Lord Heron's Manor/Mage Guild Building

[Maddyn]

Within the second ring of the twin walls of Frigid River that divided the city into the distinctive quarters that most citizens knew by memory. The Gold, Green, Red and Brown Mercantile districts that were in the very heart of Frigid River. The Thanal Mansion surrounded by the City Square where the various Imperial Buildings lay. Of course there was exceptions to the rule, but for the main most of the business' remained here and what housing had remained was slowly being demolished to make room for wider streets, better sewers and in general - better living conditions.

The second wall was what once had been outside Frigid River, and now was a continual bustle of activity. Citizens were being relocated into new housing in the second ring behind the newly completed walls. Sewers once again had been constructed and a return to the former order that had been manefested as when Frigid River had first been created as a haven, a resort really for the Lylles before decadence and the current city had been laid bare into what the people now saw. The waterworks had been dead for some eleven Era's, the Mage Guild had long since vanished from the area of Frigid River and all that remained really was a hamlet that was rustic, Lylles supportive. But arcana was something distructed and had been for a decade with good cause.

The livelihood of the people of Frigid River would never be allowed to depend on arcana. Not after the chaos the Aethergem's shattering wrought upon these people.

But the Mage Guild Building remained. Newly occupied due to the Mage Guild's decision not to return. Leased out until they convened or others saught to return to renew the once great organisation. And that now fell into the belongings of one Lord Heron, once a noviate of the Mage Guild when the Aethergem shattered and the current caretaker.

Pressed now against the outter wall, Lord Heron's Manor was almost a fortrified castle that rose up some five stories from the ground and build from perfectly joined granite blocks. Gargoyles loomed at the parapets, and there was a distinct appearance at the candlemarks of the darkening that there was lights moving behind the merlons along the walls. Windows were rarely lit, but one on the far right hand side never seemed to dim. In general, a forboding atmosphere filled the place and combined with the distruct of the Mages of the Empire Lord Heron was generally given his peace.

The front of the Manor itself was blocked by a wall, some ten deet tall and covered in ivy. The gardens themselves at the front were snow covered all Era around but a frozen pond could be seen with a tiny stone bridge that one walked across to enter the compound. Moving forwards, the pathway itself was make from the same perfectly joined granite stones to lead towards a heavy oaken doorway barred and reinforced being constructed of iron. Along both sides great pillars rose before an overhang to prevent water and snow from piling at the front of the door. In the middle of the door was an aged silver doorknocker shaped like a Dragon's head with a ring inside it's mouth.

Before one, should one wish to knock however the silver head became animate and staretd to speak with a definete lips. "Ssserale, Lord Heron isss exsspecting you yesss?" it querie politely, twin crimson lights flickering in the silver Dragon's head as the molten metal looked upwards to stare forwards whilst awaiting an answer.

OOC:
The Mage Guild aspect of the building has been defunct for some 11 IC years. Please don't ask for training, because it's obvious to any and all who enter the city that this place won't teach.

Cheers, Maddyn

[Maddyn]

It wasn't every brightening that plans could go askew so suddenly, and really Heronythys suspected he could rather do without that happening. If Andavariel could be forstalled, then perhaps everything would be alright; but not once did the Gold Dragon think that perhaps that she might actually go along with things or help him. Especially not after having to deliberately play the public idiot before how many people in Frigid River and Andavariel herself? No... things really weren't going well at all for the Dragons goals here in Frigid River. He'd have given a right wing for Tyrynth or Mirith to be helping him... Nicolette and Twills too... perhaps even that Elvish student he'd taken an Era ago for the other plan.

Not his right wing. Someone elses, preferrably a Dracons. Too many of them in Frigid River as it was, the traders in the Marketplaces seemed rife with the corrupt creatures and going on a genocidal spree would've ruined everything. Well, with the possible exception of putting himself in a decidedly better mood for the next few cycles.

