[h3]The Citadel[/h3]

Madison’s thoughts were still swarming with more questions than answers when the door once again swung open, allowing an older, distinctively well-kept man entrance into the room. His face struck Madison as familiar, although it was only when he properly introduced himself that it fully clicked in his head.

[color=#FF4500]“Yes, that would be me.”[/color] Smiling brightly (and dearly hoping he didn’t look as rattled as he felt), Madison stood, clasping the offered hand in his and giving a firm shake. [color=#FF4500]“It’s very nice to meet you, Viceroy Varren. I’ve heard a lot about you from my briefing back home. From what I heard, you’re exceptional at managing the sectors under your charge.”[/color] He drew back, eyes lit up with enthusiasm, although the look faltered a little with the Viceroy’s question. 

[color=#FF4500]“Well.”[/color] Madison clasped his hands together. He gave a soft, nervous little laugh. [color=#FF4500]“It’s certainly been...eventful, I would say.”[/color] The idea of innocent people being subject to the sorts of horrors that the Alchemist mentioned still stuck prominently in his head. Madison swallowed a little, dearly hoping that he hadn’t offended Viceroy Varren with that comment, and was about to throw out a compliment- of the base, of the faculty- when the clatter of trash caught his attention. Madison turned, only to see that the serf that had entered earlier was now thoroughly covered in trash, and attempting to clean all of it by hand.

[color=#FF4500]“Oh! Oh, dear.”[/color] Madison took a few instinctive steps towards the serf, eyes wide with concern. [color=#FF4500]“Are you alright, there, sir? I could find you a dustpan, if it would make things any easier for you.”[/color]