[center]
[h1][color=f49ac2]Amaris Marivaldi[/color][/h1]
[sub]Interacting with: No one in particular[/sub]
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The rhythmic clicking of heels filled the night air, echoing melodically off the stone walls shifting by. It wasn’t the sound of fragile dressiness but rather strength and confidence; a gait of purpose behind every audible step. Not so far behind trailed another two sets of subtle shuffling, a quick but muted sound as they followed the one that set their pace. A slow inhale of swelling air was released as an audible sigh as the young woman closed her eyes and spun around. The sudden motion caused the hem of the raven haired woman’s jackets to sway, bouncing gracefully around her ankles before settling back into place. Crystal violet eyes fell upon the two men that shadowed her every move, shifting calmly between the pair as they ceased moving as well.

“[color=f49ac2]While I appreciate your… vigilance… your presence is not needed here.[/color]” The woman spoke calmly and respectfully, choosing each word with precision and care. She knew the men that escorted her were only doing their jobs, but she was no fledgling and quite capable of defending herself if the need arose. Considering the event she was attending, not to mention the types of people who would also be attending, there was little need for concern. The men exchanged glances between one another before turning back to their charge, the one bowing his head dutifully before speaking.

“[color=gray]Yes, m’lady. But we are here as instructed by his lordship Salazar-[/color]” The man fell silent as she raised her arm, holding her palm out to signify that she had heard enough.

“[color=f49ac2]Don’t get me wrong, I am not ungrateful for your efforts. The two of you have done an amazing job in making sure my trip has occurred according to plan, but look around. We are at the heart of Noila territory. Everything here belongs to the royal family and I’m sure they thoroughly vet each person allowed to work and live around the academy.[/color]” Gesturing to the buildings around the small group, the woman smiled reassuringly at the men who shuffled with uncertainty under her gaze.

“[color=f49ac2]This is no ordinary school orientation. Each and every person, mage or vampire, have been hand selected for attendance. The staff know exactly what sorts of people are going to be here, and I doubt they would allow their reputation to be sullied by an attack on their students. Besides, I hear the princess herself tends to make an appearance… There couldn’t be anywhere safer.[/color]” She stated confidently, glancing between the two men once again. They seemed slightly more at ease to the eye, but she could still sense their hesitance. Hiding a mischievous smile behind her eyes, the woman sighed again and held her arms up in a suspended shrug.

“[color=f49ac2]That is unless you doubt the Royal’s ability to hire competent security for their events?[/color]”

“[color=gray]No! I-I mean, no… Of course we do not doubt the royal house. If you are certain you have no further need of us, m’lady, we will take our leave.[/color]” She felt a little bad for messing with her guards in such a manner but her words were not untrue. Noila Academy was ranked among the most fortified locations in all the country. The woman had to admit, though, that she had not spoken the full truth.

The biggest reason for sending the men off had more to do with appearances than anything else. While there were likely to be others from noble houses in attendance, there were likely to be more guests from lower classes. Noila was famous for the opportunities it granted, an illusion of perfect equality regardless of status. She didn’t want to come across as being above anyone else, especially not as a first impression to the person she was to be paired with for the entirety of the curriculum.

“[color=f49ac2]It was a long trip and I’m sure you two are tired. Try to relax on your way home, and safe travels.[/color]” She bid the men a farewell before she turned back around and made her way to where the rest of the guests had gathered to.

[center]~~~[/center]

Upon reaching the main entrance to the festivities, a sharply dressed woman halted her progress and asked for her invitation while her partner stared her down. Glancing back at the male she was quick to note the subtle shifting of his lips as he looked her over head to toe. If she had to guess, he was most likely using a spell of some sort in order to detect threatening weapons, or perhaps a lie detection magic. Turning her full attention back to the female security guard, the woman handed over her invitation without fuss.

“[color=f49ac2]This is the orientation party for Noila Academy, correct? My name is Amaris Marivaldi, I will be attending this year.[/color]” She stated, her posture held high as was customary for her when attending official events. After a quick glance between each other, and a nod from the man standing off to the side, the guards ushered her through the gate toward the rest of the group. On her way by, Amaris was handed an envelope that seemed to be sealed using magic.

Inspecting the seal curiously, she could faintly make out the runes that bound it, laughing to herself with amusement as she tucked the note away. Even if she managed to open the envelope before the allotted time, Amaris doubted that she would find anything written inside. After all, it wouldn’t be a good show without a little over-the-top theatrics.

