A New Face in Town (Samheen 24th, TT)

[Grant]

"My name is Jeremy," responded the youth at once, attempting to display every outward sign of confidence and certainty...though the rapid shifting of his eyes and the almost too stiff posture of his stance proved that he was neither. "Jeremy of...the University of Magic. Ah...I'm here by virtue of my warrant..."

the young man...he was perhaps twenty yahren...withdrew a document and displayed it for the Major Domos, a warrant from the bailiff of the University. While the warrant did grant him some powers, those powers were enforced by the bailiff alone...and it might be a very impressive document to the Purple Guard, the City Guard, or the average citizen...his particular warrant was centered upon Fauna, a probationary guard to watch her.

"I've been assigned by the Bailiff of the University to keep close watch on Miss Winthrope. She has...experimented with a form of magic that has been deemed dangerous and anathema to the security of the Citadel, and so I've been assigned to watch her for a time for any repeats of this rather sordid habit," he finished, clearly pleased to have managed so many words at once without stammering or stuttering once. Damn her to all the tiers of the Nether. Perhaps a little fear will help inspire the proper attitude towards her... "It was...dark magics, you see..." added Jeremy, a triumphant, malevolent glance thrown at Fauna to reinforce his position.

[Fauna Winthrope]

She was afraid of that. The damned fool was already getting to her nerves, if it weren't for the fact that he was stronger than she was --both in Arcane Arts and physical strength-- she would have deleted his existence a few days ago.

For a brief moment, Andolin saw Fauna anguishedly closed her eyes as Jeremy explained his reasons why he was there. Andolin saw the seething anguish and anger boiling inside her and with all the will she could muster, she bottled it up and opened her deep, blue eyes once more and gave the Major Domus a regal, apologetic, fixed smile. Jeremy could taint her reputation but he could never take away her pride and poise.

And it was that imperious and elegant poise she clinged to as she tried to calm herself down and reduce the redness in her cheeks. She did not return Jeremy's gaze nor tried to look at him, for fear that the glamour she accidentaly placed upon herself was still active.

She remained silent, Jeremy at her back and the Major Domus before her. But with a little nod, she inclined her blond and flawless head, an indication of what her chaperone said were somewhat and partly true. It would be up to Andolin to decide if she was dangerous or if she would intrigue him, she hoped that he was smart enough to know that she could be of great help and importance to him.

But for the meantime, she carried herself imperiously, lifting her chin a little higher, her face stoic and indifferent to what she had heard from her chaperone and waited for the judgement of the man before her.

[Andolin]

"Dark magic?" Andolin announced with disgust, employing his best showmanship. Nothing Jeremy could have said would have endeared Fauna to him more. For appearances sake, Andolin needed to seem shocked and concerned.

"It is good you have come Master Jeremy. Consider me warned. Fortunately, my office and the palace have a series of wards in place against dark magic. I shall keep a close eye on the lady mage. But, for now, I need you to serve your masters even more. I need someone to seek out the Lectors of the University most conversant with ways to battle dark magic to come see me at their earliest convenience. There is an issue I would discuss with them. I have already sent Lady Elaine to seek them out ... but she is no member of the University and, sadly, she is blind. If you will carry the message to the appropriate Lectors, I will keep a close watch on Fauna for you ... perhaps even keep her under surveillance here at the palace. Now, if you would be on your way, with haste, I would be most appreciative." He gave a glance to the guards that signaled them to escort Jeremy from the palace.

Once, Jeremy was gone, he waved Fauna into his office and asked her to be seated, before offering her a glass of wine. Sitting behind his desk, he fingered briefly the ward that Amchi had given him. "So, you have been practicing with dark arts have you? These are dark times, so I can use allies of all types in my service ... including those who have been whispering with the shadows at times," He assured her. "Tell me what you have done to date to learn in this area, and how you can be of assistance to me."

It was now time to adopt a facial expression of great interest as he wove his magic. Although it was unfair to read the mind of persons that petitioned him, Andolin did not play fair always. He needed to see if she was playing him false. Perhaps she was Silk's creature. Perhaps she was someone else's spy. He needed to know. If she played with dark magic, she might even be possessed by something from the nether. One could not be too careful.

It was possible that she was shielded and his efforts would fail, but he needed to try. Perhaps he would catch her unawares. He wanted to see if she spoke truly. She was certainly pleasing to the eye, and that was a good thing. His own mind sought hers. How ironic that the new Major Domus would employ the same tactics as the old. If she was not shielded, another idea occurred to him as well.

[Fauna Winthrope]

She could have bursted into tears when she saw the contempt Lord Azarin had for Dark Magicks but pride alone sustained her and for the fact that she wanted to present herself before the Major Domus as a respectable Mage. It took all of her resolve and will to retain her imperious composure, willing herself not to cry as she look stoically and imperiously at the man before her.

Curse you, Jeremy! She seethed, pure hate filling her, hate that bubbled inside her, hate that uncoiled like a snake out of winter's hibernation. I shall kill you myself, I promise you that. You, Professor Acantha and Professor Ventella and you'll rue the day you met me. I promise you that! Even if I have to raise a Deamon if need be to see you bow before me and cringe with fear! It was all she could do upon that circumstances, her mind wandering away as she imagined vile tortures she could do to the young mage.

"...her under surveillance here at the palace. Now, if you would be on your way, with haste, I would be most appreciative."

Fauna was busy with vile thoughts and she only catched the last few sentences the Major Domus had uttered, but the fact that he was sending Jeremy away sent pure blissful happiness inside her dark mind. Though her flawless face remained impassive, her eyes were twinkling with merriment. If Andolin would have asked her to change the color of every clouds to pink, she would have been happy to oblige.

