Preparing for Things to Come (Annalisa)

[Mirage]

15th of Winter, 513 AV
Location: Palsa Hydrasa

The message had come rather suddenly in the form of a slave handing off a letter to Annalisa in the corridors of Sahova. The letter was written on parchment from the Embalmer's private supply, pinned in her hand, and the message was a simple one. Come to her office at the earliest convinced that day. They had matters to discuss.

Since the turn of the season Amaryllis had been busier than usual. She would simply spare passing words with her apprentice, answering questions when need be, giving simple instructions for what work needed to be done around the Palsa Hydrasa. Beyond this though the woman seemed to have no time at all to spare for the hopeful Wizard. This day, however, it seemed that something had changed.

Amaryllis was in her office as usual, the piles of papers higher than usual, and before her was opened a large tome nearly as wide as her desk. It seemed to be a list of names, titles, ranks, etc. She seemed engrossed in this book, but when Annalisa entered, or made her presence known the Embalmer would quickly shut the book, folding her hands on the cover and look up at Annalisa with a pointed gaze. She would be silent a moment, before waving her apprentice in, "Take a seat Annalisa, there are a few matters we must discuss on a variety of subjects." Shifting her weight and resting her back in the blush chair the woman would cross her legs, folding her arms beneath her breasts and raise an eyebrow, "However... before we continue, explain to me what occurred in the Yachluria forge."

The Embalmer's expression was not a pleased one, in fact it looked slightly annoyed. Her lips were a thin line, eyes piercing, eyebrow raised inquisitively. Her body language spoke of her displeasure at the recent events.

[Annalisa Marin]

This season had been an odd one, at least as far as Amaryllis was concerned as the immortal Embalmer always seemed a bit distracted. So it was that Anna was actually a little bit surprised at such a hasty summons to the Palsa Hydrasa. The notice had said at her earliest convenience, however Anna was never one to keep her mistress waiting even as plagued by madness as she was. It was always best to keep Amaryllis, her most powerful and closest supporter, happy. Her displeasure could prove... inconvenient.

Anna had been planning on experimenting on her newest Glyphing designs today, countless tests to run really. However it was placed at the backburner for this little event, oh yes couldn't keep Amaryllis waiting. As she passed through the doors that led to the Palsa Hydrasa proper the woman allowed herself a slightly unhinged giggle, such displeasure would probably be the last thing she'd ever see. Amaryllis was no wizard but she could move mountains with her words rather than magic, which made her dangerous to any on the outs with her.

The Sorceress quickly sobered up, placing the insanity firmly behind her mask of cordiality and pleasantness. A polite smile was flashed to the Embalmer as Anna entered her office, her grey eyes drawn the tome Amaryllis had quickly closed upon Anna entering. That was... unusual, but the Sorceress simply regarded her mistress and inclined her head ever so slightly in difference as she sat.

Idly Anna wondered what matters could be so important to break the Embalmer's shroud of silence, no doubt something earth shattering. Perhaps it was regarding her Wizard Assessment, proper protocol when addressing the Council, or even about her trip to the Heartlands. The latter still made her blood run cold to think about it, she was one of the most skilled reimancers on the Island barring Maelstrom and possibly this Kierra Doma and the place still sounded intimidating.

The Sorceress felt her smile lose some of its luster as the Embalmer brought up the rather embarrassing debacle at the Forge. Anna winced slightly as she thought back to the four golems prepared to strike her down for her almost murder of Osd. If it hadn't been for that man with the black arm she'd probably be rather dead, but such was the way of things. Anna was still technically a very new apprentice, petch it had only been... about 25 days since she'd slipped on the apprentice ring adorning her finger. She'd made a mistake, a very stupid mistake and one she was never going to repeat but a mistake.

"Ah... that little unfortunate bit of business. Well, I went down there looking for better supplies for my presentation however I ended up getting into a... disagreement of sorts with a slave. Unfortunately I was, ah, unaware of Council law down there. One thing led to another and res was out and flying, I reigned myself in but unfortunately security protocols activated." Anna said, omitting some details such as her declining mental state being responsible for her little outburst however the Nuit was likely filling in the blanks.

