Intro Anselm prt. 2

For the next two hours the two wizards stayed locked in conversation. For each question Arminius gave, Anselm returned a detailed answer, often adding gestures to expound upon small variances in theories. When Arminius began to use elvish, Anselm replied in kind without a moment’s hesitation. As they went on, Anselm began to expound upon small variances which Arminius had only been vaguely aware of. Soon, Arminius was so intrigued by the sheer minutia of Anselm’s knowledge that the principal left off asking questions and listened with rapt attention to the theorist’s explanations.

        They might have gone on indefinitely had Mira not entered the office.

Anselm rose and twisted in fluid motion. He bowed with a flourish. “Good afternoon, milady. Am I correct in supposing that you are Mira Valithiano professor of transfiguration?”

        “Well, yes. And you’re Anselm.” He gave a nod. “What are you two up to?”

        Arminius answered from his desk. “I was just listening to Anselm expounding on Greacus’s theory on psychic barriers. So, I suppose your interruption is perfectly timed.” Arminius rose and looked at Anselm. “We’d best move on to the next part of your interview.”

        “I look forward to the challenge.”

        “I’m coming along,” Mira chimed in. “I’d like to see how this goes.” Anselm raised his eyebrow, but said nothing.

        The three made their way to the classrooms on the lower level of the East wing. It was a short way, but that did not stop Mira from inquiring after Anselm’s artistic sense. As it would happen the applicant had a small wealth of artistic knowledge from his experience in high society. Mira was very pleased to discover this facet of Anselm, and for his part Anselm endeared Mira to him somewhat. Then they arrived at what would be Mira’s class room. Set at the center of the open room was a table laid with several items.

        Arminius strode up beside the table. “This shall be your next trial. I’d like you to identify the items on the table.” This was Principal Traffurd’s chance to see if Anselm’s spellcraft was as impressive as his resume would suggest. Mira also approached the table to see Anselm in action. Anselm, for his part, looked skeptically at Arminius; but, without a word he approached the table.

        Lowering his glasses, Anselm Falioth gazed down at the first object, a ball of bronze wire. He lifted it in his hand. “This is a duelist sphere. It is enchanted to collide with a target and deliver a slight jolt. They are used to train evasion techniques.”  He shifted over to stand in front of the next item. The item was a paintbrush. After a minute scrutinizing it closely through his glasses, Anselm set it back down. “This one is not enchanted at all.” He glanced at Mira and Arminius. “It has however picked up a large amount of essence residue making it look enchanted. I expect it belongs to you Professor Valithiano, the handle seems about the right fit for you.

        “Well spotted.” Was Mira’s only comment. Arminius said nothing.

        Anselm continued in his trial. The next item was a small red bloodstone. This one Anselm held before his eyes, twisting it in the light and giving it an experimental toss or two. “This is an atronach stone,” he squinted, “correction, this was an atronach stone. It hasn’t been useful for several years. It is also old, so old it is beyond refurbishing. It is now completely useless.” He set it back down. “It was for an elemental atronach. Based on the color of the stone one would expect a flame atronach. However, the enchantment is for a wind atronach.” Arminius made a non-committal sound. Anselm picked up the final item at the end of the table.

        He rolled the inkwell pen between his fingers. “This was recently enchanted. Within the last few weeks I’d say. It writes diction, that much is clear but there is something else.” Anselm raised it to eye level. “A mental link, in order to alter formatting. I imagine this would be very helpful in filling out forms.”

        Mira let out a low whistle. “You are good.”

        “Indeed,” Arminius concurred, even though he was disappointed not to see any of Anselm’s spellcraft. “You did it as fast as anyone, but you didn’t use a wand.” He made eye contact with Anselm. “How did you do it?”

        Anselm pushed up his glasses and tapped the side of the frame. “I have an enchantment on my glasses. I can selectively see spellcraft. This allowed me to read the enchantments.”

        Arminius nodded. “Impressive.” Mira shook her head, but did not say anything. Anselm had performed above any expectation, doing more without a wand than most did with a wand.

        The principal turned to the door. “There is one more thing I’d like to see today. A brief demonstration of your abilities.” He led the way to a door at the far end of the classroom. “Right this way,” he said as he led out into the courtyard.

        “I fear Principal Traffurd does not approve of my methods.” Anselm confided in Mira.

        “He approves plenty,” Mira replied. “He was just expecting to see your spellcraft. Personally, I think your way was more impressive than using spellcraft.”

        “Thank you, I appreciate your kindness Professor Valithiano.” With that Anselm exited to the courtyard followed by Mira.

        “A quick test of your transmutations.” He pointed at a block of wood on the paving stones. “”Transmute that into a brick.”

        Anselm politely nodded and drew from his suit a pale slender piece of wood with a curve at the mythril bound handle. He pointed the end of the rose wand at the indicated piece of wood. Arminius blinked and leaned forward. Anselm had indeed transmuted the block into a clay brick, but he had also altered it to the correct size. However, what really impressed Arminius was the sheer speed of the spells. There had been no visual process, no changing, nor any shrinking. The wood block simply was a brick now, no transition at all. Arminius could perform such spellwork, but it was enough to dispel his disappointment.

        Anselm held his wand loosely in his hand in a ready position at chest level. “What else would you like me to demonstrate?”

        This brought Arminius out of his daze. “Yes, I wish to see your conjuration.”

        “What did you have in mind?” Anselm inquired.

        “Something practical,” He paused. “A cloak, conjure a cloak.”

        In perfect form, Anselm raised his hands over his head and brought them down with a decided swish. A brown hooded cloak fluttered into existence in front of them. Anselm caught it and passed it to Arminius. It was of high quality, made of wool and had an emerald green trim running along the bottom. An impressive object for such a short notice conjuration. “I’m impressed. Outside of my teachers, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a quick conjuration have so much quality. I’m sure your enchanting is phenomenal.” He gave Anselm a quick smile. “But how about showing me an animation.” Arminius thought a moment. “Any ideas Mira?”

        Mira had been standing back, watching and studying Anselm’s technique. She responded by saying “Have it go around the courtyard and then fold itself.”

        “Two in one,” Arminius raised his eyebrows. “Are you up to it?” He asked of Anselm.

        In answer, Anselm flicked his wand at the cloak. It went up from Arminius’s hands, and walked a circuit of the courtyard using its corners as feet. Mira and Arminius looked on with interest as the cloak stopped in front of Anselm and collapsed into a neat square of folded fabric. “Will there be anything else?” Anselm modestly asked.

        Both Mira and Arminius took this moment to evaluate Anselm. He was still slouching, and wore a polite small smile of satisfaction in his work. Each of his spells he had undertaken in a very matter-of-fact way. Mira concluded that Anselm held no pride in his power. Arminius concluded that Anselm enjoyed a challenge to his prowess.