The days following the drama that unfolded in the Council of Water were busy ones for Elise de Bellefeuille. Since Ambassador Dunbarre has specifically forbidden her to bring the Korv's story to the attention of Caroban mages, her initial report on the matter met with considerable disfavor. To "keep her from stirring up any more trouble", he heaped work upon her – mounds of old documentation on Collegia and Rephidim relations, which he ordered her to summarize into brief reports – in addition to her already time-consuming official duty of guarding him. The tedious jobs combined left her with no free time and precious few hours to sleep in.

During all the work the lady poodle has diligently, though most certainly not enthusiastically, kept at the work assigned to her. In the late hours of the night it would not be uncommon to find the officer dozing off only to reawake and continue her writing as this or that sound would stir her from her little bit of slumber. This continues for a good several days, and the wear begins to show in her actions: a yawn here, a head nod there, all quickly covered up.

Cyprian paid her one visit during this time. As he was informed by the guards at the Rephidim suite that Elise was "indisposed" and would remain so indefinitely, his "visit" consisted of enacting a ritual in a nearby hallway to temporarily enable conversation over their mental link. "I feel like a fifteen-year-old dropping notes through the chimney to his grounded lover," he told her wryly, before bringing her up to speed on other news.

The Council's resolution to keep Envoy under observation, and not exorcised, would remain in effect until the High Council of Caroban convened on Harvest 10 – when, hopefully, they would settle that question.

The Watch's investigation of Ssrithiri and Hyacinth moved along briskly, and things looked grim for them, although, as a Dean, no final judgement would be passed on Ssrithiri until the High Council met. The investigation had also uncovered a small number of co-conspirators, some of whom were able to confirm Hyacinth's accusation against the Royal Babelite Mages. Dean Ssrithiri, it appeared, had the most direct contact with them, however, and the large Naga was proving quite troublesome to question, even under the use of mind magic and drugs. Cyprian seemed to think the snake would crack soon, however.

Mage Whimver faces a different kind of investigation, because of the nature of his crime – something Cyprian termed a "Test of Truth." The black Eeee did not go into the details of it, except to explain that it was a test reserved for "disagreements" between mind mages over the facts presented in a council of law. "Or, to be blunt, when one mind mage lies before a council of law, and another mind mage catches him at it. It's exceedingly rare, but it appears all three of us – Whimver, Viscoi, and I – will have to undergo the test. It will lay to rest any doubts any might have over which of us lied in the council, and which was honest." The "Test of Truth" would begin on Harvest 5 – the earliest that the required people could be gathered.

"And I, grounded for and kept busy with this tedious 'homework'. Were it not for you, I think that I would not have heard a voice in days," Elise comments silently, after she listens to the Mind Mage's report, compiling small bits of work here and there so as to continue to appear busy. She responds with gladness as to the fate of the those who played the greatest part in the conspiracy, and suspected that the once Dean Ssrithiri would be a stubborn one. She would also mention concern for Envoy, and for Cyprian, who will undergo testing, though she tells him she does not imagine there will be trouble. "I am glad to see this is almost over. For what trouble it has caused, I believe the right thing has been done here."

"I wish I had your optimism, my lady," the dark mage replies. "For now, I think it best that I leave before I distract you further from your, ahem, work. May your gods keep you safe, Lady de Bellefeuille."

"Good day Cyprian, and hopefully we can meet some time in the future without need for spell or stealth. I shall get back to my … work … and hopefully not find my rest between page two hundred and thirty and two hundred and thirty one … " With the communication broken, woken some by it and most certainly by the company itself, Elise resumes her work, continuing well into the night.

On the day after the Harvest Feast celebration, Ambassador Dunbarre relented – ostensibly out of mercy, but more likely because Dean Fyiara had praised Elise's bravery and perspicacity in her testimony before the Council, and expressed her sincere wishes that the lieutenant's actions did not go unrecognized by Rephidim. "It is so good to know that we can still rely on the Temple to look out for our best interests," the feline purred, "and to keep … no secrets from us."

Whatever his motive, on Harvest 1, when negotiations were completed and the evening meal dealt with, Ambassador Dunbarre retired to read and dismissed his honor guard – Elise included – to do as they pleased.

Having just left the Ambassador's side, Elise now stands in the hallway, uncertain of exactly what to do. After all for the last few days she has been quite nearly locked away to handle an seemingly endless pile of paperwork. Now that she has free time, she isn't quite sure what to do with it. She gives it a moment and considers, tapping her hand against the pommel of her sword as she thinks. A minute and a yawn later, she decides to pay Cyprian a visit, and departs toward the grounds of the Sphere of Mind in an attempt to find him.

