Out of all the rooms and chambers at the Institute of War, the least visited one would be the one belonging to the champion known as LeBlanc the Deceiver.

It wasn’t a question about courage or danger – on the contrary, the Matron was quite an amiable woman, entertaining her visitors with hospitality and a cup of tea. Rather, it was more of a question of actually finding the room – the stone door with a small, silvery plaque engraved with a single rose could never be found in the same spot twice. It would magically change its location, and on some days, it wouldn’t appear at all – most likely when the Matron either isn’t in her room or when she doesn’t feel like entertaining visitors.

Presently, LeBlanc was comfortably sitting with her legs crossed in her high-backed, cushioned chair, the armrests and feet carved out to look like detailed rose heads. Idly rocking her airborne leg, she reached out to the table next to her – carved in the same fashion like the chair, depicting rose motifs all over the surface – and picked up a small cup of tea.

LeBlanc brought it in front of her, breathing in the steam rising from the liquid before exhaling, a seemingly relaxed expression mirrored on her face. She closed her eyes and brought the cup of tea to her lips, ready to take a sip …

… only to linger. LeBlanc kept her eyes closed for a moment, furrowing her eyebrows. She tilted her head slightly and let out a soft, disappointed sigh before lowering the cup of tea. She opened her eyes and looked expectantly at the door – in the blink of an eye, an ethereal, blue hummingbird phased through the door and began buzzing around the champion. It seemed to have a small note in its beak.

LeBlanc placed the cup of tea back on the table and watched the conjured bird with a disinterested expression. She spoke out sarcastically as she pursed her lips in displeasure.

How quaint.

In a quick motion, LeBlanc grabbed the hummingbird by its tail feathers and gracefully held it still between her fingers. With her other hand, she plucked the note from its beak, before letting go of the conjuration and casually waved her hand through it, making it disappear in blue smoke.

The Matron patiently unfolded the note in her hands before her eyes carefully read the message within. She had a bemused smile playing on her lips, one eyebrow raised mirthfully. She casually folded back the note and placed it on the table next to her cup of tea.

So, I am expected to be sociable and entertain those that wish to speak to me? Well then, best I prepare myself for visitors …

She smiles and leans back on the chair, snapping her fingers together. A similar chair to her appears out of nowhere next to the table, as well as a tray with a porcelain tea pot and several other cups around as well as little spoons and a sugar holder, all depicting a single black rose on the surface.

Seeming pleased of herself, LeBlanc clapped her palms together twice before she tilted her head slightly, staring at the door.

Perfect~… Let them come, then.

The Grand General, Swain, rushed into the Deceiver's chamber rather quickly, but upon meeting LeBlanc's gaze, he slowed down.
As a common act of courtesy, Swain offered to kiss her hand before he began to talk.
''Matron LeBlanc. A pleasure to see you again.''
He changed his tone from courteous to a more serious one.
''But you know I would not come here without a reason.
There is a matter which requires your immediate attention.

And in the name of all interested, I must ask. What is your breakfast of champions?''

Nami wandered around the institute as she so often did in her spare time, following every hallways, inspecting every door and of course happily greeting everyone that walked past her. It was during one of these explorations that she stumbled across an unfamiliar door, she raised a brow, stopping to examine it for a moment. "I don't remember this door being here..." She whispered to herself, humming out a delightful tune.

She knocked gently three times on the door, wondering if anyone was inside. Perhaps they would like some company, or maybe... She bit her lip lightly, maybe this is meant to be out of bounds...maybe she should go...but she already knocked... She let out a heavy sigh and remained still, wondering what mysteries awaited her on the other side.

LeBlanc was already expecting the General, having stood up from her chair long before he entered the room. She bowed her head respectfully and smiled as he took her hand and kissed it. She spoke in a sweetened voice.

Grand General Jericho Swain - the feeling is mutual. Indeed, it has been ... such a long time since you and I have graced each other with our presence.

She took back her hand and gracefully gestured at the table behind her, decked and waiting with tea and cupcakes. She let out a soft chuckle and smiled knowingly.

Ah, but of course - but could we not mix business ... with pleasure? By all means - have a seat and let us speak over a cup of tea.

She walked towards the chair, her garments shifting, complementing with her movements. She eased herself in her seat and crossed her legs, making herself comfortable while maintaining a formal and refined pose, as it befits the Matron of the Black Rose. She tilts her head slightly, smiling amused.

You should know me, Jericho - my attention is always undivided when it comes to you.