"Well, I decided the best option there was to simply not make any aggressive moves and just when they were about to, ah, carve me into tiny pieces someone intervened. Snapped his fingers and the golems retreated, he had a strange black arm and I could have sworn I saw blue markings of some kind on him. Not exactly sure why he helped, but I'm obviously not dead yet." The Sorceress finished, crossing her legs and regarding Amaryllis curiously.

Chances were the Embalmer knew exactly what had happened, she probably just wanted to hear Anna confirm it. Or she was going to punish her rather severely. Or both. The latter was certainly not an appealing prospect.

"I take it you are less than pleased?" Anna asked, rather unnecessarily, but she did anyway.

[Mirage]

The embalmer did not move a muscle as she listened, for indeed she knew what had happened. Well almost everything. Her expression shifted suddenly at the mention of the golems being stopped by a man. A man with a black arm, a man with blue veins marking his skin. A man who frequented the forge and could command the golems.

Amaryllis' eyes widened, mouth opening slightly before her face was morphed into pure fury. She nearly jumped from her chair slamming her hands on either side of the tome hard enough that the papers shook and several piles tilted and fell to the.

"YOU STUPID FOOL!" She shouted, eyes raging, hands trembling as she straighted her back and pressed palms against her temples, gritting teeth, "You stupid petching idiot of an apprentice!" She was nearly pulling at her hair in frustration, but glancing up at the still open door she refrained from such actions. Stepping around the desk, past Annalisa, Amaryllis slammed the door shut, the sounds of locks clicking came soon after. The Embalmer turned to look down at Annalisa. Anger, frustration, and perhaps a hint of apprehension, shattered the controlled mask that usually sat in place.

"An Isur male with an obsidan arm." She said slowly, leaning back and pressing her hand over her face, "Who works in the forge, and can command the Sentinals... You stupid stupid apprentice, you may have cost us everything." She lowered her hand, glaring at Annalisa, "That man can be no one other than Goron Silverheart, Chief Magecrafter of Sahova and member of the Master's Guild. The creator of the weapons held by the Wardens, the man who changed Magecrafting as we know it here on Sahova." She paused, trying to calm herself, "You lost control at the worst of times, and now... Now you have put both of our reputations on the line, as well as your very life."

The Embalmer cursed, walking to sit in her chair once more, but she did not looked relaxed in the slightest. Her body was tense, her eyes darting to and fro frantically, mind whirling, "You may have just made everything I have done for you worthless. Because of your actions you may have ended your carrier on Sahova. The title Wizard may be lost to you now... Damn it Annalisa, what were you thinking? You know better than this! Have I not said that you must be mindful of your actions at all times?" She looked at Annalisa in the eye, frustration building there, "Your actions no longer affect just you. You are my apprentice. Your words hold my influence behind them. Your title calls on my name. Doors open for you unlike anyone else, and you squander all of this for a recklass act against a SLAVE?"

Her expression calmed, the mask falling back in place as she set back in her chair once more, eyeing Annalisa up and down, "Perhaps I was wrong about you, and your usefulness. I cannot have loose ends in my delicately placed weaves. That is what you are very quickly becoming to me Annalisa. A loose end that I will have to cut off... I trust you understand what I am saying?"

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna was not prepared, in any possible way for Amaryllis' outburst at this moment nor the rage that was leveled. She was actually a little frightened by it if she were being perfectly honest, enough so that she gathered Djed under her tongue and her hands just in case the Embalmer did anything hazardous to Anna's continued existence. This was Amaryllis' domain and her refuge of power, but in a kill or be killed situation it was the kill option that was always taken. But of course the Embalmer hadn't taken any hostile actions against her. Rather she raved about how very foolish she had been and how destructive this was. Anna noted with increasing annoyance that she didn't expand on why it was, just stating that it was.

Her pride, coiled like snake in her breast was ready to strike out and she could already feel her fragile bonds of sanity starting to fray. The only thing that kept her collected was the soothing power of Rhysol, the erotic feeling centered over her heart. She couldn't afford to lose control, not in a situation as obviously serious and more importantly dangerous to her as this. Amaryllis was as much a danger to her as an ally, as she had known the second she became rather more trouble than she was worth things could go downhill.

