Dragons of Despair, Chapter 1: The Tower of High Sorcery
Location: The Forest of Wayreth, somewhere
Date: Manthus, Early Afternoon, 25th Reorxmont 351 AC

Polished silver and gold arches loomed above the companions, the gate's metal twisting in ornate patterns that reflected the ethereal moonlight.  A courtyard of dust and stone could be seen through the bars.  Overgrown weeds creeped through cracks and crevices.  There was no one
in sight, yet the companions felt like someone was watching their every movement.

Just before Valik went to place his hand on the gates, they swung open, allowing the companions to step into the courtyard beyond.  Taking a breath and steeling themselves beneath the shadow of the Tower of High Sorcery, there was a sense of crossing a threshold -- the last step before it was too late to turn back.

When they took their first steps beyond the gates, four connected mage towers rose into the night sky.  The wall around the towers formed an equilateral triangle decorated with a moon pass through the phases, from empty to full and back again.  Each wall depicted one moon -- one Silver, one red, and third moon -- in black -- which simply didn't exist.  The towers themselves were crafted from black stone and etched with glowing stained glass and arcane runes.  The two tallest towers leaned precariously, looking as though they could topple over at any moment.

Between the companions and the Tower of Wayreth waited a dusty, unspectacular-looking courtyard.

OOC: What would you like to do?
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:58, Thu 22 June 2023.

Ayrron smiled as they came to the gates, and when they opened, he was not surprised in the least The kender stepped in and sighed. "Nice to be back...." he muttered.

He looked around, and shrugged. "HELLO!" he called. "We have some questions for a master please?"

Valik flinched back, surprised by Ayrron's shout. It seemed like a place of reverence, yet here was a former student shouting up at the towers from the front gate. "This is the right place? There is no one here."

Valik looked around for sings of...anything, really; fairly convinced that he did not belong in this place.

"Oh, they hear us all right, Valik." Making a flourish with her cloak, she started walking towards the tower with the red moon. "Come, maybe my master, Don Henrique Fuenten, is present. He might not know what we are dealing with, but he's the father I never had. I trust him."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:30, Fri 23 June 2023.

Ayrron smiled at the obvious jump in Aelina's step - she was truely happy she was home. In truth, Ayrron was glad, if only to see his own mentor, the grumpy but smart gnome. "I know what you mean - I'd like to see Master Ormorn, but the staff may be more your master's wheelhous....,Ormorn is more crafting magical items."

Aelina's footsteps echoed against the stone, leaving imprints in the dust.  The feeling of being watched intensified, the sensation prickling up the companions' backs, and they all turned around quickly.  A nervous half-elven woman wringing her hands, a ratty apprentice robe wrapped around her mousy form stood in the courtyard.

"H-Hello! I'm sorry if I startled you. I was just..."  Her words tripped over each other in their quickness, her voice vibrating with anxiety.  "Well, I've been waiting here for a while to take my Test, and I was starting to think I was the only one here, so I was beginning to doubt if I was even in the right place.  But then you showed up, so maybe you too are all mages here to take--" she took a deep breath in, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, "--the Test of High Sorcery?"

Before you can even answer, she looked you all up and down, her hands now coming to press to her cheeks in embarrassment.  "What am I talking about, of course you're here for the Test.  I mean, even if some of you are rather oddly dre--  I mean some of you don't look like mages.  I'm sorry.  I get nervous when I speak.  I mean, of course you can wear whatever you like for your Test.  An you must be here for the Test.  Otherwise, you wouldn't have made it through Wayreth Forest."

Letting out a sigh, she collected herself and stuck out her hand.  "I'm Kyrian.  It's nice to meet another group of mage hopefuls here.  You are all here for the Test, right?  It's been pretty scary waiting here alone.  Honestly, it's terrifying to think about the Test, too.  I'm worried that I’m going to fail and die, or maybe I'll say the wrong thing, and they'll kick me out -- or maybe I'm not even supposed to be here in the first place and me trying to be a mage is all just a big mistake!"

Kyrian sheepishly clapped her hands over her mouth and went silent for a moment, before she spoke again slowly through her cupped fingers.  "Sorry. I ramble a lot when I'm nervous.  I'm just so uncertain about what's waiting in the Tower, you know?  I get anxious just thinking about it."

