Closed [Judgement] Ends and Beginnings

[Ink]

Silverheart nodded as Clyde reiterated his explanation of reversing the anti-behavioral process. It was notable that the audience though large in size was almost dead silent through the proceedings.

Wayza tilted her head curiously, examining Clyde auristically as she was inclined to do.”Glyphing is not enough Apprentice Sullins. Then again… it was enough for you wasn’t it Gildarey?”

The blonde Nuit on the end that asked about his appraisal process nodded, “It serves some of us well enough Councilor Wayza.” Although he should have been chagrined his voice seemed nearly flippant, perhaps decades of the same jokes made one too jaded for embarrassment

Wayza nodded at Gildarey, “You are right, but you mentioned Auristic examination? Would you care to attempt such an experiment here? Are you confident?” The question was rhetorical really since she had motioned to Amaryllis, the second female nuit produced a scroll. Iceris jogged forward to take the enormous scroll. She returned it to Clyde and unrolled the map before him.

The map itself was a general geographical map of Sahova. It wasn’t exceptional detailed but it did show altitude of the land which was an exceptional rare map in its own way. Wayza had made her name on auristics although it wasn’t her greatest skill. An examination of the map would reveal words, a single phrase written with a quill in invisible ink infused with djed. In the hidden reprieves, the Sun shall rise. Followed by the Black Sun emblem and one additional rhyme, It is the catch the tiger’s toe, for the indisputable truth to know. None of it was easy to see at first glance, the words and signet were hidden in the contours of the map and the back side of the map had been shielded against sight and auristics. Only from Clyde’s perspective could any message be perceived.

Thelma still stood silent beside him. Her eyes slipped over to view the map and then nodded sharply. immediately following that her gaze turned to a beaded bracelet in the palm of her hands. She was still working, here in the middle of a judgement.

Amaryllis eyed Clyde speculatively, “Read the adage for us Clyde Sullins and I will give you my vote.”

[Clyde Sullins]

Still clutching Cha, Clyde felt a bit more at ease, as the Isur agreed with his assessment of the Anti-Anti- behavior theory. He did not notice the quietness of those about the room, that the audience was far more silent than usual. He was far to focused on his presentation, to let himself be distracted by what was not distracting him. But as was expected, things where not through, and another demand was made of him, while at the same time a jibe was made at another member of those judging him. ”Glyphing is not enough Apprentice Sullins. Then again… it was enough for you wasn’t it Gildarey?” Apparently this one, the nuit named Gildarey, was a Glypher also, an accomplished one. Likely, or so Clyde thought to himself, he was not as skilled as Clyde, but likely was skilled enough by most measures of the magic. “It serves some of us well enough Councilor Wayza.” Still though, he was unsure what that was about. Was Glyphing not a second magic? Had they not said he simply needed to display proficiency with a second magic? For now he was doing his best to keep his skills in Remiancy under wraps, but thought that he might perhaps be forced to do so. It being such a combative magic, he did not particularly want to show it, preferring to keep at least the one card up his sleeve. “You are right, but you mentioned Auristic examination? Would you care to attempt such an experiment here? Are you confident?” The question was not truly a question, and from a motion from the female mage, a item was produced. A scroll of sorts. He was presented with the scroll for examination apparently. And what an interesting map it was. “Read the adage for us Clyde Sullins and I will give you my vote.” While he owned a general map of Sylira, and had seen maps before, this was one of the finest maps he'd seen yet of Sahova. Before attempting anything magical with it, Clyde spent a chime simply looking it over, trying to recall what he could for later need. The most interesting feature was that of altitude markers. However Clyde had a feeling what he was looking for was beyond the mundane. Willing his djed out and through his body, he focused it within Cha, willing for the flow of djed to course down his body, through his arm, and into Cha. There he would will it to resonate, as a part of him, extending out his mage sense or auristical sight, from the enchanted wood. Out from Cha his djed echoed, pulsed, and swayed, washing outward and towards the map. As it brushed against the edges of the map, he felt an outline grow, a overlay of grey that mimicked the map in its sight, but with a different depth. Within his mind Clyde could prod and tilt the sight, as if he was looking at the map from different angles. Over and back, side to side, closer and further. Slowly he pressed onward, using Cha as his conduit, as a sensory antenna, focusing in on the djed emanating from the map. It was as he slowly made another pass, pushing deeper within the echo, that he felt a slight oddity in the pulse, a ripple in the otherwise calm sea of djed. As he focused on the particular sight, words formed clearly, even though to mundane sight they could not be seen. At first he saw one word, then a few, and then an entire line. Though once he saw it, he was even more confused. In the hidden reprieves, the Sun shall rise. This was made a bit more clear though, when he then saw a all too familiar symbol... That of the black sun... Suddenly the first line made a bit more sense. Was this then a silent indicator that whoever had made this map, or perhaps who had set this task, was on his side, and worked for the Black Sun? It would make sense. After all, his being here and being an Ebonstryfe soldier was simply due to his skill in magic, more so than his positions normal suitableness to such a job. Normally a job such as this would be left to a member of the Black Sun, at least in other places. But on Sahova, with the importance of skill in magic, he had been sent even due to this unsuitableness, as he suited another need that was greater. Clearly he had additional allies. And if such a thing was visible with Auristics, then the person likely knew he was of the Stryfe. Surely they would have been told, or had learned of it since his time here. As he read the next line, he mouthed it, pretending as if he was just now finding something. It is the catch the tiger’s toe, for the indisputable truth to know. Facing the judges before him, Clyde read off the second line of verse. “It says, though mind you this is not visible through mundane vision... It is the catch the tiger’s toe, for the indisputable truth to know.” Clyde paused for a moment, before rolling up the scroll again, and turning back to the judges. He tried to catch the eye of the one who had given him the map, who likely knew what was hidden on it, but said nothing, and would not stare at her. Though since he assumed this meant he had just gained her vote, it would not appear too odd to give her a look.