"Serale Golem, anyone since I left?" Heronythys queried as the Gargoyle creatures in the doorway spoke before him as he led Andavariel towards the door itself of the Manor he'd claimed. Nursing his ear idly, it really was an irritant that the Dragon could've done well without - but then Elementalism didn't heal - ever - and so the most he could do was render it numb or shift into a Human. The former rather than the latter naturally was the option the golden haired Elf ahd decided upon as the assult by the Faeries and the Snowmen had continued ever onwards without either of the Dragons being necessary to oversee such childish mortal antics.

With that the doorway was opened without being touched, Heronythys stepping aside to allow Andavariel entry into the main foyer which definetely seemed appropriate in size for any Dragon to walk about in their natural form. Wide open area's, massive staircases. The walls were covered in tapestries, fine Arakmatian carpets lining the ground and furnature that seemed carved with a Jaedaxian styling in the motif's. "Welcome... you needant worry about being overheard here, my servants as ever remain most trustful... though, I really hadn't anticipated one of your ilk Mi'Lady within Frigid River. Especially not someone with the acclaim you've drawn about yourself... I thought that name was but a fancy of some Bard at home..."

[Andavariel]

Heron was obviously not in a talkative mood, as they made their way to his Lauryllian dwelling. Andavariel took the lull in conversation as an opportunity to get a closer look at his current form. A tad messy. He doesn't quite understand mortal anatomy in a living sense yet. She was critical, in the sort of way that a nervous dragon might be; bolstering her self esteem as a dragon without any real power might have to do in the face of a dangerous foe.

Or friend. She could not be sure either way. Yet. Possibly never would be sure until the day she passed into Materna's arms for what remained of this eternity. Her thoughts continued along this line, even as they stepped into the spacious foyer. Her metallic eyes taking in the space and decoration with about as much appreciation as any being of taste and discernment.

"A nifty set up, I am sure M'Lord." She replied shortly, spinning herself around to truely take in her surroundings.A nifty set up indeed, and one which spoke of much more preparation than was normally warrented for affairs involving mortals. Out of sight of mortals, she always felt a little more carefree, a little less watched. Ease returned to her posture, as she turned about to face Heronythys.

A neat eyebrow arched, a coquettish smile flashed at her mouth as he spoke of her status. Status was thing she had not had for a long time. " Acclaim? Why, I did not know that I was known in these parts. Why, you must appraise me of this so called acclaim." Her expression returned to former seriousness as she continued in a more focused tone. "After all, it is not as if I have spread myself out much in either form recently."

She kept her curiousity under check for the moment. She longed to press him about his plans here, before he found out more of her real nature. Or before he revealed anything else he knew about her. He could easily be playing her for a fool, if he had heard of what had occured back then. Or he may simply want her out of the way.

[Maddyn]

No, Heron always had been rather quiet unless it conflicted with his current purpose. Waiting and watching always seemed a much better idea rather than rushing right into everything like some impetuous child. At least, that had been the aim up until Heronythys had realised that you could still watch and wait while making yourself to basically look like some idiot fop of an Elf with little to no morals, a penchant for gambling, wine and getting into trouble. Mind, Heronythys quite enjoyed the amusement of already having been arrested on three occassions and locked up for the evening for various indiscresions.

Nothing illegal, just... the kind of stuff the Rangers/Militia didn't think suitable.

One of which had even led a few of the Families women to literally tar and feather Heron (with water soluble glue from the left over fish) after one particular incident as a warning.

"The Mage Guild had their uses... and still do I believe, just that none of the Mortals seems all that interested. A foolish notion, imagine the potential Empress de Lylles could've had by having a dozen Masters at her beck and call along with their students when rising against Julos? No... the Empire should've been stabilised long before so I could have my peace - if the Mortals showed the least inclination towards common sense." Heron replied with a sigh, he'd tried really. He, along with a few other like-minded individuals were working things.

