03-05-2025: An escapee, Durgle's prank and the Aezaesias Acadamy

The group returned to the mansion in a heavy, unsettled silence. Mae had barely spoken on the way back, and once inside, Leo and Gotrick gently settled her into a chair while the others quietly gathered around. Cole took to the window, the faint curl of smoke from his cigarette drifting into the cool night air. Nearby, Gaele nursed a glass of whiskey, letting the burn calm him after an evening filled with revelations and tensions.   Mind, unable to contain his curiosity, seated himself beside Mae and cautiously asked about the events that had led her to lose her sister. At first, Mae simply stared ahead, but then her voice began to cut through the stillness. She spoke of a dark wizard, cloaked perpetually in thick black smoke, who had captured both her and Fae and brought them to a cave. The figure had been impossible to truly see, his features always obscured, his presence more like a shadow than a man. They had been forced into an enchanted cauldron, one that seemed deceptively small from the outside but vast within. Time passed in strange ways inside that prison, and they had tried everything they could to escape. Eventually, against the odds, they did. But when they emerged, something had changed.   Fae, already beautiful, now seemed touched by an otherworldly charm. Mae, on the other hand, had discovered something far more volatile: lightning surged in her blood, powers that had never existed before. She had always believed these transformations had not been the wizard’s intent, some mistake in whatever dark scheme he had envisioned.   But rage had taken hold of her before she could make sense of it all. Without even understanding what she was capable of, the magic inside her exploded. The cave collapsed. And in the chaos, Mae lost sight of her sister.   As the discussion unfolded, the weight of unanswered questions pressed heavily on the group. Why hadn’t Fae recognized Mae? And why, of all people, was she entangled with Illian Quoronriel, a man whose name alone stirred unease? Theories began to surface. Perhaps the collapse of the cave had left her with no memory of her sister. Or perhaps something within Fae, other than her beauty, had changed so profoundly that Illian, heir of the city’s most powerful magical House, had taken a particular interest in her. It wasn’t unthinkable that Fae, like Mae, had awakened powers of her own. Aerith reminded everyone that House Quoronriel’s entire legacy revolved around magic and arcane matters. If anyone were to recognize unique gifts in Fae, it would be them and they might use her for it. She suggested Mae delve into the history of the House, its lineage, its ambitions, anything that might explain Illian’s motivations. Mae, not having agreed to anything yet, could appreciate this idea.   The conversation had run its course for her, though. Without ceremony, she stood and announced she was heading to bed. But as she turned to leave, Leo studied her closely. He had seen that expression before, one of quiet resolve, not fatigue. He knew, with certainty, that Mae had no intention of sleeping. Once she had disappeared upstairs, he voiced his suspicion. The others quickly agreed: Mae shouldn’t leave the mansion, not without a plan. A quiet pact was made. Gotrick, Leo, and Mind would take turns keeping watch at her door throughout the night, each of them determined to ensure she stayed safely within the walls.   Jaina, still alert despite the hour, turned her attention to Kiwi, hoping for a bit of late-night training. But the little Blessling had already curled up on his back on the armrest of the sofa, fast asleep and gently snoring. A hint of disappointment flickered across her face, but she reminded herself quickly that not everyone had the luxury of needing only a few hours of rest. With a quiet sigh, she made her way upstairs to her room. That is when Aerith also stood and crossed the room toward Gaele. With a subtle gesture, she invited him aside, and the two retreated to a quiet corner for a moment of privacy. The tension of the evening still hung in the air, a mixture of unspoken feelings and unfinished thoughts on Aerith's side. They found themselves reflecting on the chaos of the night, a whirlwind of politics, unexpected revelations, and moments that blurred the lines between duty and desire.   Aerith admitted a lingering sense of guilt about the kiss they had shared. Gaele, however, dismissed the notion right away. He saw no fault in her actions. She, on the other hand, couldn’t shake the weight of it, how it had come so soon after he had revealed his unwanted betrothal. It had been a dare, yes, but one she had accepted, and that still meant something.   