Inukar had said he'd see him again at breakfast, but it had been more of a note of fact than a request. And really, why bother with the scraps when he could have something better? Though, he didn't have any money, so...
"I would, Mage Sadulk-"
"Oh, just Sadulk, please. Anyone who needs that title doesn't deserve it, and anyone who deserves it doesn't need it."
"Well, Sadulk, I'd like to, but I didn't bring my purse with me, so-"
"Pish posh! Honestly, young man. I'm a mage of some talent, which means money means about as much to me as fingernail clippings do to you. Not very valuable, and a little embarrassing to have to carry around. Pia carries the money. Clever girl, and she only steals from me to buy interesting things I'd probably like anyway."
Ulos raised an eyebrow.
"Ok, I'm in."
Sadulk smiled, showing yellowing teeth.
"Come along, young Ulos."
They walked down, along the pathway and slipped out a small archway that led into an alleyway. For one brief moment Ulos panicked - the alley was dark, and maybe Sadulk had led him here to rob him? After all, he only had the word of the man that he was a powerful mage. He felt the comforting weight of the Rainbow Hammer beneath his shirt, and pulled at the bottom of his shirt-tails so it clung to his skin, ensuring the artifact was in contact with him at all times. If Sadulk attacked, he could hit him hard, hard enough to knock him over, and run away.
The man stepped out of the alleyway, and Ulos's moment of fear left him.
They turned, and on the cobblestoned lane that met them sat a busy little cafe, wooden chairs and tables taking over half the lane. No carriages led through the small lane, and people filtered past, occasionally one stepping in to investigate the smells of garlic and fresh bread.
Sadulk waved to a few people sitting down.
"Pia! Iceshatter! I brought along a friend!"
There were two people sitting there. One was a girl around Ulos's age, though if he were to look at her he'd call her more pointy than pretty. Her hair stuck out at various angles, her nose was sharp and her ears large. Her eyes were intelligent, though, focused, and quickly sizing Ulos up from head to toe. Next to her sat a man who looked almost like a caricature of a mage, with a long beard dyed blue, a blue stripe in his hair, and, of all things, frost tinging his beard.
Sadulk pulled up a chair.
"Sit down, Ulos, sit down."
Sadulk walked over to the counter.
"Six breads! Two cups of coffee, Imperial brew if you have it. "
He reached into his pocket, and flung down a random assortment of coins.
Ulos drew in breath sharply.
One of those was gold, thick and large. Enough money to buy the shop, perhaps, but certainly enough to pay for a few weeks earnings. The girl serving at the counter looked terrified, unsure of what to do.
Quick as a flash, Pia stood up, and looked down at the shopkeeper, eyes terrible and full of menace.
Then suddenly, she smiled.
"So sorry. He's a mage, and he has no idea what things are worth. Take a numismata."
She proferred the silver coin to the girl.
"I know, it's more than it costs, but I think he deserves a little punishment for being so cavalier, don't you? Split it between yourself and your friends, courtesy of this great idiot."
Sadulk winced.
"Pia. Please, I do have my dignity."
She clapped her hand over her mouth.
"Really? Where? I was certain you'd lost it years ago. Where did you find it? Was it-"
Grumbling, Sadulk walked back to his seat.
"You see, Ulos? You see what I have to deal with? If she didn't make every other student in her year look like an idiot, I'd have tossed her out of the city by now."
Pia grinned.
"And who would get you from place to place, or stop you spending all your money on trinkets?"
The third man looked at them both.
"Yes, yes. You're both very funny. Sadulk. Why bring this child here?"
His breath was steamy, as if the air in front of him were far colder than it was a few feet away where Ulos sat.
She winked, and pulled Sadulk away from the counter.
"Well, he's Inukar's boy. And to be honest, Pia, I thought you'd like to cross wits. Then we can show up, tell Inukar my student is better, take his wallet, and go home."
Pia looked at him and shook her head.
"I'm sorry... Ulos, was it? He gets like this. He's a brilliant teacher, but he gets a little... inferior-feeling when it comes to the Lib-"
"Pia! Let me say it!"
Sadulk tweaked his mustache.
"Let us simply say I disagree with the current way our magical faculties and facilities are rated."
Pia leaned over and stage-whispered.
"He's jealous because we're from the Librarium."
Ulos shook his head hopelessly.
"Um..."
Sadulk sighed.
Just as he was about to launch into another tirade, breakfast came out.
Piping-hot coffee, and bread fried in butter, and then with cheese and garlic melted on top. A set of rags sat next to the table in a little basket, clearly to wipe their hands on.
Ulos picked up a bread, and dug in. This was an odd situation, to say the very least. What to do? He only had a little time before he really did need to head back to the main building.
[ ] Talk to Sadulk - He's a powerful mage, by the looks of things, and seems to have connections. He knows Inukar, as well. He might know something valuable, or have some useful advice to offer. Chance of additional knowledge (moderate DC), upgrade to a spell you know (high DC), or a new spell (very high DC). Magical Theory roll.
[ ] Talk to Pia - She's more sane, and your age to boot. You might not learn a lot, but you might get to know someone interesting. Diplomacy roll. History and Lore: Six-Fox Pact applicable. Success offers a new friend outside the Preparatory. May open up new Weekend Actions (in the Librarium Arcanum), or possibly new Adventures.
[ ] Talk to Iceshatter - He's quiet, but the man has ice in his beard. What's going on with that? Long-shot option. Moderate DC offers a little knowledge about Iceshatter, very high DC offers mysterious bonuses.
[ ] Take Sadulk's Challenge - Pia doesn't seem keen, but hey! He's challenging your mentor. You need to show off what you can do, and show that you're the superior student when it comes to Magical Theory! Enter a Magical Theory contest mediated by Sadulk. Victory will offer a prestige boost (+5 to all rolls with Vorstallen teachers for the rest of the term due to showing up another school), as well as a relationship boost with Inukar. Losing offers the reverse (-5 to rolls with teachers, relationship penalty with Inukar).