Seeing that she has arrived before Cyprian, the officer poodle steps into the gazebo. Inside she adjusts her sword and robes so she can sit down, and there she folds her hands in her lap before leaning back against the cushioned seat. Quietly, she takes some time to rest while she waits.

"My lady?" Elise's eyes flick open again, and find the black-furred mage standing just inside the gazebo, resting one hand against the wooden frame of the archway, watching her with his intense green eyes.

The poodle woman blinks a few times as her eyes come to focus on the black Eeee a few steps from her. "Mm?" She finally realizes who he is, and that she fell asleep, and through the daze of not quite being awake sits up and smiles to him. "Cyprian. I am sorry, I … ," she gestures to the chair she's been reclining in, " … fell asleep, you see."

"Probably just as well. Has your jailer at last released you from your prison of Form One-Stroke-Two-B on TheCorrect Protocol for a Dean in the Reign of Archelaus the First to Greet an Inquisitor?" Cyprian asks, leaning against the support for the arch, a smile on his face.

A tired laugh escapes the poodle and she shakes her head. "Yes, most certainly thanks to Dean Fyiara. But best he never hear you or I refer to him as a 'jailer', or I may well be promoted to High Scribe of the Endless Tomes of Nonsense." After having replied she gestures the Eeee mage to sit beside her.

The Eeee accepts her invitation with a small bow and nod of his head, moving to join her on the swing. The seat sways as he settles sideways onto it, curling one leg beneath him in a curiously graceful motion, so that he may face her and keep from trapping the long bones of his wings awkwardly between the back and seat of the chair. "I will breathe no word of it, my lady, and may the Mistress of Secrets be my witness on it," he swears with mock-solemnity, then grins again. "Did you have any particular reason for asking me here, Lady de Bellefeuille," he asks, "or was it merely so we might privately invoke our vile slanders of your doubtless wrongly maligned employer?"

This time Elise has to actually cover her muzzle when she laughs so that her laugher not make too much of a noise. Again she shakes her head and removes her hand from her muzzle, looking up. "Oh, the High Ambassador is just doing his duty. I cannot think ill of him for it, at least … not at length." Another smile. "I asked you here, besides to simply have your company, because I have some questions to ask of you. About what has transpired, and … thoughts on the future."

"As you wish, my lady. I will be sure to do enough ill-thinking of him for both of us." Cyprian bows his head at this assertion, but not so quickly that she can't catch the glint of mirth in his green eyes. "I am at your service, my lady – ask and I will endeavor to answer as best I may." He smiles wryly before adding, "All standard disclaimers apply."

"Oh, cease your teasing. I may well have proved the victor in our match within the dreams, but your humor is quite a bit more than I can defeat when you are fully in your senses," jests the poodle. She taps her fingers against her other hand, and tilts her head slightly. "Why did you assist me in this? I … think I know why. But I would rather ask you. As you well know I have been much against the Seven Sisters and now their questionable 'Avatar'. It ties in so much with your beliefs, and I have not been exactly careful in my distaste for them around you. So, is it because they used you?"

The black Eeee watches Elise's motions, his expression difficult to read. "Yes," he says, after a moment. "Because they used me. And because … I believe they are trying to use the Kindly Ones, as well. Their plan leads to madness and destruction." As he speaks, a hint of uncertainty creeps into his voice, though for the most part he covers it well.

"You were tempted not to assist, were you not? It is understandable. I would think if the First Ones had been used in similar fashion, I would be inclined to believe that though they might appear to be the First Ones … they are not, just detailed mockeries." A frown creases the poodle's muzzle and shifts her gaze to look out into the garden. "I understand. And I tell you I could have not brought this to the partial end we have now without your help. Now, another question: what do you intend to do after this is all over?"

"Get back to my life?" the black bat offers, almost whimsically. "What passes for my life on a good day, at any rate. To be honest, it has been so long that I can scarcely imagine a day when it is all over. I doubt that even the High Council can magically wave a wand and declare the dream ritual broken and done. It's not like they haven't suspected the Royal Babelite Mages of this for years now, after all – it's just that now they will be forced to confront it instead of pretending there might be an easier answer." He gestures with one hand, almost in annoyance. "They may be leery of taking even actions that are within their power, like … exorcising … Envoy." He hesitates over the last words.

"Envoy … She has been dealing with this since longer than I was involved, and now I have no way to help her. Her condition is far beyond me, and most certainly not in the area that my training directs. This is not military magic. I … feel guilty for what has occurred though I know I cannot do anything," says Elise. She considers further the mage's words before continuing. "I think that soon my part in this will be done. I am in no place to assist Envoy, and not in any way of the standing to offer more than minor help in dealing with the rogue mages. I imagine I will return to Rephidim, and you are welcome to join me should you desire some time away from this. I am certain I can arrange a reason for your departure. Assistance in filing reports, or instruction in how to deal with magic, or what have you."

