[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/B7KsN1D.png[/img][/center]
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[i][b]Location:[/b] Royal palace of Solenne[/i]
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[color=902EBD]”You’re certain it wasn’t arcane magic?”[/color]

[color=F92D00]”It had a vague resemblance, but I’m sure it was entirely different. The energy came from a source I had never felt before. I was barely able to control the blast before it drained me completely. A few more seconds would have spelled my doom.”[/color]

[color=902EBD]”How frightening… A spell that even you, a Luminary of the holy flame could not contain? What happened when you finally freed yourself from the flow of power?”[/color]

[color=F92D00]”Destruction. Unimaginable destruction. It wasn’t just a ray of fire Misha. The magic changed things... It split the heavens and summoned a great storm in the blink of an eye. Damn near burned their sacred tree down too, though I believe the rains that followed averted certain disaster. I’m sure even that swamp witch was amazed at how quickly the sky darkened that day.”[/color] 

Gerard and Misha were chatting by themselves at the foot of a long violet table. The conference room they currently occupied was located in the eastern wing of the castle. The size of the room was excessive in the eyes of the ascetic Rezaindian priests. The space could easily fit an entire peasant dwelling with volume to spare. The two of them tried not to let the extravagant decor pull their thoughts astray, for they were here to discuss matters of grave importance. It was not the nobility they had come to hold an audience with however, but a different party entirely.

[color=902EBD]”Do you think you can replicate the spell? If you were able to teach others how to-”[/color]

[color=F92D00]”No.”[/color] Gerard cut off his apprentice. [color=F92D00]”I dare not breathe a word of this power unless absolutely necessary.”[/color] He took a sip from the goblet placed before him, courtesy of the king’s servants. [color=F92D00]”What I produced was a mere fraction of a monstrous whole. I fear the ruin I would bring to the world if I spread this knowledge. I’m not even sure I could succeed in casting it again.”[/color]

The two warrior priests sat in silence as the conversation temporarily died off. Misha took a drink from her own cup while her master produced a worn out clay pipe. He poured a sachet of an unknown herb into the bowl, then ignited the substance with his magic. Gerard pulled a mouthful of smoke into his mouth and held it there, content to savor the taste and aroma of whatever he had just imbibed.

[color=902EBD]”Well, I’m glad you’re back. I feel a lot better when the three of us are together. I can’t help but think of the worst whenever I let you and Tristan out of my sight.”[/color] Misha sighed.

[color=F92D00]”Yes. I am back.”[/color] Gerard replied. His familiar bored tone had returned once more. His acolyte rolled her eyes at his apparent lack of interest in forming a reply.

[color=902EBD]”Ugh. Come on Master Castello. At least tell me you missed me or something. The aloof act gets old you know.”[/color]

[color=F92D00]”Hmmm.”[/color] Gerard blew a puff of smoke, filling the air with an earthy and spicy aroma that stung Misha’s nose. She waved her hand to clear the air near her face while sending a dour look his way. [color=F92D00]”I suppose I was getting tired of carrying my own luggage.”[/color] He flashed a smirk from underneath his hood.

[color=902EBD]”So mean!”[/color] Misha pouted. [color=902EBD]”Your jokes aren’t funny master!”[/color]

The doors at the end of the room opened suddenly, interrupting their exchange of banter. In came Tristan, the Essence manipulating swordsman and Misha’s partner in crime. Following close behind him was an entourage of robed figures bearing various colors and insignias upon their vestments. It was the delegation from the church that Gerard had been expecting. Now that the attendees were all here, it would soon be time to commence the negotiations.

[color=F92D00]”Ah, they are here.”[/color] Gerard commented out loud. He extinguished his pipe and hid it away, while Misha smoothed down her robes and sat up straight. The procession of clergymen slowly trickled in and filled the seats until a dozen hooded figures were seated across the table.

[color=F92D00][i]Very good. Now, how should I go about persuading them to back our reckless plan...?[/i][/color]