countprol

     The man in gold robes pulled several books from the shelves of the study. Opening one, he flipped through the pages, occasionally stopping to consult the notes in front of him. He muttered to himself once or twice, then looked up at the guest across the table from him. The guest did not return the look, as he was blind, and through magic, did not find it necessary to meet another's gaze.
      "Well, Diancecht? What are your thoughts about my new spell?"
      "Spell? It's more like unto a curse to me. You've not allowed for a Counter. All enchantments must have a Counter: True Love's First Kiss, Magic Item, Holy Water, something! You'll upset a Balance with this one." The man in gold stood up from the table and walked over to the window, though he did not particularly see the garden beyond. The movement was more for purposes of thought rather than enjoyment of the view. "I'd counsel more thought before experimentation."
      The blind man in red nodded. "That's very like you."
      "Aye," replied Diancecht. "You've mastered all the magics a mortal may. But I've seen beyond mortality. It's my blood. I see the track of your intent." He turned back to the red man. "Who? Who will be your test? Not the pretty lass."
     "No. Eris is too useful to risk. But I know of one who would be....... agreeable to the experiment."
     Diancecht nodded. "Willing subject, will-he, nil-he? And the Counter?"
     The red man shrugged. "I will make one, if you insist. If you will help with the golem essence."
     "Aye, I DO insist. I also insist that you let me copy the spell. For further investigation. It's a good spell, better than the laboratories of Atlas or Sairaag. Though I hear Sairaag has moved on to copies. Your doing?"
     The red man smiled slightly. "Eris is there now."
     "I see." Diancecht returned to the table and sat again. "I wonder that this doesn't make for a conflict. You are a priest, after all."
     "I am," agreed the red man. "But I am beyond such..... distinctions now."
     "Aye, aye. You'll never give up the search. Very well, you've my help." Diancecht the Gold rang the small handbell that sat on the table. The door to the study opened, and a young woman poked her head in.       "Yes, Master?" she asked.
     "Aoife, a dram for my guest. We'll be up a bit." Diancecht ordered.
     "Aye, Master." She closed the door gently.
     "A fine assistant you have there, Diancecht."
     "Oh, now, Rezo my friend, don't be charming away Aoife!" Diancecht smiled. "She's all politeness to my guests, but a wild-cat in truth."
     Rezo smiled. "I wouldn't. Now, in regards to the Counter......"