Bara had never been at once so elated and unsure of herself. As they made their way to the dorms everything blurred together, a tingle down her spine and a hop in her step. Anything that happened passed over her zoned-out notice. She wanted to be upright and pay attention and be the best example she could be of someone willing to work hard, but the more she walked the more the notion that [i]this is real life, I'm not at home, I'm not anywhere near home, and I'm not sure what's really going to happen to me[/i] began draining the color from her face. Like a child who was really, really excited to ride the fun-looking rollercoaster, swearing they'd be fine, only to come off traumatized, crying, and swear to never ride another again.

Miko looked up at her and whined occasionally, she never did lose the grip on her leash, but neither did she pay the dog any notice.

There were no pests, she had always been thankful of that idea, but she thought it unusual she felt more afraid of the setting she found herself in than when she'd go outside to work alone...unarmed even. Perhaps it was that Pests were familiar to most in the world, and everything about this was unfamiliar to someone not only unexposed to battle, but also unexposed to the level of population, the liveliness, and yes...the concept of magic.

She almost bumped right into Richard when they reached the campus and only half-heartedly looked around after taking her number. Her dorm would be with the other girls, which, while fine in any other circumstance wasn't where she wanted to be crowded at this moment. As she watched Evangeline seem to say a prayer to the fountain, she wondered exactly how poor of an impression ditching roommates for a while would make. Richard did not mention any requirement to stay put, only that they'd get their keys in the morning. 

Eyes watering a little, she shakily slid down the handle of her suitcase and used its alternate straps over her shoulder like a backpack. She considered heading to the front desk of the school itself and asking for information, rules to follow, even a tour. Though as much as she'd like to get a jump start on her duties, it was possible they weren't there, and it was also possible Maniacles wouldn't appreciate her being that much of a kiss-ass without their supervision. But she had to do something soon. Her bones were itching. She stomped her feet a little and wiped her eyes. 

Others separated from the pack after Richard left, a bee-line for those dorms. It didn't matter what she got as long as it was warm. The other girls might even appreciate her letting them have first run of the place, neither there to fight over beds nor to annoy them with her voice. What to do? Watching their backs for a minute to make sure nobody was staring her way before spinning around, she went in the other direction, back towards the city. The time she had to be ready was 9am, it was only dusk, and the mystical-seeming lights and well-groomed grounds were ready to throw her headfirst into another mental reality. Besides, she had a little experience in long distance walking and memorizing landmarks. Probably, she could find her way back after letting the load of her emotions off.

Leading Miko along a little past the gate, by some benches lining the wall, the tears finally started falling. She tried to keep composure and keep walking, but holding her mumbling mouth, stepping with wobbly legs, it was still a ridiculous sight. At least she felt safely out of view. Miko stopped, jumped up on her legs, moaned. 

"Oof! I'm sorry baby." Bara babbled, leaning down to hug the giant whining dog. "Hey, maybe you'd like to go for a little walk, huh? Maybe there's even a store with dog food." she said with a smile. Stuffing the collar of her jacket in her mouth, breathing deeply to calm down, she considered how to make it to the beach. That would be a beautiful place to chill at night. One she had never seen at any time of the day. 

Would she be in trouble if she came back late? Would the gate be closed? Would her roommates be happy or pissed? She was unsure and figured she'd worry about that when the time came. Thinking back to when she was counting the buildings, relief was in order. She could tell which direction the closest seashore was based on the first building they left. First though, dog food. Some buildings seemed to be closed, dark windows, nothing in parking lots. So the best way to go was likely towards the street with the most traffic.

The tears returned, walking alone on the sidewalk, she allowed herself to start crying.