Thread: The Beast Within (Lano and Retro)

Amben had picked his way carefully down through the crowd. While he did not move with a dancer's gait, his dark purple robes accorded him a clear path as people bowed and showed respect to his office. His was a fortunate story...professionally, at least. His father, an accomplished trader, had intended Amben to join in the very profitable family business. But a rogue magic streak had surfaced with him and he was granted a seat in the wizards's school, at first....then in two years to the academy. Three years led him to the University, and he had entered it at age 16. Rare indeed was such talent...or such application. He did not realize that his gentle, thoughtful nature also had much to do with his advancement. If anyone was to be their wizard, the villagers were thrilled that it would be Amben. Amben the peaceful. Amben the patient. Amben the wuss...or so some boys called him...until the mayor heard and suddenly the tricks they played in lower school came to haunt them. Ordinarily, wizards were lofty, overbearing, dangerous people, whereas he was easygoing and a peacemaker- kind to all who did not strive to offend him. The Baron had already offered Amber the.Additional position of Court Magician- a high status position, it carried the equivalent of a Baronetcy in rank, which would place him directly below the Baron in rank. Amben's father had finally forgiven him for leaving the business, when word of this promotion filtered back. His son a noble! How much prouder could a father be. Now if he could just give the boy some spine in his dealings with others. Amben was close to achieving his mastery - four years early, and his joining the elite ranks of full wizards. His parents had arranged a meeting between him and this 'Morgause' character. The idea was intriguing. He was so shy with girls. He saw her. from the expressions of the onlookers, it must have been her. And...she was amazing...her unfettered form. She moved like she owned the square and was ready to fight, like a great forest cat. This...now this was a woman! Not one of those made up court fluffs who suddenly changed from looking down their effete powdered noses at him, to simpering sluts trying to get him to chase and bed them to win a title. No, she only wanted what suited her. Suddenly, Amben truly wanted to suit her. A farmer started to say something nasty to her, and Amben, irritated with the ignorance around him, threw a hold tongue at the man. He almost snarled out, hold a civil tongue before such a worthy woman, or I might decide you don't need it. The farmer blanched and stepped back, and some others were quick to now bow to her. Amben snapped off a welcome spell. He now appeared to her now in the finest of wizard's robes. And holding a rare turkey leg out to her. Um..Morgause...I'm Amben. Our parents want us to meet to....to see if we can get along. From seeing and hearing of you, I'm a fan. I'm guessing you are here for the ritual slaughtering. I'll be back, Amben stepped up as the knife was drawn, and the blood gushed into his goblet. As a wizard representative, he had such rights to gather needed components for magic. He stepped back and tipped his hat to her. I can sense the shifter in you...I got you a drink...will you perhaps take it and we can walk together? Just then a large young man blocked his way. So wizardling...thought you could avoid me? Amben's eyes looked up. The Bully was in a good attack position to harass Amben. Too close too fast, he couldn't fight back and he needed room to fire a spell or others might suffer. He braced himself for the punch. No one would block the brute. Why should they?