Aarik decided to start out with what was mostly the truth. "I was showing Samuel through the lab."
"Without permission," Roanne stated flatly.
"It was a... spontaneous decision," Aarik countered, smiling pleasantly at his masters despite the fear inside him. "We caused no harm, merely looked around."
Jandah's expression was troubled. "Why not wait until later, then?"
Aarik switched his concentration to the man he hoped would sponsor him to High Apprenticeship sometime within the next year, nerves tightening the skin around his mouth even though he continued to smile. Jandah would likely be able to read his discomfort in his face, for they spent a great deal of time together. He was not the ideal match for Aarik, as far as masters went, but he was the one who had no High Apprentice to serve him and Aarik wished for that position almost more than he wished for his next breath. They didn't share a vocational interest but Jandah certainly understood his love of cheistry; he was a teacher, after all, and the one who loaned his key to Aarik whenever he asked. He could only hope that that trusted position hadn't been changed when they'd broken into the labs.
"Because Samuel solved one of my puzzles and wanted his prize - a tour of the island - this morning. I wanted to see how well he could pick a lock so I let him. You know I'd never do anything harmful to the labs but I believe he's better than a first year and wasted in Libramen so... we looked around. I was hoping to impress him," Aarik said, tossing the lock to Jandah, who caught it smoothly. His almost-mumble and regretful tone were convincing enough. "I'm planning on seeing the Grand Master in a few hours, to discuss Samuel's conversion to Eruditio," Aarik announced, his head held high. "He's willing, as long as the Grand Masters discuss it."
Both Eruditio masters looked surprised, doubtful and possibly even a little angry as he made this announcement, but Aarik had nothing to hide. It was his only reasoning for going through with the break-in, after all. Jandah's attention shifted to the first year at his side. "Presumptuous," he muttered, shaking his head briefly before looking back at Aarik. "Well, that won't be happening now. You're both confined to your quarters for the break in. Two days. There may be more, if the Veneficus masters wish to recoup the trouble of re-setting their enchantments. Go."
Janda's tone didn't brook argument, even though it had been uttered calmly - almost boredly. Aarik set off towards his quarters immediately, back teeth tapping his agitation with every step.