So it fell to her to work on damage control, as Anna hadn't missed the might in her words. So instead of leveling her fury at Amaryllis she simply sat there and stared blankly at the Nuit, waiting for her to be done. No, the Embalmer was doing all the wrong things at the moment and chiefly that included panicking. Panic made one irrational, something that neither could obviously afford.

"My, but you do look so very attractive when you lose control. Very much so. It suits you much better than boring sanity. By Rhysol, if you weren't a Nuit... ah." Anna said at first with a smile, a comment meant to take the Embalmer off her guard.

She was quick to follow up with something logical, deductions that would hopefully placate the Embalmer. However she was being rather sincere, the Nuit did look quite attractive when angry. Annoyed was interesting but she'd actually witnessed passion there, angered passion directed at her but something real nonetheless. Anna was almost sad that it was gone, almost but not quite. Even she was suicidal.

"I understand perfectly. Just as you understood the risks in taking in one with my... allegiances. If you truly believed this to be so unsalvageable I wouldn't be breathing right now." Anna said simply, as though nothing were wrong.

"Now then you said this may very well cost us everything. May is not will, which means that this situation might still be salvaged. Again, or I wouldn't be breathing. You know I'm capable of solving problems and seeking solutions, so tell me exactly why this is a problem and how I might seek the solution." The tall woman implored.

If Amaryllis was more inclined to view her as a liability then this was already lost and Anna might very well need to stoop to... drastic back up plans to get out of this one. Not exactly pleasant ones, but ones that she considered necessary in the event of a falling out between her and the Embalmer at this stage. She was not the only power in Sahova and there was one in particular that was rumored to always seek new additions, a highly unpleasant option and possibility sacrilegious to Rhysol but sometimes survival demanded drastic steps to be taken.

Anna really would much rather it did not come to that, she'd taken one man to the gates of the place and had never seen him again. She was stronger than he, but one never knew. Was that what the voice had meant by seeing her soon? Rhysol she dearly wished for that not to be in her future, it would be undesirable even warped and twisted as she was. Her humanity still had some appeal.

However she was a survivor, she would do whatever it took to continue her existence. No one was going to stop her, not Daren, not Amaryllis, not the Council of Five. She simply regarded Amaryllis with unflinching grey eyes, the chaotic flicker behind them reminiscent for their first meeting.

[Mirage]

"You would do well not to mock one who has a vested interest in your success, especially if that one happens to be me." The Embalmer said simply, looking at her nails now in a contemplative manner, "I believe by all rights emotions were due, for I found myself overrun with disbelief that you could make such a folly. Do you not grasp the situation at hand?" She raised an eyebrow, "You have shown an unstable mind, recklas actions and broken the rules of Sahova before one man who helped to fashion them. You have not only embarrassed me, but you have cast yourself in a bad light before one who will, in fact, be overseeing your demonstration for the Council of Five." She looked up now from her nails, folding her arms once more, "Do you understand Annalisa? That man you so recklessly performed in front of is the man who will have an ultimate say whether or not you become a Wizard. He is highly respected, and his influence in Sahova is equal to my own, perhaps in some ways greater. At a word he can have you frozen at where you are now, a lowly apprentice. At another he can have you declared too unstable to be allowed to remain within these walls. Then again, he may decide that your act was a personal affront against him. He set the rules of the Yachluria forge, and you trampled over his laws as if they were nothing at all."

She sighed and rubbed her temples, "The situation is far more complicated now, and because of your mistake I will have to take extra precautions. Did you not wonder why he did not simply allow the Sentinels to kill you? The reason is on your finger." She pointed at the apprentice ring, "He knows you are apprenticed to me, and if he did not kill you that most likely means he has other plans. Plans that will make your death by execution seem far more pleasant, and most likely he plots to smear my reputation in the mud as well." She chuckled, a sardonic noise, "I can hear it now. Amaryllis cannot keep her pawns in their place, they act on their own, doing whatever they wish. She must be losing her touch after so many years."

