[center][color=9e0b0f][h1]Lavinia[/h1][/color][/center]
Marduk's little comment drew a sharp look from the blood mage, her mind racing at the implications. Did this geezer mean to stand in her way? She didn't want to have to hurt an old man, but she definitely would it if came down to it! Most definitely.

[color=9e0b0f]"Don't think that being aware of my aims makes them any less inevitable,"[/color] she shot back, careful to keep her voice low and not to let any anxiety slip into her tone. [color=9e0b0f]"The guild master is sharp, I'll admit it; she's thwarted all of my efforts thus far. But it's only a matter of time until her underlings succumb to my charms. Only a matter of time..."[/color] 

She trailed off, suddenly distracted by the naked Gwen waltzing around the room. Lavinia's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly adjusted her glasses, trying to hide the fact that her eyes had lingered a second or two too long upon the ice mage's bare skin. Not charmed at all, nope nope nope. Seeking another target, she turned towards Grasidia, glaring daggers across the room at the quiet gardener. 

Despite her entreaty, the S-class mage still hadn't spoken a single word. [color=9e0b0f][i]Is she deliberately ignoring me? Well that's... She can't just... DO that![/i][/color] Scowling, Lavinia made a mental note to draw up an elaborate plan for vengeance against this horrible slight. Maybe she could buy Grasidia a really, [i]really[/i] smelly plant as a surprise gift, and then guilt-trip her into taking care of it forever. That'd teach her!

Then a more pleasant smell alighted on a nearby table, and Lavinia put her vindictive plotting aside for a moment to give Ria an appreciative nod. [color=9e0b0f][i]See, THAT one knows how to treat me with respect...[/i][/color] When she became the Dark Empress of Fiore, she'd made Ria the Mayor of Crocus, and shower her with gold and accolades. And Grasidia could go shovel manure on some dingy farm in the boonies.

[color=9e0b0f]"See?"[/color] she said, glancing back to Marduk and gesturing triumphantly at her sandwich. [color=9e0b0f]"Already they scurry to obey my every whim! I didn't even have to tell her I was hungry."[/color] The moment didn't quite merit an evil laugh, so she settled for an ominous chuckle before happily digging in.