* Zoya is working in the laboratory. An elaborate spell-glyph floats, glowing, in the air before her, enlarged to show intricate curls and designs in even its furthest corners. Zoya is looking at the glyph carefully, occasionally rotating it to examine it from other angles.

* Xarroch eyes the Tower from a hundred yards away, blinks a couple of times, then approaches the entrance. He's wearing his rather poor human form, but at least is walking mostly normally.

<Zoya> ::mutters:: Well, *that* matches, at least... ::looks down at the silver bowl of combined components in front of her.:: Now, if *this* works... Blast it, what did I do with the dragon's blood?

<Xarroch> ::reaches the door, which looks too small and at an awkward angle; he scowls at it for a moment:: I suspect I you are less uncomfortable with this than I. I will not make things worse out of respect for your mistress and her apprentice, but do not try my patience.

* Xarroch nods as the door rights itself and grows larger, then knocks firmly, but not too hard.

<Zoya> ::A thin wisp of bluish smoke seeps from the corners of the door and wraps itself around Xarroch. He gets a brief impression of a fractured intelligence, and then the smoke seeps back into the Tower.::

* Xarroch nods slightly and smiles, then waits patiently.

* Zoya starts as the smoke materializes in Zoya's laboratory. "I didn't call yet, I haven't looked- Stop, slow down, I don't- a WHAT? Wh-" She breaks off and laughs. "It's okay. You can let him in. No, wait, I'll do it." She banishes the glyph with a wave of her hand, and walks swiftly through the halls and stairways to the front door.

<Zoya> ::opening the door:: Xarroch!

<Xarroch> Greetings, Zoya. ::smiles:: I did warn you I was coming to visit, and I believe you had some things you wished to discuss with me. I also have a request for some assistance on a minor matter.

<Zoya> ::smiles and steps aside to allow Xarroch to enter:: You are correct, of course. Come in. Can I offer you some refreshment?

<Xarroch> ::shakes his head as he steps inside:: No thank you.

<Xarroch> ::looks around a bit:: I hope I did not interrupt anything. ::grins:: I am guessing you were in the middle of something, you smell of research.

<Zoya> ::chuckles:: I am almost *always* in the middle of something, Xarroch. ::she grins at him:: Research has a smell?

<Xarroch> ::laughs:: Only sometimes. We can talk as you work, if I would not be too much of a distraction for you.

<Zoya> ::smiles:: If you won't mind that I'm slightly distracted. That's very considerate of you. ::she leads the way through a shifting array of halls and stairs and doors, eventually ending up in the laboratory again::

<Xarroch> ::grins slightly moving through the shifting building:: Ahh, a bit like home.

<Zoya> ::grins, then looks at him curiously:: Do you think you could find your way back? Most people can't - not even Lisl - without assistance.

<Xarroch> ::grins:: Yes.

<Xarroch> Although the Tower is much more aware than my home is. ::chuckles:: Moving through shifting chaos things is nothing new for me.

<Zoya> Hmm. Interesting... ::She re-summons the glyph and looks at it for a brief moment:: Now, what was I... Oh! Dragon's blood. ::she smiles at Xarroch:: You can help. I seem to have misplaced my dragon's blood. I know it's here somewhere, and I'm sure you can smell it, or something.

<Xarroch> ::chuckles:: I suspect you keep it better sealed than that, unless you've used it recently?

* Xarroch takes a tentative sniff.

* Zoya shrugs. "I know I've looked everywhere in here. I was thinking about summoning the Staff to find it for me when you arrived."

<Xarroch> ::looks thoughtful, and walks to the door:: It was taken from the room... possibly several days ago. I can probably find it, ::grins:: it is not a scent that fades quickly.

<Zoya> ::laughs shortly:: *That* I know! Glossaria was probably using it. She has some system that dictates where she puts things away when she's done with them. I'm sure it makes perfect sense to her, but I haven't been able to decipher it yet. ::she grins:: I can just have the Staff bring it.

<Xarroch> ::laughs:: Very well. The girl does have an orderly mind. Working with her can be quite pleasant.

<Xarroch> What is the "Staff"? ::curiously::

* Zoya lifts a hand, and the blue smoke materializes again. "Dragon's blood. Gold, if we have it - otherwise the red will have to do." The smoke dissipates, and returns almost immediately with a small sealed bottle.

<Zoya> That's the Staff. ::She takes the bottle, and the smoke leaves again:: As near as I can tell, it's an animate piece of the Tower. It runs errands and keeps the place clean.

