Completed [The Quarters] A tale of two Pulsars [Maduro]

[Annalisa Marin]

83rd of Fall, 513 AV

Anna strode through the halls of the Quarters in something of a quandary, consumed by very deep thought. The situation she found herself in was rather... terrifying to say the least. Then again, this was actually not the first time that she had reached such conclusions if the paper she had just hidden was to be believed. Considering that the information on it was scrawled in her own handwriting the wizard was more than inclined to believe it, though it was still very confusion as it conflicted with knowledge she held to be true previously.

From what she had been told by, well, herself Daren Marlow, a man she had held in rather high regard and indeed possessed something boarding on attraction towards was actually a very powerful hypnotist. Actually, according to the exact wording his like hadn't been seen since Alahea, which was rather troubling considering the denizens of the Citadel were older than the Valterrian itself. Apparently he was capable of placing people into hypnotic trances were he could alter their memories and interrogate them, something he had already likely done to her more than once.

Another equally frightening prospect was that he likely knew that she was a Chaon, one of those marked by Rhysol. That alone would have made him a threat worthy of being eliminated, however the memory suppression and the fact that he had killed women like her in the past made him a much more serious threat. He needed to die, that much was clear but Anna was still thinking on the method to employ and how to actually do it. Her notes had detailed a couple of ideas and theories based off of the information gathered thus far, but all of them seemed rather risky.

So after hiding the papers away once more the wizard had opted to head out for the Palsa Hydrasa to meet with her master, Amaryllis, the Chief Embalmer of Sahova. The bronze ring of her rank adorned her right ring finger, granting her relative freedom to come and go most places. According to her notes, Amaryllis had assured her that the bronze would soon be silver before much longer. Being a full wizard would grant her a bit more freedom to act and research as she wished. Considering her abilities Anna fancied trying to go into creating weapons made from a combination of Glyphing and reimancy.

Of course the kicker was that while Amaryllis was also her ally, she was also aware of what she was as well. The Embalmer held all of the cards in the relationship, Anna in a way was essentially her slave. A slave with a bit more autonomy and freedom to act, but a slave nonetheless. That was even discounting this favor owed to the Nuit, one that could take any form the peacock clad undead could wish. A person's word on Sahova was their oath, both Daren and Amaryllis had informed her of this. An oath made when the possibilities of the form taken were near limitless, was hardly a good idea.

Though, since Anna possessed access to the mind altering techniques offered by the Embalmer, she supposed it wasn't all bad. Thanks to them she had a means to actually keep her memories.

The wizard's steps were confident and her head was held high, her ring of office proudly displayed for any that would have interest in it. Today was not exactly a special day, just one where she would report to her Master and carry out any task or heed any lesson offered. According to the paper, conversations with Amaryllis were always different than what they first appeared. She looked forward to gazing upon the Palsa Hydrasa again, from what she did remember it was beautiful beyond imagining.

Anna navigated the Quarters easily, well acquainted with them by now. Occasionally she'd glance about, ever alert for Daren and ready to keep up her façade of perfect ignorance of what he really was.

[Maduro Salvitary]

Maduro was wandering the halls wondering about the choices he had made up to this point. He was a long way from sunberth but what he had learned in his time in the slums proved invaluable. He could almost see how this place was much like that place, everyone was out to get everyone else. The fake smiles and loaded compliments were in no short supply behind these walls. Auristics an art he had learned and used infrequently became a boon, allowing him to separate friends and enemies and those in shades of grey perhaps frienemies?

He shook his head at the thought, instead he decided he'd dabble when he saw a woman walking around. She had this kind of sway in her hips that stated as she waltzed or trotted that she was clearly better then everyone else. Self absorbed and arrogant a woman's walk never lied at least that's what the science of seduction had taught him.

It was as if the noise and all other things in the room came to a halt as all his senses zeroed in and focused it lense upon the tall woman. Her Aura revealed what vague things it could, she was fierce her aura was overwhelming and she seemed healthy. Magical tones came from her like dancing flames he couldnt tell if it was because she had a fiery passion for magic or if she was just fiery. There was more so much more layers upon layers but even some of the easiest readings were simply just beyond his skill to really allow him to read into her spiritual glow something about her was off though her aura would become chaotic frazzled out at times. He didn't understand what he was reading, it was dark but there was a nervousness? Or cautious note, perhaps troubled by something.

