The Gnomari bows. "Enter, then Lord Arestine. The Master wishes to speak to you." With that the Gnomari takes Kelvin by the arm, and leads him into the chapterhouse.
The hallways of the Silver Chalice chapterhouse are dim, lit by pale torches. The Gnomari (or is he a Gnomari? At first glance his features seem to say so, but the more Kelvin looks at him, the more uncertain he gets...) leads Kelvin forward with out pausing, not the slightest emotion playing on his face. Kelvin stares at the rooms that they pass. One is a library, full of books. Another is laboratory. A third is a room dominated by comfortable chairs, where many elves sit conversing. As Kelvin and his guide pass by, a pair of Alfari wizards pass, one wearing his long hair in a braided ponytail, the other with much shorter hair, combed into a widow's peak, and wearing a bright blue robe.
"I tell you, Meredes, this so-called "proof" of your "Materia Prima" theory is nothing more than the usual fluctuations of the Ethereal Core..." says the one with the braid.
The one in a blue robe who is by implication named Meredes snorts at that. "The Ethereal Core, Rudinet? And where is this Ethereal Core that you Jerindests always pull out? Nowhere! This great creation of yours remains undiscovered despite all your assurances that "its existence is certain". The alledged "fluctuations" you note so often are the disturbance wakes caused by the entry of Materia into the Plane..."
Rudinet sighs. "Again this phantom "Materia" of yours, Meredes... While the Core remains undiscovered, at least its existence is based on observable facts. But this Materia of yours is sheer fancy. Why, not once in two hundred years have you ever supplied any..."
The pair pass out of earshot, just as Kelvin's guide stops before a richly ornamented door. He glances at Kelvin calmly. "The Master's chamber..." he utters quietly. With that, he opens the door.
Inside a tall young Alfari woman of startling beauty is talking furiously to a stately looking Gnomari man, who looks as if he will not see 300 again. "--is blasphemy, Durene! By what right do you bar me from his papers?"
The Gnomari gives her a chill smile. "By my rights as his executer, Lady Syleria."
Lady Syleria (where has Kelvin heard that name before? He does not know...) is shouting now, furious. "You cannot do this, Durene! It pollutes his memory..."
Durene turns, a slight show of fury in his face. "I do not recall when you became the possessor of my late Master's memory, Antia..."
With this, the guide coughs. "Master Kelvin, of House Arestine here to see you, sir." Both Durene and the Lady Syleria stiffen at this. Finally, Durene coughs. "Very well, Ianus. Send him in." With that, he turns to Lady Syleria. "I trust our business can wait until after I am done talking with young Lord Arestine, Antia...?"
Lady Syleria frowns, and turns away. "Very well, Durene. Try and stall this for as long as you can. The Heartsflame will see me justified..." With that she stomps out. As she leaves, Kelvin sees the holy symbol of Brigit--a tiny flame carved in crystal--hanging from her neck.
Durene motions for Kelvin to take a seat. "Well then, it is good to see you, Lord Arestine. I recieved your Master's letter just the other day, though I'm afraid there's going to be problems..." He bows, slightly. "I am Durene Gyages, Master of this House..."
