RP: It's a Kind of Magic

Part of the Magic, Madness, and Mayhem Arc

Part of the Lies Within Us Arc

This is a Mage's Guild RP.

Summary: Lanara, on foot of being asked by Lunalesca, Queen of the Fae to participate in an interview with a member of the Mage's Guild of Xalious, finds herself in The Green Fairy, presented with a disarrayed Provost Kerrigan. After a bumpy start, the pair find common ground, and Lanara opens up about her unique perspective on the nature of magic and the universe.

The Green Fairy

Lanara sits at a table for two, set apart from the other patrons, to afford more privacy during the interview. She’s clad in black leggings, a light gray off-the-shoulder sweater, and black ankle boots, with her pentacle secured around her neck. The witch isn’t wearing any makeup, save for a clear gloss that she had applied to her lush lips, and her long chestnut locks have been pulled away from her face with a black headband. Upon her lap is a tan puppy with black and white markings, about four months old, with impossibly long ears and a constantly wagging tail. The tikifhlee is somewhere in the tavern, as well, likely keeping to the shadows as the sentient beast preferred. Lanara hadn’t minded when Lunalesca, the Queen of the Fae, had contacted her about an impromptu meeting that was requested from a man named Odhranos. The witch had no qualms about returning to Enchantment, because she could see her beloved animal companions and complete the interview, while tending to other business in the surrounding cities. This wasn’t the first time someone wanted to interrogate her after the astral projection debacle and trial; some were students that wanted to learn about magic, a few wanted a statement for the local paper, and others wished to condemn the witch for her evil dealings. Some interviews were paid, others were given for free, and once Lana had to pay someone to –not- print a few topics that she had misspoken about! Which category would this Odhranos fellow fall into? Chocolate hues continuously trail towards the door as she scratches Ranger behind his ears, and waits for the mystery man to show up.

Odhranos has discovered a new fondness for Enchantment, much as he loves Xalious, for all its windswept beauty, there is something refreshing about the warmth and wilderness of the fae kingdom that puts the terramancer in a positive and upbeat mood. Not to mention that the walk is delightful, it’s not often that Odhranos gets the excuse to take leisurely strolls through the mountains on the Guild’s clock, so he is all the more happy upon reaching the foot of the tall gnarled trunk that houses the Green Fairy. Striding up the winding staircase with a thick leather suitcase bumping against one hip, while the mage’s golden cage bounces against the other, the grey-robed mage pushes through the door of the tavern, turning sideways so as not to get stuck in the doorframe with all of his various paraphernalia. Procured from his pocket, the Provost unfolds a sheet of parchment as he walks across to the bar, leaning on the polished timber countertop. When he catches the bartender’s attention, he presents the letter he had received from the Fae Queen, and inquires about where he might find a “Miss Lanara”. Following the direction of finger pointed over his shoulder, the mage thanks the bartender before approaching Lanara’s table. “Miss Lanara, I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.” Odhranos excuses himself politely, offering an apologetic, but kindly smile before dipping his head in a bow. Odhranos is blissfully unaware that he has met Lanara before, albeit briefly, he was a bit addled during their previous encounter and the mountain-loads of work he’s been buried under in the meantime have done nothing to benefit his memory.

Lanara hesitates before stating that she is, in fact, the one Odhranos was expected to meet on this day at this time. She hadn’t been waiting all that long and he does fit the description that Lunalesca had provided. Brown hair, gray eyes, likely donning a robe, and ridiculously good looking? A mental ‘x’ is checked into each box, and although the mage is easy on the eyes as the Fae Queen was sure to point out, the witch preferred blondes. “Yes… I am Lanara, please, no need to attach fancy titles to my name. We all breathe and bleed the same, do we not?” She smiles and extends a dainty hand, as she was cordial to a fault, and hasn’t yet decided if this male would be friend or foe. There’s every reason to be suspicious, regardless of how humble the male seems, as witch hunters lurked at every turn. Plus… Lanara had a fair share of stalkers over the years, and it dawns on her that she’s seen this very man at a few of the events she’s hosted. Coincidental, most likely, but she would keep him at arm’s length in case her assumptions were incorrect.”Well met, Odhranos.” After their introductions are met, she breezes a hand through the air to indicate that he’s welcome to take a seat, and Capendor approaches to take their order. “I’ll have the turkey club and a sweet tea, please… And maybe a slice of bacon diced into small bits, and a bowl of water, for Ranger?” The barkeep looks at Odhranos and jots down what the male desires, before he leaves to get their order and the two fall into a deep discussion. “I feel like I’ve met you before or that I’ve seen you places I often frequent? I could be wrong… I do travel quite a bit and the lands are brimming with people! Where do you hail from?” A slow smile is offered, as she waits for an answer to her inquiry, and hopes that he will lead the conversation to his reason for requesting a meeting. Lanara adjusts the puppy on her lap and crosses her legs, giving Odhranos her full attention.

