept a smile as he looked over to the Matron and gave a bow. "Of course. I shall then teach her all I know, Jabbress..." With that, M straightened himself up again and took another glance around the room. "Well, with that said, Am I to assume I'm now under the employment of Tor'afin then?" His voice held a curious tone as he raised a brow.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 2:39 pm
"Well normally when I accept new members into my House, I have them start at the lowest position possible till they build their way up. But we are a young House. And I want the Noble positions to fill as much as possible soon before we get into some bullying from the other Houses. From your talk, I'm confident that you know what you're doing so I will offer you the position as Archmage. I will see how you fair with that position. But know that that position offered, can just as easily be taken away. Should I find a better spell caster or you should fail me. This may be the last House and the last position you will ever asked to be hired," Lariexith allowed the neutral threat settle on the sorcerer before continuing, "This is a cult House, deary. Betrayal, Abandonment, and Failure is not an option here. There are rules and customs set. And I expect those rules and customs followed wholeheartedly. So if you would, please sign the Commitment Form. And I also have here, the Archmage Contract. Please read carefully as it lists all of your duties."
Lariexith pushed the two forms on the coffee table with a spider quill toward the sorcerer.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 2:48 pm
I, Archmage of Tor'afin, have read and signed the Commitment Form and vow through my signature to follow all rules and customs set.
As Archmage my duties will consist of:
Leading the House's Mage Army
(to surface raids and against other houses.)
Teaching the Mage Army
Teaching the Matron's Daughter
(Separately from the rest of the class)
Scrying for the Matron
Helping with Summons
Helping tend and heal soldiers in the Apothecary
Maintaining order in the Arcane Wing
Providing thought and input into decisions when asked
Attending to Events if asked
Attending to Noble Councils
Attending to Mass in the Lolth's Temple daily
~~~~~
I understand that if my duties are not followed out properly, it can result in punishment.
I understand that as a Noble I will have to follow as representative of the House.
As Archmage of Tor'afin, I sign this Contract and vow to my duties set.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:55 pm
The silver eyed figure's smirk grew even more upon seeing the parchment and reading it's content in silence. Raising his eyes to the Matron, the Sorcerer raised on hand to reveal a sapphire stone, strikingly similar to the one he had enchanted into his staff. Closing his eyes, the man closed his palm and tightened it into a fist till light suddenly glowed between the cracks of his fingers. As the light grew brighter and brighter, it eventually spread out of the spell caster's hand till it stretched into a long stick. Eventually the light faded to reveal the arcane staff the Drow had given to the guards.
"You have a deal." With a smile that was more sinister than his previous smirks, M laid the parchment upon the table that held some trays of food left out for guests. With an open palm, the male stared at the parchment with intense eyes as his lips moved, but no voice came out. But in a few seconds, the space beneath the Archmage contract glowed and suddenly a M burned onto the contract in a script format.
"There. Our deal is made, my Jabbress." With that, the Archmage of Tor'Afin stood straight and proud, his face twisting into a demonic glee as he adjusted his finger's grip around his gnarled wooden and silver staff. With a sweeping bow to the Matron, the black robes of the sorcerer seemed to glow, revealing the hidden runes hidden within the fabric of the cloth.
"What is your bidding, my Mistress?" M questioned, his voice no longer holding a whimsical tone, but one of diabolic intent.
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:47 am
Lariexith gave the sorcerer a glare when she saw him summon his staff.
Dismissing the action, Lariexith said in response, "My guard will lead you to the lower levels of the House. I will have him lead you to the Arcane Wing. You are free to set up your private chambers in that compound. I expect you to start working on your duties immediately. My daughter will begin your classes in a week or so. I'll have you work with the other mage students so you can adjust."
Lariexith then rolled up the scrolls and got up to stand next to her daughter by the portal wall.
"I will contact you if I need you. By the way, here," Lariexith then tossed a small gem which landed on the coffee table before the sorcerer.
"Keep that gem on you at all times. Its what I use to contact my people. If you need me at all, you can find me in the Throne Room which is located in the Royal Sanctum in the North. Once you get transported to the lower levels, traveling will become much clearer. Welcome to Qu'ellar Tor'afin."
Without another word, Lariexith and Briza disappeared through the portal and out of sight.~~~~~ The guard who had been standing next to the portal wall then approached the new Archmage with a bow of respect and held out a hand in gesture, "Nindol i'dol, qualla, ussta liege."
