It's been a week or two since Xander sent filed his status at the local guild hall and sent away his request for examination. It seems that the courier didn't get waylaid or lost, as a letter of reply addressed to Journeyman Mage Xander Lightfoot arrives, hurried to him by a servant. It's rather plain for a summon to Caroban. No magic, no bright lights, not even any gilt on the edges of the envelope, just Xander's name in neat script on the front, and a wax seal bearing the impression of a senior fire mage's guild ring.

"Finally!" Xander says, once he opens it where his siblings can't see (but they are all off, leaving the house to himself for once). He reads the details of the travel plans, and can't wait to 'shake the sand from his feet' finally. It's been a nice visit, but he can only take so much of his family, after all. "Umeko and Nawar will be thrilled.. I only hope she doesn't get sold too much junk when she's on Caroban," the Lapi mutters.

The travel plans look folded into the letter, apparently a credit towards travel expenses is included in his tuition, and there is a voucher that Xander can turn in at several ports for fare at the Collegia's expense, or for credit should he wish to make his own arrangements. The letter included reads:

We hope this letter finds you well. Your request has been received and forwarded to the dean of your sphere, and has returned approved. Please report forthwith to Caroban at your earliest convenience and within three weeks of the date of this letter to arrange for your examination. Find enclosed your voucher and schedules.

Come equipped with your guild ring. You will not be allowed to bring notes, your own reagents, or any enchanted items.

Family, friends, and guests are welcome to attend, but are to remain at an appropriate distance from the ritual area and examiners. They are not to bring any enchanted items or held spells.

We look forward to gauging your progress. Best Regards, GMM. Cirrus - Office of the Magister

Xander allows himself a hop into the air and few foot-thumps on the floor, and even hugs the letter for a moment - before realizing he's lost track of whether or not the Wandering Sylph is back in port! He scrawls a quick note for his mother and Umeko that he's gotten his acceptance letter and is checking at the port. Then he's off at a jog to the airfield to see what ships, if any, are heading to Caroban!

While out of breath, Xander is still happy to see that the Sylph is in port, and pushes himself to reach it and talk to the quartermaster. Traveling to Caroban on the Guild's flagship is just too big of an opportunity to pass up, even if the elemental-vortex engines aren't being used.

By the time the Lapi makes it back to his parents humble abode, it's nearly dinner time, and his legs feel like rubber while his lungs burn as if he swallowed an elemental. I need to get in better shape still, even with Umeko's training, he thinks, and spots a flash of gold scale in the garden. "Umeko?" he wheezes.

"It sounds as if you have had one too many pasties today with how you wheeze," Umeko says by way of her answer. Apparently she is in the garden as it turns out ... and reaching Nawar? Well, if you consider a lesson to be how to walk with a cup balanced on top of her head, anyway. "Remember, back straight and steps smooth, you have to glide," she tells the young lapi just before she cranes her neck around to look for Xander.

"I just ran.. never mind, did you see my note?" Xander asks, watching his little sister attempt to be poised. "I have our berths.. leaving tomorrow.. gotta pack.." he manages, talking between deep breaths.

"Note? Oh, the message about your rank promotion?" Umeko asks. Behind her, her tail flicks out and hooks through the handle of the cup on Nawar's head, lifting it off. "We leave tomorrow? Then why are you in such a hurry? There is plenty of time to pack, it is not as if we have a lot to take," she points out. "And I think Nawar will fit in a basket; she should also be easy to pack..."

"She used to hide in the laundry.. err.." Xander notes, getting some of his breath back. "And.. it's for the testing to see if I actually get my promotion in rank. Well, official testing. And.. you aren't excited?" he asks. "It's.. Caroban. The most magical place in the world."

"I thought the most magical place in the world was Bosch. As for being excited, should I be?" Umeko asks. Her ear fins finally twitch, giving away that she's likely just trying to ruffle Xander a bit.

"You are cruel and heartless dragon," Xander says, with a wink. "And my feet are sore, so.. I am going to go sit down inside, I think. And maybe, if you are nice, I will show you the fire gardens or the Tree of all Spheres or the world's largest pumpkin pie when we get there."

"It is my duty to be cruel and heartless. Otherwise, what would the world say? A kind dragon? Such fantasy," Umeko says right before her lips curl upward slightly. "I will go pack. Or rather, Nawar will pack for us under my direction," she says, thoroughly amused. "Packing teaches many lessons, such as how poorly men keep their undergarments. Come, Nawar."

Night seems all the longer when it's spent in anticipation, but the sun eventually does creep up over the horizon, and thankfully the Wandering Sylph was scheduled to leave shortly after daybreak. It's waiting for the mage and his friends when he comes with everything he's cared to pack, unmistakeable with its sleek profile and golden-amber gleam, the sun shining down through its envelope to leave eddies of shadow on the deck. Symbols from each sphere ring the hull, and the small crew seems to be a mix of magically inclined and non-magical folk, generally recogniseable on sight. Some passengers are already here, most of them robed in different colors, though some just look to be wealthy enough to fly in this way. Rather than be tethered to a mooring tower, the Sylph just hovers a few feet above the ground, eerily still for something unsupported, and a gangplank allows access to the deck.

"The Elemental-Vortex engines aren't being used for this," Xander babbles, pointing to the big hollow tube nacelles jutting from the sides of the ship. "When they're powered up, they scream like demons and make the Sylph the fastest ship in the sky! They're too expensive to use normally though." He sounds disappointed at the end.

Umeko tilts her head this way and that as she eyes the vessel. "I suppose it is passable enough for me. Rough around the edges, but it does try for elegance," she teases Xander as she adjusts her obi slightly. A few feet behind her Nawar waits with their luggage, including the wooden case containing her daisho. She has at least learned that carrying it in public display isn't always appropriate.

