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Radaam frowned slightly at the response, glancing to the ground. [color=437D99]“I wouldn’t say I [i]struggled[/i] with Divination per se, but it certainly wasn’t my very [i]best[/i] subject…”[/color] He replied quietly. It wasn’t the most sophisticated answer, and even though the goal had been to find something in common with the boy (surely Radaam wasn’t the [i]only[/i] one feeling a little uncertain about the whole ordeal, right?) he was starting to suspect it might not have been—

[color=ff0066]"And what's wrong with the Cult of the Phoenix, huh?"[/color]

Radaam nearly jumped, head snapping up to the bird just before he froze in place - what a coincidence - like a cornered rat. [color=437D99]“Oh, no, I-I mean, I…”[/color] he stuttered out lamely, mind ablaze at his stupid, stupid blunder. What was he going to say, 'Oh no, I don't think the Phoenixes are bad, I'm just terrified of them'? It was either that or leave one of his new fellow Novitiates to draw his own conclusions and be (justifiably) insulted. Khotanebre’s apology did little to soften the blow; here Radaam was, worrying that Zahra would go and offend the wrong person, all the while she was the social butterfly and [i]he[/i] was the one making a fool out of himself. What sort of ungrateful peasant was he making himself out to be?

[color=E7D500]“There you are!”[/color]

For a blessing, the interrupting voice was familiar, and Radaam visibly eased when he saw Khaemtir approach. Even having known him such a short time, Radaam had still never been happier to see the rollicking noble roll up in all of his overbearing glory. He made a mental note to have his mother give the cat an extra treat tonight for the luck she must have bestowed on him before turning his attention to Khae, immeasurably grateful to be released from his own awkward trap, even just for the moment. 

[color=437D99]“Butterflies under the moon? That sounds like quite a sight,”[/color] he replied, his excitement at a change in subject coming out a tad more strongly than was probably warranted. He cleared his throat, reigning himself back in. [color=437D99]“And please, no need to apologize. Words were made to be shared.”[/color] He’d have to thank his mother for that line - another thing to add to his mental list. 
[hr][center][h2][color=6AB1D3]Zahra[/color][/h2][/center]
Zahra’s eyes were like medallions when she saw the absolutely outlandish display of feathers on the man who picked her up, and for a moment she thought he was some sort of giant magical bird rather than a man. She stared unabashedly for a moment, admiring the colours and patterns, before she came back to her senses. 

[color=6AB1D3]“His name is Toruk!”[/color] she introduced the snake yet again, offering the colourful stranger a wide, proud grin. [color=6AB1D3]“He is powerful. He protects our family. But I’m not his boss, I’m just his favourite.”[/color] She whispered the last part, leaning in so the man could hear, though any secrecy was betrayed when she closed off the statement with a giggle. Meanwhile Toruk, even knowing the man’s compliments were only uttered to appeal to Zahra, still perked up a little bit with pride. [color=6AB1D3]“My brother is a Sorcerer, though. His name is Radaam, and my name is Zahra.”[/color]

She eyed the man once more, more deliberately this time, carefully considering everything from his hair to his feathers to his cloak and the pretty gold pin holding it in place before unleashing a barrage of inquiry. [color=6AB1D3]“What’s your name? Are you a sorcerer too? Is that why you’re dressed so funny? I thought the Sorcerers were supposed to wear white, but I think I like the feathers much better.”[/color]
[right][sub][@Scribe of Thoth] [@Dead Cruiser][/sub][/right]