TVC II Chapter 4 - The Queen of Mysteries

[Disciple of Nagash]

“I am just surprised that is all.”

“If you are here, it makes sense,” Rowhaine replied to Anya, “whilst you know that your inclusion in this venture was not my intention, as you are here and revealed, you are the obvious choice as the Nehekharan ambassador to meet with Neferata. Her distaste for men is very well known, and as such it is much more likely she may listen to you.”

“I doubt that,” Anya replied, “it is said that she has also never forgotten or forgiven the sacking of Lahmia so long ago. A representative of Nehekhara will just a likely anger her as much as anything else.”

“We have to try. At the moment the Council’s forces are sorely lacking the power to counter the forces of Chaos.”

“I know. I will try but I have my concerns. As for that Necromancer…..” Anya’s face twisted in disgust, “that vermin will likely have us killed by not knowing when to keep his mouth shut.”

“His arrogance is immense, however under all that he does have intellect. Hopefully he will use that when meeting the Queen, however you know the choice should it come down to it,” Rowhaine said, eyes meeting Anya’s, “if he proves to be a hindrance, remove him. The Imperator will be with you for a good part of the way, I have no doubt that he will ensure the Morturian’s compliance until that point at least.”

Anya nodded as Rowhaine grasped her by the shoulders, the warmth of his hands surprising,

“I have faith in your abilities. Neru chose you for a reason. Trust in yourself to see the right path Princess.”

“I will Champion. I will not fail you.”

***

Anya walked into the Courtyard, the point that had been designated for all those travelling to the Silver Pinnacle. Clad in hardened leather and bronze, she cast a fine figure of a woman with jet black hair. At her side she her preferred weapons were attached to her belt. They were unusual, seeming to be simply bronze rods with a guard three quarters of the way down. The handle had black material wrapped round for grip but other than that the twin rods seemed unadorned. As he hands ran over one of the handles however a shimmer of runes appeared that spoke of hidden magic in the weapons.

It seemed she was the first to arrive, and she seated herself on a low wall to await the others.

 

[Harland]

Roland ambled out of a small side-door in the courtyard, looking slightly surprised.
"That doesn't make sense... How did I get out here?" he said to no-one in particular. He looked behind him to see where he had come from - nothing but an inconspicuous postern gate. He shook his head. This place must exist in more than one dimension... or something.
He turned back to the courtyard, to see a woman sitting on the wall on the opposite side. He remembered that this was the waiting point for the mission to Silver Peak. Maybe I was guided...
As he approached the woman, he realised that he had seen her before in passing - in the council chamber, alongside the man with the powerful aura. She hadn't spoken much.
Very strange weapons... which usually means at least a high degree of competency. How would she go about using them? He walked up to the wall a few feet to the side of her leaned against it.
"I assume you are the one Rowhaine has tasked with leading the expedition to this vampire queen? I must admit that due to my past, I have not had the chance to delve much into politics." Suddenly a faint glow from one of the rods caught Roland's eyes. He cursed inwardly. more magic... oh how I hate magic. Magic brought far too much unpredictability to a fight. "As I am only human, and the vampires heading north intend to run most of the way, I doubt I would be able to keep up. Thus, it seems I will be accompanying you - hopefully I will be able to bring some measure of protection." He scanned her up and down again. "Although I can see you will likely be able to handle yourself." Unarmoured beneath the arms and chin. [OOC: Correct me if I'm wrong] Sever carotid artery. End it quickly.
He nodded towards the main entrance to the hall. "My... accomplice will be here shortly."

 

[Bounce]

Elanor left the throne room happy to be away from such a pack of fools.
"Men. Whenever they get together it just turns into a giant pissing contest." She muttered under her breath. She quickly went and found her bodyguards whom had bee waiting outside this whole time. The skeletal warriors did not look bored or relaxed but still perfectly alert. They made much better sentinels than humans. The two men shah had lent her were also still there, talking quietly to each other. She wasn't sure what to do about them but for the time they may prove useful. She could always use them as shields if that oversized strigoi attacked her come to think of it.

She made her way down through the ancient hallways and their faded tapestries and out into the corridor. One of the late comers was already there as well as the nehekharan women. She had come with that Rowhaine guy and Elanor had no doubt that there was more to her than at first appeared.
"Greetings. It seems that we shall be travelling together. I am Elanor." She said and curtsied respectfully, always better to err on the side of caution.

