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Ioannis tried not to laugh too much at the discussion of Jorah, but still found it amusing. He was delighted (and a little surprised) at both Clarissa and Auberon's offer of assistance, putting on a thoughtful face.

[color=springgreen]"I may have to take you both up on that offer sooner than later. But please, don't let me keep you,"[/color] Ioannis insisted. [color=springgreen]"I do hope you come to enjoy your time here! And tea sounds lovely, I'll make sure to ask someone to fetch some leaves from the market at their earliest convenience."[/color]

Giving the pair a genuine smile, he gave the pair a wave as he decided to rejoin Sirius and Kalliope.

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A low toned bell rang through the campus, heard from all around Garreg Mach. It was distinct from the usual chimes of the times of day, indicating that meals were ready at the [b]Dining Hall[/b]. On any other day, a horde of students and church goers would likely stampede into the room and form lines, but as today was more relaxed, it was mostly stragglers and the hungry that decided to answer to the bell's summons. Word about a get together in a Golden Deer dormitory had spread, and it spread [i]fast[/i]--while there were some who preferred to get settled, some were curious to see the many nobles of the Rose Unit. The idea of putting a majority--if not all--the nobles into a single unit had spread faster than the party rumors, with whispers on the Archbishop's decision floating around.

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[color=turquoise]"I should've taken a nap..."[/color] Derec quietly grumbled to himself, stretching his arms above his head. The realization came after the initial excitement at everything on campus had worn off; he had attended the sermon, but rather than stick around and wait for some of the clergy to approach him, he had decided that exploring the campus was a much better use of his time. The Monastery was not only well kept, but any nature around was preserved wonderfully. The greenhouse in particular ended up being his favorite place, and he had made it clear that any volunteering opportunities there would likely get snatched up by him first.

Of course, all that wandering had left him hungry and tired. Luckily one of those problems could be solved by just going to the cafeteria! He was still trying to get a handle on what he thought of the little group, but he wasn't completely concerned. Kellen seemed friendly enough and both Auberon and Lienna tied for being difficult depending on circumstances, but he figured he would cross that road when it came. 

A nearby tree shook rather violently, causing Derec to jump in place. Before he could react, a shadow dropped from the leaves, landing in front of him. Despite the blur, it soon became obvious that it was a person and not some shadow monster. The mess of silver hair had clued him in that the guy in front of him had somehow been [i]napping[/i] in the trees, confirmed by the loud yawn that followed.

[color=yellowgreen]"Ah. Ballard, isn't it?"[/color] He asked, silver eyes examining Derec carefully. [color=yellowgreen]"For someone so cautious, you certainly love spending time alone, don't you?"[/color]

Derec had about a dozen questions to ask, but he decided on the two most obvious: [color=turquoise]"Who are you? Have we met?"[/color] He asked, though he realized he definitely would have remembered such unique clothing.

[color=yellowgreen]"Theo. And no, we haven't,"[/color] He yawned again, rolling his shoulder. [color=yellowgreen]"But I figured I'd introduce myself. Wouldn't want you too spooked while I was trailing you."[/color]

Narrowing his eyes, Derec couldn't help but scoff. [color=turquoise]"Does the Church really have nothing better to do than track a random student around?"[/color]

[color=yellowgreen]"Considering the tracking of one Miss Orhneaht, apparently not,"[/color] Theo admitted that much, his eyes sharpening as he looked at Derec. [color=yellowgreen]"Except you're not just some random student, are you?"[/color]

Derec wasn't sure what Theo was trying to do. He wasn't exact intimidating, but it was startling how much he seemed to know. The Church decided not to out him, so what was this guy doing, exactly? Was he trying to make sure he stayed quiet? Or did he look to expose him? 

Theo picked up on Derec's nervousness, rolling his eyes. [color=yellowgreen]"Relax, you'll give yourself a heart attack if you get too paranoid,"[/color] He said, waving off Derec's concerns. [color=yellowgreen]"If anything, I'm here to make sure nothing happens to you. It wouldn't do to have a student assassinated on holy ground."[/color]

[color=turquoise]"How thoughtful,"[/color] Derec replied, clearly in disbelief. [color=turquoise]"Why bother revealing yourself to me if you're supposed to be watching me?"[/color]

[color=yellowgreen]"To gain trust and all that nonsense. It wasn't my idea, but you seem the most paranoid of the ones I'm supposed to be watching, so I thought I'd give it a shot,"[/color] Theo said, placing his hands behind his head as he walked towards the cafeteria. [color=yellowgreen]"I'm jonesing for some Grilled Herring."[/color]

Ones. Theo was watching multiple people? Orhneaht was Lienna's last name, so he wasn't the only one. Derec hated how nonchalant Theo seemed to be about it, too. Of course, nonchalance was comparable to whatever look Professor Michail gave him earlier. Letting out a sigh, Derec decided to put it out of mind for now--he'd stress himself out further if he lingered on it too much. That said, it ended up consuming his thoughts as he got his dinner and sat down at a table, trying to figure out who Theo actually was. His face definitely looked familiar, but he clarified that they hadn't met.

[color=turquoise]"What a great start,"[/color] Derec couldn't help but mumble, picking at his jerky. 

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