Arn found Eilis behavior strange. He caught her looking at him and then shyly away. Made him wonder if he looked strange in Tyrhallan’s clothes. After all, she could not really see….or could she? It had been enough time now and Dark Sight should be abating. Especially because the mage knew that the magical lady had skills that aided in quick recovery. However, he was not to have the chance to ask her. He was immediately address by the regal hostess. The mage waited until the married couple finished their marital repartee before he bowed again [color=0054a6]“Very well as you wish Lady Leandra”[/color] he said testing out the name. It still felt weird to him who had been educated at the Academy in the ways of court. The Academy was usually reserved for higher ranking mages that were either already nobles or who would perhaps one day work with nobles due to their prospective skills. The Master Mage had also been required to some classes for about six months in order to be granted the title of master. It had been at this time that discussion for him taking over the Shootings Stars from the captain at the time. All their plans had derailed when the mage politely refused. Having no where to send him, they decided the best thing to do was allow him to continue his job as a deadly front line battle mage. As if reading his thoughts, the ex Knight addressed him. [color=a0410d]“Master Arn, may I ask you a rather impertinent question?” “Why did you dismiss the offer of being the leader of the Shooting Stars? After all someone with your talent and skill would be put to better use in aiding and guiding those who are not quite so adept at Magic.”[/color] The room turned silent. It would not be an exaggeration to say that some, especially the staff held their breathds. The question had been said politely. However, trained warriors such as Arn and Tyrhallan knew that it was the equivalent of a jab or feint. This was a battle of wills and thankfully, Arn had participated in his fair share. The battle mage regarded Uilles and bowed his deference. [color=0054a6]“You are my retainers, Lord Venray. It is your right to ask anything you wish of me. It is my duty to obey.”[/color] He straightened up and maintained his voice respectful and clear. [color=0054a6]“The answer is simple. I am coward.”[/color] He waited but figured that he should elaborate in anticipation of the next question. [color=0054a6]“I label myself thus because I did not want the burden of sending people to their death. Though I completely understand that this is a cross that must be carried by all leaders, I felt that my skills were of much better use in the front lines.”[/color] He hesitated then seemed to resolve himself. [color=0054a6] “Also, my lord, I am not very good with people. Teachers hold a unique place in the world. There is an embedded skill that allows them to connect with people. To pass on knowledge that would be hindered by perception and attitude. I have no such skill.”[/color] He admitted almost a bit ashamed and sad. [color=0054a6]“If I had, many of my fellow squad members would not have perished. In a selfish way I hoped that my skill in battle would be enough to shield them from death. Unfortunately, I was mistaken.”[/color] Unknown to many except for Tobi, Arn’s armor housed the dog tags of those who had fallen. They were interwoven with the plates of his armor. It was a way for the senior mage to honor the fallen and as fuel for his powerful displays of magic. He grew silent then. Hoping that he had not spoke out of turn or that the noble family would not look with disfavor upon him. Tyrhallan had done them both a great service which hopefully had not been undone by his candid confession. He turned to Eilis who as the actual person whose opinion he valued the most after his dissertation. The master mage hoped that she would still consider him a worthy protector. However, even if he was dismissed, the man would wait in the shadows and protect her in secret. Though he had not doubt that the Knight Captain was more than capable of performing the task.