toku matsudaira, geezermancer (giri) wrote in emillion, @ 2014-01-27 03:36:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !log, siri d'albis, toku matsudaira |
Who: Toku Matsudaira & Siri D’Albis
What: Meeting the new arrival.
Where: Toku’s office.
When: 1/20, afternoon (backdated)
Rating: Tame!
Status: Complete
The weekend had been busier than anticipated, perhaps to compensate for a relative lull in activity the days before it. The Council was never idle, but the volume of work the position demanded waxed and waned from one week to the next. Most of Toku’s time had been taken up with the screening process for the new taskforce, and his next appointment, though not technically part of this task, was indeed related. Barely a week after transferring to the Mages’ Guild in Emillion, Siri D’Albis had applied to join the task force. He had scheduled her interview and magical skills test on Tuesday, the last day before the practical exam, in order to give her a few days to settle in and get her bearings. Her transfer letter spoke favorably of her magical accomplishments, and so he did not feel there was reason for concern on that front. He had, however, been pleasantly surprised when she had agreed over the network to a brief meeting. One of his regrets was he did not have as much time as he would have liked to spend checking on the members of the guild, but even if they had not the leisure to converse at length, he would have another chance to hear about her goals and motivations when her interview rolled around. His meeting with Cecilia Fennes the previous day had been improvised, and so he had been unable to offer her anything but water (a failing as a host, in his eyes). This time, knowing of the visitor in advance, he brewed some of the green tea he had brought with him from Sako Island and settled to sift through paperwork while he waited. He had not been at it long when he heard a knock at the door. Right on time, he saw with a pleased glance at the clock. “The door’s open,” he called. “Please come in.” She’s overshadowed by the large red cloak she wears, as if it were a shield to ward off the touch of something (or everything). Today was, so far, one of her better days, her head feeling clearer and more focused since yesterday. Time had not run away yet. Siri entered the room, not shy but neither did she barge in, light on her feet and bowing in greeting. “Councilor, it is a pleasure.” Closing the door behind her, Siri waited to follow his instructions, having been raised to respect the hierarchy (It is the natural order of things, Siri, those who rule above, who are closest to Faram and those who are needed below. The way things should be.) Toku looked up and offered a brief smile. The papers he had been working on were neatly tucked away inside one of the desk’s drawers. This was not merely to keep council-level information out of sight, but to show his visitor she would have his full attention. “Welcome.” With a small wave of his hand, he indicated the empty chair in front of the desk. “Please, do take a seat.” Siri took the chair signalled to her, and smoothed her skirt as she settled in. “Thank you.” The silence did not make her uneasy, but she was avoiding starting at Toku directly. Her eyes were firmly fixed on her hands, which were folded on her lap. “The Tower is really quite impressive. The guild back home is different, but certainly not as impressive at this one.” They were compliments but not intended to flatter, she was merely being honest about her perception of this place. Big, impressive, and frightening at times to her. Her words were relatable. If he closed his eyes and thought back, he could recall his first impression of the Tower in Emillion, when he had arrived as a newly-minted scholar. The Tower, rising high into the sky like some deity’s finger pointing upward, and the visceral awareness of how small he was in comparison, a child who had to lie supine on the ground to see the tip of the Tower. That sensation had slowly become eroded by time and his growing familiarity with the buildings, but still sometimes it struck him out of nowhere, an echo of the past. “You shall become used to it in time, even if it appears intimidating now,” he told her, knowing it to be the truth. “And should you have any trouble, the Council is always willing to help. Now, I have read your transfer letter,” he said, placing his palm on an envelope still on the desk, “but I would like to hear what your goals are, and how you feel about your achievements so far, directly from you if possible.” Despite the initial overwhelming feeling of the tower, it was a setting she could grow to love — maybe even make a fresh start in ways she had not been able to back home. “I should hope so.” The sooner the better, delaying her studies because she was too preoccupied with the setting sounded weak. Not like a true prophetess of Faram; if he was tasking her with this, she ought to