18 April 2004

In which Lisle and Yosannah find the Academy of Magic is full of pests.

Yosannah seems about to interject something at a comment made by Aaron when Lisle arrives. Her attention immediately turns to the woman, "Princess." And then, with a coy smile, "You're late."

Lisle walks in, long flaxen blonde hair a little windblown, some sun in her face. "Yes. I am sorry for that. I had a slight detour." Such a smile, ghostly dimples show at the corner of her mouth.

Aaron stands fairly close to Dreltar and Yosannah and volume's not too high either. There do seem to be a few students leaving the area that may ahve been withing earshot though. And quickly.

Dreltar says "Ahh, and this must be the Princess?"

Nearby, the guard, who stood in silence until now, grunts. He shifts his weight and crosses his arms over his chest. There is something of a knowing smirk that radiates more from his eyes then from his lips.

Yosannah says "Right you are. Princess Lisle. This is Dreltar." She lowers her voice and leans toward Lisle, "He's a Thanlis." She nods as if this should explain everything."

Dreltar

A middle age man, between 45 and 50, with short, ruffled ebony hair with grey threads running fairly evenly throughout it. His cloudy grey eyes seem to obscure, without any true depth. Muscles ripple along his wide body, and he moves with a calm poise, agile despite the wrinkles around his eyes.

His shirt is burgundy, beneath a solid forest green tunic. A loosely laced tunic, each hole surrounded by a metal of brown, it is clasped at the top on either side with a small white snowflake. His leggings are simple and of a burgundy shade, and show he is in shape. On his right hip is a sabre, with plain hilt that seems to show a great deal of usage.

Lisle stands beside Yosannah, and inclines her head graciously to Dreltar, expressive blue eyes flashing faint curiosity to the information Yosannah asides, to which she replies, "Ah."

Aaron turns to Lisle and gives a poilte bow. Seems out of reflex almost. "Princess..." He then turns back to Yo as if waiting for a response of sorts. he seems to has not noticed, or ignored the comment on Thanlis one.

Dreltar chuckles at that as he bows slightly. "Good evening, Princess Lisle. I am Sir Dreltar of Thanlis, and it's an honor to meet you. My friends, however, call me simply Drel."

Lisle smiles at Aaron, and a flash of recognition is revealed, the smile a little more generous. Still, she glances back at Dreltar, hands folding formally before her. "Pleased to meet you, Sir Dreltar. Are you instructing at the academy here?" She has an accent to her Thari which those from Earth like shadows may call French.

Yosannah lowers her gaze, light smile playing on her lips, seemingly satisfied with the fact that attentions are directed at the lovely blonde woman beside her. Her arms go across her chest and she waits, patiently and quietly.

Dreltar says "No, though I'm also a guest here. Actually I'm more or less running a few errands, and seeing that certain things are done. I could teach here, I'm sure, but..."

Yosannah peers down the length of the Moon corridor, curious.

Lisle says, "Ah, interesting. Well, very nice to meet you." To Yosannah she lifts her brows. Expectant."

Aaron hasn't takes the look from Yo still after his pleasantries from Lisle. "Well, SInce I take it you aren't goign to say much more. I won't know what to curb in Classes Yo. Atleast I know how willing you are to work with the school." He smiles. "I'll pass a note on the the owener from you two." He nods to Yo. Then a turn to Lisle. "Try not to blow up to big an area this time. I might take it personally if my areas damaged in your 'responsiblilites' Yosannah."

Lisle puts a hand to her chest, as if Aaron's words were the last thing she expect to hear.

Yosannah interjects, noting Lisle's reaction "Well, like I said. The owner knows very well that we are here. And as for the specifics," she looks to Lisle. "How much harm could it cause to show him? It's such a little insignifican't thing, really."

Dreltar says "I must admit, you're both making everyone here rather curious with all the experiments. Perhaps you'll allow someone to watch or even participate, at least to allay suspicions?"