Odhranos chuckles gently. “My apologies, I’ve been surrounded with fusty old academics for far too long. They’re a cantankerous lot, and Xalious forbid I forget to address them with the appropriate title or I’d have to deal with snarky one-liners for days.” Odhranos accepts Lanara’s hand with his own, shaking it once before releasing, then pulling the facing chair out and settling himself. When the barkeep takes Lanara’s order, Odhranos is in the midst of placing his briefcase on his lap and delving into it, so he is caught off-guard then addressed. “Oh! Right! Emm… What tea do you have?” Odhranos inquires, a little startled from being interrupted. After the barkeep lists off the variety of breakfast and herbal teas they stock, the Provost orders a pot of spiced black tea, then thanks the man as he returns to the bar. Odhranos sets back to his task, pulling a small stone inkwell and quill from his bag, setting them carefully on the table, before a sheaf of papers follows. His eyebrows raise as Lanara asks her question, but it takes him a moment or two to register her question. He pauses and looks across the table, his eyes quizzical, as if properly noticing who his interviewee was for the first time. He tilts his head in confusion, he does recognise this woman from somewhere, but… where? “Do you pass through Xalious much? I’m rarely outside the Mage’s Tower, just there and Raphaline’s - Oh, sorry, the Bardic Lodge, I mean.” Odhranos tugs at the short stubble on his chin thoughtfully as he tries to recall having seen Lanara before. He does recognise her, but it’s only a very vague sense of familiarity.

Lanara continues to rub Ranger’s hound ears, her gaze never once deviating from the man seated before her, as she’s suspiciously making a mental assessment. Odhranos looked like he was out of sorts, or perhaps he suffered from some sort of social anxiety issue. The confusion in his gaze, the fact that he carries a plethora of items on his person and the hesitation in placing his order are all noted and Lana’s expression softens. The man was slow, she’s certain of it, so she chastises herself for thinking he would cause any harm. The simpleton is unpacking parchment, quills, an inkwell, and other items, and she patiently waits for an answer, wondering if perhaps he forgot she had asked him a question. Odhranos quickly shifts the conversation without stating where he hails from, and it’s just as well, as it was strictly a formality and a way to begin. The barkeep returns with their drinks and a bowl of water for the puppy, and it’s then that Lanara lowers Ranger to the floor so that he could lap up the water and lie comfortably at her feet. “I do. I travel far and wide, with my guild mates, for pleasure, and for business. I pass over the mountain range often, as I have a sister that dwells in Frostmaw.” The mention of a redheaded bard has Lanara’s slightly tapered ears zeroing in on the man and she tilts her head to the side, her smile much more genuine than moments ago, “You know Raphaline? She’s lovely! I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting her acquaintance a few times over the years, but she’s someone that I hold in high regard.” Had he mentioned that he’s often at her lodge? Were they romantically involved? Friends? Relatives? There’s obvious curiosity in her dark gaze, but Lanara doesn’t comment any further, as she takes a sip of her sweet tea. “You have quite the setup there, Odhranos! Do you often interview magic users? What is your… Prerogative?” She wishes to know how he will put this intelligence to use, as his answer would depend on how in depth she’d reply.

