Arveiaturace pondered for a few seconds, her long dragon face turning grave. "I don't know whether you understand who I am, but I'll say it again: I am Arveiaturace, the White Dragon Queen, ruler of the Northern Ice Plains.
"My story has long circulated among the mages of the Northlands. They say I outlived my former master and inherited everything he owned... That much is true, but their explanation is foolish.
"You're a mage yourself. You know a white dragon born with limited intelligence would be courting death if she tried to outwit a mage."
Her narrow, snakelike eyes gleamed coldly. "Those people are simply jealous that I inherited everything Melsroth owned.
"But I really was Melsroth's student. Even though he failed to make me Neutral, I was always as serious, thorough, and diligent as a student should be while learning from him.
"That's why Melsroth treated me so well and left me everything he had.
"Otherwise, why would his Tower Spirit still serve me? That's an Archmage's Mage Tower!
"After having a master I was so happy with, I wouldn't choose another lightly.
"I have to say... I've watched you for a long time.
"The first requirement for any master I choose is that we get along. You suit me in every way, and you have so much in common with Melsroth!
"Far more than Laira does.
"Laira's temper is too fierce... Most people know we're acquainted, but few dare say for certain whether we're really friends. That's because we've fought each other, and we fought to the death.
"If it were Laira, no matter how kind your friend from Telashir was to her, she wouldn't tolerate the nonsense from the other Terrasil Elves.
"She'd have started a fight long ago.
"She's never believed that her friend's friends are