[Ink]

Amaryllis met his gaze without subterfuge. She neither smiled nor glared, it was merely a knowing look before she tilted her chain to regard Wayza. “I am ready to vote.”

Goron Silverheart had finally set down the medallion and nodded, “ I agree.” He was a known advocate for Pulsers on Sahova. Additionally he held the magecrafting seat on the council of Masters.

Arios voiced his ascent in kind although he seemed more amused about it than confident as the other judges had.

Wayza held up a hand forestalling any furtherance of the proceedings. “First, who stands for this Apprentice?”

Thelma finally looked up from the beads. “I do, Master Thelma Jenkins. He has been my apprentice faithful and shown promise as more than indentured servitude. I would promote him to Wizard under myself but he has chosen another master.”

Wayza nodded and looked to Iceris. “And you stand in place of Farke? He has chosen not to grace us with his presence?” the Nuit sneered, which meant it was a conscious effort. All mechanical shows of emotion were.

Before this Iceris had indicated there deck had been stacked though, hopefully Clyde had been prepared. She stood tall, with the scroll once again in her arms, standing beside Clyde. “I do. I am a Wizard in my own right and have that ability. Still it is Councilor Farke who would sponsor him as a Wizard“

Wayza nodded, “Indeed.” She answered committally. “Let the deliberations commence.” The judges on the ends stood and call came to the middle standing around Wayza. No choices raised by when the cadence of murmurs clashed it was clearly in argument. After a fair number of ticks there seemed to be a conclusion. Although Clyde didn’t need unanimous agreement he did need a majority.

As each took their seat they gave Clyde one final regarding gaze. Wayza rose to her feet as Gildarey, the last to do so, seated himself. “Wizard Gildarey what is your vote?”

Gildarey shrugged, “I defer to those more knowledgable in magecraft. I shall cast my vote as Goron does.”

Wayza turned to the other side. Apparently a vote didn’t need to be a yes or no. “Master Embalmer Amaryllis, where does your vote fall?”

Without ceremony she replied sedately, “Make him a Wizard.”

Wayza nodded and failed to turned because Arios cast his vote without being called upon, “I vote nay. He has nothing to offer Sahova.” Another strange vocalization, something was pushing the Ringmaker against him. Likely nothing Clyde could have said would change this nuit’s vote. “His theory is sound but his actual craftings are uninventive.”

“Master Silverheart?” Wayza said, absorbing Arios’s vote without comment.

“He has my vote as well.”