She was going to be free off the University, and she was going to stay at the Palace as well, although she knew that she would still be under surveillance, she hoped that she could make a suitable arrangement with the Major Domus, she was going to work for him, or so she hoped.

Without a backward glance, she ignored Jeremy, knowing that he would be incensed with pure hate against her. If only she could chortle and dance with glee, she would have done so, right in front of her chaperone just to irk him some more.

But no, she had to be poised and presentable.

Entering, she politely accepted the glass of wine but did not drink it, she would need all of her wits to try and persuade the Major Domus that he would really require her talents. If Ashtallion, Elaine, Elvin or Isabella could see the woman before Andolin right then, they would see the vast difference in her character. Gone was the bubbly and perky woman and the Fauna who sat before Andolin was a woman who was sophisticated and in pure control of herself.

With feline grace, still delicately clutching the glass of wine, the blond, dark sorceress arranged her gown, scrutinizing the Major Domus in the corner of her deep, cerulean eyes, letting him adjust to her presence. She did not bother to shield herself, knowing that a powerful ward was inside her and no penetration could bypass that enchantment. It was weaved by Professor Ventella and he specialized with Wards and Protections.

One needs to act slowly in front of a wolf. It was odd that she thought of Andolin as a wolf, where had she heard that before? But yes, there was a wolfish trait around him as she saw him briefly fingered an amulet upon his neck, cunning and dangerous at the same time.

Does he fear me and my reputation? She thought as she waited for the man to begin, noting that his gesture with the amulet might be a sign to ward against dark magicks. But why would he? Am I not here to offer my service and talent? I can give you unlimited power or place you in the throne of Ceasarhood if you permit me to, My Lord Andolin. Yet, she did not voice that out loud, she would have to tread carefully around a wolf or her hand might be bitten.

When he began, Fauna turned and looked at Andolin straight in the eyes, her cerulean eyes capturing his face, listening intently and trying to catch what was hidden under the words.

"Dark Magicks, Your Excellency?" She gave him an amused look as she arched an eyebrow and delicately sipped her wine. "My Lord Azarin..." She began, trying to defend what she had done in the past few days. "Magick is Magick. Whether it be dark or white, it is magick, as simple as that. It is power and knowledge combined and it will depend on the user if the outcome is beneficial or not, don't you not agree?" She gave him a simple smile, neither flirtatious nor mischevious but a simple fact of statement. "I am afeared that the Wizards in the University are leading you false. There is no Dark Magick, I have gleaned that much from my brief stay at the Campus. I am afraid that the faculty wishes its students to remain fearful and afraid of what they do not and cannot comprehend. It is simple as that." They are old fools! She almost spat that out loud with pure contempt.

"That is my dilemna," Fauna continued, her voice calm. "I find that the campus cannot teach me what I want and what I need and that is why I am here before your office, My Lord Major Domus, seeking for more knowledge and offering those things that I may be able to find. And besides, they [The Faculty] do not trust me anymore, they simply want me to learn what they want me to learn. I want more, My Lord Azarin... I crave for more!" She declared the last statement with much conviction that it showed upon her flawless and Amunic face.

"And if you help me, My Lord Azarin... If you could give me the assistance... I could be able to share with you all those that I can and will glean in the Arcane Arts. I-- Together--- We will have..." She paused, eyeing him seriously, imprisoning his eyes with hers.

...POWER! She sent the last word telepathically with her mind towards the Major Domus, her red lips smiling sincerely as she held his eyes with hers.

[Grant]

Jeremy didn't protest his summary withdraw. He, like everyone in the Palace, was nominally at the command of the Major Domos...and he could only assume that the man would indeed be prepared for what danger Fauna might represent. With that, he was escorted away...and possibly out of Fauna's life forever, if she were very fortunate.

Oh, certainly, I'll report this to the Lectors. They'll know...and they'll know I had no choice. In a way I should be pleased, he decided, turning and walking away. After all, he didn't want his assignment, and if he reported these events, he could possibly dump them forever.

Behind him, in the Office of the Chamber...

Andolin did find a shield in place, but it was...wrong. Instead of a barrier that deflected his general sense of Fauna's thoughts and impressions, it was turned inward, a shield fabricated from without to almost impede and inhibit her own mind magics. It was not difficult for Andolin to penetrate...it was simply not designed to be difficult from without...but it clearly worked as an inhibitor for the lady to use her own mind magick.

(OOC: Nicely done! Don't stop for me )

[Andolin]

Leaning back in his chair, Andolin listened to Fauna attempt to pretend that there was no such thing as dark magic. Save the argument for some fool who will believe you. Bridging his fingers as he studied Fauna carefully, he replied at last. "Magic is a weapon. It can be used for dark purposes as well as noble purposes," he uttered, as if he were agreeing with her argument.

"What would you seek to learn from me? How can I complete your education in a way the University cannot?" he asked softly. He had some ideas, but withheld them. "You would teach me of the arcane arts in return? But, what powers over magic have you? Tell me how you are able to employ magic as a weapon." He continued to read her mind to see if she would think to exaggerate or betray him.

Andolin was pleasantly surprised to find shielding that inhibited Fauna, rather than himself. It meant that she would be subject to a glamour as well. She was a very pretty thing and her words were striking the right chord with the Major Domus. Was there anything more valuable than power? He wanted to bind her to him, to make her his creature. She seemed to have no other patrons, which was good. Elaine and Barrett owed other loyalties, whereas Fauna did not.