 

[The Archivist]

Faust arrived in the courtyard, still fiddling with his spherical device. He stopped as he saw Roland, Elanor and Anya.
"Ah Roland, there you are! And good morning [I think] to you two as well. Do we have time for me to use my forge before we set off, or do we have to leave now?"

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Anya dipped her head in greeting to the newcomers. She had waited sometime, although at least it allowed her to collect her thoughts and plan on what was to come. Then moments later three others had appeared, one mortal and two vampires.

She had mixed feeings on the vampires. Her blessings allowed her to see the corruption of magic that allowed their dead bodies to exist, which itself was unnerving. Combined with the many stories she had heard since childhood, the current situation was somewhat unnerving. That said, her gifts and martial training granted her confidence enough to ensure success should they be foolish enough to attack her.

"Neither myself or the Champion assumes leadership over the Council," she replied to Roland, "I am here as Nehekhara's representative. However if leadership is necessary, choices need to be made, I have no problem assuming such a role."

As Elanor introduced herself, Anya bowed in warrior fashion,

"Well met Elanor. I am Anya, Princess and heir of Raestra." To Faust Anya looked perplexed for a moment,

"I would imagine our departure is within the hour, far too short a time to work at the forge?"

 

[Harland]

Roland glanced over at Anya.
"I'm sure we will all get along wonderfully, with absolutely no bickering at all, and I highly doubt there will need to be any executive intervention. Especially if the twins and that necromancer comes along. I've never met a bunch of people so amiable to each other."
Upon hearing Anya's comment about the forge, Roland simply snorted.
"Watch this."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"I truly hope there is not any arguments that we have seen so far," Anya replied cordially, although her eyes narrowed at the man's insolent tone, "our goal comes first. Any hindrance to that must be removed."

 

[The Archivist]

Faust smiled to himself at Anya's reply.
"I only need half an hour to cast a gear. As for a forge, I have my own means."
Without explaining further, Faust set his back pack down against a wall. He reached inside, and turned gears for a short while before lifting a large plate of metal. It slid up on rollers, before Faust unfolded it down the middle to produce a larger, now horizontal piece of metal, which was half as thin. He prised two legs from beneath the sheet and it became a large work bench.
"I begrudge it, but to give credit where it's due, after the last forge construct I made broke, Roland's origami skills proved... helpful."
Faust heard Roland chuckle.
Now releasing a catch, he pulled a thinner sheet of metal from within, this metal a shimmering metallic colour with scorch marks around it.
"This is magma alloy, highly heat resistant but prone to breaking to a hard hit. It took me ages to smelt this lot."
Faust then unfolded the sheet into an even thinner net, which when assembled formed a small forge, with a furnace at the bottom and a forge space directly above.
"Now for fuel."
Faust returned to the back pack, which was now at the far end of the table from the forge. He turned some more cogs, then lifted a bag from within its depths.
"Coal will do for now."
He put it to one side, and pulled a crucible, mould and some copper from one of the exterior pockets.

Pausing a moment, he turned to the others.
"I do hate to waste fuel. Is there anything you wouldn't mind me tinkering with while I have the forge going?"

 

[Harland]

Roland watched Faust's endeavours for a while before speaking again.
"You'd be surprised how often he does this." He turned to Anya, "Believe you me, I have no intention of standing in your way... Chaos threatens the whole world, of course. And I'm guessing that if Tzeentch gains control of necromancy... that would be bad. [OOC: I've just had the plot briefly summarised to me as I'm still reading bits I've missed, so please tell me if I'm wrong] Whatever, I'm no wizard, just think of me as the representative for the humans of the East." He leant in close to her so nobody else could hear. "And if you have any.... hindrances that need removing, I believe I can be of service..."

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion had stood in the hall as some vampires left it. He realised he'd have to go the long way around to meet the party going to the Silver Pinnacle, as the door was too narrow for some of his golems. Turning to Karl and Simon, he asked, "Can I keep the fleshwyrm's remains? Given time, I can create a prototype for a wyrm construct made from flesh and bone, and I I was allowed to work on these remains, I am sure a copy of the design for a combat wyrm could find its way into Carstein hands. Without my work, however-" Morturion glanced back at the jellied heap left by the Ushabti, "I doubt you will be able to make much of it."

