Fiction:Doctrina Venefica/Second Term

9/1/5: It Begins Again
Second Week of Crepuscular Light, 35 New Age, Mid-Morning: Central Atrium

Rows of seats and benches filled the main hall at the centre of the Collegium's ground floor, with a raised stage supporting a podium and various other chairs having been positioned against a nearby wall so that students, adjutors, and tutors could watch the reopening announcement and ceremony that was scheduled to occur in some minutes from now. While such an occasion would have otherwise been held within the walls of the Hall of Ceremonies, it was clear to all present that due to the fresh, traumatic memories brought on by the events of the prior month and the damage ravaged from said events, there had been some reconsideration among the higher-ups regarding allowing the ceremony to run its course there; for now, the locale had been blocked off while it underwent significant repairs, although the Collegium's inhabitants would not find themselves without a welcoming announcement back to the school in order to continue their studies and training. In spite of being located within such an open area as the atrium, the temperature was inviting by comparison to the biting cold outside, perhaps through some inherent arcane means, and young Clothovera did not feel too physically stirred as she sat with her belongings, contained in a case, at her feet.

There were figures that the witch had either seen sparsely throughout her time spent at the Collegium or had never seen at all, each radiating with mystery or malignancy to their character; humans and elves, specifically members of the Esoteric Order, of which Clothovera's knowledge was sparing, sat quietly upon the stage, some of them hiding their faces beyond bizarre, almost intimidating yet ornately crafted masks, which caused their unnerving presence to stand out as they neighboured more familiar individuals, such as tutors Ennea, Prisieth, and Delmar - the greater latter unsurprisingly appearing to blend in almost perfectly with the various new "faces" that had made themselves present at the school today. Clothovera had been assigned to sit beside her colleagues Szalvetha and Teael, very much like the year before when she attended her first day within the Collegium's doors, and she could keenly peek glances of Damon, Pyrath, and Heilen sitting some distance away from them, while Vhalra and Kyrie had been seated away from the members of either division of friends - not through their own volition, most likely. A podium overlooked the crowd of students, with a moderately sized depiction of the emblem of the academy - a tree with roots and branches extending outwards into a circle - etched into the front of the wooden material. When she had come to attend her first day, Clothovera had seen the late Archtutor Selsor Granvinran standing at the podium, although now there was a nearly daunting absence of a figure of authority to assume the place he had stood in before.

Among chatter and talk between many of the students, Teael had taken the opportunity to pull a slice of freshly baked cornbread from her pocket, steaming with heat and wrapped in a small, fine cloth to retain its warmth and flavour; since the ceremony was not scheduled to open for another few minutes, the swordmage ate to her heart's content, clearly hungry from either having overslept and rushing to the school in order to retain punctuality, sacrificing breakfast in the process, or her nerves beginning to get to her, memories of the events of the year before still fresh on her mind while she dreaded whatever horrid experiences were yet to come. Or both. Clothovera could not help but be distracted by her eating in the middle of the event, feeling somewhat embarrassed while Szalvetha looked upon the Tutors and those who accompanied them with narrowed eyes - anyone of them could be behind the so-called conspiracy, and anyone of them could suddenly jump at them and attack, she thought. As Clothovera glance towards Teael to observe her eating, the Aithrenan was swift to catch her gaze before proceeding to pull another wrapped slice of cornbread from her pocket and reaching a generous hand to the half-elf, otherwise oblivious to the girl's embarrassment from her rather voracious eating habits.