Yosannah considers Dreltar's words before returning her gaze to the Princess, "You did bring it, didn't you?"

Lisle looks at Yosannah with a fine line between her brows, but answers, "Oh -yes-. I have it."

Yosannah shrugs her shoulders, allowing the lady a moment to consider, "Up to you."

Dreltar looks to Lisle as well, patiently

Lisle turns a bit from the others, voice low to Yosannah.

Aaron walks a couple steps closer to Yo. "Umm. Such a little insignificant thing Yo." He points down the hall. "If you notice there are a student quarters downt eh moor corridor. Well, MIne and my wifes happen to be about 3 doors down from the lounge. Luckily we had the kids and were out of the shadow the night of the boom. Elsewise I'd have taken the damage very highly. I don't care how much property you can fix. Lives are lives. And this sucks because bottom line I do like you two generally.

You whisper "What if we teach them things, and then they go blow up the worlds?" to Yosannah.

Trump Scrying has arrived.

Yosannah considers something said by Lisle before responding to the others, "We will not let that happen, Aaron. That is something you'll just have to take my word on." Her attention goes back to Lisle for a long moment and she bites at her lip, thoughtful. I tight knot at her brow.

You feel a tingling sensation in the back of your head. Someone attempts to make contact with you. Type '+trump/answer' to answer it, '+trump/page' to request that the caller page you, or '+trump/ignore' to ignore it.

You have established contact with Yosannah.

Lisle's lashes are lowered, body very still, as if thinking.

The image of Yosannah says "The others have seen the thing. Scott, Ithius. Perhaps if we downplay its significance..."

Trump Scrying has left.

Ryker appears suddenly.

Ryker has arrived.

To the image of Yosannah, Lisle says, "Well, show them the first ring? I'd be willing, but I do not want them in there while we're, well, crafting the next one."

The image of Yosannah says "Agreed..."

The image of Yosannah's contact begins to fade...

Ryker is now to be seen a few feet from Yosannah and Lisle. He wears a dour expression as he steps from the sparkles.

Aaron gives a look to Yo and considers this for a moment. He licks his bottom lip and raises his eyebrow a bit as he nods once. "I do hope you're right, but you of all people should know, Magic's unpredicable in large quantities of power."

The Trump contact vanishes.

Lisle lifts blue eyes to Aaron then Dreltar, saying, "Well, we can at least..." catching sight of Ryker, a smile blooms, a generous smile, too, from the depths of her eyes.

Dreltar says "Lord Aaron...perhaps you could add some wardnings of your own to help them?" His hands curl a bit as he notes Ryker's appearance, but beside keeping his eyes on the man he simply falls silent."

Yosannah's gaze follows Lisle's. At the sight of Ryker she exhales as if she might have been holding her breath.

Aaron gives a short bow to Ryker. "Sir..." He says respectfully. Then answers Dreltar. "I"m good, but not that good. Yo's above me that's easy for anyone to see, even with me knowing local laws. I'd be more than paper walls to her level, not to mention the princess's added to it."

Ryker already knows who is where, leveling a warning in Dreltar's direction, first. Firm. "I'm not here for you. Cough in my direction and you'll see how quick that will change." Without waiting for a reply, a little nice little nod for Aaron, but focusing in on Yosannah and Lisle. His back turned to Dreltar, even. "So."

Yosannah offers, "We'll fix it." She points at Aaron, "I told them we'd fix it. It's just a bar."

Yosannah's comments are obviously directed at Ryker.

Lisle, still smiling -- indeed she looks happy to see Ryker --, "Ryker, I am so pleased to see you. I sent you that letter, non? Yosannah and I have a few ideas. Plans." Said as if they were little things, as benign as lint, straw, and rags.

Ryker tells Yosannah, "I'm particularly concerned about a bar, or even one room." A quick grunt then for Lisle. "I got it. My ears are still good. I take it the two, bar and your plans, are related."

