005.1 Seira

[Corwin]

[21:40] <Kotono> ------------------
[21:42] <Kotono> After a day of needed rest and recovery, Seira heads to Countess Stronger's abode. Amid a sunny garden of white and red roses she comes to the door, this place q uiet and secluded away from the brashness of Balmuria's main bustle.
[21:42] * Seira walks up to the front door, knocks, and waits patiently.
[21:46] <Kotono> It doesn't take long, etherial chimes heard as you knock on the door. Countess Stronger opens it, wearing a jaunty red dress and a big grin. "Well now! You're either very good or very lucky, aren't you?"
[21:47] <Seira> "I'm very determined," Seira responds firmly.
[21:49] <Kotono> "So you are! Just an hour ago one of the baker's sons came by and said they wanted to talk about selling!" So she leans back, stretching, "I didn't think you'd be that serious, half elf. NOt only are you serious, but you're effective. How'd you do it?"
[21:50] <Seira> "Something had to be stopping the family from selling," Seira responds. "Take that out of the equation, and...."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Yes!" Stronger dances just a little, elated, "Come in, come in! Let's talk about this some more."
[21:52] * Seira nods politely, accepting the invitation.
[21:59] <Kotono> INside you go! To a surprisingly bland sitting room, save for paintings of red - roses, sunsets, so forth. You sit in a comfortable chair, the Countess sitting next to you. "I just say, I have to admit I'm surprised you were so quick and effective! I had hoped you might proved to be a passable toady, but maybe you'll be better than that!"
[22:00] <Seira> "I'll certainly give it my all," Seira vows.
[22:02] <Kotono> "Well now..." The Countess leans back, "I'm most impressed. I'm not sure you're worthy of being an apprentice right now, but I can't say you don't deserve some reward to keep you occupied while I begin to establish my shop. Tell me, what do you seek?"
[22:04] <Seira> "Knowledge and inner strength," Seira responds after a moment's thought.
[22:05] <Kotono> "Alright. That's not a bad thing to say. I think I have something that you can take and look at." The Countess rises, glancing over to a table where a teapot sits. "Help yourself, I'll be a couple."
[22:05] <Kotono> "Oh!" The Countess also stops, "Wasn't there supposed to be a second fo you? Whatever happend to that?"
[22:06] <Seira> "She's very shy," Seira says, flushing ever-so-slightly. "I'll try to convince her to come some other time, if that is alright with you."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Yes." The Countess leaves the room after this, stretching and giving Seira some time alone in the room.
[22:09] * Seira helps herself to some tea as she is left alone.
[22:12] <Kotono> It's about a half hour of time. Plenty of time to enjoy some good tea and relax - when the Countess returns, she carries a few wrapped scrolls in her arms. "Knowledge," she passes one to the elf girl, "Inner strength," she passes the second, one left, "And the last simply because I'm impressed."
[22:16] <Seira> "Thank you," Seira responds, accepting the scrolls. "I will return when I am strong enough to be an acceptable apprentice, then." She pauses, before adding, "If there is anything you might need done, please contact me at the barracks."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Oh, I will." Stronger kicks back in a chair, "It's so rare to find someone magical like you, willing and competent at once. Good work."
[22:20] <Seira> "Thank you, Countess," she repeats.