Abandinus saw and felt the change in the pretty young mageling as his words hit home. Inwardly he delighted as the slim girl went silent and he felt through their mental connection her will begin to gather itself in and tentatively reach across the space separating them to draw magical power from him. Outwardly he kept silent, not wishing to spook the mage now that she had been persuaded to test the link and the power it would afford her.<br/><br/>His beady eyes watched her hungrily as she raised her hand and concentrated. The power she drew was minimal, the glowing ball of magical energy no more than a test of the link. He could feel her wonder even at this simple feat of magic and he inwardly gloated, believing that once she had a taste of the power that talk of casting him aside would be forgotten. The girl held the glowing orb for a few seconds, spinning in her delicate palm before dispelling it in a puff of aether.<br/><br/><strong>"What is your name?"</strong>She asked quietly once the smoke had drifted away and her hand was empty.<br/><br/><strong>"You may call me Gruff."</strong>Abandinus answered.<strong>"Not my true name to be sure, that you know inside and will no doubt recall when your thoughts are settled. To speak my true name though is unwise, any that overhear might use that against me and through me against yourself as well."</strong><br/><br/><strong>"Forgive my present appearence, it is but a jest of she who summoned me on the behest of the aging mage."</strong>Abandinus explained.<strong>"She reasoned that my true form might repel you, though in truth I believe my true form far more pleasing to the eye. What you see now is a simple illusion that is easily discarded, either by my own action or if you wish it you could draw power from me once again and dispel the glamour yourself."</strong>