Teaching one or two here and there, and trying to get them to go off their own backs towards supporting the Empress so that Heronythys could have his peace. But no, not even that young Elf had taken Nicolette's suggestion that helping the Empress and the Faerie Queen would be a good idea. Tyrynth and Mirinth too hadn't been all impressed, everything seemed to be falling apart.. and so Heronythys had been forced to take a direct hand in things.

Smiling, for that fleeting second no one could deny Heron was a Dragon as he repeated Andavariel's true name as she'd given earlier. "That, Fairy Tale acclaim... Mirinth once mentioned it in passing and naught more... he never did speak of the Elder much, said I'd do better to mind my part and he'd explain later..."

[Andavariel]

Mirinith.... Try as she might, Xala could not recall that name. It was very likely that she had never met him, for despite the small size of Dragonic society, all its members were widely spread. Very easy to avoid a neighbour with a bad reputation if he stayed outside your territory, and visa versa. Not so easy with mortals, social things that they were. Personal space was important to dragons, and these two leggers seemed to get their greatest pleasure from invading the space of another. Ridiculous.

Still, this youngster would be a useful, if dangerous ally. Doubtful that she would ever trust him. Doubtful that he'd ever have more than the appearance of respect for her, but they could at least both pretend. His talk of supporting the current de Lylles was encouraging.

"Anyone could do much with that sort of power, if used with the correct amount of imagination, of course." She grinned a little sheepishly, although her following joke did not reveal why. "She could do much with you openly supporting her. It wouldn't be the first time that the Gold has aided Imperial interests in this particular Plane."

That's right Andavariel, always talking like you know what you're doing. Xala had a caustic way of reminding herself that playing social politics with another dragon was a very good way to get herself killed. Andavariel seemed determined to ignore this obvious truth though.

"I prefer the indirect approach, of course, although I am not having much luck here at present. Pirvan is a political infant, and the whole province is confused about its loyalities. They can't even follow the traditional route of Lauryl, for some reason; simply following the Lylles must have become unfashionable while I was in the East."

Her mortal body decided to remind her of its natural needs at that point. How inconvenient, and how embarassing. He surely wouldn't have a commode suitable for a woman round here. She asked anyway, the mortal part of her persona blushing at the impropiety.

"Are you modern enough around here to have an indoor commode, M'lord? I fear I have been inattentive to suppressing certain natural needs." Her facial expression was rueful as she continued "And would it not be more pleasant to discuss these matters over some refreshment?"

[Maddyn]

"True enough indeed... even imagination in that instance wouldn't be a necessity." Heronythys conceded with a toothy smile that seemed somehow more pointed than any Elf should've allowed. Like someone had taken a file to the corners... and yet hadn't. Close inspection granted the concession they were normal... it was just that everything about Heronythys was subtly wrong. The most obvious matters though were his colouring, true there were Elves with green skin, blue hair or purple eyes... but hair like spun gold was something of an absurdity with the potential exception of the First Elves when they'd Fallen from Aetheria.

But the smile vanished just as quickly as it'd appeared, Heronythys' Elvish features suddenly a mask of dead flesh. Only his eyes betrayed life rather than appearing as some painted statue, and even those regarded Andavariel as if she was several slices short of a loaf of bread. "No, it wouldn't be the first nor the last time one of Gold would aide the Imperium... but no, I know well enough I'm not the only one within the bounds of the lands the children of Ioannes claim. Just as I know the Imperium lacks... respect... it remains one thing to manourver these Mortals towards the sensible option regarding stability... and quite another for that."

No... Heronythys would soon as descale himself and debase himself before some petty God or Goddess than stand openly before these Mortals en mass. He knew well enough how the Imperium had reacted to the poor soul who'd saught sanctuary within Abestat several Era's ago to give birth. Who'd been attacked and forced away... no... that wouldn't happen again. Heronythys would much sooner destroy a couple cities as a warning for those who'd attack a Mother. Some things were simply abominable.

