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Luthien de Mendici

The headmaster of the Liminal Academy.

0 · 563 views · located in The Great Hall

a character in “The Liminal Academy”, as played by Morgan_R

Description

Image
Name: Luthien de Mendici
Gender: Male
Age: 33

Appearance:
Luthien appears to be younger than his true age, though not dramatically so. More noteworthy is his striking coloration -- stark white hair and metallic gold eyes. It's commonly assumed that he has altered his appearance with magic. Certainly he dresses to enhance the effect, as his outfits always incorporate both white and gold -- most frequently a silk-and-gold brocade vest over a white silk shirt.

His build is tall and slender, and he moves with an androgynous grace. Likewise, his elegant, long-fingered hands are generally artfully poised or gracefully gesturing. The only contrast to his overall impeccable appearance is his hair. It falls past his shoulders, and tends to be somewhat unruly, often seeming to be blown into disarray by a wind that affects no one else.

Personality:
Luthien is almost invariably calm and self-possessed, regardless of the circumstances. Very few have seen him angry... but those who have generally do not wish to repeat the experience. Although he strives to be even-handed, he is perhaps sometimes a touch cooler with those of the House of Sunlight, while seeming to be more forgiving of the more frequent misdeeds of the House of Candles. It is a subtle difference, but not an imperceptible one.

Luthien seems to take a fairly hands-off approach to running his school, leaving much of its day-to-day affairs in the hands of the Chatelaine, Mary Fairchild. He tends to retire to his tower for weeks at a time... except that those who attempt to find him there may-or-may-not succeed, leaving some to suspect that he is leaving the Academy entirely, though not by any of the known doors.

After such disappearances, he'll commonly show up to eat a meal with the teachers, or perhaps sit in on a class, observing without comment. In such cases, he'll sometimes ask a question or two -- generally either deceptively simple, or apparently unanswerable.

Rumors:
Luthien is the subject of all the usual rumors accruing to a self-made mage. He made a deal with a demon to gain his powers. He is a demon in disguise. Et cetera. Few of these rumors seem to have any substance behind them.

More probable, and perhaps more worrying, is the persistent rumor that he is absenting himself from the Academy for days or even weeks at a time, for purposes unknown. The idea that he has found a way to cross over into other worlds is especially striking. Just where does the third great door of the Academy lead to?

So begins...

Luthien de Mendici's Story

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici
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Date: Tuesday, December 31st.
Time: Morning

His white hair lending him a degree of gravitas that his youthful face did not, Luthien de Mendici sat at the head of the table -- insofar as a round table could be said to have a head. He was, at least, directly opposite the door, the better to raise a wry eyebrow at late arrivals.

That being said, this was an informal meeting, and not all of his teachers might even attend. It was simply a chance to observe the students as they arrived -- an illusion of the Great Hall rose from the center of the table, with a tiny Chatelaine at its center -- and also to discuss any concerns they might have about the coming semester.

Overhead, puffy white cumulus clouds drifted gently by, in the sky-illusion that gave the Blue Room its name.

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Jan Zhao
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Date: December 31st
Time: Morning


Jan's House



Mistress of Shadows, she who is unknown, she who holds all the strands of the web I offer my daily praise. Let no light shine down up this strand and let those foolish enough to try face true darkness The bald and muscled supplicant who knelt at the altar stained with the legacy of it's dark worship prayed. A fitting prayer given the altar. Upon it's blood stained obsidian stone rested a knife older then the race of men, it's eternally sharp edge bathed in the blood of countless sacrificial victims while the goddess Al-Jumi's image of a wanton female was picked out in onyx and rubies

Most who saw this would have perhaps have been shocked and not so at ease as the supplicant was. But then most did not know of the goddess, certainly none so well as the supplicant in his robes. Such knowing came at a price though and while it was one the supplicant had paid long ago he knew enough to know few ever would.