Ayrron walked in and felt the presence behind, and turned to see the half elven woman. The kender smiled as she spoke, his arms crossed. When done, he smiled and tapped her arm. "My dear....your very nervous, aren't you?'

He looked at Aelina and lost his smile, but then back again. "Some of us have had some training here - myself and mistress Aelina here. My other two fellows Vallan and Valik are actually warriors and not here for the test. And mistress goldmoon..." He looked at her, unsure how to approach the topic, but recovered quickly.

"...we are actually here to see the masters on a urgent matter, so not for the test - but i wish you all the luck this world has." He looked at her, his smile fading. "A piece of advice - do not overthink things or it will make you nervous. That happens and you will lose your focus. You are here for a reason - no person comes here without the approval of the council so the recognize you have skills."

He places a comforting hand in hers. "If you are here now, you were meant to be here. Do not question that, or your path. You will either pass and become what you have dreamed, or not. You can not dwell on what has yet to happen. Just calm down, focus and you will do well."

Vailin remained silent throughout the exchange.  He had commanded platoons, engaged in complex tactical maneuvers, but this whole place was out of his element and he felt unprepared.  He felt both alarmed and reassured of the mention of a test.  While he didn't understand magic, it sounded promising if aspiring wizards were held to certain standards and were assessed accordingly.  Given Arryon's seeming flippance he had viewed wizards of undisciplined folk with unspeakable power.  A dangerous mix.

The talk of masters was good.  Senior wizened folk who could provide counsel on this staff would be most welcome.

Kyrian scratched the back of her head, disappoint washing over her face.  Then her expression changed and her eyes sparkled with a new admiration. "You really seem to know what you're doing.  I'm only taking the Test because magic is the only thing I'm okay at and because my parents and grandparents were magi as well."  She looked at the companions, eagerly leaning in.  "Can you tell me what gives you so much confidence? I-I mean, there has to be something that motivates you, right?"

Ayrron looked at the woman with a smile. "My race tends towards confidence, but ultimatly you need to find something your passionate about - that way even though your learning, it doesn't feel that way. Take me - i love making things.....so many ideas in my head sometimes it hurts. But being able to get those ideas into reality is what drives me to learm. I have a vision of a companion that is more than just a machine, but also has some sentience of its own. someone who will walk or fight by me because it wants to."

Ayrron's explanations to Kyrian where as good as she could ever give, maybe even better, but the nervousness of the lad struck a cord in the bard. She approached them and smiled. My small friend is right, confidence and passion are the key. I started my training here as a wizard, because I didn't want to go back to where I came from. I'm an half-elf you see, neither races would ever want me in their ranks. But the Tower is my home and although I am a failed wizard, I discovered who I really am. I am a singer and entertainer, and magic is in my blood, just as it is in yours. You can do this, if you believe in yourself. And maybe ballads will be sung of your accomplishments one day, and I will sing them for the masses! Oh this is so exciting, I need to sing for you now!" With her customary flourish, she moved her lute to her hands and started strumming.


In a realm of magic, where dreams take flight,
There's a young apprentice, Kyrian shining bright.
With a wand in hand and a heart full of zeal,
She's about to face a test, but nerves she can't conceal.

Oh, the ancient scrolls and spells so vast,
Whisper tales of challenges that lie in her path.
But deep within her spirit, a flicker burns so strong,
With determination, she knows she'll prove them wrong.

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

As the moonlit sky blankets the enchanted land,
Kyrian's thoughts weave spells, intricate and grand.
She ponders incantations, the lessons she has learned,
Wishing for the wisdom that her mentors have discerned.

But doubt creeps in like shadows, whispers in her ear,
What if she falters, what if failure's near?
Yet deep inside, a voice whispers, "You are strong,
Unleash your magic, Kyrian, and prove them wrong."

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

With each step forward, courage starts to bloom,
Kyrian embraces bravery, dispels the gloom.
The hallways echo with anticipation's hum,
As she approaches the test, her heart begins to drum.

Oh, the ancient scrolls and spells so vast,
Whisper tales of challenges that lie in her path.
But deep within her spirit, a fire burns so bright,
With determination, she'll vanquish every fright.

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

Through swirling tempests and enchanted lore,
Kyrian finds her rhythm, her spirit starts to soar.
With wand in hand and heart held high, she takes a stand,
For in this test, she'll shine, a wizard in command.


