How to Make Friends and Influence Elves (Melda)

[Deleted]

A few days after meeting at the springs in an informal capacity, Duchess Melda Vanya would receive a letter when the rounds were made of delivery. It would have the seal of the Arch of Ages and be sealed in a way such it requires a channeling of water mana to open, a skill that Melda would find effortless.

Lady Vanya

It was pleasant to meet you however briefly and informally at the springs. You mentioned you were open to the prospect of meeting again, so I thought instead of simply talking idly which I'm sure you've done hundreds of times as a high ranking noble, why not come to the Arch of Ages. A fairly recent and innovated addition has been made which allows mages to practice in a dream-like state of reality, even sparring. This makes it such that a mage can use their full potential without fear of collateral damage and even spar without fear of pain or mishap. I imagine that with the King being hesitant at best to the practice of magic, you don't have too many opportunities to exercise your talents, yes? I warmly welcome you to come to the Arch to indulge as such, or if you decline that to at least speak under the canopy of the lovely forest as viewed from the Headmaster's Terrace.

I eagerly await your reply and an opportunity to speak with you once more. I will arrange transportation or simply show up outside the palace to take you there via portal if you like.

With regards,

Headmaster Adrain Kaiaru

[Deleted]

It was morning, and Melda had just returned from her daily walk through the gardens, when there was a knock at her chamber doors. You may enter. She called, and the doors opened, a servant standing behind them. He handed her a letter, bowed, and left the room, closing the doors behind him. Looking at the letter curiously, she sat in her sitting area, picking up her tea as she looked it over. She recognized the seal of the Arch, though it had been many years since she’d seen it. If things hadn’t changed much, she knew that it would not open simply by tearing it. It would be catered to their receivers magic. Melda picked at random, choosing to try her air magic first, and wind rushed over the seal. But nothing happened. It was clear after that that it was her water magic that had been chosen, and she stood, walking over to her balcony doors and stepping outside. With a flick of her hand, she gathered some dew drops from the tree nearby, and gently sent them into the seal, watching with a smile as it popped open. Closing her balcony doors, she returned to her chair to read the letter.

Once she was finished, she opened the drawer on the end table next to her, retrieving her quill, ink, and parchment.

“Headmaster Kaiaru,

It was a pleasure to hear from you, and once again I do apologize for how informally we were introduced. I would be delighted to join you at the Arch, the device sounds simply wonderful! I will admit it has been a while since I have been able to practice, I may be a little rusty, but I’m definitely up for the challenge. In addition to that, I haven’t visited the Arch in what feels like ages, so that alone would be lovely. I will leave the transportation to you, be it yourself or otherwise.

Thank you for the invitation, I look forward to this visit greatly.

Duchess Melda Delsaran Vanya.”

Once she was finished writing it, she sealed it with wax, and called upon a servant to have it sent out, her mind wandering about this chamber. She decided Diamond would not be required for this visit, remembering the Arch to be quite safe, and sent out a notice to him as well, letting him know where she would be, and why. He could use the day to do whatever he liked. Melda was quite excited indeed, not having had a real chance to use her magic in quite some time now.

[Deleted]

When Adrain received the reply accepting the invitation, he sent one indicating a time the next day and that he could wait for a time if it would be more convenient. To expedite the process, at the appointed time after letter tag was finished and a very tired courier later, Adrain would be standing outside the gates of the castle out of the range of the teleport negation wards leaning on a tree.

He would be in a more formal attire wearing the Headmaster's Robe with black dominant color with gold embroidery along the edges of the sleeves and the opening to where the buttons would fasten and the robe would part. He had the hood down, wearing a pair of glasses which dulled out the glow around his eyes that would typically be about, with black boots below. Whenever Melda would approach, he would smile and bow politely to the Duchess.

"Greetings Duchess Vanya, are you ready to depart?" the mage would say calmly. Only when Melda was satisfied and prepared would Adrain start casting the portal that would connect to the Arch, landing just outside of the massive tree that would be the home of the finest academy.

