Leara's face turned a hue of pink as David reinforced her reprimand directed at Maia. The woman had a history that even Leara didn't know, which likely made her a disbeliever when it came to David and his world saving abilities. For living in such a warm place, Maia was such a cold woman, but deep down, Leara knew that Maia was different. Her skill with magic was unsurpassed and she had a reputation to those that knew her name.<b>"David, please...."</b>Leara put a gentle hand on his arm to ease a bit of the tension.<b>"Maia comes off a bit strong and she has her reasons for her lack of belief. Trust me when I say that she is a worthy friend."</b><br/><br/>Maia was silent, a quirky smirk on her face as she listened to David. She was impressed that he stood up for himself. Maia had fully expected Leara to come to his defense, but to have him stand on his own two feet was a point that she underestimated in him. There was something about this human - she could see it now - that might make him a capable hero. The jury was still out completely but at the rate David was going, who know what would happen? She watched her friend and the Earthling converse, taking note of the way that they seemed to get along well and how he appeared to be grateful for some life saving tactic that she performed to help him earlier in their adventures. His sincerity was honest.<br/><br/>Leara, on the other hand, clung to everything David said.<b>"I am needed? Why me?"</b>She frowned at that conclusion, biting on her lower lip as she tried to figure out why they would want her to assist David more.<b>"I am nothing special, David. Merely out of training myself. I do not have the skills to teach you what I am almost certain you need to know."</b>She folded her hands in her lap, looking at the new drink that had been placed in front of her. Her eyes rose to look at the horned woman across the table.<b>"Maia, if David's needs include magical training...."</b><br/><br/>The high pitched laughter that escaped Maia was singsong and harsh.<b>"You are asking me to assist someone your Council has designated as our world saver?"</b>She scoffed at Leara, who sighed heavily as she prepared herself for another rant on Maia's part.<b>"The Council has brought nothing but harm to my people, myself, Leara. You know this. If your council had half a mind, Kaithor would still be alive. I owe them nothing."</b><br/><br/>Leara shook her head and quickly reached across the table to grasp one of Maia's hands.<b>"Kaithor's death was not expected, Maia. No one had planned on his death. Perhaps David will exact an ounce of revenge in your honor?"</b>Nervously, Leara looked at David and tried to get him to agree with a subtle look. Maia could teach David much about the magical arts. Maia would be a good resource for him if only Leara could convince her that he was worthy enough.<br/><br/>Maia replied with another laugh, looking from Leara to David while extracting her hand from Leara's.<b>"You foolish girl. Revenge will be gotten with my own hand, not some vessel from the Council. However...."</b>She eyed David carefully for a long moment before she picked up her drink.<b>"Getting to where I need to be in order to do so would be much easier if I had a few companions to assist me along the way. Perhaps you two would be interested? My teachings in exchange for your abilities. I do not think it would be much out of your way on whatever journey it is that you find yourself on to save our world. After all, Kaithor died during an attempt to accomplish what your Council thinks he can do."</b>Maia's eyes locked on David, her gaze playful but calculating.<br/><br/><b>"It will be dangerous."</b>Leara stated, sitting back firmly in her chair.<b>"More foes to fight against, more death and despair to wade into. But if this is David's quest already.....David, what say you? Maia is very skilled in magic. Her attitude leaves much to be desired, but I do not think that she would steer us wrong. She could be a valuable asset to your journey. I will look for an alternative teacher for hand to hand combat. I do not think I am best suited for that duty."</b>She was thoughtful for a moment.<b>"Perhaps Bartholomaeus would be willing to assist....."</b><br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="82" data-username="@Manaan" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/82/">@Manaan</a>