With that final note, she dipped in a bow, like she had sung this improvisation in front of a full inn, before coming back up, cheeks red and with sparkling eyes. "And that is my magic!"

<OOC>ChatGPT strikes again! I guess Aelina gives one inspiration to the NPC that way, hopefully it won't screw her up lol
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Sat 24 June 2023.

Ayrron stood by as Aelina sung her song both to and about the young woman and smiled. It had been a long time since he had heard the woman in such fine form, and crossed his arms with a huge grin as she finished. With three mighty claps, he shook his head. “Show off” he whispered to her with a gleam in his eye.

He then looked at the woman. “You see…you do not lack the talent or skill, else you would not be here. You falter with your confidence. Believe and you will find the strength. Magic is in everything. Word, spells,…”. He indicated Aelina.  “…songs, even creations.” He pulled out the small, unfinished creation of his working. “Life is magic, make of your life what you want, and you will find your magic.”

Aelina laughed and whispered back to Ayrron "Always, that's what I do." She got her lute back in it's carrying position in her back and smiled to Kyrian. "Now, I think you should follow the instructions that were given to you for your test, and we will get out of your way. It is your day to shine, and we are interrupting it. We still need to find our masters, to ask counsel. Good luck!"

She bowed to the apprentice, flourishing her red cape, and signaled her companions to accompany her to the nearest tower.

Kyrian frowned, patting Aelina on the shoulder with soft empathy.  "That sounds really rough.  I mean, sometimes I wish I didn’t have to think about all the times in the past that people laughed at me, or pushed me around, or said I was silly for wanting to be a mage..."

The large wooden door of the foretower creaked open on its own, inviting you all to step inside. Kyrian looked at you and smiled hesitantly.  "Guess we should go in?"

Ayrron smiled at the woman and indicated to the door. "Ladies first."

He looked at Aelina and winked with a cheeky smile, letting Aelina, Goldmoon and Kyrian go first.

Vailin had listened with detatched interest to the exchange with Kyrian.  Normally the young warrior would have been quite interested to hear about the magical trials young wizards engaged him, but matters were too important for him to focus.

"I trust these masters of your can tell us something of use.  We need answers about the staff."

Valik suddenly came to the realization that if people all across the lands were looking for the staff, then bringing it to powerful wizards that they had no hope of defeating was probably the worst decision they could have possibly made. He could only hope that the wizards were not after the staff for themselves.

With apprehension clawing gashes in his spirit, Valik followed.

As the companions as you entered the Tower of High Sorcery, they were greeted by two solemn mages in red robes, their eyes keen but silent in their assessment.  A group of other people -- apprentices by their dress -- stood assembled in the large entrance antechamber, some sitting in quiet meditation while others chat quietly amongst themselves.

A wealthy-looking human man looked over at Kyrian and snickered to his three companions.  Kyrian bowed her head, looking away as the man appraised her openly, his hands in the pockets of his luxurious and well-groomed clothes.

"Looks like they'll let anyone take the test these days," he sneered, eyes fixed on Kyrian.  The half-elf woman tried to shrink away and hide the group.  "Little mice who don't know what they're doing should go home and hide in their little holes.  The Test of Sorcery is for real magic users only. You'll be ripped to shreds."

Kyrian tried to speak but only managed to squeak and blush in shame.

Ayrron had seen bullies many times in his life - coming to the human residence he had dealt with them many times aimed at him. Luckily he had the confidence to ignore them and turn it in his favor.

...she however didn't.

Ayrron felt anger boiling up, but hid it with a smile. Looking at the man he spoke. "Just ignore him Kyrian......unlike some who got in from their father's coin purse, you got in on pure talent."

He looked at the men and his snickering posse. "You ever heard the story of the lion and the mouse boy?" The kender began walking up towards him. "the lion, most feared animal in the jungle, who ruled over all was found by a mouse - kind and humble. The mouse asked to be friends, but the prideful lion turned him away. He ruled over all, and all animals scoffed at the mouse."

"Then one day the lion found himself trapped in a net. None of teh animals dared to help him as he pleaded for help, for fear of the hunter. But the mouse.....that meek, kind and brave mouse came and chewed the rope. She didn't have to, but did for one reason - it was her nature."