Blue Room


The streets of Shadowtown always inspired such a secret joy within his heart. So much resentment for those who lived beyond the column of light that was the central feature of the place. Given enough time the bald and muscled man knew he could convert many to Her worship but such was not the way of Al-Jumi. No She preferred quality over quantity. And so he had to let go of such pleasant dreams as converting his own personal army.

Still there were other benefits to be had in Her service. He enjoyed those perks as diligently as he could. For the robed man knew such things were fleeting. Not that he planned for defeat mind you. He just was uncomfortable with the recent directions his orders had taken.

Never before had he gotten this close to a potential convert of the dark goddess. For the love of all that was a good idea he had the boy's father killed and now She expected him to form a bond of trust with the boy by becoming his teacher. Far too much could go wrong with this plan. Not to mention wearing the mantle of a monk of Al-Monj was beginning to chafe in more then one way.

The goddess was not to be denied however much he disagreed with her. The price had been paid after all and as such there was nothing to do but play his part.

Which is why he found himself in this so called Blue Room, the feel of a magic he could not use arousing more then a little jealously. Not that such a thing showed upon the calm mask that was his monk's persona.

No instead he studied the illusion before him, the great hall in reduced scale. It even had the likenesses of the current occupants. Students for the most part he saw some good and bad clay to shape into fighters. But what truly caught hid attention was the youth he was here for.

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Atir Farouz
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#, as written by A_Man
Dressed in regal clothes, Arir Farouz slowly walked into the Blue Room, miraculously on time, as opposed to his usual tardiness.

He glanced at the illusion of the hall, noting all the new students, and smiled. The incoming students seem to be amusing, a good deal scared, nervous, or excited. The new students were always the best to harass, them not knowing his usual antics.

After the short glance at the illusion, Atir turned back towards the Headmaster.

"Should be a good year." He said, with a smirk, ignoring all the formalities one should have when talking to the Headmaster of a school.

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Atir Farouz
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"Cecile Tudor," says Luthien, as the first of the first-years entered the Academy, visible as a small figure in the miniature Great Hall. Luthien made a graceful gesture with one long-fingered hand, and a second sphere of illusion appeared above the first, showing the young Cecile's androgynous face. "He is one of those Tudors, yes." Just a slight emphasis on that 'he', likely only noticeable by those listening for it...

"Shade Dara. Thief," said Luthien, in a completely matter-of-fact tone, as the next student stepped up to the Chatelaine.

"Allyse Gypso. Dancer," he continued. "Ah yes, and she brought the cat. Coal, I believe." As if the cat's name might possibly be relevant...

There was a brief pause, as the earliest students dispersed and others began to filter in behind them.

"Should be a good year," Arir said, smirking.

Luthien raised an eyebrow, and replied dryly, "So glad you think so, Professor Farouz."

The setting changes from The Blue Room to The Known World

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Atir Farouz
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#, as written by A_Man
Atir looked back to the illusions, and then back to the Headmaster.

"Please, I know I've said this every year, but just call me Atir. The 'Proffesor' term is so I'll fitting for me." Atir said, shaking his head.

"They just seem like they'd be fantastic to fool around with. Why... I'm half tempted to illusion myself as a student, just to give the newcomers a taste of this school." Atir added, with a grin. Of course, this wasn't even a joke, as he had done just that a number of years ago, much to the annoyance to a few.

"And you, Luthian," Atir said, specifically calling the Headmaster by first name, "What do you think of all of this year?"

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Atir Farouz
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"The 'Professor' term is so ill fitting for me." Atir said, shaking his head.

"Indeed. And yet I feel compelled to use it, in hopes of evoking those qualities which you lack, Professor Farouz." Luthien's delivery was deadpan, but there was a hint of amusement crinkling his eyes. It had become something of a game between them, this mutual disrespect, each in his own style -- at least, Luthien seemed to regard it as a game.

The headmaster just shook his head slightly, as Atir suggested another prank of the type he'd pulled some years ago...

"And you, Luthien," Atir continued, "What do you think of all of this year?"