Odhranos uncorks the inkwell, checks the nip of his quill, set it down on the page, then sort of… deflates all of a sudden. “Xalious bless and save me.” He huffs as he settles back into the chair, his prim and proper demeanor softening as he rubs his face. “I do apologise, I must seem all over the place at the moment. Work has been non-stop for the past few weeks and I’ve been wound up tighter than a spring. This is the first thing close to a break I’ve had in awhile.” Odhranos blinks blearily, his weariness now obviously apparent in his eyes and face. When the bartender returns with Lanara and his tea, Odhranos gratefully pours a mug and cradles it in his hands, sipping from it slowly. Now that the tension has been released in the mage, he seems to be a little more easygoing, gracing the woman with a gently, wry smile. “Ahh! Frostmaw! The City of War is a bit of a second-home to me, though Guild duties have kept me from visiting in quite some months.” Odhranos sits up in his chair, formality neatly placed aside as he engages in light conversation. At mention of how he knew Raphaline, the mage’s cheeks colour slightly and he coughs slightly as he sips. “Yes, we are, well…” Acquainted? Involved? It wasn’t as if they had put a title on things, it wasn’t something either of them particularly cared for, but it made it a little difficult to put into words. “...seeing each other.” Well, that’s as good a word for it as any. Odhranos shrugs, smiling humorously. When Lanara asks about his setup, the mage laughs warmly. “It’s less than I might usually have, I had to pare down to the essentials for the travel, I’d be lugging teapots and mugs the whole way down the mountains otherwise.” The mage chuckles as he tops up his mug from the pot. “I’ve been interviewing members of the Guild for the past few months or so. It’s part of my research thesis. I’m looking to put together an analytical study of magic based on interviews of magic-users. A large part of magic is individual perception, how each person understands magic to work, but there’s a lot of differing interpretations on how magic works, or what it even is. I’m hoping to interview as many practitioners of magic as I can, then draw common threads between these various viewpoints, to give a more rounded and unified view of how magic works.” Odhranos taps the point of his quill against the page. “Once I have compiled the thesis, it’ll be published and open access will be provided to any and all who participated in the research project.”

Lanara laughs as Odhranos seems to finally calm down and realize that this didn’t have to be strictly business, as that wasn’t how the witch worked. If the man treated this more like a friendly lunch, he’d get in depth answers for his research, otherwise the witch tended to remain aloof and slightly defensive. “No worries, I can only imagine how arduous a task this must be, as there are so many with magical powers in the land! I apologize; I had thought you were a little ‘soft’ in the brain, at first. Exhaustion explains everything…” Lanara is prone to putting her foot in her mouth on –many- occasions, as she appreciates honesty, even if it’s a tad hurtful. Of course the comment she made is forgotten about as soon as it leaves her lips, and she nods in thanks as her sandwich is placed atop the table. “Would you like half? I never eat a full portion since I quit dancing… I have to maintain a healthy weight.” Taking a dainty bite, she listens to the mage describe his relationship with Raphaline and she gives a slow nod, “I’m ‘seeing’ someone, too. It’s strange to admit without a label, right? You never quite know how to put it into words.” Lana is easy to talk to once she’s certain someone isn’t a threat, though she keeps Tiberius’ identity to herself, not wanting to jinx their newly blossomed romance. After taking another bite of her sandwich and dropping the plate of bacon to the floor so Ranger can gobble it up, she clears her throat and eases into the interview, “Feel free to ask me anything that you want, though I can’t promise my answers will be what you’d expect… Being a witch, my magic is a mixture of arcane and druidic, heavily guarded by karma and heavily influenced by nature. I will answer to the best of my ability and I don’t have any qualms about my answers being published, as it will help to educate others.” The priority of all magic users should be safety, and Lanara knew exactly how dangerous practicing the unknown could be, as she’s dealt with the repercussions of such a thing the past year. “Give Raphaline my best the next time you see her, and begin whenever you’re ready. Capendor knows not to interrupt unless we call him over, and Lunalesca made certain that no one will be seated at any adjoining tables. We can speak freely.”

Odhranos takes the comment in stride, laughing heartily. “I feel a little soft in the brain after the past few months. The Guild have been throwing classes and stressed apprentices at me like there’s a drought of teachers, as if I didn’t already have enough on my plate. I was overjoyed when Queen Lunalesca suggested I hold the interview here. Any excuse to get out of that stuffy tower is a welcome excuse.” Odhranos rolls his eyes, though the grin that tweaks his lips reveals a fondness for said stuffy tower, all things considered. Odhranos politely protested before accepting half the sandwich. Odhranos nods in agreement with Lanara’s statement. “It’s tricky. I get away with it by simply avoiding the subject most of the time.” Odhranos takes a bite of the sandwich, dabbing at his lips with a napkin as he listens to Lanara describe her magic. “I’d be all the more fascinated to hear your perspective then. I spent quite some time with the witches in Larket, but there never was the opportunity to talk about their craft. Everyone was preoccupied with the… local authorities.” Odhranos handles that last word with the sort of expression one saves for a mouthful of bad food; sour displeasure. Safe to say Odhranos isn’t fond of the Larketian Crown. “After Pilar and I headed the evacuation, everyone we airlifted out went their separate ways, I never had the chance to follow up and see how they were getting on.” Odhranos shrugs sadly, then straightens his back. Dipping the quill into the inkwell, he smiles at Lanara. “What name would you like to go by for the sakes of my record-keeping?”

