The Guinea Pig of Azeroth

Semi-selective RP Blog of Anduin Lothar - follows both Book/Game lore and Movie Lore, but as an amalgamation of both. Mun/Muse 21+

[skorgu]

[mylordshesacactus]

[id: tweet by @pervocracy 

“it’s easy to have the courage of a lion, they’re gigantic and have claws and no natural predators

have the courage of the guinea pig, a two pound meat potato with zero offensive or defensive abilities, that will scream at an ape 100 times its size if their lettuce is too wilty”]

[lionofthelight]

@lightoflions HEY LLANE! Don't call me The Lion of Azeroth anymore. I'm now The Guinea Pig of Azeroth.

[lightoflions]

Light help me. I don’t have the patience to deal with this dolt right now.

[medivhthecorrupted]

Guinea Pig of Azeroth huh? So you’re willing to be the guinea pig for my experiments then?

[lionofthelight]

Sure why not?

What's on the agenda?

[weirdlypersonalrpmemes]

headcanon memes inspired by things i like, part 1. ⤿   inspired by muses i write tw: addiction

send in a symbol i’ll answer the corresponding question about my muse!

[ 🏃‍♂️ ] does your muse have escapist tendencies?

[ 💄 ] does your muse have an aesthetic? do they adhere strictly to it?

[ 👥 ] does your muse have many friends? do people feel they can rely on your muse?

[ 📚 ] what is your muse’s favourite genre of books, tv, movies, etc.?

[ 💐 ] what is your muse like in relationships?

[ 💍 ] how dedicated is your muse to their job?

[ 🍺 ] does your muse have any addictions?

[ 🍀 ] does your muse believe in luck? do they have a good luck charm or rituals they follow to avoid bad luck?

[ 🎀 ] does your muse have any childhood friends or people that are important to them?

[ 💕 ] does your muse believe in true love? do they believe in love at all?

[ 🧸 ] does your muse have any guilty pleasures or hobbies that make them embarrassed?

[ 🌟 ] is your muse comfortable in their identity? are they insecure or confident?

[ 🧭 ] does your muse know what they want? how well can they advocate for themselves?

[ 🎈 ] does your muse have many regrets? what are they?

[ 🏆 ] is your muse afraid of failure? what do they do when they fail?

[ 💭 ] does your muse have imaginary friends? did they have any as a child?

[ 🩹 ] what does your muse do to de-stress?

[ 🚓 ] would your muse break the law?

[ 🧲 ] is your muse generally flirty, or are they more reserved?

[ 🗾 ] how self-sufficient is your muse? are they more independent, or do they need others around them?

[ 🙏 ] is your muse religious? what do they believe in, if anything?

[ 👻 ] if your muse were a fantasy creature, what kind would they be? why?

[ ⚖️ ] what is your muse’s moral code? what kind of morality do they have?

[ 💥 ] is your muse determined, or do they give up easily?

[ 🃏 ] how does your muse handle being lied to?

[ 🥀 ] would your muse betray someone they love?

[ 🥊 ] how strong is your muse’s survival instinct?

[ 🌼 ] what kind of first impression does your muse leave?

[ 🐣 ] does your muse have anyone they look up to?

[ 🎨 ] is your muse artistic? do they want to be?

[wow-images]

Why is he so pale? (Via)

(SeventhStorm-)

[medivhthecorrupted]

He’s old. Be nice to the gnoll.

[lionofthelight]

Did - did you really just say "be nice to the gnoll", Med? Have you gone mad?

[badwolfmagick]

[walkingdisasterofamage]

"Not my best moment, I will admit..."

[lionofthelight]

"Absolutely not. Medivh would likely have smacked you around a bit more. Oh wait. He did."

[funnytwittertweets]

[lionofthelight]

@medivhthecorrupted @lightoflions

[lionofthelight]

"Captain!" one of the castle guard called as he hurried down the sloping grand hallway. He slid to a halt when he finally reached Anduin and saluted. It took him a moment to catch his breath before he could speak, "King Barathen has ordered for your presence immediately, sir!" Whatever it was, it had to be important to involve him.

Lothar sighed at the first cry, turning to look at the guard, and then waiting for him to catch his breath. As soon as he had saluted back and thanked the man absently, he turned and sprinted for the throne room.What is it THIS time? Gnolls in Goldshire? Murlocs taking over Crystal Lake? Grand Hamlet changing its name? Or could something serious have happened to Llane? Or Medivh for that matter. Damn it all.