do her best. She was not doing so right now. The mention of her old guild caused her to visibly tense, the moment (and time) threatened to slip from her and she swallowed. There was nothing to hide, she hadn’t been sent here as punishment, nor had she done anything dishonourable. What had her old Guildmaster said though? Certainly nothing that Toku couldn’t find out himself if he dug a little. Siri looked down at her lap. “I want to learn more. Everything.” As much as possible. “So that I may serve and fulfill Faram’s purpose for me.” “Everything might be a far too ambitious starting point,” he said, “though I cannot say I do not sympathise with that desire. Have you any immediate goals for the near future, perhaps?” Her mention of Faram went unremarked; while not a Pharist, Toku understood the need to cultivate a spiritual side, and if her religion served to boost the girl’s motivation, then he saw nothing wrong with it at all. Rather, it was refreshing to see somebody with such drive. Many like her ended up burning out after throwing their every waking hour into their studies, but Toku could only hope that would not be Siri’s case. Despite her firm belief in Faram, Siri would never mock or look down on someone who did not. Belief was a funny thing, she maintained that believing in Faram was a choice, but it did not mean He did not watch. “It is important.” Siri looked up, her voice might be soft but there was no mistaking the depth of her dark eyes. The unending need for more. Consuming everything inside until there was nothing: no flesh, no bones, no soul. “...There are many spells - I want to advance my current spells so that I might protect people.” Was it naive to say it like that? Siri was not a politician, she struggled briefly and hoped she was not failing this test in Toku’s eyes. She very much wanted to earn his respect and his aid in her studies. “That is a noble goal,” he said with a small smile. “You may indeed be called upon to protect people while you are here. The safety of Emillion is one of the reasons for the existence of this guild.” Though they worried him, he did not mention the recent attacks on the city. If Siri had not yet heard about them, she soon would. If everything went smoothly, and his and Peony’s investigation bore fruit, perhaps she would not experience any such attacks herself. “I have no experience in White Magic, which if I recall correctly was your former class. I was a Black Mage for quite a number of years, however. Should you ever need assistance, I shall endeavor to help to the best of my ability.” The offer was one he extended to all who came to speak to him about their careers, but it was absolutely sincere. “As will my fellow Councilors, I’ve no doubt.” The attacks on the city went unmentioned, Siri knew (more or less, as much as someone who is mad can know) that there were things going wrong in the city. Even before she had set foot inside. (A stake bore her name in a nightmare). “I would be honoured to do so.” A small smile and she was genuine in her words, “Your guidance is all that I can ask for and your advice is more than appreciated.” Siri replied automatically, “I understand that you are very busy, so thank you kindly for your offer. Which I shall take when there is need.” “Please do. It remains an open offer,” he said. “Now, did you have any questions about the guild here in Emillion, or anything else I may assist you with?” Siri’s hands went to her lap, wrapping her digits into the fabric of her cloak. It was a comfortable shield. “No, Councilor. Thank you, everything you have done so far has made me feel welcome here. There is one thing-” She cleared her throat, anticipating different reactions to her following words, “-I am sure you’ve heard the rumours.” Which exactly she didn’t specify. “I have no wish of letting that affect my studies.” Toku did not ask for details. Whatever rumors she referred to, he found of little concern or interest. In his experience, such tall tales as tended to make the rounds bore little resemblance to the truth. Whatever people said about Siri D’Albis, it mattered little as long as she proved to be a good mage and a reliable member of the guild. “It is a wise thing, to not let oneself be swayed by the poisonous words of others,” he said. “If there ever is anything you require, please do not hesitate to come speak to me or another member of the Council. I wish you a pleasant day.” He bowed his head lightly, marking the end of the conversation. Siri rose from the chair and bowed in return, “Thank you, I look forward to your guidance in all matters.” Spiritual and academic, because Toku (religion aside) was a councilman, and you did not get there because of your good looks. She had much to learn, but Siri was eager to do so. Ambitious to the core of her bones despite her madness. There were things to prove and she wanted to feel worthy of being a Black Mage in this guild. She would achieve it. |