[Deleted]

Once the date and time was approved, Melda got herself ready to depart, having let Diamond know in advance not to join her. She dressed in attire suitable of her status, a light turquoise dress, with dark blue and golden embroidery along them hem line, and the bust, with short puffy sleeves. Over it she wore her cloak, of dark green with dark red swirls sewn into it. Her silvery hair was down today, in light beach waves down her back, stopping just on her mid section.

After she was dressed to go, she grabbed her bag, containing her usual things; her note book and portable container of ink and quill. Later she would fold her cloak up and put it in the bag as well.

Melda exited the castle, making her way down the path, until the Mage came into view. Once he bowed before her, she would curtsey lightly, bowing her head as well, her hair falling over her shoulders with the wind. Greetings to you as well, Headmaster. I am ready whenever you are. She would smile to him lightly, keeping the formalities up for now. Once the portal was cast, she stepped through it, after him, and would await further direction from there, not having been to the Arch in many years.

[Deleted]

Adrain nods as the purple sphere of energy manifests in his right hand before forming into the rift that would connect the two points. On the other side of the portal, the Arch of Ages would sprawl high into the sky. A few students and staff would roam the outside going over study material or playing games. The archmage would smile, looking at Melda before walking up the stone stairs mounted on the edge leading up to the first floor of the Arch proper.

"Welcome back to the Arch of Ages Lady Vanya, when was the last time you visited the Arch? If you have any questions please feel free to ask" Adrain asks casually to the elf, holding the door open for Melda and waiting for her to pass before entering himself. "The Alternate Reality Chamber is on the sixth floor, we will need to take the pod elevators to get up there. Just do get a good grip before it starts moving." he states, walking to the left and to where a door would open once Adrain pressed a button, opening a carved elegant wood frame revealing an enchanted plant-like pod. When Melda was in the pod, Adrain takes the seat opposite, he presses the corresponding button as the entire apparatus launches up rapidly which would likely catch Melda off guard.

When the pair would arrive on the sixth floor, Adrain would show Melda down a hall, leading to a stone gateway. He puts his hand to the right and uses a spell as the doors would open slowly, revealing a large chamber with thousands of glyphs carved into stone. As the pair enter, they would slowly come to life as luminescence grows.

"So this chamber is the culmination of a years work with thousands of work hours put into it. When active, people who sit in one of the astral projection circles find themselves placed into a mindscape that multiple people can share and engage in the art of magic and duel without the collateral damage that typically would come with it. It has helped many improve their abilities. It can be customized for a number of scenarios such as environments, weather, and creatures. Do you have any requests Lady Vanya?"

[Deleted]

Melda looked around her, happy to see that the over all look hadn’t been changed too much since her previous visit. It’s good to be back, I must admit… I haven’t been here in at least one hundred years. Most likely more. My mother loved to come here, but once I took her place as Duchess, I just never found enough time I’m afraid. She sighed, nodding at his comment on questions, already having one in mind; May I ask, when did you become Headmaster? She glanced over at him, await his answer. She followed him inside, stopping only to hesitate at the pod doors. She’d never been in such a contraption, and once it jolted, it nearly caused her to fall forward into Adrain, but she caught herself, and straightened her back once more. My… that’s a bit alarming. She cleared her throat, not happy with how she’d reacted, but knew it was unavoidable. There were new types of magic about that she hadn’t been exposed to yet, and it would take some getting used to.

Once the pod doors opened, Melda was quite happy to be out of them, and was not looking forward to having to go back down in it. As he explained the chamber, she nodded along, getting the gist of how it worked. I must say, this is quite clever. I applaude the creator thoroughly. She thought for a moment about preferences, and then stated; It must be warm. And preferably near a large body of water. Aside from that, I leave the details to the master. She smiled and shrugged off her cloak, folding it carefully before placing it in her bag, then placing her bag on the floor beside her.

[Deleted]

"Well I am approaching the end of my first year as Headmaster. I'd like to hope so far I've done well to spread the influence of education and magic in a positive manner. I've spent the previous few years as the Head of the School of Elemental magic, so I like to think I'm qualified" Adrain says with a small laugh.

