Caerden settled into the comfortable chair behind his desk and paged through his spell books to find the ones he would prepare today. The arcane formulas that harness the power of the Weave and wrought magic at a wizard’s command are complex and demanding, requiring that they be memeorized every day, even if not cast. “I take it Saer Anane’s trap was successful and another sweet young thing has fallen to his charms… and yours apparently.” He looked over to Imizael perched on the pedestal in the corner; a skull wreathed in cold blue flame. She had been left abandoned by their family, just as he was, when they sailed to Evermeet in the Retreat… locked away in a vault under their villa until he stumbled upon her. He still didn’t know what magic bond her spirit to the skull, which was clearly not hers, but some fell being’s. She would only tell him that when he had the power to release her she would tell him what he needed to know. Until then, in exchange for his oath to do so when he could, she served as his mentor in the Art, teaching him ancient lore and spells as his skill progressed. “It did indeed… and so did she,” he chirped glibly as he turned back to his studies, but then added in a more serious tone; “But this one will be around for a while… He plans to recruit her.” Caerden understood Daeron’s attraction to Raven; she was a stunning beauty, but so were all the women who passed through his bed. However, this time was different. He had stalked her for months, watching her from the shadows, and even devised tonight’s test to be sure she was trustworthy… at least as trustworthy as any thief could be. Although she could be an asset to the Tel Teukiira, it was a risk revealing their affiliation. A risk that could not only put Daeron’s life in danger… but his as well! “Your charade is your life,” Imizael cautioned somehow managing to look concerned while nothing but bone and flame. “The wrong word in the right ear and you could both be worse off than I am!” “I’m aware of that,” he sighed with a taint of frustration. “But she passed all his tests, so he believes she can be trusted, and he is determined to do so… with or without my consent.” “And did you consent?” Imizael demanded her blue flame flaring as she realized that Daeron had too much respect for their friendship to risk it over a woman, no matter how captivating. “Yes,” Caerden confessed as he turned back to her and let his nonchalant façade drop, leaving her facing the same hurt and abandoned young man who had first found her; “Why should we have to sacrifice every chance for happiness to do what should be expected of everyone?” “Because you chose to do so under the guise of the very scoundrels you oppose, and if the truth becomes known to them, they will hunt you to the ends of Faerun,” she professed with clear concern and affection. As his grandmother’s sister she knew the shame of his linage, and that no matter how many great deeds he did or what honors he achieved, such as the exalted status of bladesinger, not just their family but most elves would never accept him for the simple reason that his father had been sired by a drow; a fact evident by his violet eyes. “So our masquerade must go on,” he accepted with a resigned tone, “but who says we have to continue alone.” Credits: Michael 4 by DAZ3D, M4 Warpmaster by Lyrra Madril, Enigma Warpmaster by HH Drache Design, Valiant for Michaeal 4 by Ravenhair, Dauntless by Moyra, Jack of Hearts by Luthbel, Rogue Braotherhood for Jack of Hearts by Arien, DMs Legends & DMs Druid Valley by marforno & Danie, DMR Totem Tales by marforno, Danie & LadyRhi, BRC - The Cloisters by Redhouse Studios, all from DAZ3D. Nyte Elf for Victoria 4 by Vex & Adiene, no longer available at Renderosity.