Sighing softly though, the Golden Haired Noble couldn't help but agree regarding this situation in Lauryl that so exasperated the Dragon. Somewhere along the lines it seemed Mortals everywhere went about like some foolish chicken without it's head. Did it really matter that much of this Mortal within Alleria Prime was allowed to play Emperor for a few decades? It wasn't like the Empress de Lylles wouldn't be alive to pick up where that Human Mage left off. Folly, everyone at each others throats and upsetting the peace... like some annoying neighbour trying to learn a musical instrument and ruining the harmony of the environment with their horrendous notes.

"Refreshment...? Hmm... oh yes... entertaining is something of a necessity here. Lord Heron after all isn't supposed to be anything other than some foolish money fallen fop with more vices than you've had Patterns to live. Something perhaps more respectable methinks... a shame, Twills or Nicolette I believe would quite enjoy your company. You've a blessing though not all of those of my household are here, I fear you'd be detained for a good number of centuries playing the guest through to writing histories." Heronythys mused, winking as he led his way up the spiralling staircase towards the next level and led Andavariel down the passageway and up another flight of stairs...

[Andavariel]

Her laugh at Heron's quip about being wanted as a guest was more than a little bitter in tone. The hard crystal centre of her real self contracted sharply in the back of her mind, the soft mind of Andavariel expanding slightly to fill the space that it left behind. No, they would not like me as a guest, knowing what I really did.. Many a dragon would have viewed Xala as weak, pathetically sentimental for doing something like that. They'd not associate with a weakly, a dragon who was obviously not of the true spirit.

As they walked along the passage way, and ascended the flight of stairs, she tried another tactic. Trying to get some details of his previous movements, trying to learn the pathways that had brought him to such a tiny place in the empire. For all his apparent poor grasp of shapeholding, that he had not opening done anything in Frigid yet was quite apparent.

Something made her keep any mental barriers she still had left. She had no wish to slip into the mind voices, no wish to remind herself of other things she could not have, nor the way of thinking that her own kind stuck to, the way that was currently hidden from her.

"So what are you doing to Frigid River, may I ask? It seems a little off the beaten track for a meddler of our calibre. And to go to the effort of establishing a household for such a ....throwaway character, that speaks of more interest than one might have thought, Lord Heron."

It was taking every bit of her considerable ego to maintain the rigidity, the arrogance of her kind. She always forgot how much it now drained her to be in the company of sky-kin; it was such a rare occurrence that last time must have been during the time that the empire had drawn enamoria into it's nets. Or Jaedaxia.

"Do you intend to steal the faith of the Borthanists that now roam the Empire, my dear Heron?" her tone was teasing, and an extremely mischievous glint now added lustre to those fabulous eyes of hers.

[Maddyn]

The room that Heron eventually led Anda towards took some time to reach; a simple curtesy in holding the door open for her before entering himself. A large chamber set on the fourth floor; place was large enough for ballroom dancing. The walls themselves were painted a pale greyish blue like winter frost with elaborate tapestries in gold and crimson thread depicting religious scenes of the Allerian Histories involding Diana's Ascension. The floor was polished to a sheen with a large mahoghany table in the middle designed to seat at least twenty. It wasn't here though that Heronythys stopped at but rather the large arched doorway with the two stained glass planes of glass.

"You may ask, but I shan't answer Dearest Elderling." Heronythys replied with a grin, pushing the gold inlaid handles down to open the doors; a balcony set to view the entirety of Frigid River set against the Great Mountains with the River Lylles visible from one of the sides. Orchids, impossible really for them to be in bloom let alone surviving covered the entire balcony wherever there was room though. A marble bench set on the edge and a table resting inconspicuously to the side. "Not without saying the magic word at any rate. Manners are what makes the world turn or throws it off it's axis after all..."

