Aeron approached the cluster of colleagues. He spotted Glynne Fernveil among them, a thin elven woman nervously clutching her books and talking to another assistant.
“Hey, Glynne!” he called to her, but she was preoccupied, her gaze fixed on the commotion at the entrance. When he got closer he tried again “Glynne!” She was startled, dropping one of her books.
“Oh Aeron, did you hear? There’s been a break-in!” she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I can see that,” he replied as he handed her back her book. “Did you find out more?”
But before she could respond, they caught the attention of fellow professor Felian Duskbourne and his assistants. The murmurs of the gathered crowd mixed with the occasional crackle of police radios, but Felian’s voice cut through the noise like a rapier. “Well, it seems the museum has become the playground for criminals.” A smirk danced on his lips. “I wouldn’t worry about your ‘priceless’ artefacts. It’s not like anyone would risk a heist for your trivial findings. I mean, what is it—dusty scrolls and shards of pottery?”
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Glynne shot a disapproving glance at Felian, her voice sharper than usual. “That’s not fair, Felian. Aeron’s work contributes greatly to our understanding of history, and you know it.”
For a moment, Aeron blinked in surprise at her tone. But as quickly as she’d spoken, Glynne seemed to shrink back. Her fingers toyed nervously with the ends of her long sleeves, her movements almost too deliberate, seemingly trying to hide away.
Felian arched an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Ah, the bookworm defends her professor,” he replied, his tone mocking. “How sweet. But truly, Glynne, perhaps you should know better than to waste your efforts on a lost cause.”
Glynne blushed. It looked like she wanted to say something back, but seemed she couldn’t find the words.
Aeron felt a surge of anger at Felian’s condescension. “Well, Duskbourn,” he said with a calm smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “it must be comforting to know you can focus so much on others' work. Perhaps it’s easier than finding funding to pay your assistants?”
Felians face seemed to spew fire. “Oh, I’m sure importance will be measured by more than just relics when this blows over. Good luck with your little lecture today. Who knows how many more you'll have?” With that, he and his assistants walked away with an air of superiority that made Aeron’s blood boil.