Such a mighty creature deserves a place amongst my ranks of warped beasts, Morturion thought. It could be a formidable foe, to be sure. Even if I'm not allowed to keep these remains, I may be able to create something similar from the memory of it.

 

[Bounce]

A warrior princess, how cute. She does look like she can handle herself though, well good enough for a human.
"If you are a princess than it does make sense that you lead our group, your highness." Elanor said respectfully. Best to stay on her good side. If anything happened to her I doubt that nehekharan god champion whatshis name would be too pleased.

"And before he arrives can we all agree that if that dirty little necromancer does anything we slit his throat and say the wolves got him?"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

"I'll let you decide this one Uncle." said Simon heading for the door closely followed by the Colonel.

Arriving outside he heard Elanor's comment "Unfortunately the wolves in this area are as of yet unable to slit throats." he said "Though I believe some of our necromancers are taking their research in that direction."

Turning to Anya he continued "I have arranged a military escort for this diplomatic party and I will be accompanying you as far as the Red Abbey. My agent Colonel Caneris will continue onwards with you to the Silver Pinnacle."

Colonel Canaris nodded to Anya "He has been instructed to let you deal with any negotiations with the Queen." Simon continued "He will be in constant communication with me so if you require any assistance just let him know."

He broke off as a Black Coach decorated with the Carstein arms pulled up flanked by mounted mortal guards wearing polished wolf helms.

 

[Lord_Mortis]

From where she was sitting on the roof, so high above the assortment of 'people', she would just like one of the other stone figures on the roof. You'd have to be much closer to her, and be a vampire, to see her as she was. Of course, those with witchsight are a different story. Ezra watched as the people gathered around the princess, revealed to her to be named Anya, a princess of one of the Nehekharan capitals and a chosen of some old god of theirs. They had forsaken Ezra's kind many, many centuries ago so it was not of her concern to keep their names on hand. It was also doubtful that gods would not hold grudges forever, even should they all pray profusely to them. Most holy things were unwelcoming to the vampirekind.

From what Ezra known, and had already tried to do, Silver Pinnacle's hold was near impossible to find. Only the most skilled dwarf was able to find it in the first place, before it was home to hungry, sexist vampires.
Obviously this would be a difficult, yet extremely dangerous mission, especially with that necromancer with the giant mouth with us, always insulting someone every time it opened. Him walking into a dwarven city full of male hating vampires would be like a wizard completely losing his control over the winds of magic beyond saving.

Yet, it would also be strangely fun. Ezra was always up for a nice adventure, with some killing involved.

 

[Mello]

The grass started prickling, and soon sparks started arcing between the gears in Faust's backpack, and other armoured forms around. The unearthly howling soon began, and Alastor blinked into view.

And blinked out again, flickering rapidly like a dying torch.

He seemed to be struggling against an invisible wall, forcing himself through something. His mouth was open, seemingly screaming, yet no noise could be heard but for the howling. Then Alastor seemingly succeeded at his task and fell forwards face first to the floor. Black liquid seemed to be seeping from his very being, and he weakly coughed up yet more of the alien substance.

Too far, you tried to do it too far..

He groaned audibly when he realised what sort of an entrance he had just made. He probably looked like an immature attention seeker. Like a certain necromancer. He picked himself off the ground slowly and ran a wet hand shakily through his hair. Looking around, he was glad Kraskor and Nekhlior weren't here.

"Apologies" he half stammered, half muttered, "I still haven't quite got the hang of that magic trick yet" he chuckled, which turned into another hacking cough.

 

[The Archivist]

Faust raised his eyebrows at the new arrivals. Thankfully, there were few necromantic ties between them, and the large body of mortal soldiers helped suppress the necromancy just a tad.
Seeing that nobody was willing to take him up on his offer, he bundled some coal inside the furnace. He took a box of matches from one of his trenchcoat pockets.
After a short while trying to strike a match, he realised that they were sodden. They had been in a back pocket, so he wasn't too surprised.
"Blast. Anyone have a light?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl had been speaking quietly with Nekhlior and nodded before turning back to Morturion.

"You can do so as Dieter spoke highly of you but take them swiftly and leave the hall, Master Nekhlior requires the room empty." Karl told the Necromancer "And good luck to both of you."