The kender looked smugly at the boy. "You know what happened then? The lion and the mouse became best of friends. Those who mocked her now knew her strength. And the lion recognized loyalty and kindness."

He looked at Kyrian, then back. "She may be a mouse to you, but her heart and spirit is as large as a lion." He crossed his arms. "Good looks and daddy's money will get you so far. Kyrian will get further, and when she does, i'll be proud to stand by that mouse." he pointed at the half elf.

---

<OOC: Ayrron Rolled 15 using 1d20+1 - Intimidation check >
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Mon 26 June 2023.

The man's face reddens with rage, his fists balled up tightly.  Before he could takes a swing, one
of the red-robed mages stepped in.  "No fighting between Applicants.  The Tower is sacred neutral ground," he said sternly.  "Break this on pain of exile from the Tower forever, stripped of your magic."

The man -- obviously another Applicant -- becomes flustered, scowling at Ayrron fiercely.  "You’ll regret this!  Hear my name -- Dorian Ariantal!" he declared as he
strodes away.   "It will be the last name you hear."

Everyone else was staring at the companions now.  Eager to escape the intense stares, Kyrian clutched at Ayroon's hand and started pulling him into another room -- a dining hall by the looks of it.

The second of the red-robed figures gestured to the doors.  "Applicants and guests, please make your way to the dining hall.  Food and rest will be provided."

As the man raged at him, the Kender stood there with a smile on his face. When the mages stated the rules, he held his hands up. "I'm half his size....I'd be stupid to want to fight him, not only because hes physically superior but because of the rules of your house." He looked at the man with a smile. "....and I'm not stupid."

He listened as he threatened him and nodded. "Dorian Arianta....a pleasure. I'm Ayrron"]

He had a self-satisfied smile as they called  for the dining hall. He patted Kyrian's hand as she led her in. "Come....let's have a nice meal. Maybe Dorian will tell us a story."

Aelina smiled widely at the invitation for refreshments and nodded her head to the robed figure that had talked to them. "Thank you, it is very appreciated. Maybe we'll learn something out of all this." She moved to the room and lightly put her hand on Ayrron shoulder. "Well played my friend, I can't stand bullies either."

The dining hall featured a blazing hearth.  In its center, a long table sats surrounded by several chairs, with just enough seats for everyone present.  As you all took seats, a small unassuming door opened at the far end of the room, and a parade of people in plain brown robes filed in, each bearing a plate of foo: meats and cheeses, crusty bread and roasted vegetables.  The food was hot and fresh, and there was plenty on each plate.

Some of the applicants talked quietly amongst themselves in hushed voices, while other stared grimly down at their plates like they were certain this was their last meal on Krynn.  Kyrian looked like she was about ready to faint.  Down the table, Dorian seems unphased by the gravity of the situation, and was laughing loudly with two of his friends.

The two red-robed figures sat at the head of the double-wide table, and drew back their hoods.  One was a an exceptionally thin elven woman with long curls of blonde hair.  The point of one ear poked out from between locks of hair.  The other was a human man of middle age, with dark hair and a pointed goatee. 

They ate little, but watched everyone in silence, their gazes weighing... assessing.  When the last of the applicants -- a big beefy lad who looked like he'd be more at home on a farm -- finally pushed his plate away, the human magi cleared his throat softly.  All conversation around the table ceased.

"I imagine," he said in a rich baritone mellifluous voice, "many of you feel like Alouise, who wandered into the fey realms while chasing the white rabbit."  He referenced a popular children's tale.

"Allow me to clear a few matters up."  He ticked off points on long, elegant fingers.  "I am Don Henrique Fuentes, and my compatriot here is the lady Fortuna Ereghast."  The elven woman bowed her head a fraction.

"You are all here, barring a few exceptions," Fortuna picked up where Don Henrique left off, "to undertake the most grueling task you will have experienced to date, and likely for many years to come: the Test of High Sorcery."

Don Fuentes picked up; this was obviously a well-rehearsed routine.  "Each Test of High Sorcery is designed to test your worth and resolve.  Each is designed to winnow out those who do not possess the heart and the will to do whatever it takes to further the study of magic on Krynn.  You will be challenged.  You will face things you thought you could never -- would never -- face, and you will overcome them."  He paused.  "Or you will die."  The simple finality with which he said it was chilling.