"Yes, I think we see eye to eye Fauna," he remarked in an intrigued voice as he took to his feet and went around his desk to sit upon the desktop in front of her. Staring her in the eye, he whispered, "power is the ambrosia of the gods Fauna. What would you give to gain a taste of true power? Would you swear upon your life, soul, and hope for salvation that you would serve me completely and loyally?" His voice was intended to be a seductive whisper.

Already, Andolin was drawing upon the power of his mentalism, preparing a potent spell that he had last cast on Isabella. He needed to be absolutely sure of Fauna's loyalty if he was to give her a peek at his true self. For a glamour to have more permanancy, the subject needed to be already of a mindset to serve, obey, or love. He needed to intrigue Fauna into that mindset. If she loved power as much as he, he expected little problem with getting her in the proper mental state quite willingly.

[Fauna Winthrope]

Fauna Winthrope was indeed intrigued, her blue eyes following every movement of the Major Domus, from the way he walked supply to the way he moved his eyes. He was fascinating… Yet, for some people, a wolf was fascinating and remarkable and the young blond sorceress did not forego that warning thought. Andolin was indeed a wolf, fascinating and remarkable, yet dangerous and cunning at the same time.

Of course, Fauna would give everything and it showed in her mind, Andolin could see the hunger in her eyes, the craving for all Arcane power and knowledge as she stared back at the Major Domus, captivated with his words. Unfortunately for him though, he did not delve deeper into her mind, into the deep recesses where all dreams and unconsciousness were placed, that place way beyond the barrier. He should have investigated more, he should have been perplexed and curious why such a barrier exist, why the University of Magick took such pain to erect such ward when the woman in front of him seemed to be just a mere woman, seemingly innocent and powerless. If he had delved deeper, he should have seen another entity, the entity the deceased Major Domus had stumbled upon. A taint in her mind, so imbedded and hidden that only Professor Ventella was the only one who had seen it, an entity like a small blob of black amoeba, like an black ink, floating inside her mind which Lord de Winter aptly named as Lady Janice.

But definitely, Fauna was enamored by Andolin’s word. Right then and there, she was ready to die for him, er—not really, dying was really far from her mind, but she was ready to kill and delete anyone he would have wanted.

“I…” She began and then faltered, her well-plucked eyebrows creasing in deep thought. What can he teach her? Fauna neither knew nor had any inkling of the Arcane and Mental powers of Andolin. “…That is for you to decide, My Lord Azarin. I am hoping you know someone, another powerful mage perhaps, who can teach me the Art in all its aspect. There is also this barrier of enchantment the Faculty has placed upon me. I am not powerful enough to break off from that spell.” She was much ashamed to admit that, her jaws clenched at the thought that she wasn’t powerful enough. “If you do not have the Talent, my lord, then permit me to be your arcane hand. I shall weave enchantments for you, enchantments and spells the University had never seen and experienced before. I shall call anyone, whether dead or alive, a creature from another dimension or even a…” She paused, unsure if she should continue and then decided to take the chance. “…Or even a deamon if you permit me. I shall employ every focus of magick for you, my lord Azarin, whether it be Aetherial, Mental, Alchemical, Necromancy, Blood Essence and even tapping the essence of Nether, if only you would help me.” She was leaning closer, her passion flaming, her eyes intent upon his.

“I do not ask of material power, although it would come in handy. I mean, my cash is dwindling down the drains, but what I’m seeking is arcane power, power to control people, power to control destiny and even the fates, power that can make Tazlure tremble, My Lord Azarin, I will seek that out for you.”

But what can she give, what can she offer? She leaned back, her eyes troubled, her cheeks flaming and her bosom heaving from the passionate speech she had uttered. Would she offer her life? Would she make that gamble? Yes! She cried to herself. By Anasis’ tits I will! What was she to lose? She would gain everything by taking his offer.

With a small smile upon her red lips, she stood up and equally gazed at the Major Domus, standing imperiously and graciously. “I swear upon my very life, Your Excellency, that I will help you attain what you seek if you will help me. But my lord,” Fauna continued politely and looked at him as an equal, “I will not be your slave nor your servant. If you want a slave, I can summon or create a golem for you out of the Nether or Aether, if you seek a slave or a servant, I advise you buy or hire one.”

“I am hoping,” She had to take the gamble, it was all or nothing. “That I be as your business partner, mutually seeking what is the best for the both of us, and I promise you, with my very life, I shall not disappoint you.” She then paused and smiled at him maliciously.

“Or, would you rather bond it in our blood?” She asked him intently, it was a challenge for him, she was ready to follow him to the very ends of Nether, but was he ready to have a business partner?

[Andolin]

Sadly, Andolin did not delve deeper into the mind of Fauna. At present, he was more interested in hearing her thoughts as to whether she planned to betray him. Being a generally paranoid person, Andolin worried about plots against him ... which served him well in the current political climate. He was a man with few, if any, patrons and a similar number of friends He had spent his days in the Citadel cultivating alliances; but, many of those were no longer around. He had friendly acquaintances with Lady Rioja, and even Silk. He had found Amchi as a trainer and had cultivated an alliance of sorts with the Redault family.

The magelet was quite confident of herself. She claimed she could summon golems and other great magical acts. He doubted she could. Still, he had a soft spot in his heart for the bold and the overly confident.

"I do not seek a slave. Slaves cannot think. No, I seek someone to join my inner circle. You would be my protege, and I your patron. I would seek others as well. If you prove yourself loyal and worthy, you will be trusted with more responsibility and be rewarded accordingly." There was not a good word for a female henchman, so he opted for protege instead. No one would become his business partner without earning it ... and having the power to make it attractive.