There isn't much of a line at the gangplank to speak of.. more of a small group of people waiting to be allowed on one or two at a time after tickets and vouchers are checked by a rath'ani in a smart-looking uniform, a stylized pair of wings embroidered on her left sleeve, and the Ring of Spheres on the right. She cheerfully admits a couple khatta in red robes aboard, then one in green.

"I will strive to find something more ostentatious next time, Lady Tsuguri," Xander says and bows, then helps the easily over-awed Nawar with the luggage, after handing Umeko the tickets.

"You learn well, Mage Lightfoot," Umeko replies and even flashes the lapi a brief grin. She then whispers under her breath, knowing he can hear her, "It is rather impressive."

The smiling rath'ani is brisk and efficient. When Umeko presents the tickets, the shiphand reads off, "Lightfoot and company? One, two..." and then takes Xander's hand to glance at his ring. "Very good! Please make yourselves comfortable." The group is ushered aboard, and a human man in purple robes brings up the rear, a large hat protecting his furless skin from the sun. Topside, a korv and a kujaku wearing uniforms similar to the rath'ani's are quietly conversing, going over a circle on the deck and exchanging calculations. There are blue bands on their wings.

Xander keeps a firm grip on Nawar's hand. "We'll be in Caroban in no time, you'll see," he promises. "This will be the smoothest ride ever!"

The khatta in green goes below, while the two in red remain on the deck, looking out over the rail, the younger one chatting excitedly, tail lashing. The man in purple takes his hat off to mop his brow, puffing. "Can't get out of this dashed heat too soon," he huffs to no-one in particular.

"You do know that you taunt the Gods with such statements, Mage Lightfoot," Umeko notes to the lapi, "Now we will face certain doom." The kirga folds her arms behind her back and interlaces her talons as she peers around the deck, having little clue as to who all these people are and who they represent.

"These people are either mages or people looking to do business with Caroban," Xander asides. "Maybe looking to hire mages as well. Or selling stuff. My cousin sells lots of things to mages."

"They all dress better than you, Xander," Nawar points out quietly. Xander puffs out his chest, and tells her, "That will change! Now my rates will go up and I can keep more of the money."

The rath'ani attendant trots up the gangplank, which retracts itself seeming under its own power. "All ashore who's going ashore," she calls down below decks, and with no answer she signals the two birds, who both nod and move up to the bow and down into small hatches. The Wandering Sylph begins lifting away from the ground, smoothly and easily, not so fast as to jar anyone. The younger of the khatta in red claps excitedly, and the older smiles a little at this.

"That is if you pass," Umeko points out, "Do not be overconfident in your abilities. Always train as if you are on the precipice of failure." The kiriga slinks herself over to one of the rails so that she can watch the city disappear below. She absently flicks her tongue against her teeth, one of the metal studs making a quiet click as it hits.

Xander takes Nawar to the railing. "It's your first time, you don't want to miss this!" The coney seems less enthusiastic.

The younger khatta smiles over at Nawar, his big fluffy paws held to the railing. Closer up, he seems to be a bobcat in styling and marking, with puffy cheeks and pointed ears. "Rrra, do not worry, lapini! The Wandering Sylph is steadier than a sky island! Look, look! Does the city not look like jewels in the sand?" Buildings and minarettes gradually shrink into the expanse below to become glittering points. Curiously, the wind up here doesn't get any stronger, not like Umeko has felt before when she was on the deck of the Imperial destroyers and dreadnaught.

Nawar smiles shyly to the feline and looks over the edge. "I cannot see our house," she notes.

Umeko grows silent as she watches the city vanish below. Her mind draws back to memories of standing on the Imperial warship. Thrust into the role of a military governess because of her heritage, not so much skill ... and having to prove herself to the General. The memories are not of a happy time, truth be told. Many died and Umeko read the names of each and signed letters to their families. Still, she hopes it did stop a greater loss of life. Her head shakes slightly as it trying to push those memories from her concious for now.

Xander puts an arm around Umeko's shoulders. "Stop looking serious! It's going to be great when we get to Caroban!" he assures her, smiling. "Unless I blow myself up. But they have the best healers there too, conveniently."

"Do not dwell so much on blowing yourself up, you will make it reality," Umeko notes to Xander. As for his comment about not being so serious, well ... she sticks her tongue out at him. "Nyeh," she even remarks.

"You're in for a treat, everyone," the rath'ani attendant says. "A patron on board has paid a premium to reach Caroban in as little time as possible... so our air mages are preparing the elementals to use the Vortex engines! Please do not be alarmed when we accelerate." Come to think of it, the sound of wind has been getting stronger, but not actually on the deck. The noise gets louder, beginning to sound like a gale howling through a chimney.

"We should go watch!" Xander says, heading for the side railing. "Just be sure to not look directly into the vortex, or the elementals will try to eat you!"

"Some days he still seems very much the child," Umeko notes to Nawar as she takes the conie's hand and guides her to the side railing to join Xander. "Eat you, indeed."

Then again, maybe he's not teasing this time. Squawky voices can be heard from the bow chanting just barely over the wind, and soon they're drowned out as well. The nacelles on the sides shift slightly, their positions adjusted, and the howling becomes a scream. Air distorts in front of them, and spins out from the back, ribbons of vapor twisted into it. The deck doesn't lurch under them, but there's definitely a feeling of stomachs being left behind. Somewhere below decks, one can just barely hear the sound of someone noisily vomitting.

There isn't much to see to really give a sense of speed once the passengers are used to it. Clouds obscure the ground, then the whole of the sky, and by the time they break the Wandering Sylph has slowed, and the Vortexes quietted and retracted. The younger of the khatta is enthusiastic through the whole of it, the older one patient, and little breaks up the trip except for offers of chilled fruit and juice. When the cloud banks finally do give way, the Sylph is gliding low, past docks jutting out from the edges of the island to come to a stop hovering a few feet over a small circular stone platform. The gangplank goes down, and the khatta in red disembark, followed by a distinctly pale and waxy-looking human in purple. The khatta in green comes out with the rath'ani attendant, who is quietly thanking him for apparently cleaning something up. There's a few people waiting at the pad, a couple whom the khatta meet, and another bearing a sign saying "Lightfoot". It's a gallah woman, slight of build and so

some kind of shepherd mix, dressed in red robes stitched with the sigil of the Flame on the chest.