Wayza shiftedagain standing straight in Clyde’s direction once more. If the vote was wholly unweighted then Clyde had just become a Wizard with three of the five, but the council member didn’t announce this immediately instead she stared down at him loftily. “Where your peers are embers Clyde Sullins you must be a flame. They can spark brightly and hibernate through the annals of time like you will not have the chance to do. You must prove time again your worth. First each Nuit, then the Island, and perhaps even the mundane peons on the mainland that you are one of the finest specimens that Sahova has ever called its own. In this judgement of becoming Wizard I approve you.” There was a subtle movement in the audience behind Clyde it was some kind of signal.

In an archway, silhouetted by two sycophant, stood Lector Qiao. He clapped slowly, sarcastically his voice filled in the room with a command. “Well Arios give the Wizard his ring. Let this farce be commuted and the true matter be discussed. We are all well aware Farke hand picked this judgement; the Pulser could not have failed if he appeared and did nothing more than shyke himself.” It was a harsh assessment, for Clyde’s judgment had been more than sufficient but politics were at play here.

Arios produced the silver ring with a magecrafting hammer engraved upon it. A Wizards ring for a magecrafter. He set it on the judgement panel’s table and set it not an inch closer to Clyde.

[Clyde Sullins]

Soon enough the questions for Clyde were over with, and they were ready to conclude, as one of the nuits stated “I am ready to vote.” From what he had said, it seemed promising. He had at least two promised, Goron and Amarylis had also given her promise of a vote... That was almost half of those before him for judgement. As things progressed, Clyde did his best to stay calm, dipping into his meditation training to calm his breathing, counting slowly before exhaling, holding the breath, and slowly releasing. After a few times of this he felt physically and emotionally calmed. Even as Goron seconded it, with an “ I agree.” Next was a small bit of maneuvering, as one question was asked, another answered, and a passing on to another person. Surely, as Clyde thought to himself, there was more to the words than what first became obvious. “First, who stands for this Apprentice?” Master Thelma answered this, though making it clear that while she had been his master, she would not be the one to promote him. Honestly this bit confused him to a degree, not totally understanding the system of promotions, masters, and standing for another wizard. While Farke had said some such things before, it still was not clear what exactly would be expected of Clyde, or what such a connection would mean. “I do, Master Thelma Jenkins. He has been my apprentice faithful and shown promise as more than indentured servitude. I would promote him to Wizard under myself but he has chosen another master.” Next was Ice, a mage in her own right, and standing in place for him. “And you stand in place of Farke? He has chosen not to grace us with his presence?” “I do. I am a Wizard in my own right and have that ability. Still it is Councilor Farke who would sponsor him as a Wizard?” “Indeed.” And with that small exchange, things began in earnest, and Clyde's ability to influence things came to and end. “Let the deliberations commence.” For awhile after that points where made, discussion and argument was had, and words were exchanged. What was said Clyde did not know, but he did not doubt it was an intense meeting. Clyde met one final look from each of his judges, and then waited on the voting. “Wizard Gildarey what is your vote?” However instead of giving a vote, he chose instead to pass on his vote to another. Another interesting thing to learn of the political system of Sahova, that such a thing was acceptable. “I defer to those more knowledgable in magecraft. I shall cast my vote as Goron does.” Next was the vote for Amaryllis, one he beleived would vote for him. “Master Embalmer Amaryllis, where does your vote fall?” “Make him a Wizard.” Clyde nodded, gaining his first actual vote. However since the first had been tied to master Goron, and Goron had already promised him a vote, that meant three. And Goron seemed the type to keep to his word. That meant three of five, a majority by numbers at least. Next though was a vote against, not unexpected from his earlier words. “I vote nay. He has nothing to offer Sahova.” “His theory is sound but his actual craftings are uninventive.” Clyde said nothing, though he felt the man was wrong. While much of his work was in the domain of tried and true things, he had made many forays into the unexpected and creative side of the craft. But then, several of those such items which showed his risk taking and creativeness where not being judged. “Master Silverheart?” “He has my vote as well.” As expected, Goron voted for, which brought in Gilderoy's vote also. Three for and one against, only leaving Wayza. However Wayza did not seem content to simply give a vote, instead first giving a small speech or instruction, ending with a vote. All that Clyde cared was for the last bit, I approve you, but he did his best to recall the rest to ponder later. “Where your peers are embers Clyde Sullins you must be a flame. They can spark brightly and hibernate through the annals of time like you will not have the chance to do. You must prove time again your worth. First each Nuit, then the Island, and perhaps even the mundane peons on the mainland that you are one of the finest specimens that Sahova has ever called its own. In this judgement of becoming Wizard I approve you.” Fighting a smile from showing on his face, Clyde turned to see where the attention had suddenly broken too, a shifting behind him. Who should he find there but Lector Qiao himself, a famous wizard in his own right. His clapping did little to engender friendliness, somehow making the normal sound of happiness and applause sound false. “Well Arios give the Wizard his ring. Let this farce be commuted and the true matter be discussed. We are all well aware Farke hand picked this judgement; the Pulser could not have failed if he appeared and did nothing more than shyke himself.” Clyde found this somewhat offensive, but he once more chose to say nothing, deciding it was not politically sound to do such a thing. There was a half tick or so where he considered burning the rude nuit from existence, but he quickly quelled this stray thought almost before it had even fully formed. He would not mess up when he was so close to achieving... Something... Though now that he had won, he was not quite sure what he was truly reaching for. It had been lost in the attempt, his goal obscured in the midst of victory. Out came a ring, and Clyde's eyes returned to the judgement table. It was a silver ring, which he could see from where he stood. Only when he grew closer did he see the design upon it, that of a magecrafters hammer. He had been offered it, but not given it, and so it seemed he needed to come forward and take it. Clyde had an idea this action had a deeper meaning, but the entire event had been so full of politicing that he was unsure what. All he knew was the nuit was against him, along with Qiao, and that many were hoping for his failure. Letting out a small sigh, Clyde headed forward toward the table, to take the offered ring from where it had been laid. Now that he was a wizard, Clyde wondered what was next... He knew more was to come, and knew that the politics had only just begun. But he did not doubt it was within his skills to handle what came at him, not with Cha in his hand, and Rhysol on his side. And all without even having to reveal his skill as a Reimancer, one thing perhaps still kept hidden from general knowledge.

