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[i][b]The Academy, Orientation Day.[/b][/i]

On a bright, crisp autumn day, the academy's doors are officially open, and the hundreds of students attending are arriving from every corner of the world.

The Academy itself is built of strong, sturdy stone, giving it the appearance of a gothic church or old medieval castle. Some say it was, before our dear Headmistress took charge. The stained glass windows sitting high on their towers, runic inscriptions, and heavy wooden doors all lend the feeling that the Academy does not exist in the present, but rather in the past. Its location, on top of a large mountain, looks over forests, seas, beaches, and valleys, but students who attend attest to the feeling of isolation, of being cut off. The array of different environments, however, may comfort some. The Academy grounds are vast, but the lack of magical protection (aside from old charms and runes) makes it a likely target for Spirits. But in that lies the Academy's greatest strength. 

Miss Headmaster Elysion clears her throat.

"I hope you all are sufficiently seated..." Her voice rings throughout the expansive hall. She checks her watch. "It is half-past eight. The doors, please."

The doors close with a resounding bang. The students, sitting at long, wooden tables rather than the normal auditorium seats, wait impatiently...

"Welcome to the Academy, young ones. To attend is a great privilege. For that, I commend you.
 
All of you--no matter where you came from, no matter what you were before now, all of you are here for one purpose: to fight. To grow. To [i]learn[/i]. It is our duty as teachers to help you along this quest of self-improvement, and your duty as students to give your all, whatever the situation. Please, believe us when we say we only want the very best for all of you. 

Of course, this process is not easy. There will be hardships. There will be pain. But, young ones, this is your biggest task--to overcome yourselves. 

And [i]that[/i] is task we present to you."

([@Metamore][@Canidae][@ReveTheDreamer][@Joker892][@QueenNugget][@AGenericUser][@sassy1085]. Take it at your own pace. Some of you don't have sheets in the character tab yet, please post them so nobody has to dig for info. There is still time to apply, if you wish to.)