abraxaslogs | When I'm near the end and I just ain't got the time

[ Istredd doesn't have to wait long. A bark quickly followed by a hush is the first reminder that Ambrose lost control of his office. Mace beckons Istredd in with practiced warmth in his voice.

Most of the office is the same; many of the artifacts and tomes that Ambrose collected over the years are on familiar shelves, but the organized chaos of the room is gone. There are wooden crates nearby as Mace's personal belongings and many of Ambrose's are being sorted or switched. The enchanted door to his private study remains locked.

Mace stands in front of the large desk and holds an arm out in welcome. ]

Come in, come in.

[ Two plush beds flank the desk, each inhabited by a well-trained dog. ]

I found a spot in my schedule as soon as I received your summons, pun not intended.

[ Despite Istredd's neutrality, Mace keeps a friendly smile. ]

Istredd, was it?

[ Istredd comes in and his eyes dart around, making notes of all the details both changed and the same. Sometimes there are signs about someone's mentality based on that, but the dogs themselves are not a surprise. He smiles awkwardly at the hounds, knowing they're important to Mace, and generally Istredd does like animals. He just has very little experience with them, never being in a place where he could adopt one himself. ]

I appreciate your flexibility and willingness to see me, High Mage.

[ Istredd is formal by nature with strangers but he tries to take his cues from Mace's own easy-going approach and relaxes slightly. He and Ambrose were always brisk and to the point, and he appreciated that. He'll have to read this situation a little more fluidly. ]

Yes. Lucifer says hello, I believe you've gotten to know my partner somewhat.

[ Istredd knows that Lucifer tried to speak to Mace after he was taken to the dungeons, and that overall Lucifer likes the man, which is a very rare occurrence. He tries again to loosen up, easing the tension in his shoulders. ]

I was on polite terms with your predecessor, although nothing more than that. He allowed me access to research on the Singularity.

[ Mace gives a short nod with a smile in acknowledgment of said "flexibility and willingness". The title sparks a twinkle in his eye that he manages not to gloat about. ]

Lucifer? Why yes! He's a charming fellow with a...discerning eye. Easily picking out areas around the castle that could use improvement.

[ Istredd is likely aware of how the two bonded over a mutual disappointment in Ambrose. Mace has never publicly besmirched the former High Mage's accomplishments, lauded them if anything, but it was always with reservation that he would talk about his plans for the future. ]

Ah, yes. I've been going through some of the notes he left behind when he decided to abscond. A shame, a shame...

[ Mace turns to a file of unrolled scrolls and sorts through a few. He eventually chooses one that only has a few lines of script. ]

Something about the "soil" around the Singularity?

He has a talent for that, yes. And a good read on people, which is why he encouraged me to speak with you.

[ Istredd never spoke outwardly about his own dislike of Ambrose, but he privately did to the other Summoned. He saw the value in having his appreciation, but he won't miss his arrogance and callousness. It's hard to say so far if Mace is made from the same mold, but it's unlikely. Already he's coming off differently. Istredd's used to people like Ambrose. Mace is an unknown. ]

I've gone to the Singularity during the Dimming twice now, we've brought a casket on behalf of Thorne during those trips.

[ So it wasn't only his own drive, but they did a task for Ambrose in the process. Istredd doesn't know how secretive Ambrose was about all of that, so he'll just outright tell Mace the truth. ]

The purpose of the soil was to see if there was a difference magically or scientifically about the space surrounding the Singularity compared to, say, outside. But the findings were that no, it's the same, so the crater itself is not the unique aspect.

[ Perhaps getting a firm no about a theory would put someone else off, but not Istredd. He likes to cross options off his list so he can get closer to an answer. The crater is not special, it's just the Singularity's location. ]

If I may ask, what is your opinion on the Singularity?

Is that so? It's an honor to have gained his recommendation.

[ Mace makes no attempt to hide his pleasure at hearing that. He slowly rolls the unfinished scroll into proper form as he listens to Istredd's conclusion. ]

A shame. I'm sure soil imbued with the power of the Singularity would have been highly sought after. But we don't need the fools in Cadens digging around there either, do we?

[ It's all spoken with an air betraying the seriousness of the implications. He keeps a good-natured smile plastered on his face, though his brows raise when Istredd asks him point blank about the Singularity. ]

I have the staunch opinion of any good citizen of the Kingdom, including our departed Ambrose; that the Singularity is our duty to protect. But I am less inclined to throw all breathing subjects into its depths in the pursuit of research.

[ He sets the scroll down on the desk, away to the side. His smile, once again, smooths out the rough edges of the topic of mages lost in study. ]

I will gladly offer my assistance in continuing any ongoing projects you have, of course. But Ambrose was, how shall I put it...overzealous at times.

It is very rare, but he also likes your dogs.

[ Istredd likes animals, but his experience with them is limited. He has several pets in the Horizon. Mace's pleasure in having Lucifer's approval is noted and frankly, appreciated. There is a part of him that naturally feels better when people respect his partner. Lucifer hasn't had much of that in his life. ]

I doubt they would think of it. Their distaste in the Singularity makes them blind to its importance.

