#estelan

    “Absolutely not.”       “But si-”       “Let us save our energy from this predictable exchange. You will continue to insist that I do as they request and if not, at least respond to their letter. Meanwhile, I will refuse your every plea in various synonymous ways until eventually you rescind or I reach a degree of duress that neither of us enjoy. Do you agree?”       “... Unfortunately, that does sound about right.”       “Fantastic. Let's remind ourselves that I am retired and I have made absolute certain it says that on nearly every possible public and even some private documents.”

      Estelan lifted a delicate hand to adjust the spectacles upon his nose before he turned away and dipped his hands into a large basin of cool water. Lilith Annalah could only watch with a sighing expression as the reluctant Magister prepared to busy himself again with work. The room was washed in a dark blue color with faint cyan illuminations positioned around the walls. Everywhere was muted stone from the carved shelves within the thick slate walls to the dome-shaped ceiling and the patterned floor. Even in the center there was a large slab of rock hollowed out in various places.  A pillared light from an above rune kept the stone dimly lit, showing off the foliage that grew in various sections. Small specimens kept fresh and in relative temperatures, thanks to the overly expensive project of a lifetime before his own.

      “You're here working a lot for that other man.”  Lili ventured to speak again, fidgeting in place as she kept her hands clasped in front of her layered blue dress. She was wiggling her knees, fidgeting in simply knowing she was pushing her caretaker.  “... And he's going to be working with the military, yes? So wouldn't that...”       “Clever, but vastly different,” Estelan replied, “I will be staying here this time in the comforts of my own abode. The tasks asked of me are no different than those requested by my private clients.”       “Except you're doing more of it.”  

      An aired sigh escaped the magus as he dried off his hands and nimbly rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. His layered robe had been hung on the wall in favor of not ruining it as it was one of his favorites from a friend's crafted hand. Estelan then turned to look towards Lilith again, eyes not unkind but certainly with a hint of judgmental annoyance.

      “My workload has always varied depending on the state of Azeroth and Sin'dorei affairs. It stands to reason I would be more active during a worldly crisis.”       “Is it really that? Not because you feel... like you should maybe be out there helping?”       “I am not emotionally compromised, if that is what you are suggesting. I'm also quite certain that on the field, they have a plethora of shadow menders. My field expertise as they say, is hardly a rarity.”  Estelan pursed his lips, peering at his young ward. A beat later and he was off perusing through the carved walls to pluck a few jars and well-labeled parcels from their places.

      “Besides, the Kirin Tor and our military friends aren't the same thing. They didn't even have the decency to apologize last time and if I lift a finger for them, who knows what the Reliquary might do.” His eyes narrowed as he carefully arranged his ingredients upon one of the many long tables. He could already imagine them invading his personal space and lofting some idiotic notion that they were owed. Although it would be preferable to the alternative of them attempting to stroke his ego in exchange for favors.

      “As you say then... just...”   Lili's voice trailed off reluctantly.       “I will contemplate responding, if that appeases you.”       “That makes me feel much better, yes.”  Her voice brightened a tad, unphased at Estelan's clipped tone.         “Yes, well, a cigarette and tea would do wonders for my health at the moment.”       “Shall I get some tea ready then?”

      He shook his head in response to her inquiry as he claimed a distant mortar, bringing it closer in preparation.  Several ingredients, some dried while most holding on to life, were spread out in order with a backdrop of phials, jars, papers and various instruments arranged behind.

      “The small blessing of having a client like him is that he's utterly predictable. The fool will run out of his medicine before they'll require a restock their basic supplies.” Estelan shook his head, frowning to himself. “Although to call it medicine... mmn, well at least I will gain some benefit out of it. Have tea ready in time for a midnight read, Miss Annalah. I would also appreciate fresh lettering utensils – to write to an herbalist, mind you.”

      Lili couldn't help but crack a faint smile at Estelan's ramblings and quick corrections. Her head dipped down as she offered him a little curtsy, even with his back turned.

