The steward, true to his word, had a case for the dulcimer waiting for Miyuki at the gates of the house Saari compound.  The guards seemed more friendly on her way out, apparently he'd also spread the message that she was welcome now.  Of course the fact that she was carrying a dulcimer in a wooden case with a tiny seal of house Saari on it could just as easily been proof enough that she wasn't a trouble maker.  In any regard one of the guardsmen handed the case to her with a nod and the instruction, "Algers said that the musical notes are in the case, and to be careful with it.  Said he trusts you, but there's thieves about, and that's worth twice what yer first job is paying."  The guard said this without any sort of criticism or judgement, and almost in a bored tone, as if he was simply passing along a message.  He then opened the large gate, letting Miyuki back out into Laelith's ritzy noble district.<br/><br/>The heat slammed into her like a living thing.  It was late morning and the heat of the day was really starting to pick up.  After coming from the perfectly temperature controlled environment inside the walls of the house Saari compound, the change was a shock.  Sweat began to bead her brow and body almost instantly as she let out a little gasp.  She felt a firm grip on her upper arm and turned half surprised.  But it was only the guard who stood outside the gates.  He looked more comfortable than her in chain and leather armor with heavy tabard over then she did in light silk and cloth.<strong>"Careful miss,"</strong>he said as he held her arm.  The grip was not to detain her but simply to steady her as she got used to Laelith's heat again.<strong>"I've seen those not used to the heat faint dead away after making the transition from the cool."</strong>Seeing her at least steady on her feet he let go of her arm and twitched aside his tabard.  A round badge, about half the size of Miyuki's fist was integrated into the chain armor, and on that badge a circle of draconic symbols that glowed a light blue.  Even in the bright late morning light, the glow was just visible.  He tapped the badge and said,<strong>"If you can save up enough coin, one of these can make your life much more comfortable.  Helps you endure the heat.  I'm as comfy in my armor as you were inside the compound, don't doubt that."</strong><br/><br/>The guard on the other side of the gate chuckled and said,<strong> "I doubt it.  Likely the miss wasn't standing the whole time she was inside.  Heat's fine, but I could use a better pair of boots."</strong><br/><br/>The first guard smiled and shrugged his shoulders.<strong> "Aye, I suppose you're right Ontain, I suppose you're right."</strong>Then turning back to Miyuki he smiled and asked if she was ok.  She replied she was and began making her way to the Academy to meet with Sil.  Knowing she carried an expensive and fine instrument in the case, she focused very hard on what the mage's academy looked like, and getting there above all else.  She didn't let the sight, sounds, smells, and bustle of Laelith distract her.  In no time, with only one slight misturn that had her complete a circle around the same block of buildings, she was in front of the academy itself.  Entering the building she found a page at the front desk in the lobby area, who seemed to perk up at the sight of her.  The area was blessedly cool and comfortable compared to the outside, much like the house Saari compound, and there was no doubt that the same magics were in play.<br/><br/><strong>"Ah,"</strong>he said looking her up and down,<strong> "You must be miss Miyuki.  Miss Thereos said to expect you.  Though she did say you'd be here this morning, I hope everything is ok.  The city can be quite confusing for new arrivals."</strong>It took Miyuki only a moment to remember that 'Sil' was introduced to her originally by Vii late at night as Sileanna Kerinni Thereos.  The page continued,<strong>"I'll summon a guide for you.  I beg that you please do not deviate or hesitate in following it.  It moves at a walking pace, but it does not stop."</strong><br/><br/>He intoned a few arcane words and gestured with his fingers and a small glowing blue ball, no larger than the tip of Miyuki's finger appeared in the air.  He smiled at Miyuki and said,<strong> "As long as you stay within a few feet of the guide, doors will open and allow you passage.  Again I beg that you don't wander, there are those here who do not approve of guests poking their noses where they don't belong."</strong>Then leaning in to the glowing mote of light he said,<strong>"Guiding light please lead our guest, take her to Sileanna Kerinni Thereos, at her request, dwaddle not and go straight away at my behest."</strong><br/><br/>The light bobbed once and then began moving at a steady pace towards the doors leading deeper into the academy.  The page smiled and waved goodbye making a slight shooing motion for her to continue if she did anything other than follow the guiding light.  It led her through fine stone and marble halls to a large library.  There were a few people about  who looked up at her but turned back to their buisness when they saw the glowing blue light.  It led her unneringly through shelves of books and scrolls and she found herself before the Eladrin elf, Sil, in no time.<br/><br/><strong>"Ahhhh a bit later then I'd expected, but glad you're here."  </strong>She gestured to a pile of books, scrolls, and her own elegantly scripted notes that were spread across a large table.<strong>"I don't know good your draconic is, but if you can read these and match some of the scripts I noted at the ruins to anything you see in these books and scrolls, that would be a help." </strong>Then noting the case that Miyuki carried she said,<strong>"Oh, a dulcimer?  I do so love a dulcimer.  If you wanted to play a little that'd be a nice relaxation for me as well?" </strong>Her smile was genuine and it was obvious which of the two the eladrin elf preferred.