To say he took a look was a lie, it started from her feat to her thighs up to her waist past her stomach a glance at her chest followed by a gaze into her gray eyes too a look at who this woman was. He wanted her to know he was checking her out, in fact he wanted her too look into his sky blue eyes, this was a seduction trick he learned he usually followed up with a spell of some kind after making eye contact. He was a wizard but he was still human and he fancied a woman with a pulse.

A powerful dark elegant woman.
What pre tell should I call this infernal gemstone that has graced me so?

Is there anything I can do ? You seem troubled

He planned to charm her, and impress her with what little Auristics he had at his disposal. Maybe she might pay him some piece of mind

[Annalisa Marin]

The man had made no attempt to hide his observations from her, a dangerous thing and one that indicated he was looking for a reaction out of her. Anna was an extremely vain creature and rather enjoyed any stared she received, whether they were of fear or appraisal. She allowed herself a quick glance over of the man, judging from the rise and fall of his chest he was still very much alive. Gazing into his sky blue eyes she noted that they both lacked dark circles and possessed none of the static intensity of the Nuit. Then again, from what she remembered of Amaryllis she looked very lifelike without actually being alive. Assuming anything on Sahova was unwise, very unwise.

At his complimentary comments the wizard opted to stop and talk with the man, figuring that Amaryllis was not likely in any hurry to meet with her. Besides there were very few living individuals she had shared more than a few passing words with, if nothing else perhaps her master might want a look out kept for potentially good bodies to be added to the horde of them in the Palsa Hydrasa. The thought was not nearly as revolting as should have been, perhaps she'd been spending too much time with Nuits as of late.

Anna sized him up physically with a glance, finding him rather attractive and of a bearing reminiscent of few whores who she'd partaken in at the Loveless back in Zeltiva. He lacked the hunched posture a number of other pulsars had obtained here, meaning he was likely not yet a subservient cretin. Good, that held promise though what he true worth was had yet to be determined. Further study and interaction was necessary before marking him as resource.

"Infernal gemstone? My, I'm quite flattered sir. I've been called many things but that is certainly a new one." The wizard said, flashing a brilliant smile his way.

"This gemstone is known as Annalisa Marin, Apprentice Wizard if you are looking for formalities but they can be dispensed with if it pleases you." Anna offered with a slight chuckle.

Behind her smiling façade Anna's mind was calculating. Troubled? When had she allowed herself to appear troubled? Had her masked slipped from her face for a moment, allowing others to see what her thoughts held?

"Ah, my problems are of a rather... personal nature. Nothing you need concern yourself with sir." She said waving off the problem.

"However, I would welcome a partner for conversation as I walk, if you find yourself so inclined. I am on my way to the Palsa Hydrasa to meet with my master, Amaryllis, Chief Embalmer of Sahova." Anna said, gesturing for the man to walk with her as she continued her journey through the Quarters.

The wizard slowed her pace to allow the man to keep up with her and keep a comfortable and almost leisurely walk. Her grey eyes flicked to him. Dropping Amaryllis name had been deliberate, as a mere apprentice her political worth was measured by who she served and in what capacity. The Chief Embalmer was quite the name, one that could open doors if used correctly. Of course, that further placed Anna under the Nuit's thumb but such was the way of her current situation.

"I don't believe I caught your name." The woman stated.

Idly she wondered what magic this man practiced and how proficient he was with its use. There were few people other than wizards that visited the island, and if he were a slave he wouldn't likely be addressing her so freely. So it stood that he possessed some form of magic, the question remained what discipline and how powerful he was. While he was pleasing to the eye Anna was more interested in what he could do for her practically, if she wanted pure pleasure she'd buy a slave.

[Maduro Salvitary]

As Annalisa flashed Maduro a smile, Maduro would reply with one of his own. The smile was a critical part of the seduction process, he studied her and from what he gathered this one would catch her interest. As he smiled he lowered his head and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, he was giving her a signal that he could potentially be controlled by none other then Annalisa if she chose to entrap him with those gorgeous legs that seemed to go on for miles.