 * Teael - You're hungry as well, eh?
 * Clothovera - We shouldn't be eating in a ceremony like this.
 * Teael - Why not? Ceremony's not started yet and I can't dream of having to sit through these on an empty stomach. ... Besides, you know me. I can't help but eat when I feel nervous. Have you seen those guys?
 * Clothovera - I've no idea who any of these people are. Are they the new security?
 * Teael - If so, they're a big step up from dwarves. Those guys are members of the Esoteric Order, across multiple Sects. I dunno who any of them are exactly, but I think they're here to officialise the new Acting Archtutor.
 * Szalvetha - We all know how this is going to go.
 * Teael - That's kinda the thing; we don't. We're expecting Osvernal to get officialised as Acting Archtutor, since he was the Vice-Archtutor while Granvinran was in charge of things. Usually the decision to elect a new, proper Archtutor begins after six months of the Acting Archtutor being instated, decided among the higher-ups in the Collegium. ... But I've heard that the elite within the Esoteric Order have the power to overrule that process and elect a new true Archtutor as quick as they please. The Collegium is owned, funded, and maintained by them after all.
 * Clothovera - So these guys are the ones in charge?
 * Szalvetha - They rule magic in the Sovereignty.
 * Teael - Yeah, basically. A couple of Tutors here are actually members of the Order, like Ennea and Osvernal, but as far as I know, they weren't members of the elite; the Greater Magisters, who govern each of the Sects within the Order, which is ultimately headed by the Lord Highmage. ... Or, well, just High Mage. It's those guys who have full contact with the Sovereignty's government, you know? So it's a big deal if they're here.
 * Szalvetha - The rabbit hole goes extremely deep.
 * Teael - I'm really not looking forward to this year. I don't think I could cope with another few months of conspiracy theories, assignments, vampires, extremists, and all that other crap we've been dealing with.
 * Clothovera - Ngh...

As Clothovera turned her head back towards the stage, she could see the room begin to darken, with the light beaming through the windows being obscured by large drapes so as to focus attention onto the stage, which soon lit up with an arcane light - a spotlight, which gleamed upon the podium at the front of the stage. The crowd of students gradually hushed until there was naught else but silence, with Teael swiftly consuming what was left of her cornbread as she, and everyone else present, heard the sound of footsteps upon the stage, approaching the beam of magical light which encompassed the front rows of the crowd alongside the podium. Stepping out from the darkness beyond the light, much to Clothovera's chagrin, was the familiar, slender form of the Aithrenan umbramage, Osvernal Eilenneim; a black robe flowing at his back and a rather fancy, expensive outfit consisting of a dark overcoat fitted with silver buttons, a black collared shirt decorated with swirling, typical elvish patterns of green, and a pair of dark trousers, held by multiple leather belts, being tucked within a set of light boots, with various noble accessories and jewellery scattered upon his person, it was clear that the man was dressed to impress those that would very shortly become his direct superiors. As he approached the stage, he did not wear a smile, but an otherwise neutral expression - as if, in spite of his attire, he felt this ceremony was much more casual than it was intended to be.

Arching his back forward somewhat and laying his hands upon the podium, his clawed nails digging ever so slightly into the wood, Osvernal eyed the rows of students with a cold, fierce glare, before standing upright once more and letting his arms fall to his sides, instead clasping at his waist - specifically his hips - in a rather effeminate, flamboyant manner as he opened his mouth to begin to address his audience;


 * Osvernal - Greetings, young apprenti, and a warm welcome to all who have come to join us. To those who do not know me, I am Osvernal Eilenneim; until now, you have known me as your Vice-Archtutor, working on behalf of the late Selsor Granvinran, whose career as Archtutor was, unfortunately, cut so soon after taking the reins from the man that came before him, Archtutor Eigeyem. As of now, during the course of your winter break, I have been elected to stand as Acting Archtutor of the Grand Sovereign State-College of Magicka for, as thus far predicted, the following six months. ... And, should those who have come from the upper hierarchy of the Esoteric Order today officialise my elected position, I shall ensure that from now on, this academy will remain a safer, far more hospitable environment. ... Before then, however, I would appreciate if you all offered a prayer in memory of those who so tragically lost their lives near the very end of the previous term, taken by those who align their souls with the touch of evil and darkness.

Clothovera could not help but struggle to find sincerity in the elf's voice, for since the day she had first laid her eyes upon him, she could sense a fierce, dark aura surrounding him; a product of something within his soul rather than within the magic that he wielded, with his behaviour and demeanour always coming off to her as suspicious, deceptive, or sly. The thought of such a figure asking for his students to pray for those who had been taken by the assassination incident almost sickened her to her stomach, and while she was certain that her friends felt the same way, she could only watch as Teael begrudgingly tilted her head downwards and laid her hands over one another upon her chest - directly over her where her heart resided. Rows of students performed the same gesture, some form of custom pertaining to Sovereignty culture and society as this was not how humans prayed, and kept this stance for at least a minute before allowing themselves to rest, content with their prayer.Clothovera had not done the prayer out of confusion for its meaning until it was too late, while Szalvetha had joined and done the same gesture. While she could see her brother and male friends doing the same, Heilen had not done anything - he was asleep already.


