The dwarf shook his head at the woman and simply said, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, I knew children would eventually be the death of you...."
Hearing those words said in such a mocking tone toward one of the elders of the council, the entire testing area broke into laughter shattering the seriousness of the situation. Even the formerly somber necromancer couldn't help but smirk at the inanity of the dwarf's humor.
Settling his hammer on the table within easy reach, the jovial dwarf, previously filled with infectious laughter and playful demeanor, underwent a remarkable transformation. The mirthful twinkle in his eyes faded, and his hearty chuckles were replaced by a sudden silence. His facial expression turned stern, and the lines on his forehead deepened as a wave of seriousness washed over him.
The once-lively dwarf, who had been the life of the party with a penchant for jokes and jests, now sat still, radiating an air of solemnity. The shift was so abrupt, it caught everyone around him off guard. The room, formerly filled with laughter, was now hushed in the presence of the unexpectedly grave dwarf.
No one dared to question the sudden change, as the dwarf's demeanor conveyed a sense of gravity demanding respect. It was as if a switch had been flipped, revealing a different facet of his personality—one that was marked by a profound seriousness and perhaps hidden depths beneath the surface of his lighthearted exterior.
"So why was it necessary to interrupt my returning the favor to the birds who deface my tower?"
Monica and Von looked at each other then again to the dwarf, not knowing if this was another joke. From the humor he displayed on his arrival, it was entirely possible he was moments ago flying above birds discharging his bowels at the offending avians, however, neither wanted to risk laughing as his tone had turned so serious for the moment.
Alden's gaze fell upon the four newcomers before stopping on the dwarf. "We have a serious situation here, Thain. One of the council has abused their ability and attempted to assault these two children. Stephen, Von, if you would?"
Stephen locked eyes with Von, "I know your probably exhausted, but just like before, but the audience will be larger requiring more concentration and energy." The green-haired man started sending out thin lavender threads stretching from the spikes in his hair before attaching themselves to each person present. As the thread touched Von, he felt it expand before seeking out the room with the chest he had created before. Once everyone was present within this room, the memories from Eve's mind began to play forth for them.
The way the memories were playing was almost like a theater in which actors would perform parts, thought Von. His thought drifting to eating fruits and vegetables as he watched the memories play out for the second time. As they drifted toward the food, suddenly everyone had a snack or candy as they watched. The dwarf looked over at the young boy sitting on the chest eating a pear and nodded. Very good lad, very good. I see you are already a capable myalomancer, but instead of fruit, could you give me some ale?
Thinking of the ale he remembered from the Flooded Haven and the unnamed inn settled in the forest, he tried to piece together the best things of each ale and those from the taverns and inns in Blackstone and Milltown and thought strongly of a large stein of the stuff being held in the dwarf's hands.
His final result was a hearty ale, robust and full-bodied beer with a rich flavor profile and substantial malt presence. It featured a deep brown color with a slightly cloudy appearance. The aroma wafting from the mug was malty, with hints of caramel, toffee, and a touch of roasted malt. The taste included a strong malt backbone, providing a sweet and malty flavor with notes of bread, nuts, and even a subtle fruitiness. The hop bitterness was moderate, allowing the malt flavors to shine. To add a little more pleasure, he mentally gave it a higher alcohol content, causing a warming sensation as the dwarf consumed it. In Von's mind, it was perfect for sipping and savoring, making it a complex, yet well-balanced brew.
Seeing the large mug appear in his grasp, Thain lifted the massive stein with both hands, appreciating its weight and the craftsmanship of its creation. His eyes light up with anticipation as the aroma wafted past his nose enticing his senses. Slowly, he brought the massive flagon to his lips. Upon taking the first sip, a blissful expression spread across his face as the ale danced on his palate, a symphony of flavors unfolding with each taste. Grinning from ear-to-ear, he savored the exquisite combination of malt and hops, relishing the smooth texture and the subtle notes of caramel, toffee, malt and just a hint of fruitiness.
As he continued to sip, the look of pleasure on his face intensified, and he bowed deeply to Von in appreciation of the incredible ale. For the moment the memories playing out before him were completely lost as a look of pure ecstasy took over his body completely removing the serious expression from before as the dwarf delightful in the moment, savoring every sip of this heavenly nectar. Lad, I don't know where you came by this, but I want to visit the tavern that serves it. As he took a few more sips, the voice in his mind returned, Fell's teeth, boy, I don't want to visit it, I want to buy the brewery that makes it and put them in my study, or maybe, I could teach from there....
