<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“I don’t know if it was me, or this ring containing Horishkad, or all of us together, but there was enough planar essence or residue to make something happen, though I’m not sure if they were expecting that result for some reason.  And now I’m wondering if Redhurst is going to have to cut ties with yet another academic partner after my involvement…”</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Rensha and Zull listened silently, although it was clear that the orc became more visibly uncomfortable as Kleris continued. She slammed her fist on the table when the explanation finished, as though on cue.<br/><br/>"That bastard!" she exclaimed. "He could've...! You all-"<br/><br/>Rensha took a deep breath. “Ugh sorry, I get so angry thinking of what could’ve happened.”<br/><br/>“It’s alright,” Zull said as she reached out to touch Kleris’ hand. “I feel the same way. It’s not your fault, Kleris. You had no idea what was going to happen, and that Merrix guy...he always gave off a bad vibe ever since he snubbed Lillin’s portrait project like that. Also, you’re one of the best mages I’ve seen at this school. If I know you, it was good you were there to save your classmates.”<br/><br/>“Well, whatever happens, we won’t let that Merrix guy touch you again,” Rensha exclaimed. “And if Redhurst lets him keep teaching, well then, I’ll leave!”<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Headmaster Andarlin’s Office</span></span></div><br/>The students present at Cannith South were interviewed individually. Kleris did not see any of them leave the room per se, but was summoned not long after getting her bearings. One of the other female prefects was close by, and gave Kleris the message that the Headmaster wanted to see him.<br/><br/>The office looked mostly unchanged since the last time Kleris was inside, although there was now a weighty tome on the desk with a Draconic title on its spine:<em>“Extraplanar Consortiums, Vol. VIII.”</em>The place smelled faintly of cinnamon, its source a small plate of cookies at the table’s edge. The silver dragon replica hanging overhead thrummed with a growl-like murmur, but otherwise remained motionless. Retario was present, upright and pacing about the back as the Headmaster turned the book’s pages. Cookie crumbs dropped from his fingers before flicking into a nearby bin courtesy of an<em>unseen servant.</em><br/><br/>“Kleris, you’re okay!” Retario exclaimed as he rushed over to give her a hug. “Your Headmaster was kind enough to speedily inform me of the news!”<br/><br/>“I know that you were summoned,” Headmaster Andarlin began, “but you can tell me as much as you feel comfortable. In fact, we wanted you here primarily to make sure that you’re okay with our own two eyes...or four eyes, or six if you count these glasses.”<br/><br/>The elf let out a chuckle. Retario glanced between the two of them, adjusting his collar and not exactly able to make eye contact.<br/><br/>“Would you prefer if he were here?” the archmage asked.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Sense Motive Automatic</div><div class="spoiler_body">Kleris gets the sense that Retario will try to get information out of her later if kept out, but more out of concern than boundary-breaking curiosity.</div></div>