“Everything has a price”~Unnamed warlock
Bernin recovered slowly. It had been a while since she had burned so brightly, when she had started coming into her power it happened a few times. This wasn’t the worst it had gotten, but it was closer than she was comfortable with. She would have to take some time and reevaluate herself, maybe take some time off and relearn control. That was, however, part of the issue. Fae power resisted control unlike all but chaos magic. It fought her in subtle ways at every turn. That was for later though, for now she had a mission to finally finish.
It was easy to find Gregarious, he was waiting for her in front of the manor, Tyriom was waiting with him. She almost stopped walking. She had not considered the aspect of her fury, she had lost control in front of a councillor. That could have consequences, she just hoped he would take it for the isolated incident it was. Her career did not mean much to her, the work was more important to her, but those were related. Nothing to do about this now, after all, one cannot change the past, at least not easily. The future is a different matter though.
“Mage Bernin, good to see you’ve recovered.”
“Thank you for the well wishes, Mage Gregarious. I have finished the audit, as expected you pass with flying colours. Almost suspiciously so.”
“Ha. Yes, I had assumed that would ruffle you. I keep my books up to date, but I am aware that most don’t. The council knows most mages don’t have bookkeepers on staff and as you’re aware, most mages have little patience for things that don’t interest them.”
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
“Their loss.”
“Indeed.”
She handed over the report, his copy at least. The other would go to the council, so he would see it again, but protocol mattered for things like this. Tyriom took the copy and put it away, grabbing something from his bag. Gregarious spoke while Tyriom handed her a complicated piece of metal and crystal.
“I had noticed your continued discomfort in the town and looked you up. Fae magic is complex, but dwarves have a long history and I had plenty of ancient designs laying about. This device is a modification of an old sin. A device originally designed to drain the magic of elves, by their thin connection to the fae. This device is, instead, a method to store it. It cannot hold much or for long, but I do hope it can help.”
Bernin’s mood flipped about during that explanation and she almost tried to throw it out when he mentioned its original purpose. This was a boon though. Not a bane. With this she could train herself more precisely, she would have to be careful though. A device such as this could easily become a crutch and that was unacceptable.
“Your gift is accepted in the spirit it was given.”
The line flowed from her with ease. There would be no bond here, if his knowledge was anything like he had hinted at, he would understand her words beneath the words. She put the device in her bag for now. It would have a use soon.
“I will be travelling back now. May your steps be solid and your path lit.”
“Ha. It seems I’m not the only one to read up on history. Good travels.”
Bernin got on her broom and flowed up. The way back would be easier, of that she was sure. It had to be, right?