Yosannah exhales, cheeks billowing. Ryker's question is answered with a single nod of her chin.

Lisle, says, "Well they are connected, surely, but some if this," arms come out, wide, "Is for you."

Aaron nods to Ryker's decision as well. One short nod. His face was headed back to business as he then looks to Lisle as if that's the last thing he expected to hear....well almost.

Yosannah sighs, "That's just it. We really didn't want you to know, Ryker. And now everyone has gone and ruined the surprise." Her gaze slides to Lisle, and though her words are playful, her expression is stern, "Shucks."

Lisle smiles faintly, arms coming back to her side. "Yes. Now if you were any kind of friend, you'd appoint us as teachers and let us get on with our work, so that you /can/ be surprised."

Dreltar decides to just wait this out.

Scott passes through the outer doors, and enters the Grand Hall.

Scott has arrived.

Dreltar lifts his hand slightly to Scott, a cautionary gesture of sorts, perhaps for him not to interfere just yet.

Loki passes through the outer doors, and enters the Grand Hall.

Loki has arrived.

Aaron adds. "Teachers...so soon. Teachers generally aren't appointed. Though Ryker would be the one to do so." THis said cassually to Lisle. "Besides teachers have to enforce the normal school rules too. I can't see that being done so easily."

Ryker snorts at Yosannah. "People our age don't like surprises anymore." Eyes crease, serious thought going on behind them. Eyes go to the door just before Scott walks through them.

The doors fly open and Scott walks in. His clothes are tattered, muddy, and wet. He walks in and walks by everyone almost as if he doesn't acknowledge them.

Lisle steps back to make sure Scott has plenty of room to pass.

Loki has just steped in the front doors, he pauses noting the gathering. Moving to within earshot, he just waits for a while.

Yosannah notes Scott, her gaze following after him. She too lets him sulk past. She waits for him to distance himself sufficiently before a smirk forms on her lips and her hand raises in a meek effort to disguise the gesture.

Lisle, not given to giggling, at least smiles when Yosannah does. Hands go into her coat pockets.

Ryker is silent as well for the time Scott passes through, watching him critically.

Scott goes up the stairs to his office and shuts the door.

Aaron doesn't turn around. He does catch a smell from Scott. "Library and Labs were evacuated during that little quake of yours. No injuries reported yet in the school. Though I havne't been given reports yet either.

Scott has left.

Lisle remarks, "I've never seen him so grumpy."

Yosannah rolls her eyes upward and shakes her head. "Juvenile is the word I would use." She regards RYker now, "Can we get back to the issue at hand."

Aaron says "You missed the show ealier Princess.""

Lisle smiles at Aaron, ghostly dimples coming in and out of focus.

Yosannah mouths the words 'temper tantrum' for Lisle's benefit.

You sense Aaron notes that if you can recieve a message by psi you'd hear him agree with Yo. "Just a mild one..."

Ryker offers, lacking any mirth, "Scott is having issues with his family. With his mother. He's left his House. I think that deserves at least a small degree of sympathy."

Loki has yet to really make his presence known, other than the undenyable fact that he is standing there. He listens.

Ryker suggests, "Anyone here with a perfect family relationship can feel free to raise their hand."

Yosannah lifts her hands, defensively, "I'm sorry. Who are you and what did you do with Ryker?"

Dreltar coughs slightly and folds his hands.

Lisle says, sincerely, "Well, I am sorry for Lord Scott."

Lisle, unable to help herself, laughs a little at Yosannah.

Aaron smirks to Yo's comment. He can't help it either.

Ryker rubs his nose. The barest of glances in Loki's direction, but it's enough to sum him up. To the women: "Two questions. Is the Academy the best place for you to do this?"

Loki seems to be the only one who dosn't smirk, giggle or laugh a little.

Ryker doesn't either.

Scott has arrived.

Ithius appears suddenly.

Ithius has arrived.

