Ava, Carrick and Laina had all been there on various occasions in the past. With their grounding objects firmly in hand, they each cast evanesce recreo and appeared together in the Common Hall. They were greeted by the Chief of the Sorin Conclave, Ranulf Centara, also descended from the magical line of Scrinia. Ranulf and Laina knew each other well and they greeted each other with a warm hug. Ranulf led them into the library and offered them refreshments. He assured them that Prince Baynor was attending to another matter, and would be in soon. While waiting for Baynor, Laina and Ranulf sat down at a large round table that looked like it could seat ten and began talking. Ava walked along the bookshelves, looking at the various titles. It made her sad to think of her library back in Kestevayne. Ralina had probably torched all of their treasured books and histories. She glanced over at Carrick and saw him standing by the glass double doors, looking out over the library garden. Even from behind, Carrick was the most physically perfect man she had ever known. He stood with his feet apart and his hands clasped behind his back. His back was ramrod straight and his head was held high. She admired how his blond hair fell softly to his massive shoulders. Her fingers itched to run through it again.
