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[hr][hr][h2][center][b]Now, what to wear?[/b][/center][/h2]
[sub][right]Interacting with: [@AChronum][/right][/sub]

The Princess chuckled and raised an eyebrow. [color=bc8dbf]“Less afraid of my mother than being a guest? I expect there is a story there.”[/color]

[color=598527]“I'd say they go hand in hand. To be a bad guest is to disrespect the host and the host is our queen. Who'd wish to disrespect her?”[/color] Salem said with a smile and calm voice.

[color=bc8dbf]“My mother, a hostess?”[/color] The Princess threw her head back and laughed. [color=bc8dbf]“Two millennia old beings don’t host. In fact, they do very little other than command. I am your hostess tonight, dear Salem, but I do recommend you dance like that this evening. My mother and Lady Sinnenodel are quite a force together. Now tell me, how has your first day at the Academy been? If I recall properly, you did arrive a bit late.”[/color]

[color=598527]“It was much more exciting than I had anticipated. Fights, magic, and the accommodations are quite nice...shame there's hardly any windows but I can understand why.”[/color] Salem paused for a moment before carefully asking the next question. [color=598527]“You've mentioned the Sinnenodels a few times now, have they had students at the academy before? If so...mind telling me how they treat their mages?”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“Hm, that is a difficult question indeed. Unfortunately, you have to ask each Sinnenodel individually.”[/color] Ryner said thoughtfully. [color=bc8dbf]“And it tends to change from mage to mage. Their treatment of mages always falls into generally unpleasant but it really is a case by case basis. Their Lady, for example, practically eliminates their free will through repeatedly thralling them. Plenty of rumors abound about her process but nothing can be proven.”[/color] Ryner’s mouth slanted into a disapproving frown at the mention of it. [color=bc8dbf]“Her protege, Varis, basically gives his mages free reign once he has finished training them. He values intelligence over docile servitude but his methods still leave much to be desired.”[/color] 

Salem clenched his fist at the mention of enthralling to the point of servitude. His blood began to boil and he took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly through his mouth. The thought that Varis wouldn't do that was somewhat of a relief. However, that didn't change how much of a snake he is. [color=598527]“I suppose I'll just have to keep a close eye on whomever his mage is then. I'd hate for something to happen to them while at the academy. Onto a hopefully more pleasant topic, why did the queen wish to see us tonight?”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“What a chivalrous thought. I think you’ll get along with Varis’s mage just fine.”[/color] Ryner said. [color=bc8dbf]“As for Mother and Lady Sinnenodel, they are here for other business but are taking the opportunity to meet the newest members of their household. Since Lucan is your partner, you’ll be formally entering into the Bordeleauxs who serve the Noilas. And Aaron will be leaving ours to join the Sinnenodels.”[/color]

Salem was shocked to hear about his new [i]entry[/i] into the Queen's household. It was something he'd never thought of, and now was wondering how that would impact his business. [color=598527]“Right...Forgive me for my boldness but...I do hope there won't be many restraints upon entry. I have a clinic to run and would hate to see it taken from me.”[/color]

Ryner considered the question for a moment. As long as it was his property, and his property alone, before his service with Lucan, Lucan couldn’t technically touch the clinic or its associated property. [color=bc8dbf]“The clinic is yours correct?”[/color] Ryner thought a moment more after Salem nodded. [color=bc8dbf]“Then, technically your clinic is safe. Under our current laws, any property you purchase with personal funds is your to keep. But, as Varis will tell you, there are several ways around that stipulation although I do not believe Lucan the kind to resort to those methods.”[/color]

As Ryner spoke about Varis, Salem tapped his fingers against his chin three times, a long hum escaped him, another two taps as his finger slid off his chin, towards his cuffs, adjusting them with a long tug on one, a gentle tap against the other right before a long tug on it. Finally he popped his lips and said [color=598527]“That's a relief for me, thank you. So tonight will just be a...welcoming and farewell dinner for me and Aaron respectively? Should be a delightful evening then.”[/color] He spoke with a grand smile across his face.

Ryner’s eyebrows rose as Salem tapped, a sly smile gracing her lips. [color=bc8dbf]“I agree, he is. Just so you know, only three of us understand and our two guests aren’t they.”[/color] She sighed and looked down the drive. [color=bc8dbf]“And it is sort of a farewell event. Although I work closely with Varis for better insight into the Traditionalist mindset so Aaron and I will have plenty of time with each other.”[/color] She narrowed her eyes and cocked her head slightly. [color=bc8dbf]“And it seems our dear Count is nearly here.”[/color]