"Please, stand."  Fortuna followed suit, gesturing with long billow sleeves.  "In the great hall, a servant will guide you to your rooms.  Rest, and prepare.  Tomorrow, your test begins.

"One moment," Don Fuentes said quietly to Lady Fortuna.  "Take the rest.  I would have a word with my apprentice and her companions before they turn in."

Lady Fortuna gave Don Fuentes a measuring look, then simply nodded, gesturing for the others to follow her.  A moment later, the heavy door closed behind them, and the five of you were left with the red-robed man.

"So, little songbird," Don Fuentes said.  "I get the feeling there's more to this visit?  You have the air of impatience about you as always."

The half elf smiled widely again. "Little songbird... it has been too long since I heard that. It is good to be home. But you are right, Master. I am not here for the test, I still have much to learn before I can attempt it. " A pause followed as she glanced at Goldmoon, gaging the resolve of the human and seemingly asking her permission. She then looked down at her hands before raising her head high and looked frankly at the other bard.

"It seems like fate has saddled us with an important mission, Master. Our companion Goldmoon is the wielder of a powerful staff that can true heal. Yes like in the legends of old, when the gods still had power and influence on Krynn. It might be the opening move of a return of the Gods, and I will see it through. I probed the staff like you taught me and I never felt such power, the staff resisted my scrying!" Another pause followed.

"I am here to seek advice and information, and I am so glad you are here. There are none, beside Master Stonebrow, that I would trust with this potentialy world shaping discovery. And Ayrron's Master." she added almost as an afterthought.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Tue 27 June 2023.

Ayrron listened to the words of the masters, with a smile, looking at Dorian every so often with a smile. When the apprentices left, he looked at Kyrian and nodded. "You will be fine....focus on what your heart says and you will do well." When he saw Dorian again about to leave, he bowed.

As they left, he shook his head. "What an ass." He muttered more to himself.

Then he listened as Aelina and her master spoke. Ayrron had met master Fuentes once before. He nodded to the man with a smile. "Forgive my words to that certain aprentice....I don't do well with bullies."

When the topic came up on goldmoon and the staff, Ayrron became quiet - he was a joker, but he was smart enough to be quiet in such a serious topic

Don Henrique raised an eyebrow.  "If I had a copper for every time I'd been handed an artifact of the old gods, I'd be a rich man.  May I?" he asked Goldmoon, reaching for the staff.

Goldmoon hesitated for a moment, then handed over the staff.  Don Henrique drew out an owl feather from some pocket, brushed it against a pearl as big as his thumbnail and muttered an incantation before running the feather down the length of the staff.  That staff turned blue for a moment, and Don Henrique went still as he focused inward on the staff.  A small frown appeared on his face, and his eyes returned to focus on the group.

"It is good to be disabused of our arrogances, sometimes," he said, handing the staff back to Goldmoon, who cradled it to her chest.  "This is something that requires further study.  Why don't you stay with me, dear, while Aelina and Ayrron undertake the Test of High Sorcery.  By the time they are done, we should be in a position to better answer your questions and set you on the right path."

Valik stepped up to Goldmoon's side as the wizard asked her to stay with him, showing quite plainly that he had no intention of leaving her alone with him. He might be powerful enough to remove Valik with nothing more than a flick of his wrist, but if him being there bought her even so much time as that wrist-flick would take, then so be it.

Ayrron watched as Don Henrique tried to identify the staff, and when he came back as being humbled, he lost his smile. Then when he mentioned the trial, he had a look of shock. "Wait...come again - Did you say trial?"

He looked at Aelina, sure that she would do well, but despite his bravado, he was no magic user, like the rest - his skills lay with creating items. "I'm not one to question yoru wisdom, master Don Henrique but you are aware that i am not strictly a wizard. My skills lie in the crafting of items."

"I wonder what Master Ormorn might have to say about the implications of that statement," Don Henrique's smile was a thin line on his face.  "Do you think yourself unworthy of your magic?  If so, you are -- and you prove every nay-sayer in the Tower right when they say it about others who craft such items.  Even moreso, when they point you you and say a kender should never be allowed anywhere near such power."