[Ink]

“Move!” A voice demanded. The timber made spines cringe, and ahead of the Nuit the audience part like vermin before a wildfire. QIao hadn’t so much as twitched; it was a new voice from the audience. Stepping through the crowd of cowards, came a black-robed Nuit. In His hand was a great staff, with three gnarled prongs covered in burgundy glyphs and gilding running its entire length. The Nuit’s own eyes seemed to flicker and slip over faces, looking for someone to give him a reason… any reason to act upon them. It was Councilor Aelobius. IN his wake, with a placid congenial smile mosed another of his peers, Mizelio. Upon this second Nuit’s shoulder, against the pallid flesh of his neck perched a familiar.

The judges who had made him wizard had all stepped away from this places. All but the provided member of the panel, Wayza, were leaving. She had moved down a few seats and was the first to sit again.

Thelma put a hand on Clyde’s shoulder. Her voice carried low over the murmur of the shuffling Nuits. “There will come a day Clyde when you are in an untenable position on Sahova. You may call on me once, for a single favor.” His old master left without waiting for reply or saying another word. Her retreating back shadowed by who stood in the entrance way.

Farke had stepped forward, finally reappearing. Three steps of ahead him though, strode the figure that quieted the crowd so riled from Aelobius’s passing. Archwizard Zarik Mashaen stood opposite across the hall from Qiao. From the silence, it was clear the symbolism wasn’t lost on the onlookers.”Am I late?” The Animator asked rhetorically. Technically he had no power on the Council of Five, technically he was a figurehead, technically he was the Archwizard but literally the the Nuits loved their technicalities. This was what had drawn the crowd, clearly the watchers had heard rumors that had been hidden from Clyde.

Wayza’s words had been more than ominous they had been intentional, a second judgement was quickly forming around the human newly made Wizard. Farke sent a filigree of his astral body across the room and pulled a chair from a recess, it dragged all the way across the room to provide a sixth seat at the table.

Aelobius, Mizelo, Wayza, Qiao, Farke and Mashaen all claimed seats for themselves.