"That's me!" Xander says, hurrying over to the woman. "Xander Lightfoot, of Fire!"

"And he leaves us to get the luggage," Umeko notes to Nawar. She helps the young doe collect their belongings and carry them off-ship to join Xander at his contact. "Men are very single-minded," she tells the coney as they approach.

The woman's floppy ears, patched in black and white, lift a little higher over her long dark hair when Xander calls out, and she lowers the sign, offering a smile. "Hello, Mage Lightfoot," she says. "I hope you had a pleasant trip? I'm Danielle."

"It was wonderful!" Xander gushes, and then bows to the woman. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Danielle. May I introduce my employer, Lady Umeko Tsuguri of Jadai and Viper's Hold. And my little sister Nawar."

The gallee's brown eyes turn toward Umeko. She seems a little surprised for some reason, but she quickly executes a short, stiff bow. "Oh, h... welcome to Caroban, Lady Tsuguri. And little Nawar. You're here to see Mage Lightfoot take his test?" she asks, smiling.

Umeko's brow ridge arches slightly at the noticeable surprise in gallah. "We are," she answers, "If it would not be a complication, of course. We can always wait in quarters would it be too distracting for him."

Nawar nods enthusiastically, happy to be part of her brother's 'adventures' now.

"Oh, no. You are perfectly welcome to watch from areas set aside for observation," replies Danielle, shaking her head quickly, ears flopping a bit. "I'm sure he will be glad to have the support of his friends and family." She looks back toward Xander. "We'll have your things moved to your dorm, is that alright? I can take you to the magister, and if you like you can give me a list of reagents you wish ready for you in the testing circle."

"Of course," Xander says. "Afterwards, I'll get you checked into the Palace of Spheres hotel, Umeko," he says, and begins making his list of reagents - mindful to keep things inexpensive.

"Is there a guest area for visitors to ... ah, thank you, Mage Lightfoot," Umeko says. "I was certain we are not permitted in the dorms, after all." She looks back to the Gallah as she asks, "And ... out of curiosity, are there any kiriga students here? I have often wondered if my people sired any students of magic of note."

Danielle produces a small notebook and a charcoal pencil, and begins noting down Xander's list while leading the group. "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Oh, I think the current stock of dried bittersage is spoken for... you're going to use it as a sub-circle enhancer, right? We have some dried imperial sage, will that do? Yes, we can get that grade of charcoal powder, it's not too expensive." With the last note taken, Danielle tilts her head toward Umeko. "Hmm? Oh yes, we have several kirigai mages, one an instructor even. One of our more notorious earth mages is was a kiriga too. I.. at least I think she was."

"I may wish to meet with one, or all, of them if time permits," Umeko says, "But for now, Xander's test is obviously the most important. Please forgive my interruption."

"No. I am just ... homesick," Umeko admits. "I have not been around others of my kind for some time."

"I think you're thinking of a ki'rin," Xander whispers to Danielle. "They also come from Jadai though."

The shepherd gallah nods, and smooths back her hair. "Many of our mages mingle at the cafe or park when they need time away from their studies and work. Quite a few are happy to see visitors. Maybe you can catch them there when you'd like to tour." She looks over at Xander again, and says, "Oh... I will keep this in mind. Well, here we are." She stops in front of a large but squat sandstone structure, one of several around a tower made of the same stuff. The Flame is etched over the tower's arched door. Oddly, even the doors are stone, and the banners hanging from the sides of the tower look to actually be made of glass.

"You can let the clerks know you're here, and you can pass on to the Dean when you would like your exam to be," Danielle says.

"I feel ready now.. so.. uh, whenever the next available slot is," Xander notes. "Although.. maybe in the morning? Since it will take a few hours.."

"You would do well to get some rest after the excitement of the trip," Umeko says, "An evening alone in your old room may do well to calm and prepare you."

The shepherd shuts her notebook and hugs it to her chest. "Very good. I'm sure that will be just fine. Good luck, Mage Lightfoot." She bows again toward Umeko and Nawar. "It was a pleasure, milady, miss."

"I'll.. oh, I need to get you two checked in at the hotel!" Xander says. He bows to Danielle and thanks her, saying he'll be back later.

"Good afternoon to you," Umeko says as she bows deeply to the Gallah, "May your ancestors continue to smile upon you for your diligence to your duties."

"The Gallah was uncomfortable," Umeko notes to Xander once their escort is out of sight. "I am not quite sure about what ... but I suspect it was me. While she smiled a lot, her body language was odd. Perhaps you know, but I once heard Gallesians wagged a lot, yet she didn't once. Does that mean anything about their mood?"

"I.. don't know?" Xander admits, leading the girls towards the center of Caroban. "But they do keep up to date on events, so probably know about the battle of Viper's Hold at least."

"I do not know if that is good or bad. I may be a villain in her eyes," Umeko admits.

Palace of the Spheres, Caroban
The Palace of the Spheres is a privately run hotel located in the commercial ring at the center of Caroban, taking a literal interpretation of the Spheres of Magic to serve as a theme for its structure. The building looks like a jumble of giant glass bubbles or lanterns raised and connected by stone trusses and bridges. There is no attempt to maintain the symmetry of the Chart of the Spheres, and while the larger areas may be themed after one Sphere or another - making navigation easy if one is familiar with the scheme - there is no particular higher meaning to the arrangement of the smaller areas branching off to serve as quarters for visiting nobility, dignitaries, and other well-to-do persons passing through. It is a place of blue marble and misty-white glass, and deliberately free of magical showmanship, to provide an oasis of tranquility amidst the strangeness of Caroban.

