[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Mp4o1BW.png[/img][/center]
[center][h3][color=8493ca]Court Mage and Advisor Eirwen Blackthorne
Hathforth Castle, Castle Gardens, Hearthfire Gala[/color]
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[@Estylwen][@Izurich]

[b]“I also know both of you have… certain reservations, let’s say, for the Queen. So here is what I’m proposing, here in the privacy of the castle gardens.”[/b]

Eirwen resisted the frown that urged to form on his face. While that statement was...true, he wasn't particularly pleased that his apprentice had just been made privy to that information. He kept his thoughts private for a reason, and now he would have to contend with an additional risk.  

[b]“Give me information on what the Wizard Queen is planning. And I, in turn, will reward you with gold, and a place in the… new society.”[/b]

And of course Melisande, or rather her simulacrum, turned the pressure back on himself. A smart move that he would have praised, if not for the fact that it pushed him even more into a troublesome position. If not for the seed, his annoyance would have been hard to hide.

[color=8493ca]"Oh, goodness. I wonder where you heard such a rumor?"[/color] He'd kept his doubts quiet and trusted very few, so he was quite invested in finding out how exactly this visitor had gained such information. 

[color=8493ca]"Even if it were true, I'm sure you understand how...dangerous this could turn out to be, should the Queen catch wind, no? And 'tis not as if I am lacking gold. As such, I think it is only fair this sponsor speak to me directly. No offense to current company, of course, but surely you can understand my wariness."[/color]