The next debate, unfortunately, was much longer than the first. It appeared that this time, both sides had fairly good, acceptable arguments that were so well received that the result was an almost tie. But considering the debate was over the correct interpretation of the Sixth Book of Aidenn, second edition, very few of the traveling group were even the least bit interested. It might have helped some if they'd ever heard of Aidenn and his philosophical exploits.
Snails found himself rudely awakened, however, when it did finally end, as Marina leapt up in an effort to catch the mage. Norda had the composure to rise more slowly, fluidly. Before they caught the mage though, a red cloak suddenly swished into place at the end of Maecyn's row, blocking him from leaving and attracting the attention of the mage. It was Arkyn.
"Aah, it was a good debate," Arkyn addressed Maecyn, his opponent earlier, with a slimy smile, "a good debate Maecyn. I'm dreadfully sorry, of course, for the result - not that the best man didn't win," his smile broadened, "but I'm horrified that such a revered Mage could be snubbed so in a Meeting, even after that last performance...."
Maecyn's face flushed red with irritation, "You can gloat elsewhere Arkyn." Arkyn feigned a shocked, hurt look.
"Well, what a suggestion! If you're going to be rude." He looked up as though he'd just been done some great indignity, but his eyes flashed wickedly as he turned and made his way back down the aisle.
"You won't get anyone to help you that way," Arkyn's voice floated back towards them half mockingly.
Marina looked after him with some distaste, "What a perfectly detestable man." At least she'd seen through the red cloaked Mage, her travels must have been having some affect on her after all.
"Yes," Maecyn agreed, turning towards them as he was reminded the group was there, "I'm afraid I rise too easily to the occasion when he baits me," he sighed, "but please, you wished to speak of my theories."
"Yes, I too, am interested," Norda spoke, coming to stand next to Marina and the Mage. Maecyn looked surprised at the sight of an elf, which was strange because she was not the only one in the room. Snails yawned, attracting their attention. Marina and Norda, Marina in particular, looked a little miffed at this.
"Of course!" Maecyn exclaimed, "It is late, and you look new in town. I will invite you as guests to my home! All my research and calculations are there also, which I would be delighted to share with you."
"Oh we couldn't possibly..." Marina began, then realised that not only was everyone looking at her as though she was mad, but that they were right - a place to spend the night that would not indent their pockets, "That would be lovely."
Maecyn smiled warmly, "This way." He began leading them back through the town hall rooms.
"Ooheee," Snails commented excitedly from the rear, "a Mage's house. That's gotta be full of lots of interesting.... old.... expensive things!"
"Yeah, none of which is ours. Just don't go taking anything," Ridley warned quietly, next to him, and Snails frowned.
"Oh why'd you always have to go and ruin everyone else's fun," the thief muttered irritatedly to himself, but apparently was still loud enough to turn Ridley's head and earn him a pair of raised eyebrows.