Xander gets Umeko and Nawar a room, and then takes them to dinner at one of the 'international' restaurants (as opposed to Enchanted Cuisine, which may be a bit much to expose them to right away) in the commercial district. There are plenty of Nagas about, and a few 'common' mainland Kirigas - but no Jadaian Dragons yet.

Umeko, feeling oddly uncomfortable now, retrieved her daisho and returned them to their place in her obi before dinner. Her mannerisms have also become slightly more guarded, more 'official' as it were in how she addresses people ... even Nawar and Xander.

"You act as if you are expecting an emissary of the Empire to be watching," Xander whispers at the outdoor table. "Danielle may have just been surprised that someone as noble as you would be my employer."

For their part, the busboys, maids, clerks, waiters, and porters around the palace don't seem to be uneasy around Umeko, though they might be more used to her, coming into contact with high profile personages often. In fact, they tend to treat Umeko even more respectfully than they treat Xander, inquiring unsolicited if she needs anything or if she's been helped.

"It is just a nagging feeling," Umeko notes as her ear fins flick around, "But you are likely correct on the matter. Still, it never hurts to be a little wary. Always observe your surroundings and trust your instincts." The kiriga then lightly hooks her dinner glass between two talons and raises it to her lips to drink. "You should not stay up late tonight," she says as she lowers her glass, "You have a trial tomorrow. Are you ready?"

"I'm nervous, but I know from my practice in Abu Dhabi that I can handle two rituals now," Xander says. "I just have to prove I can do it up here where magic is thinner."

"Will you be required to do so under duress?" Umeko asks. "Will you be under constant threat of death?"

"Well.. there will be some testing to make sure I can hold onto them both under stress, yes," Xander admits. "I may have to perform cantrips or other tasks while holding them as well."

"If there were more time, I would offer to provide some stress to practice dealing with. Dodging a blade can be quite stressful," Umeko says.

Xander blinks at that. "I.. still remember the other exercises you've put me through," he notes. "I plan to keep one complicated by harmless ritual as my second, so that there won't be an explosion if I lose control."

"That is a wise idea, yes," Umeko agrees. "Just remember that if you die horribly Nawar will be witness."

The skeek waiter returns for the fifth time, checking to see that the water glasses are full, or whether the lady would like any wine or perhaps Imperial spirits. "Sake perhaps, milady? We do keep a stock. Any of the entrees looking appetizing? The fish is especially good, we have our own small lake here on Caroban, so it's caught fresh daily. Would your entourage care for anything in particular as well? We have have many treats you can't find on the surface, or even Rephidim. Have any of you tried iced cream?"

"A masu of sake would be appreciated," Umeko tells the waiter, "As for an entree, the fish does intrigue me. Can it be prepared with little cooking? Fish loses much of its flavor if it is cooked." Nawar's request elicits a small smile from the kiriga and she adds to the order, "I believe my young friend would like some iced cream as well."

"I shouldn't fill up," Xander notes. "Could I get two spicy rice-cakes please, and water?"

The skeek nods vigorously, so much so that he sort of rocks himself back and forth, somehow managing not to drop the tray he carries everywhere. "Of course! We can cook it (or not) to any consistancy you like. I can see you've got a certain taste for freshness that many of our other Imperial guests have. We'll sear a trout fillet for you just enough that the spices and marinated are kept in, but the inside will be so fresh and juicy you'd expect it to flop off your plate!" He beams at both of the lapi. "Of course! Peppercakes and a schooner of mountaintop for the little one!" The skeek bustles off.

Of course, he didn't actually wait for Umeko to decide whether that was what she wanted, but maybe he'll ask again when he comes back with the sake.

"They used to use apprentice Mind Mages for waiters, but.. they still got the orders wrong," Xander notes.

"They are very attentive," Umeko observes after the skeek leaves. "It is a little unnerving."

"You expect them to be aloof?" Xander asks. "You are clearly an important person, Umeko, so of course they will be attentive to you."

"My importance outside the lands of my birth, though ... is subject for debate," Umeko notes, "Our most recent activities are known to but a few and are more the subject of ghost stories than anything believable."

"You're a Jadaian Dragon, clearly of high birth.. well, clear to me now that I know to count the number of fingers.. so you must be important," Xander claims. "You look as well dressed as the dragon that came recruiting at the Journeyman's Ball."

The waiter isn't gone for long, and when he returns, his tray is laden and still perfectly balanced on his hand. A small ceramic bottle is set down, glazed red and simply and elegantly shaped with a stout base that gradually slims to a neck with a flared mouth. Small flowers are inked under the glaze, and the bottle is set down with a pair of matching laquer saucers. "For the lady, and gentleman should he wish to try," squeaks the skeek. Another dish is set down, cakes of puffed rice riddled with pepper flakes and garnished with a bit of parsley.

Last but not least... not at all the least, it could be seen coming from five tables down. A broad dish is set down in front of Nawar, three scoops of firm, creamy chilled treat. The ice cream is studded with little cinnamon candies, and most eye-catchingly there's two thin sticks stuck into the top, sizzling and throwing harmless sparks like some kind of incendiary flower.

"This will last you for a few birthdays, I think," Xander tells the girl, who is just staring in awe. "Do.. do I eat the sparklers too?" she asks uncertainly.

Umeko's brow arches slightly. "As well dressed? Not better?" she challenges the buck just before the waiter arrives. After the dishes are laid out, she reaches over and lifts the small bottle. She swirls it slightly and then sniffs the air just above its tapered mouth. She nods approvingly and pours a bit of the milky drink into one of the small cups upon the saucers. "Thank you," she tells the skeek, "This is exceedingly nice. I also believe you may have made a friend for life with that place of dessert you gave Nawar."