The woman paused once more, raising her nails before her eyes, absently chipping away at some of the paint there, "And perhaps they are right. It seems I have placed far too much trust in you, and in your ability to judge for yourself what is and is not appropriate. From this day until you are granted the rank of Wizard you will not leave the Palsa Hydrasa. I will prepare accommodations for you to sleep, your meals shall be delivered here, and you will spend each and every waking moment with me, learning the proper ways to act and to hold yourself in cordial order no matter the situation."

The Nuit looked up, her tones icy and her eyes like glaciers, "You have done more than enough I think. It is clear to me that I cannot place my cards in your hands, and you are not yet worthy of all I have to offer you. I will see to this mess, fix the mistakes you have created, and craft for you another path to follow for this one I had planned out shall no longer be sufficient. You would do well to pray thanks to your patron gods that I have thought ahead and moved forward with my other plans."

Folding her hands in her lap she would continue, "I have arranged everything. Five days after you stand before the Council you will venture into the Heartlands. Initiate Celeste Arumen will accompany you there. You are to find and speak with Kierra Doma, place yourself into her good graces, and then take steps to be accepted as her new Initiate. Celeste will be your tool. Riyanna and Kierra Doma once had a friendship, though from what I understand that soured rather suddenly. Do whatever you have to to gain the Warden's Favor." She leveled a very meaningful gaze at Annalisa, "And I do mean anything. You cannot risk another blunder, not at this point, not when your enemies grow in number and power. Remember you have no friends, only allies and even those cannot be trusted. I expect you will keep this in mind."

[Annalisa Marin]

What was the old saying she had once heard? One is judged by the quality of ones enemies? In that case Anna rather believed she should be judged rather highly as now she counted an insane Hypnotist serial kill, and one of the most powerful men in the Citadel among the ranks of her enemies. Funny really how a simple action had such horrific consequences, if it were anyone else she would have laughed. Actually she was considering laughing at herself for this one, not like she had much to lose.

So the situation was now more tense, not really a surprise all things considered. Already she was rather longing for the cold gaze of Professor Stonemiller, okay maybe not that far, but still it was pretty bad. Her mental condition was, not wrongly, now very much in question. Hardly her fault, this whole thing was that petching Hypnotist's doing for pushing her mind to this point. Anna swore now before Rhysol that he was going to suffer unimaginable torment, a slow and very painful death for each hardship she faced. For good measure she'd spread his organs through the halls of the Palsa Hydrasa and place his head on Amaryllis' desk, filling her inkwell with his blood.

Speaking of the Embalmer Anna had to resist narrowing her eyes at her punishment for this setback. Amaryllis was going to pay for this, dearly, that much there was no mistake. So was every single one of her enemies, a list which grew by the day. The Embalmer though, oh, Anna didn't want to kill her for death was too simple. No, she wanted the Nuit to suffer for daring to have the audacity to speak to her so.

Those were for the future though, plans for a time long detached from now. So the Embalmer wanted to watch her, to make certain she was mentally sound or at least was outwardly so. Fine. She would do this, she would mold her façade once more and ensure that it did not crack like this again. She wouldn't do it for the Embalmer though, she would do it for her true master. Rhysol's goals had been hindered by this action, something she could ill afford. Amaryllis' petty schemes were nothing compared to the needs of her Lord, so she would play her part. She would act, for now. And then, when the time arrived, they would all suffer for their transgressions.

Anna noted with surprise that she said Celeste. Celeste would be escorting her. Into the Heartlands

Oh you petching undead bitch! You DARE to touch what is MINE!? The girl is MINE! You will forever rue this day Amaryllis, I'll see to it you scream your regret at the end of a lash! I will not rest until I see you kneeling before me, groveling for my mercy! Rest assured you Uldr touched FILTH, you will pay dearly!

Anna mentally raved against the Nuit, violent fantasies playing out in her maddened mind. The Embalmer would live to regret her misstep, for Anna was a monster but a very possessive monster. The girl was hers, hers to corrupt and bring into the glorious light of Rhysol. She was not the Embalmer's toy, she belonged to the Sorceress from that moment in the Dungeon.