When Melda stammered and nearly fell, he moved to catch her if need be, but she righted herself thus allowing him to relax. "Yeah, I suppose I should have emphasized a bit more about what was going to happen on the Pod Elevator. I still say it's calibrated to move a little too fast, but whenever the subject comes up there is a moderate preference for the fast state. I think people just like to watch the reactions of newer students and guests." he says with a slight laugh.

As Melda mentioned that she applauded the creator, Adrain rubbed the back of his head a little bashfully. "Well it is inspired off a concept a Fated told me about something called Virtual Reality. I had an idea that it might be possible to replicate the effect with magic and with the help of my colleagues we eventually figured it out. I'd go into the detailed process if you like but it isn't as exciting as the end product."

When Melda mentioned her requests for the criteria of the simulation, he nodded as he raised his hands as some spells go off and the glyphs change colors. A number of glowing rings near Melda light up as Adrain gestures to one with a number of cushions near it. "Okay, so when you are ready just relax within one of the rings, and you will go into a sleep-like sensation. I took the liberty of preparing a number of cushions so that you might lay down if you like as not to strain your body by being in a sitting position for long, plus I'd hardly ask a Duchess to sit on the stone floor. The room will be sealed when active to protect your privacy while you are functionally asleep." he says then frowning slightly.

"I suppose the next step for improvement would be to integrate chairs into it so one can sit instead of having to take a meditative pose on the floor.." he muses aloud before he himself sits in a white ring and enters a meditative stance, his body then slumping slightly, indicating that he was within the dreamstate.

When Melda would relax and enter the dreamscape, it would feel as though she fell asleep quickly but naturally. When she comes to, she would be standing on the edge of a warm beach, a normal tide of waves crashing along the shore. The sands would stretch into a plain with various plants in the sand leading to a more plain field. Birds would seemingly fly overhead leaving a very calm area.

Adrain would be holding his hand up with blue and yellow sparks flying off it into the sky and nowhere as he adjusted it.

"So feel free to start with a warmup and then perhaps try something more interesting, target practice, combat simulation, whatever you may have in mind."

[Deleted]

Melda smiled. Well I would commend you on your accomplishments, but I haven’t witnessed any of them myself, so I’ll have to take your word on it. She held on tightly after that, listening to his explanation of the pod.

I can imagine that. People enjoy someone else’s embarrassment. Melda sighed and shook her head, but kids would be kids. She waved her hand when he said he could explain further. No need. Some things are better explained through experience. Melda looked around the room, moving to where he showed her, and nodded her thanks.

Thank you, the floor would be rather uncomfortable, I’ll admit. Your consideration is very much appreciated. Melda sat down, before deciding to do as he suggested, and laid back, finding it much more comfortable. She heard him speak about chairs, and made an approving sounds. Mm. Chairs, or just simple beds, or even just a cushioned mat of some kind. She gave her opinion, her voice vague and a bit distracted as she attempted to relax her mind.

She heard Adrain move to his own spot, and assumed he entered whatever state was needed. It took her a few more moments, but she soon accomplished the same, and when she opened her eyes again, it was bright and sunny. She was standing now, feeling the sand give way to her feet. The area was stunning, and Melda looked around, not having been so relaxed in quite some time.

Without noticing, she’d imagined herself in entirely different clothing, no longer fitting of her stature. Instead, she now wore a summer type dress, short sleeves ending at her shoulder, and a flower cut neckline. The skirt branched out with a small poof, and ended at her mid thigh. It was white with blue and green summer flowers patterned over it. Completely inappropriate for a Duchess. Her hair had remained down in its soft beach waves, but now she had a large floppy sunhat on, beige in colour. The wind felt beautiful on her skin however, and made her feel at one with it.

Melda glanced over at Adrain, heading his voice and seeing the sparks. When he told her to start with a warmup, she nodded and glanced back at the ocean, taking a deep breathe in and out, in time with the tide. After a moment, a large pool of water shot out of the ocean, 15 feet or so away from them, and made a fountain like display before them, multiple layers into the sky. At the same time, the wind danced around them, lifting sand and leaves into the air, making for quite the show. A minute or so later, the wind died down, the sand and leaves falling gently to the ground, and the water slowly pooling back into its home, no splashes or commotion, and everything was calm again.

