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[center][sub]December 7th, 5:25am - The Sinnenodel Dorm[/sub][/center]

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The glass met the table with the ease of a vampire long used to denying himself his pleasures. More than half the blood remained in the glass despite the hunger than still sung in his veins much like the abhorrent fleshbag it came from. He’d never found blood that gave taste to the aroma of the mage’s sweets and treats until now, never had something quite so tantalizing that he couldn’t at least steal away and enjoy in secret. Something neatly wrapped under an Eve’s thumb whose weak, pathetic palate probably barely understood, let alone enjoyed, the experience he’d been unexpectedly blessed with. The problem was, of course, the glaring and whimsical hair choice but that was easily fixed. A little dye until it’s natural color grew out and she could be schooled into a proper mage. He could believe that with a little training she may even be fit for a show mage. The hair though. Varis couldn’t wrap his head around why Count Eve hadn’t fixed it yet. Though, he was an Eve. Perhaps she’d put up a fuss and he;d folded just like the rest of his house. A smile prickled at the corner of his lip at the thought of it before the passing amusement gave way to another thought.

If he believed show mage potential lurked beneath that garish surface, then what could the Princess have seen in her? What an interesting move. She gave the weakest house someone that could shine as brilliantly as a whimsical worm could. That could be cultivated as a favor later and she’d have her fingers in Count Eve’s business. A little pressure on the mage, a reminder to the vampire, and suddenly her hand was around someone’s neck. Varis would need to dedicate some time to considering how the other two mages played into this. The Marivaldi mage was someone the boy was already playing with so he’d develop a few things for him to look into but her choice of display was far more bold than her meek demeanor suggested. And of course, there was the ever persistent gnat the Astorio commanded but he was half a mind to dismiss him as the obvious power move on another vampire’s private assets. Still, he couldn’t disqualify more at the moment but he just didn’t have the time to really put his efforts behind pulling apart her scheme. 

His attention focused back on the conversation at hand. The line was cast and the Countess took the bait nearly as soon as it landed. Though Varis was surprised at how rusty she was. The formal introductions just started and wouldn’t end until they’d each returned to the privacy of their own dorms. Perhaps he’d just chalk it up to the Marivaldi blood curse―friendliess―but it still left an impression that she was little more than a naive little girl not yet ready to face the real world. And of course, Eris never failed him when he needed it. The subtle shift from polite to pointed was perfect. Varis would let Eris fly before he reigned him in and slid the knives in their slots.

[color=f7976a]“Her grasp on the fundamentals is certainly thorough. I don’t doubt she spent an impressive amount of time on them. Though I am curious.”[/color] Varis comment thoughtfully. [color=f7976a] “You’ve allowed your mage to maintain her whimsical fashion choice. Why is that?”[/color]

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Maddie nodded along with Salem’s assessment of their evening. She wasn’t surprised at it but she did wish she’d been able to bring a book or her knitting supplies. She stayed out of Lilie and Max’s conversation when it was clear Max wasn’t interested in playing nice. Her time in Sinnenodel influence institutions made her wary of people too blunt or forward and it was exhausting being as combative as Max seemed to be. So she focused on Aaron, who stood rather than sat, and she understood that much at least. Sitting made getting back up much harder than it needed to be when you knew you were needed soon. 

[color=FC8686]“You aren’t wrong.”[/color] Maddie laughed at Aaron’s joking tone. [color=FC8686] “My sister would spin swords as part of performances sometimes and I made her teach me as part of that obsession. The fire I added after a little research. I didn’t think spinning a little metal would make a large enough impression. I wanted to make more of a focus on my magic like Max had but even that little bit was exhausting.”[/color] Maddie admitted with a sigh. [color=FC8686] “Your music was beautiful though. I can’t say I’m surprised because it suits you but you definitely have talent. I hope you have time to play still.”[/color]