As eye contact had been made Maduro dipped into his Djed, he wanted to test a new spell that showed some promise. He'd dabbled with senses, like pain and pleasure but it was time to try something different. This spell was a potent blend of flash induced hallucination and suggestion to subliminally strike an invisible chord within her sub-conscience it was a form of mental addiction a secondary hunger that could only be fed by a particular kind of stimulus. And Maduro would make himself that thing she would crave. Maduros aim was to become that pipe for the smoker or that deck of cards for the gambler. She would notice the effect when he was gone but not while he was there, it was an interesting speculation a secret spell he'd been saving although whether it would work was the question

Annalisa Marin you say
And an apprentice wizard?
So your not only beautiful your intelligent too.
I think you might be mistaken madam, on the contrary it is I that wishes to please you.

He seemed very amused with his play on words, he wondered what her reaction would be.

So your off to the palsa Hydrasa? And that your studying under master, Amaryllis, the chief embalmer of sahova? I guess ill have to be on my toes around you, as I could clearly end up like a pair of socks for the Nuit to climb into. Although if that were the case and your leading me to my doom, I'd make but one last request.

Maduro left the topic about troubles alone at least for now, she was very interesting and very accomplished. But he had to be wary of her, and he seemed to forget this from time to time. That even this conversation was more then pleasantries.

My names Maduro, I'm an accomplished wizard from the Zeltivian university. I haven't taken my judgement but I'm confident in my abilities, it's hard to find real mages. So I can consider myself lucky making your aquaintance, as you are by definition nothing short of a true mage.

Maduro enjoyed giving her compliments she seemed to enjoy them as much as he gave them. But he was very discreetly trying to get a feel for her, trying to find out if she was worth effort on his part. He was looking for a partner a study buddy, there were lots of dangers in this place but if had an ally that was equally powerful they could become a force to wreckon with

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna felt something odd about this man, a strange tingle down the back of her spine that told her to be on the alert. Daren had been all smiles when they had met, playing her fever clouded emotions like one might play a harp but beneath it all he was nearly as corrupt as her and more dangerous. This man might indeed be similar, she'd be the judge of that based on the exchange here. His words possessed a strange refinement to them, and his flattery smoothed her pride in a pleasant way. He was certainly making the right moves, but then again so had Daren. She was not going to fall into that trap once more.

So his name was Maduro, and hearing his words she was able to gauge something of his potential worth. A wizard he might be but Anna had to wonder if he was overselling his abilities, being a former professor at the University she knew of most accomplished wizards. The name Maduro had not exactly come up, though even so she opted to keep that little tidbit of knowledge to herself.

She turned her head slightly as they walked, flashing him another grin. He was rather generous with his compliments which usually meant one thing, he wanted something from her. Anna didn't know what it was, whether it was knowledge, advice, or pleasure but she was certainly keen to figure it out. She made note that he hadn't taken his Judgment, finding it rather odd that he wouldn't have attempted it several days ago or earlier. There were not many ways for the living to last on Sahova, food was scarce as was clean water for visitors. Apprentices were provided for, but only enough for survival normally. Perhaps he was waiting for a better chance or hoped to catch someone's eye beforehand. It made some sense if that was the case, Rhysol only knew that was how Anna had gained such a lucrative Apprenticeship.

"I assure you I do not lead you to your doom, in fact the Palsa Hydrasa is off limits to those who are not ranked within the Citadel. Without an escort at least. If you behave I might permit you a peek at it." The wizard teased with a wink.

"A true mage? Well, I believe my ring disagrees with that assessment." She said, idly holding up her right hand and wiggling her long fingers.

On her ring finger was a ring wrought of bronze with the symbol of two crossed needles on it, where the thread would be tied in the loops sat two rather unremarkable gemstones. It was unlikely Maduro would understand exactly what the rankings meant, so Anna opted to explain as he was only a visitor. Best for him to know so he would avoid pissing off an actual wizard and possibly killing himself.

"Rings are symbols of rank within the Citadel, depending on make and design you are identified by what your ring looks like. Apprentices, like me possess rings of bronze or copper. Full wizards gain rings of silver, those that gain even further backing and power gain rings of gold. From there I understand that the materials vary. For instance, my master's ring looks as if it was made from pure diamond and wrought like metal. It bears the same sigil as mine." The tall woman explained at length, turning down another corridor and continuing with their slow pace.

"The ring also allows one access to places restricted to visitors. Such as the Palsa Hydrasa and higher levels of the Gug Andjak." She said, giving him another grin.

It was common knowledge among wizards of the Citadel what the rings meant, but Anna hadn't known until Amaryllis had explained it when they had first met. She was really just regurgitating knowledge offered by her master.

