Dragons of Despair 1.6 -- The Tower of High Sorcery, Wayreth
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."