>>5834265The High Sorcerer grits his teeth and maintains a meaningful quiet for what must be several minutes, a sure sign that you have touched on a topic that he does not enjoy speaking about. "He and I... differed. In many regards. He was an excellent instructor, if an exacting one, but our views became more difficult to reconcile over the years." You note that though he refrains from speaking badly of his mentor, his strained inflection suggests that Amaranth takes care to avoid raising his voice.
"As for my office," he pauses again, opening his eyes. "Korfel was the true High Sorcerer of Everlund, worthy to be a member of the council. My appointment to the position was a necessary measure, made in haste during his sudden absence two decades ago. Truth be told, I oftentimes feel that I am merely substituting for the next High Sorcerer," he groans. Previously, Amaranth did mention that he was preparing that pestiferous boy to succeed him. Could it be that he is not comfortable with his role in the Council of Elders?
Your meal - rather, what you would consider <span class="mu-i">several meals</span> - is hauled to your table by what must be the entire immediate family of the Calishite male, 'Emre' as Amaranth called him. Food enough to feed six mouths and more is set out before you by an army of sons and daughters. Bowls of colorful vegetables, baked, boiled and fried are carefully arranged to please the eye whilst you are given a strange beverage that superficially resembles frothy, salted rothé milk.
Unexpectedly, the only utensil available to you is a spoon of modest size.