Varis stepped into Ryner’s office with practiced nonchalance. The Princess looked up, ready to greet him, but he held up his hand as he waited for the doors to close behind him. She gave him a confused look as he calmly walked to her desk, rested his weight on his hands as he leaned over, and smiled sharply. Varis stayed like that for half a minute, staring straight into Ryner’s eyes who returned the look with confusion and concern. She opened her mouth again and Varis brought a finger to her lips, shushing her softy.

[color=f7976a]“Would you like to explain,”[/color] He softly, his voice growing increasingly louder as he continued. “[color=f7976a]Why in Geoffry’s royal backside you encouraged [i]mental[/i] magic?!”[/color] He was screaming at the end, his calm facade broken and his face twisted in his fury. [color=f7976a]“His affinity is a keep part of our agenda and you’re willing to [i]gamble[/i] with it? You have waited this long for the perfect poster mage and you’re willing to throw it all away because he’s a little nervous around mind mages? Have you lost your mind, Ryner? Because I’m having serious problems putting my faith in your little scheme now.”[/color] 

Ryner’s expression went from concern to boredom almost instantly. She waited politely for him to finish. [color=bc8dbf]“Varis, sit down and use your inside voice please. It’s exhausting keeping up with your temper so take a moment and collect yourself and we’ll start again.”[/color] Varis wanted to reach across the desk and slap that condescending smirk of her face but he knew that friendly as they were, even that would be too far. So he sat down with a huff, slinging one leg over the arm of the chair and propping his arm up against the other so he could rest his cheek on his fist. Ryner shook her head in fond exasperation.

[color=f7976a]“So, now that I’m at a better viewing angle.”[/color] Varis said, free hand gesturing as he spoke. [color=f7976a]“Would you care to explain yourself? I know you’re a scheming bitch behind closed doors but really, I’m offended I wasn’t included. And when I say offended, I mean livid.”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“I believe you made that quite clear.”[/color] Ryner said drly. [color=bc8dbf]“And of course I’m going to encourage him. Sybil is the epitome of the worst of vampire kind and if anyone can do something to have some peace of mind around her, then let them. We’re putting Aaron through the wringer; give him [i]something[/i] at the very least.”[/color]

Varis stared at her like she’d grown two heads. Misplaced sympathies drove her to jeopardize everything they’d worked on? How utterly absurd! Why would she let emotions cloud her judgement now? Of all the times she could have shown some inane empathy and she chose now to mess with one of the keystones of their plan. Varis contemplated leaving, he really did. Getting up and working on his exit plan would be the perfect break and, if he played his cards right, Ryner would be out of the picture forever. 

[color=bc8dbf]“Varis, calm down. I can smell the stench of your cowardice from here.”[/color] Ryner cut off his train of thought with an exasperated sigh, a feeling she had long ago resigned herself to experience whenever she even thought about this particular vampire much less spoke with him face to face. [color=bc8dbf]“His choice in major also serves as a precautionary measure. If he can learn to keep his mind shut in Sybil’s presence, then anything he may learn will not make it to her. You can’t be around him all the time and I guarantee she is already plotting ways to get him away from you. It is important to make him self sufficient. Focusing on him and him alone would be detrimental after a while.”[/color]

[color=f7976a]“Yes Ryner, I am fully aware of the ramifications of his choice. I agree that it is a useful skill and an arguably critical one but the risk, Ryner. If we lose his affinity, we lose the Starag connection and we have to start all over. Which, I’m not sure if you recall this little, tiny, miniscule detail, but he is the [i]last male heir[/i] because you and yours can’t seem to get your pets breeding properly.”[/color] Varis retorted. [color=f7976a]“His affinity is far more important that sparing him a little mental torture. In fact, it would have been beneficial. You may as well be taking the tools out of my hands and throwing them into the ocean, Ryner.”[/color] Varis narrowed his eyes. Was Ryner impulsive, emotional? Yes. Was she stupid? She wouldn’t have made it this long if she were. Something else was going on here and Varis didn’t like it. It must have shown on his face because Ryner sighed and rested her face on her hands.