The mage shakes his head. looking grim as Elise speaks of the possessed Exile. "Sometimes powerlessness has its upside," he murmurs, resting his head against the back of the bench. "I wish I had your certainty that there was nothing I could do." At her talk of Rephidim, the Eeee shows his wry smile again. "I have obligations of my own, Elise. I cannot abandon them for the lure of putting distance between myself and all my troubles."

"Do you think there is more that could be done? I think you are fully aware of my condition within the dream realms. Another failure, and well … I would be much worse off than even Mage Envoy. I dare not try again when there are others better suited to it than I am. Besides, the High Ambassador was none too pleased at what I had done already. Perhaps it is I who should envy your uncertainty, as I for one am almost certain there is little for me to do." She lifts her hands and brushes her hair from her face before rubbing her temple, looking downward with eyes closed. "I too have my obligations, and Rephidim will wish me to return soon. I may be quite busy. I … wonder if this will be one of the last times we will see each other for a time?"

"I don't know." The single phrase seems to be his response to a multitude of questions. Cyprian closes his eyes, resting his cheek against an arm laid over the back of the swing. A faint grumble rises from his stomach, breaking the silence, and a brief smile forms on his face.

The poodle looks up again letting her hands fall slightly from her head as she casts Cyprian a puzzled expression. She regards him for a moment, and suddenly smiles. "Come, it may not be so grand a scheme as my last, but I at least know what to do now. Let us get something to eat, shall we?" A hand is held out to the Eeee.

"Would that I could, my lady." The bat raises one hand in gentle rejection. "Harvest Tide is a damnable time to start a fast, but no one consulted me about the timing for the Test of Truth."

"You poor thing. Again, I indirectly cause you grief. How you can even stand me, I have no idea. First Ones forgive me," teases the poodle gently, quietly. Not needing to get up now and following Cyprian's lead she folds both her arms on the back of the seat and rests her head on them, watching him. The silence continues for a moment before the poodle breaks it. "Have you any idea how difficult it was to act indifferent when in the council chambers? When you were hurt, I slipped, or at least Dean Viscoi cast me a glance that was unrelated … "

"I didn't notice," Cyprian replies, his voice equally soft. "But then again, I was preoccupied. My lady – it will be best if you do not see me for the next few days. The Test of Truth is five days from now. With luck, it won't take more than two days." He raises his eyes, almost in pleading, towards the heavens. "If it troubled you to see what happened in the Council room, the Test will probably be worse," he adds, then looks as if he regrets the words.

The poodle shifts her head uneasily at the news, closing her eyes, and partially hiding her face in her now wrinkled robes. "I … will do as you say," Elise says gently, if with more than a hint of sadness in her voice. "Perhaps I should use my free time to research magic, or speak with Dean Fyiara if she too is free, regarding the finer points of dealing with rogue magic and mages. She seems a likable sort, if appropriately chaotic, and she spoke well of me."

"Dean Fyiara … is an interesting woman," the black bat replies, his characteristic smile playing on his lips again. "She is quite dedicated to her studies, actually, though I doubt you would think her diligent based on her actions outside of them. It's difficult to get a slice of her time without calling on College duties to obtain it. We were fortunate that she and Hio were selected for that Council."

"It would seem then that just I am the one with free time these days. What a strange thought, it always seems to be quite the reverse," comments the poodle. She gives a sigh,if some small bit of stress was relieved for the thought. "What to do. I cannot stand free time." A grin crosses her muzzle again.

"You look like a woman with a sudden plan," Cyprian says, sounding amused and mock-wary. "Should I be worried?"

"On the contrary, I am so far from having a plan that I find it amusing. I think in the last few years I have had solittle free time now that I do have such free time, I have not the slightest idea of how to use it. Perhaps a apprentice has been stealing a snack late at night, or someone has been over-watering the flowers. A conspiracy, however small!" Elise giggles into her arm, and then breaks into riotous, tired laughter, despite her best attempts to muffle it.

The bat, at first, tries to hide his own laughter, but he finds it infectious, and soon joins her in half-stifled, gasping chuckles.

Unable to stifle her laugher any further without choking herself Elise lifts her head out of her robes. She covers her muzzle with a hand and just lets herself laugh, for once, regardless of how noisy it might be - something she doesn't do so very often anymore.

"You could turn me in for lying to the Watch," Cyprian suggests, between breaths, poking at her. "Oops! Wait, already turned myself in. Sorry."