Anna took it all, simply regarding the Embalmer blankly and keeping her expression unreadable. She would not give the Nuit the pleasure for seeing her rage, the same rage which threatened to tear itself out of her in the form of lava reminiscent of Ivak's fury. No point in giving in here, not now when it all was already so thinly dangled.

"Friends, Amaryllis? Allies? Too little you think of me. They are all the same to me, those whose suffering advances me and pleases that someone I love. If Kierra tells me to slit Celeste's little throat I'll do it without hesitation, only watching to admire the artistry of the betrayal. The path forward is all that matters. The rest is irrelevant." She said, making it perfectly clear what she thought of ideals such as friendship and attachment.

It was also something of a lie, Celeste was HERS. The girl belonged to her from now until Rhysol commanded otherwise, she was going to survive the Heartlands and she was going to ensure that her prized possession here on this wretched Uldr cursed island did as well. No one would take the child from her, no one but her true and only Master in this life. It was for him she obeyed her newest restrictions.

She leveled Amaryllis another look, blank and guarded in every manner.

"Will that be all Amaryllis? Also, what restrictions do you wished placed on my magic here?" She asked.

That last bit was important as being confined her for the foreseeable future was an inconvenience in regards to magic use. Her presentation sort of required some use of magic, and being held here would restrict that.

[Mirage]

Amaryllis smiled and looked down at her nails, "That is excellent to hear, because that is exactly why she is being sent with you. I will trust you to keep the promise you have so boldly made, should the situation arise."

Standing suddenly Amaryllis turned to her large wardrobe behind her desk, flinging the doors open wide as she did, "Now that all of that has been seen to there are more important things for us to discuss. Your blunder has created more work for myself, yet that is why I have prepared this final card. Remove your clothes." Turning around Amaryllis held in her arms a new set or robes, beautifully sewn from black silk. The trim was a deep purple in color, the hems long and flowing and sleeves large as was the fashion of late. Over one shoulder fell deep purple sash that wrapped around the waist of the robe, tying back upon itself in a knotted pattern. The robes would fall just short of touching the ground, the sleeves the perfect length to cover her arms. Sewn within the sleeves themselves were numerous small pockets, and the inside had large compartments to hold scrolls, or other items of her craft.

Laying these robes carefully across the desk the woman would produce a new pair of black dress slippers, as well as a shoulder made of black leather. Two compartments, one on either side, were equipped to carry scrolls, and the satchel part itself would hold quills, brushes, and ink in smaller pockets within.

"Try these on, and let us see how they look." the Embalmer said, walking around to sit behind her desk once more, watching Anna as she dressed. Her eyes would linger over her naked form, each curve, every angle, as if she were appraising her merchandise, "I see that you have been taking each meal I have sent. Good... As for your preparations you may use one of the empty rooms past the Rubellum Chamber. Simply choose one and I shall have a mat brought for sleeping."

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna thought very carefully about the situation going into the Heartlands, her options thin. If it came down to it her choice was Celeste, a girl she considered a friend, or staying true to her faith in Rhysol and advancing herself. Really it was unfortunately no choice, Rhysol was the true master here and if she didn't advance she wouldn't survive. This was her last chance, it was unspoken by Amaryllis but it was the truth. Another blunder couldn't be afforded at this juncture otherwise death would be the best she could hope for.

The Chaon watched as Amaryllis opened the door to her wardrobe, her next words moving away from the subject of her last chance. At first she thought she hadn't heard the Nuit correctly, but as she produced a set of beautifully crafted robes she stood and started to disrobe. Anna started with her gloves, slowly taking them off and setting them off to the side. Understandably she was a bit uncomfortable with removing her clothes in front of the Nuit, considering the way she'd eyed her form before.

The Sorceress removed her tunic, then her sandals, her trousers and then haltingly her small clothes. The red scar over her heart where Rhysol's blood had touched her was the most prominent marking on her body, her fingers lingered on the spot a little longer than normal. It had hurt so very much but it felt good afterward, erotic pleasure having soothed the pain. It was a constant reminder.