This place is amazing. She spun around to Adrain, a wide grin on her face, looking far younger for a moment, before she regained her composure and cleared her throat.

[Deleted]

"Most of my work thus far has been on the micro level, not as many opportunities have come for macro level work unless you count destroying Helena's fog during that unpleasant attack against the city prior to Midwinter." Adrain says, rolling his shoulders. He had perhaps become too casual with the fact he had accomplished this feat even if to some it is more impressive to deny a goddess at a critical moment.

"The argument is generally to speed up the travel since a slower ride to the highest levels of the Arch would take a significant amount of time, but I've always suspected the humor being the ulterior motive." the archmage says in response to Melda's comment about embarrassment.

When she declined a further explanation and then voiced her input on the implementation of furniture, he nodded not having anything additional to say on that subject since it was fairly straightforward that the process involved would be to convert the circles into a somewhat more complex shape for entry into the dreamscape. Granted, it may be possible to just put it behind one's head on a larger chair in a throne-like shape but that would have to be figured out later.

When Melda entered the beach-like environment and her outfit subconsciously changed to that of a more casual beach-goer's complete with sunhat and shorter than expected dress, he noted it and the fact that seemed genuinely happy for at least a few moments instead of her normal stoic expression.

When Melda did her initial warmup, he silently watched not wanting to break her concentration. It was one of fine control, artistic even. He observed amused as the water and wind danced before the grouping of spells wound down to a more calm end with the water even returning to it's source without splash or flash.

As she exclaimed the place was amazing and had a young smile on her face before returning to her normal demeanor, Adrain couldn't help but to chuckle a little. She did look quite exotic and beautiful in that outfit with that expression.

"Lady Vanya, it's okay to let loose and have a little fun. Nobody can see you here but I and I promise not to tell Diamond, Aria, or anyone else about the fact you've shown you can drop the stone expression routine." he says both to lighten the mood and mildly tease Melda.

Regardless of her next comment, Adrain would hold his hand up as white streaks of energy and sparks manifest into the sky over the ocean as geometric shapes of several varieties begin to manifest over the water and sands, solidifying into ice.

"Some targets if you wish to have something to shoot at, but I am open to suggestion if you prefer another activity instead. Most things can be accommodated here."

[Deleted]

It seemed her little slip up didn’t fly past him, as he commented on her habit of staying strict. I am aware of that. It’s… Old habits die hard. She sighed, letting her shoulders fall slightly from the strict straight posture she always held. She had a feeling he’d keep his promise on not telling, but she wouldn’t care if Aria saw her this way. She hadn’t been able to be care free in at least 50 years now. For the record, it’s not a routine. Its a job. We have enough nobles who cause problems and do idiotic things- no names are coming from my lips— however I have always felt I should do my best to do my job right, for our King. If it would make anything easier on him, why shouldn’t I? He has enough trouble to worry about. She rolled her neck softly, shaking out her limbs lightly.

She watched, entertained as sparks flew from his hands again, and followed them as they flew over the ocean, creating ice targets for her. She glanced over at him, giving him an approving smile. Fitting. Hmm, what to do first. I’ve been sticking to simple magic for years. Using water to lift stains and such like that. Melda cocked her head to the side and thought it over, idly swirling her hand and fingers through the air, a stream of water following her every movement two feet in front of her, and about five feet in the air. She did this for two minutes before she stopped sharply, and the stream instantly turned into three sharp daggers of water that shot out with a flick of her wrist, and pierced through one of the targets, through the head, the heart and the stomach. Well that won’t do. My aim appears to have faltered. That last one was supposed to go lower. She pouted for a moment, dropping her hand and allowing the water to fall over the targets back into the water, leaving holes where they used to be.

Whats the most common use for this place? Magic practice? She asked idly, wanting to keep up the conversation.

[Deleted]

"Of course Lady Vanya, don't take it as a disrespect, you are one of the nobles that I believe can actually have the term noble in the adjective sense applied to them. The King I imagine has a burden that even I cannot fully comprehend in the management of the kingdom at large. As far as nobles who cause trouble, I can probably guess one but things are rarely what they seem." he says, closing his eyes with a soft smile. It was possible that Melda could advise him on what he should do regarding Yuki. While the mage could provide sanctuary, it only alleviates the problem temporarily and doesn't resolve it.