<Xarroch> Ah. ::nods:: The blue mist. Yes, it seems to be a piece of the Tower's sentience. Quite handy, I imagine.

<Xarroch> My home is more fluid. Keeping it clean is merely an exercise of will. ::grins::

<Zoya> Very. ::She carries the bottle over to her worktable and sets it near the silver bowl:: Well, the Tower's primary existence is in the Prime plane. It has to maintain *something* of order about it.

<Xarroch> ::nods and looks over curiously:: What is it you are working on?

<Zoya> ::waves carelessly at the glyph:: A smaller piece of a much larger work. This is just an experiment to see if I can get these two ::she points to some fairly intricate scrolling in the glyph:: to mesh without conflicting.

<Xarroch> ::looks closer, careful to stay out of the way, then closer still, and nods approvingly:: That is very nice work.

<Xarroch> It looks tricky, as well, the subtlety is impressive, and it's quite well balanced. ::smiles:: I think I even see where the difficulty is, as well.

<Zoya> Thank you.

* Zoya carefully opens the bottle and tips it to allow a few drops of the blood within to fall into the bowl. She reseals the bottle, watching the reaction in the bowl for a moment before looking back at him. "Now, while that mixes... What can I do for you?"

<Xarroch> Well, there were two issues. One of them concerns the magical geography of this world, and the other concerns shapeshifting. ::smiles:: Or we can chat about whatever it was you wished to discuss first.

<Zoya> ::grins:: If you give in to my curiosity, Xarroch, we'll be here all day. Why don't we take care of your actual business first?

<Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Very well. Which matter would you care to address first?

<Zoya> ::grins:: Start at the beginning. When you get to the end, stop.

* Glossaria pokes her head in the open door, knocking lightly on the frame. "Mistress? I'm sorry to interrupt, but... are you still using that dragon's blood?"

<Xarroch> ::smiles and nods in greeting:: Hello, Glossaria.

<Glossaria> ::blinking in surprise:: Oh, hello, Xarroch. I didn't hear the door. Was there a door? Or did you just... come in?

<Zoya> ::looks over at the door:: *Still*? I just *found* it! ::She checks the reaction in her bowl, then shrugs and holds the bottle out to Glossaria::

<Xarroch> I did use the door, yes. Zoya greeted me. I was not going to enter your home uninvited.

<Glossaria> Oh. ::blushing a little:: Well... I was using it. I set it down, and when I reached for it again, it was gone. The Staff said you had need of it.

* Xarroch chuckles

<Zoya> I only needed a few drops. If I'd realized you were in the *midst* of using it... ::she shakes her head::

* Glossaria enters the room to take the proferred bottle, peering into the bowl. "If I may ask, Mistress, what are you working on?"

<Xarroch> I could bring you another set if you needed. ::grins:: Having two researchers must be interesting.

<Zoya> ::waves at the glowing glyph-illusion hovering over the table:: The Project.

<Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: The Tower has been playful with me all day. It was playing fetch with Realia, and then I think it devolved into a sort of hide and seek.

<Zoya> ::looks around a trifle nervously:: Where is she now?

<Xarroch> ::curiously:: Realia?

<Glossaria> Ah. ::studying the glowing glyph with interest:: Realia? She's in my room, practicing Stay. The Staff have instructions to down her and call me immediately if she gets too out of hand.

<Xarroch> You have another occupant now? Another apprentice, perhaps?

<Glossaria> ::looking at Xarroch, a glow of pride and love in her eyes:: My new puppy. A wedding gift from Mistress du'Nache.

<Xarroch> Ah, a dog! A pet. ::smiles at Gloss' enthusiasm:: And I trust you are taking good care of her.

<Glossaria> ::nodding:: Oh, yes! We're learning all sorts of things from each other. :;glancing at Zoya:: And I'm taking very good care of her, and training her carefully to be a *good* dog.

* Zoya looks slightly dubious, but says nothing.

* Xarroch chuckles

<Glossaria> ::smiles a little impishly:: It could be worse, Mistress. She could have been a blink dog.

<Xarroch> Perhaps I could meet your pet after we are done here?

* Zoya picks up a cover and places it carefully over the silver bowl. "That's not even funny, Glossaria."

<Glossaria> ::nodding eagerly:: It's best if I introduce her to frequent visitors early on. ::glancing at Zoya:: And humor, as I've observed, Mistress, is often a matter of perspective.

<Zoya> ::looks at Xarroch:: So. You said you had a question about magical geography?

<Xarroch> ::laughs:: So it is.