Lanara stiffens when he mentions the brutality her kind had faced in Larket, which will haunt her for the rest of her days. “My Aunt Sharna was one of the ‘prisoners’ that suffered that ordeal, and she’s still recovering. She was beaten daily, experimented on, and nearly starved to death… She helped try to keep the other witches sane and magically healed them with the guards weren’t’ watching, and after Eirik was cured of his witch hating affliction, the two of them escorted a few witches to safety.” She doesn’t mention –how- she knows all of this, be it from the lycan or the relative, but she speaks with certainty and pride. “Rather than turn bitter, as most witches would, Sharna returned to our homeland and educated my old coven on how best to protect themselves. I hope it never happens again…” Cramer’s book on witchcraft had nearly caused another purging of those that practiced the craft! “I knew Pilar, too… Before she left the lands. We were good friends and I miss her immensely.” They both eat their share of the sandwich, while Ranger rests his head on Lana’s lap, likely wanting –more- to eat as the hound in him was never sated. “You can list my name as Lanara Banks.” It was listed that way in the realm, the courts, and although it was a newly acquired surname, she’s beginning to like having one. “I recently learned of my last name, as we never knew who my father was… But feel free to list my full name.” Was Odhranos a witch sympathizer, or merely posing as one to get information? There’s an inkling of suspicion that remains in Lana’s mind, but the fact that he already name dropped two friends is reassuring. Plus, he seemed too kind hearted to secretly be a spy or hunter! She laughs as he mentions the stuffiness of the mage’s tower, and gives a nod, “I wouldn’t mind being surrounded by books all day, but after a week, I would tire of the same old environment. You should try taking your studies outdoors, or meeting students elsewhere in the lands.”

Odhranos nods sadly when Lanara recounts the horrors that her family had undergone, he had seen the persecution firsthand and it sickened him still. “I was posted in Larket, at the site for the new Eyrie Outpost there, Hildegarde had me assigned as the head architect of the construction, which had me initially optimistic. But once I arrived in Larket and got a sense for the situation, I wanted to get out as fast as possible. The Crown had tasked the witches with working on the construction site. It was slave-labour..” Odhranos shakes his head, recalling the horrific conditions that his “workers” underwent. “I did what I could within the limitations the Larketian Crown put on me, but eventually Hildegarde gave Pilar and I permission to stage an evacuation from the building site. I just wish I could have done more.” Odhranos scribbles Lanara’s name down at the top of the sheet, then flashes her a wry grin. “I wouldn’t mind it if it was just books I had to deal with. Books make for very good colleagues. They’re not argumentative at all.” Chuckling lightly, he takes a sip of tea. “So, to start off, can you explain to me briefly the sort of magic you employ? Feel free to explain in as much or as little detail as you like.”

Lanara brightens when Hildegarde’s name is brought up, as she was fond of the Queen of Frostmaw, though it had admittedly been ages since the last two shared a meal or conversation. It saddens her, with how much had changed in the past few years, and how many were lost in some way. She quirks a brow when Odhranos explains why he was in Larket at the time, “So… You study architecture on the side? Or do you actually do construction work?” It’s an unlikely field of work for a mage, but she doesn’t judge, as she dabbled in rescuing animals and exotic dancing in the past. To each their own! Caving, she gives Ranger a piece of her crust, and smiles at the next question, “I think you’re hinting at the lining in that question, Odhranos… So, I will tell you that yes, I can dabble in light or dark magic. However… A true witch doesn’t use her Goddess-given powers to harm others, unless she wishes it to return to her threefold.” A sip of tea is taken as she chooses her words carefully, “My father was an archmage and my mother was a woodland witch, both of Elven blood. Some would claim my powers are divine, and others would say I was born with magic in my veins. I think I’m a bit of both, but I do ask the Goddess to loan me some power when I’m casting a spell or brewing a potion. The magic I primarily use is elemental… I can call upon the powers of the earth, air, fire, water, and spirit, to enhance my spells and for everyday activities. Lighting a candle, heating a meal, icing a bruise, that sort of thing… I try not to use my magic in public, as we both know it’s not welcome being a witch and all, but if the need for self-defense or protecting a loved one arises, then I will do what needs to be done.” Lanara peers into Odhranos’ gray eyes and gives him a warm smile, “My favorite of my powers is my affinity with animals… I can get any beast, save for anything undead, to do my bidding. I’ve had allies in a single battle as well as animal companions that have lingered at my side for all time. It’s a form of empathy… I merely invoke the feeling I wish for them to portray and ‘ask’ them to do a task.” She doesn’t mention the poison making, tarot readings, palmistry, or scrying abilities, unless he asks. Odhranos likely knew what a true witch did on a daily basis, and she doesn’t wish to bore the man.

