Coven of Thorns

This trip to the Capital was intended to accomplish two things:
1. Collaborate with an old colleague for the guild's interest
2. Attend the annual Rochis ball to mingle with people of interest

This celebration is held in honor of the god of knowledge and prophecies Rochis, it is a grand gathering of the most brilliant minds from all across the continent. A congregation of prominent figures in engineering, medicine and the arcane arts. Majority of the attendees are wizards and witches and they usually engage in gossip, sharing ideas on advancements of magic and the worst of it all 'politics' , a subject Ellaine dreaded the most.

In that lavish and enormous hall, Ellaine never felt more out of place, exposed, and uncomfortable. She was never much of a socialite, it just so happen that she is the best fit for this task. Appearance-wise she fits just right in with her exceptional slim figure contained in a flowing white dress held amazingly by a laced up bodice of glittering fabric. Her discomfort is only slightly alleviated by her curious companion Vanis, who is busy stuffing her face with all sorts of pastries.
"Fortunately the dishes and cutlery are all made of silver, for silver reacts to a wide variety of poisons" Ellaine mumbled.

If there is someone who can surpass Ellaine's accolades in The Academy of Wizardry in West Marsh, it would be this girl. Vanis is what people would call a "prodigy" , while Ellaine prides herself of her feats of magic, she achieved all of it through hard work and study. Ellaine firmly believes that Vanis could achieve anything she sets her mind to, if only the girl would set her mind to something.

Quite suddenly, Vanis stopped chewing and tugged on Ellaine's sleeve and then pointed her fork towards the direction of three witches approaching them. Before she could turn, Ellaine heard a familiar voice:

"If it isn't Ellaine Yenva!, what a pleasant surprise" said the woman in the middle. A tall elf with caramel colored skin and hair white as snow wearing an elegant frilly purple dress.

"Ah! Olen, I was hoping NOT to have the pleasure of running into you" said Ellaine, facing Olen with a dry smile.

"As the matron of the Coven of Thorns I am duty-bound to exchange pleasantries with members such as yourself. The unforeseen attendance of the brilliant Ellaine Yenva alerted my curiosity. I was starting to worry that a recluse like you may have stooped so low as to join the ranks of artificers." Olen said with a smirk, followed by snickers from the two witches on her either side.

"Might I remind you Olen, that you are matron only because I refused to take the position. Your capabilities are and always will be second to mine." Ellaine replied, her lips curling. While it is true that she cared not for such title along with the privileges and responsibilities that came with it, an inferior magical practitioner that is Olen taking her place has always bothered Ellaine.

"Now I'm curious as to who would replace you if you suddenly got blasted to bits?" Ellaine added.

"Is that a threat?" Olen asked, no longer smiling.

"Yes... yes it is. Now draw your wand, I was starting to get bored with this uneventful ball" Ellaine said with such malice that a collective gasp from people within earshot erupted. She suddenly remembered that it is considered uncouth to threaten someone with magic. Ellaine realized that she has grown accustomed to exchanging such spiteful words with a certain barmaid back in the guild.

"Careful Yenva, powerful as you may be... you are not among friends" Olen warned as she and her companions walked away.

"Well that is one way to drive them away" Vanis said with a mouthful of cake.
"I would've agreed by the way" she added.

"Agreed to what?" Ellaine replied.

"To a duel against you" Vanis said nonchalantly while finishing her cake.

"That's why I like you Vanis, please never change. Now leave some food for the other guests and help me find my associate" Ellaine said.

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To Be Continued