"It is unfortunate that the king's attitude towards magic is so guarded, I couldn't imagine having to more or less suppress what is as natural a part of me as breathing for a long term. I've been hoping that by showing the usefulness of magecraft and the good works of mages his attitude would turn but there is a long ways yet on that." he says in response to Melda mentioning the most use she gets out of magic is lifting stains.

As Melda skewered a target and then pouted that one target had failed to meet it's mark, the mage laughed a little. "Something you want to talk about, or do you always aim for the groin?" he mildly teases, not pressing too hard on that minding Melda's status and feeling not quite that ready to be completely unguarded with his comments as of yet. Granted the mage had no idea the rejection of Diamond, but how could he?

"Well, the most common is definitely for spells that push the limits of what one can do, so that way if one blows off their arm by overcharging too much mana into a glyph tattoo and it backfires horribly, then the pain is only temporary and usually a lesson is learned. The more popular ones are combat simulations against targets that try to attack or duels between mages. There are ways to watch what happens in the dreamscape, so at times tournaments have been known to be staged both official and unofficial, but I've disabled that function for today's activities." he states with small smile, waiting to see if Melda wanted anything specific for another activity.

"It is kind of amusing to manipulate this world since you can even cause scenarios that are impossible in reality." he says, waving his hands as green sparks manifest and a ring of flowers sprouts out of the sand around Melda, white and blue wildflowers from the traditional elven lands.

[Deleted]

Melda waved her hand. Oh I didn’t. I just have a habit of needing the last word. But yes, there are many nobles with problems. Not to say I don’t have my own, but I can at least say I’ve never attracted the Kings attention in a bad way.” Melda was rather proud of that fact, and didn’t care if it came off as cocky. She’d been around for a long time, and around nobility even longer, so she took much pride in her ability to do her job right.

Yes well, I doubt his opinion on magic will sway any time soon. With everything happening from the attack, to the Fated “hunt”, he’s skeptical in all corners, and who can blame him? I could use my magic anywhere I wanted if he wasn’t around, but out of “fear” for a certain noble’s spies, makes that a bit difficult. Melda growled lightly, still not using names, but her anger for Severine ran deep.

When her aim had been off just slightly, and Adrain commented on where she had been aiming, Melda looked at him, stunned for a moment that he would even comment on such a thing. Her expression soon calmed down, and she actually laughed for a moment. Well, no matter the creature or species, aiming there would hurt, no? It would definitely stun them enough to stop moving for a moment. However you may be on to something. She looked at him with a coy glint in her eyes. I’ve always had an… aversion, I suppose one could say, to men. Yourself included, so don’t feel special. She laughed lightly again, joking slightly. She could handle a conversation like this without a problem, and could joke about her distrust of men without a problem, but it didn’t change much; especially after her…problem, with Diamond.

It’s deep rooted, but it doesn’t effect how I do my job, or how I interact with people like yourself. It’s random people and such that bother me more so. Melda shrugged lightly.

When Adrain went on to explain the uses for the chamber, Melda nodded along, having assumed some of it, while other bits were interesting pieces of news for her. Well I’m quite interesting in this invention I must say. You should be very proud of this place. If there is anything I can do to further it’s development and improvement along, let me know. Also, I’m open to any ideas you have on our surroundings. I am curious to see what this thing can do. She smiled formally, proposing her help in the future, be it money, support or advertising, she would do whatever he needed.

When he grew flowers around her, Melda knelt down and cupped one with her hands, noting their type and smiling up at him. Very clever Headmaster. She loved these things growing up, but she had rarely seen them, shadowing her mother in the palace so often.

[Deleted]

"Well it's good then, I've heard he has a tendency to lock away people who annoy him too much and it would be a shame for you to end up in the dungeon or something." Adrain said with a small chuckle in response to Melda's obvious pride in her lack of getting in trouble with the king. "Both the king and the kingdom are surely richer for your role in things in all seriousness."

