<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">Lucian looked at both of them, and smiled a little bit. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“The second part is actually more of an announcement than part of the lesson, but it is going to put the whole rest of this into some perspective. In six weeks there is a large gathering, the Midwinter Ball. It is one of only two times a year we can take in new apprentices and have them formally recognized as members of Dimir, and all of the benefits and protections that implies. During the Ball, I am going to announce the two of you as my apprentices, and bring you before the Council as tradition dictates. I would normally wait until the Midsummer Ball, but with everything going on with Illian…” <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">He trailed off, looking into the middle distance before shaking his head and focusing on them again. </span>“It is better to be safe than sorry.”</span>