The Ether-Knight's Lessons

11

.^^ Paper Butterfly ^^

— Idun —

The lord Hastings looked at me, slightly confused, and then suddenly understood, smiling slightly. "Ahh, Yes... Indeed. The Mage Council is deciding whether it should allow you to assist the McTaggert Clan."

"I see... and by what right do you do this? I believe they wished to speak to me, and your opinion on the matter is Moot, as I've already decided to accept the Job. This meeting, (in case you were confused, Lord Hastings,) is to determine my pay, between the McTaggert's and myself, while you are the impartial mediator. Should you fail to uphold that position, you no longer have a place in this negotiation." I smiled sweetly, and waited.

He leaned back, and frowned severely at Lady Russo when she released a loud, joyous cackle at my insolence.

Then lord Dunkirk looked at me slowly. "Young Lady... perhaps you are the one who is confused... you are not receiving the Pay; we, The Mage Council, are, And Then disseminating a portion of that to you, in return for the use of our facilities."

"I refuse to acknowledge the existence of your ownership of me, and I believe your alternative violates my rights as a human being. I am not a Slave, nor your property, and therefore any pay for my efforts is mine, not yours." I shook my head.

"The Mage Council will collect the monetary benefits of this deal, young lady-"

"You will Content yourself with the Tourism Money from all the people coming to see my dragons, which you are entitled to, as you own those businesses, but not a DIME more!" I snapped, shutting him up swiftly.

When lord Hastings went to speak, the Elder Gold raised his head. "The girl belongs to herself. She is neither your Slave nor your servant, and owes you no allegiance by House, Oath, or King. The deal is between my Companion and the girl, not my Companion and you, Pale One. You are only mediators, as she says. I will not accept anything less. Slavery and Serfdom were abolished for a reason, and I will not deal with folk who believe it to still be applicable, in any way." His voice rumbled, deep and angry, though he didn't move more than his head.

Lord Hastings frowned again, and laced his fingers together under his chin. "It would seem I have been overrided yet again... twice in one day... I don't know if I should be excited or annoyed... either way, Fine, I understand your point and place, however, the use of my facilities should be accounted for in the final figures."

"I am not using your facility. I am using a room that Arce de Aire prepared specifically for my use." I said simply.

"On my Island."

"If you claim ownership of Archie, I suppose that's another count of slavery against you, Lord Hastings... I believe your ice gets thinner, as you continue to speak." I smiled widely, amused.

He sighed softly. "Arce is a Spirit possessing a castle The Mage Council owns. I am not owner of the spirit, but the castle itself. That he is possessing it is not my fault."

"Fair point, but then any rooms that Arce moves into a separate dimension are no longer any concern of yours." I shrugged.

He tapped his fingers against each other slowly, methodically, and thought deeply for a few minutes, before responding. "I see. You have a point. I hold no ownership of alternate dimensions. However, there's no guarantee that your dragons won't leave those dimensions, and wander into my castle."