Scrutinising Isidor's Suitors

[votivescholars]

The discussions had been long and intense. Apart from the Tenemil boy, each of the potential suitors Lieselotte had found had been fought for, and against, by each of them at various points. The genetic advantage of Andolian as a husband was a particular point of contention. Genetically Andolian was clearly the best match, Vercor pointed out, and the goal of marriage was to strengthen the bloodline. In return Lieselotte was quick to say that if he really thought that then he would have married a Scottish girl instead of her. Stathis sat uncomfortably through most of the arguments except for the odd occasion he intervened with an unhappy grumble or a small rant.

At the end of it all they were down to two. Lieselotte championed 'the handsome Zandros' while Stathis supported 'the Leywalker boy'. Vercor was not going to choose anyone based solely on a second hand account, even his wife's, so they soon found themselves calling on Harrowheart once again. Lieselotte asks the death knight to arrange for Zandros Alter to come to the Durant manor on one day and Basil Leywalker on the second. Both are allowed to bring their parents for the visit, and are assured that this is not a formal event (though they are advised not to treat it casually either). Both will get a list of the customs and manners expected of them for meeting the Archon. A list which, though they ask Harrowheart to write in his native language, is rewritten by someone with a finer hand.

When the first day comes Harrowheart is asked to come to the manor ahead of time so that Lieselotte can run over some rules. Namely, how to address the Archon, and how to introduce him. Then, finally, Harrowheart gets to meet the infamous Archon Durant, Accomplished Scholar of Magic Itself, creator of Dragonfire, and father of Isidor Briar Durant.

Comments

[votivescholars]

It might be the first time someone has called Viatorus funny and it hasn't felt like a criticism. In fact, a little red comes to the scholar's cheeks which he ducks his head to hide as he takes his place by his parents.

When Basil goes to use his magic he finds that this world does indeed have magical leylines. They are deep, old, and mostly untouched. Tapping into their arcane power it's as if Basil has walked into a place and found the source of the scent that clings to the Durant manor. They may be unfamiliar, but this is a good place to draw from them.

The Durants wait and watch Basil cast, but the bellow catches most of them off guard. Viatorus nearly jumps out of his skin, but his mother and uncle disguise their surprise somewhat more gracefully, spinning to the source of the sound. The Archon frowns, glancing towards the beast man no longer than a split second and then he returns his focus to Basil's every motion. Lieselotte and Stathis glance between the beast and the Archon, but Stathis can't quite resist a subtle hand gesture and a quick shield when the creature takes a swing at them. Despite all the earlier talk of illusions, Viatorus outright ducks away from the swing, and he's still on edge when he straightens to see Basil's heroic declaration.

This is magic that is rare to see on this world. Showmanship became associated with street magicians long ago, and the circumstances in which impressive displays were necessary became fewer and fewer. They all watch carefully, with Viatorus almost as focused on Basil as the Archon. The creature gores Basil and Viatorus gasps, his mouth dropping open in shock and his feet stepping back with the sudden, terrified pounding of his heart. A pounding that only continues as he realises, to his embarrassment, that this was all just a very elaborate and convincing illusion. His cheeks become red all over again.

"That was... very, very impressive," Viatorus translates for his mother.

The Archon says something but it takes Viatorus a minute to structure his translation correctly. "He wants to know if your illusions can fool many of the senses. Can you touch them, or smell them?"

[westfallcorndog]

Between his labored breaths Basil begins to laugh. He crosses his arms before and behind him and bends at the waist, bowing for Lady Durant. "I'm honored. I owe it all to sufficient practice... And a little creativity."

He straightens quickly at the Archon's probing. Rather than answering immediately he takes a moment to think his words through. Finally he admits, "My illusions are not fully solid. In one spot or two I may be able to concentrate their power to absorb a blow. My work with conjurations has improved my ability to solidify parts of an illusion, but to turn an entire Tauren into a solid object would be a feat beyond human magic... Though I know it is possible for others. As for scent, I..."

His lips purse. His living hand holds the elbow of his metal arm, and with a pinched smile he admits, "I accept that scent is the limit of the immersion -- the believability, excuse me -- of my work. An illusion is above all else a visual trick, but I understand that and supplement my work with touches of realism when and where I can. A gust of wind, a reaction from the environment... Small hints of the truth can create belief in a lie."

[votivescholars]

"It was very believable," Viatorus assures him with an emphatic nod and then gets to translating Basil's answer.

The Archon nods his understanding and then exchanges a few words with his wife and his brother. They come to some kind of conclusion, with Lieselotte having the final word while smiling at their guests.

"That was a very impressive display and they have no more questions," Viatorus explains. "If you want to know anything then please ask, but if not then they are happy to finish this meeting."

[westfallcorndog]

"Yes," Basil says faster than he means to. He has to clear his throat to buy himself a moment before he explains, "Yes, there is something I'd like to ask."

He looks back to his mother who watches him impassively, but he doesn't linger on her long. His attention drifts to Viatorus, to Stathis, to Lieselotte, and finally back to the Archon. "A good mage is one who prepares not only for the ideal outcome but for all possible outcomes. And so I would like to ask... In the event that I am not chosen to become part of your family... If there is some other way for me to reach this world. I don't know if I could live with myself were I to go home and leave an entire world behind me without so much as asking the way back."

[votivescholars]

Viatorus blinks, his brow lifting and eyes going wide with this unexpected request. This time he manages to restrain his immediate action, instead turning to his parents to relay the question with the same enthusiasm as someone asking if their friend can stay for dinner.

The older Durants also look somewhat surprised by this. Even the Archon shows tiny signs of surprise, or maybe approval. They talk amongst themselves, but it's the Archon who has the final word. He turns to Basil and allows Viatorus to translate for him as he says, "As we are the ones bringing people from other worlds into our world we are responsible for the actions of those we invite from other worlds. But we are very interested in building relations with Dalaran and the mages of your world. We would be honoured and grateful for your help in this. If you would help us it would involve coming to our world a lot and would mean you would have many invitations to our world."

[westfallcorndog]

As Viatorus speaks Basil nods and nods again. He understands the burden of the Durants being responsible for his behavior, but more than that he appreciates the weight of their choice to open their home to him. When Viatorus has completely translated for his family Basil bows three times: Once and first for Viatorus, once for Stathis and Lieselotte together, and lastly, deeply, to the Archon.

"Tell the Archon," Basil says to Viatorus, "That I would gladly undertake such a task with all the respect and diplomacy commanded by new allies and new magic. I very much look forward to our next meeting, Durants."

A final bow from Basil and a half-bow from his mother. Now they have only to wait for the death knight to return and retrieve them.