Gaele confided more about the match his parents had arranged for him. The woman in question was someone he barely knew, not from Illumé, not even from Arnotar. The match had been crafted for ambition, not affection, a partnership designed to build influence. He resented it, resented the control, and wasn’t sure if he would go through with it. Aerith, hearing this, offered a quiet reassurance. Aerith reassured him that even if he decides to go through with it, the woman will realize during their marriage that she is lucky to be with him. She quickly admitted, too, that she had genuinely enjoyed the kiss and Gaele agreed.   Just as Aerith prepared to leave, Gaele posed one last question, what did she think of those who had attended the party? The question gave her pause. After a moment of reflection, she concluded that few of them seemed truly interested in representing their Houses. Most seemed to chase their own agendas, restless, indifferent, or self-serving. All except Illian. He stood apart in a way that felt calculated. But Aerith told him she doesn't linger on thoughts like these. Her focus was elsewhere, of course. She reminded him of her true purpose: to find Zharrus, to save him from the torment that threatened to consume him, and to get him far from the reach of Illumé’s politics. Gaele, however, brought her thoughts back to the broader stakes. He spoke of the immense power Illian could wield if his ascent continued unchecked, power that could ripple far beyond the city’s walls. The warning settled in Aerith’s chest like a weight. Her expression shifted, more solemn now, as she nodded and quietly thanked him for telling her this. Then, with a final glance, she bid him good night and disappeared upstairs into the quiet halls of the mansion.   Mae had expected someone to keep watch, and sure enough, she heard Mind settling down, very noisily right outside her door. He didn’t even try to hide it, just parked himself in the hallway and it sounded like he even had a stack of books brought with him. Her jaw clenched. She wasn’t about to let that stop her. With practiced efficiency, Mae grabbed a coil of rope from her pack and cracked open the window. She paused only briefly when she noticed Serosh, a hulking, vigilant shape below, already stationed outside, courtesy of Gotrick’s foresight. That didn’t matter. She looped the rope around the frame and began her descent.   Serosh tugged at the rope as she neared the bottom, his massive claws grappling at it like a playful beast. The sudden jolt sent Mae tumbling the last few feet, but she landed in a roll and was up in a flash, sprinting past the celestial creature and into the mansion’s garden. Inside, Mind heard the scuffle, the thud outside Mae’s window, and Serosh’s unmistakable snort. He burst through the door, spotted the fleeing figure, and without hesitation, leapt from the window. A shimmer of magic slowed his fall as Feather Fall took hold. Gotrick, witnessing the move, blinked once before realizing he could do the same. He jumped after, landing in a clumsy heap but unhurt.   Meanwhile, Leo, already alerted by the noise, glanced out a window and saw Mind hit the ground running. Without a word, he dashed down the stairs. At the same moment, Serosh bounded forward with a majestic leap, landing squarely between Mae and the garden’s gate, puffed up to his full, imposing size. Downstairs, Leo passed Cole, who stood quietly near the window, cigarette balanced between his fingers. With a sigh, Cole took a drag and vanished in a swirl of smoke. Leo froze, blinking at the empty space, before shaking his head and heading outside.   Mae, unfazed, dodged Serosh’s leap as one of her Mirror Images shimmered and burst apart. Smoke curled beside Serosh, Cole, unfazed and still smoking, materialized from the shadows. He reached for Mae with tendrils of vapor, but she slipped past him, feet barely touching the ground. Ahead, Mind appeared at the gate in a flash of light, hands gripping it shut. Behind Mae, Serosh charged again, but his strikes met only illusions. Leo and Gotrick reached the front garden just in time to see the chaos unfold. Leo shot Gotrick a look and raised a brow. “How’d you get here?” the smirk on his face said more than words and Gotrick smirked back.   Then, Mae vanished entirely. Invisible, she kept going, but to her horror, Cole´s gaze followed her every move. The ever-present cigarette glowing at the edge of his mouth. Smoke unfurled from his fingertips, curling toward her yet again like vines. He told her to calm down, his voice calm and quiet. Mae braced herself, but the coils found her, wrapped around her limbs, and this time she couldn't escape. The magic held fast. Her invisibility dropped, and with a bitter huff, she gave up.   The others arrived moments later, just in time to see Cole toss her over his shoulder with effortless ease and carry her back inside. Mind followed, grinning with a victorious swagger, while Mae stuck her tongue out at him in defiance. Inside, Aerith and Jaina, who had come down to the living room, had witnessed the entire episode. Cole handed Mae off to Gotrick with a lazy instruction to keep better watch this time, then snuffed out his cigarette and walked away without another word.   