Qiao looked down his nose at the fresh minted Wizard. “Farke, let your proposition be plainly stated… for once.” The leader of Sahova sat rigid in his seat, his body wilting in the indiscernible heat, hardly sewn sores weeping.

Farke nodded, “I motion we ascend Wizard Clyde Sullins to the role of Emissary to Ravok.”

The Nuits behind Clyde began to whisper anew, a hundred lips whispering was no small distraction. The council allowed it for a time, for dramatics perhaps. Wayza’s face transformed, mottled between stale golden fur and undead flesh, a great snout elongated her face. The Entire hall echoed the roar from the lionesses’s snout. Just as quickly her features formed back into a pale woman. It was a mark of her mastery of morphing that it seemed more natural that her form be in flux than stable.


Lector had been carefully watching the crowd, cataloging reactions. Trying to find the dissenters and the supporters. The latter were few and far between, but they did exist. The leecher turned his gaze down to Clyde. “Well you seem to be the belle of the ball. Have you got anything to say for yourself in the case of this new position?”

[Clyde Sullins]

No sooner had Clyde had his one success, that of receiving his ring and becoming a wizard by rank, did another interruption occur. “Move!” Though Clyde did not know the nuit, or nuits, the crowds reaction to their appearance was clear enough. The way people cringed and did not want to be near. The first thing Clyde noticed was the staff, not the person holding it. After all, nuits shed bodies, cast them aside, so they meant little. But the things they carried about from form to form, body to body, that meant much more. It looked impressive, but Clyde knew all to well that meant little. Often people tried for theatrics, for interesting nuances, over true purpose and purity of focus. Clyde was well versed in Glyph lore, of the construction and appearance of various Glyphs, and could disassemble most wardings or sigils purpose with a stray glance... Or at least a few moments of focused inspection. With such a glance did Clyde know look upon the staff in the nuits hand. Clyde wondered if it would be more than a facade of mystery and power, and actually have some purpose or power behind it. Another stray look took in the odd thing sitting upon the shoulder of the second nuit. Clearly there was more going on there... Apparently though the appearance of these nuit was a sign to continue, as the members of his judging resumed their placement. In the confusion of the entrance and the reseating, Thelma approached, speaking with what appeared to be either deeper meaning, or a prediction of the future. While Clyde did not perhaps always agree with Thelma, he did respect her, and would listen to her warning, dire as it was. “There will come a day Clyde when you are in an untenable position on Sahova. You may call on me once, for a single favor.” And with that she was gone, before Clyde could respond, wondering what it was she knew that he didn't, and what exactly she meant. Still though, a single favor... From someone as Thelma, that was a great gift, and Clyde would hold it more dearly than the ring he had now "earned" which he held. It was the quiet though which made Clyde turn and see what was going on. Clyde was rather confused to simply see another unknown nuit. Even if they didn't go about skipping bodies, it would be tricky to know them all. Their lack of a constant form simply added to this issue. ”Am I late?” Clearly he was late, by his tone making it sound more like he said it as a joke, or in passing. With all of these new nuit, Clyde did have to wonder what was going on, and who each was. He'd have to ask Ice, she usually knew such things. “Farke, let your proposition be plainly stated… for once.” And now, it was apparent things were moving forward. Farke had spoken of his desire, and so he was glad to for once actually have an idea of what would happen before it occurred. For once he would be ahead of the curve. But only for a moment, since it seemed this would then mean a second line of questioning and scrutiny. Clyde seemed permanently cursed to be busy. That and cursed in that most expeditions he went on ended in either failure, or with a series of unexpected issues. He'd gone to the Suvan on an expedition to start a new outpost for Ravok, which had been interrupted by the djed storm of 512. They'd nearly all died. He'd gone to war with Syliras, of a sorts, along with a group of Ravokians, while the knighthood was out. On the way they'd been attacked by a horde of yukmen, and had nearly been wiped out. He'd headed to Zeltiva to send an attack on Syliras, and had lost the other member of his expedition for some reason or other, and had been forced to attempt to complete it on his own... Though as Clyde introspected on this, it also occurred to him, just now, that they had not all been utter failures. In fact, their reasons for not being such utter failures had each in large part due to him and his own actions. A concord with a konti and salvation in a mysterious glyphed room... His own Reimancy single handedly taking out a large portion of the said yukmen, allowing the expedition to survive... And his own machinations which had seen the package sent to Syliras... Perhaps he was not cursed, but only well tested? With a new resolve Clyde held himself tall, ready to take on what was to come. Or at least in the moment, feeling ready. “I motion we ascend Wizard Clyde Sullins to the role of Emissary to Ravok.” Clyde felt a tingle run down Cha's skin, only just a slight brushing. Soon after the magic apparent was made clear, as Wayza shifted her face, and let out a lionesses' roar. The speed of the shifting was amazing, and left another tingle upon Clyde's neck of a non-magical nature. He was going to have to learn how to do that... “Well you seem to be the belle of the ball. Have you got anything to say for yourself in the case of this new position?” Clyde nodded, a small upturn to his face, a small show of his good cheer in the moment, though not outright elation or happiness. “I agree, I believe I would be an able emissary to Ravok. I have spent time there in the past, and understand the city well, along with knowing various members of the larger families and merchant groups from my own past dealings, along with the main magical institution there. With my past experience, I have the skills and knowledge needed for such a undertaking. And Sahova having better dealings with Ravok would surely be beneficial for both parties.”

