The old paper-thin Magi sat in his round study. The roof was at least forty feet high and came to a peak. The study was quite large for such a small man. In fact, he looked like a child sitting behind his grand dark red desk. Tiers upon tiers of book, tomes, and scrolls covered the walls from floor to ceiling. There were four thin, twenty foot tall, windows at the cardinal directions. They each however showed a different view outside. One showed a nearby mountain in all it’s glory, complete with a cascading waterfall. Another showed a field of flowers of various colors. Bees flew to and fro in lazy swirls, hopping from one flower to the next. The third window was a hilly area covered in powdery snow. Fine snow was currently drifting down from a grey sky. The last window looked down upon the world from space. A single moon was just about to hide on the far side of the blue planet.

“I still love the scent of wood and paper when I come here.” Said a large grey skinned Daemon. It was easily eight feet tall with a large muscular physique. The being had three small curled horns protruding from its upper forehead.

“Nice suit, Luc.” The old man replied without even looking up.

The Daemon held out his hand and a large posh chair appeared, into which he deposited himself without even the slightest creak.

“How are you doing Michael. You look thinner than the last time I visited. You need to take better care of yourself.”

The old man made no reply for a time, leaning back and looking up at the roof.

“I guess your right my friend. Though to be honest, I was getting ready to leave this world.” He finished looking down at the Daemon across from his desk.

With a sigh and a slight grunt Michael got up and moved to the other side of his desk. A chair that fit Michael’s form perfectly, with thick pillow seat, appeared beside the Daemons own chair.

The two turned to face each other as a table appeared to one side. It held snacks of all kinds. Cheeses, cuts of meats, cookies, crackers, and various small confections. There was several types of drinks, both hot and cold for the taking. Even a few liquors available.

They both sat in companionable silence, each filling a small plate with goodies. Michael taking a round glass filled with dark red wine. Luc taking a dark ale for himself.

After a time, with nothing but the quiet dining noises, and a few hums of pleasure, the two each put away their plates and took a cup of dark steaming drink.

After a small sip the Daemon sat back with a contented “ahhh”.

“You always have the perfect coffee at your disposal.” He almost moaned out taking another sip.

“I have been tending these beans for centuries. I’d hope they would be worth your praise.” The old man smiled slightly.

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After each had half a cup Luc finally broke the silence again.

“I take it you have decided, by your earlier implication, that you are going to stay for the frivolities?”

“Yes.” Michael replied. “How could I miss this. The son of my best friend and most ardent foe about to come into his own. Well, if he can get through his trials that is. There seem to be quite a few gunning for his demise, or even more who with try and use him for their own gains.”

“Really takes you back, doesn’t it?” Luc said, his face lighting up with a huge grin.

“Our own trials were quite the saga.” Michael nodded his agreement.

“I was curious what your stance on this would be. In fact, I was going to ask you to join me in watching the fun unfold.”

“I have decided to do as my master’s master did back then. Mostly laugh my ass off at the foolishness that was going to unfold. And maybe even add a hurdle or two, just to make things more interesting. Nothing too ends of times mind you.”

Luc leaned forward and rubbed his hand together quickly. “Then we are in agreement!” He chuckled. “Shall we abscond to our viewing palace then? And leave the kids to fight it out?”

“Lets.” Michael said with real energy for the first time in a very long time.

The two then disappeared from the world. They reappeared inside of a large fortress like palace situated on the only moon to orbit the planet. It was a massive affair, built into the side of a crater. There were dozens of rooms. A large kitchen set aside a larger dining room. The ounce desolate building was now abuzz with dozens of daemons and humans, that found themselves the servants of the two great beings.

The servants moved about the palace like a hurricane cleaning and getting the place in tip top shape after centuries of disuse.

The two races worked in concert. No animosity, no fear of each other. Cooks bustled in the huge kitchen getting meals ready, and storing them for later serving. There were special storage places that kept everything frozen in time, so each plate or dish would be kept just as fresh as if it had just been cooked. Drinks of all kinds were being made at a serving stand. Nothing would be for wanting.

The two great leaders met each other in a posh room. Filled with tables and chairs of various sizes and comforts. Already they were being laden with non-perishables to be consumed at their leisure. Both Michael and Luc had a head butler at their side, to see to their every need.

“You already look a hundred years younger.” Luc smiled at Michael.

“I feel it too.” Michael replied. “By the way, what is this son’s attunement?”

Luc laughed. “He doesn’t have one yet. Hells, he isn’t even two hundred yet.”

“That.” Michael began. “This should be even better than I first believed. He is going to cut his teeth while he goes through his trials. I honestly thought you and I would be the last to ascend. But it seems there is going to be at least one more great upheaval. The turn of a new age.”

“Yes.” Luc sat down and laughed again.

A large projection appeared in the room. It was a three-dimensional viewing area, currently showing an imp fleeing for his life from a giant eagle.