Standing the Regent strode out of the room with the remaining von Carstein servants following close behind.

 

[The Dread King]

"Thank you" Morturion said to Karl, and bowed, quite pleased that the fleshwyrm was his. He made gestures to some of the golems in his force, who stepped forward and picked up Defiance and the remains of the fleshwyrm. They stomped back to the rest of Morturion's force, which slowly filed out of the hall. Morturion paused for a while before following, preferring solitude at the current moment to reflect on his plans. He would have to tread very carefully with Neferata; the Silver Pinnacle was a very dangerous place indeed for someone like Morturion.

His army faded forwards - out of earshot and sight - down a corridor, and Morturion followed slowly, alone, ruminating about the members of the council and how they might serve his purposes.

 

[Harland]

Roland turned away from Anya as if his last comment had never been said. He saw another vampire approaching – seemingly a young woman. The vampire’s outfit was rather revealing, despite the crisp morning air. A longsword that almost seemed to glitter in the sunlight was slung over her back. What he could see of the blade looked far too thin to be practical. Probably elven made, then... She certainly doesn’t walk like a warrior – her footfalls are too close together. Which means she is probably another mage, and that sword is some sort of channeller... bah. He smiled cordially at her when she replied.
“Greetings, Elanor. That seems an odd sword for a vampire, no?” he commented. No armour. Aim straight to sever head as soon as possible. He glanced behind her. She was followed by a menagerie of skeletons and two human guards.Despite the armour, should not be a problem. Look mundane enough. I can deal with humans...
At her comments about the princess and the necromancer, Roland narrowed his eyes. “I do not believe that someone should lead simply because of their birth. Just because she is a princess, and one of a foreign nation at that, does not mean she should take charge. Ideally, a person should earn leadership by merit and merit alone. I simply assumed she was to lead us because I saw her with Rowhaine earlier – but it seems that is not the case.” Two men emerged from the door behind Elanor. One of them her comment on the necromancer. He would evaluate the newcomers once he had done so too.
“Already thinking of doing an associate in? Shame on you. We will never achieve anything if we are constantly seeking opportunities to backstab. Just because the necromancer and you do not see eye to eye, does not mean we should discard him at the next offhand comment he makes. We are here for a common cause, do not forget that.” He leaned in close. ”And in addition, as the Imperator says, you seem to know nothing of subtlety. I do not doubt the prowess of your magics, but if it comes to removing someone, best leave it to those of us who understand delicacy.”
He turned to the newcomers. Now that the Imperator was no longer surrounded by bickering vampires, Roland was finally able to get a good look at him. The Imperator was tall and walked surprisingly quietly. Every movement, even his gestures, were measured and exact. That is the walk of a killer... but a flamboyant killer. Roland could tell that this was possibly the most powerful being he had ever met, barring Rowhaine. And, perhaps... him... Roland mentally shook himself, and regarded the man walking beside and slightly behind the Imperator.
A scion, then. The man, whom Roland remembered to have been instructed by the Imperator to accompany him and Faust to Altdorf, bore an ornately decorated rapier and clothes that could only be described as poncy. Again, Roland could tell almost immediately that the man was a magic user. What sort of a serpent’s nest have I found myself in?
Roland suddenly felt the surrounding air gather charge, and it seemed to condense and claw at his hair and clothes. As the charge built, suddenly a ghostly apparition appeared a few yards away from them, flickering rapidly. Blue sparks showered every time the image flickered in and out of existence. Then, all at once the tension in the air was released, and the figure tumbled forwards onto the ground. Shaking, the slowly rose to his feet and apologised. Roland raised his eyebrows. Now that is something I have never seen before.
Roland realized that he recognised the masked vampire – he had seen him sulking in a corner when he had arrived, although he had disappeared sometime later on. Suddenly he realised that the vampire was oozing some sort of black liquid, which seemed to leak from his skin as well as dribble down from his mouth. When the vampire descended into a coughing fit, Roland started, and hurried over. This vampire is no demigod – he is a youngling! With the vampire hunched over, Roland simply placed a hand on his shoulder. Best to distract the mind...
“No reason to apologise... unless you have inadvertently killed us and we will all be dead within the hour. Where did you learn a trick like that? ”I wonder how quickly he can call upon that power?
He glanced around. Now numbering six as well as several unmoving guards, the group was swiftly growing.
“As we are about to spend a lot of time with each other, I believe introductions may be in order. My name is Roland Kobura, born in the empire and raised in Cathay.”
He was about to continue when suddenly an ornate coach clattered over the cobblestones and into view. The coach was mostly painted black, and was adorned with a huge coat of arms that Roland did not recognize. What foul power now enters the game?