But he didn't answer the means of his household, the peaceful smile remaining consistant upon the Golden haired Elf's visiage. It was... habit, a curious disliking for solitude and being without someone there to accompany him. At Heronythys Castle in the Arakmatian Frontier there'd always been Tyrynth and Miryth... Nicolette, Twills and Anne. And then those fething idiots from across the border had attacked Zairu Keep and threatened his home and his isolation. Peace and quiet shattered by a need to move or bring an end to this once and for all so that he could finally be left alone with only those who's company he saught out remained. And so to Demios... and now Frigid River. Each a means unto an end in bringing about quiet. Hopefully.

"Faith, pfft... that's what happens when one gets ideals greater than one's own ability to perform. I've no care for bowing and scraping; granduer in any form or function more than what I have now is trivial... even this is trivial and merely purpose and guise. One might as well ask you the same question Dearest Elderling about you purpose or reasoning for upsetting my peace so... but, alas methinks you find my ears just a trifle too convenient." but rather than the annoyance and childish manners a grin of his own returned as with a idle flourish of his hand silverware, a boiling kettle on a wooden board, cups and all the impliments for tea were set on the table. Arcana had it's uses after all.

[Andavariel]

Manners? Manners were important to a dragon. Especially those ones which had a high opinion of themselves (meaning all of them.) It saved on conflict and bloodshed if all were of a mind to demand politeness, and understood how to give it. Trouble was that she had little patience, relatively speaking. She had, however, the need for haste in so many ways. This youngling was going to be infuriating, an obstruction.

"You have a strange idea of peace, Mi'Lord. Although had I known there was kin lying low amoung the citizenry, I no doubt would have tried my hand in war torn Zinn'sunn."

She eyed his casual use of arcana with more than a little envy. Oh how nice it would be to utilise such short cuts, and with such ease. At least he was not getting those touches of over-ego that had so plagued Borthanas before he perished. I suppose if he truely knew more about me, he would think me more insane than Borthanas; giving all that up for.....mortals. How much could Andavariel tell this youngster? How much was it safe to give him in return for the same information from him. The age old game of trading information had begun slightly earlier than she had imagined it would. So be it. She would have to put her precious neck on the line to get anywhere it seemed, as playing it safe had gained her nothing but an eternal prison sentance.

"My purpose is personal, although any kin who says their purpose is NOT personal is lying through their ever so perfect teeth. It is in the nature of restoring something that was..." She didn't continue for a moment, considering the word she would use, the word that would be such an understatment...

"Two things that were lost, something dear to me; and something that this region of Telath has been without since before that confounded Gem of the Allerian's cracked."

[Maddyn]

Think Anda insane for giving up a lot of what she once could've done all because of some misguided notion in regards to Mortals? Heronythys for the main couldn't care less. It was Andavariel, Xala's decision to be made and none others even if it was rather foolish and hasty in Heronythys' belief. Mortals were so short lived that it would've been more seemed as niave and foolish when she'd have had millenia to benefit the younger races through her own actions than gamble everything. But each to their own, Anda's decisions were hers and Heron's his - it would've been terribly boring if everyone was the same.

Not to mention the Dragon was rather fond of his head cook Anne or Nicolette and Twills; it was nice having Mortals about. They livened things up a bit while allowing for a certain familarity that one could get adjusted to.
The only real problem was, as soon as you got comfortable and settled they had to go and do something so ill mannered as die of old age. It was so inconviencing. Least Elves had some stamina in that department.

"What was lost can always be refound, anything within life can be accomplished. Work, effort? They matter... but ultimately, time is the only constraint that can be found and we've plenty of that not to worry overly." Heronythys mused, grinning. Perfect teeth indeed, Heron's looked rather sharper than any Elf should've considering their tendency towards vegetarianism. A shapeshifed Elf, but mannerisms remained distinctly Dragonish in a lot of aspects and flawed. Heron while having Mortal servants like Nicolette, Anne and that young Elf hadn't actually studied them... they were there. But... meh, he'd also had Tyrynth and Mirith and his sibling and the Elder were much more facinating company.