He skidded to a stop before he actually walked into the room as composed as he could be. He saluted the king, then bowed. “You sent for me, Sire?”

[lionofthelight]

(Cont’d From Here)

Anduin Lothar was no mage - but he knew Medivh. He watched the motions, heard the incantations - what there was anyway, not all spells, he learned, required either one or both. Once the mage had spoken, he looked around, trusting in the wards as he finally spoke.

“Llane has been kidnapped. A group of pirates has taken him to Freehold, and are holding him for ransom. The Proudmoore Lord Admiral has advised us to not give in to any of the demands and has offered whatever we need to go in and get Llane back. You and I will be going - however we wish to get there. No one else. No one else is to know. If anyone asks, we’re going to Kul Tiras to surprise Llane or something - going off on our own because we can.” He spoke quickly, and the pitch of his voice rose with tension and worry the longer he spoke.

Anduin took a breath. “In short, you and I are being sent to rescue him. We can’t plan much until we reach Kul Tiras and speak with the Lord Admiral. The king has more or less given us carte blanche within reason - whether that be to work with his men, or to do this ourselves.”

His professionalism faded away as he dropped himself down on the couch in more than just a physical collapse. “I was told to bring back his son. To make these pirates pay - Med… Fuck. They have Llane.” He knew he didn’t need to say more. The three had been inseparable for years. Losing one of them was like a gaping gut-wound, only a lot messier.

He looked up at Medivh for a long moment, then leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, then his head in his hands.

[medivhthecorrupted]

The news of Llane’s abduction was not something he would have expected. He should not have been surprised that a group of pirates would be so bold as to kidnap a visiting prince. Medivh furrowed his brow, wondering how they had managed to take their friend despite the sizable force that accompanied him.

Was there treachery involved? Negligence on the Lord Admiral’s part? Stupidity?

Medivh frowned and crossed his arms, “We’ll get him back, Anduin.” And I’ll roast the pirates that took him, he silently added.

He straightened and hurried over to where his failed experiment was and began to clean up. While he did, he continued to speak, “We’ll go by portal to Ironforge and then by gryphon to Kul Tiras. Take with you whatever you need to fight, for I’m sure there will be a battle or two, but otherwise pack lightly. Supplies we can pick up in Boralus.”

@lionofthelight

[lionofthelight]

Medivh’s words steadied the warrior, and he had to smile. He knew the mage was just as concerned about Llane, but for this, had the better grasp on a logistic plan.

And one where no ships were involved, thank the Light. But then again… portals. Teleportation. Eurgh.

“When do you want to leave? I know it’s not ideal to go this instant,” he paused and lifted his head to look around at the mess, “and I’m sure you need at least some rest before diving into this - I know I do.”

Anduin looked up again, straightened, and took a deep breath. “I can always pack light,” he grinned. “You on the other hand…” He looked again at the failed experiment. Before he was calm enough to pack, he needed to do something else. “Can I help you in any way?” he offered, rising from the couch.

[medivhthecorrupted]

The young Guardian shook his head and turned toward the mess that had been a crucial experiment. He sighed at the remains and lamented that he wouldnt get back to this for some time. “No. Unless you want to lug a bucket of water from the courtyard up here?”

He grinned at his friend a little mischievously. It was a genuine request but it also was a means to get back at his friend for interrupting him so loudly. He could easily conjure water himself, so it did not matter if Anduin declined the request.

“It will only take me a few minutes to clean this up and pack a few things,” he adds while starting with the ingredients, replacing them back to the cabinets where they belong. “Then we can teleport to Ironforge and rest there for the night.”

[lionofthelight]

Anduin snorted softly, grinning at Medivh. "Come to my rooms when you're packed and ready," he said instead. He reached to grasp Medivh's shoulder briefly before turning to the door. "I'm sorry I startled you. I'll help you with... whatever that is when we get back home."

His smile melted from his face the moment he was back in the corridor, however.

It did not take him too long to bundle his armor - both light and heavy - into their travel bag along with his preferred blade, and add several changes of clothing. After a moment, he added a shorter blade and a repair kit.

Once Lothar had finished, he wondered if he should have gone to get that water Medivh had wanted. With a mirthless chuckle, he dropped into a chair and waited. He knew Medivh didn't take long to pack, despite that he could be fussy about his wardrobe. He also knew that Medivh was no stranger to this kind of situation. In fact, he should be through that door in three... two...