She picked up a nearby cup of tea and held it in front of her, taking in the soft scent of the steaming liquid.

My breakfast of champions? What a curious question for you to ask, Jericho .... She brings the teacup close to her lips before she speaks.

I enjoy a light, refined meal, composed from several slices of toast with rose jam and butter, a hard-boiled egg or two and accompanied with a cup of coffee and plenty of tea.

She takes a sip from her cup and smiles warmly at Swain.

One has to keep appearances, you see.

The Deceiver was in, sitting at her usual spot at the table, seemingly enjoying a cup of tea. When she heard the soft, triple knock, she furrowed her eyebrow - she did not expect any kind of company at the moment. She let out a soft sigh as she spoke to herself, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Oh, the gracious host I am ...

She snapped her fingers, making the door open suddenly, only to reveal the Tidecaller waiting on the other side. LeBlanc took on a smiling expression and spoke in a sweetened tone.

Ah, Tidecaller ... What a ... pleasant surprise. By all means ... do come in ...

She gestured on the other side of the table, where the other seat had shifted its appearance, turning into a long chair instead. While it wasn't made for the comfort of a Marai, it would at least prove more comfortable to sit on than the previous one.


... and have a seat.

Nami let out a small 'eep' as the door swung open, taking a peek inside she saw Leblanc and raised a brow, "O-oh, is this your room?" She asked, after being invited in she entered, moving over and watching the seat shift shapes, sitting down and trying to get comfortable. "I'm very sorry to intrude, I was just wandering around and happened to stumble across your room I suppose..."

She rubbed the back of her head, "I suppose since I'm here we can chat... I do apologize again for my intrusion, I hope that you weren't busy." She looked at the ground for a moment before back at her host. "So...how are things?"

*After moments of steel claws scrabbling on the floors outside of LeBlanc's chamber, Urgot finds the door and enters*

Greetings, *wheeeeeze* Deceiver. How have you *wheeeeze* fared? And what is your opinion on *wheeeeze* me?

LeBlanc's gaze never left the Tidecaller's form, smirking delightfully at the reaction of the door opening. She spoke matter-of-factly.

Indeed, it seems ... the Council deemed it important that I should be given proper accommodations within the Institute so that I may have an easier time familiarizing with the other champions and ... denizens of this place.

She shrugs nonchalantly, an amused expression on her visage.

Rather, I think they should have considered just how hard they made it for others to find me! Ho ho ho!

She waves her hand, as if trying to banish Nami's concern.

Aaaah, but you have managed to find me ... She raises her eyebrow, seemingly looking down at her. Unintentionally, apparently. Quite the explorer, aren't you?

She tilted her head slightly, her expression shifting back to a more friendly one.

That just makes your worthwhile of my time. I am not a person you could easily ... stumble upon.

She snaps her fingers, a small tray with two cups of tea and a plate of cupcakes and cookies appearing. LeBlanc reaches out for the closest cup and holds in it front of herself.

Busy? Not at all. I do no mind entertaining ... fellow champions.

She brings the cup of tea to her lips and smirks.

Ah, but you ought not worry your pretty little head about my ... 'things'. I'm more than certain they will cause you such a dreadful headache. Rather, I feel I should ask about you ... What would such a pretty little Marai like you want from the Matron of the Black Rose, hmm?

As she would wait for the Tidecaller to answer, LeBlanc proceeds to drink from her tea.

''Your impeccable taste when it comes to tea always manages to distract me from even the most urgent of matters, Emilia.''

Swain followed LeBlanc to the table, slowly sitting down and grabbing a cup of tea.
He listened to her talk, while taking a sip himself, before returning the cup to the table.

''But meals, tea and a warm welcome are not the reasons for my visit.''

Swain took one more large sip, emptying his cup and returning it again. He then leaned forward, speaking as clearly as he could.

''I think I found a way for us to retrieve Heyvan's letters.''

"Not so much an explorer as simply someone with a curious and wandering mind, I tend to just move around the halls until I find something interesting to occupy my time for a while, like when I found the Steward-Summoner's room."

She rubbed the back of her head, "It wasn't...particularly hard to find you, like I said it was more of an accident than anything, a happy accident though." She smiled, nodding, "Well I'm glad that I'm not interrupting anything than." She let out a hum, thinking of what to talk about, "Hmm, well...I've always wondered... Is it really ALL smoke and mirrors? I mean... I've felt your spells first hand...they hurt... I don't see how that can be a simple illusion..."