“I know I’m repeating myself," (Patreon)
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Hoardblemish reiterated, "but it is VERY good to see you again, Mr. Young. I hope you are pleased by what we have done with your generous donation.”
“I’m sure you have done me proud," I reassured, "but about the potential student-"
“Let me give you the GRAND TOUR!” Hoardblemish declared enthusiastically.
He then led us on a thrilling tour of the nearby study area! We saw students studiously reading! Taking notes! Young students were learning elementary Gramarye, from a .. bush wearing a scholar's mortarboard?? An advanced student was running away from an armchair he had animated!
"He hasn't gotten it quite right yet," Xavier explained with a shrug.
“I'm gonna hugya and squeezya and petya and petya and I will name you GEORGE!” the chair declared in a loud and disturbing voice as it clattered around after its hapless creator.
“I learned the hard way to never let objects speak,” Rebecca muttered. “Are my girls still enrolled here?”
“You have a very nice set up," I interrupted before we could get sidetracked any further than we already were. "But I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. I also wish to speak about the troubles in Euro-"
“Let’s continue!” Hoardblemish said excitedly as he scurried across the study chamber.
In a practice room (which I believe was once one of Sartoruis' Floozieball courts) we watched two groups of advanced students lobbing magic missiles at each other.
"Learnin how to fight with knives an pointy sticks'd be better trainin," Burnside remarked with a contemptuous snort.
Rebecca, on the other hand, was absolutely enthralled by the demonstration. “My Lord, will you teach me that next?” she beseeched.
“Destruction magick is a fickle and dangerous art," I informed her. "Let’s work gradually up to it. We’ll continue your training when we get some spare time; don't let me forget. And now, Headmaster Hoardblemish, I really must insist that we discuss-”
“If you’re impressed by our offense and counteroffense department, wait until you see what’s next!” Xavier gloated as he led us onward down a vaulted passageway. We emerged in what appeared to be a student commons.
A student who happened to be a rabbit spotted Rebecca looking soaked. He dashed up and used a quick Gramarye to dry her clothes, then politely accepted her thanks.
A goat student similarly offered to help Ms. Thomson. Thomson consulted briefly with Mr. Calaveras, then nodded and thanked the Student Who Was a Goat for his kindness.
A raccoon student approached Burnside, but after a single glare from my Imperial Bodyguard, the raccoon student decided he needed to be somewhere else.
“I regret that I cannot interrupt lectures to show you the classrooms," Hoardblemish explained, "so - for now - that concludes the tour of the facilities.”
“Yes. Thank you," I nodded. "Now can we please discuss the potential student I wish to enroll and the situation in Euro-”
“OH! But where are my manners?" Hoardblemish blurted suddenly. "I am a terrible host! You and your companions are wet, tired, and dirty. Let me take you all to the staff lavatory so you may bathe and freshen up!”
Before I could object again, Xavier had led us to a large washroom and discreetly left us there, closing the door behind him.
“Shall we all bathe together, my lord?” Rebecca asked, with an unusual gleam in her eye.
“I only bathe in the blood o my enemies," Burnside declared. "Other'n that, once a month.”
“Mr. Calavaras will settle for nothing less than the finest bathing salts,” Thomson murmured as she looked the place over with a critical eye.
“There appear to be enough stalls for everyone," I stated after a quick glance around. "No, we are not bathing together!”