[ We find Alcinoe waiting in a sitting room in the on-campus home of Beatrice Bygasse, headmistress of the school for adventurers. ] [ This is where her search of the campus for someone who could figure out what that interesting chunk of rock you all found in the dragon's hoard was. None of the wizardy professors could figure it out, much less their students, and many claimed that the Headmistress might be able to fathom it. ] [ So now Alcinoe's here, and so is the Headmistress, and Alcinoe has been waiting for some minutes while Beatrice has cast spell after spell on the rock. ] [ After this starts to get tiresome, the Headmistress gives Alcinoe a quizzical look and says, "It doesn't seem to like my spells." Session Start! ] * Alcinoe blinks. "It doesn't like 'em? Why not?" She gets to her feet and walks over for a closer look at the piece of rock that's been puzzling her all this time. [ Beatrice casts one last spell, and the inscribings on the upper face of the piece glow slightly. "It's devouring them as I cast them. At least, most of the time. One of the castings of Legend Lore yielded a farcical tale about a trio of mice who took up the sword to thwart a black cat wizard." ] [ "I would have found it quite humorous, actually, if I wasn't so worried about the piece overall." ] The piece. Y'mean like the whole cone thing? * Alcinoe pokes at it experimentally. Hopefully it doesn't burn her finger off. [ Alcinoe is unharmed by her experiment. As for Beatrice, she says "Well, even just this part of it. I believe it has some other use that was discovered by your playmate Ganache somehow or another. Too bad dragons don't make research notes." ] Yeah, that's annoyin'. Ah'm just worried. Ah mean, he thought he could take on the whole school. [ Beatrice nods. "Considering that, my first theory would be that it can devour more than divination spells. Apparently it can absorb magic on some wide scale, or else Ganache would not have chanced coming here." ] * Alcinoe looks thoughtful. "Just arcane, or divine, too?" [ "I cannot tell. Probably both." She looks thoughtful. "I... might know of someone who can tell you more. An ancient loremaster living in a remote cave not far from the campus." ] * Alcinoe blinks. "Yeah?" [ "Yes. She knows much that is hidden. She may even recognize the device by sight." She sighs. "I must warn you, however; she is very eccentric, rather like Kali herself, who she worships and is on friendly terms with." ] [ "I've met her before, and she's an amazing wizard. I learned some of my most powerful spells from her. But do be careful what you say around her, if you choose to go." ] * Alcinoe furrows her brow a bit, then nods. "Okay. Ah'll be careful." [ Beatrice looks thoughtful. "I believe Kardos would know the way there... he went there once to learn the ways of arcane magic from her. But he couldn't stand being around her, and therefore fled. He also gave up the entire idea of becoming a user of magic after that. Poor lad. He would've made a good wizard." ] He's makin' a fine paladin, though. [ "In addition, be certain to bring Kenji, as he may or may not be required in the capacity of translator, depending on her current whims." ] * Alcinoe nods. [ She frowns, then shakes her head. "That is all I can think to tell you, honestly." ] All right. Thanks fer yer time, ma'am. * Alcinoe picks up cone-slice again and looks at it curiously. "Wonder if we should do it before the dance or after." [ She nods. "It is the least I could do. And she can and will help you, I am certain. You may have to do something bizarre for her, but she will help you." ] * Alcinoe smiles a little. "After, then. Thanks again." [ She nods again. "Certainly. And do enjoy the dance, too." She smiles. "Have you picked out something to wear yet?" ] * Alcinoe hesitates, then shakes her head. "Naw. Ah've been busy." * Alcinoe smiles sheepishly. "Kinda last minute, Ah guess." (About now Seylin and Tia should barge in and take Alci dress shopping.) (Oh lordy.) [ She smiles more. "Now now, girl. I know you have duties and studies, but one is never too busy for a good holiday." She hands the rock chunk to Alcinoe. "Now, off you go, and take this with you. And do have a nice day." ] * Alcinoe takes the chunk and bows, which is a lot easier since she's out-of- armor. "Thanks, Ma'am. Y'have a good day, too." * Alcinoe makes her way out. [ That's it. Session End! ]