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:48 pm
As soon as the Matron left with her much older looking daughter, the mage gave a large smirk, taking a small hint of satisfaction for causing the Mistress to glare at him in distaste. Though he never intended to anger the female, the outcome didn't bother him to the slightest. From what he can recall, pleasing his Matron wasn't on the list of duties of being an Archmage. But M refrain further thoughts on this, for rebellion was nothing progressive in his current position. Keep the Matron happy and you'll be able to work on your project without bother. That's the plan.
Looking to the guard who called out to him, M gave a nod of acknowledgment as he followed the guard of the House in silence, keeping his wolfish grin upon his youthful face as he tapped his staff on the floor with each brisk step.
"Usstan brorn, glenn, inbal dos rin'ov ssiggrin d' tluin aglust d' folbol bigger? Inbal dos rin'ov wished whol seke immortality?" M asked to the Drow, keeping his smile on his face and his voice smooth and silky. If one didn't see his calm and pleasant face, one would thought it was the Devil speaking.
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Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:20 am
As the guard led the Archmage up the path, around the Guest House, the drow heard the Noble speak of immortality. The guard cast a sideways glance at the mage and replied, "Immortality dos telanth? Usstan talinth l' tangi Usstan el, Usstan orn tlu grateful. Tupora wun nindol thac'zil nindel's ruled a unforgiving jalilen zhah tough. Though Usstan admit, depending pholor lu'oh dos el.. elghinn shlu'ta tlu biu unpleasant experience. Xal tupora 'zil verve 'zil dos shlu'ta zhah naut ji myar."
The guard chuckled softly as he led the mage on to the bigger house.
"Usstan joros dos ulu zexen'uma veir, ussta liege. Nindol k'lar shlu'ta tlu y'sik confusing ulu nindyn vel'uss ust venture areion. Qualla flohlu lu' xun naut ori'gato uns'aa doeb d' dosst ml'aen. Nau selg'tarn vel'bol."
The guard then walked up the steps to the bigger House and approached the double metallic doors. Upon reaching the threshold, the doors swung open automatically and led the two into what appeared to be an entrance hall with walls that seem to be decorated by various stand still gears. The moment the two stepped forth, the doors swung shut behind them and the clockwork walls began to shift and glow by various forms of faerie fire. Whole walls swung forth, half walls slid over each other, floors became puzzle pieces which shifted and left holes that led to other dimensions.
"Natha xan'ss d' advice yol dos ph' natha Sil'in. L' szeous rathrea nindol k'lar. Zuch ser ulu l' ditronw. Tangis' pholor l' i'dol doeb. Ser ulu l' ditronw."
The guard then took to a corridor that was on the right. And even though the walls continued to shift, the floors kept still. And even though the walls made it seem like you were walking in a continous twisting hallway, it eventually led you to a room that had a huge hole in the wall.
The guard approached it first and then stepped beside it and gestured to the mage, "Usstan shlu'ta'naut alu jala farther. Crawl areion nindol resk'afar lu' dos orn doer ulu jalbyr cuass'ili. Wun nindel cuass'ili gaer zhah natha m'elzar. L' m'elzar orn plynn dos ulu l' dulezz levels d'lil Qu'ellar."
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Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:11 am
The mage raised a brow at the guard, slightly amused by the man's response to the question. Most folks usually wouldn't mind the idea to live forever, especially those from his culture. Then again, the man did prove a point with the mention of the females of his culture. They can tend to damper the whole concept behind being able to live forever.
Following the Drow warrior in silence, M listened to what the man had to say, his eyes darting about as he continued to study the rudimentary behind the enchantments and safety measures placed on the compound. The sorcerer was impressed. Though he could tell it was a wizard that put the protective wards and he could see where the spell caster was meticulous with each magical ward, M thought up a few more techniques to apply upon the site to improve the spells. Like he had told the Matron, Wizards are taught. His skills are natural, thus more creative and unique in weaving of magic.
Eventually they reached the hole in the wall. Raising a brow at the warrior, M didn't say a word. Placing his hand on the wall where hole was, M muttered a few arcane words for a moment. His hand seemed to glow as he finished his chant.
"Usstan inbal poor la'uren, thus l' kuk. Ji crawling zhah naut aluin ulu xun..." The dark robed sorcerer utter as he looked over to the guard. With a bow of thanks to the man, the strange smiling silver eyed figure took a step against the wall and in seconds, the man passed right into the wall next to the hole, leaving no signs on the wall of any alterations.
