((That'll happen in the other thread. After someone identifies grogs who can interact with Cumhachd and Twigberry.))
Once Loys disappears and Marcus is done shitting all over her, Tranquillina walks out of the council room without another word. She does not read Loys's letter.
Her head throbbing with anger, she walks down a flight of stairs and heads into the library to see about the stolen book.
Probably need to clarify things here. My understanding is that Alexei is going to Apollodorus's library/sanctum, based on Korvin's request. So, is Tranquillina going to Apollodorus's library, too, or just to the main Mons Electi library?
((I should have been clearer, Alexei was going to go to Apollodorus and then our Librarian came in and reported the theft, so I was headed for that one. I just said he was headed to the library, but I should have specified))
((Same vagueness here, sorry - Tranquillina's also going to the main ME library, whence the Magic Theory book was stolen.))
Alright, not sure if Alexei knows where to look in the Library for the stolen book...so he goes there and waits for Tranquillina and Alexandria to show up...
In her rush to inform the magi, after being freed, Alexandria overlooked a note left in the spot where the book normally resides. Tranquilina can tell that the note is in Cumhachd's hand, but written in Classical Greek.
The soft noise coming from Tranquillina's throat sounds eerily like a mastiff's growl. "Alexei, have you learned any Greek from Benner yet? Can you read this note?"
Alexei turns to Tranquillina and looks down at the note and then abruptly leans over and sniffs it!
He coughs as he stands upright, looking a bit embarassed. "Ahem...sorry, I'm in the midst of enchanting my familiar...the process has had an affect on me. But no, I'm afraid I can't read...is that Greek? Perhaps Helmut can. I'll summon him, if he can't then we'll need others."
((Can someone check if Helmut can read it, he's in th Grogs section, I think he's the first grog, who else can read Greek?))
According to Obsidian Portal he has Speak Greek 1, but I'm not sure where he is in the scheme of things for advancement... His age is listed as 15, so my guess is he hasn't been advanced...
Of course, there is a table full of other magi that the two left in the council chamber...
((He's up to date on the Grogs page here))
Screw that ... Tranquillina already made her sullen exit, she's not going back in there. She peremptorily tells the nearest muggle to go fetch Benner to the library for her. ((This season Benner is teaching Fiona Ancient Greek, but I doubt Tranquillina, or anyone else for that matter, would know that.))
While she waits for Benner to arrive, she extents her magic sensitivity over the note. Any more mysterious magic words?
Tranquillina doesn't get what she wants here. It's like Cumhachd is haunting her. The page runs off and gets Benner, who is muttering and complaining loudly and mightily about his lesson with Fiona interrupted/reschedule for a council meeting, and now this emergency request from Tranquillina. Really, who has an emergency about Greek?
((anyone in council can hear him, and he mentions Tranquillin and library, so they can follow him))
"Yes, maga Tranquillina, what can I do for you?" He sounds a bit exasperated, but she only heard him muttering if she rolls a 9+ Per+Awareness check.
((Per 2 + Awareness 2 + stress die 6 = 10.)) "We do not pay you to complain, Benner," Tranquillina offers as generously as her mood allows. "Your valuable expertise can help us here, and I assure you it will not tax you overmuch." She spreads the note out on the table between them. "What does this writing say?"
"Yes, about that, I'm still waiting for my stipend, any idea when I can expect that?" Of course, he has to bring up the chronic cash flow problem the covenant has, now.
"Seems straightforward enough. Let's see." His voice assumes the tone of one reading to others.
"From Cumhachd Tytali, to the magi of Mons Electi.
I am taking this book, and have instructed Loys to leave 10 pawns of vis with you for compensation. In addition, I am taking one other book, which you may or may not have figured out what it is. Do not be too hard on the guards outside of its resting place. They were unprepared for my presence and 'attack.' Tranquillina, if you're hearing this, I wish to thank you for preparing Loys passably for me. If the magi of Mons Electi wish to come visit, that may be difficult, but Tranquillina knows who I am with, or at least she should be able to predict who I am with. Lastly, this was only possible because you, as a group keep too many secrets. I tell you this not to gloat, but to inoculate you against what is yet to come. Warmest regards, Cumhachd."
Fiona looks at Tranquillina, not even trying to hide her shock.
Fiona looks around at the others. [color=blue]"Is there any more business to discuss, or shall we adjourn?" she asks curtly.
It occurs to Fiona, that Loys and Cumhachd should be close by, since Alexandria just came into the room, and Loys just disappeared shortly thereafter...
Alexei listens to the letter and honestly can't hide his anger, but finally lets out a deep breath.
"Well, you tried warning us Tranquillina." he says, finally pronouncing her name right. "What other book, and what did she mean what is to come? And what book was taken here, a Magic Theory?" he sighs. "I suppose it's too late to find her now is it? Should I just prepare a letter for Wizard's War or bring her up on charges? Let's head back to the others."
"I have an Arcane Connection to Cumhachd," Tranquillina tells him, "a permanent one. Well, and this letter here, and a couple others besides. Also I have a Connection to Loys, who will be with her. So we should be able to locate or travel to them, now or any time we wish." She looks around the room. Having been proved right makes her a little calmer and less defensive; it sure doesn't make her any happier. "Alexandria, go through all the books in the library, as well as you can; see if any of them have been tampered with or, God forbid, are also missing. Benner, thank you for your service tonight; I shall make sure your stipend reaches you tomorrow." (She means this, too; she'll scrimp somewhere else for the moment if she has to.)
She departs the library with Alexei, but stops him a few steps outside its door. "Alexei: the letter ... she mentioned another book, one with guards outside...."
After Loys departs, Stultus hops off the table and silently walks out of the chamber after him.
Well, almost silently. He turns as he reaches the door, staring hard at Tranquillina, and remarks "You disgust me, maga" in a dead calm, perfectly level voice right before the door shuts behind him.
The only other library that Alexei can think of would be the one in Apollodorus's chambers. He knew of it, but hadn't been as involved in its stewardship and protection, plus this was the one Korvin mentioned. "I'm heading to Appollodorus's chambers, please bring the others." Alexei says to both Tranquillina and Benner.
((Just going to port over there, if a roll is necessary can someone make it for me please?))