Maddox lowered his hands, a look of disbelief on his face. [color=ed1c24][I]How tough is this guy?[/I][/color] Maddox wondered, standing upright as Grane addressed him. A stern expression formed on his face when the Council member questioned what he meant by calling himself a Dark Mage. [color=ed1c24]"I've spent most of my life in a guild that operated outside the law,"[/color] Maddox explained, giving Grane the benefit of the doubt and holding off on his assault. [color=ed1c24]"I have done many, terrible things. While I no longer walk that path the fact remains I cannot undo the things I have done."

"No amount of water can wash the blood from my hands, Grane."[/color] Maddox raised his left hand toward Grane, with the palm facing toward him. [color=ed1c24]"The rest of the guild doesn't know this. They believe that I was a victim of a Dark Guild. They also don't know how much it means to me that they have accepted me and supported me."[/color] He ran his free hand through his hair, brushing some of the red strands out of his eyes. [color=ed1c24]"They've given me a life in the light, and I have been doing everything I can to repay that. Even if it means bringing down the entire Magic Council..."[/color]