Odhranos nods enthusiastically. “My discipline of magic is terramancy, and I had a broad education as a child, so architecture falls in the intersection of those two interests.” Odhranos sets to his page in a flurry of note-taking as Lanara begins, pausing between lines to nod attentively and smile encouragingly. He smiles approvingly at Lanara’s ideology of not enacting harm with her magic, he has met far too many with gifts they would sooner use to harm or subjugate others, it is something the mage feels very strongly against, so he is heartened by this statement. The Provost smiles warmly when Lanara talks about her affinity for animals, being a member of the Eyrie and partnered with a spirited and willful frost drake mount, Odhranos has experienced what it is like to be bonded to another creature at a deep and personal level, so he can understand the happiness that it must bring Lanara. Jotting down another swathe of notes, Odhranos nibbles the end of his quill as he quickly scans what he had written already. “You mentioned that, some would claim your magic to be divine, or others that it ran through your veins. That leads into the sort of questions I’ve been looking into; if you had to explain what magic is, how would you summarise it? Would you differentiate sources and styles of magic apart from one another, or does it all fall under the banner of “magic”?” Odhranos smiles apologetically across the table. “It’s a very broad and wishy-washy question, but you can answer it however you feel most fitting.”

Lanara makes certain to give the man her undivided attention, and she speaks slower as he takes notes so that he isn’t confused or missing any key points. As he nods enthusiastically and meets her smile, she finds that she’s becoming more and more relaxed in his presence. It’s not often that she meets another with similar views on magic, and she’s glad that he isn’t pressing her for information on the darker forms of magic. It shows that he’s a mage that walks the path of light, and being a witch that lives a life of neutrality, she’s at ease. This research wouldn’t be used for nefarious means, her intuition is telling her to be open, and so she meets his next inquiry with a thoughtful reply, “That is probably the hardest question you will ask me, so I want to take my time to explain, if that’s alright?” She pauses and takes a moment to think on it, and her hues brighten when she finally can put her feelings into words, “I don’t think that magic is something you’re born with, or necessarily a gift from the Lord or Lady… I think that one’s bloodline or connection with a deity can strengthen someone’s powers, but they don’t necessarily create the magic. It’s sort of strange… The best way I can explain it would be to compare magic to love… One day you wish for something to happen and if you want it badly enough, the positive intent that you set into the universe answers your call, and you ‘create’ what you want to happen! It’s akin to deciding that you want companionship… The only way to attract a mate is to better yourself and put yourself out there to meet people. Same with magic… The more you study and the more positive energy you place in your mind and heart, the stronger your magic that’s held within, will become. Before long… You lock eyes with someone and your heart beats a little faster, your palms are sweating, and you can swear there are a flock of hummingbirds flying around your stomach. Just like developing a crush… Your intuition becomes enhanced, you can sense the elements just within your grasp, you begin to see, taste, and touch the particles of mana that are just floating through the air. And then… You fall in love, and experience the wonder of truly giving yourself to another, knowing that it can break your heart and being reckless enough to go through with it anyway. That is the moment that your magic truly manifest into something, well, magical! You can call the elements, cast a spell, enchant an object, materialize something from nothing! Sure, some spells don’t pan out, others may view you as an outcast because they haven’t reached that divide in their live between good and bad and so their powers never peak, or something goes wrong. But… You realize with a certainty that your first love isn’t a person, a place, or a pet… It’s the power within you that creates the power that others can see. Magic is life, and it’s sustained by our beating hearts, our tireless minds, and the will to do good in the world.” Swallowing hard, Lana is suddenly nervous, as she hadn’t meant to get –that- deep on a first conversation with a stranger. “Was that an okay answer?”