Reaching over, Xander snuffs out the sparklers with his fingers. "There you go, pixie, don't eat it too fast or you will get a headache.. but don't go too slow or it will melt," he advises, as the girl picks up her spoon with determination!

The skeek's broad grin makes his whiskers lift up and stick out. "Caroban gets the best, and we're the best on Caroban," he asserts. He turns his smile to Nawar. "And I am sure the little missus is bound to see many wonders on our island, from the grand gardens to the aviary to the council tower. Oh, did milady decide whether the trout sounded appealing?"

"It sounded absolutely perfect, thank you," Umeko says and even offers a small smile before taking a sip from her ceramic cup. "You seem quite experienced in offering the types of meals my kind prefers. Have you had the chance to serve others of Jadai before, or has it just been Nagai?"

The waiter pauses in his rush back to the kitchen, cheerfully chatting with Umeko. "Truth be told, milady, mostly mainland Imperials. Our chef ventured to Jadai to study the cuisine there, and some of our patrons have taken a liking to it. However, I can remember three Jadian kiriga who've come through here, two accompanying naga."

The skeek shakes his head regretfully. "I'm afraid not, milady. The first two were part of naga entourages... one I think a businessman who came to commission some mages, she was on his arm. The second a noble in his own right, I'm not sure what he was here for. Very richly dressed, many servants, and some guests with him. The third... I guess the third time makes four, because it was a pair. I believe they were sisters. Lovely ladies."

"I don't suppose you recall the.. number of fingers they had?" Xander asks. Nawar goes into a fit of licking her nose, after getting cream on it.

Umeko's head tilts slightly. "The noble was not named Hakuu, was he?" she asks, just because. "And there is nothing to apologize for There are not so many nobles of Jadai that I would not likely know them by name, if nothing else. It is merely to satisfy my curiosity."

The waiter taps his chin thoughtfully. "Mm... not off the top of my head. I believe one of them bore the Sphere of Spheres on her kimono. She looked young, so maybe she was a student here, and could still be here. The other looked similar to her, but more physically imposing. She wore swords as you do, milady."

Umeko blinks at that. "Pardon?" she asks, "She wore blades? That is .. unusual. Such are often only carried by men. This is ... I am not sure what to say."

The skeek frets a little. "I'm fairly certain she did, milady. Maybe they were ornamental? She moved with such grace, she might have been a dancer. As to the noble, I didn't catch his name. He dined with a very ecclectic entourage, all sorts of nationalities, Gallisian, Chronotopian, Rephidimian."

Pausing to think, the waiter guesses, "Perhaps five months ago? Maybe more or less."

"The Palace of Spheres should have a record," Xander notes. "Unless they were guests of a Dean."

The waiter holds his tray a little closer to his chest, looking apologetic. "I am sorry, sir... what records we do keep are confidential. I'm sure you understand."

"What were their colors and how many fingers did they have?" Umeko asks and folds her hands together. "And please forgive our curiosity, but these guests are most unusual."

"Well.. I'm sure someone knows who they were," the fire mage notes, before nibbling on a rice-cake.

The skeek's whiskers crinkle in. "Many apologies, milady, I still cannot recall how many fingers they had, I did not look closely or think to remember such a detail. The sisters were very striking though, a lovely silvery color with flecks of copper along their necks."

"Well, perhaps her sister is still here. We will be checking the dormitory after dinner, Xander," Umeko says with a note of finality in her voice. The waiter, though, gets a gentler tone when she says, "Thank you. You have been most helpful. You may return to your duties."

"I'll see to your entree right away, milady," squeaks the waiter, and he scoots off back to the kitchen.

Xander hmmms. "If the girl was wearing the Sphere of Spheres, it does not mean she is a mage - usually they have a specific sphere. She may just be working for the College in some capacity."

"We are still checking," Umeko notes firmly. "I would have heard of another sword-wielding woman in most circumstances. Have my home changed so much since I left?" she wonders.

"We'll need to ask at every School then," Xander notes. "At least we have the excuse of you looking for further talent to establish your household.."

"Then I shall do so. You are welcome to retire at any time. You have other concerns than the curiosity of your eccentric employer to deal with," Umeko says.

"Nawar, take care of Umeko," Xander tells the younger Lapi, who is nearly half-way through her boat of ice cream. The girl nods seriously, despite having a sticky muzzle peppered with bits of cinnamon. He then gives Umeko a peppery kiss on the cheek, before taking his remaining rice cake and heading back to the School of Fire.

"I hope he takes the trial seriously," Umeko remarks to no one in particular when the buck withdraws for the night. The kiriga resumes sipping at her sake for now. As curious as she is about this odd pair, she is not about to pass up her meal to go investigate. After dinner is fine, given it may have been five months ago in any case."

"Oh no, that is your challenge to overcome," Umeko tells the young doe in a kindly tone. "You must conquer the mountain of frozen cream."

The shared dinner (if one can call ice cream a dinner) continues in peace, and is quite tasty. There's no mention of a bill, but this is one of those restaurants where, if you have to ask what the price is on the menu, you can't afford it. Likely it got sent to the room.

The following morning, Xander finds a fire-sphere apprentice at his dorm door. "Mage Lightfoot?" the boy says. This one's a rather runty-looking jupani whose robes look like a too-large hand me down from the wrong species... maybe he was the omega in his family before his magical talent was discovered. "Um.. sorry if I woke you, sir. The examiners are ready to receive you, it's almost time to set up."

"I'm up!" Xander says, jumping to his feet and throwing on his clothes hastily. He blinks in surprise at the apprentice, but then grins. "Good to see we're still getting new faces," he tells the boy. "Lead the way, young mage!"