"This being the case, my influence and power only expands so much as Amaryllis allows. No matter how powerful a Djed manipulator I might be, until I get my silver ring I'm only considered slightly better than you in the grand scheme of Sahova. Your fortunes would be better if you had come across another." She said, chuckling somewhat darkly as if amused by a joke only she was party to.

The woman drew up her tattered and ripped cloak up around her, starting down another corridor. It wouldn't be long until they reached the Courtyard, though Anna was considering taking the side passage Daren had showed her on their first romp to the Palsa Hydrasa. Most people tended to find the ghosts and their caretaker unsettling, Anna personally saw potential power.

The tall woman waved her hand slightly, dispelling the previous topic dismissively.

"In any event, I'm the unimportant apprentice. What of you? Why have you not undergone the Judgment yet? What magic do you specialize in? Also, how have you managed to stay fed being only a visitor?" Anna asked, her tone light and conversational.

That last bit especially interested her as if he had access to a good supply of food it could very well be a potential resource to exploit later on. She was of course playing at modesty, not giving any hints to her true capabilities. Anna was merely an apprentice after all, at least for now. If Amaryllis was true to her word she'd have silver wrapped around her finger soon enough.

[Maduro Salvitary]

Maduro listened contently to what Anna had to say about the rings in Sahova. She dangled her fingers giving him a fleeting glimpse and this pure smile of self gratification swept across her features. Of course this was followed by her strangely looking down upon herself in light of other rings, and this was the point when Maduro would step back into the conversation.

I wouldn't say that, I think I'm pretty lucky to have stumbled upon you. I love a woman that can wield power as gracefully as you do. But do me a favor my black rose do not fret and wilt over such trivial things like rings. You are a Mage as am I, you must never dull your glow just remember me and you are capable of extraordinary things that lesser people only dream of. Everytime you kneel ask yourself in the thousands of years how many times has that diamond band changed hands? Never perhaps? Real power here is not given, it's taken.

You were a true Mage before you stepped into this place, do not let them bend and twist you into thinking otherwise

Maduro thought for a moment as he continued talking and moving down winding hallways.

Me I'm a Hypnotist and Aurist, I also like to think of myself as a bit of a charmer. Now I know what your thinking, but I assure you ill be keeping my magic to myself although if your ever interested in lessons I might be able to teach you a thing or two.


As Anna investigated about food Maduro smiled

It's kind of you to worry about my well being but I don't go hungry, in fact I eat rather well maybe you'd like to join me for lunch or dinner sometime maybe breakfast? Can't start the day without breakfast you know. You See I came with a chunk of change on the island ooh apologies I'm just rambling forgive me, I get lost in your smile although I do have beer if you care to have a drink sometime.

Maduro wanted to exploit her interest in food, a system was in place and he thought he found a way ensure his survival. He was waiting on the ships to arrive on the island when the others ignored them he would purchase food stuffs at cost wait till there was a shortage and sell high. When he started making money he would buy food stuffs at cost outside the island, and have it shipped. Maybe if he played the right hands he could corner the market, what would a starving wizard give him for an apple to quell the terrible hunger? There was power in everything and he would use food scarcity to his advantage.

It was a gamble, he'd muster up everything he had to make a first good impression on her. Although he still had a ton of beer, alcohol was a rare luxury.

I'm just bidding my time really, I want to understand the game board and pieces that are on it before I play the game. although if you can escort me places I've wanted to visit the temple of Uldr for sometime now. Although If I ask to much of you, maybe I'd be so lucky as to be escorted to your little spot on the island? Forgive my boldness in the matter it's just if you see something you want, you should at least try and I feel as though I want you miss Annalisa Marin.

Maduro was good at conversation, and he had a feeling Anna was trying to figure him out. His best hand was honesty in what he was, Aurist and Hypnotist and he offered to teach her. He put his cards on the table it was a good solid hand, it was time to figure out if Anna would want him or reject him. But he made it obvious that the true prize for Maduro was Anna herself.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna was mildly amused by the fact that Maduro had leaped to raise high her spirits again, it was rather amusing to some degree but unfortunately the game was much more delicate than that. In order to actually succeed as a living wizard one needed to prove themselves useful, and in order to last as an apprentice one had display an aptitude for massaging the ego's of those more powerful politically. The blending of the two was rather difficult and often relationships could start off of circumstance. Anna's own apprenticeship had been something she had apparently requested from Amaryllis, after striking a deal with her to kill Daren Marlow. A mutually beneficial arrangement reached based off of the situation. Though, the tall woman still had to wonder what else the Embalmer wanted out of her.