Mae was thoroughly bound with rope, her frustration evident but her struggle subdued. Leo and Gotrick didn’t take chances this time, she was to stay put. Jaina, ever the vigilant elf, took responsibility for watching her, her trance only requiring a few short hours of rest. The others bid their goodnights, and Mae, despite her continued attempts to sway Jaina’s judgment, was met with calm refusal. Jaina understood her pain, understood the need to act, but reminded her: without a plan, they’d lose more than they could save. Defeated, Mae glanced down at her tied feet and nodded silently.   Later that night, Jaina received an unexpected message. It was from Ieghi, someone she hadn’t heard from in a long while. The black dragonling’s voice was familiar and steady, but her words held weight. She had traveled deep into the Paeri woods and uncovered something dire: a Shard of Arnor had been stolen from Luminaris. Worse yet, she had caught a scent that felt hauntingly familiar. Almost like Jaina’s. Jaina’s blood ran cold, Hagmer. Her brother now held two of the five Shards. She instructed Ieghi to continue tracking the scent, but to stay hidden. Jaina knew how powerful her brother had become, and though Ieghi was no helpless hatchling, this was far beyond a simple errand. After quietly checking on Mae, Jaina decided to rest, the tension sitting sharp in her chest.   By morning, Kiwi was perched on her chest, full of chirps and energy. Mae was awake as well, seated on a pillow, still bound but calmer. The quiet was short-lived. A knock, then the door opened, Mind entered with coffee in hand, followed by Leo, Gotrick and Aerith. As they untied Mae, Aerith settled onto Jaina’s bed, after seeing Jaina's expression. Jaina shared the message from Ieghi, and as the news of the stolen Shard unfolded, a chill fell over the room. For members of the Order of Adamant, Aerith, Jaina, Mind, this was an omen. They explained the significance to the others: five Shards, divine keys once used to seal the imprisoned god Darric. Reunited, they could break that seal and unleash destruction upon the world. The room grew heavier with understanding. Their mission in Illumé, to find Zharrus and rescue Mae’s sister, was now underscored by a darker urgency. These Shards were no longer just historical relics; they were actively being gathered and at a quick pace.   Aerith shared Gaele’s warning from the night before about Illian Quoronriel and his dangerous ambitions. Mae said little, but her narrowed eyes and silent sip of coffee made her stance clear, eliminate him if they must. After that harsh conclusion, Gotrick suggested they continue the discussion over breakfast.
As always, Gorden’s cooking lifted spirits. Over a table laden with food, the group debated their next steps. The party had earned two powerful connections at the party: Durgle Shimmerforge and Meliana Quoronriel. Meliana had extended a formal invitation to Leo, Mind, and Mae to attend the Aezaesias Academy as guest students. It was a rare opportunity, and a possible inroad into House Quoronriel. Aerith pushed the idea further. Meliana had danced with Leo, had been impressed by Mind’s magic. Perhaps charm could open doors where honesty wouldn’t. Jaina hesitated, but Aerith reminded them that time was short, and certain goals demanded bold moves. Leo and Mind exchanged a glance both acknowledging, perhaps a little too quickly, that Meliana was certainly attractive. They didn't mind this idea at all.   Meanwhile, Gotrick had built a rapport with Durgle, who had even agreed to forge him a new weapon. With Jaina and Aerith, Gotrick planned to visit the Shimmerforge district, now open to them, to try and collect that weapon. They also hoped to learn more about Warforged tech, perhaps gain access to the elusive Dawn Ward eventually.   They were just about to rise from the table when Lorice entered with a package addressed to the Order of Adamant. Gotrick opened it. Inside was a bottle of wine and Gotrick handed it to Mae. He searched the box further and uncovered a note: For those who know how to sip before they speak. One day, we toast to your curiosity. Alongside it was a leather scrap bearing the image of a spider.     Puzzled, they passed the symbol around. No one recognized it, not even Gaele or Cole. Mae took a cautious sip of the wine. Fruity and smooth. Aerith suddenly asked her favorite color. This question resulted in confused looks. Mae lied green. It was actually blue. The wine, it seemed, wasn’t enchanted to draw out the truth. Mind mused aloud that the note might be a clue pointing to a bar, a place where people sip before they speak. Jaina wondered if it had ties to the city’s Underground. That’s when Aerith remembered a detail from the Golden Archway, a fancy man had received a bottle just like this one. Jaina and Leo had let it pass at the time. But now? It might be worth a second look.  

