Joshain was a pleasant young man, and through the conversation Stephanie learned as much about him as he likely learned from her.  He seemed to have a very sharp and quick mind, and unlike some mages, a fair smattering of real world experience.  It turned out that he lived on college grounds.   His mother had been a prostitute back in Malkin city, and he'd grown up seeing the more carnal side of things from a child's perspective.  But when she'd died due to an illness when he was still young, the brothel madam had sent him to a public orphanage and school.  It hadn't been a bad place for him to live, though it was quite a change from what he'd known.  Then around age thirteen he'd discovered his magical potential, and had been taken to Malkin's academy for training.  From there, upon his graduation, he'd come to Laelith to continue his studies, where bright young mages were needed more.  Now in his early twenties, he'd already gone on three different expeditions, and while he was still fairly weak as a wizard, was gaining great knowledge.  He seemed very interested in hearing about any place that Stephanie had been, and it seemed that the heart of a sage was beating in his chest, as his eyes sparkled whenever he heard anything new.<br/><br/>He bade the sisters a good day however and hoped that he would see them again soon, offering to help them if they needed, and telling them about the academy's residential building, behind the library  A not so subtle hint that he'd love to meet with them in a more private venue.  Dawn finished the second glass of cool refreshing water before inacting the cantrip and watching as the glowing guide light sprung to life.  A short while later they were in front of Master Lee D'Nai's chambers and entered to find the man transcribing ancient runes from a cracked bit of pottery onto a scroll.  A quick glance showed a drawing of the pottery on the scroll as well and it seemed that Master D'Nai was a passable artist as well as a wizard.<br/><br/>He was nearly ecstatic to see the girls however and his whole personality seemed on the verge of explosion when he asked,<strong>"Did you get it?  Did you secure the tablet for me?  Please, tell me the details, but first, let me see it, let me have it!"</strong>He seemed twenty years younger as Dawn drew forth the tablet, and he eagerly took it.  He moved aside the pottery swiftly on his desk, almost rashly for a mage, though the pottery didn't seem to be damaged by the brusque treatment.<strong>"Look here,"</strong>he said eagerly pointing at the markings, written in an archaic and very stylized form of draconic.<strong>"This bit was ancient when the fading happened, it's a bit of magic from all the way back, possibly before the forming of the Mar'Kalkin empire itself!"</strong>He chuckled lightly, and added to himself,<strong>"I admit, it may not have much in the way of magical power, but to the right collector, it could be worth five times what you paid Rohnan for it."</strong>His face quickly became shocked at even his own words and he looked up, his hands held in a calming gesture,<strong>"Not that such a thing is my intention mind you.  No no no, this is for my... private... study, my private collection.  This is a piece of history that I won't let out of my hands until I've learned everything about it.  I... I am very grateful you were able to broker this deal for me."</strong><br/><br/>He straightened up and straightened his robes out slightly, his face unable to hide his glee.<strong>"As we discussed, I have pushed through your applications to the academy, you're both members now, free to come and go as you please.  Our library is the best you'll find outside of Malkin city back in the faded lands, and we do have alchemical and enchanting labs for your use, though you'll have to pay your own material fees, the same as any other member.  Now, I must ask, is there anything I can do for you two beautiful ladies for your assistance?  As I mentioned at our last meeting, I would recommend not going to the high lord protectorate's requesting sanction to start a temple until you have things ready, or she will simply deny you and look poorly upon any future requests.  But I don't know if there's anything I could do to help.  Other than the two primal mages I mentioned last time, Bellerefo Legerwin of Kirin's cat house, and the noble Kuro ir'Towa, I'm not certain who you could talk to." </strong>He paused and then as if something had occurred to him added,<strong>"Although you could always go talk to the priests at the allfaith temple in Laelith.  They likely wouldn't share service space with Shonites unless it was an extremely..." </strong>he waved his hand as if trying to think of the right words,<strong>"sanitized version of your faith.  Preaching, prayers, blessings, that sort of thing... but nothing too, physical or revealing.  In fact, I'd suggest some more modest clothing, depending on which priest you speak with there."</strong><br/><br/>He shrugged,<strong>"I don't know if that helps, but I do owe you two, and am happy to offer my assistance if you can think of anything."</strong>