Headmistress Casktalon is a woman of few words. In her opinion, some things need to be said, and others don't. It's a fine art, fully uncovering the line of where to cross, but she considers herself somewhat a master at using words to the best of their abilities. Right now, during this head-pounding debate-no, correction, pointless bickering-Liira Casktalon could think of many other things to do, that would be a better use of her time.

Currently, the professors of Ruxnorth Academy are gathered in the discussion room. After the alarming... demonstration, if one could call it that, during Xara Roffinnes's Summoning, there had been one question on everyone's mind: should the girl be allowed to attend? The appearance of a storm mage is not a good omen. It's not so much the fact that the girl is a Storm, but what came afterwards. The minute three words came out of her mouth Liira had identified the voice as none other than the Warlord.

So, the Headmistress had gathered her teachers to discuss the occasion, considering the students would be arriving in a few days.

Three of the seven professors side with the headmistress, agreeing that just because the girl is a Storm doesn't mean she has any links to the Warlord. The other four argue that the girl should be kept away and observed, to see if she inhibits other worrisome behaviors.

"The poor child had been clearly possessed," says Isona Beledras.

Noron Gaire, the Mage History professor, scoffs.

"That doesn't mean anything. The girl might as well be a vessel for the Warlord. She cannot be allowed near the school."

"That girl," drawls Khestri Saurcleave, "has a name."

"Xara has not given us any reason to worry yet. She just seems like a regular girl who has drawn the short stick with the Warlord." Xandyr Mevouirent sniffs.

"We can't forsake the safety of the students based on an assumption, Xandyr. I would think you of all people would know that." Gaire fires back. Liira barely contains her eye roll. Her esteemed teachers are acting like children fighting over a stuffed toy. Petty.

Emmeric Evenfall just puts his hands up. "Let's just look at the facts here. First, earlier, during registration, Ms. Roffinnes had an episode concurring with the same weather. Next, she's labeled a Storm mage-"

"Not to mention her familiar hasn't arrived yet, which is a sign of a powerful mage," inserts Ennith Wolfroot.

"-yes, that as well. We all know that the Warlord and his brother were veritably the most powerful Storms ever seen in history. Not to mention the way the Warlord spoke through her. The girl clearly has some connection with him."

"Everything lines up. The girl is in the league with the Warlord therefore she cannot be allowed in the school." Ralin Demeau harrumphs triumphantly.

Beledras sits back with a mirthless laugh. "I find it odd that we haven't even asked for the girl's perspective on this."

"Her perspective? Have you gone bonkers, Isona?" Wolfroot sputters.

"I agree with Professor Beledras-" Saurcleave starts.

"Of course you would." Evenfall cuts in. Beledras silences him with a look.

"What I think Khestri meant to say is that we should check out the full story."

"I honestly do not understand why we are drawing this out!" Gaire injects, planting his palms on the table. "I'm not saying the girl is guilty but she has some interference with the Warlord, therefore she cannot step through the gates of Ruxnorth Academy. There is nothing to it."

Mevouirent scoffs. "Nothing to it? You said it yourself, that girl just might be the most powerful mage since the Runemore brothers. We can use her as an asset against the Warlord."

Beledras glares at them all. "Listen to you. Talking about Xara Roffinnes as if she is nothing but an inanimate object."

Evenfall drags a hand down his face. "Well then, Isona, if you're so high-and-mighty what do you suggest we should do?"

"I'm being sensible, Emmeric." Isona says with a small shake of her head. "We still have a few days before the gates open. I know for a fact that Xara has two brothers; Bren and Cassamire. They are stellar students, and always place top of their class. Nria and Yanthus are also respectable citizens who I have great respect for. From what I see, the family is not at all invested in the Warlord. If Xara is a staunch supporter of the Warlord, she would have a reason. I just met her and she is a bright young woman. I honestly think she's just a victim."

The room falls silent. Liira mulls over Isona's words. Isona Beledras has been one of Liira's strongest allies, also one of the most respectable mages in all of Ruxnorth. Everyone knows who she is. Her words carry a weight and in this particular situation, she can trust no one but her most faithful allies.

Finally, it's Noron Gaire who speaks up. Liira has always thought him a shrewd man, not particularly pleasant to converse with, but he is also of great power, and comes from a once great family. He's knowledgeable in the arts of Ruxnorth's past, an element which Liira believes every student should be well-versed in.

"I think we're all forgetting about who will be making the final decision." All eyes turn to Liira, who has been silent during the whole discussion. If one could call it that.

"Headmistress, what do you think?" Gaire trills, a faint smile already appearing on his face. He believes he has won. Men, Liira ruminates, are creatures who would benefit from some further evolution.

Liira doesn't bother with theatrics; she's never been one to beat around the bush.

"The girl will attend." The opposing side stare at her with open-mouthed shock.

"Bu-but Headmistress-" Gaire stutters.

"You are a smart man, Gaire. If you trust me, ask no more questions. I know what I am doing." Liira glances to Beledras and Saurcleave, who are looking down to hide their smiles.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I think I will pay Ms. Roffinnes a visit."

The last thing Liira hears before she leaves the room is the sound of Beledras and Saurcleave's joined laughter filling the chamber. 

>>AUTHOR'S NOTES:

hey guys for some reason my graphics aren't working here, sorry bout that. but please vote/comment! thanks!