Quoted By:
August 2, XXXX
For logistical reasons, it is no longer cost-effective for my purposes, nor practical in terms of travel time, for me to contract on a case-by-case basis the services of the scholar of guild Tempus, who for the duration of this century has called himself to the public Vesper Noir. Thus, I have purchased him wholesale, and placed him in my labyrinthian underground basement library and study, where he has now resided for approximately one month. He is clearly thriving in his new environment, despite periodically claiming to want to leave. I am most pleased with his results.
The guild's alchemist, who - if my recollection is correct - was named Magnus Dezmond, initially demanded a price of one dragon scale in exchange for their scholar. Being somewhat skilled at bartering, I was able to lower his price somewhat, and by the end of our negotiations, he required one dozen vials of pure phlogiston, which he seemed to think was steep but fair price. I was content to let him continue think so, and afforded it to him when I next returned. I am fairly certain that he does not, will not, and possibly cannot, understand why.
Curiously, I have not seen the alchemist the last several times I have visited guild Tempus in my travels, and have instead dealt with the other members, who have been standing in his stead when necessary. Their leader, who seemed most annoyed by my mention of him, was remiss to comment on his absence, which I now suspect was his doing. I am uncertain as to whether these events are related, but suppose that it is none of my business, nor a productive use of my time. There is far too much work to be done to concern myself with such things. Progress awaits!