"It was just a pretty stone... mind, it had purpose... would've prevented that annoyance Julos from being able to do so much damage and make such a fuss... shame, would be nice knowing how that happened. But no matter... quiet is only a matter of time, Julos will be dead in a few short decades after all so there'd little fuss to be had on his behalf. Better to stabilise, clean up the mess and make preparations for these Mortals to keep the peace better. With luck. You know those annoyances from across the Border had the nerve to send Orcs to my home in the Arakmatian Frontier... insectile pests, so ill mannered. Oh... tea my dearest Elderling?"

[Andavariel]

If she had been wearing scales, she would have grinned in a toothy manner that had nothing to do with amusement. Time meant nothing to this young fop, of course, but it dragged so much longer when you had no choice but to endure the world. And I have had little. It was not for the mortals I made this choice, it was for another sky-kin who was as foolish as this one.

Flame and thunder, I must have spent too much time with the Mother when I was young. I'd even protect one who is quite capable of protecting himself - HE is in no danger. She certainly could have handled her own punishment.

It was with great effort that she maintained the teasing, amused expression. She was not a bubbling pot of regret and resentfulness. She was not in the mood to taste the blood of kin. No. She was graceful, and elegant, and everything she had spent so many Ages perfecting. Maybe it was this every so slightly passionate form. Perhaps that spindly elf would calm these thoughts.

But that spindley form would look ridiculous in such a generous dress. Hard to be dignified with a dress around your ankles - even if nudity is no bother.

"The bugs will truly provoke those Allerian's one day. Especially with all this ruckus in Prime. Makes one wonder if they cleared those violaters from the Insula Coronae yet. They've been there, from what I hear, since the infernal stone shattered."

She took another look out at the view. To him it would all be over in the equivelant of an era. No matter that the circumstances were unique in practically the history of the Empire. Nevermind the opportunities that this presented. Then, what need did a dragon have of political opportunities, expect perhaps to secure permenant, secluded estates with a regular supply of cattle.

Everything that had happened to her since she had taken the fall had left her more isolated than ever. She may bave been an anti-social bookworm before, but she had held some common ground with the sky-kin. Some common ways of thinking about mortals and their affairs. She did not feel that connection so much any more. Did that make her less than she was before?

"It may all be over, soon enough, Heron. There are some interesting subtlties this time around though. Some fun situations to dabble in. The years run a bit too long and a bit too quiet sometimes; these upsets are far too unique, in some ways. I don't really remember the last time that a floating city descended on a cadre of Magi who massed behind the banner of a clearly delusional Mage."

[Maddyn]

"Probably not... those soldiers have spent some six Era's already moving about the lands the Allerians claim when it takes mere cycles for one to travel on foot from one side to the other. Foolishness truely, if this Julos fellow was so bothersome they'd have been able to do something a whole pattern ago and more." Heronythys grumbled, Julos never a good topic considering the Human seemed intent on upsetting people with this Mageocrasy ideal and to make thins worse the Emperess seemed to do so little about it besides sit about and only move every Era or two.

Time was something Heronythys considered over a great time scale, but the affairs of the Empire in it's current state was like trying to read a book with a fly insisting on landing on one's nose at every possible chance it got. Ruining and distracting until finally swatted and cast aside like refuse. In the Dragons mind, that was the sole purpose of Audrey and her army - a flyswatter or a rolled up Herald designed to give the apparent Elf the kind of peace to enjoy life without such annoyances. People just weren't moving fast enough for him, the situation all the more irritating because of what should've been a simple matter dragging on and on and on.