He released his glamour into her mind. You will always be loyal to me and never betray me. He had learned from Isabella never to glamour another woman to love him deeply, for the jealousy would consume the poor target, and interfere with his roguish ways.

"Very well, I accept your promise of loyalty Fauna," he announced when he was done with his attempt. "You can begin with telling me about yourself. I want to know your history, why you are here in the Citadel, and what you have learned of significance since coming here." He poured her some brandy and handed her a glass, filling one for himself as well. "To a close and successful association," he offered as a toast, fighting to keep eye contact, rather than appraise her feminine features.

[Fauna Winthrope]

Fauna sighed a breath of relief, she didn't actually noticed she was holding them for fear of being turned down, never noticing the Mindcraft and glamour that was firmly planted in her mind. She was elated, here she was, before the Major Domus, knowing that the man would certainly carry her to great power and with her behind him, she would protect him and place him upon the highest pedestal of power. She was loyal, loyal to those who are loyal to her. But, for those who weren't, they were good than dead, like Tarrant or the soon to be Mages and Wizards of the University of Magick.

Pity about Tarrant. Fauna mused as she took the offered brandy, her eyes fixed upon the Major Domus, giving him a lovely smile, not flirtatious. She would not flirt with him, she decided, it would surely hinder her ambitions and besides, it would complicate their arrangements, but she noticed his good looks. Tarrant would have been the perfect Mentor for me. Stupid fool, trying to kill me and use my essence.

"To us, my lord." Fauna raised her glass, showing him his dimples and elegantly sipping a small portion of the brandy. "To power and greatness." She purred and stepped back, giving some distance between them.

But she was puzzled, the blond Amunite thought that the Lord Azarin would assign her to another sorceress, more powerful than the lordly fools at the Campus. Besides, she needed to break the enchantment and warding that was placed inside her, she wouldn't be able to function fully, she felt that there was something lacking with her, like a limb chopped off when Professor Ventella placed that ward inside her. But she would ask Andolin about that later, at the present, she would bask on the new opportunity that was given to her, to be the handmaiden of the Major Domus was a great feat, a feat she would surely protect with her very chaste life.

"Where to begin?" She mused, tapping the glass with her fingertips and unconsiously tucking a golden strand of hair behind her left ear. "I was born and raised in the Court Palace of Amun Rah. I wanted to learn magick, I had the talent, the Court Wizard said so. And so, I decided to escape from the Palace and go to the University of Magick to learn sorcery, saving all of the money I could get my hands on. That was a mistake, though." She blandly admitted frowning at the the Major Domus.

"My mentor, tried to kill me, but he's dead. Pity though, he would have been great." She shrugged non-commitedly as if the feat of killing Tarrant was just a work in the park. "I was part of this selected group in the University to hunt down Deamons inside the Campus. We deafeted a deamon possessing a student. My studies were put into halt when the Faculty found me tapping into another essence of Magick." She delivered that out with a spiteful spat.

"They are fools.." She stopped as she thought of someone and she quickly sought out Andolin's eyes, her bosom heaving with excitement.

"There is this Professor in the Campus who could help us, Lord Azarin. I cannot talk to him for fear of arising suspicions in the Faculty. His name is Professor Baldeserrato, he's most adept in Mind Enchantment and probably, if I'm smelling him correctly, in the Nether Arts. He would be a fine ally." She purred at the thought, the professor had helped her when she was in dire need and he would need a little help if the faculty had seen everything inside her mind.

"I would suggest you pay him a visit, Lord Azarin. But he's quite dangerous..." She faltered. "Well, one who deals with pure power is quite dangerous so you must tread around him most carefully, My lord Azarin.... Oh... The University is beset with problems, from what I'm hearing, there are some factions inside the Campus who deals with the Nether Arts and the Faculty is trying its best to stop it. There is a dungeon in the University and I know for a fact that there are prisoners there who deals with great power. If you are to attain their loyalty and cooperation, and under your guidance, united, we will be a power to be reckon with."

"There is also a woman I met in the Ceasar's Ball." She paused demuredly and toying with her glass, "she was the assistant of the Master of the Protocol, My Lord Azarin. She is a friend of mine, under your hand, she will be someone great. Her name is Lady Florentina, I suggest you get her from under the wings of the Master of Protocol. Last time I saw her was a couple of days ago."

She pursed her lips, trying to flip through her memories. "There is this assassin as well, his name is Trigger, I think he would be a good ally as well."

"I believe that is all I have gathered..." She stopped and then looked at the Major Domus, she wondered if she would be staying at tha Palace, if she was, she needed to get her belongings from the University, but then, she really didn't need them, but money was a problem, she did not have enough cash to buy all the equipment she would be needing for her studies and experimentations. It would be a joy if she would be given the Palace Credit Authorization and her loins pulsed at the thought.

"Now, My lord, in virtue of this new alliance, how can I be of assistance to you? I suggest that my reputation as a sorceress be not known to others, it would give me some leeway. And besides, I am sure that the Faculty will be keeping a watchful eye on me, I think it would be best to change my appearance?" She asked for advice knowing that the decision of the Major Domus would held great care in her mind.

[Andolin]

That she claimed to have escaped from Amun Rah suggested she was a former slave. To Andolin's mind, it was clear what type of slave she was. With her beauty, she must have been a pleasure slave. It did not matter at the moment, though mild amorous thoughts crossed his mind briefly.