[lionofthelight]

"Captain!" one of the castle guard called as he hurried down the sloping grand hallway. He slid to a halt when he finally reached Anduin and saluted. It took him a moment to catch his breath before he could speak, "King Barathen has ordered for your presence immediately, sir!" Whatever it was, it had to be important to involve him.

Lothar sighed at the first cry, turning to look at the guard, and then waiting for him to catch his breath. As soon as he had saluted back and thanked the man absently, he turned and sprinted for the throne room.What is it THIS time? Gnolls in Goldshire? Murlocs taking over Crystal Lake? Grand Hamlet changing its name? Or could something serious have happened to Llane? Or Medivh for that matter. Damn it all.

He skidded to a stop before he actually walked into the room as composed as he could be. He saluted the king, then bowed. “You sent for me, Sire?”

[lionofthelight]

(Cont’d From Here)

Anduin Lothar was no mage - but he knew Medivh. He watched the motions, heard the incantations - what there was anyway, not all spells, he learned, required either one or both. Once the mage had spoken, he looked around, trusting in the wards as he finally spoke.

“Llane has been kidnapped. A group of pirates has taken him to Freehold, and are holding him for ransom. The Proudmoore Lord Admiral has advised us to not give in to any of the demands and has offered whatever we need to go in and get Llane back. You and I will be going - however we wish to get there. No one else. No one else is to know. If anyone asks, we’re going to Kul Tiras to surprise Llane or something - going off on our own because we can.” He spoke quickly, and the pitch of his voice rose with tension and worry the longer he spoke.

Anduin took a breath. “In short, you and I are being sent to rescue him. We can’t plan much until we reach Kul Tiras and speak with the Lord Admiral. The king has more or less given us carte blanche within reason - whether that be to work with his men, or to do this ourselves.”

His professionalism faded away as he dropped himself down on the couch in more than just a physical collapse. “I was told to bring back his son. To make these pirates pay - Med… Fuck. They have Llane.” He knew he didn’t need to say more. The three had been inseparable for years. Losing one of them was like a gaping gut-wound, only a lot messier.

He looked up at Medivh for a long moment, then leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, then his head in his hands.

[medivhthecorrupted]

The news of Llane’s abduction was not something he would have expected. He should not have been surprised that a group of pirates would be so bold as to kidnap a visiting prince. Medivh furrowed his brow, wondering how they had managed to take their friend despite the sizable force that accompanied him.

Was there treachery involved? Negligence on the Lord Admiral’s part? Stupidity?

Medivh frowned and crossed his arms, “We’ll get him back, Anduin.” And I’ll roast the pirates that took him, he silently added.

He straightened and hurried over to where his failed experiment was and began to clean up. While he did, he continued to speak, “We’ll go by portal to Ironforge and then by gryphon to Kul Tiras. Take with you whatever you need to fight, for I’m sure there will be a battle or two, but otherwise pack lightly. Supplies we can pick up in Boralus.”

@lionofthelight

[lionofthelight]

Medivh's words steadied the warrior, and he had to smile. He knew the mage was just as concerned about Llane, but for this, had the better grasp on a logistic plan.

And one where no ships were involved, thank the Light. But then again... portals. Teleportation. Eurgh.

"When do you want to leave? I know it's not ideal to go this instant," he paused and lifted his head to look around at the mess, "and I'm sure you need at least some rest before diving into this - I know I do."

Anduin looked up again, straightened, and took a deep breath. "I can always pack light," he grinned. "You on the other hand..." He looked again at the failed experiment. Before he was calm enough to pack, he needed to do something else. "Can I help you in any way?" he offered, rising from the couch.

[archmage--khadgar]

Is Ven’ari our…

Maw-ther figure?

I’ll see myself out.

[medivhthecorrupted]

*polymorphs Khadgar*

[archmage--khadgar]

*SQUAWKS*

[lionofthelight]

*points and laughs*

[archmage--khadgar]

I have never felt more betrayed than I have in this moment. 

[lionofthelight]

Aw, you know we love you. No matter the form, you're always pettable!

[archmage--khadgar]

Is Ven’ari our…

Maw-ther figure?

I’ll see myself out.