It was a simple spell that M loved when it came to needing an exit or entrance into something. Phase Door had so many applications. Such as this case. Instead of crawling, the mage had to simply walk a small corridor to the other side. In moments, the man was on the other side, confronted by a wizard of some skill.
"Greetings. I believe you are the teleporter I was to meet?" Glancing around the strange teleportation room, M finally let the gaze fall upon the wizard. Interesting. No teleportation circle. They simply rely on wizards to do the teleporting. Heh... Though he believe the House now trusted him, he could not share the same sentiment. He was, after all, a Drow and one who has experienced that teleporting by someone else's whim is one of the best ways to kill yourself.
So, in order to insure this wizard was legit, a few words from a strange origin escaped M's lips as his smile grew. With an odd dexterity of his fingers, M made several strange gestures and when done, the sorcerer gave a large grin.
"Now. Let us see where the great Arcane Wing of Tor'Afin is." He said, his holding a tone of eagerness edged with a hint of a sinister purpose.
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Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 3:14 pm
The mage was standing with his arms crossed and holding his hands over the front of his robes, standing patiently in the dark room.
When the Noble appeared, the mage swept himself into a bow.
"Yes, I would be that teleporter. You must be the new Archmage. Matron Lari informed me that I was to teleport you to the Arcane Wing. When you exit the portal you will be in the center of the Library. Which is the front room of the Arcane Wing. Behind the Library is the Apothecary. Below the two rooms are a dueling and summoning room. And above the Library and Apothecary are some rooms you might find to set up as your study, classroom, etc. Now, if you would, please come forth and step through the portal."
At this statement, the mage then chanted to himself and made a few hand gestures as though he was drawing a door in the air. Leaving a trail behind his fingers, a portal materialized and began to glow brighter and brighter as it became more and more dense. The portal looked like an arched doorway, glowing purple, its center showed just a tiny blurred glimpse of the Library behind it.
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Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:30 am
There was nothing hostile in the wizard's mind as he continued to read his surface thoughts, giving a bit of comfort to the sorcerer. Seeing the portal become made, M went up to the portal, glancing at the mage for a moment before going completely in. It was a strange sensation as he was pulled from one place to the other, but nothing new to the dark robed Archmage. Though he always prefer a simple teleportation spell (always practical, never showy), M was at the center of the vast library in which the mage had spoken about.
Glancing back to where the portal was, M nodded as he saw it had collapse, leaving him alone with several other hooded individuals. They were all probably wizards and mages that worked on the House. Nodding to a few who nodded back, M began his scan the area. Unlike other types of classes in which they always showed huge regard to nobles and the like, spell casters of all background didn't care. They will give a nod of acknowledgment to their kin, but that's about it. Unless the wizard or sorcerer was bent on a political agenda, most don't bother with the "Evening, my liege." or the elegant and showy bows. In this portion of the world, a simple nod of the head was enough.
Holding his staff tightly, M began to scan through the long rows and columns of books that stacked along the shelves, surprised at the many tomes the House had. It was indeed impressive. In fact, the last time the spell caster has seen this much books and scrolls was when he was young and taken into the local academy. But time spent there didn't last long, seeing how he was forced out due to his inability to learn the parlor tricks taught to him.
Pausing, M reached out and removed one particular book that caught his interest. It was bound in black leather and red words, worn due to time, were carved along its front surface. Something about this book spoke to M as he studied it. Life after Death. The title was written in Draconic, which only sparked M's curiosity even further. Taking the book, M continued his casual walk around the library.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:42 am
The portal wall in the Guest House lead both the Matron and her daughter back into the Throne Room. The Matron stepped over the threshold of the indented wall and walked further into the Throne Room and approached her Throne to press a series of gemstones that set themselves inside the arms of the Throne. Once she did that, the center of the back of the Throne began to glow, taking up the scrolls in which Lari had made the new Archmage sign, she placed them into a safe that seemed to be a dimensional storage. Once the scrolls disappeared out of Lari's hand, the Matron then withdrew herself, and the hidden safe's glow dimmed until it looked as though nothing had been there in the first place.
Lariexith then turned around and plopped herself back on her Throne and sighed. Placing her elbow on the arm and placing a finger that rested and pressed against her dark lips. It looked as though she was in deep thought or resting her royal eyelids.