 * Osvernal - ... Now, let us proceed with the promotion, before I address any other matters that shall become relevant to you as of this year. I would like you all to provide a warm and gracious welcome for the Greater Magister tasked with officialising your new, elected Acting Archtutor - Greater Magister Ediminas of Altava.

As he spoke the name, Osvernal stepped to the side of the podium, allowing for the aforementioned individual, a highly-influential figure within the Esoteric Order as well as one of the leaders and representatives of its Arcane Sect, to arise and stand before the crowd of students so that he could bestow the Vice-Archtutor with the blessing of the organisation and allow for his promotion to Acting Archtutor to proceed as was intended. It was becoming apparent that Osvernal sounded neither enthusiastic or excited for his ascension in rank, although the man was known to never show the true extent of his emotions when faced with a large crowd, and he turned his gaze sharply towards the Greater Magister whose presence he had announced to his audience. Rising to his feet was a who wore a distinct mask which obscured all but his eyes - a common trait in Vila culture - and he approached the podium with a stern expression. Ediminas was a mysterious individual, having been a member of the Esoteric Order for three hundred years, yet none knew of anything regarding his background or origins. His fellow members of the Order were not aware of any family he could belong to. As he reached the podium, he placed his hands upon it as he begun to speak.


 * Ediminas - The events which have transpired a month ago were a tragedy which should not have occured. Its consequences weigh upon the entirety of our nation, from the far west at the Verdant Kingdom to the far east at the province of the Hikamerans. The Esoteric Order is here to assure you all, future mages, wizards, warlocks and sorcerers, that such a thing will not happen again; we are doing all in our power to provide you with the best security possible, so that this... despicable waste of life never again occurs inside our walls. In the meantime, I would also like to call out the merits of certain members of the Collegium's staff, whose support has proven them to be fundamental part of this organization. Ennea Ignaura of the arts of fire, who risked her life defending Archtutor Selsor, as well as Riomara Acquae of the arts of water, who has returned to us with the impressive news of the retaking of Visonia, former territory of the humans of the far east, further improving our relations. It would take too long to speak of all I would like to, which is why we will be doing so in private instead.

The crowd began to applaud for Ediminas, the sounds of clapping filling the air while Osvernal glanced towards the Greater Magister, looking him up and down before approaching him from behind, his hands still set upon his hips; he brought one to his mouth and feigned a cough in order to grasp the Vila's attention amidst the applause, appearing somewhat more eager now than before to go underway with officialising and recognising his ascension as the new highest authority over the Collegium for the following months. In an act thought otherwise unthinkable to many, given Ediminas' intimidating appearance and enigmatic nature, the umbramancer laid a hand upon the elf's shoulder in a gesture mocking that of friendship or acquaintanceship, again gesturing for the elf to make haste with the formalities. Ediminas responded by throwing a hand back to get Osvernal's away, his face turning to the Aithrena's and allowing him to take a brief glance at his features; a frown dominated his expression, and his pupils were not circular, like those of an elf. Instead, they were narrow and sharp, like those of a reptile. Osvernal almost cussed as Ediminas reacted, his ears rising and a scowl writing itself onto his face as he looked into the Vila's eyes without fear, glaring back at the ominous, reptilian stare that he was met with.


 * Osvernal - We do not have all day to ourselves, Magister Ediminas. We should begin to make haste.
 * Ediminas - Watch your tone. Have you forgotten who you are speaking to?
 * Osvernal - ... Not at all. Magister.
 * Ediminas - The Collegium belongs to the Greater Magisters and the High Mage. I will take as much time to address the students as I please. Now, if you would allow me to continue.

Osvernal remained quiet, their brief exchange hidden by the applause, before he stepped away from the mysterious elf and lowered his ears; the Aithrenan struggled to keep his lips sealed, both figuratively and literally, as it was clear that his upper lip twitched from the anger that seethed from his presence. He moved his hands into his pockets in order to avoid anyone seeing them begin to aggressively shake and clench out of some primal instinct, while his gaze never left Ediminas, sure to watch his every move and listen upon every word he had to say. Turning back to the crowd, the Vila elf raised both hands, wordlessly casting arcane energies through them as over their heads, a great show of lights manifested - it was as if they were looking upon a clean, starry sky. Clothovera and her companions could not help but be awed by the display of magic, the Greater Magister so simply demonstrating his mastery over the arts of arcane spellcraft with a conjuration technique that would have taken the average mage years to accomplish to such an extent, even longer to learn to do without the use of incantations. Even among the Tutors, they could see Delmar Crowfeather, who taught arcane magic, putting his arms together and clapping his hands in a quick manner.