Odhranos gestures with the sort of easy wave that one might offer the centrestage to a performer, he is more than happy for her to take her time, in fact he is overjoyed that she would put such thought into her response. This is precisely why the terramancer first dove into this project, when others would be happier to research from a distance, or up to their shoulders in some forgotten corner of the Mage’s Library, Odhranos loves nothing more than to hear about the magic of others. It isn’t some dull stone to be placed on a pedestal and examined under a lense, or some long-winded paragraph to be read and re-read a hundred times. Magic is a living art, as unique to each practitioner as music between bards, or painting between artists, and Odhranos feels there is no greater justice to Xalious’ gift than to uncover that unique magic in each person he could. When Lanara begins her answer, Odhranos’ eyes light up and he stops his note-taking in favour of listening intently. He cannot help the fascinated smile from creeping out as Lanara presents her point of view, and when she finishes, the mage breaks into a beaming smile from ear-to-ear. “Fantastic! A simply fantastic answer!” He exclaims happily, his quill now dancing feverishly across the page as the mage is broken from his rapture. “It’s a completely fresh take on magic, how absolutely fascinating!” Odhranos’ boyish glee has truly revealed itself, the joy of a true academic in full display. “Magic as a manifestation of will and emotion, yes!” Odhranos’ frenetic scratchings reach the end of the page and it is quickly whisked away, before another takes its place. “Would you then say, that by your hypothesis, magic is less so much a “thing”, or singular entity, and more of an expression of interaction with the universe on an emotional or non-physical level?” Odhranos seems quite excited at this turn of conversation, it is uncharted waters for the scientifically oriented mage, and he finds the change refreshing and intriguing.

Lanara cannot hold back from meeting Odhranos’ excitable smile with one of her own, as the mage is practically gleeful at his findings. The answer she gave was heartfelt, and it’s not often that she shows a little piece of her soul to another, least of all a stranger. Did others find her fascinating? Lanara cannot remember the last time she was interrogated by others, where they waited for her response on bated breath. She’d been asked on dates, grilled by the city guards, on trial for her crimes, and never, in all of the interviews she’s given over the years has someone given her such rapt attention. Either Odhranos was easily enamored, or the witch had a magical presence she didn’t know that she had possessed when giving a speech. Still, it’s flattering all the same, and she’s somewhat giddy when he asks another question. “I agree, magic is ones interaction with the universe, on an emotional level… However, I do think that magic is enhanced by the addition of strength from a deity or a strong bloodline.” The late afternoon crowd comes bustling in and the tavern is filling up rather quickly, as everyone seemed to want a cocktail after work, so the witch is forced to gather her belongings and speak louder, “Thank you for the interview, Odhranos. If you would like to speak further on this matter, you can just send word to Lunalesca and she will be sure to reach me.” Again, her hand is extended for a parting shake, as Ranger begins to whine and sniff at the floor. The pup had to be walked, she had to reclaim her tikifhlee, run a few errands, and be back in Cenril before the sun went down. Lanara hates to hurry along the interview, but she feels she gave the mage some key points to work with, “I wish you well in your studies and I look forward to reading your work when it’s published. Give Raphaline my best!”

Odhranos is so focused on following Lanara’s words or writing them down that he isn’t even aware that the tavern has begun to fill until Lanara mentions having to leave. His attention is broken from his work and glances around the tavern with a slight bewilderment at the sudden masses, then happily accepts Lanara’s hand and shakes it with an earnest enthusiasm, so different from the reserved politeness of earlier. “I would very much like to speak with you again, if you have the time. I’ll go over my notes and have questions prepared for when we next meet. I shall be looking forward to it.” Odhranos stands from the table and bows to Lanara, then crouches down and greets Ranger for the first time, something he had been itching to do earlier, but propriety hadn’t let him. Screw propriety, it’s no fun. He offers the pup a smile and hand to sniff, daring only to offer a scratch behind the ears if Ranger seemed willing. Either way, he stands again and smiles at Lanara. “Thank you very much for being such a wonderful interviewee, I wish you the best of health in the meantime, and I shall pass your words on to Raphaline. If you ever happen to be passing through Xalious and wish for a cup of tea and conversation, don’t hesitate to stop by the Mage’s Tower. My door is always open to visitors, especially ones so willing to discuss the mysteries of the universe.” Odhranos laughs warmly, packing up his materials as he prepares for the walk home to Xalious.