One night before the slaying of the Gaint Ethelred finds a moment to talk with Ezrin.
“Ezrin, you come to us with some knowledge from the Collegium. What do they say of Alexis? I am curious how I will be received when we return. And knowing more about how Alexis is viewed might be helpful.”
Ezrin looks appraisingly at the Aegirian “craftsman” for an uncomfortable amount of time.
“You are not even yet a Recognized Apprentice, let alone an Initiate, it is not yours to know what the Collegium thinks of Alexis Laelius.”
The Sutheroni can barely keep keep back his grin.
“That said, you will be evaluated on your own merits. Your willingness to learn, your talent, your… willingness to be instructed. Your experience be with the Collegium will be your own.”
“I will tell you this: I left Sutheron, and the Collegium, for the first time to come join you, collectively… Alexis’ team…”
Ezrin is clearly embarassed, and turns always for a moment, then he looks to Ethelred for see if he understands.