14 14 Archmage – Galathris (2/2)
The room was as grand as a room could get for an Archmage. Shelf lines walls adorned with books of all colours and sizes. Plants of fragrances that had a myriad of effects the moment you stepped into the room. The room lit perfectly, yet not a candle, window or source of light in sight to complete such a task. A meticulously kept mahogany desk drew the eyes of everyone who walked in, it's size only a passing note in it's grandeur. Atop the desk there lay a mounted staff encased in a glass.
The glass box was filled with what seemed to be a violet fog that slowly danced and twirled around the staff in indiscernible patterns, ebbing and flowing of it's own accord. The staff itself is easily six feet tall. A pale white body inlaid with gems of varying colours, from deep blue to dark red. At the top there was a small yellow gem with cracked and sharp edges. The pale body of the staff seemed to branch off and try to seep into the gem itself yet unable to cross a small gap in space.
Try as he might, Donis couldn't [Inspect] the item. The glass box seemed to reflect whatever attempt he made at learning more about the staff. This didn't phase him, as he finally saw something that fit the image of a grand mage in a fantasy world that he so deeply wanted.
His thoughts betrayed him this time, as a vibrant smile erupted on his face when he saw the weapon. Noticing the smile, Corvig and Lorenzo both exchanged looks.
”It seems this child has an eye for quality. He the one you brought here for me to take a look at?” said Lorenzo taking a sip of his aromatic tea. ”Tis the child, Donis Laurent. As I said at Norris's, he's already got the [Wisp] Mana State, and I'm willing to forgo my normal student fees to teach him in private. I came here to seek your audience to ask in person if I could enrol him to start a few years early with the First Years,” said Corvig in what seemed a well practised tone.
”Sigh... Always straight to the point aren't you Corvig. Where have the days gone when you would sit here with me for hours while I drank my tea and recalled my youth to you? You used to be such an attentive listener! Bah, whatever. Sure, we normally don't do this, but that's because the kids don't have a Mana State this early,” replied Lorenzo dismissively.
Donis's eyes instantly went wide. He turned his gaze away from the staff and unto Corvigs slumped figure. 'Oh... it was him huh... I'm so sorry, you must have went through hell with him,' thought Donis solemnly.
”Actually speaking of Norris, how is that brat? He never calls around these days, not even a message! Can you believe that Donis? You wouldn't do that to poor old me would you?” asked Lorenzo putting on his best pleading face.
Donis's spine sent violent shivers up and down, almost like a sixth sense. He sensed danger from that question. The air around the young duo instantly froze. Corvig slowly turned his head to meet eyes with Donis, signalling to not answer the question. Yet Donis turned back to look at the Archmage, and the old mans eyes betrayed his sad smile. They were the eyes of a beast looking upon its prey, cold and penetrating.
”Uh.. sir of course not! You seem like a good person, and my dad always said to listen to good people! My Mother told me to be polite and not talk too much to busy people though, so I don't want to be bold,” Donis tried saving himself. Uncertain if that will be enough to save himself, he knew that it may be just enough for Corvig to take over.
Corvig, as if listening to Donis's internal monologue, coughed. ”Sir, he's right, we're both busy people so lets cut the niceties a little bit and continue with the business at hand. Shall we show him the academy itself or will we save that for orientation day?” said Corvig. The Archmage only showed a sly smile, and Corvig was already cursing his on stupid brain for giving him an option in which the old man could spout his rubbish.
”What a fine idea my boy, I think the little one may enjoy a little stroll over campus, wouldn't you Donis?” said Lorenzo. Donis's greed overtook him momentarily at the idea of more [Ocular Inspection] experience. It's currently sitting at [63% EXP] and with the potential to see students and magical items was like putting a plate of perfectly cooked steak in front of a starved inmate.
”Of course sir! I wanna see!” said Donis not needing to fake his eagerness. ”That's my boy! Lets go, first stop the canteen, I'm out of tea!” said Lorenzo. Corvig just stared blankly ahead, his opinion of the boy shooting down greatly. He thought he had met the perfect student, but he supposes even the most talented of students have something they're bad at, his just seems to be the inability to see when old men are baiting him to spout their 'wisdom'.