<Zoya> ::snorts, very Lisl-like:: Well, then, from *this* perspective, it wasn't the least bit funny.

<Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. I was wondering how much you knew about the locations of areas of dead magic and excessive amounts of wild magic.

<Glossaria> ::looking chastened:: Yes, Mistress. ::perking up a little at Xarroch's question, her ears almost visibly sharpening::

<Zoya> In how wide of an area? Around Marsember, the only sizeable areas of wild magic are associated with this Tower, and the Meade Hall. Oh, and there's another spot in the woods, about three miles due west of here. It's not especially big, but it's the only other wild spot I know of that doesn't move.

<Xarroch> I was curious about the entire world, actually. I had hoped you perhaps had some contacts or resources to call on that would have maps of some sort.

<Zoya> The entire world? ::shakes her head:: I'm not sure anyone has mapped the whole thing for magic. ::thinks:: I do have a contact at the University who's done some research on the subject... ::she eyes Xarroch:: Dare I ask why?

<Xarroch> ::smiles faintly:: Any such would be more than I could easily call on here.

<Xarroch> I am still attempting to discover the whereabouts of Jelarthna's attackers. It is partly an exercise at this point, but I am incresingly curious about their complete lack of signature. ::shakes his head:: Even if they were dead, I should be able to get indications on the remains.

<Zoya> ::frowns:: Hmm. What if they left the plane? Would it make any difference?

<Glossaria> ::looking dubious, piping up:: There are large magical dead zones in Anauroch to the north. Lady Elgara'a was telling me a little about the sites she knew of from her own traditions, but that's a very large unmapped area.

<Glossaria> ::blinking thoughtfully:: Might the muggers themselves be magically inert? Or shielded from scrying?

<Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: I extended my search to the planes that can be reached somewhat easily from here. Some are simply unlikely in the extreme, due to the Powers there not allowing entry. There is no trace, there.

<Xarroch> Actively deceiving me would be very difficult for any length of time. Blocking I would at least be able to tell was occurring.

<Zoya> ::frowns, considering:: I'll talk to Zephrim and see what he has. Are you looking for something in specific?

<Xarroch> No, just areas that I could reach and search physically. I strongly suspect that dead magic and wild magic areas could give me the type of results I have been getting.

<Zoya> Hmm. ::nods:: I'll find out what I can, Xarroch.

<Glossaria> ::rubbing her lip:: Xarroch? What evidence *is* there of the attackers? I mean, aside from Jel's account?

<Xarroch> ::smiles:: Thank you, I would appreciate it.

<Xarroch> I have the knife that wounded him at home. It has enough of a trace of three of the humans for me to use as a focus.

<Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: What kinds of scrying have you used?

<Glossaria> ::murmuring to herself:: Physical evidence of possession... but... ::looking up:: Was there evidence at the scene, of their presence? Because I was just thinking... ::frowning:: If you can't find them... perhaps it's because they don't exist?

<Xarroch> Several methods concurrently, augmented by a fairly powerful crystal ball. I developed a sort of concert spell to tie them all together to make an algorithmic search. It requires a fair amount of power, attention, and direction, but it is quite thorough.

* Glossaria looks impressed and obviously dying to ask detailed questions, but refrains.

<Zoya> ::looks interested:: I'd like to see *that* construction. Have you tried time-scrolling? It takes a lot out of me, but I can do it, if you're stumped for too much longer...

<Xarroch> Lisl's investigation of the scene has led her to believe that they were not incinerated or disintegrated. I know she would recognize the smell of such. They could have been taken elsewhere before that, and the other possibility is that they were completely consumed. However, I am curious enough to pursue further the things I can check into.

<Xarroch> ::shakes his head and grins slightly:: My experiments with time effects have led me to believe I should not dabble with them.

<Zoya> Hmm. Aside from fatigue, I don't seem to experience any ill-effects from time scrolling. If this drags on too long, let me know. I'll find them. ::she looks grimly determined::

<Glossaria> ::cocking her head to the side:: So... she found no trace of them at the scene? ::frowning:: Because... it occurs to me that a good psionic with a pair of heavy gloves could have made Jel see things that weren't there, in order buy an opportunity to stick a previously-handled knife in his back, and then cleanse the scene with fire afterwards. That *would* fit the details of the scene, would it not?

<Xarroch> ::nods:: I still have the knife preserved at home, and I plan to cast my search spell again before long. If that and anything you can learn for me are fruitless I will bring it here and give you a chance.

