“You weren’t summoned,” Maresta challenged, as if disciplining a defiant child; the motherly half-moon elf wizard didn’t like unexpected visitors disturbing the routine of Blackstaff tower, and she knew his unsolicited appearance most likely meant trouble… especial when he brought a stranger to their door. “Contrary to popular belief, I’m not actual a denizen of some Abysmal plane that needs to be summoned into this world,” Daeron countered smugly. “You know what I meant,” she scolded, not finding any humor in his jest. “Lord Arunsun is a busy man… he doesn’t have time for the likes of you anytime you feel like showing up at his door.” “I guess it’s a good thing that we’re here to see Lady Laeral then,” he replied glibly as he pushed pass her and into the tower, a place that few would dare to enter unbidden, towing the reluctant Raven along by the hand. “Wait just a minute…” Maresta snapped, infuriated by his arrogance; even if he served the Tel Teukiira, it didn’t give him the right to just barge in like that. But before she objected further another voice silenced her. “It’s all right Maresta. Saer Anane is always welcome here… you know that,” Laeral gently admonished as she swept into the room, then turned and inquired welcomingly; “And who do we have here?” “Laeral Silverhand Arunsun, Lady Mage of Waterdeep, may I present Raven,” he announced in a grand mockery of a formal introduction, complete with sweeping gestures and bow, “a lady of my recent acquaintance who has a… conundrum… that we seek your assistance with.” “You know I love puzzles,” Laeral cooed warmly with a curious glint in her eye. “Why don’t we retire to my study where we can discuss yours more comfortably?” Despite her sincere warmth, Raven couldn’t help but feel intimidated as she sat before one of the most famous, and in many ways infamous, women in all Faerun. Being mistress of Blackstaff tower was enough, but she had heard roamers that Laeral was once queen of her own kingdom before being possessed by an evil artifact, and that was actually immortal… she certainly was an ageless beauty! “So, tell me about your conundrum,” Laeral inquired invitingly, sensing the girl’s clear apprehension. “I don’t know who I am or where I come from,” Raven blurted out, as if plunging into freezing water. Then she took a deep breath and continued more calmly; “I woke in Jester’s Court six years ago with no memory and a tattoo of a raven as my only clue to how I got there.” “Well that explains your name,” Laeral mused kindly, “but, if this tattoo is the only clue to the mystery you can offer me, I think I’ll need to see it.” Raven nodded compliantly and, to Laeral’s surprise, began to unlace her bodice, apparently having little concern for modest and the fact that Daeron was sitting right next to her.