"So, the University is beset with factions, just as we have in the palace," he mused aloud. "It will be best if you stay here in the palace near me. I will arrange suitable quarters. I will appoint you as Assistant Domus for special projects, such as gathering arcane knowledge and implements to benefit this office and the Citadel. For all intents and purposes, I am the Governor of the Citadel. All servants and guards answer to me, and, as you are my assistant, they will answer to you as well."

"You should know a few things about the palace before we go further. You should trust no one but myself, and some of those that serve this Office. There is a power struggle occurring with the vacancy on the throne. Those who misstep die. Marius misstepped, and now the worms shall feast upon him. This Trigger you mentioned is also dead ... as is Lady Isabella ... sadly. I need time to strengthen the guard and my hand here in the palace, so I will make no enemies. Officially, I am neutral in this power struggle." He could see no harm in telling her such general views. It was nothing that others could not glean.

"Tell me how you defeated the daemon. There are two plaguing the Citadel at the moment and I am considering what weapons to employ to bring them under control. The wizard you name may be useful, but I wish to be cautious as to who I recruit. Those who are already powerful are less inclined to join with another unless you can find something in their interest to motivate them. The prisoners are an intriguing sorce of recruits, but I expect the University guards them to well for me to gain their freedom." He paused to see how Fauna might respond to his musings.

[Fauna Winthrope]

“My lord, Azarin,” She gave him an amused, pretty look. “I trust no one. But fear not, I know I can trust you, together, we can achieve what had never been done in Tazlure.” Fauna purred enticingly, promising him with her small, dimpled smile.

The blond Amunite nodded, basking in the new power that was given to her. Command. Isn’t that what power is, to command people, their fates and their lives? “I shall be your Assistant, your personal mage and even your secretary, if you want, My Lord. I can protect you from enchantments and put a permanent Mirror shield upon you if necessary, it will bounce off spells that will be directed to you back to the caster.” Like that fool Jeremy did to me!

When she heard that Isabella and Trigger were dead, a small gasp came out of her red lips, her blue eyes widened. She was startled, some of her brandy spilling into the floor, her feature was white as a ghost. You have got to be kidding! She exclaimed to herself. Fauna could not believe that, but Andolin, THE Major Domus clearly stated it. Isabelle Florentina was dead. She didn’t know what to say and mourned for the loss of her departed friend. Is Elaine dead as well? Is Reese alive? It took her a few flickers to get back her composure. With a deep sigh, she took an elegant sip of her brandy, trying to calm her nerves.

She had to focus now, she will mourn for Isabella later, perhaps, light a candle for her and for Trigger as well. Delicately, she pinched the bridge of her nose and felt her white, cold cheeks. Focus! “I was with the War Wizard, Ashtallion and the Mage Elvin when we defeated the deamon possessing a fool of a student. We were given special powers to tap into the Aetherial energy, some kind of roles to fulfill the prophecy of the Mage Hunters. The Prophecy was linked to specific cards and each card has its own role and magic to play. The Prophecy chose me to tap into the Card of The Speaker, it gives me certain privileges with controlling the mind and thought of those whom I interact with. I can control their emotions and their mind if I want to.” She paused and tried to re-orient herself.

“Now, we were given…” She faltered, trying to remember. “I think it was four lodestones. Anyway, those lodestones, once placed around the deamon, can trap its essence once the body of its possession died. Mentor Elvin and War Wizard Ashtallion were the offensive. Elvin battled with pure elemetal fire while Ashtallion…” She gave a small snort and laughed coldly, “blundered all the way! It was all flashy! I never care much for flashy spells, I’m more into trickery of the minds and enchantments. Anyway, I supported the two mages, bolstering the energies they were tapping and tricking the Deamon with illusions. Mentor Elvin incinerated the poor body of the student, burning it to ashes and leaving the essence and spirit of the Deamon trapped inside the barrier of the four lodestones. That’s when the Department of Wardings and Deamonological Protection came to tidy up the room. I think the young student was working with something, guided by the Deamon of course, I tried to talk to the Deamon telepathically but that’s when the other wizards came. It was about to give me what the student was trying to do…” She shrugged, regret washing her flawless, Amunic face.

“Two Deamons in the Citadel?” Now she was deeply interested and it showed in her face. And she mused as well as she regally sat down once more on the chair. “How remarkable!” She murmured half to herself. “Do you know where they are generally located? Do they possess any victims or are they physically summoned. It will take a tear between the Tether and the Nether for a Deamon to appear unsummoned, Your Excellency. If they were summoned, who summoned them? If there is a tear in the Tether, how big is it and how are we able to take opportunity of it?”

She mulled for a few flickers, tapping her lips with her slim forefinger, deep in thought. “You see, Lord Azarin. One cannot fully control a Deamon with using only the mind. A deamon is cunning and tricky and it will trick you. Nobody really knows what they look like and their hierarchy. We, people of this planes, are the one giving them their appearance and forms. You see, if you summon a deamon and it appeared before you as a serpentine snake or a demon who looks like a cross-breed of a dozen genus of bugs, how did they know what a snake looks like or the appearance of those insects? Are there any snakes or insects in the Nether world. The Nether is a universe into itself so it is very hard to speculate. There are a lot of theories concerning about it and no one really had the right answers. Wizards are still debating if the names of deamons are important and up to know, it is still debated. For formality’s sake, names of deamons are sought out, a summoner and controller must be careful when dealing with deamons.”

