I close my eyes, smiling. The ambition of Mrella amuses me, but it takes ambition to reach such heights. And magic for seeking... I'm able to divine answers in some ways, and ask for guidance from Loviatar from matters, but not in the straightforward way that arcane magic can. Still... though I could reign her arrogance in, most likely, the fact is that she "would be willing" to do as I tell her, and "would join my bed if told to". I want my novice to take some of those steps on her own.<br/><br/>And so it is that I make my mind up.<br/><br/>"You two may stand up straight now. Everyone else, please rise as well."<br/><br/>One by one, I approach the potential novices, so that I can whisper words of encouragement in each girls' ear. Assurance that their time of choosing is soon, advice, and the blessings of Loviatar.<br/><br/>"Torri... wait just a little longer. I had considered you, but I need someone who has abilities different from my own, to avoid what happened with my own mistress. Besides... Layla did mention she has her eye on you, I wouldn't want to steal from her."<br/><br/>"Sudira, your grasp of Loviatar's power may dwarf my own, soon. I know you're making your mother proud, but I feel I must teach someone who has talents that lie in another direction... I still find you pretty though."<br/><br/>For her, I kiss her cheek before moving on.<br/><br/>"Mrella, I was intrigued by your abilities, I know that in the field of battle and when searching for things, we would compliment each other well. But... I feel you might resent me, or at least only see me as a means to an end. I need to be close to the novice I choose. But no matter, I know someone will snatch you up soon enough, to make use of your magic even as you use her to attain greater heights."<br/><br/>Finally, I reach Lelika.<br/><br/>"Lelika... I choose you to be my novice. You shall be bound to me, to learn from me as a student. You will submit to my dominance, yet you will know to question where your insight sees flaws in my judgement, to seek guidance from me, and to learn to love pain through me. Until the day that you are considered ready to stand on your own or lead another, we shall be bound, or lives intertwined. May Loviatar's chains bring us closer."<br/><br/>I then take her hand.<br/><br/>"You are all dismissed now. You may return to your duties. As for you, Lelika, come join me in my room for the rite of binding."