The communicator golem replied,
"Welcome, Amireh Vistas." It stopped for a moment, processing the usual erroneous words visitors make - what is it with people and their generic referents? Learn magic, study magic, exactly what magic? - unfortunately, the vastibule golem was not equipped with the thought processes needed to explain these things to the sentient visitors who do not engage their brain properly. Instead, as it had done many times over, it boomed,
"Cannot match request to input variables. Please specify the magical discipline."Once Amireh requested specific lessons, the golem will start offering a list of opportunities.
"Mistress Pagdin requires a test subject and/or an apprentice for her research called 'Practical Application of Projectiles in Self-Defense: Projecting Liquid Irritants and Poisons'. Preferably an aurist and/or herbalist." Followed by,
"Aelobius the Master Voider seeks anybody interested in Voiding. Magical talent--.""Greeter," Another female voice cracked in the room just as the golem was about to enumerate the rest of the jobs,
"Task number 66. Apprentice for Master Aelobius. Suspend for 15 days." It was followed by an authorization password spoken in a language unknown to Amireh.
The scent of cat dung filled the room - a cat who had probably been eating nothing but tea leaves and pepper. The inexplicable harmonious smell of decay and herbs wafted around the visitor. The boisterous voice belonged to a woman, whose beauty was directly proportional to her stink. She was also Nuit, her skin smooth like alabaster, lips red as blood, hair as black as ebony. She seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
"My, my, what do we have here?" She was graceless, and she walked terribly slow. She marched towards Amireh, hands perfectly still on her side. Her expensive white chiffon dress billowed dramatically as she swept across the floor. Closing in the gap, she reached out for the girl and smoothed Amireh's left cheek with the back of her hand.
"Such a darling." The interest, of course, was towards Amireh's body, not Amireh per se. If Amireh dies, the Nuit can turn her into its next vessel.
"Can't believe anyone would want to be Aelobius' apprentice. I've been trying to filter out his silly requests. It becomes taxing, so instead I just suspend them." She licked her lips, her lifeless greying tongue in sharp contrast with her complexion.
"Anyone who takes an apprenticeship under him... Poof!" A semblance of surprise lit her face, eyes widening, lips pouting.
"For the last five years, he's had seven apprentices. Poof!" Her voice had a certain eerie quality, as if implying that Aelobius was responsible for their... disappearances.
"Don't blame people though, he has a reputation," of killing his apprentices and,
"of being a very talented voider." The emphasis suggested something sinister.
"But that wizard is mad, I tell you, he's worse than somebody who is suffering from overgiving. Not many Nuits like to be around him. In fear of... POOF!"
"It will be such a waste of... resources if I let him have a do with you." She contemplated,
"Hmm.. but then again I don't want Qiao to get angry at me for deliberately blocking his Council's whims. Yes, best not get in the way." She recalled her request and gave a string of passwords, and the golem repeated,
"Mistress Pagdin requires a test subject and/or an apprentice for her research called 'Practical Application of Projectiles in Self-Defense: Projecting Liquid Irritants and Poisons'. Preferably an aurist and/or herbalist." Followed by the complete,
"Aelobius the Master Voider seeks anybody interested in Voiding. Magical talent unnecessary, please proceed to his office immediately.""Declare your choice," the golem said.
The Nuit beside Amireh whispered,
"Make the wrong move, I bet you wouldn't even last a day."