[Ink]

Iceris was at Clyde’s ear quickly. “The man who walks with Farke is Archwizard Zarik Mashaen. The two from the audience are Aelobius and Mizelio Takk two of the finest wizards from before the Valterrian, but Aelobius is volatile. Wayza, you know and lastly Qiao. Lector Qiao is the leader of the council and the former headmaster of the Alahean Royal Academy of Magic. Be careful Clyde.” She warbed once more before stepping away.

There was one nuit who in particular was skilled at questions on the council. It wasn’t quite the same as Farke, who learned secrets. Nor was it as probing as Qiao’s distasteful inquiries in insult form. Mizelio and his Pascid familiar Vyldred, both settled quietly in their chair as the other councilors discussed. Vyldred looked disturbing similar to the Nuit’s current vessel, and so partly it looked as though the master had chosen to have a replica made of himself. The real question being though, who was the master?

Mizelio finally spoke after Clyde’s answer, “But can you benefit Sahova while appearing to benefit Ravok? An Emissary isn’t a balanced scale.”

Wayza nodded, “As I said, I see him to fine a Wizard. But how can a Pulser represent the best interests of a city he cannot begin to comprehend since he is not Nuit. Farke’s apointment is enough for me, but only if we ply him with the Daek-Nuit.”

Mashaen, unlike the others, observed. Little of this outcome affected him, but his appearance here was merely political. Clyde’s trial was the vehicle not the matter at hand for the archwizard.

“There is another way Wayza.” The way Qiao spoke to her lacked the dripping vitriol his voice imposed upon Clyde. “Let him take an Oath. Then we will know his loyalties may never falter.”

“I would agree, a Grand Oath would suffice. Will you submit Wizard Sullins?” The mistress of morphing asked.

[Clyde Sullins]