"Mm," said Luthien, a noncommittal noise, as he turned his attention back to the illusion. "That just now was Ellard Donahue, April Summers, and Phoebe Avalon." He brought up their faces in turn as he named them.

"On the whole," he continued, "I'm pleased with them. We've filled all our slots, and nearly all of them have clear potential, in one form or another. A few... potential challenges, of course, as there are every year."

The setting changes from The Known World to The Blue Room

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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Milhera walked in and sat down at a chair, quietly observing all the students walking in.

When Allyse walks in the Great hall Milhera leaned forward. "This girl is one has some real potential." She looked over at Luthien "She's from the house of Candles isn't she?"

The setting changes from The Blue Room to The Known World

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: The Chatelaine Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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" Such a bountiful crop of young and promising minds." Jan spoke as the students paraded through the illusion of the great hall they were all watching, sitting in the blue room. It seemed somewhat voyeuristic this unseen watching of what would become the new student body but the false monk could not deny it's usefulness. If only this could be employed everywhere, t'would make the job of being the dark goddess's eyes and ears a lot easier. Then again it was in all likelihood was. As one of the few non-mages here Jan would wager a great deal that there was much he was not told. Which seemed fair enough as there was things they'd never learn from him either.

" And lucky are we to be the ones to teach them to be the best they can be." The bald and muscled monk added indicating with a wave of his right hand all the teachers present sitting around the show they were watching. " As for the criminal past of some our students I doubt they were so forthcoming with it Headmaster." Jan further expended upon his comments. " Or did you perhaps step beyond the simple questions your rather forthright greeter did?"He asked with a slight rise of his left eyebrow." Such curiosity seems ill suited to the environment we wish to foster. After all some of the magic practiced here sits ill with my own order let alone Al-Monj himself. Yet it is only petty theft you seem inclined to mention."

How he loved such games of minor wits.He wasn't all that good at them but still he loved to play them for they only improved with use. Of course Jan Zhao loved such games, the man behind the mask was a tale none would ever know. At least that was Al-Jumi's wish and would remain so till he failed his true mistress.

The setting changes from The Known World to The Blue Room

Setting

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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Luthien nodded to Mihera, as Allyse stepped into view. "She's a natural pyromancer -- and yes, a Candle. Formerly a street dancer in Shadowtown."

He then looked up sharply as Katherine arrived. He listened with a touch of concern furrowing his brow, but said only, "Pray see that you do, Professor Clarice."

They continued to watch the incoming students, with Luthien naming each one, occasionally adding some pertinent fact.

"Such a bountiful crop of young and promising minds," said the muscular Jan. "As for the criminal past of some our students I doubt they were so forthcoming with it Headmaster. Or did you perhaps step beyond the simple questions your rather forthright greeter did?" He asked with a slight rise of his left eyebrow. "Such curiosity seems ill suited to the environment we wish to foster. After all some of the magic practiced here sits ill with my own order let alone Al-Monj himself. Yet it is only petty theft you seem inclined to mention."

Luthien steepled his hands, pressing his fingertips together. "I do make a point of investigating the backgrounds of our applicants, Professor Zhao. Particularly our young Candles. If you wish to remain unbiased by such knowledge, you are not obligated to attend such meetings as this."

"As for the nature of the magics we practice, that is a conversation we have had before, Professor. Unless you have some new argument to bring to the table, I see no need to repeat it." There was no edge to the headmaster's voice, but there was a note of steel in it nonetheless.

Setting

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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" Such a tone Headmaster for such a simple question. " Jan replied with what was perhaps the faintest trace of amusement though to be utterly truthful there was perhaps an iota of reason for it. The monks of Al-Monj served the temple as it's eyes and ears, a less kind interpretation would see them called spies. If so the man pretending to be what he wasn't would argue they weren't particularly very good at such a task, he was living proof of such an opinion. Still Luthien had every reason to have such thoughts concerning the opinion of the followers of Al-Monj. Namely because the council headed by the Arch-Curate Disa,Knight-Commander Kira,and Grand Master Phu had a very low opinion of the Academy.