 

[Mello]

Alastor jumped when he felt something on his shoulder, before realising it was an attempted gesture of comfort. He suppressed a shudder. He never liked contact like this, but he must keep up the remnants of appearances up. They can think he's irritating and arrogant, but they could never know how disturbed he felt by people.

Shivering slightly, Alastor replied "Well since my, ascension, it happened one day and I guess it stuck. I've never known how exactly I do it, but I've always thought its something to do with my mind. It's never been whole if you understand."

Alastor smiled wryly, he liked being cryptic.

 

[Kavok]

As the members in the council room started to leave to prepare for their immediate departure for the Silver Pinnacle, Kavok decided he should probably get ready quickly as well. Leaving the main hall, Kavok quickly asked a servant if they could have someone sent out to retrieve his two handed blade, and gives a small description of it and its unusual placement. He then also asks for directions to the armory and the kitchen. Going to the armory first, he picks out a simple looking blade, and a shield that has yet to have heraldry painted on, and straps them on, hoping that the lord here won't mind.

Then Kavok goes off towards the kitchen and asks for a few days worth of provisions and a small meal for right then. Quickly having a light meal of bread and cheese, with a bit of ale, a servant came in with Kavok's larger sword. Happy to see they managed to find the right one, Kavok thanked the servant and put the sword in its holding on his back. Then finishing off the ale, Kavok picked up the last of the bread, and the provisions that the kitchen staff packed up, and started towards the stables.

As he got there, one of the stable hands rushed over and said "Thank the masters that your here. You seem to have a very... spirited steed. We managed to get him into a stall, but has been giving us a fit the entire time. I'm not sure how you manage that one." The man whips his brow with a worn looking piece of cloth.

Kavok raises an eyebrow looking between the servant and the stalls before the problem dawns on him. 'Well, I guess it is a good thing the horse isn't as thick when it comes to danger as I am... He seems to have realized very quickly that this was a very dangerous place.' "Alright, I'll go see if I can't calm him down."

After being led to the stall that held his horse, Kavok grabbed onto the reigns and did his best to calm the horse down. After a little while Kavok managed to coax the horse into calming down, and then has the stable hands put the saddle and saddlebags back onto the mount. Then Kavok separates the food into the packs, before leading the horse out of the stables and into the courtyard.

Looking at the members already gathered, Kavok lets out a small sigh. 'Do I really want to be doing this? Going on a diplomatic mission with a bunch of vampires for a bunch of vampires seems like a bad idea... I know that most of the vampires I've met so far aren't... that terrible... Its not like they can help that their food source is... Ugh... That is still a really disturbing thought. Though do they have to kill them to have enough blood to sustain themselves? Hmm... I'll have to ask... And isn't that going to be awkward to bring up. Though for a diplomatic mission, why are we letting the... mentally unstable... people come with us? Surly it would be better if they went with the combatants where they actually have something they can be focused on other then being a general nuisance to everyone around them. Oh well... At least the headaches have started to go away after I managed to eat something. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I had started eating. I guess it has been a little while since I last ate.'

Looking between the black coach and the rest of the party, Kavok said "I'm guessing you will all be riding in that for the journey then?" 'I can't say I envy them... I've at least learned how to properly ride on a horse... A carriage is just plain uncomfortable to ride in...'

 

[Get of W'soran]

Dieter reached the courtyard swiftly enough, the training halls for his men being located close enough to the entrance of the castle.

The Blood Dragon was in a good mood as he saw the others, the fight with Lord Shah having energized him although truth be told he could feel his bloodlust rising however he quenched such feelings easily enough thanks to centuries of discipline.

As the Captain of the Regent's Guard neared the group he swept his gaze over them.
His mind working as it did when on assignment swiftly decided on a Chain of Command, usually that would be Lord Imperator Simon however the Lord Regent had intercepted his Bodyguard to deliver a very specific command.

