Tiare was not alone in the common room. Archmage Berinand, a man who had spent his life studying Malygos and was now recognised as the leading authority on the Aspect, stood at the head of the large table. He, we'd been told, was the primary individual we'd be dealing with while stuck on this gods' forsaken isle.

Others included Serrah, another Librarian who'd taken on the responsibility of ensuring everyone within the magical barrier was well-fed and watered. We were also presented to Raelorasz, who, despite his fairly ordinary façade was, in fact, one of the Red Dragonflight. He adopted his human persona so as not to unsettle any newcomers to the shield – namely Felenn and myself, on this occasion. He was in charge of training the Magi who arrived on the island and specialised in educating newcomers about the many strange creatures that graced the snowbound plateau. 

Finally, four War Magi were introduced. Their attire was definitely leaning more towards armour, aptly so considering they were the ones who protected the Kirin Tor against some renegades of the Blue Dragonflight, who could be seen soaring the skies guarding the Nexus. Other potential threats, we were advised, stalked the surrounding snow fields, creating constant problems for the Kirin Tor expeditions.

Once everyone was introduced, we were invited to sit down at the large central table, where Serrah had already supplied a very mouth-watering menu from which we were invited to partake during the meeting.

The room was surprisingly cosy for all its size, but the roaring fire in the hearth certainly helped to keep the room comfortable and provided a wonderfully stark comparison to the wintry conditions outside.

Serrah made her rounds at the table, offering everyone a choice of drinks – Hot Apple Cider, Winter Veil Egg Nog, Honeymint Tea or Sparkling Water. Considering the climate of the place with its harsh temperatures and howling winds, it seemed perfectly acceptable that warm alcoholic drinks were readily available. From the seriousness of the faces around the table, I could also tell it was not something which presented a problem – no bulbous red noses or vein-threaded complexions from over-indulgence were evident. It seemed to just provide a pleasant way to restore heat to one's body. However, I did wonder at the company's resolve after one sip – it was truly delicious and decidedly moreish! I could easily get used to this, I mused.

I noticed Felenn had chosen the Egg Nog, and going by her expression, she seemed to be of the same opinion as myself.

As we became comfortable, the door to the building suddenly flew open. At first, all I could see was a generous dusting of snow swirling into the room seemingly carried on the almighty rush of cold air. Both Felenn and I were startled, half standing at our allocated places at the table, and nearly spilling our delectable beverages. Looking around the table, I soon noted everyone else was calm and collected, paying no heed to what had just happened. Obviously, it wasn't the result of inclement weather that threw the door ajar, for no one was in any hurry to close it. Therefore, I deduced that someone had come to join the party. Must be a regular thing, I conceded.

"You're just in time," Archmage Berinand boomed, his expression indicating he was distinctly unimpressed by the late arrival.

I stared back at the doorway where the flakes were starting to settle in rippled patterns on the floor while whorls of snow still danced erratically just beyond the door frame. An enormous figure emerged from the whitened landscape beyond and duly closed the door behind them, firmly.

Hesitantly, I retook my seat, as did Felenn, and we watched with bated breath as the latecomer strolled towards the table, leaving large, powdered footprints in his wake.

Clad in a thick fur coat, coarse leather trousers and winter-hardy boots, the figure paused next to the armchair positioned at the fireside. They proceeded to make themselves at home, first placing a very robust and lethal-looking crossbow to the side of the hearth and a large sack from which I noticed a few furry feet poking out the top, secured with a knotted leather thong.

"That'll keep your pots full for another week, Serrah," the figure said, jovially. Whoever this individual was, he had a rich, deep voice, somewhat melodic but with an authoritative undercurrent.

My spine gave way to a little shudder, one not entirely symbolic of dread or fear, but something definitely - unfamiliar. I dismissed the sensation, thinking perhaps it was due to the cider taking effect, while also trying to remind myself of where I was and in whose company.

Next, the figure threw back the large hood of his coat and after deftly loosening the toggles with one hand, he allowed the furry garment to slide down his arms. And what arms they were! He shook his coat, emitting another flurry of snow, before laying the garment over the back of the chair to dry.

"Come and sit down, Araellor. We have the new Adepts present and we're about to give them a rundown of what we all do and what tasks they will enlist while here."

Araellor, as he was called, strode round the table in five easy strides, then plonked himself down - directly across from me.

Serrah walked over and offered him the same selection of drinks. He chose the cider. Something passed between the two as she poured the warm liquid into a tankard. As she moved away, I could have sworn he patted her bottom. She didn't seem to object going by the coy smile lifting her lips.

Araellor's eyes then drifted to Felenn; he smiled appreciatively and raised his drink as if to toast her welcome. Then he looked at me and in contrast to the greeting he gave my colleague, he looked as if he didn't quite know to what species I belonged.

Clearly, this huge individual was an elf, but quite unlike the High Elves from whom Felenn hailed. This one was much larger, both in height and build. He also looked like he could wrestle a giant bear and then take on an entire pack of wolves just to break a sweat.

Archmage Berinand spoke again. "Araellor, this is Adept Felenn Morrowread..." he gestured to my colleague.

The newcomer smiled and nodded.

"And Adept Klara Elmsworth," Berinand added.

No smile for me, I noted, just a levelled stare.

Completely oblivious to the instant tension on opposite sides of the table, our host continued. "Both have just arrived from Dalaran and will be venturing into the Nexus, starting tomorrow."

Wait! What?

I glanced at Felenn, whose alabaster face suddenly looked fifty shades paler than normal. "Excuse me, Archmage Berinand, but I thought we were here to study the effects of the arcane energies on the creatures beyond the shield."

"Correct!" he replied. "And the Nexus is beyond the shield, is it not?" His mouth stretched in a playful smile. I thought it was to signify he was joking, but as he continued, it was clear that he was deadly serious. "You will have a guide, so worry not."

I heard Araellor emit a lowly chuckle, and I looked at him, sharp, questioningly. "That's where I come in, Miss Elmsworth. I'm your guardian, your protector."

Oh, this was just peachy! I had barely acclimatised to Felenn, and now I had to contend with ... well, whatever kind of elf this monster of a man was, too. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Mercy! Klara is certainly having her aversion to elves tested. She doesn't sound impressed at all by Araellor - the hulking big elf - whose arms she's taken a moment to notice, by the way.

The relationship with their 'guardian and protector' doesn't sound very promising, though, does it? I reckon this expedition to the Nexus could be fraught with quite a few issues. What do you think?