The apprentice wags agreeably, the back of his robe swishing back and forth because there's no opening for his tail. Lead the way he does, but this time it's not toward the classrooms or the offices. He leads Xander directly to the broad-based sandstone tower. Xander's never been the master's tower... what jobs he's been allowed to take have gone through the adminstration offices, and the master's tower is a place of business for alumnus, both contracts and research. There are several large arches to it, stone slab doors on carefully measured pivots so that a minimum of force is required to move them. The apprentice leads his senior to one of them. "They're expecting you inside, sir. Your friends have been offered seats in the main chamber to observe. Please wait till you're announced."

Xander nods to the boy, and licks his nose nervously. Deep, even breaths, just like Umeko taught me, he tells himself, and finally actually tries to do it.

There's a moment of waiting. Finally, everyone must be settled in place, because a loud clear voice can be heard echoing in what must be a rather large stone chamber. "Please be seated. Sphere of Fire Grandmaster Sharif of the Emirate, Caroban Senior Instructor, Professor, has been selected to observe and weigh proficiency and worthiness to the status of master in the Sphere of Fire." A lower, and somewhat thick voice speaks out. "I, Sharif... oh yes, yes, I know. Fine. I, Grandmaster Sharif, name my assistants and consultants. Master Sugarspark, Docent... oh, is she a Professor now? When did-.. right, right. Master Sugarspark, Senior Instructor and Professor, and Master Von Kreigler, Senior Instructor and Professor are my aides. Of Fire. Yes, of course they're 'of Fire'. Who else would I choose? Dream? Dagh."

"Mage Xander Lightfoot, Journeyman of the Sphere of Fire, makes his claim." The stone doors in the antechamber slowly open, spilling in light.

Xander swallows, and steps forward into the chamber. Once his eyes adjust, he turns to Master Sharif and bows. "Thank you for the honor of judgment," he manages to squeak.

"He truly needs to work on his presence," Umeko thinks from where she has been seated up in the observation seats elevated around the room, "Confidence is key when presenting yourself for judgment." She's dressed in purple and silvery zolk finery as would be expected for any important event. Her mane has also been neatly combed, then pinned up with long and delicate pins made of bone or similar. As for her expression, it is impassive and calm. Nawar sits beside her.

It takes a second or two for Xander's eyes to adjust, and a bit longer to find Master Sharif... mostly because he's so far away it's a little hard to find him at first. The chamber is large and circular, arches supporting a domed ceiling with numerous firepots reflecting their light down from the marble ceiling. Large windows high up on the sides of the dome let sunlight stream in over rings of stadium-style seating rows some fifteen feet above the floor. Seated at a higher platform is a rather tubby khatta, dressed richly in the style of the Emirate, with a pipe poking from the corner of his mouth. The 'arena's walls and floors are the same scratchy-textured sandstone of the outer walls, plain and unadorned except for lots of scorch marks. This area is shared by two other mages.

Xander can recognize both of them. On Xander's right is Sugarspark, an aelfin, somewhat unusual for the sphere of fire, but plenty competant. She stands by a table laden with reagents in jars and bags. On his left is Von Kriegler, an older cervani man, standing by a circular mark on the floor that is otherwise empty.

Xander stands and blinks at it all.. and refrains from waving to Umeko and Nawar when he finally spots them. He looks to the floor and the proctors, and walks towards Sugarspark first, since she's.. well.. utterly unimposing, like all Aelfin.

In the center of the chamber is perhaps the most striking feature of all. It's a tower within the tower, of sorts. It consists of a slab of black rock, on which are four wooden pillars, on which rests another slab of black rock, which has four more wooden pillars on it, crowned by a final slab of black rock. The slabs are slightly wider than they are tall.

Sugarspark smiles as Xander approaches. "Hello, Mage Xander. These are the reagents you requested. You will only be allowed to use these. Any other reagents will disqualify you."

"Th.. thank you, Mage Sugarspark," Xander replies, and turns his head to glance at the central pillar. "Uh, may I ask.. what the purpose of the tower is?" he all but whispers.

The aelfin's four ears prick up to listen to Xander, and she gestures at the tower, standing some fifty feet high. "This will be the subject of your test," she says. Sharif calls down from above to explain further. "Mage Lightfoot, you'll be tested today on power, accuracy, and skill in the design and use of your spells. For this test, you will design and hold two spells, and use them to demolish this tower. Your goal is to make the tower fall in place as much as possible, with the slabs remaining as close together as you can manage. Stacked will award you the highest marks."

The Lapi blinks and stares at the edifice. It must weigh tons, he thinks, as he plots his strategy. "This.. will be a challenge," he notes, and selects his reagents, before heading to the circle and setting them down. "A controlled Fuse.. a double-Fuse," he mutters, as he starts to sketch out his symbols in charcoal.

Once he has his circle done, and has set out his materials, Xander sits in the center, centers his breathing, and begins his long chant for successive Fuse rituals.

As Xander works, Sharif says, "Per our standards for this test, nobody present will be holding spells or working magic other than the two water mages on hand for emergencies," gesturing at two men in blue up in the rings of seats, each with a small globe of water wobbling in a circuit around their heads. "Masters Sugarspark and Von Kriegler will observe Journeyman Lightfoot for the duration of the test. Mage Lightfoot, you have until sunset to complete your rituals. Please demonstrate five sub-circles and two different main circles. Link at least three sub-circles with Phoenix Bridge, and demonstrate Wodgeson's theory at least once." The gathered fire mages around the ring slouch down in their chairs and quietly converse with each other... it looks like this may take a while.

Oh sure, that bridge always gives me trouble, Xander thinks, making the requested adjustments. It's so old school, does anybody bother with it nowadays?

Von Kriegler and Sugarspark take turns keeping an eye on Xander, watching for proper form and any shenannigans, though they're very careful to stay out of Xander's way and not disturb him. Sharif's cheek rests on his knuckles. To his credit, he doesn't seem to be dozing off.