Gotrick, Jaina and Aerith's adventure

  With a plan forming, the group split up. Gotrick, Jaina, and Aerith made their way to the Shimmerforge district. The air there was thick with steam, pipes snaking along building exteriors, engines hissing and clanking as Gnomes hurried through the industrial streets. A local pointed them toward Durgle’s workshop, a chaotic den of innovation. They found him at the forge, tinkering on a strange contraption.   After some pleasantries, the conversation turned to Gotrick’s weapon. Durgle could craft it, but not for free. The price was 300 gold, and two small tasks. First: enter the Arena and battle three Warforged test subjects. Second: deliver a package to a little Gnome named Morlis in the Velvet Promenade. They agreed to this proposition and Durgle handed Gotrick the package. It moved as soon as it was in his hands. Gotrick gave him a look, but Durgle only waved him off, insisting it was nothing serious, and definitely not to open it.   Curious and uneasy, the trio set out. The package grew more restless in Gotrick’s arms, occasionally shaking and, once, muttering something. Gotrick blinked, thinking he’d imagined it but Aerith heard it too. Jaina picked up the pace, urging them to move faster. When they arrived at the crowded marketplace, they spotted Morlis, a child Gnome. He took one look at them, and bolted. Gotrick immediatly swung onto Serosh, calling out to clear the way. Jaina scrambled onto the market stalls, agile and fast, cutting across the rooftops. Aerith sent Estel into the sky and followed as best she could. The chase wound through the promenade, and as Jaina saw Morlis heading into an alley, Warforged guards blocked Gotrick’s path. He pleaded with them for a moment, it was vital he deliver the package, and vaulted over their heads.   He reached Morlis just before Jaina, casting Fear to stop him. The child froze and admitted, through shudders, that Durgle had told him to run. Jaina and Gotrick, now thoroughly exasperated, demanded why. Morlis explained that his uncle Durgle has always been funny. With a grin, Morlis opened the package. Inside was a mechanical toy soldier, now marching proudly in place.   The Warforged guards arrived moments later, weapons drawn. Gotrick nudged the boy forward, and Morlis explained everything. The guards, understanding the prank, relaxed, but sternly warned Gotrick not to repeat the stunt. Aerith, breathless, caught up soon after. She scolded Gotrick for the risk, had the Warforged reacted differently, things could have turned ugly fast. With the delivery complete, they returned to Durgle’s workshop. Durgle was laughing when they entered. Gotrick, not as amused, grimaced. He quickly changed the subject, what about the Arena fight? Durgle confirmed it was scheduled for the following evening in the Golden Archway. Their opponents: a brawler, an archer, and a mage. Gotrick grinned, a challenge. He told Durgle they’d be there.   Back at the mansion, Jaina, Gotrick, and Aerith sought out Cole. After his display of skill the previous evening, and his dependable presence as a bodyguard, they suspected he might have valuable insight. They explained what lay ahead: a match in the Arena against Warforged, and they wanted to know the best way to approach the fight. It turned out they had come to the right person.   Cole listened carefully before nodding, then began laying out what they could expect. The Warforged they were about to face would be far more formidable than the ones who patrolled the city streets. Unlike standard guards, these combat models were capable of coordinated attacks, able to silently communicate with one another through gems in their bracers. They had no innate resistances, he said, but landing a solid blow against them would still be no easy feat. His advice was clear: isolate the mage. It would need to be restrained and removed from the fight as quickly as possible. Splitting their coordination would offer the trio a critical edge. The information was exactly what they needed. With a new strategy in mind, they thanked Cole for his guidance.  

