[h2][u][color=goldenrod] Khan[/color] Courtyard [/u][/h2]

[color=f7941d]"That is a reasonable plan, I imagine. I have always noticed that the other races tended to give our lands a wider berth than was necessary to avoid being poisoned by our homeland's air. Sensible, but if you know of a place that is safe for them, then they may have some protection simply from the reputation of the land itself."[/color] Ssarak stated, seeming to be in agreement. 

Khan nodded as his wings folded about his stock frame and curled against his back. [color=Goldenrod] “Naga are just as vulnerable to the radiation but Val knows a way to filter it using runes and near one of the Ravine locations. Hopefully it’s only for a few years at worst. Else we’ll have to replace the rune or relocate them. Originally Watertide would’ve been better but their homeland is being set upon by Djarkel and Eania as a battle ground.”[/color] 

The headmaster looked saddened by the thought and his head turned to the Naga. The two that were greeted had already started to approach them,  Amary and Lyam showing their usual caution and control. This caused Khan to step to the side and allow them pause within talking distance. Their conversation wasn’t ceased however while Ssarak continued, the topic lightened enough for the older Esyire to spy the grin on the student. It made the teachers’ heart grow and enjoy the pleasant company.   

[color=f7941d]"I personally have been taking the time to relax whenever I can. Though, my studies are rather demanding. Today, we were fortunate enough that both of our schedules permitted us to have some time together. Satori had another obligation which forced her to reschedule our private lessons. It is rare for her not to keep an appointment, at least in my experience, but I suppose she had her reasons. I certainly shall not complain about an...albeit short reprieve. Now, you have inspired some curiosity within me, Khan. When was the last time a certain Headmaster had any significant time to himself."[/color] Ssarak asked.

Ssarak was correct in his assumption, the two Naga merely stood there until addressed again. Lyam was looking more confused by the casual exchange between Khan and the other students while Amary stood upright, her hands folded on her pelvis in patient wait. She didn’t say a word but she seemed familiar with the exchange despite her isolation from humans. Khan continued, absorbing Ssarak’s words a moment. His hand came to his scalp then scratched his head in thought. [color=goldenrod] “Not a luxury I can afford right now, I’m afraid. I’ve got Tyrael’s classes, paperwork and much more to attend to than before. I’m not even sure I remembered if I took my serum this morning, not that I’m concern about it. Nasty tasting stuff.”[/color] 

[color=00a651]"I had a little bit of training this morning with Annabeth. She wanted to try a new sword technique and I wanted to practice fighting with armor. Afterwards I met with Ssarak and... Came here." [/color] Mei popped in, becoming involved in the conversation. 

Khan recalled the last time he had walked in the two sparring, it was him and Ssarak were observing and the headmaster had actually felt like a teacher again. It was nice to not be alone on the sidelines and while he might’ve been the college’s head, he was trying to connect with each student the best he could. Not all would allow it or remember, but with any luck his influence might actually follow them into the future and help their choices. He was happy that Meirin had found something productive with her time unlike himself, thankful she no longer visited at night. Else she might’ve grown concern recently. Namely walking on conversations that already had Lucillia and Uicle eyeing him with worry and unsettled suspicions. No student needed to walk on those scene as he actively avoided places leading to the catacombs where he felt an unnatural draw to them, a fact that frightened him. It had occurred after the catacomb incident through no one had an explanation. 

When completely alone, Khan swore he could hear Kudd’s soft, polite whispers wash over his mind causing him to shiver. Unknown to Khan, his figure stiffened in reaction to memories causing his attention to become distracted. His knuckles white upon his cane and his figure leaned heavily upon it, the thing groaning from the unexpected weight. 