Adrain raised a brow with Melda's mild rant about magic and a certain noble's spies, but noting her obvious distaste on the subject, he didn't pry with the elven maiden. He took a note that there was a particularly difficult Noble especially with regards to magic apparently. It would make itself obvious whom it was if and when Adrain had to deal with this individual. It made the mage slightly sad to know that Melda's actions were constrained in such a way by this woman's saboteurs.

Adrain chuckled when Melda laughed, listening to her explanation. He raised a brow when she mentioned he was on to something, and remembering that Melda was trying with no insignificant effort to get Diamond in the water. It was a stretch, but the possibility was planted in his mind. In any case, that wasn't his business.

"Well a piercing ability to the abdomen would do more damage than the groin. A crushing impact, well that would definitely hurt a lot more down south." he says with a small shrug.

The archmage listened as Melda explained her natural distrust towards men and joked a little.

"Is there a specific reason for this dislike or just one of those sort of things that are more a gut instinct without a full reasoning?" he inquires, then chuckling a little. "Well if you can at least give honest men a chance to earn your favor and friendship then that's all I could ask." he says.

"It is one of my most influential works yes, I'm not fully certain what more I can do for this other than the aforementioned furniture for comfort while meditating, but that wasn't really a high priority since it's more discipline oriented to expect students to mediate instead of laying on a bed or something. Of course the option for lovely nobles like yourself is definitely worth having." he says teasing slightly. "But really I think this is only possible in the Arch, I can't fathom a way to make the power requirement work in another location outside of using a large amount of Caster's Sorrow which is obviously a horrible idea."

He smiles, amused when Melda began to examine the flowers and calling him clever.

"I've always admired elven culture. Elegant, refined, yet a touch of confidence bordering on arrogance. Reclusive enough to appreciate the wild but advanced enough to be envied by other races. The wisdom of a long life bears many fruits."

"As far as capabilities, there are few limits. Most people have to use preset rooms such as these." Adrain says, shifting through a few. One being an arctic climate with glaciers dotting a frozen sea, the land they are on being frozen snow, the chill tangible. It then shifts to a desert, the exact opposite as cacti and sands go for as far as the eye can see. Then to a ballroom, impractical in its size and scope relative to any realistic need, a table set with wine and a meal at the edge. Lastly, it settles to a grassy plain with a broad lake and a few trees dotted across a landscape, a small mountain in the tangible distance.

A dragon swoops by overheard, unleashing a blast of fire into the distance before flying off towards said mountain.

[Deleted]

You aren’t wrong there… Melda muttered, thinking of how lovely it would be if he just locked up Severine. She smiled at Adrain lightly at his compliment. Well thank you. I try. She was quite grateful that he left the subject alone from there, knowing full well she couldn’t speak names, despite their privacy.

You certainly aren’t wrong. She shrugged. Who knows, maybe I just like causing specific pain. She coughed lightly, looking back over at her target with disdain. Diamond hadn’t even crossed her mind when explaining her mind set- it had never been about him. He was the first man she’d had her sights set on since her husbands death however, and that was notable, to anyone who knew.

When he pried a bit further, Melda looked at him for a moment, not sure if she wished to give him such information on her past. He seemed genuine enough in wanting to be a friend, and that was never the problem for her. Well. My husband died. If you can believe it, I used to be a huge romantic. He went into battle one day, without a word to me - he used to leave me notes instead, so I couldn’t try and stop him-- and didn’t return. My mother taught me that everyone has one other person in the world that they are meant to be with, and he was mine. Melda looked out to the water with a sad look on her face. I don’t trust men, and have a general dislike for them, because more than once someone has tried to court me due to my status, appearance, family, whatever you can think of, it’s probably happened in my lifetime. I don’t trust men, because most seem to act first, think later, and that’s what got my husband killed. So i tend to avoid them if possible, though lately I’ve seemed to change a bit. In truth she blamed Aria, the woman was changing her over time, making her more social it seemed.