Leo, Mind and Mae's adventure

  The second group made their way through the grand gates of the Aezaezias Academy, presenting their formal invitation from Meliana Quoronriel. A woman awaited them at the entrance, introducing herself as Asandra. It was clear she had been informed of their arrival and was prepared to receive them. When Mae asked after Meliana, Asandra explained that she would be joining them later. For now, she would guide them and explain the purpose of the Academy and its goal: To seek truth through the light of the Aezezias, and guard the world from what waits beyond it. The Academy teaches that magic is both a tool of understanding and a shield against the unknown. It reveres the Aezezias gods without enforcing worship, but forbids all association with the Zaligon pantheon.   Mind, barely containing his excitement, inquired about attending a class on illusion magic. Without missing a beat, as though the entire day’s schedule were committed to memory, Asandra informed him that a lecture on illusion magic would begin in about an hour given by Professor Flitwick. Leo, meanwhile, expressed interest in applied magic and asked if there were any places to train. Asandra explained that the Academy featured dedicated training grounds where students could safely spar and test their abilities without risk of serious injury. Mae asked whether there was a library where she might conduct some research. Asandra nodded, and promised they would begin their tour there.   The library was vast, its ceilings towering above shelves packed with ancient tomes. The air smelled of old parchment and polished wood. Asandra explained that this was the most extensive magical library in the world, encompassing countless schools of arcane thought. A restricted section, sealed off and closely guarded by magic of course, contained tomes deemed too dangerous for general access, books of volatile or forbidden knowledge. This intrigued the trio greatly, but of course knew to leave that information for what it was. At least, for now.   Their tour continued through the sprawling grounds of the Academy. Asandra explained that the institution was divided into distinct spires, each dedicated to a different school of magic. The Evocation Spire being decorated with all sorts of elements hurling around the tower, the Illusion Spire constantly changing it's appearance with Illusion magic or the Divination Spire with it's own observatory, covered in all different zodiac signs. They passed the Prism Halls, a network of arcane laboratories where students could experiment freely with spells and enchantments. Mind, sharp-eyed, asked whether Warforged research took place there. Asandra confirmed that it did.   They moved on to the Duel Hall, where students practiced spells in real-time duels, often followed immediately by healing spells administered by others standing by. Finally, they passed the Halls of Reflection, a serene space where students contemplated their magical growth and personal path. Here the practioners of Holy magic studied to come closer to the gods through meditation and learning about body and spirit. With that, the tour concluded.   As the others dispersed towards the Duel Hall, Mind made his way to the Illusion class. The session focused on illusionary touch spells, a niche but fascinating subfield. Afterward, he stayed behind to speak with the professor and delved into technical specifics, gaining valuable insight into the subject.   Mae and Leo headed to the Duel Hall, where Mae, still burning with frustration from the night before, walked straight up to a group of students and bluntly challenged them to a fight. Her aggressive approach earned only wary glances, no one was eager to be pummeled by a stranger with a wild look in her eye. Leo tried to calm her down, and she agreed suggesting he should do the talking next time. Taking a more diplomatic approach, Leo introduced himself and Mae to a pair of students named Malik and Balil. His charm and casual storytelling won them over. He shared tales of once battling a werewolf, while Mae described herself as a kind of bounty hunter. Impressed, Malik and Balil agreed to a friendly duel.   The match began with a misstep. Mae turned invisible, unintentionally drawing all the attention to Leo. Malik and Balil launched their attacks, showing off their magical prowess and landing a few solid blows. Realizing her mistake, Mae stepped in and let loose with her lightning powers. Leo, seizing the moment, vanished himself and unleashed Booming Blade, channeling both arcane force and holy might into a crushing strike that brought Balil down instantly. Seeing the outcome, Malik surrendered before Leo could reach him.   Midway through the fight, Mind had arrived to watch the battle unfold. Mae, energized and visibly calmer, seemed more herself after the skirmish. The healers rushed in to revive and mend the fallen students. Malik and Balil thanked their opponents, then departed for their dorms to recover and prepare for their exams. Mind offered a few congratulatory claps before proposing a new match: both Mae and Leo against him. After all, he reasoned, they were already tired out a bit.   Summoning Hugin in his hippogriff form, Mind prepared for battle, but Hugin was taken out almost immediately by a well-placed bolt from Leo’s crossbow. Refusing to be discouraged, Mind ascended with the Fly spell, gaining height as Mae and Leo were forced to draw closer. Then came a Fireball. A wave of searing flame engulfed the area between Mae and Leo, catching them both in the blast. Recovering quickly, Leo fired another bolt, giving Mae the opening to get beneath Mind and blind him with magic. In desperation, Mind Polymorphed into a golden T-Rex and crashed down onto Mae, causing Mind to lose his concentration and changing back into himself. But the landing did more harm than good, mostly to himself. Mae, unfazed and grinning at the ridiculous display, tried to cast Heat Metal, but Mind countered the spell. That left him open. Leo stepped in once more, casting Booming Blade a final time. The hit struck true. Mind stumbled as pain surged through his body, tail dislocating with a sickening crunch and Mind collapsed. Healers rushed in once more. The crowd that had quietly gathered applauded, murmuring about the spectacle. Among them, unnoticed until the final moment, stood Meliana, her eyes fixed on the trio with an unreadable expression.   