 * Ediminas - Know that the Esoteric Order is here for you all. We shall do our best to ensure this new term will be one to be remembered fondly for the rest of our lives.
 * Szalvetha - He is just pretending to be nice, I bet.
 * Clothovera - I dunno, he seems like a sweet guy. Hey Teael, maybe when you graduate, you'll be able to do this stuff!
 * Teael - Heh, I wish. I was dumb and chose to be a swordmage, so I wouldn't be able to pull off anything nearly this impressive since I gotta balance it with practicing martial arts and all that stuff. ... Still, it's like he turned this place into some kind of small dreamscape. Stars... inside the room.

After allowing the students to admire his illusion for a few more moments - almost as if prolonging the ceremony on purpose - the Greater Magister allowed it to dissipate as he rested his hands upon the podium once again.


 * Ediminas - ... Now. For the matters of leadership... Indeed, the Esoteric Order has agreed to give the position to Mr. Osvernal Eilenneim. He shall serve as the Archtutor for the next half of a year, and depending on his performance, he may or may not be given the title permanently.
 * Teael - Phew, looks like the Order didn't overrule the process this time. This could mean that they're not involved in whatever it is Osvernal might be getting up to. He might not be holding a lot of sway with them right now.
 * Ediminas - However, Mr. Eilenneim must be well aware of the following; following the revolting incident that transpired, the Order will be watching him and his performance particularly closely. Should another incident of this magnitude and nature take place, there will be dire consequences for his career. Among other things.

The Aithrenan stepped forward, standing beside Ediminas as he looked over the sea of students, still struggling to hide his apparent rage from their eyes before taking a moment to compose himself and utter a response to Ediminas' statements, his voice slow and breath heavy as he made an effort to appear calm and erase any hint of his tone being unnecessarily raised, although he still passed a rather inhospitable glare towards the Greater Magister for a brief instance.


 * Osvernal - ... I swear an oath to you all, upon the pride and dignity upheld by the late Archtutor Aesleith Eilenneim, my very own dear sister and Archtutor Eigeyem's noble predecessor, I will do everything within my power to never allow another stain of such awful significance upon the clean and bright reputation of my Collegium - of our Collegium. I will never forget the sacrifices Aesleith made to attain this position and the sacrifices she made to both retain it and better our school; I am deeply honoured to walk within her shoes and guide the generations to come upon the path of excellence. The future before us shall be a bright one, I promise you, and even while the Order glares into the open maw of darkness, we shall not falter. We shall make those same sacrifices to keep you from harm and ensure a... better Grand Sovereign State-College.

Ediminas said nothing as he simply stepped back and returned to his seat among the other members of the Esoteric Order, while Osvernal's speech was met with applause from many of the rows of students, alongside various Tutors who had been swayed by the Aithrenan's ambitious promise - Ennea, however, was not one of them, as she only feigned slight, reserved clapping for the man as he bathed in the audience's show of praise. Clothovera, nor any of her companions, brought themselves to clap sincerely for the new Archtutor, for they fervently thought that they knew better than to trust his word, and instead either refused to clap entirely or merely made empty, unenthusiastic gestures. Once the cheer began to die down, Archtutor Eilenneim spoke once more;


 * Osvernal - Now that all is said and done, there is but one more matter I wish to address. As I have ascended to the position of Archtutor, I shan't be teaching the Arts of Umbramancy classes any longer; instead a new tutor, Magister Colgrelaine Dustmourne, shall be assuming my previous position. I shall also be appointing Delmar Crowfeather and Prisieth Faemyar as my joint Vice-Archtutors, for I trust in their merit, talent, and skill entirely to craft and nurture our students into unlocking their true potential and becoming fine magi. ... Oh, yes. There are also numerous other tutors whom we have inducted into our staff, each cautiously tested and selected, to assume the roles of those whose lives were cut short by last term's travesty. I suggest you make yourselves familiar with them, but in the meantime, there are other pressing matters that I must attend to. ... Let us all hope for a fortunate term for everyone. You are now free to find your dormitories and make yourselves at home once again.