But that certainly made Heronythys laugh as he went about pouring a cup of tea for himself and then Andavariel; gesturing for her to add suger or cinnamon as she so wished. "Well, it's not all that difficult... there's delusional Mages everywhere who think they're the best thing since Refined Arcanomechanical Evaluation for the conceptual design after the Allerians stone's shattering. I've a castle or two about that wouldn't be too hard to drop o their heads... if naught else, it'd be interesting though I do fear the foundations arn't quite so sturdy. Not when I'm unsure just how thick headed some of these youth's are these patterns..."

"Well anyway, what will be will be... and until then some prodding and poking is in order to make sure that the peace is regained. If I might ask Dearest Elderling, so as to not upset your own plans needlessly... anything in particular required for this little village you've claimed after a fashion?"

[Andavariel]

She added a little cinnamon to her tea as she considered his latest question. There was not really much to say other than the truth. For a schemer of her endless patience, Frigid River would be very uninteresting after the first century or thereabouts. It was a long term investment, but not long term in the way that the Caldera had been, nor the plans of the dragons that haunted the Dolwoods. Not at all.

"I would have thought that would be obvious by now, my dear child." She replied, ever so slightly too much venom in the last word. "I intend to come to the notice of this Audrey. She has access to resources that I would find....useful. Plus they would be less tainted by the claws of our Kin."

Uncharacteristically blunt for Andavariel. Perhaps there were far older, deeper parts of her coming to fore. Perhaps the persona was beginning to fade under the endless battering of the anger and resentment that the real personality contained.

Perhaps it remained to be seen whether there was anything left of the original dragon; though nothing was as sustaining as anger apart from fear, there is also no emotion more all consuming. This civilised chat, while intriguing and refreshing, was apparently opening up some very old and very deep wounds.

[Maddyn]

Giving that due consideration as he sipped his tea, for the first time this brightening Heronythys would've sworn that Andavariel was being dishonest with himself. There was just something wrong about the utterly tactless way that she mentioned wanting to meet with the Empress and yet... Heron just couldn't see what was such a problem then. If Anda wanted to, all she really had to do was return to her more usual form and take a short flight to Midpoint Fortess. Landing on the place and requesting an audience was bound to draw a few people's heads to say the least, and it really wasn't like Andavariel was going to have to deal with a refusal of any sort.

Maybe being forced to hand about in a waiting chamber for a brightening while Her Majesty got dressed and such for royal appearances, but the meeting wouldn't be that hard to arrange surely?

"You intend to come to her notice, as you are now and without having more attention brought upon yourself than is necessary you mean. " Heronythys mused more to himself than anything as he verbalised his thoughts in an offhand manner. "To reap the rewards without making things annoyingly hasslesome for yourself. Hmm... but what could this Empress restore that's so precious to you? For that matter... methinks you're partaking in the same attitude as the Borthanists. Using Frigid River in the same way that Jaedaxia was used... self benefit. Probably best not to answer that one though, I'd much rather not have to deal with having one of my ever so pointed ears being shouted in for saying but an idle curiousio."

[Andavariel]

"The same attitude? Why, I have not heard you utter a word about using Frigid River for anything other than your own personal benefit. If I was as stupid as that old fool, I would be revealing more than is totally necessary about myself to the locals."

Through out her experiences, the very relationship between worshipper and god had begun to seem a very twisted thing. The very thought of setting herself up as a deity to mortals was enough to make her feel ill; never mind the memories it obviously prodded within her head. It had finally become clear to her that this flatterer knew very little except her name.

"Without the attention that comes with being revealed, indeed. Frigid River is as much a home as a place to be used. I like it here, it suits me for the time being, to benefit the town. It is nice when such benefits are repaid. As for what I've lost, I'm sure you have an elder or two who would be happy to tell you more about me."

Anger was definitely clouding her judgement, but the hot blooded reactions of the mortal persona were more than a little influenced by the pot of resentment that bubbled away underneath. Her hands remained steady though, and only a slight flush to her skin, and the expression in her now metallic eyes gave light to the annoyance that bloomed within her.

Am I so out of control as to let a child like this get under my scales?