<Xarroch> A possibility, Glossaria. However, Lisl did detect seven trails from the scene, that all led to various places where the people bearing them are missing.

<Zoya> ::nods::

<Xarroch> Some more subtle manipulation could be at work, but I should still be able to trace the individuals that handled the knife.

<Glossaria> Hm. ::looking disappointed:: Ah, well. ::nodding::

<Zoya> Very well. And... your other question? Shapeshifting?

<Xarroch> ::smiles:: They are good thoughts, Glossaria, and I appreciate the effort to help.

<Xarroch> ::nods:: Yes. ::grins and gestures at himself:: As you know, my human form is... not very well done. It is something I still have some difficulty with. I was hoping you could help me with a single casting, based on...

<Glossaria> ::smiles:: You're welcome.

<Xarroch> ::puts a hand in a pocket and comes out with a parchment; he unfolds it and lays it before Zoya:: This drawing. Nacheyla is planning to return to Khymrych, and if I can squeeze into something more suitable, I would like to accompany her.

<Glossaria> Oh! Casting... ::looking at the flask in her hand:: I should get back to my own, before my work goes stale on me. Unless you require anything, Mistress?

<Zoya> ::picks up the parchment and studies it, answering Gloss absently:: Mmm? No, thank you, Glossaria.

<Xarroch> ::grins at Gloss:: And once we are not quite so busy, perhaps you can come for another lesson? If you are still interested, of course.

<Zoya> ::puts the parchment down and studies Xarroch clinically for a long moment::

<Glossaria> ::nodding:: Oh, yes, I'm certainly interested. If you're still interested in training me, after my... lapse. ::looking downcast:: And anyway... if you'd like to meet my puppy later, we'll be in the third floor study, off the Library.

<Xarroch> ::nods:: I know you have been rather distracted. I am in no hurry, I was just hoping you still wished to pursue it. ::smiles::

<Zoya> ::almost absently, still studying Xarroch:: Only human, Glossaria. Don't flog yourself over it now that it's over.

<Xarroch> Would it be helpful for me to return to my natural form?

<Zoya> In a minute.

<Glossaria> Yes, Mistress. It's just that... I know with demon magic, especially, the need to conform to a higher standard of conduct. I would understand if Xarroch no longer wished to train me.

<Xarroch> ::smiles gently:: I do still wish to train you.

<Zoya> ::snorts:: I don't even know if Xarroch's knowledge of the human psyche is advanced enough yet to understand what you did wrong. ::she turns to smile at Glossaria:: Learn from your mistakes, apprentice, but there's no sense in living in them.

<Glossaria> ::smiles, backing towards the door:: Alright. Thank you, Xarroch. ::glancing at Zoya:: I understand, Mistress, and I'll try. ::turning, with a last backward glance at Zoya's mysterious Project:: I'll be in the study, then!

<Xarroch> ::chuckles:: I by no means expect perfection, little one. We all make mistakes sometimes. The important thing is learning from them.

* Xarroch gives Gloss a small wave as she exits.

* Glossaria waves back, the flask of dragon's blood sloshing faintly, and skips off down the hall.

<Zoya> ::turns back to Xarroch:: Well. You'll need to be a little more specific, now... Are you looking for a temporary change? Would an illusion do, or does it have to be real? True shape change, or polymorph?

<Xarroch> I know there is at least one wizard there, and I do not wish to cause alarm. A physical change, such as the one I use would be preferable.. a polymorph or a shapechange would work nicely, something that will last long enough for our business there.

<Zoya> ::nods slightly, then eyes him again:: I haven't made a study of demonic physiognomy. Are you still a demon in that shape?

<Xarroch> Fundamentally, yes.

<Xarroch> My stamina, strength, and resistances remain the same.

<Zoya> Hmm. Because a true shape change might be somewhat distressing... But polymorphs are... ::she considers, then raises an eyebrow:: Will you have to use this particular shape often?

<Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: I simply need it for the duration of this trip.

<Zoya> ::considers:: A one-shot body, with full access... ::she lifts a hand and begins sketching glyph in the air in front of her, occasionally erasing parts and re-drawing them, glancing back at him occasionally like an artist working from a model::

* Xarroch watches carefully and waits.

* Zoya stops after a moment and nods. "I can polymorph you into it, if that's what you're after. You'd have to stay away from dead magic zones, and not let anyone dispel magic in your vicinity."

<Xarroch> ::quirks a little smile:: I suspect I can manage that.

<Zoya> All right. When? When is she leaving?

