Jefferson wrote:

> Mira studied herself in the polished metal of the mirror. Not sure what
>
>was appropriate testing apparel for a person not entitled to wear
>Sorcerer's robes she had tried to go for something both attractive and
>functional, and ended up with a style unlike any elsewhere on Qaiyore.
>
>A net of linen cords knotted into clear glass beads at the intersections
>held her wavy mid-brown hair. Her thin linen blouse was dyed with the
>grey mirrish dye called _sereem_, giving it the lustre of silk. The
>blouse laced up the right side, with a full sleeve opposite the lacings
>and a naked shoulder and arm above them. Her gray wool skirt was darker
>than the blouse and full, cut on a diagonal that showed her left calf
>and concealed her right. A gold pin set with a garnet held closed the
>nearly nonexistent collar of her blouse and joined a chain of white
>enameled links circling her waist and a set of decorative rounds joined
>by silver chains on her right forearm as jewelry. A small but sturdy
>purse of burnished leather carrying various odds and ends (including a
>knife in an outside sheath) fell from a strap running over her shoulder
>and between her breasts to fall at her left hip. A thinner knife in a
>sheath on her left forearm was completely concealed by the full sleeve.
>Also concealed were a number of long pins holding the hair net in place.
>A set of black leather sandals with high straps completed the ensemble.
>
>Tallas chuckled behind her. "If you look at that mirror any harder
>you're going to wear a hole in it."
>
>"I just don't want to shame the church when I take the test."
>
>Tallas picked her up off the ground and spun her in mid air. "That's not
>going to happen," he said, kissing her soundly before setting her back
>on her feet. "The fact that you're not a Sorcerer and feel confident
>enough to take the Magus Rudimentum is cause enough for pride. Things
>can only go up from there."
>
>"Unless . . ." Mira began before Tallas put his hand over her mouth.
>
>"Enough of the doubts," he said. "You'll do fine. Do you intend to walk
>or fly?"
>
>"Actually," she replied as he removed his hand, "I thought I'd splurge
>on a cab. I may need the energy for rites later, and I don't want to
>show up covered in street dust -- or worse."
>
>"Then you'd better hurry. It might take a while to find a cab."
>
>Mira nodded, and took a final frowning glance in the mirror before
>heading down to the street. In truth, though, there was no need for the
>frown. Though perhaps not a great beauty, Mira's appearance, style, and
>poise made for a strikingly attractive combination sufficient to turn
>any number of heads.
>  
>
The city of Mirabalpur lay like a giant grid across the plains east of a 
natural harbor.  At its center lay the Holy Plaza surronded by various 
palaces, temples, and the Library.    Other important buildings were 
scattered through the city.  Mira sat quietly as she rode in the couch 
with the stone buildings passing her on either side.  The coach soon 
entered the Temple Avenue.  A long street that stretched from the east 
wall to the Holy Plaza and the acropolis in the center of the city.  The 
street was named for the many temples to the many dieties of Qaiyore 
that lined the sides of the streets.

Mira felt the gentle sway of carriage as it traveled the across the huge 
granite stones that formed the Temple Avenue.  The carriage soon passed 
into shadow as it came south of the acropolis.  A large flat top hill 
that rose out of the country side.  The acropolis had been the location 
of  the original village, but now as Mira looked out the window up at 
the acropolis that was now covered with temples to Miracradsa and the 
golden temple to the Creator.  Soon the carriage passed beyond the 
acropolis and into the Holy Plaza itself.  The Holy Plaza was a the 
center of the city and was a combination of a large plaza that had 
gardens placed around it.

Mira felt the gentle sway stop as the carriage came to a halt.  The cab 
driver appeared at the door, and held it open for Mira.  "The Palace of 
Sorcery my m'lady"  He held out his hand to help Mira as she stepped out 
of the carriage.  She stood before the palace looking over the 
enterance.  The door was flanked on either size by large stautes of  
sorcerers.  The large double doors stood open to the morning fresh air.  
Beyond the entrance rose the palace itself.  It rose in a serious of 
towers and levels.

Mira quickly stepped up the stairs and entered into the visitor hall.  
Various people were gathered around in the hall at a serious of desks.  
She quickly looked around the room.  She noticed the Lord Ri'Magus 
standing at the back of  room.  She was still suprised by the clothing 
worn by the teachers at the University.  In a realm of wizards robes did 
not stand out, and because of this the scholars had chosen instead to 
wear a blue shirt with a open collar and  short sleaves, and black 
pants.  If the teacher was also a socerer they would also wear an open 
robe of their color.   The current Lord Ri'Magus wore a black open robe 
that swoshed around him as he came closer having spoted Mira.

"Lady Mira," he said as he stepped closer and extended his hand in greating.

Jason Heaps
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