Quickly Ice moved to fill in Clyde, explaining who was who. Her explanation was useful for filling in the details. “The man who walks with Farke is Archwizard Zarik Mashaen. The two from the audience are Aelobius and Mizelio Takk two of the finest wizards from before the Valterrian, but Aelobius is volatile. Wayza, you know and lastly Qiao. Lector Qiao is the leader of the council and the former headmaster of the Alahean Royal Academy of Magic. Be careful Clyde.” Clearly there was quite a few high level players here, who would be involved in the talking. It also seemed to indicate the discussions were stepping up another level, beyond his earlier testing. “But can you benefit Sahova while appearing to benefit Ravok? An Emissary isn’t a balanced scale.” “As I said, I see him to fine a Wizard. But how can a Pulser represent the best interests of a city he cannot begin to comprehend since he is not Nuit. Farke’s apointment is enough for me, but only if we ply him with the Daek-Nuit.” This was ever more interesting. He was to be a emissary to Ravok, for Sahova, who would on Sahova's behalf appear to benefit Ravok while actually working in Sahova's best interest... All the while in actuality working for Ravok as there agent... It was a somewhat confusing muddle, and something Clyde would need to work hard to sort out. “There is another way Wayza.” Qiao though had a different idea, different from the perception of Wayza for him to become a nuit, something he did not like, and did not really want to do even if it was needed to progress within Sahova... Giving up his morality and becoming a nuit, was not how Clyde saw himself going. “Let him take an Oath. Then we will know his loyalties may never falter.” “I would agree, a Grand Oath would suffice. Will you submit Wizard Sullins?” Clyde let out a sigh, uncertain how to answer, clearly by his expression deep in thought as he tossed and turned, the waves of intermingling thought within his mind, Cha gripped tightly and calming in his grip... “Well... I have created oaths before, I could make this one easily enough, should the needed materials be brought. As for signing it...” “I believe I would sign an oath, though it is hard for me to say until I see the final product, to see that its requirements and restraints are within reason. It would be foolish to say now that I would sign just any oath, and I would not mislead you as such by saying such a statement.” Clyde continued brainstorming, thinking on the wording of the oath, and how it would function. “I would certainly be willing to sign an oath saying that as an ambassador to Ravok on behalf of Sahova, I would work in Sahova's best interests. Though bear in mind if the oath is to overly specific, it could hinder me from fulfilling my duties, by not allowing me full freedom to act in such a capacity. It is impossible to say now what my full duties as such a ambassador might entail.” “But if I am given the specifics and vagary's, I think I could whip up a suitable oath to satisfy all parties.” “Though I would also like to add in a means of ending said promise, if one day my duties should change and not require the same limitations, one in which prior notice and acceptance would be given to and by Sahova. Along with a caveat that when I am acting as a independent agent, and not in my capacity as an ambassador to Ravok on behalf of Sahova, that I would be free to act of my own volition. Though in that case it would be more about situations that do not directly affect Sahova, which might or might not arise, such as side interests or business.” Clyde paused for a moment, a far off look on his face as he mulled through a few last things... “With that in mind, yes I think I could sign such an oath, and craft one that would make my role acceptable to all and possible to do, without being overly hindering and thus lessening my abilities in such a capacity.”

[Ink]

Farke nodded at Iceris and she trotted off out the archway. “Good, that you agree Wizard Sullins, a Grand Oath is probably more agreeable to all parties in any regard.”

Qiao steepled his dead digits, “The body of the oath is mutable and requires only cursory oversight. It is the End Clause to which I will not negotiate.” As the word negotiate hung in the stall air Iceris’s footsteps tapped quickly against the stone. Wherever the supplies had been, it was near by, because it had taken her just over a chime to retrieve them. The Vantha offered the satchel to Clyde, within it all the supplies he would require exception of course his own blood.

From the dusty shadowed corners of the room, she pulled out a podium and dragged it scraping across the floor. A surface for Clyde to work upon.

The Audience had remained silent as the grave, so apt and yet apprehensive. The tension hung in the air, there were those who knew some political threads dangling in the scene and some who knew others. When the Council chose to have an open audience it always had a hundred different facets only some of which could be perceived by any person present. No person, councilor or Master, knew every force at work in these sort of plots. Today Clyde was the center piece, the Priest-piece moved up two squares, but it remained unclear to many why Farke’s hand had chosen this moment, this human, this play. Some of the audience cared, some did not. It was the game of manipulating the minds of ancient creatures and Clyde had just become a key tool.

Wayza spoke up again, “You must write to affect sentiment over actions Clyde Sullins. When you affect sentiment, actions will follow suit as a natural course, but if dire need arise you can always ignore sentiment.”

Mizelio added without a beat, as though he finished the female councilor’s thought, “That should be enough don’t you think?”

Mashaen had remained observant but unobtrusive. His gaze kept resting upon Qiao, it was animosity but curiosity he displayed. Occasionally the animator the would slide his mien to watch Farke. IN the end though, as the parchment and quills were given to Clyde, it was the new Wizard that took the brunt of the Archwizard’s attention. “If I may?” He asked though paused not at all for permission. “Everything you do is a test Clyde Sullins, in that way this citadel changed little from the academies of old. Pick your words with the utmost care, because they can come to mean more than you ever fathom.”

Qiao offered the Archwizard a sideways glance, “Correct…And as for the End Clause, it will be worded thus and no differently in punctuation or phrase.”