Amaris took a quick opportunity to look over her outfit, smoothing out any imperfections so as to make the best first impression possible. She had opted for an intentionally messy updo, relaxed hair pinned back to keep it up off her neck. Two free strands had been allowed to fall on either side of her face, curled ever so slightly to give it a bounce with every step. For her clothes, Amaris had been reluctant to go all out but knew that she had to at least put some effort into looking her part. She wore a plain white blouse underneath a dark red corset vest with tight, black leather pants, and heeled knee-high boots that laced up the front. For the most part, her ensemble was elegant in its simplicity, but what really tied it all together was her coat. It was a full length piece that hugged her figure until about her hips, where it flared out and draped like a skirt. Its sleeves were short and puffed to give the top more dimension and bore a stiff collar that stood on its own with little aid.

She slipped a pendant from her pocket and draped it around her neck, a thin silver chain attached to an oval crest bearing her family’s sigil. Corrections made, Amaris took a deep breath and assumed her posture before entering the scene. Expertly plucking a crystal wine glass from a passing tray, the young woman carried the viscous fluid more for show than her own benefit. She wasn’t one to partake in blood tasting unless necessary, but she had to admit that she’d been feeling rather drained following her journey. She sipped at it slowly, almost immediately feeling the revitalizing effects.

While she had yet to develop a particular craving to blood, Amaris did find herself wishing the glass contained something a little sweeter. Fruitier tones had a tendency to sit better with her, but the traces of coconut in her current drink was enough to placate her thirst. Slowly, but methodically, Amaris wandered the courtyard, milling about to watch and listen to those around her. On occasion she would insert herself into a conversation, introduce herself or show recognition for another. It was all apart of the political game that her kind played… a game no one played better than the nobles.

Between the mood set by the lights and the quality service, the Marivaldi child was no less than impressed. On the surface, everything appeared to be running smoothly and without fault. WIth so many moving parts, details were easy to overlook and forget, but everyone involved had worked their routine out to perfection. A truly impressive feat for a school event.

Movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention, eyes sliding across the space to settle on two men taking positions by the main fountain. She caught him speaking into a piece on his wrist, no doubt another security guard for the event. Until now, the guards had remained toward the outskirts, causing her to wonder what brought them in. Nothing had seemed particularly out of place…

[i][color=f49ac2]Ah, I thought as much.[/color][/i]

Amaris made her way in closer to the fountain, maintaining a respectful distance but ensuring a good view for what was to come. A few moments later the lights had been dimmed making a spotlight out of the natural moonlight. Stepping up before the crowd was a woman of mesmerizing beauty. Her poise, the grace the filled even the tiniest of motions… Everything about the woman standing before her screamed regal. Amaris had been very young when she had met Princess Ryner, but even now she was just as entranced as she had been as a child. There was just something about her that Amaris just couldn’t look away. Had she a beating heart, it would have skipped.

Maintaining her grip on her glass, Amaris pulled her right arm in closer to her chest while tucking the left one behind her back. It was a posture her father had taught her as a subtle way to salute those of higher standing than herself whilst keeping her position above those who were not as high as she.

She was a little sad to not be able to spend more time in the presence of the princess, but the feeling was quickly replaced by excitement as she fished the envelope back out. Amaris finished her glass and placed it on another passing tray with care so as not to tip the balance so that she could use the freed hand to slip the envelope open. There were no remnants of the magical seal left, having been completely lifted at the princess’ command, which made opening the piece easy. Unfolding the enclosed letter, Amaris gingerly took the photo of the girl that was to be her partner between her index finger and her thumb.

Even from a photograph, Amaris could tell her partner was a beauty. Golden hair and crystal blue eyes were a striking combination, a vast contrast to Amaris’ own black and violet.

“[color=f49ac2]Minfillia.[/color]” She spoke softly, testing the name out on her tongue. It flowed naturally, a good sign in her mind. Amaris tucked the photo back into the envelope along with the address to their new home, turning her eyes to the crowd around her.

[hider=Reference Pictures]
Hair:
[img]http://media3.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/gv27GkTgCBpVLcpULKHTVB9jl08/fit-in/728xorig/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2012/05/22/3/192/1922153/3c535e52621d1be8_Kristen-Stewart/i/Kristen-Stewart-Braided-Mohawk-Updo.jpg[/img]

Outfit Inspiration (Right hand one, general silhouette, not exact)
[img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/43/49/c0/4349c0824e901742b8ad7c01217a7d98.jpg[/img]
[/hider] 

[@Leslie Hall]