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Well, that figures. Khaemtir got thrown into a study group with someone new and couldn't help but find the peasantry quaint and amusing. Kho would've been worried for Radaam if he weren't certain Khaemtir's antics were mostly harmless. Honestly, Kho probably should still be a tad worried; the boy was going to have to sit through dinner with the entire Maryatum family without sticking his foot in his mouth. Ishara being in their group only brought further confusion. Odd that their master took on two prestigious students from the Pesedjet and then some nobody. Radaam had to be talented somehow; maybe their master saw his potential in some portent, they were Crows after all.

Kho flashed Radaam a sympathetic look before refocusing on Khaemtir. Collaboration wasn't something he was averse to, even between cults, though he had to admit his concern for divination was more idle curiosity than academic interest. Still, a Maryatum was a powerful ally, and it wasn't like he had a reason to say no, even if Khaemtir was a bit... much.

[color=ff5c33]"Friends, sure,"[/color] he agreed awkwardly, [color=ff5d33]"You'll have to come to the estate some time when you're not busy entertaining your families. On short enough notice that my brother glares at you everytime you walk past, of course."[/color] It would serve him right for informing Kho about important guests at the last minute all the time. 

The boy gave them both a welcoming smile which was quickly wiped from his face by the approaching black cloak. That little girl really was fearless, wasn't she? This man was [i]shimmering[/i] and she still probably tried tugging on his clothing like she did Kho's.

Not only that, but Khotanebre knew this man from somewhere. Red Order? No, he was a magister. Magister Khalophis. And that brooch - definitely Cult of the Phoenix, if the heat waves emanating from him weren't enough of a hint. This was his boss; his boss' boss, even. The social stakes just kept climbing higher around here. He was briefly thankful the Crimson King hadn't been in attendance; he'd have probably bumped into the man in line for refreshments at this rate. No, that was silly, His Majesty would never have to [i]wait[/i] for his foo-

A telepathic jostling from Teken stirred Kho from his mental gymnastics. Right, he'd been addressed. Fuck, this was so much more stressful than being some dumb kid at an important party. The redhead locked his knees and clenched his fists under his cloak to prevent any unconscious fidgeting as he dipped his head in respectful greeting to Khalophis. Hopefully the sweat dripping down his cheek would be blamed on the heat and not his nerves.

[color=ff5c33]"He's well, thank you, Magister. I think he's just relieved he won't have to arrange a marriage for me anymore, if I'm being honest,"[/color] Kho let out a laugh that was supposed to sound lighthearted but came out more like a nervously forced titter. Stupid. [i]Stupid.[/i] Who says that? The boy cleared his throat before continuing, [color=ff5c33]"I look forward to working under you, in whatever capacity that may be."[/color]

[hr][@Obscene Symphony][@Achronum][@Dead Cruiser]