With that, Osvernal turned and merged back into the shadows, vanishing from the arcane spotlight which was soon dispelled as the drapes were raised, allowing the sunlight to gradually make its way back into the atrium. An uneasy sensation overcame each member of Clothovera's circle, including herself, as their nightmare of Osvernal ascending to the rank of Archtutor had been realised - albeit, under the watchful eye of the Esoteric Order, although it was still uncertain to her, alongside a number of other people, as to whether this was a good thing or not, especially given the enigmatic nature of the Vila Ediminas. Students began to raise from their seats, grasping their cases and belongings and each either made their way to their dorm rooms or remained in the atrium to talk with their colleagues; Clothovera and her group, meanwhile, made their way to the mess hall.

Sat around a table, plates of food and mugs of warm drink placed in front of them, the group began to reflect upon the reopening ceremony and the academic coronation of Osvernal to the position of Archtutor of the Collegium. While Teael was swift and eager to eat her food, Pyrath took the time to adjust his hair, remaining somewhat quiet on the subject as he attempted to remain focused. Damon and Clothovera both spent their time drinking from what they were provided, while Szalvetha quietly ate as she read a new book she had taken from the library. Heilen, meanwhile, had a finger in his ear as he appeared to scratch it, an expression of content indifference on his face as he appeared to not care for the whole ceremony that had happened.


 * Teael - What do you think of that Ediminas guy, anyway? Something's gotta be up with him; I don't know anyone who could conjure a bunch of stars in the middle of the main hall like that, not even Delmar.
 * Damon - Ennea's told me about him before. He's a pretty big deal, apparently. As for the spell, it was probably just an illusion. A pretty big one, granted.
 * Pyrath - I just think it was kinda tasteless that Osvernal kept bringing up what happened and paraded it around to try and make himself look like a good guy. Like, some of us don't like to be reminded of that crap, ya know? Just... Some people don't like thinking about it, yet there he is mentioning it at every opportunity.
 * Szalvetha - He did it. I am convinced.
 * Teael - We don't have any actual proof to prove he did it, though. I don't like the guy, but I'm not convinced that he would attack Ennea and then himself. Ennea said she can't remember what happened that evening anyway; you think Osvernal has the power to wipe memories or something? Seems just a little far fetched.
 * Clothovera - Ngh. Change subject, please.
 * Heilen - Well, okay. So what about them owl men who live south of here, eh? They look kinda dumb. You think they can spin their heads like normal owls?
 * Teael - I asked Clotho a similar question the other day. I asked that if I was to chop Hachi's foot off, would it bring me good luck? Simple enough question, right? And then I'm the one made out to be the bad guy.
 * Clothovera - You're talking about mutilating my boyfriend!
 * Teael - Anyway; you know normal owls can't really spin their heads around like in the stories, right Len? That's just kinda children's myths.
 * Heilen - Man. Owls suck.

The sound of footsteps was swift to fill their ears; heels clacking against the stonework tiles of the dining hall floor, to be precise, approaching Clothovera's table with an elegant and graceful stride in their steps. Prisieth Faemyar, her hands resting at her sides, strolled through the mess hall with a cheery grin upon her face as she glanced upon each of the students - barring Szalvetha, who she did not even think to grace with even a mere, brief gaze given how inhospitable the Derevar has proven to be towards her. Her hips swayed as she walked towards them, before eventually coming to a stop, looming over the table and the people seated at it as she stood tall with her full, elven stature enhanced by her heels while she rested her hands upon her wide hips. Clothovera, Teael, and Heilen would look at the arriving woman with some curiosity, while Damon would show some reluctance in his expression as he turned his eyes to her. Like she had not gazed at Szalvetha, the Derevar refused to even glance at her, keeping her eyes on her book.