Scott comes back out in dry clothing, though his hair is still a little on the wet side. He walks down to where everyone else is.

Yosannah looks between Ryker and Lisle, "Are you kidding me? Come on, Ryker. You know how perfect this place is. You travel the same way I do."

Ryker faces Lisle and Yosannah, a few feet before them.

Lisle says, matter of factly, "Well there is one other good place, but Uncle Brand would be unhappy. So in some ways, it is less than perfect. In that regard."

Yosannah's gaze notes Loki for the first time as she comments after Lisle, "But it's the best we got."

Ithius is dusting himself off after arriving idly listening probably as well.

Ryker states, "I get it. So secondly, you two can't work this deal out with Scott? Or have you even tried."

Scott speaks up. "They haven't tried. They'd prefer to lie to my face than tell me what's going on."

Yosannah's gaze drifts over to Scott, "And you tried to kick my ass. Now we're even."

Lisle looks at Scott, completely offended. Her posture is even straighter than usual, lordly and stiff.

Ithius slips his card away and waves toward Yosannah then Lisle then Ryker he doesn't say anything he just peers.

Aaron isn't far from Yo. He hadn't bothered to move from where he adressed her last. He does now though. A bit silent, and he gestures for Loki to come over his direction too. He's discreet about it though.

Loki glances at Scott and Ith, he is standing a bit off to the side just listening.

Scott smiles. It doesn't reach his eyes. "If it was a vendetta against me, then you should have taken it up with me, instead of destroying the school. I would have been happy to accomodate your request."

Yosannah rolls her eyes and, rather then offer a retort, comments to Ryker, "I told them we'd fix it. Damnit, we're gonna fix it."

Ryker mms. Hands grip on hips. Too busy too notice Ithius at the second. "All right. Then Scott, Lisle, Yosannah. Lets walk the short distance to Scott's Headmaster's office, sit down, and hammer this out like adults."

Scott guestures to the door. "Fine by me."

Yosannah's visage mirrors Lisle's now. Posture straight and stiff. She might even be offended by Ryker's implication.

Ithius turns aside and moves toward Inyss, "Anything interesting going on?", he asks Inyss.

Loki places his hand to his forhead, rubbing it as if he had a headache. A moment passes and he just retakes his place in the listening.

Ryker invites the ladies, "Come on." Then says a quiet thanks to Scott on the way towards his office.

Dreltar says "Ryker...Sometime soon I'd like to taklk to you under a flag of truce. I trust you'll find me?"

Lisle says to Ryker, "Yosannah and I don't have to stand here and take this." The first rumbles before the thunder, before the lightening. Proud and queenly. Unreasonable. High-maintanance.

Yosannah's jaw works for a moment and Lisle gets her full attention. She seems to be waiting for the Princess' decision.

Scott retorts to Lisle. "Then leave. You may be a princess in Amber, but here, you're just another pretty face."

Ithius listens to Inyss explain what's going on he glances at Lisle and then Yosannah and sighs noding.

Ryker pauses at the bottom of the stair, turning back towards the two. Dreltar ignored for now. A little sharp, "Scott." And more calmly to the ladies. "No you don't. Nobody does. But I'd like you to, for just a few more minutes. Please."

Aaron walks over to Loki since the other are moving on elsewhere. He does make one finaly comment. "Yosannah, I am intersted though. That much I hope you didn't loose in my concerns." Then he goes back to walking towards Loki. Teacher face going across it now.

Loki glances at Aaron, and dosn't seem to bothered by his approch. He does how ever nod to the man then returns to listening.

Yosannah's attention turns, head over shoulder followed by a stern emerald gaze. The look that falls upon Ryker is obviously of the "I told you so" variety. If she hear's Aaron's words, she makes no indication. A mutter is offered in Lisle's direction.

Scott doesn't say any more at Ryker's request. He simply waits for Lisle and Yosannah's decision.