"Take the Test," he urged.  "Pass it.  Become full members of the Tower, even if all you do is crafting of items -- that is no mean feat in and of itself, turth be told."  He paused, considering, and his eye took in Valik's protective stance as well

"There is another reason to take the Test," he said appeasingly.  "Right now, you are considered apprentices.  Any wizard of the Tower could come along right now, and take this staff.  Take it for their own study with the promise to return it -- someday.  It is a distasteful practice, but common enough.  You are apprentices, with no ability to gainsay them.  But if you pass the test, and are full members in good standing, regardless of how little time you've held that standing, you can claim the staff is your area of study.  Its lore" --he gestured to Aelina -- "and its construction."  The gesture went to Ayrron.

"Tradition holds that younger members are expected to defer to elder wizards -- but a stronger tradition holds that no mage interferes with another mage's studies.  It would give you a defense you do not currently hold."

Ayrron blushed at the mention of his master and the under-estimation of their craft. When growing up, he had always wanted to know magic, and while he had the keen mind, he had not the magical aptitude (or the focus)

Then he met Master Ormorn by chance, and it changed his life.

When he metioned the underestimation, the bush was replaced by a defiance - one the master knew would fire his passion. When he had finished the conversation, the kender had calmed, his mind clear, he nodded. "You have proved well why you are a master and i am yet an aprentice. My patience can sometimes lead me astray, and while i do not doyubt my skills, and in no way my masters, sometimes my kender side hides the fact that i question what i do."

He looked around, then to his hands - even though they were kender, they held scars and calouses from work with tools and metal. He was no normal kender, and he fought to prove that - and now was the chance that the fighting could prove to everyone.

He looked at Don Henrique and nodded. "I, Ayrron Stormtallow, of the norther kender tribes officially request to undertake the trial of sorcery, Don Henrique."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Wed 28 June 2023.

Vailin was surprised at how his body tenses and his hand again reflexively grasped the pommel of his sword when Don Henrique a wizard could simply take the staff.  Why did that bother him so?  Hadn't the point of coming here been to see the staff into hands that could properly assess its power and purpose?  Still, it seemed the idea of someone taking the staff, no matter how appropriate, as. . .wrong.

He reflected on these thoughts while listening intently to this test of sorcery.  Take out the magic part, and the death, it sounded much like the speech he had given many a recruit when they came for their mandatory military service.  Perhaps there was more that magic had in common with the mundane than he had thought.

Aelina shared the look of astonishment with Ayronn but as soon as her master gave his reasons, she bowed deeply and humbly, not something she was known for. "And I, Aelina Celestina, ask to take the test of high sorcery." ::And may the gods, wherever they are, be merciful::
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:08, Wed 28 June 2023.

Don Henrique gave a small satisfied smile.  "It is the smart move.  I'll have rooms prepared for you all."

Glancing at Goldmoon, he asked, "Would you mind, dear, if I placed your room next to mine?  Having close access to the staff would be most beneficial to our study.  I give you all my word I will not attempt to take it without your consent."

Ayrron loomed at Aelina with a weak smile. "Looks like it's our time." He muttered
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Fri 30 June 2023.

The bard put her hand on Ayrron shoulder and squeezed it. "Cheer up, my inventive friend, your machines will amaze them, you'll ace this.

Underneath her cheerfulness, she was as petrified with fright as the kender.

He shrugged, looking at her. "Your songs and ballads will knock them dead." he mirrored her compliment with nervousness.

Valik bit his tongue almost as quickly as he had begun to deny him. He remembered how much it had pained and disappointed Goldmoon the last time he had made a decision on her behalf. He took a calming breath as he rethought his words, then made proposal, "I do not trust you, Master Wizard. It's not your fault, but that does not change the way that I feel. Let us have the men stay in the room next to yours, and the women in the room next to ours. When you wish to examine the staff, you can alert us and we'll travel together to see Goldmoon and the staff. It costs only a few seconds of your time, and gives us some feeling of comfort when dealing with you."

"Aelina and Ayrron have dealt with you or the other wizards before, but the rest of us have not. People in our own home town sought to take it, so you must forgive me if I have less trust in someone I have never met before than those from our home."

"No."  The word was a quiet crack in the silence that followed.

"No," Goldmoon repeated.  "I ahve have had a belly full of people telling me what I will and won't do, or how the investigation of my staff will or won't happen."