In hindsight, Xander should have included a pitcher of water in his list for Danielle. He's been working on the surface for so long he's forgotten how hard on the throat the extended casting is up on Caroban - and he's not about to try singing the spell in front of old Sharif, despite all that choir training. He gets the first Fuse done and held, and then works on the second. It takes longer, of course, since he has to work in reinforcements for the held one, but at least having both of the rituals the same means he doesn't have to alter the circle, just refresh the reagents. Feeling hoarse, he utters the next-to-last piece of the second ritual, and holds it. He then whispers to Von Kriegler, "Do I need to hold them both for a certain amount of time?"

The old cervani shakes his head, and he smiles encouragingly as he follows the burning telltales that mark Xander's held Fuses, adjusting his spectacles to peer at them. "Just a few minutes longer, Mage Lightfoot. We'll look at you to see that your held spells are stable, then ask you to do a few basic things to make sure you can hold them subconsciously... just walk a circuit around the arena, read a passage from a book, and catch a ball. (Though we don't really worry about that one because half the mages here can't catch a ball on their best day.) Then, you can announce you're ready and Master Sharif will give the signal, and you'll get to work casting them."

Xander takes a deep breath and nods, finally standing up and cracking his back. He's got a smoldering orb in each hand, one for each Fuse spell. Although he knows that will change before he's ready to actually cast them.

"I don't mind the ball, as long as it isn't fired from a cannon," the Lapi says with a grin. "Already nearly caught one of those."

Von Kriegler laughs, and leans on his cane. "Nothing like that, thankfully. Do your walk, show everyone your telltales. Missy will toss you a ball, then give you a book and ask you to read a paragraph. Then you're ready!" The senior mage lowers his voice. "It's formality now. If you can aim straight and have any sense of timing, you've got this!"

"Here goes then," Xander says, and starts to make his circuit, holding up his hands so the spells can be seen. He's sorely tempted to jog and turn it into a victory lap.. bat that most certainly would be frowned upon. Instead, he gives some attention to the path, and monitors the status of his spells. There could be tricks or traps - hidden dispel enchantments or similar. He doesn't let his guard down.

It's a wise choice on Xander's part. He does feel an odd little bit of magic coming from somewhere, but whatever it is he doesn't spring it. By now, the other mages in the stands have awoken and are paying attention, several applauding lightly or grinning when they see the smouldering gobbets of magic. It's quite easy the whole way 'round, and he's met back at the table by Sugarspark, who lobs a little leather ball at him somewhat clumsily and with about as much force as someone might use to pass the salt shaker to someone two chairs over.

Reaching out to catch it, Xander has a sudden moment of dread; what if there's an enchantment on the ball that would snuff out the spells if they make contact? Fire Mages almost always use their hands to hold them, after all. So, despite the risk of looking absolutely foolish, the Lapi ducks down and tries to catch the ball between his ears!

Fup! It's got just enough weight to bend Xander's ears into a cup shape, and not enough that it's too much for the muscles at their bases to keep up. One of the handful of mages up in the stands calls out, "Now he's just showing off!" to a short round of quiet laughter. Even Sugarspark hides a giggle behind one tiny hand. She flips open a book ("Thermodynamics - Intermediate") and points to a short paragraph. "Read that to me, and you're ready for the big finish."

Grinning a bit despite himself, Xander checks that his spells are still okay, and then leans forwards to read the paragraph out loud. "The vapor point of a volatile liquid depends on external air pressure as well as boiling and sublimation temperatures..."

"Mmhmm!" Sugarspark flips the book closed. "Go ahead and signal Master Sharif that you're ready, and you can take your position." She pushes on the table, but even with wheels on the legs she can't get it to move. Von Kriegler has to help her move it off to the edge of the chamber to get it out of the way.

Xander takes several calming breaths to help him focus, and then turns towards the Master and bows his head to signal that he's ready.

What little conversing was going on quickly quiets as Sharif raises a hand to acknowledge Xander. "Take your chosen position. When you are ready, you may begin."

Standing midway between the tower and the edge of arena. He takes another deep breath, and clenches his fists - curling his fingers around each spell. He focuses on the lower pillars first, slowly uncoiling each finger of his left hand as he marks his targets, until the fingers have smoldering flames on them. He focuses on the upper set next, marking them as he uncurls the fingers of his right hand. He sets the final delay on the left-hand spell, and thrusts that hand forward to launch it. He then follows with his right hand, speaking the final word of the ritual so that it will go off immediately - and hopes he has the timing right!

Something strange happens. As Xander reaches out, he empowers the spells as he ordinarily would, the lapi expertly curling leads of magic around each pillar to burn. But something suddenly tugs at the buildup of intangible force that Xander gathers, as if trying to steal the power of the cast... another spell.

Interference? Xander pulls back on his spells before they can destabilize, and looks for the source of the opposing spell - or enchantment! Could the stones be enchanted?

It definitely seems to be coming from the stones... or at least, the topmost stone. The air shimmers between it and Xander. The mages watch expectantly, then look puzzled, then look worried. Whatever's with that top cube, it keeps pulling, trying to wrench the buildup of energy out of Xander's spells, faltering when the lapi pulls back, then adding some of its own power and pulling again harder. Sharif seems to sense something is wrong, and he's sitting upright in his seat now. "What's the matter? Mage Lightfoot? Are you alright?"

If the stones are meant to be enchanted or to resist, nobody told Sharif, Sugarspark, or Von Kriegler. They stare worriedly, but don't dare to move with the energies building around them. The water mages are looking on alertly, water globules hold in their hands, but there's nothing to extinguish yet.

"The top stone, it's enchanted," Xander says, struggling a bit to keep his spells from being absorbed, even as he tries to determine the enchantment. Could it be Chaos based, to absorb power like that?

