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The room, already cool, seems to drop another few degrees as Severin Vaust speaks. The subtle, unnerving pressure of his [Menace] is a physical thing, a psychic weight that presses on the very air. Proctor Valeriana, however, remains impassive, her expression unchanged, as if she were evaluating a mildly interesting but ultimately harmless weather phenomenon. She is, after all, an [b]Archmagus of the Luminary[/b], and dealing with powerful, strange entities is part of her purview.

When Fei Liu, the polished skeleton, introduces himself, Valeriana gives a single, sharp nod. The concept of a powerful necromancer sending a familiar in their stead is not unusual for the Luminary; it is a practical, if somewhat detached, application of magical resources.

Vetreus’s gruff interjection and casual disdain for Fei Liu earn a fractional narrowing of the Proctor’s eyes. Nobility from the West Empire is always a complicated factor, and his abrasive nature is duly noted.

Then comes Esther’s soft harp music, a gentle counter-melody to the tension in the room. Her pointed defense of Fei Liu and her sharp, insightful questions cut through the posturing. Valeriana’s gaze shifts to Esther, a flicker of genuine interest in her eyes. This one is observant.

Proctor Valeriana allows the introductions to conclude, letting the silence settle for a moment after Esther’s final words. She addresses each point with cold, efficient precision.

First, she looks directly at Severin. [b]"To answer your question, Doctor Vaust,"[/b] she says, her tone clinical, [b]"the Church's assessment is, as expected, rooted in folklore. They speak of a 'primordial guardian,' a powerful Fae spirit from an age before the Ascendant Mage. They believe it is in pain. We, however, operate on evidence, not belief. Your job is to find out what it truly is."[/b]

Her gaze then sweeps from Vetreus to Fei Liu. [b]"Your personal histories and allegiances are your own concern,"[/b] she states flatly, a clear dismissal of the brewing conflict. [b]"The Luminary has contracted each of you for your specific, documented skills. We expect you to function as a cohesive unit. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the contract and, consequently, your payment."[/b]

Finally, she turns her full attention to Esther, a hint of a smirk on her lips. [b]"An astute observation, Esther. You are correct on both counts."[/b]

With a precise gesture, she taps the lacquered box. [b]"This contains four synchronized Scrying Orbs. They will record everything you see and hear, as well as basic atmospheric and magical energy readings. This data will be transmitted back to us in real-time. It is your primary method of 'data retrieval.'"[/b]

She then gestures to the silver-etched walls. [b]"And yes, the warding is substantial. The nature of the Verdant Heart is a highly sensitive matter. The West Empire has shown interest in the region, and the Church would prefer we did not meddle. This conversation, and the data you retrieve, is for the Luminary's archives only. Discretion is paramount."[/b]

She clasps her hands behind her back, her posture radiating finality. [b]"Your transport to the edge of the rainforest is arranged. You will depart within the hour. Are there any final, pertinent questions regarding the mission parameters?"[/b]