Yosannah whispers "Come on, Lisle. We can deal with Scott later."

Lisle gives Scott a terrible look. She may be blonde, but she has her Eric moments. This is one of them. But her shoulders relax a little when Ryker speaks, and she concedes, "Very well."

Yosannah starts after the boys. Lingering just long enough to ensure that Lisle follows after.

Aaron walks beside him and tries to put an arm over Loki's shoulder as if to say somethign quietly to him.

Lisle feels good enough to smile faintly at Loki, as she follows Ryker.

Loki's face tenses slightly as Aaron moves to put his arm over his shoulder, he decides not to give him a left hook however it might have crosses his mind if you are looking close at his face. He turns to look at the man.

Loki tosses in a smile back to Lisle in there somewhere.

Ryker continues up stairs.

Ryker has left.

Yosannah has left.

Scott walks up behind Ryker.

Scott has left.

Grand Hall - Academy Of Magic(#12797RL)

The room you now stand in is enormous by most standards, being large enough to hold several homes side by side within. The majority of the gleaming white marble floor remains uncovered - save for a small portion depicting the seal of The Academy; and behind this, a large oaken desk. Encircling the entire floor area are multiple stone benches leaning up against the walls. These are separated by either marble or granite statues of heroes and legends; or polished wooden doors that lead away further into the Academy.

Along the east wall - approximately ten feet off the ground - a balcony sits. Black iron railings upon it protect those there from stepping too close to the edge. This balcony ends at each side wall of the room in a winding staircase leading to the ground floor. Several doors are spaced perfectly on the balcony's wall, leading to what appears to be offices. Hanging high overhead from steel chains are numerous glowing spheres of light. These cast nearly the only illumination in this windowless room. Despite the lack of outside light, the room seems pleasant and almost inviting - almost.

Newly discovered, a formidable guard stands at a runed archway in the back wall of the Hall, centered between Light and Dark doors.

Contents:

Ithius

Loki

Dreltar

Aaron

Guard

Inyss

Obvious exits:

Headmaster's Office Runed Archway Dark Doors Light Doors Out to Landen

Headmaster's Office(#13692RJL)

You find yourself in a moderate sized office with a domed ceiling and alcove bookcases occupying three of the four walls. The lighting is soft, cast up into the dome and allowed to illuminate the rest of the room with adequate but gentle indirect light. Near the rear of the room is a large cherrywood desk with chairs to match. The colors here are muted and tasteful, a light beige cream with a light umber trim along the walls and plush carpet of a similar color. In one corner is a coffee table and a leather loveseat for relaxing. Other than the desk, which is almost always covered in ordered stacks of papers, the room is kept neat and simple.

Contents:

Scott

Yosannah

Ryker

Obvious exits:

Grand hall

Ryker explains, "Now, at the very least, we can argue behind closed door."

Scott offers Ryker his chair. He leans agains the wall, hands in the pockets of his coat.

Scott offers Yo and Lisle chairs as well.

Yosannah retorts, casually, as if the entire conversation were of little significance, "Argue. Hardly." She remains standing, arms crossed over her chest.

Ryker moves to a chair before the desk, dropping into it. Soft, from the clothes, but he moves a little stiff, as if wearing armor were so thoroughly a habit.

Lisle stands very straight hands folded before her. "We certainly didn't -think- we needed permission to go into the Lounge."

Ryker takes in all the standing, and his feet adjust the position he faces, so all three are nominally in direct view. "Okay. Let me talk for a minute or two."

Lisle stands next to Yo, her arms crossing too, as if they were the vanguard of the army of notorious blonde sorceresses.

Yosannah's attention drifts about the room. Ryker could talk until next week and one might think she could care as evidenced by the bland expression that dons her visage. Disinterested and unconcerned. Hardly subtle.

Scott continues leaning against the wall while watching Yosannah and Lisle like a hawk.