<Xarroch> Tomorrow, actually.

<Xarroch> ::grins:: I did not have much warning, myself.

<Zoya> ::blinks:: Oh. Then we'd better go ahead and do it now, so you can get used to it. ::she waves at him:: Let's start with your natural form.

* Xarroch nods and shifts into his true, demonic shape. Then he closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment and looks at Zoya.

<Xarroch> I have suppressed my magic resistance and lowered my personal wards.

<Zoya> ::looks over Xarroch's true form with something like curiosity for a long moment:: Interesting. What do- ::shakes her head:: Never mind. Later. ::she picks up the sketch and holds it up so she can look at it and Xarroch at the same time:: Ready?

<Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow and grins a little before nodding:: I am ready.

* Zoya takes a deep breath and opens her arms like she's about to welcome a lover. The inherent magic in the room swirls and swarms to her, building into an enormous knot of magical tension. Carefully, she shapes it until it is man-shaped. Even more carefully, she sculpts until the shape closely resembles the one in the sketch. After several long minutes, she pauses to consider her work, and then nods once in satisfaction.

* Xarroch looks on curiously, nodding at seemingly random times during the casting.

* Zoya touches the magic-shape, laying her hand on its "chest", and then pushes it carefully backward toward Xarroch, and then *into* him, until her hand is resting on his chest as well. She frowns slightly, and the magic form expands to envelope Xarroch, and then slowly shrinks again, turning opaque, and the demon disappears into the shape of a man.

<Zoya> ::takes a slow, deep breath:: I haven't done one of those in a while. ::she holds the parchment up again:: Not too bad.

* Xarroch stands carefully still, moving only enough to look down and watch the transformation.

<Xarroch> ::looks down and moves his limbs around a bit:: It feels a bit.. small. ::grins:: Very nice work, Zoya, thank you.

<Xarroch> Hmmm. I should have thought to bring clothes for this... ::kneels down and gather the remains of the other set of clothing that had ripped apart when he changed to his true form::

<Zoya> ::chuckles:: It's smaller than your natural form, yes. That's why you'll need a little time to get used to it. And I wouldn't go swimming. This shape is a little denser than... Well, I don't know what a demon is really used to. ::she grins::

<Zoya> If it's not accidently dispelled, you'll have to come see me when you get back to have it removed. ::she grins:: I have questions I want to ask anyway.

<Xarroch> ::chuckle:: Swimming? I can hold my breath long enough that should not be a problem.

<Zoya> ::eyes him:: Some of Marten's things will probably fit you. And I don't expect him back for another few weeks, so he'll hardly miss them.

<Xarroch> You do not wish to ask your questions now?

<Zoya> ::laughs:: All right - I'll rephrase: don't let anyone *see* you swimming.

<Zoya> ::she shakes her head:: It would take too long, and you need to get used to this body. And Nacheyla probably does, too. I'll ask my questions when you get back.

<Xarroch> ::laughs:: That makes more sense. Ahh, as long as he would not mind me borrowing something. Nacheyla packed some things, I just did not think to bring them.

<Xarroch> Very well. I shall come visit again once we return.

* Zoya summons the Staff, and explains what she needs. It returns momentarily with a set of clothing. "Here. I don't think it'll be a perfect fit, but better than walking down the street naked."

<Xarroch> ::chuckles:: I sometimes do have a desire to do things to shock the populace, but better to avoid the notice. ::smiles faintly as he puts on the clothes::

<Zoya> ::laughs::

<Xarroch> ::offers a hand to Zoya:: This is the proper gesture for thanks, yes?

<Zoya> ::nods and takes Xarroch's hand carefully:: Yes. You're welcome.

<Xarroch> Good! Thank you and thank you, then. ::smiles:: Do not worry, I will not crush your hand.

<Zoya> ::chuckles:: Good. I need that one.

<Zoya> Tell Nacheyla I said I hoped her trip was... productive.

<Xarroch> ::grin:: I suspect you would like to keep both!

<Zoya> Ideally, yes. ::grin::

<Xarroch> ::nods:: I shall. And maybe I will visit Glossaria's pet on the way out, if you do not mind?

<Zoya> Certainly, as you say you can find your way around without an escort... ::she grins:: If you *do* get lost, just call. One of us will hear you and come to the rescue.

<Xarroch> ::nods and opens the door:: Thank you, then. But do not expect that. ::grins again and nods in farewell as he exits the lab::

* Zoya chuckles, watching him walk down the hall, then turns back to her experiment. "Now... What have you done...?"