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[h1]Arc One: Forged Bonds[/h1]
[h3]~Entrance Ceremony~[/h3]

Moonlight flooded the open square, the moon's fullness reflected off of every window and fountain surface. It was a pleasant, cloudless night with a warm breeze that bore the scent of freshly bloomed flowers and carried with it a sense of festivity. Several lanterns around the space glowed to life as the front gates to the academy grounds swung open, allowing access to the groups of people that had gathered outside. Vampires and mages alike entered the courtyard to be met with servants of all sorts carrying with them trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Music could be heard clearly, although its source was nowhere to be seen, and excited chatter filled the air as the night's socializations effortlessly began. Some faces found one another to be familiar, others itching to make new acquaintances, and some others yet found themselves distanced from the event. All, however, found placed in their hands a folded piece of parchment with their names written on the outside and an enchanted seal to prevent premature peeking.

If a complete stranger had wandered by, having no prior knowledge of the area, the gathering might have come across as some random town celebration. However, for those more familiar with the gated community, there was no mystery behind the event. The night's festivities were centered around the welcoming of new students to the esteemed university, Stonebrooke Academy. Quite literally taking up the whole town, Stonebrooke was known far and wide for its expansive grounds and extravagant methods. It seemed money was no object to a place like this , after all, it was founded by the vampire princess herself. To a vampire of her standing, appearances were just about everything.

It was for this exact reason that she refused to allow anything but the best for her students. The finest education, highest quality living arrangements, professionally prepared foods from all around the world, anything and everything one would need to feel comfortable. Aside from all that, though, was the most important thing. Space. The entire town belonged to Stonebrooke Academy and was filled entirely by the students and staff of the university. Plenty of places to go and hang around but just as many to slip away and be alone if that's what was needed. Without interference from the outside world, the goal was to allow the natural growth between vampire students and their mage pairs. The necessary bonds were not something that could be forced but proximity was the key. It was Princess Zaria's hope that Stonebrooke was the happy medium between the two factors.

~~~

About an hour had gone by since the gates had opened to the town's newest residents, having given everyone ample time to arrive, make their initial introductions and to get comfortable with their new environment. As the moon inched closer to it's zenith, several men in dark suits could be seen clearing a small space around the center water fountain. Taking their positions around the structure, one of the group spoke into a device on his wrist before continuing to lookout into the crowd of people. It was a harmless gesture, one that had probably gone unnoticed by many in attendance. What didn't go unnoticed was the arrival of a particular woman clad in silver, escorted by a single man on her left-hand side. She was a sight to behold, carrying herself in a manner that displayed both delicacy and authority all at the same time. Her companion, on the other hand, was a tad more... rough. Not at all surprising considering his position and function at such events. As the woman approached the fountain the lanterns dimmed to nothing and a hand was extended to her as she stepped up.

Making her way easily, and not to mention gracefully, to the platform atop the fountain, the woman took a moment to survey her surroundings. The chatter died down as each of the student's faces turned to view the obviously important arrival. Under the natural spotlight of the full moon, everything about this particular woman seemed to glow. Light reflected off her silver accessories as well as the design embedded into her extravagant dress, even her lightly colored hair seemed to have a shine of its own. But above all else, the piece that was likely to catch the most attention was the ruby encrusted tiara sitting atop her head and a matching pendant clasped around her neck.

Light crimson eyes studied the crowd before her as a warm smile softened her porcelain features. "[color=skyblue]It is with great pleasure that I stand before you here today, to welcome each and every one of you to Stonebrooke Academy. My name is Zaria Bloodcrest, daughter of the Grand Coven Leader Count Marius, and founder of this prestigious university.[/color]" The pale woman fell silent for a moment, allowing the inevitable whispers to fill the space before holding her hand up to silence them. Such a reaction was only to be expected from the newcomers, after all the who would believe rumors that a founder of her status would show up in person to such an event.

"[color=skyblue]I'm sure a few of you might be confused by your gathering here as no formal application to this school had been submitted. Worry not, all shall be explained to you this evening but I would like to start off by thanking you all for attending tonight's festivities. Despite how it looks, not one of you is here by chance. You have been invited to attend for one reason and one reason only: to learn. Over the next few years each and every one of you will learn more about yourselves, and each other, than you ever thought possible.[/color]" Zaria's voice ran clearly throughout the courtyard, echoing lightly into the night. Her words might have seemed a little cliché but they were in no way invalid. Over the couple centuries Stonebrooke had stood, the one thing Zaria could count on was the inevitable interactions between her guests. Whether it be class or something else, no one could escape the bonds that would be formed there.

"[color=skyblue]It is my personal belief that our society will continue to grow, leading us to further perfect the peace that our two kinds have created. However, this can only happen if stronger bonds are formed between us. Friendships, relationships, and even the delicate bonds shared between those who feed and those who are fed... At Stonebrooke the one thing you cannot be taught is the one thing you all must learn: Trust. Trust in us, trust in yourselves, and above all else, trust in each other. I understand that this might be difficult for some of you and that is perfectly alright. These are things that take incredible amounts of time, which is why you will all be living here throughout the process.[/color]" She paused for another moment, taking the time to glance up at the sky as the moon shifted into its position directly above her. Inhaling slowly, the stalling portion of Zaria's speech had finally come to a close. Now was when the real fun began.

Lowering her gaze back to her students, the princess revealed to them their first test in trust. "[color=skyblue]I'm sure you are eager to settle in to your new homes and explore the campus so I won't hold you for much longer. In each of your hands is a piece of paper with your name on one side and a seal on the other. In a moment my companion here will lift the enchantment placed on the seal. When he does you will finally be able to read what has been written on the inside, but first you must listen very closely to what I have to say. Each of you have been divided into pairs consisting of one vampire and one mage, pairs that have been hand-picked and assigned by yours truly. The name and photo provided on the inside of that paper is your assigned partner and the address is where you will be rooming together. Please be advised that there will be no reconsiderations and that the swapping of partners is expressly forbidden. Now, I believe I have held you all for quite long enough. I wish you all good luck and hope that you enjoy the rest of your evening. Jury, if you would please, I think our guests would like to see what our Academy has in store for them.[/color]" She said, nodding down in the direction of the man that had escorted her in. 

The lanterns glowed to life once again as Zaria stepped down from her make-shift podium, waiting just long enough for the enchantments to be lifted before disappearing back in the direction she had arrived from. Once away from the students she finally addressed her security team. "[color=skyblue]You guys know the drill by now, no one is to interfere unless a life is in immediate danger. They need to learn how to diffuse their own situations, even if they are the ones starting them to begin with.[/color]" She ordered, waving her hand to dismiss the suited men.


[hider=Drumroll Please!]
[h1]Pairing Master List[/h1]
~Mike & Raphael~  [Libby and Coppy]
~Kyran & Rolf~  [Kidd and Azereiah]
~Nick & Sera~  [Rawk and Ellion]
~Lucis & Damien~ [Renny and The One]
~Ailsalia & Araceli~ [Dusksong and Rabid]
~Declan & Kanalie~ [Ellion and Kiwi]
~Josie and Aine~ [Ellion and Dusksong]
~Light and Alexander~ [The One and Achronum]
~Scarlet and Scarlet~ [The One and Libby]
~Rowan and Lilith~ [Kidd and The One]
~Elizabeth and Joseph~ [Libby and Ellion]
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