[H3]Southern Jewel[/h3]

The captain took his time sending the letter along the chain of command. He quite enjoyed looking at the halfling. Thinking of the things he would do to this little pretty one if she was rejected by the palace. She didn't look rich or important enough to stay away from. Sure the letter was all fancy, but Ithell was far away. If nothing else those scholars would just send a letter of objection. After all, it was common decency to pay for time wasted. The captain grinned dangerously, almost licking his lips as he looked the girl up and down.

[hr]

It took around an hour for Sirro to get the letter. Unannounced visitors tended to get the snailmail treatment in the palace. If you were not important enough for the guards to be notified prior of your visit, your visit was probably not that important. Or that was at least how they saw things themselves. That, and that the guards were hesitant to disturb the Court Wizard. A being of great power, resources, and sometimes quite erratic behaviour. Rumors has it that a few unfortunate guards had disturbed his experiments and ended up being used instead. All hogwash of course, but Sirro saw no reason to correct the rumors. It just left him more time to do his own things.

"His assistant? Hmm...yes I remember Werrill mentioning her.." Sirro didn't look up from his work as the page informed him of the letter. "I'm almost done so I'll go down and collect her in a bit." Sirro smiled as the slave in front of him ceased struggling as the collar clasped around her neck. "Perfect..finally succeeded.." He walked around her, slapped her across the face and received no reaction. Sirro's smile was from ear to ear as he continued. "I'm your new master, you'll treat me with utmost respect and do whatever I command. You'll not speak without being spoken to. Now go and welcome our guest." The empty eyes of the [url=http://i.imgur.com/BPwt6K5.jpg?2?2379]beastkin[/url] slowly gained focus before she bowed deeply and walked down the hallways towards the barracks.

[hr]

The guards had eventually got bored as they were waiting for a reply from higher up. The boredom was broken though as a female beastkin with a golden collar around her neck walked in. Her gaze scanned the room before settling on Hecuba. She walked up to her and bowed slightly. "I assume you're Miss Amaranth. My master will receive you now. If you please would follow me." She raised her head again and indicated for Hebuca to follow before leading her through the palace hallways to the basement under a tower in the northern part of the palace. While walking the woman would tell Hebuca about the palace history and point out particular pieces of art or other things of interest like a guide until they reached a door that oozed of magic. The woman knocked on the door before opening it, leading Hecuba inside.

"Aaahhh...Miss Personal Assistant; what can I do for you? I hope that my servant gave you the proper tour on the way here. Marvellous collar I must say. My own invention. Eliminates any resistance and eventually makes the wearer want it themselves, removing the need them to wear it. Truly amazing don't you think? But where are my manners. I'm Firh Wystan Auleaus Caliean Aibek Sirroc, Court Wizard of the Grand Kingdom of Kron-Nesis, but most just call me Sirro." He gave a quick bow before continuing. 

"I must say we don't see too many Halflings, or perhaps more distant, with your particular looks around here. Perhaps an older bloodline..
Hmmm.." he said while inspecting Hecuba like a specimen. "Would you care to leave me with a blood sample? It would be interesting to see what I can find in there." He gave her a smile before the beastkin coughed gently.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry. Your visit. How much has the old codger told you about the visit?" Sirro walked over to his desk and indicated for Hecuba to sit across from him.