[medivhthecorrupted]

*polymorphs Khadgar*

[archmage--khadgar]

*SQUAWKS*

[lionofthelight]

*points and laughs*

[soulrph]

sexual tension prompts.

i deleted my old blog by mistake, so i’m revamping these!! if you want to reverse them, add a +, like so: [ PIN ] + and the roles will switch! these prompts are inspired by THIS MEME! they’re designed for all muses, regardless of whether they’ve interacted before or not!

[ PIN ] : sender pins receiver against a wall.

[ HANDS ] : our muses’ hands touch. (anything from grazing past or the hand holding content we all deserve.)

[ GAZE ] : sender watches receiver from across a crowded room.

[ GUIDE ] : in order to guide the receiver, sender presses a hand against the small of their back.

[ INVITE ] : sender asks receiver into a private room with nobody else present.

[ TOUCH ] : our muses touching one another discreetly but intimately in a public setting.

[ LICK ] : sender licks something from their thumb or lips in front of receiver.

[ SLEEVES ] : sender rolls up their sleeves to reveal their forearms.

[ SMIRK ] : while interacting with receiver, sender can’t resist a smirk.

[ NECKLACE ] : sender fastens a necklace around receiver’s neck, leaning in close to do so.

[ CLOSE ] : our muses are in a position which leads to the sender stepping intimately closer to the receiver.

[ UNBUTTON ] : due to heat or stress or other reasons, sender unbuttons the top of their shirt to reveal their neckline.

[ DANCE ] : our muses dance together in close quarters.

[ DEFEND ] : sender physically intervenes between receiver and a source of unwanted attention.

[ TEXT ] : sender texts intimate content to receiver.

[ PHONE ] : while on the phone with receiver, sender flirts teasingly during the call.

[ BEHIND ] : unexpectedly, sender arrives close to receiver from behind, taking them by surprise.

[ WET ] : our muses find one another in a torrential downpour of rain, both soaking wet.

[ LEAN ] : sender leans tantalisingly close to receiver to retrieve something or catch their attention.

[ LOOK ] : sender initiates intense eye contact with receiver.

[ ALONE ] : our muses find one another alone in an isolated setting.

[ ASK ] : sender asks receiver if they’re single.

[ WHISPER ] : sender leans close to receiver’s ear in order to whisper something to them.

[ BRUSH ] : sender reaches forward to brush a strand of receiver’s hair from their eyes.

[ STEADY ] : sender steadies receiver by placing their hands on their waist when the receiver almost falls against them.

[ SMILE ] : sender begins to grin at something the receiver is saying, like a big unstoppable grin.

[ PULL ] : sender pulls receiver into their side as they’re walking together.

[ STRADDLE ] : while sparring, sender gains the upper hand and pins the receiver in place, straddling their waist in the process.

[ BLADE ] : sender, having been enemies with the receiver, places a knife to their throat, but does nothing else.

[ STARE ] : while the receiver is speaking, the sender’s gaze drifts to their lips.

[ UNDERCOVER ] : while pretending to be a couple for the sake of a mission or other purpose, sender and receiver find themselves giving a Remarkably Convincing performance that leaves them questioning how platonic they really are.

[ AFTER ] : sender has just impulsively and passionately kissed the receiver without any warning nor apparent reason. how does the receiver respond?

[ REMARK ] : after someone passes a remark on what a cute couple the seemingly platonic sender and receiver are, the sender casts a meaningful glance at the receiver, expecting them to say something about it first.

[ PHOTOGRAPH ] : as someone volunteers to take a picture of them on a day out, sender instinctively wraps an arm around the receiver to steady them, holding them close for a photo that turns out to be more romantic than they were expecting.

[ CHALLENGE ] : after the receiver teasingly suggests that the sender is a terrible kisser, sender immediately and fervently proves them wrong with a long, passionate kiss that leaves the receiver taking back what they said.

[ LANGUAGE ] : sender begins to speak seductively and fluently with the receiver in another language.

[ CONSTANT ] : after days/weeks/months/years of endless flirting back and forth, sender finally dares the receiver to go beyond flirting and break the tensions between them properly.

[walkingdisasterofamage]

Anduin Lothar headcannons?

Hoo goodness. Should have reblogged to @lionofthelight shouldn't I?

Here goes nothing!