ROUGH: “Shoreline.” HIDE: “Rarities.” FOOLISH: “Pride.” SAD: “Impossibilities.”  HATE: “Idiots.” LIGHT:  “Surplus.” DARK:  “Necessary.” MOTHER: “Sapphire.” FATHER:  “Ink.” CHILD: “Noisy.”  MARRIAGE:  “Pedestal.”  LOVE: “Banal.” SOFT: “Voices.” PET:  “Valuable.”  DREAM:  “Repair.” DIVORCE: “Irrelevant.” WATER: “Complex.” LOUD: “Ignorance.” ANNOUNCEMENT: “Tedious.” POWER: “Lust.” FIGHT: “Instinctual.” SMACK: “Impractical.” WHITE: “Death.” SICK: “Infectious.” KISS: “Symbolic.”  HURT: “Growth.” HAPPY: “Literature.”

“Often. In my humble opinion, the idea of letting things go issimply an aspect of change. We weed our figurative gardens so that weourselves can grow better than before. Nature and it’s varyingseasons in a perfect example, although it’s remarkable how many seemto be blind to this aspect. Stagnation is the bane of kingdoms andindividuals alike and predictably the reason for many downfalls.

Of course, I suppose most would like an example rather than ageneral sweep of an answer. Troubling, although perhaps just thisonce I will oblige- especially if it stems off the desire to askfurther questions.

There was a point in time where I felt my brother had an obligationto put forth more effort into the affairs of our family. My sisterand I often shouldered the most political obligations and it wasrather… irksome that Zelestras did not feel the need toparticipate. Eventually though I realized the futility and hypocrisyof my thoughts, so with the aid of time I dismissed the ideaentirely. He will live his life how he sees fit for himself and Icannot force my own standards upon him. Although I use the term liverather loosely now, considering his undeath state. ”

“Such a dramatic question. I supposeI’m expected to regale some outstanding tale to give some glimpseinto my nature or past. Unfortunately, you will be sorelydisappointed as I am not tempted in the slightest to even reach todabble into such theatrics. Instead, I can offer the plausibleopinions of those who knew me best back when I was a fair bityounger.

It is of no secret that I wasproficient with the arcane, so much so that I found it boring aftercountless centuries of studying it. I am quite certain that mostfound that opinion to stem from arrogance or pride and my supposeddownfall would be when I stepped away from my dedicated studies topursue “lesser” things.”

Lord Bloodvale,

It has been quite some time since I last heard from you and for a moment, I had thought our scales to be equal. However you are entirely correct and while your request comes with some tentative surprise, I always repay my debts. Besides, it would be rather uncouth to refuse after you have put forth the effort to flatter my knowledge.

I haven't had the fortune in meeting your daughter Kaeli'andra, another symptom of time I suppose, but I will hold my expectations quite high given her birth. Simply keep in mind that I do not boast to be a masterful teacher, although my expertise perhaps can make up for such an inadequacy. I have taken the liberty to include a brief yet precise account of my schedule. Thankfully tentative retirement keeps my social obligations blissfully limited and my apothecary is open when I deem it to be.

Lady Kaeli'andra is welcomed to come to my estate to learn, otherwise meetings can be arranged to take place in Eversong or Silvermoon if it pleases you.

L. Estelan

A small whisper has graced my ear with knowledge of one of your endeavors. I am rather curious about this new concoction and desire a sample of it for my studies. I would assure you that I have no motivation nor desire to tread upon your affairs, but I'm keenly aware that the value of one's word is rather woefully undervalued for you. A reasonable sum of coin can be arranged in return or if you are in the market of favors, I would be tentatively willing to lend my services in the future.

Regardless, the sample needs to be an adequate amount valued for a week's use if it can be arranged. I would also prefer it stem from whatever would be considered the most recent batch.

- L. Estelan