Crow's eyes immediately widened when Hieronymous offered not only to teach him, but have him one day take over as the Empress's chief advisor.  That was probably the last thing he ever expected.  He never once thought of obtaining a position of such... great responsibility and importance.  He didn't think much about his future any further than adventure and fun.

This... was a crossroads for him.  His immediate instinct was to accept the offer, but there was hesitation gripping his mind.  Grabbing hold of his jaw and keeping it closed.  Teeth clenched, he wondered if he really should accept.  What was wrong?  He normally dove headfirst into uncharted territories like this.  It was no different than when he accepted the position of bard not so long ago...

No... this was different.  Clearly.  He accepted the position of bard because the alternative... there was no real alternative.  Now... he was given a clear choice.  He was being entrusted.  For the longest time, as a wandering traveler, he became accustomed to being underestimated.  For the first time in a long time, someone of great importance was not underestimating him in the least... but was he instead being overestimated?

Maybe Hieronymous was right about taking time to consider and reach a deci-

"I accept."

Before Crow realized what he was doing, those words flew out of his mouth.  He was surprised, even though he was the one who said those words.  A small grin appeared on his face.  Wasn't this how he had always done things?  Spontaneously and without a care in the world?  No... not without a care.  Simply... resolute, completely sure, and confident in his own decisions.

A Cheshire grin etched across the aspiring arcane disciple's face.  "I am honoured, Master Hieronymous, for someone of your position and power to have such faith in my abilities.  I accept your offer and I promise, I will prove that your faith in me was not misplaced.  I will not let you down."

Crow lowered his head and bowed, humbled by the great challenges that no doubt awaited him in the near future.

Sparrow hesitated for but an instant, clutching the silk dress she had been given. She could hardly discard the garment the Empress had gifted her and walked naked to the Astrologer.

She was suddenly worried that having Azael buy her was not such a good idea, but what choice did she have? She could not refuse him, and even if she did, he could simply buy her later and then he'd be cross. She was not sure she liked the way he looked her over, either.

She bent and picked up the coffer he had indicated, testing her slender strength, and carried it over to the Astrologer. She laid it down before him and bowed her head, waiting to be acknowledged again.

She looked over at lilbug, a smile on her lips as she watched him feed something under her chair. She wondered what it was. Then she puts a stern look on her face and asked him what the heck he was doing. Upon hearing about a cat, she laughed with disbelief.

 "A stray cat you say? Likely story! There's a table on the floor over there for the pets! I think you are just stuffing them in your pocket to save for later you lazy good for nothing slave!"

 Her lips twitch and she looks angry.

Sparrow chuckled and bowed. "The coin is not mine, my lord, nor is the errand. Azael wishes to purchase me from the crown, and bids you take a fair price of your choosing from his chest of coin. And he did mention he would not accept a gift in this matter."