"First, it is decided that we will come to to this Magic Tower, for surely the wise ones will know what to do with it.  I say nothing, because I know nothing.  Then, when we know the staff can heal, we say no, and hide the staff away from those in need.  And now, when we are here at the Magic Tower -- where we sought to come for aid -- you say you do not trust?  No.  I say.  Riverwind believed in the staff -- and he brought it to me.  I believe in Riverwind, and I will know what this means."

Goldmoon turned her gaze of Don Henrique.  "And if they try to take the staff from me.  Let them.  I suspect the staff will object.  Strenuously."

Ayrron listened to the words of Goldmoon, and actually smiled....not one of humour or mocking, but one of relief and pride. The kender, in a rare moment of humility, stepped forward. "I am glad you are clear with your mind lady goldmoon. I know you were not happy with what i said with the monks."

He bowed his head. "I hope you can forgive me, but i also hope you understand it came from a place of protecting not only you, but my friends as well." he smiled a warm smile. "I understand if you don't trust my judgement in this, or anytime in the future but i also hope that upi consider our wisdom in the future - if you'll have us help you."

Don Henrique gave a thin smile.  "You're lucky I like you," he said.  "You've got spirit.  But a word of advice: try not to insult the people trying to help you by calling them liars to their faces."

Turning Ayrron and Aelina, he stoop up from the table.  "Rooms will be prepared for each of you.  Rest, study, prepare yourselves tonight.  Tomorrow your Test begins."

He turned to go, then stopped and turned back.  "One more final piece of advice: it is not often done, but it is possible to take the same Test together -- and even for your companions to accompany you.  I strongly encourage you to exercise that option."

"Talk it over amongst yourselves.  When you're ready, speak to one of the apprentices outside, and they will show you to your room."

OOC: I'll set up separate threads for your rooms, where you can prepare...

Ayrron was surprised that they could take the same test, even involve their friends, and looked at Aelina and nodded. He looked at Don Henrique. "If lady Aelina would join me i would be most honoured."

He looked at his two friends. "...and i would request that if they consent, Master Vallin and Master Vakik assist us in this endeavor."

He crosses his arms and smiles, awaiting the answers of each person

Aelina lost some of her bravado when her master left the room and took a large gulp of wine from her cup. "I'd never though I'd be taking the test so soon, I expected to have a few more years to learn about the world before. My training is to learn lore, and I feel like I don't know enough yet. But I do know that Master Fuentes is right, there are historical instances where a group took the test together. It comes at a price though, we all need to succeed or we all fail. And there are no second chances."

She looked at her companions, Ayrron having already expressed his choice. She removed her glasses to clean them with a soft cloth and to give herself some more time. "Alright, I am ready to risk it all, I agree to do the test with you, Ayrron. I don't know how they will add you, Vailin and Valik, I don't recall a case where non-magic users were invited to the test, even to help a magic user. But I guess these are changing times, with the appearance of this staff. And rules can be bent... Master Fuentes is a Red Bard after all", she said with a wink.

If Valin had been drinking when Ayrron spoke his name he probably would have spat it out.  Only years of military training kept his face relatively stoic instead of turning into a slack-jawed yokel.

He remained silent until after Don Herique had left.

"I agree we came here seeking advice on the staff.  While I still feel this is the right course, I do no wish it to be seperated from Goldmoon at this time.  I know not why, it makes no rational sense to me.  But it is how I feel."

"However this trial sounds like it will give Ayrron and Aelina sufficient rank to protect the staff.  Perhaps more importantly it sounds like an incredibly important moment for them."  He looked to the spellcasters.  "I am honoured you would ask me to join your trial.  My sword is yours."

Ayrron looked at Vailin and smiled, nodding. "Like the master said - if we pass and claim the domain of the staff, none of the wizards here can take it from us. Aelina's master is a crafty one."

He looked around. "...and informing that we can not only 'share' the trial, but also have you with us." He looked at the warrior. "...and i am truely comforted my frineds are by my side."

Valik had stayed silent since Goldmoon's reprimand. He gave half-smiles and reassuring nods concerning their helping with the wizard tests, but he had not the slightest idea what to expect from such a trial. It certainly had something to do with magic. What use would he be for that? Fighting things with magic? He could give some aid there, perhaps. It sounded like it was supposed to have some element of danger to it. Were all mages taught how to fight?

There were many unknowns.