*As he sips more of the tea (to which he is becoming slightly addicted), he realises what he would like to know.*
"Actually headmistress, I would like toknow a bit more about you - if that's alright of course?" _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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"Me? I'm afraid that's not a very interesting topic ... Her Magesty and I were students together at Atlantean Keep. It was an interesting time, and was when she and I built our strong friendship.
"After my schooling, I chose to travel for a while, see different realms, kearn different languages and customs and to gain information wherever and whenever I can.
"After I itired of these travels I came to Aegis to rekindle my friendship with the Queen. Shortly after I arrived, she asked me to take over as headmistress of the Acadamia, and shortly after that, I was asked to become Duchess of Draco and sit on the Council."
Maraiana looked to Leto, to see if there was anything else he would like to know. _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
(He sips more tea, and then asks what some might call a peculiar question)
"It wouldn't be possible to send some of this stuff to Salarain would it? I've never tried it before, and its... very refreshing." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana smiled, "Of course we can, its a personal favourite combination of mine, and I'll be sure to send some with you when you go.
"Now that I've told you about my life and travels, edited though it may be, you must tell me about yourself and how you came to this realm..."
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OOC: I'm sorry I was so long in replying, I had some trouble with my kidneys and was hospitalized, but I'm home now and happy ... _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
OOC: Don't worry about it! And dont apologise! I hope you feel loads better
(He nodded in acknowledgement.)
"Perhaps my tale should remain edited as well. Suffice to say that I came from a neighbouring realm, having been raised by priests and holy men, after my family were attacked and killed. I remained there for many years - under their watchful eye. Eventually, the brotherhood was attacked and destroyed by the same forces which killed my family."
(He stops briefly, remembering it all before continuing.)
"After that there was nothing for me there anymore, and I journeyed out. Aegis was the first realm I came into contact with, and if truth be told, I am not fully aware myself how I got into this position. It has all happened so fast." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana chuckled. "That's often how it happens. I think that's so, so those of us being promoted haven't a chance to realize what we're getting ourselves into." She chuckled softly again, sipping her tea. _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
"Yes I suppose that could be true. Still, Its a job I'm enjoying so far, though one I may not relish come the time of War. Someone has to do it though, and we should strive to be the best we can be given the circumstances." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana nods solemnly. "It will make or break the Council and cause many to grow into adulthood before their time." _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
(He leans forward in his chair, as if to place great emphasis on his next point.)
"The council must be united in everything it does between now, and the end of the war. Afterwards, I could care less about what they do - that way, there will still be a realm to squabble over. All i wish to do is serve the Queen, and aid the people of Salarain - and now the students of the Acadamia - in any way that I can." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana nods thoughtfully. "Then we are united in our purpose, Leto. Service to the Queen and the realm are my priority, even over the Acadamia which I love. I came to this realm to assist my friend, and I will use every ounce of skill and magick I have to do that. I fear for my province when the war comes. I fear for the school. I fear for the people of Aegis ..." Her voice becomes more and more expressive as she speaks, finally trailing off to nothing, as though the torrent of words she has to express has choked off her voice. _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
"Together, we can win this. If we all manage to put aside all the squabbling, and all the animosity, then we will win the day. We just need to believe in ourselves, and in each other. Then nothing will be able to stop us." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana smiled, a little indulgently, at the young man. She had seen things in her long life that had proven that axiom wrong, but she was happy to see that there were still those that believed it and lived as though it were true. _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
(After returning her smile, he moved his hand back to his side.)
"I've only been here a short while, but I've already seen enough despondancy to last us all several lifetimes. A bit of optimism and belief is just what the realm needs at a time like this." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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"I wish I knew how to give that kind of optimism to my province. The tension and fear is palpable, and I can't say that I blame them. We've very little to offer in the way of comfort." Maraiana's tone is thoughtful and a little sad. It is easy to see that the war and her duties are weighing heavily on her ... _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
"I understand that - but whether we can provide comfort or security is another matter. We must hold a strong, and confident front, lest the people will feed from our weakness and fear. We must be strong for them, to bolster their spirits, and keep their hopes of survival alive." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana smiled. "You may be new to the administration duties of a province ruler, but you obviously have inate skills and understanding of the duties, Leto. I agree that a strong and confident front from those of us in command is necessary, no matter our true feelings. Even the slightest showing of fear or doubt will be magnified and can lead to panic and riots - something we must avoid at all costs. What I was saying though is I wish I could give them real hope, rather than simply the absence of fear ... " _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
(He adopted a somewhat determined look as he addressed her.)
"And I assure you we will give them something to cheer about. I have already issued commands to our local militia, to fight with a ferocity never seen before. I assure you, if Salarain is attacked - and I believe the other cities will adopt a similar stance - then our attackers will not live to regret their foolish choice. Maybe that's arrogant, but without belief in ourselves, we can do nothing except mope around waiting for the end." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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Maraiana nodded. "Too true, Leto, too true. I have faith in the paladins and wizards that will fight for Draco as well - this city will not fall to the enemy ... not without heavy losses to our enemy - losses so heavy they will have trouble holding it, I assure you." _________________ Magick is the essence of life, and life the essence of magick
(He nodded solemnly, agreeing with what she said.)
"Unfortunately it may just come to that - a war of atrition, where the sheer weight of numbers comes into play. Hopefully we can achieve victory before then." _________________ Dream as if you will live forever
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