[color=f7976a]“You know I’m going to ask. You don’t want him to learn to protect him from my Lady.”[/color] Varis sat up, grinning. He could smell a favor coming his way. [color=f7976a]“He knows something he isn’t supposed to, doesn’t he? You want to make sure someone else doesn’t find out what he knows. Oh, this is too precious. What did the boy learn? Tell me.”[/color] Ryner grumbled irritably and Varis kept pushing. [color=f7976a]“You have to tell me, Ryner. He’s my mage and I’m entitled to know everything that he does. And if you don’t tell me, I’ll just go to him. You might be as stubborn as an old goat but he isn’t. Devoted, yes. And he’ll resist for a little while. He’s stubborn like the rest of his lineage but I have no doubt when I give him the option of advancing his training or telling me the truth of the matter, he’ll buckle. He knows so little about the real world, has so many [i]first[/i] experiences left, that he’ll want an out when I offer to personally give him a hands on experience.”[/color] If looks could kill, Varis knew the look Ryner sent his way would have obliterated him but he also knew he won. This is why you shouldn’t have soft spots for mages.

Ryner struggled with herself, the conflicting emotions playing out on her face an absolute joy for Varis. It sent a thrill through him knowing he backed Ryner into a corner. She leaned over the desk, beckoning him close and speaking in a low voice. [color=bc8dbf]“If the Council found out you know, they’d stake you and leave you for the sun. Are you sure you want to know Varis? We’re already risking as much as we are.”[/color] Varis gave her an unamused look. Of course he wanted to know and Ryner gave a defeated sigh. She beckoned him in a little closer and whispered into his ear.

[color=bc8dbf]“Psych!”[/color]

Varis blinked a few times. It took him a moment to register what she said and he turned slowly to look at her, covering a grin with her hand, eyes sparkling with mirth, and shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Psych? Psychic? Psychology? Psychotic? Clearly, Ryner was messing with him but what was psych? He’d never heard of someone just using the word psych in this situation. As far as he was aware, it meant to prepare yourself mentally but clearly that wasn’t the case here. 

[color=f7976a]“I don’t know what nonsense you just pulled but I’m sure I should be offended.”[/color] Varis said, bristling. He didn’t know what “psych” was but he was sure it was some sort of insult and while he had no issue throwing one back in her face, he couldn’t do it effectively if he didn’t know what the insult was! 

[color=bc8dbf]“Oh sweet, sweet stars, your face!”[/color] Ryner wiped away blood gathering in the corner of her eyes. [color=bc8dbf]“It’s a cute little mortal prank that I saw on a TV show I was watching the other night and I just wanted to try it. It was so satisfying! I see why they do it.”[/color] She took a moment to collect herself while Varis gave her a flat, unamused look again. Why he liked her was beyond him. Such a queer fascination with mortal culture but he couldn’t all toegther blame her. This past month had been an absolute nightmare and they all had to find a distraction where they could. At least one of his easier ones was on campus. He had no idea what Ryner did to destress until now. Indulge in mortal culture apparently. 

[color=bc8dbf]“No, no. I encouraged it because it will likely alienate him further away from the student body. Not that he’s making many friends but I’m hoping the initial effects of his choice drives the ones he has away. Add a little stress from the peer pressure of joining the little social club the mental students cultivated and you have the perfect kindling. Just make sure you don’t save him too quickly.”[/color] Ryner said, her face twisted like she tasted something foul. Varis rolled his eyes. Anytime she talked about doing something bad to the boy, her silly conscious kicked in and the guilt started eating away at her. This was why he was in charge of the boy. She would have given up before she even started because of her silly attachments. Varis thanked himself every day for keeping his perspective proper; mages were tools, nothing more, nothing less. Those who forgot that always lost something in the long run. 

[color=f7976a]“Fine. It’s not like I can do anything about it anyways.”[/color] Varis grumbled, fiddling with his gloves. Ryner looked down at them confused but Varis ignored it. [color=f7976a]“But, aren’t you the crafty one. Benjamin Pierce Eve. Heir to the only traditionalist faction in the Eve family and an ambitious one too. How many favors have you pulled out of him or is he practically indebted to you for the rest of his existence?”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“I’m not trying to extort favors from him, thank you very much. I’m trying to cultivate a friendly and positive relationship with him. Unlike you, I understand that twisting someone’s arm isn’t always the best way to handle things.”[/color] Ryner said with a judgemental sniff. [color=bc8dbf]“But if he did feel indebted to me when I help lead the way to his Lordship, then who am I to refuse his feelings of good will? Plus, I assumed once you figured out who he was, you’d adjust your end of the plan. He’s quite the feather in a cap from any viewpoint isn’t he?”[/color]

[color=f7976a]"He's a mage sympathist, Ryner. What part of that makes him a good ally for the Sinnenodels."[/color] Varis shot back. [color=f7976a]"We did have the chance to talk briefly during the first spell theory lab. My first impression is boring and far too serious. He'll break under all the pressure he's putting on himself. But he surprised me. I made him an offer. I'd introduce him to the fellow nobles, get his reputation on campus a boost, and all that. He took it but I almost laughed. He offered me a rumor that there are assassinations lined up against most, if not all, of the older Sinnenodel bloodlines."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"Already? Isn't it a little early? It's only been five decades. I didn't realize assassinations were planned this far in advance."[/color] Ryner said frowning. Varis waved off the thought.

