"Lord Roland, a pleasure to meet you."
At the foot of the steps outside the Academy's Grand Hall.
Master Augut stood at the head of the crowd, dressed in splendid formal attire befitting the occasion.
This respected elder had been active in the arcane community more than thirty years ago, and had once been an influential figure who stirred the tides of his age.
Although he was now advanced in years and enjoying retirement, his past correspondence with Roland had brought him back to lead this meeting.
"Lord Augut, a pleasure.
We became acquainted through letters many years ago, so we are old friends of long standing. At last, we meet in person..."
The two shook hands politely.
Then Roland looked around, greeting the others one by one as the envoy introduced them.
The Royal Magic Academy was Sinvira's foremost institution of learning, and its many "academicians" held ranks equivalent to Atrelin's Arcane Commissioners.
Twelve had come out at once to welcome Roland, a reception truly worthy of a head of state.
After exchanging pleasantries, both parties went inside.
A magnificent, enormous hall appeared before them, resplendent with gold and jade, shimmering with brilliance.
The members of both parties chatted and laughed, exchanging the formal courtesies expected on such occasions.
But once Sinvira's reporters had finished taking photographs and the Royal Academy's young students had taken their turns greeting him and giving presentations, Roland and Sinvira's officials held a small closed-door meeting. There, the atmosphere was entirely different.
"Lord Roland, Sinvira is currently in dire straits. We urgently need Atrelin's support.
Do you think... you could ask your country's committee to send more reinforcements?"
"Aren't we already providing reinforcements?"
"I mean, stepping up your efforts further.
For example, could you make the results of your recent research into battle tattoos