[h2][center][b][color=red]Let the Dance Begin.[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
[right][sub]Interacting with: [@trainerblue192][@Obscene Symphony][/sub][/right]

Varis listened to Salem’s wandering explanation. Did the boy just add words for the fun of it? No wonder Salem didn’t want him around the business. The clientele would fall asleep before the boy reached his point. The personal products briefly caught his interest, a little research for later, but otherwise Salem bored him.[color=f7976a] “Nobles have little use for drug store remedies when we have the means and resources to afford life mages.”[/color] Varis dismissed the product, further disappointed in Salem. The little spitfire outside vanished, leaving this husk of a plant mage who walked right into Varis’s palm and handed the Count a variety of ways to gut the boy’s ambition. Varis almost didn’t want to bother. Almost.  

[color=MistyRose]“We’ve always told Anastasia she should let her minnows swim with the sharks. No better way to learn.”[/color] The mage laughed. [color=MistyRose]“We are pleased you agree. We imagine your progress will be of great entertainment. We’ll endeavour to keep an eye on you although Varis does enjoy his secrets. He does impeccable work most of the time so we afford him the luxury. He trained Vanessa here for us quite nicely so we are confident you will benefit from your time with him. In fact…”[/color] The mage waited for a moment as Varis finished his comment to Salem. [color=MistyRose]“Where exactly is Mr. Starag in your little regimen, Varis?”[/color] 

[color=f7976a]“A one and a half.”[/color] Varis said without hesitation. The doors opened again and two servants carrying trays came in with glasses of Lillet Blanc and orange. Isadora set one in front of the Queen first, allowing her to sip at it and approve it, before the others were passed around to everyone but Varis. [color=f7976a]“Originally, I thought the boy less than one. He failed to follow instructions punctually, more concerned about his public image than his obedience, but his use of free questions under pressure caused me to reevaluate and I scored him a two. Unfortunately, the boy requires strict external guidelines and has proven incapable of extrapolating meaning from his environment. Struggle with breaches of routine, I believe were his words. He has been assigned standard lines to complete thus far. Hopefully, they'll have their intended affect."[/color]

[color=MistyRose]“Anastasia does enjoy everything proper and in place. Mr. Starag will find our house far less predictable however.”[/color] The mage’s smile disappeared. [color=MistyRose]“Varis’s lessons will smooth your transition. We recommend you learn quickly. Our House tends to [i]tilt[/i] every few years. It would be a shame to lose you in it.”[/color] Varis kept his face pleasant but his mouth tightened slightly at the mention.

[color=FA8072]“Enough, Sybil.”[/color] The Queen spoke. Her words were slow and heavy, burdened with millennia of experience. Her movements kept pace, slow and steady as if her arms were weighted with boulders. [color=FA8072]“I would like. To hear what. The mages believe. Is an. Appropriate. Solution to our. Current topic. At Council.”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“Mother means to ask, what are your opinions on the Mage Breeding rights amendment on the council table right now.”[/color] Ryner clarified, particularly for Salem. She sent him a reassuring smile. [color=bc8dbf]“After I introduced the measure, there has been no shortage of bickering on the subject and the Council has hit a bit of a stand still.” [/color]