Amaryllis was a tricky woman to understand, she was certainly prideful and beyond proud of the Palsa Hydrasa as being her crowning achievement. She disliked the fact the doors of Sahova had swung wide in the first place, and yet she chose to utilize Anna as her instrument to rid herself of nuisance. Not only that, but she promised much in the way of power and prestige which alone was odd. What did the Nuit want out of all this? Her angle was more than a little mysterious, as she'd discovered from the Embalmer herself nothing was as it first seemed here.

Her attention was drawn back to her companion as they approached the Courtyard, especially interested in the fact he knew something of Hypnotism. That interest and his assurances certainly didn't stop Anna from making very certain to keep a close check on her emotions and thoughts, having no desire to be dealing with two hypnotists messing with her head. One crazed wizard serial killer was enough for her to deal with. Though, being that he and Daren shared a discipline he was looking to be more useful than she had first suspected.

His plan regarding food seemed rather sound to her, it wasn't exactly stable in her mind but it looked rather like it could very well last him if he bought in bulk and rationed for himself. Anna was not exactly worried about food, unlike a visitor she was a resource for the Citadel now meaning that she had been deemed more useful living than as a corpse in the Palsa Hydrasa. Still, she made a note to perhaps follow up on his idea herself. Provided she continued to live past tonight.

Uldr... the name brought about the ever so slightest narrowing of her brow and a chaotic flash through her eyes. It lasted for a tick, passing as her expression returned to its much more friendly demeanor. The God of Undeath was worshiped here, that much she knew and bore with some distaste. Rhysol was the only god she truly worshiped, a handful were respected grudgingly but other than that the others were seen as enemies or competition. Uldr's actions brought chaos with them much like Vayt or even Myri so he was a tolerated influence. That didn't make his temple beneath her feet any less distasteful.

"The Tears of Uldr, eh? Can't say I appreciate your taste but who am I to judge? I could very well help you through the Caverns, though it would be something of a detour as it is located on... the eleventh floor I believe. However I suppose I could help you there... provided you do something for me." Anna's grey eyes held a cunning gleam to them as she halted before the threshold to the Courtyard.

"If you promise to do me a single favor in the future, regardless of what it might be I'll take you down into the Caverns and let you enter the Tears of Uldr. I'll not linger there so it will be up to you to find your own way out, and I cannot say what you will find what you seek in Uldr's embrace." Anna said, her tone very much still light and her grin amused.

One's word was their oath of Sahova, at least so the saying went. Amaryllis had requested such a favor from her in exchange for her assistance in dealing with Daren, now it was an odd scene to be requesting the same thing from another Pulsar. Perhaps the Embalmer had influenced her a little over much. Nonetheless, nothing was free on Sahova and since Anna had the power here she was well within her right to demand such a thing for her assistance.

This exchange was also very much favoring her, she knew a great deal about him while he knew next to nothing about her beyond her position and master. This was shaping up to be quite a good day, though she made certain to remind herself to make an offering to Rhysol tonight for having to enter the temple of another god.

"Also, if you are trying to charm a woman like myself I'd suggest you try wine instead of beer. Its much better and more palatable." The wizard offered with a wink, still waiting for his answer.

[Maduro Salvitary]

You know when I lived in sunberth, when people say things like little favor, and regardless of what it may be they generally meant they wanted someone dealt with.

My dear Annalisa all you had to do was but ask.

Although he wasn't clear on the particulars it probably boiled down to what he witnessed in the woman's aura. Problems were often solved with murder, so he took a shot in the dark to see. If she said no to murder now, she could not go back and request it later. Such was the nature of the oath of ones word, although he made it seem as if he was eager to please her by doing so.

Information was key, and he would require it.

No matter, wine you say?

Seeing as how your being so nice to me, ill try to sniff out a bottle for the evening. Not sure I can promise anything worthy of your palate but I'm sure we can discuss the particulars of this arrangement. And maybe particulars of others if your interested.

Again Maduro seemed pleased with how he put that sentence together.