Mind and Leo started a pleasant conversation with her. She had been watching the battle and was clearly impressed by their magical prowess, commenting on how much she had enjoyed the display. But before the atmosphere could settle into something pleasant, Mae cut straight through it. Blunt and direct, she demanded to know what was going on with her sister. The question dropped like a stone in the middle of their conversation. Meliana arched a brow at the sudden interrogation. Calmly, she stated that she barely knew anything about Fae, not even how she and Illian had met. Her relationship with her brother was distant at best. Mae didn’t buy it.   Meliana, turning to face her fully, made it clear she was willing to help, but not if she was spoken to with hostility. If Mae could be patient, she offered to find out more about Fae and Illian’s connection. Mae, after a pause, apologized, though Meliana wasn’t entirely convinced of her sincerity. With nothing more to say, Mae excused herself and made her way to the library, determined to dig up some other truths on her own.   Meanwhile, Leo, Mind, and Meliana strolled through the grounds of the Academy, talking more casually now. Their conversation shifted toward Meliana’s own research. She spoke about her duties to keep a close eye to all the different research and projects within the Academy. As she wants to be one the first people present if any of them make significant breakthroughs.   Eventually, they found a quiet corner to eat and continued their discussion. Mind, ever curious, brought up Warforged again. Meliana didn’t offer much beyond what they already knew, repeating some of the information they had learned from Alban Farrow concerning Soul Gems. Leo pressed the subject, wondering about the kinds of souls used to power these constructs. Meliana elaborated, explaining that larger souls, those of trolls and similar massive creatures, were often chosen due to their raw strength and magical resilience. Mind, intrigued, asked if there were notable differences between humanoid souls, such as Tieflings. She hypothesised that Tieflings souls may act differently because of their Infernal heritage, but had no actual knowledge about the matter. Meliana, finally asked why they were so invested in the subject. Leo and Mind explained that the Warforged were a mystery to them, far more advanced than anything they had encountered before. As outsiders to Illumé, they found the constructs very fascinating, bordering on alien.   Mind and Leo were wary of asking anymore questions, and the conversation naturally drifted toward more lighthearted banter about the quirks and intricacies of Aezaezias Academy. They wanted to make sure Meliana would not grow suspicious of them.   Elsewhere, in the quiet hush of the grand library, Mae delved into the history of House Quoronriel. She searched for any record of a descent into darkness, a moment where corruption or shadow might have touched their bloodline. But every book denied it, chapter after chapter affirming the House’s spotless legacy. Frustrated, Mae pivoted her focus. Pulling down a new stack of books, she studied the nature of her lightning powers and discovered they fell under the school of Evocation. In some rare cases, they were even associated with magical curses, gifts, perhaps, born of misfortune.   When everyone finally regrouped at the mansion that evening, they gathered around the fire, swapping stories of the day. There was laughter as they recounted the prank Durgle had pulled, and light teasing over the duel in the Academy. Talk soon turned toward the upcoming Arena match, and the decision was made: Gotrick, Mind, and Leo would be the ones to enter the ring.   Before the group broke for the night, Gaele approached Aerith in the hallway with a more serious matter. He informed her that another meeting of the Luminous Concord was approaching in a few days, one of far greater importance than the last. This one was known as the Vigil Beneath the Light, and it would address matters of global significance. All of the noble Houses would be present. Gaele told her three points on the schedule were already determined, but not yet in detail. These were the State of the Celenthirs, the Karoshi Isles Uprising and the Risk of Global Escalation. Afterwards, the floor would be open for any other motions from the Houses.   Aerith paused, considering. Then she recalled the message Ieghi had sent to Jaina not long ago, news that was almost certainly true. When she shared this with Gaele, he frowned, clearly unfamiliar with the name. Aerith smiled and explained that Ieghi was a young black dragon, one who had traveled with them for a long time. Gaele was absolutely stunned, a black dragon? Aerith reassured him that Ieghi could be cited as a source, and she had others as well. The intel was legitimate, and if House Celebren played it right, they could gain serious influence within the Concord. Gaele let out a breath of relief, nodding with renewed purpose.   The household began to quiet as everyone retired for the night. Footsteps faded up the stairs, one by one, each of them carrying the weight of a different anticipation, secrets, strategies, and sparks of magic still lingering in the air.   Tomorrow, the Arena awaited.