[center][b]Tsabal
[/b]

[i]The Dark Whisperer[/i]

[b]Location:Campus Magnus[/b][/center]


"So that's how it is." Tsabal scoffed upon hearing the mage going on a large tirade. An old man, full of regrets and failure. One could easily see where all his self rightneousness came from. The same source as probably hers. The fear of failure. Had he bothered to do this in first place, perhaps some back and forth could be avoided. Those who survive are strong, as an old drow adage said. And humans outliving that tiny life expectancy they had by decades was a solid marker of the man's willpower and determination.

"An impressive story you have there. For a human, certainly worthy of awe and praise. For most, even worth of sympathy and a free pass to act tactlessly with everyone." She pondered. "But twice you've failed today to move me. Not only that, but you keep prying using words to warrant attention on what I am really."

She looked at the soldiers, who were hesitantly grabbing their weapons, and whispering. She sighed. "The donations to the guard are going to be hefty today." [i]More like bribes. Ah well, that Gaius is still just a decadent old fool. Some vigor potions to perform well in bed for free should settle it.[/i]

"In the end, you still cling to your pride. You think you've got a say to lecture me. So be it." Tsabal frowned. "But I will indulge and play for a bit, after all, you've got such [i]esteemed companions[/i] which made me reluctant of letting you go." She then let a small, forced chuckle.

"Such impressive story as human must not be unrewarded. A mask for a mask. A trick for a trick." The crone smiled, as she bared her face so that Gripus could see. Lilac eyes pierced him. "My actual name is Tsabal, the Pretender of Mushamak. Fifty years ago I commanded an expedition in the surface, which was thick with undead. None others live from such expedition." The priestess then readjusted her hood and facial coverings.

"And now, the trick, aye?" She grabbed one of her arrows, as she took out one of her gauntlets, and punctured her finger. And just like that, in a swift motion, a couple of drops splashed on Gripus's body. She concentrated, and recited a couple of verses, somewhat with difficulty. And then it happened. The illusion became the reality. The body of the old man was turning back years. Even decades. Decrepit bones and sinews became youthful flesh.

"I can do this little vigor siphoning without even a sacrifice and in open sunlight." Tsabal chuckled. "However, it has a downside." She added while keeping her hand extended towards Gripus. "It'll only last as long as I can focus on it."

And just like that, she ended the spell, without even letting him taste youth again for long.  "Farewell. This is what your pride made you miss." Tsabal added, as she then turned her back to the group. "Unless you got a really good offer, don't even bother coming back." She finished, as she approached the guards, pouch in hand, and her donkey's reins in the other.