She groaned in dismay, her flawless face becoming irritated. “What are those fools doing? Why are they hoarding knowledge?” Fauna sighed. “Very well. The answer right now is to restrain a deamon and study it. Fight fire with fire is what they say, so use Nether Magick. That is the only magick they react to. How do the Lord Deamon subvert its minions but through Nether Magick!”

She gave Andolin a helpless look. “I am sorry, Lord Azarin, but I am not knowledgeable enough. I cannot function fully with my Talent, the Faculty placed a barrier and an enchantment inside my mind and with the barrier still inside me, I am afraid that I won’t be able to assist you with all of my capabilities. If only Professor Baldesserato was here, he might be able to answer you. He is having a hard time in the Campus as well. The Faculty is quite suspicious of his studies and he cannot fully move around the campus, maybe you can use that to your advantage. As per those prisoners…” She paused and gave the Major Domus a frowning look.

“I am not well versed with Citadel Laws, but back in Amun Rah, only the Rafao has the divine right to imprison people. Is that the same here? Are there any laws that the University can imprison people? Do they have the legal rights? Do they follow their own laws? I’m sorry, I’m only speculating.”

“Now, tell me more about those two deamons, Lord Azarin.” Fauna asked, “I am quite intrigued.”

[Andolin]

Pretending that he did not know much about the dark arts, Andolin fought a smile. He listened attentively as Fauna rambled on. It seemed that she had some arcane knowledge after all. The mirror spell sounded useful. "I might like that mirror spell cast upon me," he replied aloud. It sounded too good to be true. Sadly, that likely meant that it was not true. "Yes, you shall be my personal mage and, in time, perhaps my secretary." He still needed to find someone clever and industrious to fill his old position of Clerk of the Chamber.

He was not sure that he wanted to contact the professor in question. Waiting to meet with the Lectors first seemed more prudent.

"I cannot say that I fully understand what happened with you and the cards and the lodestones," he confessed. Her telling of the story had been a veritable whirlwind of details. "Could you recreate this power so that we could trap a daemon?"

"There is one daemon lord that lurks in the depths of the dungeons below us. I believe it is a daemon summoned by a group know simply as the Coven," he began. "Its power is over passion and it took a group of about a dozen to contain it. When the Coven was destroyed, the daemon escaped. It was beaten temporarily by a group of Panlings who ... sang to it. The daemon has found his revenge and each of the group is now dead or missing. Isabella was the last of them. I have sent Elaine into the depths to investigate the daemon that lurks there. She is powerful with song and the Mother protects her." Will it be enough?

"A second daemon was released by one who summoned it and lost control." By this he meant the one summoned by his father/mentor Balik. "It has come to the Citadel and possessed a noble of some reknown. We hope to compel the daemon to leave the body, having placed all manner of wards around her until we can find a suitable answer. The problem is that these are both daemon lords, not just minor daemons. As such, it is beyond our powers to contain them. They need to be returned to the nether, though they likely can find a new way back. If they were but imps, they could be handled easily," he uttered with a sigh of regret.

[Fauna Winthrope]

"The cards are not that much special, Lord Azarin." Fauna replied, pouting her lips and frowning thoughtfully. "They are merely focus of powers. I'm not part of the Group anymore so I am unable to tap into The Speaker Card, but the process of weaving can be done, my lord. Once just need to be an adept with mind enchantments. Those lodestones, however, are the important ones."

She hated this, Fauna felt like an invalid, her knowledge lacking and her capabilities were not enough to satisfy Lord Andolin's curiosity. With a despondent sigh, she replied. "Alas, Your Excellency, I am not an Artificer. Right now, I cannot replicate those lodestones. Those stones are very rare and will need a lot of energies and weavings to create just one. From what I have garnered, there are two types of Lodestones: The solid, rock type, like a crystaline stone, almost the size of a fist. There is also the powdered form, like crystalline sands, but, I think the rock types are more potent. The Powdered form is good for casting circles of protections, it could be a good subsitute for the Rock Type. I think the powders are somewhat available rather than the Rock type. There is a huge rock, the size of a boulder in one of the Towers of the Campus. I have seen it myself. It is used as the focus to counteract any divinations or mental penetrations around the campus."

"Would you like me to cast the Mirror Spell upon you now, Lord Azarin?" She asked politely, gracefully standing up. "It would best though to do it later. I would like to prepare myself and study how to break from the enchanments of the University. By then, I can fully protect you."

Fauna's eyes widened with confusion and interest. "A Deamon of Passion beaten by a song? What? They lulled it to sleep?" She had never heard of such power, she would like to study it further.

"Lady Elaine?" The sorceress was startled. "The blind bard? I didn't know she was a sorceress of songs." She raised an eyebrow, she pocketed that information. She would have to tread carefully around Elaine the next time they meet. "I believe she's not enough to handle a Lord Deamon even if the Mother is protecting her."

"I agree with you, Lord Azarin, Deamon Lords are dangerous, but if we could contain one, it would give us a lot of knowledge and information how to handle the Nether Creatures."

"Would you like me to investigate on these matters for you, Lord Azarin?" She asked him politely.

[Andolin]

"Yes, let us wait for a more appropriate time for you to cast the mirror spell. When you have time to prepare," he agreed. There was not a need to flirt with error.

"It seems we must learn more about lodestones and the like from the Lectors of the University. I will command them to aid me. I will have you hide and overhear them, but I wish to protect you from them. If they have truly placed a spell upon you, they may demand to take you back to the University where they can keep an eye on you. But, as you are now my protege, I will protect you and insist that I keep you here in the palace. I will tell them that I shall have you guarded at all times and will pretend with them that I do not trust you at all. That may mollify them."

