Viscaria nods acquiencense. "I had not meant to offend, good sir, but was only trying to show the deference I had been taught was proper to show a figure of your station.
"I have three motivations which drive me that I am aware of, not counting that desire within all sentient beings to uncover their own hidden motivations.
"As a woman, I seek to understand my history and heritage, especially as it draws near to the day when I must decide if I ever wish to have children. The question of birth and heritage looms large as I have well passed the age when most maga of the Order sacrifice their fertility for other sorts of magics. Somnifer told me that he knew of my history and had proof of it within this realm, and so I came hither.
"As a dwarf, I seek ever to improve my craft, to descend with greater and greater ease into that inexplicable joy of creation, to hold within me the sense of grand purpose that comes with mastery of an art, be it hermetic or mundane. Somnifer claimed a vast trove of treasures which would refine my skills, and argued convincingly, and so I came hither.
"Third, as a wizard...forgive me, but I now have unearthed a fourth motivation within myself (and I thank you for that gift). As an enchanter, I seek knowledge of defensive arts and fortifications, to protect myself against enemies. Upon arriving, it became clear to me that the covenant enjoys a powerful fortification, but not one of their choosing. Such a mystery would be well worth my time to decipher, even if Somnifer should prove unwilling to honor his bargain, and so I came hither, confident that whatever power Somnifer gained over me, he learned it here and has left his notes.
"Fourth, then, as a wizard, I seek to learn of the world, and understand in fullness those dangers which I am subject to thanks to my unique gifts, so that I can better defend myself against them. Upon meeting Somnifer, it became clear that he had somehow brought me here, and yet his attempts to beguile me while waking were so bungling that I am hard pressed to believe it 'twas he who brought me here. This mystery has layers within layers, and though I have much to do at home, I am drawn to mysteries like a spider is drawn to the quivering strands of her web, hungry to devour something new."
She pauses, considering seriously and yet somehow distantly. "As a mortal, I am somewhat terrified of having so openly revealed myself to you, but I don't know if that can truly be considered a driving force. And besides, I seek allies in this regio, and you have suggested that paucity angers you. I suppose some might find the acquisition of allies to be a driving force, but for me I think it stands merely as a step upon the path to other goals. Beyond that, I am sure that I have many other driving motivations, but I am either unaware of them or unable to express them adequately."
She pauses for a bit, feeling as if she has been blathering.