The set Amaryllis had set before her was immaculate, beautiful really if she was being entirely honest. The colors fit her well enough, black and purple as running her hand over the material she noted it was silk. Anna took the robes first and set about putting them on, wrapping them snugly around her shoulders. The woman noted that the sleeves had small pockets on the inside, the perfect size for small Glyphed items. Searching around she noticed deeper pockets lining the inside, storage compartments for any number of tasks and items. Scrolls were the most prominent in her mind, though she could probably fit her dagger in there.

The tall woman took the slippers and slowly placed them on her feet, walking in place experimentally. They fit well as well so Anna took the satchel and put it in place, rolling her shoulders to test the weight. She hummed with approval as she noted its good storage capacity, it would make a fine replacement for her worn and torn pack. Amaryllis had clearly thought well enough ahead.

The full set felt rather good, robes for a Glypher of her experience and power. The Embalmer knew her specialties very well it was apparent and had prepared accordingly, Anna made a note of that little tidbit. Her grey eyes finished appraising the immaculate set, she had never actually owned anything like this before. Her upbringing in Zeltiva had been common and her possession had likewise been equally common. She didn't really want to think about how much this particular set cost.

"It fits. I've noticed a few compartments for storing Glyphed items. I'm impressed, and I thank you once again for your generosity Amaryllis." The Sorceress said, inclining her head ever so as a sign of respect and difference.

Anna remained standing this time, placing her hands in the long sleeves and regarding Amaryllis expectantly. She certainly now looked the part of a Djed manipulator though looking the part hardly mattered to Anna, her magic was strong clothing or none. Power was in her spirit, the mark of her Lord upon her flesh and the ability to summon untold destruction with the errant wave of her hand.

So an empty room could be used for preparations, most excellent. Anna would likely need to place some wards around the chosen space, to contain and potential mishaps. Luckily she had already seen to Osd's gift before heading to here, so her newest restriction would not impede paying the slave his due.

[Mirage]

Standing and walking around the desk Amaryllis inspected the finished product. She walked in a circle around Anna, tugging at the fabric in places, adjusting the sash, "They seem to fit properly where they are supposed to, the length is good though perhaps I shall take up the hem and the waist a bit..." She stood back to look at the full image, folding her arm under her breasts while resting an elbow in one hand, the other hand absently tapping one cheek, "You must never underestimate the power that comes from the proper clothing. So many write off an appearance as unimportant, but it is true that the conclusions drawn by first impressions will stay with a person for life. You will walk into the room with the look and power of a Wizard, and the rank will naturally follow suit."

The nuit's eyes raked up and down, and she reached forward to feel a strand of Anna's hair. A note of distaste crossed her features, "You will need to bathe regularly up until the time of your appointment. Once more you must look the part, and smell it... After your washing perhaps I will provide for you some of my own perfume. Something bold to reflect your personality." her eyes came up to meet Anna's, "If you learn nothing else from me my Apprentice, then learn this now. Appearance IS power. How you look, how you act, and how you present yourself. No matter what you are on the inside, on the outside you must always be the picture of perfect composure and beauty. That is the intimidation that never fades. One can force fear by raw power and emotion, but should the one you try to intimidated grow aggressive, or grow stronger than you, that power is lost. This, however," She waved to indicate what Anna was now, how she looked, how she acted, "This will intimidate even those who hold more power and rank than yourself. Craft your mask and fit it in place, and never let it fall again."

Amaryllis smiled and turned back to her desk, "Consider this Annalisa Marin, who do you find more threatening. The great Master Maelstrom, the raving mad reimancer who has no control," She slowly sat in her chair, crossing her legs and folding her hands on her knee. She tilted her head back, looking down her nose at Annalisa, a tiny smirk on her lips as she held a confident aura. She was calm, collected, yet somehow the look in her eyes was dangerous, as if at any moment she could have Annalisa slain on the spot. It wasn't a question of whether or not Annalisa was more powerful, Amaryllis was clearly the one in control, "Or me?"