1. He comes off as harsh, but he is a marshmallow. Especially to those he cares for.

2. He is absolutely not adverse to a good cuddle.

3. He cannot keep Medivh under control. He goes to Llane. Every. Single. Time.

4. There is nothing he will not do for either Llane or Medivh. NOTHING.

5. He is more impressed by Khadgar than he shows, and thus pushes him harder, especially when shit starts unraveling.

6. He complains about the palace cats, claiming only his horses are 'good animals', but can be caught with a lapful of kittens if you're careful.

7. He adores Moroes. They bicker at times, over what is best for Medivh (and later also Khadgar), but they have a solid bond.

8. He has dreamed of rescuing Medivh from Karazhan and bringing him home to Stormwind.

9. By the time of his death, he wishes he could keep Khadgar out of the conflicts - it destroyed Medivh, and he doesn't want it to destroy Khadgar.

9.a. He lost Medivh to his duties and to potential rumor. He can't lose Khadgar the same way.

9.b. Combat took his son. If combat took Khadgar, he would come entirely unhinged.

10. He has only ever opened up to four people. Llane, Medivh, Khadgar, and Cally.

[sigurdjarlson]

One of the sexiest things about this scene is how easily Lothar does all this. Effortless for him.

And as always I must mention the way Khadgar’s whole body jerks and his leg does that gay little kick? always makes me think filthy things

And Lothar’s men peering in through the hole in the door will never not be hilarious to me.

[lionofthelight]

I got good at it by dealing with Medivh. After the third time he dumped me in the lake I'd had enough. He can't cast if you cover his mouth the right way. He can't cast if you pin his arms. He can't cast if you do both.

Dealing with this little shrimp was easy. He was rather excitable, but also carried himself like he thought he was something.

Then again, seeing the mark on his arm is the only reason I gave him a chance to speak. That mark isn't given to just anyone - and I knew it.

It didn't hurt that he was cute. Or that he squirmed so enticingly.

... I'm going to stop talking now before I fuck something up.

[characterrevolvingdoors]

Maira: "I feel like I should be taking a very hot shower after hearing someone talk about my fathers like that..."

[lionofthelight]

Honestly kiddo, there's something you need to learn about the ones who brought you life: They are kinky, horny men. I know. I have had them both. At one time, on occasion. Depends on... That whole when, how, what timeline or timeay or... Whatever that tiny dragon-lady says.

The only other thing you need to know is that you were wanted enough that both of them set aside their preferences, Khadgar experimented on his own body via alchemy, and they kept at it until it took. It was not a short, painless process. They were determined at almost any cost.

They're terrified, by the way, the whole time. But they hide it from each other. Their first sigh of relief is the moment they heard you announce your presence on the outside - and Khadgar isn't... Well. He doesn't go the way of my Cally, as far as I understand. Maybe in some timeline somewhere. But. Well. Those things are infinite that way.

Anyway.

You cry. Khadgar sighs. Medivh bawls. You get cleaned up and instantly demand food because you're like your father. The whole thing is just making sure they don't drop you down five million flights of stairs (don't you dare tell me there is less @moroes I've walked them!) after that and it seems like you're still alive.

But your parents are very likely doing something very weird. Possibly with me, if it's a timeline I got hauled back in.

And in case you were curious? Yeah, we reenacted this little meeting a few times. Minus my lieutenants of course.

[characterrevolvingdoors]

Maira: -smiles- I have no doubt about any of what you said, Uncle Lothar. I am quite proud of my fathers and my comment was only meant with the warmest of humor.

[lionofthelight]

You got both of them. Medivh's dry wit. Khadgar's off-color. But all their love, two-fold.

Their little miracle...

*sniffles* Damn it... I should. Go do. The ...things.

[sigurdjarlson]

One of the sexiest things about this scene is how easily Lothar does all this. Effortless for him.

And as always I must mention the way Khadgar’s whole body jerks and his leg does that gay little kick? always makes me think filthy things

And Lothar’s men peering in through the hole in the door will never not be hilarious to me.

[lionofthelight]

I got good at it by dealing with Medivh. After the third time he dumped me in the lake I'd had enough. He can't cast if you cover his mouth the right way. He can't cast if you pin his arms. He can't cast if you do both.

Dealing with this little shrimp was easy. He was rather excitable, but also carried himself like he thought he was something.

Then again, seeing the mark on his arm is the only reason I gave him a chance to speak. That mark isn't given to just anyone - and I knew it.

It didn't hurt that he was cute. Or that he squirmed so enticingly.

... I'm going to stop talking now before I fuck something up.