The poodle curls up a bit at the pokes, and at this point she's laughing so she's partially wheezing. Her normally serious face is contorted from the strain of it all. "Horrible, squeaky, plotting thing," she accuses him between the giggling. Finally after continuing on this way she manages to stop laughing, at least partially. Letting her hand fall again from her face, she grins widely at the Eeee, looking for all the world as if now truly plotting something.

Cyprian inhales, closing his eyes as his own laughter eases, then opens them again to catch the look in Elise's eyes. "Kindly Ones, turn your eyes from me," he breathes out, with the attitude of one praying. "Now I know I'm in trouble."

"Oh, likely," responds Elise in a mock-serious parody of her usual tone. Pushing herself up to standing with a hand she takes a step closer to Cyprian and reseats herself directly next to him. There she, without warning, wraps her arms around him in a sudden hug.

The Eeee's ears flick up and then straight back in surprise, then his shoulders shake as he starts to chuckle once again. He squirms about enough to slide his own arms around the poodle, then buries his face in her curly mane of hair, shaking his head just a little. "Do me a kindness, my lady, and try not to leave Caroban until this foolish Test is done. I should hate for you to leave and not have the chance to bid you farewell."

"I hate it," whispers the poodle, her words muffled but clear enough for Eeee ears. Shifting, she arranges herselfcomfortably, laying her head against the mage's chest with her eyes closed tight. "That I will have to go. But, I will not go without saying good-bye. I promise you. And if ever you should need me, wherever you may be, contact me as you can - through the Temple or magic or however you must – for whatever reason. I will try all that I can to find you again. And do visit Rephidim. Should you ever need for anything in Rephidim and I am away, my sister can arrange it, certainly. And, do not stay away too long."

The black bat circles one arm protectively around her shoulders, and strokes Elise's back with his other hand. "We will see," he murmurs, gently. "Ah, I should warn you. I will have to drop the spell that links our minds, at least for the duration of the Test. I can re-establish it afterwards. One of the conditions of a Test: no active spells except from the interrogator." He sighs heavily.

"I … suppose it must be done," concedes the poodle, sighing. She shakes her head against Cyprian's chest and frowns. "I will try and see there is time after the test has been completed to re-establish the ritual." A pause, and then, " … Cyprian? We may not have this much time again for some time. Would you … tell me about yourself? Your life? I realize I know so little about you."

"What would you know of me, my lady?" Cyprian asks, his question more to himself than to her. "Here, I will tell you an open secret. I have a terrible temper, Elise. It got me into a great deal of trouble as an apprentice."

The poodle grins against the Eeee's chest. "I asked for information I did not know," she says light-heartedly. Her head lifts so she can watch him as he speaks. "What was your childhood like? Why did you become a mage? … What do you want from this world?"

Cyprian chuckles, flicking a finger against her nose. "If you think I'm bad now, you should see me after I strip off the spells keeping it in check," he says, the words playful but with a serious undercurrent. "My childhood was … difficult. My parents died before I was grown. I was fortunate to be accepted to the College shortly thereafter – Orphans in Babel are prey to anyone or anything that cares to hunt them."

"Oh, I have seen it, within the dreams. Though, I would forgive it. Unfortunately you can do little wrong in mine eyes," says the poodle. She smiles and lays her head back down again, tail flicking every so often. "What is it you try for, Cyprian? What motivates you onward … a great goal, some end you wish for?"

Cyprian smiles at first, then the expression broadens into a grin. "Yes," he answers, cryptically.

This time it is Elise doing the prodding. "Oh, surely you will not keep it from me?" she inquires, lifting her eyes to watch him.

"Ouch," the bat answers, feigning pain. "I see, you intend to torture it out of me? I fear you will find me most resistant, my lady. A man must keep some secrets, you understand."

"I assure you I am quite versed in torture. Not from the Temple, but by listening to my sister," mock-threatens the poodle woman. Shifting a bit, she just sighs and nods, feigning being more upset than she sounds. "Very well. Keep your secrets. However, greater a mage than you has fallen to my inquiry." A brief grin which turns to a smile. "Cyprian … you have given me an idea."

Cyprian covers his eyes in apparent distress. "I knew I should have fled at that first I-have-a-plan-to-catch-people-who-over-water-their-plants smile. Kindly Ones, what have I done?" he pleas, anguished.

Another prod, this time with more force. "Oh hush you. I am quite serious this time. It is in regards to what you said about Babel. It is similar in Rephidim, especially now that the wars have passed. This cannot help them all. Butbetter to help some than none at all." Sitting up a little, Elise faces the Eeee and nods to him. "I am a noblewoman, and as such I have significant funding at my disposal. Funding … I have not put to anything, until now. I would create an … orphanage for those children left without parents."