Dread. That was likely the best word to describe the feeling that was coursing through Arandaelâs chest as he ascended the steps toward the private offices kept by many of the magistry members. A million different outcomes were playing ceaselessly in his mind and the monotony of climbing the flights definitely did not assist with his racing mind.
The floor he needed both came too soon and too late and it was with a frown upon his lips that the Bladerunner Lord stared down the expansive and ornate hallway, the magical lights dancing merrily and lighting the various portraits on the wall. Here the faces of many former successful magi had been painted by master artists. Their severe gazes staring down at those who dared to pass beneath them.
Ruefully he remembered the time when he had studied beneath their watch. When he had idolized many of their stories and had aspired to be amidst their ranks. Now he was everything that they abhorred in most cases, at least when it came to the most proud of their number. Many thought that his attention turning to martial combat was wasting a good mind, and the man that he sought an audience with this day had that exact thought.
He paused at the door which was emblazoned with the name Blazereaver upon a golden plaque and viewed the ornate lettering for a long moment. He examined the curl of the strokes and the tilt of the characters as if committing it to memory. In reality, his mind raced. He knew he played a dangerous game, a game that he didnât dare lose or there would be more at stake than he truly cared to actively recognize.
With a slow exhale, Aran bit back his worries and rapped his knuckles against the dark wood and was greeted with a moment of silence before an irritated voice responded from the other side.
âItâs Lord Bladerunner. I sent you aââ
âYes, yes.â The voice from within snapped back, cutting him off. Arandael heard the sound of rustling and then a chair moving against wood. Footsteps followed after and a few moments later, the door was pulled open.
The warrior lord was greeted by a lithe sinâdorei who barely came to his chest with them standing face to face. Unlike when they typically met in the meetings of Conclave, Magister Blazereaver was without the ornamentation and robes and was instead dressed in a simple pair of mageweave trousers and a loose flowing shirt. His long strawberry blonde hair was kept in itâs typical side ponytail, and upon his face was the scowl he was well known for.
âYou came quickly.â Alcaeius muttered and turned on his heel. The door was left ajar and the warrior was given no true invitation into the room, but Aran entered anyway, For better or for worse, he had dealt with this ornery man enough to be far too aware of his less than welcoming quirks.
âItâs an important matter, Alcaeius. I had no choice but to come quickly.â Arandael followed him to his desk and sat down in one of the chairs that were in front of it. His gaze flickered around the room as he sat, unable to help but smile at the pure⌠mage quality of the manâs office. Books lined every available wall except for the window that was directly behind where the magister sat. His desk itself was sprawling and caused a bit of envy to rise in him. It was triple sided, with books and different pieces of parchment carefully arranged along it.
With all the haste that Aran arrived in though, it didnât seem like Alcaeius was ready to entertain the necessity for speed. The mageâs verdant gaze turned down to the book he had been reading when the lord arrived, his quill finding itâs way back in his hand while he scanned over the page.
Minutes passed. Long, agonizing minutes. It felt like an eternity before the Blazereaver lord closed the book in front of him and turned his attention fully upon the nobleman who sat before him.
âNow tell me of this matter.â
âLet me begin with the fact that this is more of a favorââ
âA favor!â Alcaeius released a laugh as he leaned back in his chair. His thin lips turned up into an amused smile. âYou disturb me while I have a deadline to make to ask me a favor?â
âAlcaeius, I would not ask this of you if I did not genuinely need it.â
âAnd now youâre forsaking formality and using my given name.â The magisterâs tone turned to soft musing, his gaze turning back down to his book. âI donât know if I want to entertain you after this slightâŚâ
âI donât want to play your gamesââ
âYou need to be a touch more diplomatic if you want anything from me, Lord Bladerunner.â The mageâs demeanor took a turn, his smile dissipating. âThe favors I owe are not to you but to your liege. While I recognize your need of me and I recognize that whatever this is, is dire. I do believe that I deserve a touch of respect.â
Arandael swallowed down the response that bubbled to his lips. This was more of Alcaeiusâ game. The man loved to infuriate him and there was nothing that he could do about it in this moment of time. Not when he needed him, not when he needed this favor. The lordâs gaze turned away from the magister and down toward the edge of the desk, a frown heavy upon his lips.
âApologies. You know I mean you no disrespect, Lord Blazereaver.â
âI know. Now tell me what you need.â
So tell him he did. All the details, all that he needed. Arandael watched the surprise light Alcaeiusâ features and then observed the severity of it all sink into his mind.
âI see. You realize that you donât ask an easy feat, yes?â The magister spoke up after another silence, having taken the time to think over the details shared.
âI know and I will owe you a favor of your choice in the future. The stipulations stand as always.â
âI would think it no other way, Bladerunner. Though I think for something of this magnitude, more than one will be necessary.â
Arandael swallowed. He feared those words would come from that manâs mouth. He drew in a deep breath and fixed the magister with a small smile. âHow many?â He questioned.
âIâll be the judge of that.â He stated simply as he rose to his feet. âSend her a missive and let her know that I will meet her in the lobby of the archives bright and early tomorrow morning.â
Slowly, Arandael rose to stand with him, the hesitancy and uncertainty was clearly written on his face but still he extended his hand to grip Alcaeiusâ. The deal was set and sealed.
The Bladerunner lord was escorted to the door of the office and only formal farewells parted their lips before he crossed the threshold and the door was closed behind him. He stood there in the hall, eyes closed and collecting his mind. At least the proof would be shown and the threat would be over.
Gods save him when that bastard decided he needed those favors though.