The answer makes itself apparent soon enough. A head pops over the edge of it, teeth gritted. The top must have been hollowed out somehow. The figure at the top of the tower emerges, her face hard with concentration as she tries desperately to wrest Xander's gathered energy into her own spell. Danielle. "Let... go of it, Lightfoot! You can't...nnngh... keep it! Nobody here's got the spells... or knows how to stop me!"

The only two people in the room holding fire spells seem to be Danielle and Xander, and the grandmaster looks on helplessly, no spells at hand. The two other mages that ARE holding spells look utterly baffled... the water mages don't seem sure whether they should launch their deluges or not.

"You've.. got to be kidding!" Xander yells. "A duel? Are you crazy?" he demands. A dispel would be really nice about now.. or he should have asked for gunpowder as a reagent! Of course, that would mean Danielle would have known too. He keeps pulling back and starts chanting. The game has changed, and he needs to end it quickly, so he tries to retarget both spells to just two of the lower supports. Proximity, he thinks, and rushes towards the base of the tower. The closer I am, the more control I'll have over the power.

Danielle is breathing hard through her nose, her hands outstretched and crabbed as if trying to hang on to the building energy physically. "Hff! Hff! How are you... holding on?! Let... go! This is mine! Sh-.. Sharif... is a dead man!"

Von Kriegler waves an arm up at the stands. "Everyone get out! Get out of here! Sharif, run!" Someone's already at the door, a mage throwing his shoulder at it. "It.. it's barred!"

Xander grabs some of the overflow power, but it's not quite enough for what he needs. I have to distract her, he realizes, and starts chanting the one spell he can cast in his sleep: Hotfoot!

Hairs on the backs of everyone's necks are rising, the air surrounding Xander and Danielle shimmering with the overflow of power, rapidly getting harder to control. Sugarspark yelps and darts away from the table as something on it catches fire. Von Kriegler backs away hurriedly, slapping at a part of his sleeve that was smoking. Danielle doesn't seem to notice, the teeth of her long muzzle bared, her ears laid back. "S-.. stop it! You can't... he's... going to pay f-... aaah!" Suddenly she jerks, her leg seeming to jump up. Her concentration lapses for a second... a second Xander can take advantage off. His pull makes the bulk of the power built lurch toward him.

Not wasting his chance, Xander releases his spells while he has control of the charge, aiming for just two of the lower supports on one side of the tower to bring the thing down. Okay, a bit more power than I started with, so.. I hope they don't explode too badly since I'm nearly standing right next to them..

As the entropy builds, watches stop, some powder in a jar spontaneously ignites, one of the flasks bubbles over. And then, suddenly the air is cleared as Xander forces the gathered power back into his Fuse. There's a flash as white-hot fire races through two of the pillars at the base of the tower, reducing them to fine, powdery ash in the blink of an eye. The other two pillars groan as they're bent with the weight of the stone above, cracking and splintering. The tower leans, then falls sideways, the gallah's high scream reverberating in the chamber all the way to the floor. The sandstone under Xander's feet vibrates as tons of rock smash into the floor.

The Lapi ducks down and covers his head, at least until the dust clears. He hopes Danielle isn't killed in the fall, but.. he isn't holding his breath on that, given the height and mass involved.

There's chaos in the stands, some of the dozen or so mages rushing down the stairs to check the doors, some running out into the arena to find Daniella. Sugarspark picks herself back up, having been thrown completely off her feet by the tremor. "Xander! Xander, are you alright?" Over near the end of the fallen tower, two mages and Von Kriegler crouch over something. The cervani lifts his head. "She's still breathing, but she's in bad way."

The barred door finally gets opened as one of the water mages manages to creatively aim his deluge through the cracks and wash the stick that had been jammed through the doorhandles out.

"I'm okay," Xander says, standing back up and looking at the chaos. "She was after the Grand Master!" he says. If a warrior Fire Mage lives long enough.. he's sure to have enemies, he realizes.

Sharif himself walks slowly out from one of the doors leading into the arena to survey the damage. The khatta sighs and rubs the back of his head. "Dagh right, she was. Mmf.. terrible. Please accept my apologies, Mage Lightfoot."

By now all the doors to the tower are thrown open, and people are running in and out, a confusing cacophony of voices jangling together. Someone manages to return with a stretcher, and the gallah is gently loaded into it, blood staining it through. There's a few glimpses of her as she's carried by, and Sharif sighs again as he watches the unconscious woman drawn out. "Danielle applied for the test much as you did... unfortunately, she wasn't skilled enough or strong enough at the time to complete it successfully. It was going to be another year before she could try again, and I don't know that she could afford it... so it looks to me like she found another way to demonstrate her skills. Pity."

"She was going to use a Fireball.. against you, sir!" Xander points out. "I.. I'm pretty sure that would not have earned her an advancement. Which.. uh.. begs the question, sir: do I have to repeat this because of her interference?"

The grandmaster grimaces, his nose wrinkling and whiskers bristling out. "I was the one who decided she hadn't earned a mastership yet. I don't know... she could have earned a good enough living as a journeyman, but something about this... something was important to her, I suppose. Maybe we'll find out if she makes it." He shakes his head and claps a beefy paw on Xander's shoulder. "No, no my boy... I think if anything demonstrated your ability to handle power and handle it skillfully, that was it. We'll do the official bits after we get this cleaned up, but as far as I'm concerned you've passed, and I'm sure Von Kriegler and Sugarspark would agree."

"Thank you, sir," Xander says with relief, and feels.. tired. "I.. I need to go find my sister and.. uh.. my employer, if that's alright?"

Sharif nods, and gives Xander another pat on the shoulder, seeming unsure quite what to do as a gesture. "Of course, of course. I think they were ushered out as soon as the doors were opened... I think I heard some protest from the dragon woman. Call upon me whenever you are ready to commence, we'll get the ceremony done soon after."

Xander bows to the Grand Master.. and then quickly heads for an exit to search out Umeko and Nawar! She'll say I brought this on myself somehow, he thinks..