Engelian Adventures

Quote from Guilliame >>

15

[OOC: Guilliame gains some experience and realises that it is tricky to be both deceptive and observant at the same time.]

"I think so."

Go up to the door. If there is someone on the door say "Good evening."

There is no one at the door of the Scholar's Retreat tavern and no one bats an eyelid when the two of them enter.

The place is moderately crowded but Guilliame is lucky to snag a table that has just been vacated by someone who is leaving. There are some people in the tavern that he recognises from the School but none of them do more than nod when they recognise him.

A barmaid approaches and asks what they would like to drink.

"It's been a long day. I'd like an ale please. What would you like, Velma?"

"An ale would be fine, thank you," replies Velma as she looks around the room, the decor of which includes everything from finely calligraphed poems on the wall as well as a picture of a hearth where the flames in the fireplace actually move like real flames (Guilliame has checked this out before and is aware magic is involved in this, but he does not know what magic).

The barmaid gives Guilliame a smile and heads off to fill their orders.

"Do you come here often?" ask Velma.

"If I'm not busy at the shop or study I enjoy a quiet drink now and again. I've wondered about the magic behind the fire. Do you know how it works, or know any books that might provide a glimpse. Maybe after I have worked out this spell something else to investigate."

"You mean the fire in the picture?" says Velma.

When Guilliame nods, she gets up and goes and has a look at the painting.

She returns, shrugs and gives a little laugh. "It's beyond me, I'm only a sorcerer, and a not very good one at that."

Then she adds, "It does look very striking though. You can almost feel the heat of the fire, except that it's not hot."

By this time, the barmaid has returned with two large mugs of ale, taken one of Guilliame's lions and given him two cubs as change.

"So is your families business doing. Not affected by the city troubles I hope."

Velma become serious.

"It's only me and Ma and the dogs," replies Velma shyly. "We get by, but we would be in trouble if the School wasn't helping me out with some wages... Though I doubt I'll ever pay off my king's patronage at this rate."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I wonder if our businesses can help each other out somehow. I can certainly recommend you to others or advertise in our shop window if you think it will help. We can buy some produce from you."

"You don't understand," says Velma bluntly. "There is no family business. I'm the only one bringing in any coin."

"I'm sorry. I misunderstood. You are very good at your library work. Hopefully, they can see that and reward you appropriately."

"One can but hope," says Velma, raising her mug of ale and adding as a toast, "To better times for us all."

"Yes. Ours and the cities. Thank you for all your work in the library. It is certainly helping me."

"I do my best," replied Velma with a little smile. "Learning to read was possibly the best thing I got out of my time as a student at the School. My magical talent isn't very strong."

Then, after a moment to take a sip of her drink, she asks, "What is it like being a magus? Do you know many spells?"

"I know enough to know there is a huge amount to learn. People like Wamzut have been learning their whole lives and as far as I know still have much to learn. Have you ever been tested for magickal aptitude?"

"What do you mean?" says Velma, confused. "I was tested to see if I was an innate sorcerer; that's how I come to be an alumni of the School... What do you mean by 'magical aptitude'?"

"That's what I meant. I've had a long day and I think the drink is talking."

Velma takes a long drink of her ale and then smiles and says, "Yes, I think I can hear my drink talking to me too."

Then she asks hesitantly, "Do you have any family? Is there a Mrs Guilliame?"

"No Mrs de Marchant. Just me and my grandmother. Which reminds me I had better be getting back. We have had some troubles at the house and I'd like to be around. I'm sorry I can't stay. This has been very pleasant. Can we do it again soon? Maybe stay a little longer next time."

"Are you still able to walk me home?" asks Velma before taking a long sip of her ale.

"Yes, of course. I'd love to. Lead the way."