"Protect the mortal Anya at all costs Captain, our alliance with Rowhaine is extremely important and we can't afford anything to go wrong with the diplomatic mission to Nefereta. I have dealt with the Queen and her Eternals in the past. Becareful. Simon is aware of these orders so he may have informed the Colonel." he had said.

Dieter first bowed deeply to the Lord Imperator.

Dieter made his way to Anya and bowed, although shallower than he had done to Simon.
"Princess." he attempted to say it politely but his rough tones made it more of a growl "I am Captain Dieter, I shall be filling in for the Lord Regent on this Council." he informed her.

After a moment he saluted Canaris. "Colonel."

Dieter was pleased to see the von Carstein soldier, it was good to have a fellow warrior of the von Carstein army close by.

 

[Harland]

As Roland spoke, he could feel the almost imperceptible twitches and jerks that told him that he was making this vampire uncomfortable. When he had finished, he withdrew his hand. Bah. I should just stick to killing people instead of comforting them. His eyebrows rose slightly as the vampire spoke. Not entirely whole? Ah, vanity. The ever-present curse of the mildly insane... He backed off a bit to give the recovering vampire a bit of space.
"Well, it's a talent I am sure will prove useful." As he walked back to sit back on the wall, he addressed the party in general: "Now that you all know who I am, what are your names? Familiarity is a good step forwards to cooperation, I think."
When he turned to sit on the wall, he saw another figure approaching. A... Bretonnian knight? What is going on in this madhouse? In answer to the knight's question concerning the as-yet unmoving coach, Roland frowned.
"I truly hope not. I much prefer walking. And anyway, I doubt we'll all manage to squeeze in. And if we somehow do, we'll likely need a doctor." His eyes quickly scanned the knight briefly. Entirely mundane, as far as I can tell. Shouldn't be a problem.
His eyes flicked up to see another new arrival. My, aren't they pouring in. And this one really is something. The wide, square walk. Finely crafter armour. And that monstrous two-handed sword. It seems we won't be relying on my skills for protection for the entirety of this journey. Roland espied the large scar on the right side of the man's face. Jab to top of scar, tear along its length. Re-irritate dormant nerves.

 

[The Archivist]

Faust was turning through his pockets trying to find a match that wasn't soaked or faded. Looking imploringly around him for help, he set up the crucible with the copper ready to go. All he needed was the fire to be lit.

He set the mould out on the cobbled floor. He picked a pair of tongs from within his backpack and laid them on the workbench.
"I'll ask again: does anyone have a light? I need three or four minutes of furnace level heat to properly melt the copper and if I'm to finish before we go I need to get it lit sooner rather than later."

 

[Bounce]

Elanor frowned as the strange male human assassin questioned her. She wasn't sure she wanted him to know anything about her.
"This sword suits me well enough. I ... found it." She placed her hand protectively on it's hilt.
"Well if you would rather have the necromancer or the brettonian knight take charge. I am fine with it. But I have little doubt the princess has been training and practicing for rule since the day she was born. Which is why rule by birth can have some advantages.

"Subtlety is for the weak." She said dramatically and raising her hand lit it on fire.
"Here you go professer." She said.

He thinks I lack subtlety he has no idea of all the subtle moves I am making. He doesn't know I have you Silence. She said and then grinned happily. That was for the best though, best to let them think she was as foolish as that necromancer. She would show them all soon enough. Except for the Knight of course and maybe Nimrais.

 

[Harland]

[OOC: Bounce, Roland is not actually Cathayan . He looks like he's from the Empire (and therefore not foreign, as that is where he was born and where is family is from]
Roland grinned at the vampires comments."Found it? Aye... Just like I 'found' this coat. I was merely starting a conversation - but if it is sensitive information you do not wish to reveal, I will not press further.
"Personally, I would have no-one in charge. But if we cannot cooperate, and we need a single will to guide us in our foolishness, then so be it.
"Trained to rule?"He glanced over at the impassive princess. "While I have no reason to doubt the princesses abilities, it is likely that any 'training' she received is not for the likes of us.
"And subtlety is not for the weak - it is for those wise enough to know that you will lose less men if the enemy is dead before he knows you're there." His eyes followed the vampire's hand as she lit Faust's coal. "Although, as you might know from what I said at the meal, I have a certain appreciation for flair. Which you must share, as a fire mage."