She tilted her head to the side, eyeing Annalisa, "I am sure you have found many on this island who outclass you in terms of raw power, and madness. You stand little chance to turn the tides in your favor by being like them. But that is the folly of all mages. They feel because they have magic that they are invincible, when in fact they are the weakest beings of all." She chuckled, "They may throw flames or bend the mind, but what I hold, what you CAN hold, is something far greater. A presence, a state of being that says without a hint of doubt that you are the superior one. If you are able to pass this test and gain the Rank of Wizard I will show you this power. I will teach you my ways, methods of gaining power even over a Wizards many levels your superior. Together we shall fashion your a mask to wear that will bring even the greatest Wizard down low before you, to admit your superiority if by grace and bearing alone. I need no magic for that my dear."

Leaning forward Amaryllis opened a drawer and removed a small box. This she set on the desk, moving it toward Amaryllis, "Finally, this will be the key to your success in five days. I give this to you now because I believe you need to see it. You need something to remind you of what is at stake, of what you will lose if you allow yourself to fall as you have of late. Take it, look at it and accept it. Let it be a gem of hope, and an item of your despair should you fail."

In the box Anna would find a silver ring. On it was molded the shape of a burning scroll, and rubies adorned the sides of the band itself. It was the ring that could be hers, if she passed the trials ahead.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna stayed still as Amaryllis circled around her, feeling rather like a fine razor was being drawn across her flesh as the surety of her power washed over her. Amaryllis was dangerous, very dangerous though it was different than it was from powerful wizards. A wizard's power was an obvious thing, but Amaryllis had no magic and still she possessed power. Just looking at her was enough to remind her that she was powerful, her bearing and means of carrying herself.

She spoke of the importance of good first impressions and of appearance, believing them to be of extreme importance. Anna felt that she rather looked the part of a wizard, more so now than she ever had previously. Before she had looked common, unassuming with only her power to separate her from others. She bred fear from her magic and the power that came with it, though her fight with Maelstrom had proved that she was no where near the best.

Anna considered this lesson, appearance being power. When she had been interacting with the young Summoner she had acted friendly, her power and magic being the thing that frightened the girl. Had she restrained herself could she have walked away from that with a much higher hand? It was a possibility, to simply act confident and be conservative regarding her magic. Long had it been her means of expressing herself, but did Rhysol wish a servant who could destroy with a wave of their hand or one who could cause others to do the same thing with mere words? It was something to meditate over. If nothing else having a proper bath would actually be nice.

She watched as Amaryllis turned back to her desk, a new line of inquiry opening and one that took little thought to know the answer to. Maelstrom had bested her, but for all his power she had managed to meet him spell for spell and live. That meant that if it came down to it that one day she could surpass him. Amaryllis though, her mind flashed to that day after the duel with the Mad Master of Reimancy. The way she had merely looked at her and indicated that her life would end with ease. It was the same look that the Nuit gave her now, on a whim from the Embalmer she could be dead.

She continued to think and consider, remaining silent as the Nuit spoke and absorbed each word. It was becoming all the more vital that she passed this test, to become a full Wizard. Her own actions had made the path more difficult, but if she threw herself at the task then she had faith she could accomplish it. She would prove that she was the best by ability and by appearance. The insanity still swam there but it needed to be contained, she couldn't crack like that again.

Amaryllis push a small box across the desk and Anna took it, opening it to look at what laid within. Grey eyes flickered as they gazed upon the silver ring, the sigil of a burning scroll upon it and the rubies glinting up at her. The ring of office that could be hers- no, it would be hers. She had shed blood for her apprenticeship, she would do so much more for the power offered to her now. She couldn't fail, and she couldn't allow herself to falter.

"I understand. I will not fail, I nearly lost an arm to become an Apprentice I believe you'll find me prepared to do much more to gain this. Rhysol strike me dead if I fall victim to such... weakness again." The sorceress said.

It was strange really, that Amaryllis had known of her connection to the Lord of Lies. Stranger still that she had taken a Chaon, those known to be traitors and deceivers as an apprentice. Though that was perhaps one of the reasons why she had, because she was one who's very nature denied connections that didn't benefit her in some way. Someone with no issue severing attachments for further gain, who was capable of the darkest depravity and evil.