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Time felt as if it was dragging on between his last breath and when Maddie spoke next. What mustve been seconds felt as if hours had passed by just waiting to see if anyone would take a bite of what he had just said. Salem began to wonder if perhaps having nothing odd would be more suspicious and weird than if something odd [i]had[/i] happened. But finally the mage had spoken, taking what he said in stride and counting him lucky for not having had any oddities or mishaps. The muscles in his arms and shoulders subtley began to relax as he felt the tension slip away along with him leaning back into the chair. He listened as Maddie spoke on, catching the stumble she had made and noting it for later, though it hadn't fully surprised him if he was being honest. It appeared as if everyone's partner allowed for a first name basis in private with the exception of Aaron. 

Salem's eyes widened a bit as her story began to interest him,  the idea that there was a chance to gain more tokens or lose them all sounded risky, yet intriguing for the exam. He wasnt sure how well Victor was at gambling, though he was certain that had they encountered that particular test they surely would've lost it all and had to start from scratch. A feat Amaris almost accomplished from Maddie retelling. Salem wanted to ask more on the subject but what Max said caught him by surprise. Not only were mental mages involved in the exam, but there seems to have been many issues that were either purposely planted to ignite some rage amongst the nobles, or mistakes were made that never should have happened. What ever the case, Ryner now had Eris and Max barking up her tree. Salem couldn't help but wonder if who Max had spoken to was even Ryner, or another illusory clone of her put on by mental magic.

The night had certainly gained more interest, and Salem only wished he had a good cup of tea to sip at as he watched these two boys exchanging passing glances. He'd seen such faces before, not on them ofcourse, but on those he hosted for. Guests would watch each other in even subtler ways, tossing words like javelins and seeing which struck the hardest. It was almost as if he was back home, though this field wasn't his which made it all the more treacherous. Salem couldn't help but wonder if he should ask some questions of his own, see just what strings he could tug on from them without getting tangled in himself. Or should he simply stay silent and let them be, commentate as needed to keep them on track and willingly spilling information without so much as needing a push. As he thought on it he looked off behind Lilie, watching the space as he figured that if Aaron was involved in this he would end it if he could. Watching his mouth more than anything.

As Salem sat and thought back on what had been said, he noticed Aaron had yet to leave a single opening. No loose thread to pull and help unravel what mysteries may lay underneath. He wasnt sure how best to help keep this conversation on track, but one thing stuck out to him that he simply wanted to say. If Aaron sung praise for Maxs proactive solution and the need to go above and beyond what he would do, then how would Varis feel to know a lower mage was more useful or willing to be of use than the bred Starag that he was given. From this single sentence Aaron admitted that Max was more capable of anticipation his partners needs than he was.