[color=lightpink][b]Kyran[/b][/color]
[indent]Kyran's light eyes flickered about, squinting against even the faintest of lights. He was still sensitive, [i]new[/i] to the unlife of the vampires. He had little idea that half the people around him were hundreds of years old, but he might have suspected by the tall and confident gaits or chatter of [i]old[/i] friends who appeared no older than twenty-something. Compared to the elegance and class around him, he was short and wide eyed. His clothes were a level too casual, and he tugged nervously on his white rat tail. White-- he fit the generic descriptor of a vampire: pale, red eyes--closer to pink however--and aching, growing fangs. But the albinism was a pre-undead condition, and he was at least grateful for the improved sight. [i]Almost too improved,[/i] he thought, squinting against a harsh, crimson light reflecting off the woman's tiara.

She introduced herself before growing quiet, allowing the crowd to whisper and gossip for a few moments. Kyran's gaze flickered to his right, the utterance of "princess" coming from the general direction. "[color=lightpink]Oh,[/color]" he said to himself dumbly, his eyes finding the princess again with anew curiosity. Un-admittedly, he found himself falling in and out of listening to her words, sizing her up for her nonverbal presentation instead: she certainly carried herself like a princess and was definitely beautiful enough for the part. His gaze followed her long, flowing hair and its frame around her curves. As if such a woman would need it, he nodded in silent approval. 

Princess Zaria's speech came to a close and he watched her nod to the side. His eyebrows furrowed together as he followed the movement and, still finding himself confused, he looked around at the others. Finally, the people around him pawed at the envelopes they were given and he cleared his throat to follow suit. A small panic set in, and he mentally scorned himself for not listening. What were these for? What was the point? Something about attending the academy, sure, but what could the envelope hold that was so important that everyone had to wait until this exact moment?

"[color=lightpink]Rolf Mogenssen?[/color]" he wondered aloud, eyeing the photo with narrowed eyes. Rolf in question was a plain enough looking fellow: glasses and shaggy blonde hair. [i]Some sort of team building exercise?[/i] Kyran thought, gaze raising from the photo to locate the fellow.[/indent]

[color=a187be][b]Rowan[/b][/color]
[indent]Quite the contrast to some [i]younger vampires[/i] and mages, Rowan stood tall and confident. Chin up, eyes forward, she had the poise to rival the princess...but the grace not to dare suggest it. Her light brown skin was complimented by her dark brown eyes, flecked with deep red tones. Her hair fell in long cascades, styled and loose for the important occasion. She humored small talk with a smile and quiet laughs sure to show off her white fangs, never failing to respond appropriately to the "how do you dos" and "it's been far too longs." Truly, Rowan embodied the pedigree that is the Batisma name was known for. Attuned to the atmosphere, Rowan's eyes would be some of the first to be directed to the stage. Other vampires, for sure, may beat her to it, but it was by her interest that others knew to look upon the stage. 

Princess Zaria introduced herself, and Rowan gazed on seemingly unfazed. In fact, when she did glance around at the crowd, it was with the slightest yet most judgmental wrinkle of her nose: [i]of course[/i] these people should recognize the princess. The quick wave of murmurs was uncalled for, and her attention recentered on the princess as quickly as it had receded. She would continue to listen quietly, gaze mostly unwavering save for catching slight movements of others throughout the speech. Rowan smiled to herself, taken pride in being hand selected to attend the academy. [i]An opportunity that will not be wasted, [/i]she thought to herself...though it was clear that the journey wouldn't be without some bumps.

Rowan's smile slowly faded as the speech went on. It was one thing for vampires and mages to be attending the same school, however, she found herself stuck on a single sentence. [i]"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."[/i] It echoed in her head, dismay settling in. Magic was fascinating, to be sure, but not enough that Rowan wanted to be assigned a mage for her time at the academy. Her dark gaze fell to the envelope in her fingers, and she licked her drying lips. [color=a187be]"Hm."[/color]

And, suddenly, she was not taking the initiative in the crowd. Faintly, Rowan could hear the envelopes being opened by those around her and she suddenly felt left behind. Her eyes shot back up to the stage, hoping that the Princess would announce that the joke was over and that everyone would laugh. But Princess Zaria was gone, and Rowan stood in a crowd equal parts mage and vampire--[i]too equal[/i]. [color=a187be]"Hm,"[/color] she repeated dryly, licking her lips again. Forcing a smile of her own, she opened the envelope. 

Inside, information for a young woman by the name of Lilith was revealed. Appearance alone, she was already opposite to Rowan: light hair where she had dark and pretty blue eyes to contrast Rowan's deep red. Slowly, she closed the envelope and raised her chin again, scanning the crowd for the girl.[/indent]