Intro Anselm prt. 1

        A coach pulled up to the manor and deposited its passenger. The man had never been to Ithalreal before, as other job applicants had, but rather had arrived just that day for an interview with the principal. He wore a casual tweed suit, slouches, and had brown, floppy hair; he was a stark contrast to the others who had come before. After tipping the driver an unusually large amount of money, he strolled up to the door, seemingly in deep thought, his mouth moving in unspoken words. He rang the bell politely.

        Arminius heard the doorbell, and began to prepare his office to interview the new applicant. He looked back over Anselm’s resume to refresh his memory. The gentleman’s name was Anselm Falioth, he was from a wizard family, a noble family at that. Anselm was trained at the Valio School, and was a wand maker. This last part, Anselm being a wand maker, was the real reason for even considering this late applicant. Wand makers were few, and all of them were expert magic theorists, a fine addition to any wizarding school. Arminius hurriedly stowed the resume away in its file, and positioned himself at his desk ready to make an impression. As much as it was an interview, it was also, to Arminius’s mind, a recruitment.

        There was a polite knock at the door, to which Arminius said “enter,” as he rose to greet Anselm. The housekeeper ushered Anselm in, and Arminius was taken aback at Anselm’s appearance: modest clothes, wire-rimmed glasses, an unremarkable bowtie, and the one piece of expense was nothing more than a mythril chain, presumably attached to a pocket watch. Then Arminius noticed his mannerisms and was again surprised; he was quite tall yet walked with a slouch, had large hands yet held them delicately together, his hair was neat but not immaculate, and yet despite these things, his eyes were quick and left the impression of seeing every detail. Arminius revealed neither reactions. The two shook hands.

        “Good morning Mr. Falioth, how are you this fine day?” Arminius said.

        “Good morning indeed, Principal Traffurd. It is a pleasure to be here, the front grounds are works of art, I can think of few places else I would prefer to be.” Anselm courteously replied.

        Arminius hesitated, still unsure of what to make of this modestly dressed and nobly spoken individual. Anselm perceived the hesitation and glided over it with professional form.

        “I found especially pleasing the attention to detail in the restoration which is underway, it speaks highly of your abilities as an administrator.”

        “Thank you,” Arminius said, thankful for Anselm’s evading an awkward pause. “Please have a seat, we’ll begin at once.”

        Anselm acquiesced with a nod, and lowered himself into a chair.

        “I, of course, reviewed your resume. Tell me more about your position on Valio’s demonstration team.” Arminius began.

        “My position on the demonstration team was mostly dedicated to solo performances. In part because of Valio’s minute student body. The other part being my background and training as a noble. Few outside of those circles have received the same training in etiquette and poise.”

        “I see.” Arminius had hoped that he would reveal some idea of his skill as a wizard. “Most of the questions I would ask you, you have already answered in your letters and resume. Except for one. Why would you want to teach? You’re qualified as a magic theorist, and you’re a wand maker.”

        “Wand making is more of an art than a repeatable craft. I would find myself short of ideas before much time had elapsed.” Anselm took a breath. “As for leaving a career in magic theory, that reason is of a personal nature.” He straightened his glasses. “My desire to teach stems from my wish to share my understanding of wizardry. From the elemental barriers, to emotional transference and mental depositing. I have possessed innate prowess in wizardry from the beginnings of my training and I would want that ability reinvested into other wizards.”

        Arminius nodded. He had guessed as much about Anselm. Though, he did still wonder about Anselm’s wizardry. “Would you mind my asking a few questions to establish your ability to explain theory?” Anselm gave a slight bow of acceptance.