Melda looked back to the mage, the sad look gone from her face. That’s all. Nothing scary or anything. she shrugged. I try to give a chance, but first impressions are everything you know. A certain paladin crossed her mind here, and she held in a shiver of distaste.

Melda gave him a joking look at his comment of nobles and comfortable furniture, but didn’t comment, knowing he was teasing. I’m afraid you may be right. Branching out right now may not be the best idea, but if you still with to further your research on it, I’ll do whatever I can to help. She nodded again, understanding his hesitance.

She laughed lightly when he described elven culture. I’ve never heard my culture described so perfectly. She stood back up, taking a small flower with her, twirling it in her fingers before placing it in her hair, behind her left ear. She was allowed to be a little childish here, assuming he kept his mouth shut. If not, she would definitely get him back for it.

As he shifted through the different settings, she nodded approvingly, liking how vast the variety was. When it stopped changing Melda took a deep breath in, liking the calm feel of this one, and looking up at the clear sky, her eyes turning wide as a dragon flew overhead, unleashing its flame. Amazing… You truly are a genius. She whispered to herself, not so low that he couldn’t hear her.

[Deleted]

Adrain shrugged when Melda stated that she wanted to cause specific pain. A bit scary this one could be, he certainly made a note to try not to anger her and if so to cover his crotch with thick, ice-resistant armor. He would then listen patiently as Melda told him the story of why she disliked men and those who had tried to court her before. The fate of her first husband was touching in it's sadness. The mage tried to visualize Melda as a romantic. A young, vibrant elf with a more boundless energy to share with her lover. It was something of a shame that had faded over the course of time.

"You know..." the mage starts, hesitating for a moment and thinking of how to word his next point without stubbing on Melda's toes. "I respect that Elven culture believes in the soul mate highly, but it is possible that your first husband might not have been that one. Maybe it's just attributed to whom you give your virginity to, but when I think of the idea of soul mate, I think of a perfect match that complements both the strengths and weaknesses of the other, a boundless affection and dedication to the other. It sounds to me like a betrothal and that he might not have always respected your wishes by sneaking off to battle. If I knew I had to run off to battle I would treasure each moment with my lover the day before and never let them feel brushed off. Perhaps he had all of these attributes outside of the sneaking off to battle bit, perhaps not. Only you would know." he stops, pausing for a moment.

"But you know, I see a bit of your energy and life here, something that you conceal most of the time in your traditional noble setting. I truly hope that if a soul comes along that fulfills you and allows you to feel that way on a regular basis, you will at least have your heart open to doing so." he says, pausing and then laughing weakly, looking at Melda.

"I'm sorry to lecture you, I'm sure most of this is stuff you already have thought of to some extent, and I think you are a brilliant woman in the prime of your life who deserves to be fulfilled however that may be. Even if I'm just getting to know you here, I can at least hope for that much for you, yes? I'm afraid we teachers still talk too much even when we get to an administrative role" he says with a chuckle, then moving on past the subject unless she interjected a new angle.

"I will keep that in mind, I thank you for the promise of support and I will certainly involve you and credit you as much as you wish to. The project has been considered complete thus far, but I'm sure sooner or later some idea will come about to improve the base."

When Melda laughed a little about the elven culture saying it described perfectly. "I always favored Elven texts with regards to research, more thorough and specific." he says, then turning his speech to Elven.

"I've always wanted to study at an elven settlement for a time, but I'm actually not sure where the homeland of the elves are." he says, rubbing his hand against the back of his head for a moment with a small laugh. He noted that she put a flower behind an ear, and nodded not even once considering it abnormal in the way Melda seemed to.

As Melda seemed mesmerized by the dragon, Adrain was watching it before closing his eyes with a soft chuckle. He didn't hear her whisper, but turned to her afterward, seeing her amazed expression.

"This is one of my favorites. Not uncommonly at all a young mage thinks they can take on the world. When they get too boisterous, I make a bet with them that they can't defeat the dragon and if they can then I shall grant them one wish within reason but if they fail they have to submit to volunteer work for two weeks." he says, then chuckling as memories cross his mind. "None have succeeded. It teaches them humility, and that no matter who powerful they think they are, there will always be something stronger and to never become lax in one's studies."