[characterrevolvingdoors]

Maira: "I feel like I should be taking a very hot shower after hearing someone talk about my fathers like that..."

[lionofthelight]

Honestly kiddo, there's something you need to learn about the ones who brought you life: They are kinky, horny men. I know. I have had them both. At one time, on occasion. Depends on... That whole when, how, what timeline or timeay or... Whatever that tiny dragon-lady says.

The only other thing you need to know is that you were wanted enough that both of them set aside their preferences, Khadgar experimented on his own body via alchemy, and they kept at it until it took. It was not a short, painless process. They were determined at almost any cost.

They're terrified, by the way, the whole time. But they hide it from each other. Their first sigh of relief is the moment they heard you announce your presence on the outside - and Khadgar isn't... Well. He doesn't go the way of my Cally, as far as I understand. Maybe in some timeline somewhere. But. Well. Those things are infinite that way.

Anyway.

You cry. Khadgar sighs. Medivh bawls. You get cleaned up and instantly demand food because you're like your father. The whole thing is just making sure they don't drop you down five million flights of stairs (don't you dare tell me there is less @moroes I've walked them!) after that and it seems like you're still alive.

But your parents are very likely doing something very weird. Possibly with me, if it's a timeline I got hauled back in.

And in case you were curious? Yeah, we reenacted this little meeting a few times. Minus my lieutenants of course.

[giant-oc-ballpit]

I made one! Medivh Jr. belongs to me, Calia belongs to @characterrevolvingdoors

I love these two dorks so much.

[medivhthecorrupted]

I’m sorry but I can’t help but laugh that you made “Medivh” a sexuality.

Medivh is now my sexuality.

[walkingdisasterofamage]

Now? Hasn't it always been?

[lionofthelight]

Dunno. I know it's a "type". Like Cally, like Khadgar, you know...?

[sigurdjarlson]

Although with some of the deleted scenes that had with Lothar in casual clothing and not armor he looked like a drunken hobo wandering around aimlessly and I find that extremely funny

[medivhthecorrupted]

He is a drunken hobo. @lionofthelight

[lionofthelight]

I am not!

[khadgars-little-imp-deactivated]

It’s WoW’s anniversary! You know what that means!

[characterrevolvingdoors]

Maira: “Hi, Daddy! Remember when you grounded me for accidentally setting your robe on fire?”

Maira: “This is for that!”

[giant-oc-ballpit]

“Boot the husband! With love!”

-Kelyth

“Wheee! Now it’s my turn to throw you in the air, Daddy!”

-Ciel

[walkingdisasterofamage]

“I DID NOT RAISE YOU ALL TO BE LIKE THIS IN ANY TIMELINE. (Kelyth why?)”

[lionofthelight]

*rolling around laughing*

[medivhthecorrupted]

"MEDIVH ARAN! Why in the HELL am I dangling off the top of your observatory balcony?!" Anduin Lothar didn't shriek - mostly, but this time, he could make an exception. Especially held up by one ankle and staring at the distant ground below.

"Hmm... you certainly do shriek like a guinea pig, perhaps the title is well earned," Medivh laughed, a hand outstretched and magically holding his warrior friend by said ankle.

[lionofthelight]

Anduin took several deep breaths, trying to swallow his panic and stop himself from swaying. "Med... Please put me down."

He specifically did not say 'let me go' knowing those words would have him plummeting, likely to his death. "Do y- is why you'd gone so long without an apprentice? You used them for experiments like this?"

[medivhthecorrupted]

Medivh almost dropped Anduin right then and there. Not out anger or spite, but surprise and hurt. His would-be-apprentices were always a sore subject with him. “No.” He pursed his lips and drew the man closer so he could land on the battlements.

[lionofthelight]

The quiet answer bothered the warrior. Once he was safely landed, his eyebrow lifted. "You can't possibly think I was serious, Med," Anduin said gently. "I know you're fussy about who you allow to stay, and I know you haven't found one who meets your, expectedly, high standards."

He reached out a hand, laying it on the mage's arm. "It will take a highly gifted youngster to live up to you. To care the way you do. People may take you for granted because they don't know, but I do not envy you your position." He sighed. "I never have. Mostly because it ... Well. It took you far away from us."

He could salvage this. Probably. He smiled slightly. "Speaking of - is there anything I can do to help you find time for a visit? You know Llane and Taria would love to see you, as would the kids."