Ryker's jaw works, and then his stances comes forth, plain and straight. A gesture towards Scott, "Scott is the Headmaster. Appointed by Darcy, the Headmistress before him, who was appointed by Mora, so on and so on. It's a long list I know, and a tradition I'm not really interested in interrupting. I point it out, because long long ago, I struck a deal with a very long running Headmaster named Karant to finance this place. Which I have done ever since. For you Earth types, you can think of me as the owner. And Scott here as the General Manager."

Yosannah spats, "And if this were the Chargers, you'd have fired him last season."

Lisle only succeeds in looking stubborn. Her chin lifts.

Ryker takes a breath and continues, ignoring Yosannah now himself, "I'm not seen around here often, because frankly I have no interest in running the affairs of a school of magic. So I hope you two aren't just expecting me to step in and supercede Scott's authority. I don't plan to."

Scott almost murmurs a retort to that. Almost.

Lisle says, "Who had any idea Scott was a General Manager? I certainly didn't. But if he's going to be so close minded, well, we shall just find another place." Eyes flash, as hard as the sapphires at her throat and wrists.

Ryker prompts, "You're not close-minded, are you Scott."

Scott speaks now. "I never said you couldn't do whatever it is you were doing. I was angry that you did it in such a public place. People could have been hurt. We have labs for things like that. We have rules here ladies. They apply to visitors as well as students."

Lisle, convincingly (perhaps related to the Princess Syndrome of Always Getting her Way) says, "Who knew?"

Ryker gestures to the ladies. "See. Things just got off on a bad foot. It happens."

Ryker eyes Lisle a little. "Well, you know now."

Yosannah shrugs, seemingly in agreement with the Princess. She does comment, however, "And as if we'd allow anyone to be hurt. What do you take us for."

Ryker adds, more in general, "I personally am interested in this idea."

Lisle says, "Exactly. We'd never hurt anyone."

Scott smiles at Yo. "You really don't want me to answer that, do you?" He pushes himself away from the wall. "But I think it's about time you came clean. Just what exactly are you ladies doing? And don't give me any of that experiment crap like last time."

Ryker adds, agreeably, "If you guys would like to use the facilities, it's only fair you clue Scott in."

Yosannah says "Absolutely not."

Scott walks near Yosannah. "Why not?"

Lisle says, "It would be unethical," glancing at Yo, for confirmation that she agrees.

Ryker frowns a little at Yosannah. "Come on now, look at it from his shoes, would you. You guys aren't even student's here. How could you just expect to use his admittedly unique and choice equipment and laboratories, with apparent risk to said things, without even so much as a brief explanation to him?"

Ryker says "You haven't even offered anything in return."

Yosannah nods, supportive of Lisle's assessment, "Exactly. Unethical." To Ryker, she explains, "I don't trust this kid as far as I can spit. Don't ask me to do that, Ryker. Not after what he did. Lisle is right. Trusting Scott with what we're working on would be foolish and stupid. And we don't need his equipment. Just the location. He owes me."

Scott says "I think that's more than just a little selfish."

Yosannah snaps at Scott, "Get stuffed."

Ryker shakes his head, less than pleased.

Scott retorts. "I don't owe you shit but an ass whipping, woman!"

There is a quick pair of knocks on the door, and then it opens.

Yosannah waves a hand dismissively, "Please."

Yosannah goes quiet as the door opens.

Lisle says, "We cannot tell him anything, it would be unehtical. We've discovered something new, you see, and..."

Inyss clears his throat. "Headmaster. One of the young men out here has collapsed, apparantly of his own accord."

Scott cuts off his next remark. He frowns. "Thanks, Inyss. I'll be right there." He looks from Ryker to Yosannah to Lisle. "Excuse me." And with that he walks towards the door.

Inyss holds the door open for Scott as he passes.

Scott shoots Yosannah a look before he leaves.

Scott has left.

In which a private conversation takes place.

Scott has arrived.

Scott walks back into the room. A definite frown on his face.