What was truly amusing was the fact that Jan has filed entirely false reports with GrandMaster Phu. And for the good of the Academy itself. For if those fools in their shining armor and white robes ever learned about half of what this place's Headmaster allowed openly his presence here would be in a different capacity altogether. But such narrow minded concepts of good and evil were only for children's stories. The world was so much more then black and white. The world was in fact composed of so many shades that it was nigh on impossible to distinguish gray from black. Not that he cared to in the slightest, false monk that he was.

Still Luthien seemed to want to find the line between dark gray and black if the presence of the Liminal's Necromancer was any indication. That and the ever so aggressive response the mere mention of his order's displeasure with his methods invoked. An interesting development that Jan thought one that he perhaps could further explore for the profits it might yield. If only at the sufferance of his true mistress's pleasure. He doubted it'd take much convincing for the Lady of Shadows did always enjoy moral ambiguity. For such was the easiest path of conversion, the shortest distance to fall as it were.

And the other teachers present must share Luthien moral ambiguity to one degree or another,else why support his plans and methods. Perhaps there was potential in each of them to learn of the darkness past their concept of dark gray.

"Still I suppose it is not out of place, I personally have no more concerns." And here he implied that the council had no more concerns. " As for becoming biased towards the students due to their criminal past. All who seek the light shall find it." The monk added, the watch phrase of the followers of Al-Monj though he didn't add the other half of the phrase. Namely about being dragged into the light as he saw little need to give offense at the moment.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet
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#, as written by Mondieu
Mortimer stumbles out of his workshop, locking three of the six locks on the front door. Security first! he lives outside a mine for pete's sake!... Mmmm... Sake... perhaps he should have some after school? No. The people for responsible teachers or whoever they were would have him do no such thing. Oh, right security! Mortimer, with Alchemical Shaping, welds the door shut. No use letting the cold in anyway... After several minutes, Mortimer decides that he shouldn't seal the whole thing shut.... He'd have to spend hours undoing it! So he leaves it welded a bit on the leftmost side where it opens from, and on the top and bottom left corners. Admiring his handiwork, Mortimer sighs.... Oh fiddlesticks! The antipoison for class!

Maury un-welds as fast as he can, then re-welds it, realizing it would take too long, and crawls into the window he left open. Falling forward and hitting the floor of his house, he runs to the kitchen, and scavenges his chemistry set for the antipoison.... It's not there!

Hm, maybe he put it on his bedside table? Mortimer sprints to his bedroom, not finding it on the bedside table, he realizes he forgot to put on his tie today. Hurriedly he ties the "'Frantic Monday" tie about his neck, and remembers where he put the antipoison!

He had artfully carved out a square-shaped hole in several hundred pages of the dictionary in order to store potions in it, and so he turned to the B section, withdrew the antipoison, climbed out of his window, and closed it. Now to hail a cab to get to the academ-

He had left his wallet in his other pants! Mortimer spent several more minutes borrowing a ladder to climb down the chimney into his house, he changed into new clothes, cleaned himself up, and then suddenly noticed the door to the academy in his workshop.

A few minutes more, and Mortimer finally stumbled into the Blue Room...

"Sorry I'm late. I had a dreadful morning!"

Setting

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet
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"All who seek the light shall find it."

Luthien's lips quirked into a wry half-smile -- there was no doubt that he knew the other half of that particular catch-phrase. Whatever comment he might have made was interrupted by Mortimer's arrival, however.

He waved one of his hands, flicking his fingers outward -- a graceful gesture of dismissal.

"No matter, Professor Whippet. There are a few more students to be expected, but in the meantime, does anyone have any issues or questions that they wish to raise?"

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet
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#, as written by Mondieu
"Oh, I don't think so." says Mortimer, "Other than what I think we've discussed earlier... Don't worry, I brought the antipoison!"

