A tent serving wine, ale and spirits along with some food is set up a bit further away from the cave entrance, many of the younger looking magi head here after finishing in line. Despite the social atmosphere the magi are not mingling over much. Most of the magi that are talking in small groups seem to already know each other, the mannerisms suggest familiarity. The food and drink is free, and you are informed that it is a donation from the Covenant of Voluntes. There is a very beautiful woman who seems to be mingling among them, asking how they are and you think you over hear some mention on a subject that seems rather strange; more than once you hear the mention of St. Nerius.
In another part of the colorful crowd a bearded custo of schorlarly nature stops to speak with Bjorn.
"Well my fine Magister, you seem to be the discerning type, a question like that no doubt means you've heard of my Master Astrolabe ex Jerbiton? Regarded among many as the most brilliant mind in the Order! Bonisagus have even thought of changing their traditions and allowing him in as an honorary member."
"This Tracti on Magic Theory is often referred to as a primer on this essential topic, and was included for consideration in the Bonisagi codex. This can be yours Magister, let us talk more..."
The two Quaesitor look over to you Siobhan as you approach and present your credentials. One of the women regards you only briefly before writing down the name that is announced to the other who is doing the talking. The other is a younger woman, rather attractive, but with a severe style and keen fashion sense. She turns to you after saying "Sic est" to a magus. "Greetings Sodales." she says as she turns to you.
"We were told we had a sister in Guernicus. I am Fredegisa of Schola Pythagoranis, and my quiet companion here is Trutina of Burnham." the other maga looks up at you briefly and goes back to her writing. "Please sit" she offers a stool. "If you would go over the roster as Trutina finishes the pages we can get an accounting rather quickly." she waves to the small pile of papers as a very old looking magus steps up.
He is dressed in a tattered kilt and shirt, with pouches arranged haphazardly. His eyes have cataracts, his long nose is hooked like a falcon and his fithly gray hair stands on end. His bony claw like hands clutch a gnarled walking stick and strangest of all, you hear a low muffled growling. Looking down you see that a small white furred terrier dog is busily chewing on his right booted foot, worrying at the leather. The old man seems not to notice though occasionally moves with a particulay vigorous shake of the dog's head.
"Name?" asks Fredegisa. The old man scratches his head a moment.
"Ach...gimme a moment. I knew it just a bit ago." he says with a thick Scottish accent. He begins patting his pouches and such, finally producing a piece of paper that looks like it was torn from another larger piece. "Here we are lass! I had one of those Redcap fellows write it down for me." he hands it over to the maga, who takes it with some distaste. She reads it.
"Old Aggie?" she finally asks.
"Aye, I'm called that." he smiles proudly.
"And your House? Your Covenant?"
His smile fades. "House? I...it's not on there?" Fredgisa shakes her head. "Ach! The Hash House I think. I don't have a Covenant though."
"Hash...House? Trutina, put down Ex Miscellenea for...Old Aggie. Very well, return at Sunset please. And Familiars will wait in a seperate chamber within."
"Familiar? I ain't got no Familiar!" he snaps. Fredegisa points to the dog who has now gone to the other foot. "Him? He ain't my familiar! Just started chewin' me shoe is all. Figured he'd get tired of the taste sooner or later." He gives the dog a small whack on its flank with his stick. The dog whelps and scurries off a short distance as the old man turns towards the food tent. Undeterred, after only a few steps the dog scurries up to him again to chew on his boot once more.
Fredegisa shakes her head and hides a smile. "Next!"