Lisle is sitting, brown pensive. She is about to say something, but doesn't when Scott returns.

Yosannah's jaw works for a moment, "Don't lecture me Ryker. I let it go once as..." Her voice trails off when Scott arrives.

Ryker prompts Scott, "What is going on out there."

Yosannah and Lisle are seated when Scott arrives.

Scott says "Someone attacked Loki using trump. Totally mind fucked him. I did a scan of his mind to see if I could find the responsible party, but all traces were gone." He speaks quietly, none of his previous anger seems to be present. "I don't know a lot of people skilled enough with a trump to do that to someone.""

Yosannah sits back into her chair with a shrug. To Ryker she asks, "What is it?"

Lisle crosses her legs at the knee, expression thoughtful.

Ryker corrects, "Anyone with a trump can attack through it. You don't need to be an artist, just have a strong mind. But it isn't easy, especially if they block the initial contact. Which the guy may not have done."

Ryker continues. "However, if the guy saw who did it, you should be able to find that memory in his mind. That you can't means he's either very weak minded, or the attacker was very thorough."

Yosannah murmers, "Probably both."

Ryker says "Unfortunately for him, if he's weak minded, just about anyone could have done it."

Yosannah says "Even you, Scott."

Scott nods. "I'll keep that in mind." He looks back to Yosannah. "So. How about it?"

Ryker ahems. "One more thing."

Scott bahs, "I don't even have the kid's trump."

Scott says "Sides, I was in here with you when he got attacked. You didn't see any card in my hand, did you?""

Ryker looks more to Yosannah and Lisle, eyes the former a bit. "I saw that guy talking with Joshua recently, in the World's End. He mentioned Patterns, and Joshua got very interested in him."

Ryker looks slightly concerned. More about Joshua than the guy himself.

Lisle's eyes narrow, and the soft, feminine contours of her features harden, like they did in the room below.

Yosannah bites at her lip. She exhales and grumbles, "Goddamn Spade. What do you think the guy said to him."

Scott's eyes go wide. "Holy shit. I just remembered who that guy is."

Lisle pronounces, "Joshua's mind is very weak."

Ryker spreads his hands. "Unfortunately, I didn't find out. I'm not saying Joshua just clocked him one. But I /can/ say from experience that he has the ability to do it."

Scott says "He's Deirdre's grandson."

Ryker corrects Lisle, "Very weak compared to yours, maybe."

Ryker says "Not to the general Shadow."

Yosannah nods at Ryker but asks of Scott, "So?"

Ryker sends his attention to Scott, then. "Huh."

Lisle says, "Perhaps true." Still, her hardness fades to sadness. "Worthless man."

Scott says "If he told Spade that, then that might be why Spade clocked him."

Lisle says, "Joshua doesn't need a reason. Interest is enough."

Ryker corrects himself, then, "Maybe not weak compared to young Amberite, either."

Ryker glances towards the door, furrowed brow deepening to be a little more so. Looking uncomfortable, restless, he rises.

Yosannah nods in agreement with Lisle.

Yosannah says "Aren't you just speculating that Spade had anything to do with the kid's episode down there? I mean, really."

Scott says "It's all speculation, yeah."

Scott says "But back to the problem at hand. Are you ladies going to cooperate or look for somewhere else to do your experiments."

Ryker shrugs. "It is good to see we all have some common ground, at least."

Yosannah eyes Ryker, "Right."

Ryker answers for the two women, "I think we were at the point where they were going to leave, and think about the situation more careful. Decide how they want to handle it."

Ryker continues, "If they want to use the Academy, they know they'll have to give you an explanation, Scott."

Ryker finishes, "And if they expect you to cooperate, I'm sure they realize, as visitors, they'll need to offer something in return, in the interest of a fair deal."

Yosannah remains quiet. Hands clasped in her lap, gaze intent on Ryker. She says nothing.