 * Heilen - Hey hey, it's our boss and new Vice-Archtutoress lady.
 * Prisieth - Mhm, why, thank you kindly, Heilen. You would be the first student to congratulate me on my promotion today, you lucky boy. But... do you really think I'd make for a good Vice-Archtutor to a man like Eilenneim? Truthfully, I find him a little intimidating to work with...
 * Heilen - Hey, you're both adults so I'm sure you can figure something out. Remember my congratulations when deciding my grades, heh.
 * Prisieth - Teehee! Well, while I appreciate the sweet thoughts, I've actually come here to sort of... apologize in advance. I am afraid that the quests I have been given to assign to student groups have been getting a fair deal more difficult or tedious as of late, so this term will most certainly be a tiring one.
 * Clothovera - Couldn't you just send us to... not difficult and fun quests?
 * Prisieth - Believe me, if I could, I would. But! This is what happens when a student group has a high success rate and maintains good grades, you see. You are given many of the more difficult tasks to accomplish.
 * Szalvetha - What choice is there when failure means death...
 * Prisieth - Oh, you needn't worry about that anymore. Thanks to some insightful outside help and innovative thought, the Collegium has finally managed to begin mass manufacturing items that will allow for long ranged teleportation to be used by students and adjutors, which is convenient in both ensuring students' safety and cuts down on costs for students returning from outside Sovereignty territory.
 * Heilen - Man. Took it this long for you guys to store teleportation scrolls.
 * Prisieth - Mhm, nope. Not teleportation scrolls, per se.
 * Clothovera - Well, it'll save us time, for sure.

Reaching a hand outwards, Prisieth allowed a set of golden rings, each embedded with a silver gemstone which was marked with a particular rune, to fall from her grasp and onto the table for the group of students to see; Clothovera, due to her experiences throughout her travels, instinctively remembered the enchanted teleportation rings that were used by the Warriors of Dar-Nahalant to return to their headquarters following quests, adventures, and missions to lands elsewhere.


 * Clothovera - Ooh, teleportation rings?
 * Prisieth - Mhm. The Sovereignty could produce a number of these before for adept mages and members of the Esoteric Order, but only recently were we able to craft them for student use using more efficient methods. Each ring is instilled with a set number of charges and are commanded very specifically to return to the Collegium, with the wearer having to utter a vocal command in order for it to activate. Also, this should be obvious, but they do not work while already on the grounds of the Collegium.
 * Heilen - Heh. Not having to walk back is a plus I'm okay with.
 * Prisieth - Oh, also. Moirai, I'd like to speak to you in my office at some point.
 * Damon - ... Eh. Is this another one of those "favours"? Because, urm... I can't really do those anymore.
 * Prisieth - Well, it wasn't one of those, but now you have me curious as to why you're incapable of "assisting" me anymore.
 * Damon - Well, I kind of... got other things to attend to. So I can't really do Adjutor stuff to you anymore. I'm sure you can find someone else.
 * Prisieth - Hm, is that right...? ... Hehe! Oh well, I still enjoy the extra time we spent together while you working as my Adjutor. What I actually needed you for was to give you a list of quests and assignments that this student group will be undertaking for the following three months.
 * Damon - Right, I can do that. But after that, I'll be going back to following Ennea's orders.
 * Prisieth - ... You're going to make me have to speak through Ennea for assignments? Gah, alright.
 * Damon - Well, no. Just do it yourself. Or give them to me. But that's all I can do for you for now on.
 * Pyrath - ... W-What kinda stuff were ya doing before, D?
 * Damon - Adjutor stuff. I gotta go back to the Tutor I'm actually assigned to. Prisieth has adjutors of her own, I was just, eh, giving a hand before.
 * Prisieth - Yes, my other adjutors were either being uncooperative or were absent and unreliable, but it would seem that they are starting to fall in line again now that I have had a firm talking to with them and the holidays are over. ... Moirai, meet me in my office in the next ten minutes. It shan't take long.
 * Damon - Yeah yeah, I'm gonna head there now. I'll see you guys once I'm done.
 * Teael - Cya, D. Good luck with the... "Adjutor stuff".
 * Pyrath - Can ya ask Prisieth if I can fill in her for adjutor at some point?
 * Heilen - Dude, she's right here. Just ask her.
 * Pyrath - Can't do that, man. I get a bit nervous talking to beautiful women. Plus I'm not even an Adjutor yet.
 * Heilen - Wow, you gals. Pyrath just called you ugly.

Teael glared towards Pyrath with an aggressive, primal glare in her eye, while the Erylian began babbling and stumbling over himself in an attempt to make a swift getaway as he also tried to explain and justify the meaning of what he had said, although it was clear that Teael was not listening as she leaped over the table with a rather impressive bound and pursued him. Clothovera looked at the whole scene in confusion, while Szalvetha paid no mind as Damon rose from his seat and followed Prisieth to her office, his face still displaying some reluctance. Whatever it was that he used to do for her until the holiday, he did not want anymore of it for reasons only he knew.