"Do not think that I hold you in any less regard," he assured her. "I must tap the learning of the experts in the University and I shall share what I learn. I need you to be my personal mage and do special projects for me. I can not afford to lose you yet," he flattered. "As such, I shall not send you to investigate the daemons yet. Instead, I shall hold you back as a secret weapon of mine." He smiled at her reassuringly, though he had other motives for this. It was clear that Fauna's desire for power would make her easy game for some daemon to possess her. Until she learned and matured more, he could not trust her having any intercourse with daemons (literally or figuratively). He had lost Isabella forever, might lose Kitya, and he was not prepared to lose any other allies, lovers or friends. It was time to right accounts and build anew in the face of losses.

"Now if I am to help you, tell me more about what you did to earn the suspicion of the University. Tell me what spell they cast upon you ... and why."

[Fauna Winthrope]

ooc: “...trust her having intercourse with daemons (literally or figuratively).”?? Haha. Very funny!
[hr][/hr]
“Very well, Your Excellency,” Fauna nodded courteously, “I shall be guided by you on this.”

“Protect me?” She murmured so silently that it was almost a breathy whisper. She frowned and her heart softened. If there were doubts inside the young blond’s mind, it was totally eradicated by that simple word which Andolin had uttered. Nobody tried to protect me before, not once, not ever. She protected herself since she was a child and the thought of another person looking out for her was… strange. If Fauna had been a dog, Andolin would have seen her tail wagging so vigorously. However, her face remained impassive, giving him an understanding smile. The young blond sorceress was a bit disappointed though, she wanted to see the two Lord Deamons for herself, she wanted to study them, and she was intrigued. However, she had to obey Azarin. He was right, at the present, she did not have enough powers to protect herself without the full faculty of her talent.

“Well,” she stammered and gave the Major Domus a sheepish smile, showing her dimples and biting her nails, which she instinctively removed from her small red lips. “The Faculty found me tapping and using Netherical Emotional Magick to empower my Mind Enchantments. I mean, I was trying to learn and study it by myself so I tend to experiment here and there and Professor Acantha and Mentor Elvin found me tapping into it. Professor Ventalla, one of the faculty member and well-versed in wardings and protections erected a barrier inside my mind. I know not what it is, but I cannot tap from the Netherical Emotions and my Mind energies and my power seemed to have decreased lately after that ministration.” It was all frustrating and it showed upon her flawless melanin-impoverished face. Fauna had tried all the tricks she knew from breaking from the enchantment but alas, it was all in for nothing.

“D’you know a wizard or a sorceress who can probably dispel the wardings Professor Ventella placed upon me, Lord Azarin?” She looked at him, hope and full trust shining upon her blue eyes.

[Andolin]

Unaware that his offer of protection had a profound effect on Fauna, Andolin was grateful that she seemed willing to obey. That was a refreshing thing to him. Too many persons thought nothing of challenging authority and doing whatever they thought right.

"Yes, I know a mage that might be able to break your enchantment," he admitted as he considered Amchi, and even Lady Rioja. "So, the ward is designed to prevent you from reaching into the nether to strengthen your spells?" he restated her tale in simple language. "How do you access netherical emotional energy? I had been led to believe that one could only access the nether when inside circles of protection. How can one here in the tether train one's mind to reach into the nether for power?" It was a skill he wanted to learn for himself. "What was it like? There would be a danger, I suppose, of encountering a daemonic mind when doing so," he mused aloud.

[Fauna Winthrope]

The apprentice dark sorceress creased her well-plucked eyebrows in deep thought. What was it like? Fauna never really noticed how and what it was like, she just used it.

She nodded when Andolin hit the mark and gave him an appreciative smile.

"Well," The blond sorceress faltered, "It is hard to describe. I just stumbled upon it, Lord Azarin. Probably it happened when we were battling with the Daemon. There were a lot of Netheric energies filtering around the room that time. Ashtallion and Elvin were tapping the Aetheric energies, I tried, but somehow, I might have tapped into it. I really can't describe it, I just know how to tap into it." She fell silent for a few flickers deep in thought, trying to organize her mind.

"Let's see..." She began again, "I was trying to empower my enchantment with my mind. I wasn't tapping the Aether back then. I was feeling a bit peevish, actually," she gave him a sheepish smile. "I was feeling more than peevish, almost on the verge of hating Ashtallion, he stupidly casted the wrong spell and his weaving exploded right before our very face. I was thrown into the wall after the explotion and I was filled with emotions of pure hatred and anger and I accidentally tapped into it, empowering my spells. I didn't know it back then and everytime I'm feeling peevish, that's the only time I can tap into it. Maybe it was the combination of those nether energies flying around the room and the emotion I was feeling that led me to it."

"But on the contrary, I tapped into it as well when I was trying to weave a fireball spell. I couldn't really do it, and I was feeling so very angry with my teacher and..." She shrugged. "Poof! It was so quick and instantaneous. I drilled a hole in the wall with pure, dark fire."

"It's hard to explain... I can show you if you want!" She was excited at the thought but then she suddenly realized that she cannot, there still was the barrier. "Um, probably some other time, Lord Azarin. I'm not feeling peevish right about now." She gave him a lame smile.

"I seem to be taking most of your time, Lord Azarin, forgive me..." She wasn't sure where to go now. It was nice though, the Major Domus was intrigued by Sorcery, and if given the chance, if she could find and tap the power, she would like her patron to feel and experience the rush into the energies.