[color=00a651]"All work and no play will make you into a dull boy, Khan. It may do you some good to take time off."[/color]

It was Meirin’s voice that ripped from him his unsavory reaction causing the headmaster to jerk subtly back into the present. His head snapped up and quickly hid the dumbfounded look. He then reply to avoid the two students focusing on his health. [color=goldenrod] “At least work keeps me busy and someone has to do it. Lucillia’s probation period will end toward summer of next year, but until then she’s still limited to being around Lyn without supervision. Tyrael’s actions has also delivered his workload toward me which I’m the only possible choice for demonomacy until we can get another teacher to cover the gap. Whether it’s temporary or permanent depends on his behavior from here on out.”[/color]   

[h2][u][color=pink]Lyn[/color] Orchards [/u][/h2]

Lyn giggled, her hair playfully ruffled by the vampire’s hand. She immediately ducked down and moved out from Keri’s playful jester, turning to face her. Her hands immediately tried to brush her hair back into place, her attention to her looks starting to budding but not to obsession. It didn’t take long but for a moment she considered about trimming it down into a more manageable style. That was a fleeting thought since she liked to have her mother braid and toy with it, the sensation almost soothing even her depression. Lyn easily returned her attention to Keri, her tongue stuck out in response. [color=pink] “Not my fault it’s truth.”[/color] 

[color=plum] "Of course I can. And I can help you pick berries too! But um... How embarrassing... But I don't know what a mulberry tree looks like."[/color] Annabeth stated, getting Lyn’s attention, then added. [color=plum]"You must know a lot about trees thanks to your magic."[/color]  

Lyn nodded. [color=pink] “Yep, Lucillia’s gotten me a pretty good teacher though I do miss her classes. I tried to tell my parents it was my fault and see if the sentence could be lowered but it wasn’t. Uicle pretty much explained it to me but I still think she’s sorry and won’t do it again.”[/color]  

She didn’t notice the way Keri was staring at Annabeth or the way the woman said, lost in her own thoughts for a moment about how to hint to Annabeth about the tree she was in earlier being the one she sought. Lyn was spared it when Keri spoke up. The vampire seemed beside herself over the fact Annabeth didn’t know one tree from another, especially when one was staring her in the fact and been much dangling juicy berries within eyesight. 

Keri shook her head, releasing a sigh. [color=silver]” Annabeth I hate to be the one that points out the obvious but there's one right in front of you. Hold on.”[/color] Her figure backed up to climb the tree, her feet leading upward as she seemed to search for something. Lyn blinked in confusion and tilted her head, following the vampire upward into the branches. She then stepped back when Keri jumped from the branches causing the bear to growl a warning as it snuggled upon Lyn’s shoulder. Lyn’s hands had pressed into her mouth, quieting a shocked yelp and concerned look at her friend’s dangerous jump down. 

[color=silver] ” Well I guess Lucilia’s training did pay off. Oh. Sorry about the scare Helena. As you can see I'm not human though I can't really truly say that I'm alive either. Guess thats what I get for becoming a vampire.”[/color]  Keri said then shrugged off her deadly plunge down, passing Annabeth the berry laced branch. 

[b]”Ah...hello.”[/b] Tyrael’s voice caused Lyn to jerk from Keri to the fallen demonomancer, her face pretty much beaming as she walked toward him. [b]"... What are you all doing?”[/b]

[color=sliver]”Sir, Annabeth and I were just wondering on how to help Mar feel better. While discussing this we had ran into Rabbit… I mean Lyn. Since it was your day off Sir I didn't want to bother you until I had made up my mind on what to do so I apologize for everything in advance.” [/color]Her foot shifted her basket to the side, namely to hide it, while Keri covered for her. This prevented the girl from having to lie about her surprise and risk him seeing through the act easier than her own father. One thing Lyn was bad at and it was lying to her loved ones. Namely because it always felt wrong and dirty, both sensations she didn’t like in the least.  

Then Keri seemed to become distracted by Colette. [color=silver]” Hello Colette. You look very beautiful today.”[/color]

Hiding her basket well, Lyn then slide in beside Keri to follow her lead. She attempted to change the subject rather quickly. [color=pink] “Hello uncle Tyrael. It’s nice to see you out of the forge. Colette you have to teach me how to get him out more often, he needs the fresh air afterall.”[/color]