"Hello Sam. I doubt anyone would have thought they could attempt that without magickal support or at least protection. I wonder if the school will get involved in solving the crime?"

"Oh, they did not get away with it," says Sam, eager to tell the tale. "They got stopped by a city guard patrol near the bridge across to the Western End District. There was a fight and the criminals had to drop most of their loot to get away. One of them even jumped into the river. There is a manhunt going on."

He then grins and adds, "This is the sort of thing I hoped to find in the big city. It is very exciting."

"It's all very exciting until someone looses an eye, especially if it's you. I'm hoping for a few quiet days."

To Velma "Sam does some work for us at the shop."

To Sam "When are you coming back? I'm just interested?"

Sam smiles and says, "That was the other thing I wanted to talk with you about. Is there any work that needs doing this afternoon? I am free from now until dinner."

"Naomi was preparing something that needed a pot. She might need help with that but I'm afraid I'm not certain. Would it be OK to pop across and talk to her?"

"Yes, I am happy to do that," replies Sam. "I would like the chance to get away from reading books for a while..."

Then he turns to Velma and adds, "No offence intended, but I need to do something with my hands for a while."

"No offence taken," says Velma. "I understand completely."

Sam then gives a wave and says, "Okay, I am off now. Enjoy your afternoon."

"Thanks Sam. See you later."

To Velma "It sounds like there is still plenty going on around town. Anything happening around the school today?"

Velma shrugs and says, "The library is pretty busy today... Oh, one thing I have heard is that the avatar of Aieda is no longer in the School. Apparently she has been moved to the Aiedan Temple in the Temple Ward."

"Hmmm. I wonder what that is about. The temple seems to have made some effort to clean out some bad apples. Perhaps it is related. Is there anything in particular going on at the library or just lots of users?"

"No," replies Velma. "I just think the students have some assignments coming up..."

"Though, come to think of it," she adds, "something has changed. No one wants to sit close to Master Nathaniel's room any more, and I have heard people complaining about the cold in that part of the second floor."

"I wonder what the story is. I'll ask Master Narim if I get to speak to him."

(OOC Is it time to start heading back to get back to the shop in time. Otherwise when lunch is done do some more study on the Sleep spell (same 4 letters and same overall length). Also partly for my own memory Windows short cut for switching between open windows is ALT-TAB)

[OOC: It is still lunchtime and Master Narim is still in the cafeteria talking with Mistress Althea, if you still want to talk to him about possibly working for the School.]

"Yes," says Velma. "Master Narim and Mistress Althea might indeed know something about it. I think something strange happened in the library last Holy Day when I wasn't here. And the girl who normally looks after Master Nathaniel has been off sick since then."

"Was the avatar still at the school then. I wonder if her going was somehow related. Maybe the girl who looks after Master Nathaniel has been possessed by the avatar of Aeida."

"I do not know," replies Velma. "But Master Narim probably does. You should go and ask him... But after lunch, I am enjoying your company too much for you to leave now."

Then, after a moment, she asks, "What sort of mischief did you get up to in your younger days?"

"Probably my biggest adventure was when I hung around with a group of near'do'wells travelling in the wild north. That's where I met Wamzut who found I had latent magickal abilities and how to harness them. Have you heard any news of Wamzut since he disappeared?"

Velma thinks for a moment and then says, "I know that name... It is on the Benefactor's Board in the Administration building..."

Then she remember something. "Wait. Yes. I have heard something about him... At least I think I have. I think I heard someone say that he had died."

Then she remembers herself and puts a hand up to her mouth. "Oh dear me, I am so sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. Was he a mentor of yours?"

"I have a feeling that reports of his death have been somewhat exaggerated but don't tell anyone else about that. I'll tell you the bits of the story that I know some other time. I didn't appreciate when I knew him what a powerful person he was though."

"You mean he's still alive?" says Velma in wonderment. "Amazing. You hear about such things, but it really seems like something out of a story... Do you think he is as powerful as the Archmagus? I've heard people say he is the most powerful magus Engle has had for generations."

"I can't even imagine how powerful either he or the archmagus are. But they are both human enough in their way I suppose. I'll tell you more when we are away from ears that might have an interest."

Velma smiles and continues eating her lunch quickly, clearly interested in getting it finished soon so she can hear what else Guilliame has to say.