Scott nods to Ryker. "That's all good with me, man." He looks back to Lisle and Yosannah. "I look forward you hearing your decision."

Ryker adds to Scott, "The fellow downstairs seems to have recovered, and is asking after you, Scott. Using Mandrake while he's at it."

Lisle rises, "You may not hear anything from us again Scott."

Yosannah, seemingly unconcerned with the young man downstairs, follows suit and rises with Lisle.

Lisle says, "It could be a real advantage to do this here, for people who work and live here. But silence is important, and if you demand more, why, you're not the man to help us."

Lisle says, "You know us both enough to trust us that far, I think."

Lisle glances at Yosannah, smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Lisle moves toward the stairs.

Yosannah gives Ryker a final glance and follows after the Princess, cool and casual.

Grand Hall - Academy Of Magic(#12797RL)

The room you now stand in is enormous by most standards, being large enough to hold several homes side by side within. The majority of the gleaming white marble floor remains uncovered - save for a small portion depicting the seal of The Academy; and behind this, a large oaken desk. Encircling the entire floor area are multiple stone benches leaning up against the walls. These are separated by either marble or granite statues of heroes and legends; or polished wooden doors that lead away further into the Academy.

Along the east wall - approximately ten feet off the ground - a balcony sits. Black iron railings upon it protect those there from stepping too close to the edge. This balcony ends at each side wall of the room in a winding staircase leading to the ground floor. Several doors are spaced perfectly on the balcony's wall, leading to what appears to be offices. Hanging high overhead from steel chains are numerous glowing spheres of light. These cast nearly the only illumination in this windowless room. Despite the lack of outside light, the room seems pleasant and almost inviting - almost.

Newly discovered, a formidable guard stands at a runed archway in the back wall of the Hall, centered between Light and Dark doors.

Contents:

Trump Scrying

Ithius

Loki

Aaron

Guard

Inyss

Obvious exits:

Headmaster's Office Runed Archway Dark Doors Light Doors Out to Landen

Yosannah has arrived.

Loki nods, "I am fine Aar...eady.. Already, I am fine." he smiles to the man, "Thank you."

Scott has arrived.

Ithius doesn't turn and says, "speaking of Scott, I think he's coming", he says toward Loki.

Scott shrugs at the answers he got from Lisle and Yosannah. "I could care less if you do it here or elsewhere. But if you do it here, I wanna know what it is. Bottom line."

Lisle may not have heard Scott. She's leaving.

You exit the Academy through the doors, entering Landen's main square.

Landen - Main Square(#8044RFJL)

All is nearly quiet now as night has settled here in Landen. Only a few people are about the streets now, moving in and out mostly from various taverns and inns. A gentle, rushing sound pours forth from a large fountain in the center of the square, illuminated by several oil street lamps surrounding the area. The streets themselves are lined with buildings of all shapes and sizes, most absent of light. Even darker still are the alleyways that seem to swallow anyone who enters them. Directly to the west rests the town's gate, watched by the guardsmen of Landen. Looming over the entire scene is the silhouette of a castle. Huge spires and parapets jut upward, discernable only by the firelight that flickers within its windows. Even in the darkness of night, it is an awesome sight.

Contents:

Dreltar

Exits:

Academy of Magic

Iron Gate

Residential District

Bridge to Castle

Yosannah leaves the Acadamy of Magic via the huge doors.

Yosannah has arrived.

Lisle comes out the door of the Academy of magic, pausing to say something to Yosannah.

Yosannah walks closely with Lisle. Talking quietly.

Dreltar seems to be waiting near those doors patently for something

Yosannah offers the woman a smile.

Lisle smiles back, a little pleased.

Lisle says, "Yosannah, I will see you soon." Fine blonde brows raising.

Lisle finds a card in her coat pocket, after that.

Yosannah nods in agreement, "Sooner then later. WE need to get back to work."

Lisle says, "Well-said," and is soon, swiftly, gone.