One of those days

The magister's council chamber was quiet as those within waited. Only the slight shifting of robes or the tinkle of metal jewelry could be heard. Outside of the chamber doors, a rythmic sound began softly, building as it drew nearer. As the sound increased in volume, it became clear that it was the sound of heels striking stone, the owner of the heels walking in an agitated fashion. The tension in the room grew thick as the far doors flew open and Biara Dayfire stormed in, five Magisters following behind her.

"Ah, Magistrix Dayfire, you've arriv..." began the session's leader. He was cut short by Biara's scathing glare and stern retort.

"How DARE you 'summon' me to a meeting as if I were a servant or someone subject to your rule?" Her voice rang clearly through the deathly quiet chamber.

"Magistrix Dayfire! You will refrain from further comment until this council has spoken its piece," roared the lead Magister. "You have been 'summoned' here because of serious accusatons leveled against you in relation to your recent activities!"

The room hushed again as Biara's glare took in the assembled magisters sitting at the council chambers. Behind her, several of her supporting coalition crossed their arms or shot arrogant stares at their peers. "State your accusations then," Biara said in a clipped tone.

"It has come to our attention that certain members of your House may be afflicted with a magical cur..." the lead Magister began.

"You have KALDOREI in your HOUSE!" came a shout from amongst the magisters. Biara's glare focused on the source of the outburst, her malice an almost palpable thing in the room.

"Ah, Magister Summersky. Now we get to the crux of the situation," Biara said, her voice almost a purr. Anyone who heard her knew there was no love lost between the two however. "I had wondered where the ridiculous request for this meeting had originated, and now I see the truth of the matter." Biara's gaze returned to the lead Magister, and her voice resumed a more pleasant tone. "The doings of my House and the members within it are not the concern of this council, nor is the authority to police such matters within your jurisdiction. I will, however, answer your question. I believe you are referring to the Sin'dorei known as Tyavel Moonblade, whom I have taken into my House and whom serves as a research assistant in my work. This is well within my rights, and I have studied the nature of her curse thoroughly prior to allowing her access to any of my work. Any implication that she is other than loyal to my House or this city is purely fabrication designed to gain favor with this council."

Several of the magisters within the room scowled, while one or two nodded their assent and understanding of Biara's words. The lead council member cleared his throat said, "Well then. Thank you Magistrix Dayfire for clearing up any misunderstan..."

"What of the OTHER 'cursed' Sin'dorei?! Rumor would have us believe she harbors a priestess of Elune! She's been seen holding this elf's hand! Explain THAT Magistrix!" Again the angry words tumbled from Magister Summersky.

Biara flushed bright crimson from chin to the tips of her ears to hear her personal matters shouted publicly throughout the chamber. Amongst the babble of voices that erupted over the statement, a female's snickering could be heard. Biara's fel green eyes locked onto the source; a Magistrix seated amongst the council.

"It becomes clear to me now what the real root of this issue is," Biara said in a dangerous tone. Her eyes remained locked on the Magistrix even as she spoke to the Magister. "Tell me Magister Summersky, where did you obtain this information? Which one of your harlots whispered these supposed secrets in your ear while laying on your pillow, and how are my personal matters any concern of yours OR this council?"

The Magistrix turned pale white and trembled with rage. She rushed to her feet and shouted, "You take that back NOW!"

Biara smirked, "Ah, Magistrix Swiftlight. I see you volunteered an answer to my question readily enough." The room erupted in laughter as both the Magister and Magistrix turned cherry red. "See how unpleasant it is to have your personal affairs aired before our peers? Perhaps you should take this as a lesson to leave well enough alone next time."

Magistrix Swiftlight glared daggers and spat out her next words, "Magistrix Dayfire! You've sullied my honor before the council while handily avoiding any answer to the charges we placed upon you. I challenge you to a spellduel to resolve this!"

The chamber fell deadly silent as the meaning of the words sunk in. The silence was shattered by Biara's merry laughter. "Magistrix Swiftlight! Oh how you amuse me! You are not of noble birth. You are only a member of this council because of some small skill in the arts. You have no RIGHT to challenge me, and I do not engage in combat with lowblood commoners at their whim. Take your childish games elsewhere."

Again the room erupted in uproar as some of the Magisters shouted approval while others demanded that Biara engage in the spellduel. The matter was decided a moment later when Magistrix Swiftlight began to chant, her words nearly shouted in rage. A mighty ball of fire began to form between her hands.

Biara rolled her eyes and sighed, allowing the other Magistrix to cast for a moment or two. She held out a hand, examining her nails as her foe's chanting reached a crescendo, nearing completion. At the last moment she barked out a single word, and the counterspell ripped Magistrix Swiftlight's spell to bits. Sparks of magic danced in the air as the fire disolved into nothingness. A second shouted word mired the enemy Magistrix in a Slow spell, making her limbs and body move like molasses as time bent around her.

Biara turned her hand palm up and the glow of deadly arcane magic hovered in the form of an orb. In the air around her, sparks of lightning danced, touching her hair here and there as the immense power she held could be felt. The room was deathly silent.

"Magistrix Swiftlight," she said softly. "I'll forgive you your stupidity this one time only. Challenge me again. Attempt to thwart me again with your silly games, and it will be the last thing you ever do in this life. Stick with what you are good at, and stay between the sheets of the other magisters."

No one said a word as Biara released her magic and the spells faded; it was clear who had won the duel. She turned to the lead magister and bowed. "I believe this matter has been settled by spellduel then. Do not EVER summon me again."

She twirled, her crimson dress flaring behind her as she walked swiftly from the room, the sound of her heels striking stone fading into the distance and her perfume lingering in the air. Her coalition of magisters snickered amongst themselves and followed her out. It was just another day of intrigue amongst the council, nothing out of the ordinary at all.