[Andolin]

"so it is hatred that gives you access? How curious," he mused aloud. "You mentioned the aetheric. Were you in a waking dream then when this happened? You have tested this power here in the tether and the ward did not stop you from drawing power. It seems that the professor placed an imperfect shield over you." He paused to see if he had heard correctly.

"Yet, with all this access to the netheric, have you never had the occasion to speak with a netherworld entity, through the opening in the veil? I would think that your access into the nether would be a beacon for nearby nether creatures to see if they could escape the nether through you." Speaking quickly before she could deny anything, he added, "be aware that I do not ask you this to incriminate you Fauna. I do not judge access to the nether to be wrong necessarily. It is but another weapon to employ. I have given you my promise of protection and this will continue regardless of your level of dealings with powers in the nether," he assured her.

"As for taking up my time, fear not. Right now, you are the most important thing for me to attend. I have a note to write to the Western Ambassador and I shall write a note for you, concerning your new title, and to get you a nice suite in the palace near mine. That can be attended to before you leave. I think I shall post a guard at your door so that the University thinks I am imprisoning you, when really the guard shall be there for your protection." He gave her a sly smile.

[Grant]

There was a very subtle knock upon the Major Domos' door, a light tapping that indicated one of his own staff having brought to him what was most likely yet another world-shattering catastrophe that seemed to be rather commonplace in the last couple days. The servant did not barge within, however, proof that they had at least partially recovered from their earlier failure in protocol.

[Andolin]

"Come in," Andolin called out. If they sought to disturb him, it was likely important. Fauna's answer could wait.

[Fauna Winthrope]

Fauna was about to answer that Andolin got it all wrong, that the Warding was placed inside her mind was weaved after she had stumbled upon the Magick of Dark Emotions. That the warding placed inside her mind was perfect, although she knew that it will fade given time, Professor Ventella had hinted that.

But a knock came upon the door. She had intruded, and Lord Azarin was THE Major Domus, knowing that the full responsibility of running the Palace and the Citadel were his burden. For the meantime, Fauna stood silently and stepped back, nodding politely at the Major Domus, giving him a look that she had understood what he had implied about her. The questions that the Major Domus raised were legitimate questions, Dark Energies attracts the Nether Creatures and she was indeed tapping into it. Andolin was just trying to raise the questions if she had been possessed by Deamons. Well, as far as she knew, she wasn’t, and the only thing that possessed her was power. And she knew, with a little smile, as he gazed at the powerful man before her, that her dreams and aspirations would come at last… With Lord Andolin Azarin, and with Fauna behind her (figuratively), they would go places, they would conquer the world and Tazlure bowing before them.

She fixed herself with imperious demeanor as she moved back, trying not to disturb what was about to happen. Carefully, she adjusted her gown and fixed her hair, she wanted to make a good impression if she was to be seen with the Major Domus. Most carefully she set her flawless Amunic face indifferently and trying to give the impression of businesslike and imperiousness at the same time, however, she would listen unobtrusively, intrigued how the man will work and manipulate the Citadel.

[Grant]

There were two men outside Andolin's office, one of which was simply not meant to be noticed...he was one of the kitchen staff...standing well behind the Chamber clerk that spoke on his behalf. "I beg your pardon, milord, but we've been instructed to carry an urgent message from Lady Bannon. She claims that the prisoners in the dungeons have been slain, and their slayer is there even now. She also claims that two intruders have wandered into the area as well. Milord, I've taken the liberty of checking. None of the wardens for the dungeons have reported in several tides."

[Andolin]

More distressing news. Andolin looked at Fauna in disbelief. He had no intention of investigating -- not when he knew what lurked down there. Instead, he instructed the servants, "go at once to the Purple Guard barracks and tell them what you have been told and tell the officer you find there to send two squads of soldiers at once to rescue Elaine and restore order to the dungeons. I want the intruders captured and I want to know what happened to the wardens. They are to report to me. Now go," he ordered.

Turning to look at Fauna, the Major Domus uttered, "this is a job for swords, not magic." This was one more failure of the Purple Guard that he could place at Sosa's feet. It would support the need to build his new Imperial Guard, and quickly.

While waiting for the servants to depart, Andolin began drawing up the apology to the Western Ambassador and the orders for Fauna.

[Fauna Winthrope]

Fauna was surprised, however, she did not show it, she just merely raised an eyebrow when Lord Azarin turned to her. So, Elaine is Lady Bannon and is trapped in the dungeon. The Mother cannot protect her, and blind as she is, she will not be able to protect herself. She remained silent though, not wanting to intrude before the presence of servants. I wonder if she could sing the deamon to sleep. She thought with an amused wonder.

She waited for the man to leave and close the door behind him. Patiently, she remained silent, knowing that the Major Domus was thinking of something and was busy with his work. Like a butterfly, she lightly moved with a faint rustle of her gown and exquisitely poured brandy or wine for Andolin. Yes, she could feel his apprehension, a deamon lurked in the dungeon and it was folly to go there. Let the Purple Guards deal with it, yet she knew, something was amok with that plan. More victims meant more power for the darkness.

Like a cat, she watched the man work, not wanting to be intrusive and she settled silently once more in her chair. She observed if Andolin would pause with his work.

“There is a safer way, Lord Azarin.” She murmured quietly from her chair, not wanting to alarm a wolf, her blue eyes looking at him.

“Send our shadows.”

[Andolin]

Fauna's words intrigued him. "Our shadows?" He knew about scrying, but assumed the dungeons were protected against scrying. Putting down his quill and folding the letters, he asked, "how does one accomplish sending one's shadow?" He was quite eager to know the secret.