Briza stepped right up to the Throne, bowed, and looked up at her mother. Uncertain of what to do next, "Should I report back to my studies, Mother?"
Opening one eyelid and looking down on her daughter, the Matron then stretched and mumbled out an order, "There's work to be done, love. As you know, every time we accept a new member into the House, we throw them a little ball. Just as a welcoming to Tor'afin. Helps them get better acquainted with the House. I realize not many Houses would do it. But I'm not like the other Houses. As I said, I will make a legacy in my own fashion," Lariexith gave her daughter a mischievous smirk and continued, "So I'm thinking after Mass today... we'll send the whole House to the community ballroom where they can enjoy music and food after prayer to Lolth. What I need you to do... is first to go get a good handful of slaves and have them prepare the ballroom. Set someone in charge to monitor their progress. Your second task is to be sure the Temple is properly set. I've already had someone deliver our offering to the Temple. Be sure everything is placed precisely! Thirdly, deliver a message to M personally. Tell him that Mass will be taken place at 2:00 today. Afterwards he must then follow everyone else to the ballroom. A Welcome Ball will be held in his honor. Tell him I expect him to dress rather nicely when in the Temple. After you have followed out all of your tasks, you then must go back to the Temple and prepare to give your words. Its your turn to preach today."
Once her mother was done giving out her list of tasks, Briza then nodded her head and took off out of the Throne Room, walked down the stairs and approached a guard, "L' Ilharess ssinssrinen natha Al'doer Ball tlu held yallt p'luin Mass. Dryss'ho fol rothen lu' inbal mina sei'lor ol phor. Usstan orn k'lar dos wun charge ulu monitor ninta progress."
The guard nodded his head to her, "Asanque, Yathrin"
The guard then turned on his heel and started to head down a back corridor in the Royal Sanctum.
Briza watched the guard till he turned around a corner and disappeared out of sight.
Once that was done, Briza then went to the Temple. She approached and stood at the arched doorway and looked down inside the room. She could see female drow peons running about the sanctuary, preparing the ceremony that's to take place in just a few hours. No slaves nor any other race could be seen inside the Temple. That was because the Temple was a sacred place. Only for Lolth and her children to enter.
Briza then walked down the long narrow stairway and approached the back of the Temple. Making her way to the front, passing through the rows of seats. Upon seeing the Priestess, several of the peons stopped what they were doing, gave a bow of respect, and continued their duties.
Briza did not stop till she had walked all the way up to the platform where the sacrificial table and podium was set right before a huge stone face of the spider Goddess. The Priestess then approached an elderly drow female who seemed to be in charge at that point in time.
"Where's the sacrifice?" Briza snapped at the female who was in mid of giving an order.
Looking around the female bowed to the Priestess and raised her head humbly to respond, "She is in the back room, deary. Shackled to a wall. We were not sure if you wanted her clothed, or unclothed. Or when to present her to Lolth."
"Make her unclothed. That light skinned wench wanted to gain our attention and try to destroy our scout group? Well she will gain that attention from us today! Those tree hugger savages are an embarrassment to us! So today she will die in humiliation! Get her undressed, wash the filth of mud from her body, and then place her on the sacrificial table. The long wait and witness of the ceremony will only be more frightening to our guest. Let her fear the wrath of Lolth to the very end. So she will know the price she pays for her people. For teaching her the filth that is not Lolth's word," Briza's speech on the captured elf that's soon to be sacrificed was unlike her usual shy self. Her tone and every word held an ounce of venom. Like a sour taste that she had to spit from her mouth.
The elderly drow female then nodded her head sternly. Completely understanding and went to the back room to tend and prepare the elf.
Knowing that the elf will probably be prepared by the time she gets back from messaging M, she decided to depart from the Temple then and go ahead and walk over to the Arcane Wing. She spotted him in the Library as he scanned through a book.
"Excuse me?" she asked timidly.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:42 am
Closing the book with one hand and turning his attention to the voice, M gave a scowl, thinking it belonged to one of the many wizards of the compound. When he spot it to be the Matron's daughter and his new student, the scowl faded as a weak smile replaced it. Dipping his head slightly in a form of a bow, the Archmage quickly put the book back into its spot as he adjusted himself to face the Drowess.
"Good Evening, m'lady. How may I be a service to you, Mistress Briza?" M's voice was like that of honey as he spoke, his eyes staring into hers as he attempted to read what was on her mind.
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