He draws the hard-found bottle from his coat.

"But I've been thinking, what if the students aren't morally inclined to do this? Could I still give them an A if they just make a potion with the effects they wanted?"

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice
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"I d-"

Both Katherine and Tristan spoke up at once, and both silenced themselves immediately. Quiet follows.

"Sovereignty to she," Tristan quickly added, so as to save face and show mannerism. As Far Southern as both teachers were, the law of the north still applied to them. In this kingdom, the women ruled, not the men. Accordingly, it was an orally passed custom to yield every time to a woman. Though not practiced often, the two Far Southern professors still bothered themselves. Perhaps it was just their foreign perks.

Katherine nodded in acceptance, and cleared her throat.

"Headmaster Mendici, I will be as forthright as I can with you : the Candles this particular year are...troubled. As optimistic about these children as you are, I...I believe that in the interest of the protection of everyone, I may be allowed to summon a few familiars to patrol the campus at our non-active hours."

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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Luthien's face took on a slightly pained expression, and he raised two fingers to his forehead, as if in hopes of fending off an impending headache.

"Professor Whippet... while I make a point of not interfering with anyone's classes, I would be much obliged if you do not fail any of your students for a lack of lethal intent."

He sighed, and shook his head slightly. "You know that I was reluctant to permit such a... demonstration... in the first place. If her schedule allows, I would appreciate it if Professor Zandras were present, just in case of any... mishaps... with the antidote."

He then turned his attention to Katherine. "Now, Professor, a certain degree of... exploration of their environment... is only to be expected." He smiled slightly as he spoke, then continued in a somewhat more serious tone, "I do not believe that any of these children are capable of breaching my wards, to end up where they truly should not be."

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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#, as written by Mondieu
"Oh, professor Zandras? I don't believe we've met." He turns to Ms. Zandras, "Have we? I think I would remember you, but, you know how potion fumes can be!"

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet Character Portrait: Milhera Zandras
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Milhera looks up at Katherine. "What seems to be the problem Professor Clarice? I can take care of it now." She walks over to Katherine muttering a few pain-killer spells over her. When she is finally satisfied with her work. she sits back in her old chair again. "That should be enough for you until after the meeting."

When she look at the illusion she smiled. "This is an interesting group of students. I'm excited to see how this all works out."

Milhera laughs at Mr. Whippet. "I have met you before. I am around quite often."

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Atir Farouz Character Portrait: Mortimer "Maury" Whippet
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#, as written by A_Man
"Haha, she does a better job of being around then Luthien, at least." Atir stated, with a chuckle.

"This is an interesting group of students. I'm excited to see how this all works out." Milhera said, to which Atir nodded enthusiastically.

"I agree. They look as if they'd make wonderful playthings." He said.

Setting

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim Character Portrait: Katherine Clarice Character Portrait: Jan Zhao Character Portrait: Maya de Mendici Character Portrait: Atir Farouz
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"Speaking of which," said Maya de Mendici, lounging back in one of the chairs, arms folded across her chest, "How many should I expect to be taking Self Defense?"

The other Mendici was Luthien's opposite in nearly every way. She was dark-skinned where he was pale, short-haired where his was long. Aggressive and intense, compared to his unruffled calm. Quick to take offense, when he let even comments as bold as Atir's pass with nothing more than a slight lift of one eyebrow.

"A goodly number, I'd expect," Luthien replied to his sister. "There's a few that brought weapons, and of course a few more who might have aspirations in that direction. But you might want to consider running two sessions this year."

"Mm," said Maya. "Yeah. Anything over eight, and I will. Last year was a bit much."

Luthien nodded, then looked around the table again. "Any other business, then?"

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Character Portrait: Luthien de Mendici Character Portrait: Tristan Rephaim
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"Are the wards from last year still here?" asked Tristan, finally clearing up and regaining his composure.

"I hate to be assassinated this year because a religious fanatic doesn't care I make fundraisers for his church."