Tamara de Lempicka Dormeuse

Tamara de Lempicka DormeuseTamara de Lempicka AndromedaTamara de Lempicka Adam and Eve
thin, gangling, pale from reading disturbing books in unhealthy rooms, and had watery eyes like two lightly-poached eggs. It crossed Gander's mind that one must speculate in order to accumulate.
All he needs to get right to the top, he thought, is a bit of a handicap. Wizards are martyrs to things like asthma and flat feet, it somehow seems to give them their drive.
"What's your name, lad?" he said, as kindly as possible.
" "My young friend follows higher magic than the mere hurling of sorceries," said the wizard.
"-o," said Simon.
Gander nodded.
"Well," he said, "maybe you will indeed be a wizard, lad. Maybe when you have your fine staff you'll consent to travel with me one time, yes? I will make an investment in you, yes?"Sssssssssssssss" said the boy. His Adam's apple bobbed like a captive balloon. He turned to his companion, full of mute appeal. "Simon," said Trestle. "- imon," agreed Simon, thankfully. "Can you cast fireballs or whirling spells, such as might be hurled against an enemy?" Simon looked sideways at Trestle. "Nnnnnnnnnn" he ventured.