It is the sworn duty of Clyde Sullins
to return renegade mages unto Sahova.
At such a time that he returns one,
Ex-Wizard Annalisa Marin
to face judgment before the Sahovan Council,
He will be released from this oath.

[Clyde Sullins]

“Good, that you agree Wizard Sullins, a Grand Oath is probably more agreeable to all parties in any regard.” “The body of the oath is mutable and requires only cursory oversight. It is the End Clause to which I will not negotiate.” This statement made Clyde wonder exactly what the nuit had in mind, but he did not doubt that all would be explained in time. But it was clear that this man, or nuit, was well versed in the process of making Grand Oaths, and of structuring them. His statements made that clear enough. Soon enough Ice returned, with her the various things that would be needed to make the oath, along with a surface upon which it could be made. Before he began his work though, Wayza spoke again, forcing Clyde to pause and listen and ponder her words. “You must write to affect sentiment over actions Clyde Sullins. When you affect sentiment, actions will follow suit as a natural course, but if dire need arise you can always ignore sentiment.” Another nuit interceded here, stating his bit. “That should be enough don’t you think?” Clyde accepted the quills and things, passing his eyes over them with an appraising look, making sure all was right and as needed. It seemed though that there would be an endless parade of nuit, each wanting to say their piece and play their part in the events of that day. “If I may?” “Everything you do is a test Clyde Sullins, in that way this citadel changed little from the academies of old. Pick your words with the utmost care, because they can come to mean more than you ever fathom.” “Correct…And as for the End Clause, it will be worded thus and no differently in punctuation or phrase.” It is the sworn duty of Clyde Sullins to return renegade mages unto Sahova. At such a time that he returns one, Ex-Wizard Annalisa Marin to face judgment before the Sahovan Council, He will be released from this oath. Clyde paused for a moment, wondering on what he said, and on the specific release for his oath... Clyde wondered if the head nuit knew of Clyde's position, of his place, or of his blood connection to Anna... But it appeared that in order to be free of the oath, he would need to betray Anna and take her back to Sahova... Or at least, so it seemed from the words as spoken. Clyde knew all to well of such things, and of deeper meanings though. Putting the release as such though seemed oddly poignant in Clyde's mind. With that he pressed onward, finally getting into the deeper workings of the oath. It was here that his Glyphing skills would show, the quill sweeping across the thick parchment, and the ink practically pouring itself forth as Clyde made the outer and main decorative Glyphs that enacted and confined. What would take others bells only took him chimes, and soon enough he would be done. As he did that bit, he mentally worked on the wording and such. Clearly he was expected to work in the best interest of Sahova in regards to its and his dealing with Ravok... To increase and ease trade between the two cities, all seemed likely enough end results to fit the requirements of the position. I, the undersigned, hereby swear upon the divine halls of the Ukalas and all those who dwell within that I shall: When acting in a capacity as a agent and ambassador of Sahova, in matters of their direct interest, -Act in Sahova's best interest -Work to increase and improve trade relations between Sahova and Ravok -Work to ease trade between Sahova and Ravok, and to take those actions possible to make such end result come about Furthermore, It is the sworn duty of Clyde Sullins to return renegade mages unto Sahova. At such a time that he returns one, Ex-Wizard Annalisa Marin to face judgment before the Sahovan Council, he will be released from this oath. signed __________ However before he signed, he had one final question. “Feel free to read over my version, and if you agree then I can sign. Though a question about your clause, or more an issue that I see might occur... You say specifically that I must return Ex-Wizard Marin to Sahova... But what if say she were to die, or such other instance of an event that might make my job of fulfilling the clause impossible. Might it then be possible too have a clause to the clause, that if by some events fulfilling the clause is made permanently impossible, such as by her death, that I would then be able to have an alternative means of being freed from the oath by those in charge of Sahova? It would only take effect in said specific instance of the prior clasue becoming permanently impossible.” Clyde would write down an additional clause to be added seperately, written on its own sheet, though he would not add it unless it was agreed upon. Though if it was not agreed upon, he would likely then need to further debate the issue. Excepting in the case where the above release clause is made permanently and irrevocably impossible, in which case an alternative means of release could be agreed upon and take effect as a release from this oath by a ruling council on Sahova.