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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 16:16:28 GMT -5
Knowing that he couldn't add insult to injury by pretending that there was no doubt in his mind that she would get her vision back, Palladium quietly replied, "If for some reason it is impossible for you to regain your sight, I am certain that Ms. Faragonda and Griselda will make the necessary arrangements for you to continue your studies as normally as possible. If that isn't suitable to you, then . . . perhaps you will find more comfort remaining in Linphea with your family."
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 16:18:51 GMT -5
She nodded. "I'd just miss my friends," an unspoken and you hung in the air, "that's all. But that might be a better idea. I won't have to listen to the mocking laughter of some of the other girls. I know someone like Amaryl would have a field day."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 16:26:13 GMT -5
"Don't be so self-deprecating, Flora," Palladium urged. "Even without your sight, you are a worthy student and your intentions are good. You had no way of knowing that this would happen, so don't blame yourself." Pausing for a moment, he continued, "You know, I still haven't thanked you for what you did, but I should. Without you I would still be locked in this mirror, not knowing whether anyone would ever discover me. That in itself is enough to warrant a thousand thank yous to you on my part."
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 16:30:02 GMT -5
She smiled shyly. "I did what I had to do. I was taught as a child to help those who needed it." She laughed quietly. "I don't know why I took the mirror that day - it was just some wild urge. You know I'm not one to give into vanity. But... I'm glad I did. Although," she said, pausing a moment. "Something does trouble me. Once we get you free, how are we going to prove that the other Palladium is really Stormy?"
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 16:37:21 GMT -5
"I should imagine that it will be fairly easy to reveal Stormy for what she is after I am free. All we'll probably need is a revealing spell of some sort, which are fairly easy to come by. The only potential problem we'll have is if Stormy has found another spell to protect herself. But, Stormy isn't the brightest witch; she acts without thinking and so I doubt that she had the foresight to think of casting a spell on herself to prevent others from removing her disguise."
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 16:40:39 GMT -5
"True, she's not the sharpest crayon in the pack," Flora said, giggling softly. Her fingers lightly traced the glass. "From what I heard from Layla, everyone came to your class and she just stood there doing nothing. Layla got bored enough and left. Not the best sign."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 16:45:42 GMT -5
Palladium laughed and replied jokingly, "Layla left, hmm? Well, I'll just have to have a word with her when I'm back to my normal self."
Internally, Palladium was smiling. It was good to see that Flora's mood was lifted; he just hoped that she would stay that way. The last thing he wanted was for her to become depressed about her situation as he had once witnessed his father become after he had lost his sight.
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 16:48:54 GMT -5
"And Layla did mention that we got a swarm of new pixies," Flora said, with a mock horrified tone. "Amore's sister showed up. And there's talk about a bunch of seasonal pixies." She playfully shuddered, and was careful not to jar the compact. "Although... speaking of pixies... I haven't seen mine in since the start of term dance."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 16:52:48 GMT -5
"New pixies, you say?" Palladium laughed, "That's a sure sign of trouble. Not that they would intentionally stir up trouble, mind you - but it just has a way of happening. They're a mischievous lot and if I haven't missed my mark, these seasonal pixies you described are the worst. Of course they mean well and they just want to create a little fun, but it's no secret to anyone who knows anything about pixies that things have a way of managing to get out of hand."
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 16:55:26 GMT -5
"Amore said her sister Belle is quite fond of the story Beauty and the Beast, and I can't imagine why," she said, laughing and rolling her sightless green eyes. "And Holly and Claus, those are the seasonal pixies Amore was talking about, are supposedly fond of the Nutcracker story." She playfully shuddered again. "Somehow, the thought of them attempting to recreate either story worries me greatly."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 17:05:36 GMT -5
"Ah, well, the pixies are normally harmless. Of course, they can be very troublesome, but it's usually not anything that can't be fixed. I say, let them have their fun. They've been through a hard enough of a time lately that to deny them their chance to have a little fun at our expense seems almost mean." Laughing, Palladium shook his head, "But what do I know?"
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 17:09:43 GMT -5
"You have a point there," Flora said. "I just shudder at the thought of someone like Riven being turned into a beast and expecting Musa or some other girl to break it should Belle recreate the Beauty and the Beast story. It wouldn't be fair to Musa."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 17:24:05 GMT -5
Palladium nodded, "I suppose you have a point - but you would be surprised. Even though their plots may seem silly, often they can be very enlightening. Things have a way of being revealed . . ." Palladium trailed off. "In any event, I think this will end up being one of those wait and see situations. If things get too out of control, I'm certain Ms. Faragonda won't hesitate to step in and take matters into her own hands."
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Post by Demeter on Dec 30, 2005 17:27:09 GMT -5
"You mean, that plot could help the proper couples unite? Seems like a lot of work just for that to happen... And what if the couples they make aren't the proper ones? They could be setting people up for massive heartaches."
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Post by Palladium on Dec 30, 2005 17:34:38 GMT -5
Palladium smiled knowingly. "The thing about the pixies' magic is that it is rarely, if ever, wrong. In the end, whatever they do is for the benefit of others. Some people may not agree with me on that, but that is what I know to be true. What can I say? I have faith in them."
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