[ Istredd doesn't know anyone in the Free Cities as interested in studying the Singularity as he does. He knows there is one young woman there who knows it, but he has a particular approach by studying it on a scientific level. The Summoned there were unlikely to get permission to go like he did. He takes advantage of that. ]

I think that is for the best. I assure you, any of your people will likely die, it is not worth it to send them as experiments. Ambrose was foolish to make that mistake more than once.

[ He doesn't like the man and doesn't have to pretend to anymore. But if Mace thought that he did, at least he knows otherwise now. It was purely professional. ]

The Singularity nearly drowned this continent in its displeasure. We must be vigilant. I want to continue my study this winter if you approve.

Edited 2024-08-27 16:12 (UTC)

A man of taste.

[ Mace's pride in his dogs is well-known even before his timely promotion. He leans down to rub the head of the nearest hound who tilts its head up into the pet. ]

No, but the less we have them sniffing about it, the better.

[ It's a dismissive remark, Mace's focus is clearly elsewhere when it comes to the Singularity. With the now King Sidwell in charge, a greater force might be ready to meet any challenge or thread The Free Cities pose to it. ]

I'm glad you agree, Istredd. People are our most valuable resource.

[ He pulls his hand away from his dog and rests it on the desk with a sigh. ]

It's such a shame he lost sight of that.

[ Mace shakes his head slowly, ensuring that Istredd can see him lamenting the sordid actions of his predecessor. It only lasts for a few seconds. He perks up quickly and claps his hands together. ]

But! You may consider this your approval. I will write up something formally, sealed and all. Just keep me in the loop as needed, will you?

I agree. I'd rather they keep dismissing it.

[ The less attention the better when it comes to a group hostile to something important. Istredd is used to people brushing off things that he personally deems valuable information. It happened frequently in his sphere and while it grated at him, in the end it led him to having information that should not have been publicly known. And he kept it a secret after finding out the truth. ]

I will, thank you for your understanding. But related to people, you must understand my concern for my own.

[ Istredd sees the Summoned as his people first and foremost. Not the Thorne subjects, although he's become fond of many of the natives around here, he knows most people in the area are just trying to live their lives. He worked hard at keeping everyone alive and ready to escape the safe room. He doesn't lack care for Thorne natives just ... his priority is very clear. ]

Considering Ambrose is gone, did he take with him the knowledge of the Summoning spell? Please understand I do not doubt your skills, but as a professional mage myself, I am concerned with what that spell requires. I know through what I was told that in the start, Ambrose made mistakes with the Summoning spell, and the Summoned are who suffered for it. I hope you will be more conscientious about it.

[ Mace is unsurprisingly eager to acknowledge his predecessor's own failings. His eyes still narrow slightly as he considers his answer, but it doesn't take long. ]

It is my intention to leave a different mark on the history of Thorne. Even though Ambrose believes he took his most valuable knowledge with him when he fled, I've studied what we have on the Summoning spell.

[ Mace extends a hand out as if in welcoming. ]

You will see not only your future colleagues ushered in safely, but met with far greater hospitality than before. He was limiting himself with ancient texts and quite frankly ignoring the possibilities right in front of him. This will be a new era for us all.

Edited 2024-09-12 04:21 (UTC)

I have always been concerned with the nature of the spell. It is dangerous to tamper with time and space to rip people out of other spheres. I hope you approach it with more caution than he did.

[ Istredd isn't certain that he believes that Mace will, if he sees only limitations and considers the possibilities rather than the dangers. He is young and Istredd is old in comparison, so he's not certain that he feels better about this. Ambrose was always foolish and dangerous in his eyes. All he can do is hope this time is different. What else is there to do? Istredd has no authority in this place and it's a new regime. ]

If you need help or knowledge from an outside magic perspective, I am available to you. I want to make Thorne as safe as it can be.

[ If he can make himself an asset, he can protect the Summoned better. Istredd hopes that the offer softens his critical statement of Ambrose's mistakes before. ]

[ The lecture does not go beyond him, but the new High Mage chooses to believe it's more of an admonishment of Ambrose than a warning. Mace brings a hand to his chest and gives a short bow. ]

My ambitions don't revolve around seeing how many new Summoned I can collect, I assure you. [ The truth of the statement is irrefutable. ] Though given recent developments, we will be looking to recruit a few more souls in the coming months. But I believe our new King and Queen will be more practical in their own requests.

[ When he straightens, his smile regains some warmth. ]

A kind offer! One I will assuredly call you on. Now, is there anything else I can help you with? Else I still have a mess ahead of me, as you can well see.

[ One of the dogs huffs. ]

[ That ... may be a decent thing to hear. Someone would arguably want to recruit as many new people as they can to impress their employer. He will have to wait and see if Mace is telling the truth at the next Summoning. He respectfully bows. ]

No. Thank you for your time, High Mage.

[ And he leaves, eyeing the dogs on his way out. ]

When I'm near the end and I just ain't got the time

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thank you!