I couldn't help but notice the look in your eyes when I mentioned Uldr, forgive me if I have asked you to do something that is against the nature of your beliefs. Maybe you can tell me more about your gods as we head to the temple

Although I am sure you are right that I won't find what I'm looking for in Uldrs embrace, the more we talk the more I question if what I'm looking for is in yours.


Maduro raised his arm out like an elbow so that Annalisa might grab hold to escort him in a manner a little more physical if she so desired. Even without the assistance of hypnotism was still a silver tongued devil, she had all the cards and he was willing to play the game.

Of course he was confident she would be back in the evening, he wondered how his experimental spell would effect her when she left him.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna chuckled, ignoring the offered arm and leaning slightly against side of the exit to the Quarters with the same amused grin on her face. He made assumptions, assumptions on Sahova had a way of getting one killed. His words were twisted and confusing at times but Anna had yet to hear the answer she wanted, falling into a verbal pitfall was certainly not something she intended to do. The Chaon was much more careful with word and information than she had once been, quickly learning to swim in the twisted and cruel world of Sahova. Besides, though the pleasure of slaying Daren would fall solely to her one never knew when Krysus' gift was needed later down the line.

"As I've said, the favor may take any form I desire at any time I might need it. Its non-negotiable, either you can promise me the favor or find another to take you to the Tears of Uldr. It really makes very little difference to me." Anna said with a slight shrug.

"You said before that you and I are true wizards. Here, its not about what you are, its all about what use you serve to another. I look at you and I wonder 'what can he do for me'?" Anna continued, gazing towards the Courtyard with a chuckle.

"You may very well find what you seek with the God of Undeath, I cannot say as I have little interest in him myself. I'll deliver you to him if you promise me the favor, what happens after that is up to how useful the temple see's you being. I'll not linger long enough to see." The wizard offered simply.

At the interest in her own god Anna smirked out of the man's sight, amused by the question. She had no intension of sharing the truth of course, too many people knew what she was and who she worshiped. Daren knew, and so did Amaryllis. That was far too many for her comfort, though with some luck one would be taken from the picture soon enough. Her Zeltivan heritage was useful some of the time it appeared, as it provided quite a credible lie to spin.

"I hail from Zeltiva, I was raised to worship and respect Laviku and Zulrav, Gods of the Ocean and Storms respectively." She answered simply, as though the answer were obvious.

She was still amused by Maduro's attempts at charming her, certainly she enjoyed his compliments but if he thought to win her over with a mere display of flattery and an evening he would be sorely mistaken. Depending on his answer she might very well indulge him, he could prove a pleasant distraction. If she liked how he carried himself and he managed to survive whatever laid beyond the doors of the temple she might indulge herself.

[Maduro Salvitary]

Maduro stood still for a minute, he let her words sink in.

And he thought about that amused grin that she gave him, as he put his hand on his temple and thought about this. The more he thought about it the more it was looking like Annalisa was going to have her way, perhaps he had underestimated her. Regardless as a man he recognized this defeat, but rather then dwell on it he would work with this. It seemed as if his ploy had worked in ways he could not imagine as he would be granted access to a place that would typically be forbidden.

It took him another moment and a deep breath later

I see now he said to himself

Mistress Annalisa I Seem to be at your mercy.

Your words have moved me.

I agree to your terms, I Maduro acknowledge a debt to you Annalisa in whatever form you so choose and when you so choose to collect.

There was a level of reserve in his words seriousness in an almost absolute form. She seemed to have figured out Maduro, and played his weakness's against him. For this man, he understood that it was best to be in her good graces. And while he was driven to pursue her embrace, he would be more prepared for there next encounter. He shook his head at the thought, a novice seducer mistake he gave Annalisa too much too soon and now he was at her beck and call.

I guess you have learned a great deal more then I about this place, ill treasure the knowledge you have given me.

He shrugged off his defeat as it bettered him and smiled at Annalisa, she seemed amused with him still. You could tell certain things if you paid attention and listened to a womans eyes and body language, he could tell by look and posture that she had not yet discarded him. Although that spell, it was starting to unnerve him to not know the results of his weave. As it could very well be his trump card, that was the only thing in play that could spiral the situation between the two in his favor.

And then

Humph they give you bronze and promise you silver when you deserve gold.

Maduro fell back into his seducer ways, by making a joke about the rings and giving the woman an elevating compliment.