[color=f7976a]"If they are true it's not likely any of my rivals. Assassinations protocol is the last decade and a half. Too much chaos otherwise. No, no."[/color] Varis sighed and shrugged. [color=f7976a]"This is my Lady's doing if the rumors are true. She'll probably hold them off a little while yet. I lined up a new pet for her to torture for the next decade at least. Feliks Valscoffie or whatever his name is. His mage fetishist vampire and he should provide ample entertainment for me to extort some favors from my dear family in the name of defense."[/color] 

[color=bc8dbf]"Its Vasiliev, Varis, and I would greatly appreciate it if you stopped treating a premier artist and his [i]wife[/i] like garbage. And further-"[/color] Ryner blinked as she processed everything past the blatant disrespect. [color=bc8dbf]“You served them up to Sybil as a distraction? You know she’ll try to ruin their marriage right? And if that doesn’t work, she’ll just kill them. Oh stars above, Varis. You are a heartless wretch.”[/color]

[color=f7976a]“What is your problem? I’ve kept one of our biggest threats distracted and it [i]only[/i] cost us two societal anomalies. Imagine how much more his remaining works will be when they’re colored by tragedy. And anyways, isn’t that a bit hypocritical? You’re utterly destroying someone you like for the sake of your goals while I throw someone I wouldn’t grace the time of night if I could avoid it to the wolves and you say I’m the heartless wretch?”[/color] Varis laughed. [color=f7976a]“Please. I suggested we avoid the mage all together. We have the Red Hand’s daughter. That should have been enough to unite these idiotic renegades that are too busy fighting each other to do anything substantial.”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]“At least I know what I’m doing is horrible and I will hate myself for as long as I live but it’s for the greater good. You on the other hand are a selfish jerk who prioritizes the suffering of these poor people over the benefits it reaps.”[/color] Ryner explained. [color=bc8dbf]“And yet, I still enjoy your company. Probably because you’re the only one who isn’t afraid to actually talk straight to me. Everyone else dances on eggshells in the event I express my displeasure. Now, I have another meeting in twenty and I’d like to have some time to prepare. Was there anything else you needed, Varis?”[/color]

[color=f7976a]“Not particularly. I thought I’d bother you for a while before I returned to running my enemies into the ground and expanding the Sinnenodel business empire but if my time is up, my time is up.”[/color] Varis sighed dramatically as he pushed himself up from the chair, tugging at his gloves again and smoothing the wrinkles from his clothes. 

[color=bc8dbf]“You know, I think you somehow managed to slide back a century. I don’t think gloves have been a fashion point since I was a fledgling, Varis. Why are you wearing those? I’m surprised your diva can even stand the sight of them.”[/color] Ryner teased and Varis glared at her.

[color=f7976a]“I know what you’re insinuating and we are merely acquaintances who understand having a mutually beneficial relationship is a good thing. He’s useful.”[/color] Varis snapped. 

[color=bc8dbf]“Really? And what are you getting out of him?”[/color] Ryner asked.

[color=f7976a]“He’s a foot into an industry I didn’t have easy access to before and he’s the one who put me in contact with your pet tailor for Chaend. Plus, his sister has a reputation for quick dramatics. The cover ups are excellent.”[/color] Varis retorted. Ryner lifted her brow, a thoughtful frown on her face.

[color=bc8dbf]“But I could have put you in contact with him and it probably would have been done faster. What’s worth more, a recommendation from a Princess or a child actor? And yet you went to him. That speaks volumes, Varis.”[/color] Ryner pointed out. [color=bc8dbf]“And you are obsessed with efficiency, So why didn’t you come to me?”[/color] Varis leaned over the desk and she smiled sweetly at the darkening of his eyes.

[color=f7976a]“Listen here, you meddlesome old crone. You will not spread slander and lies about my relationships with my business associates. There is nothing more between us than convenience, especially now that he is here. No, I will not “settle down”. We aren’t all emotional fools with attachment issues.”[/color] Varis glared at her and pushed off the desk, turning sharply on his heel.

[color=bc8dbf]“Then, you wouldn’t mind if I took an interest, hm?”[/color] Ryner said slyly. Varis paused for just a moment, sending her a look over his shoulder.

[color=f7976a]“He’s not your type.”[/color] Varis said as he left. Ryner laughed with a shake of her head.