Post by Uathach Blackmantle on Feb 12, 2008 23:43:25 GMT -5
Wraith hesitated in the haunted hallway outside the Initiate's private quarters, and raised her hand to knock. Softly, so softly, but still the sound echoed in the tomb like silence. She grimaced and waited anxiously for the expected response. Nothing stirred within.
A cold sweat broke out on the Dustman's brow, and for a moment she reconsidered having come here. What if she was disturbing him at so late an hour? Then she recalled the missive, delivered to her that afternoon shortly upon her return to the Weary Spirit.
The letter stated in no uncertain terms that she was to meet with the Initiate at this hour.
So here she was, waiting in the shadows outside his chamber door.
The portal creaked open then, soundlessly, permitting exit to a stale exhalation of disinfectant, formaldehyde, ancient dust, and the sweet coppery tang of old blood. "Come in, Uathach." Came the soft, hollow reply.
Wraith steadied herself with a deep breath, preparing to plunge into the winter chill of Initiate Zanathis' private study. The homonculus servant shut the door behind her, and returned to its perch beside its master.
The cowled Initiate had swivelled around in his chair to regard the tiefling namer standing before him, fiddling uneasily with the ribbon neckties of her robe. His eyes were dispassionate glittering jewels in the weird lighting, and a mirthless grin played upon his pale lips. "I see you have arrived on time. This bodes well."
Wraith bowed respectfully, and clasped her hands before her to keep them from shaking. To say that he frightened her was an understatement. "Of course." She mumbled, stifling a tired yawn behind a closed fist. It had been a long and exhausting day for her. She longed for sleep, but knew no respite would come any time soon.
"You understand why you are here, do you not?" He didn't blink, merely kept his steady gaze fixed firmly upon hers.
Wraith frowned, and broke out into a cold sweat. Actually, she wasn't entirely sure why, and given recent circumstances, and the fragile state of her mentality, she wondered if that was why she'd been summoned here.
The Initiate pressed his fingertips together, forming a little steeple beneath his pointed chin, and studied her thoughtfully, like a huge cat contemplating its prey. He might've been a statue, for all the outward expression he didn't show then.
"The time has come, Uathach, for you to set aside all that you know - or think you know - about existence, and to begin contemplating the Truth of your current atage of Death at a much deeper level. Mister Tetch, so far, is satisfied with your first day back at the Infirmary, and wishes flor you to continue working there, under his guidance, for the next few weeks. I have allowed this."
The next few weeks? Wraith thought, balking at what was required of her. But thankfully she was astute enough to know not to show it.
"Further more..." Initiate Zanathis extended a white manicured hand toward the homonculus - clasped between his skelegtal fingers was another bone scrollcase, sealed with wax, not unlike the one she'd presented to Ridnir Tetch - and the creature obediently deposited the letter in her hands. It returned promptly to its master.
"A celebrated conductor from Automata and his modron apprentice, one Unit 7623, are holding music lessons on a tri-weekly basis at the Great Gymnasium. I understand you were there earlier today. This is your invitation, Uathach. You will attend."[/color]
[T be continued]
A cold sweat broke out on the Dustman's brow, and for a moment she reconsidered having come here. What if she was disturbing him at so late an hour? Then she recalled the missive, delivered to her that afternoon shortly upon her return to the Weary Spirit.
The letter stated in no uncertain terms that she was to meet with the Initiate at this hour.
So here she was, waiting in the shadows outside his chamber door.
The portal creaked open then, soundlessly, permitting exit to a stale exhalation of disinfectant, formaldehyde, ancient dust, and the sweet coppery tang of old blood. "Come in, Uathach." Came the soft, hollow reply.
Wraith steadied herself with a deep breath, preparing to plunge into the winter chill of Initiate Zanathis' private study. The homonculus servant shut the door behind her, and returned to its perch beside its master.
The cowled Initiate had swivelled around in his chair to regard the tiefling namer standing before him, fiddling uneasily with the ribbon neckties of her robe. His eyes were dispassionate glittering jewels in the weird lighting, and a mirthless grin played upon his pale lips. "I see you have arrived on time. This bodes well."
Wraith bowed respectfully, and clasped her hands before her to keep them from shaking. To say that he frightened her was an understatement. "Of course." She mumbled, stifling a tired yawn behind a closed fist. It had been a long and exhausting day for her. She longed for sleep, but knew no respite would come any time soon.
"You understand why you are here, do you not?" He didn't blink, merely kept his steady gaze fixed firmly upon hers.
Wraith frowned, and broke out into a cold sweat. Actually, she wasn't entirely sure why, and given recent circumstances, and the fragile state of her mentality, she wondered if that was why she'd been summoned here.
The Initiate pressed his fingertips together, forming a little steeple beneath his pointed chin, and studied her thoughtfully, like a huge cat contemplating its prey. He might've been a statue, for all the outward expression he didn't show then.
"The time has come, Uathach, for you to set aside all that you know - or think you know - about existence, and to begin contemplating the Truth of your current atage of Death at a much deeper level. Mister Tetch, so far, is satisfied with your first day back at the Infirmary, and wishes flor you to continue working there, under his guidance, for the next few weeks. I have allowed this."
The next few weeks? Wraith thought, balking at what was required of her. But thankfully she was astute enough to know not to show it.
"Further more..." Initiate Zanathis extended a white manicured hand toward the homonculus - clasped between his skelegtal fingers was another bone scrollcase, sealed with wax, not unlike the one she'd presented to Ridnir Tetch - and the creature obediently deposited the letter in her hands. It returned promptly to its master.
"A celebrated conductor from Automata and his modron apprentice, one Unit 7623, are holding music lessons on a tri-weekly basis at the Great Gymnasium. I understand you were there earlier today. This is your invitation, Uathach. You will attend."[/color]
[T be continued]