Von smiled at the complement as the memories played on and the various wizards examined them several times before asking Von to open his chest of memories for their perusal. Turning toward the chest, the others noted the tankard of ale being worshiped by their dwarven colleague and gave him scolding looks. With a sheepish grin of a child who'd been caught, he tilted his head in the direction of Von to pin the blame on the boy causing several of those present to roll their eyes, knowing the flippant attitude of the young dwarf.
Even with the humor from Thain's antics, the group's emotions were still quite serious as the appalling nature of Eve's crimes came to light. After viewing the memories from both parties several painful times, Cordelia turned to the ancient tortoise and thought for everyone to hear, Master Alden, I believe there is no way we can NOT find Eve Trapper guilty of attempting to mentally assault these two children. I wish to ask, before she is sentenced, can we pry into her mind to determine how many others came before them?
His resonating thought came forth. This is what we need to decide. However, before we do so, we should give this boy back his peace of thoughts and return to the real world for our decision. Keeping this room and chest intact must be causing one so you much strain and fatigue, especially since he's been providing endless ales for Thain's devouring.
Returning to the conscious world, Von's stood, stretched, then let out a yawn which caused Monica and most of the others who had been close to him in his mind recently to mimic his display. He did feel quite worn from the mental activities today.
The council of the academy looked at each other before Alden leaned forward looking at the four wizards who arrived last. "Any thoughts?"
Cordelia stood, her seaweed-like hair shifting as she rose. "I will not wait for the entire hearing, we have a quorum now, and I, for one do not need additional time to consider. I find Eve Trapper guilty of assault via myalomancy in two counts each for these children. I would like to have her mind scoured to discover how many more she has abused in this manner. Having someone do such a thing in our academy is horrifying." Satisfied with her words, she returned to her seat.
The pyromancy instructor, Mistress Chandler had a wave of heat surrounding her body as she began. "I too find her guilty of at least four counts of assault by magic and desire to have her mind read to determine if additional guilt can be found."
The tortoise looked to Verdon who rested his elbows on the table and placed his index fingers together on his upper lip. "She is obviously guilty, but I would like to have her memories examined to determine why she attacked these two before rendering judgement. It may be possible she had a valid reason in her mind which would demand leniency on the final decision of punishment."
As if he expected such an answer from the necromancer, Alden nodded and looked to the dwarf.
"First," the dwarven wizard began, "I want to state I am impressed with the defensive mental capabilities of this young boy. I could not even attempt to hold a shield in the face of the onslaught we just witnessed. I must also than him for the fine ale he provided during the examination of memories. I truly desire to know where such a beverage may be acquired.
Next, while I can't figure a reason why she would attack someone she just met, I would like to see more of her memories surrounding the incident and even farther back, however, I question, how will we do so? She is the master of her craft. To the best of my recollection, no one in the entire academy, or perhaps the world, with the potential of Von here, could hold their own against her in a battle of the psyche, even then, we would first have to remove the amulet around her neck as her focus would only make her more dangerous."
Von blurted out. "Her tiara. Her tiara is her mental focus, not her necklace. The necklace has an uncommon beast core in it, but it's not part of her. See for yourselves."
The group looked to Stephen. "Yes, even though she grabs the brain-shaped pendant when concentrating, her aura focuses through her tiara when she's using her skills. I've already seen it during her attacks, but you are welcome to get a master from the college to be certain. I am only an adept."
The grey-robed divination master inquired, "so, how will we breach her innate defenses? If no one can lock out her foci, she will easily resist any attempts to pierce her memories."
"You weren't here for that discussion, Cordelia. Poralis told us of a chronomancy technique which would allow him to cleanse...?" The tortoise looked at the man for the right word. Seeing the affirming motion of the time master's head, he continued. "...her foci by setting them back in time to a point where she had yet to attune to them. This should weaken her significantly. There may be some dangers involved, however."
"What dangers?" asked the necromancer as he looked to the chronomancer.
"Once I clean the tiara by returning it to a time prior to her having attuned to it, her aura may—it is not certain—fluctuate for anywhere from a few days to several weeks. This would basically leave her without or with only a small ability to perform magics. An aura in fluctuation cannot focus. It would cause her willpower to be scattered as well and based on her current condition and mental damage from her own doubled feedback loop, she could take months to recover and be herself again."
"So, you see, there is more at stake should we decide to be lenient or find her not guilty." Stated Alden.
Liftin his hammer from the table, Thain looked deep in thought. "How will the rest of you vote?"