[h1][center][color=#9932CC]𝔏𝔲𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔅𝔬𝔯𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔲𝔵[/color][/center][/h1]

[hr]
[hr]

[center][hider=The Night Prior]The night was quiet and still, the silence deafening to someone who wasn't used to it. It was so still and quiet that if you weren't actively looking for him, Lucan Bordeleaux would be invisible as he sat on top of the marble balcony, staring out towards the moon. The young man, at least young in appearance, sat with his legs crossed, and his head tilted slightly to the right as he just stared out into the night. Had he need to breath, his breathing would be calm and relaxed but as it was he quite resembled a creation of some talented artist, a quiet and loyal gargoyle. Lucan, the Vampire seemed to almost chuckle as the same thought crossed his mind as he finally stood to re-enter the Noila Castle, in which his family lived. 

The balcony led straight back into his room and as he entered he noticed his father standing patiently beside the door. A trade of nods and then his father placed his hands behind his back and tiled his head. "Son, your transportation has been arranged. You leave tomorrow afternoon, as the drive isn't to far." Lucan nodded, that made sense and would give him time to rest before joining with his classmates. The fact he was going to be a day late was rather unheard of but Lucan had been on assignment in another location and had only just returned. It was the way it happened sometimes, with the life he chose. He grinned inwardly again, the life that was chosen [i]-for-[/i] him that is. 

[color=#9932CC]"I understand father, I won't let you or the family down. I swear on my honor."[/color] His father appraised him and nodded once again as if saying that it was exactly his honor that would be lost should he fail or bring disrespect to the family name. [color=#9932CC]"I have almost finished packing, and should be finished within the hour. Did you have need of me for anything after Father or may I have time to myself?"[/color] The man considered, the head no longer tilted and after a minute a simple nod of his would come from the elder Vampire.

"I have nothing, so ensure that everything is secure and then the rest of the night is yours my son. Though do make sure you say goodbye to your mother and brothers." Lucan used his training to hide his grimace and instead simply nodded in understanding. 

[color=#9932CC]"Of course father, I will be along presently. I wish you safe travel to the middle of the region tomorrow as well, and wish I was at your side still."[/color] Lucan's father just smiled softly and with another nod left the room to leave his son alone. Lucan took two minutes to move, his head going over the conversation and making sure he hadn't missed any hidden queues or gestures. Once he was positive all was well he turned to his belongings and began the tedious task of packing. Some people actually found the task relaxing but if truth were to be told, Lucan wished he could turn the bloody thing into ash. As it was, not only did Lucan not possess the ability to shoot lasers from his eyes but there were no live flames around him so he was stuck with having to continue the task.

After another fifteen minutes all of his things were safely packed away and Lucan shook his head, once again calling on his training to keep his temper in check. He definitely needed to go hit something, as it had been simply to long. Almost 5 hours now which was just not acceptable to the Pureblood who prided himself on training. He left his room after putting on his belt, Rapier and Gauche already waiting on the custom black leather piece, and then headed straight for the practice room. It was here the Vampire spent the next two hours, battling himself really. His mind would present an enemy and their movements and then he would respond. It was a drill and tactic that was taught to him early on and the exercise brought out not only good reflexes from the training, but also honed Lucan's ability to adapt in a split second from both fights at the same time. 

Unfortunately all good things had to come to and end and Lucan reluctantly sheathed his blade and proceeded down the hall and then into the Bordeleaux family room where his step mother sat reading a book. His brothers were all also reading, and Lucan just rolled his eyes as his eldest brother seemed ashamed to be seen not training or attending court. He gave a polite greeting and stared at Cassandra, the woman that Lucan's father married after his first wife died of old age. Lucan was still not entirely comfortable around the woman but he couldn't deny that not only was she beautiful, she had an amazing personality and could see the good in just about everything. A stark contrast to his sinisterly cold Father who never seemed to care about anyone. 

[color=#9932CC]"Mother, little bats. I've come for my goodbyes, I'm sorry it took so long. You know me and packing."[/color] He gave a soft smile and forced his eyes to remain neutral as Cassandra slowly approached him and smiled brightly. 

"I do know, and I would have came and helped you but your father insisted you finish yourself. You know how he is." She hesitated before continuing, "I erm… I know that I can't ever replace what you lost and I don't wish to. But know that I will be thinking of you while you're at the Academy and will worry as if you were my flesh and blood. Just know that, and know that if you ever need anything just write to me to and I'll be on it." Lucan just stood silent and then stiffly nodded, his mind accepted her words and a very soft grin hit his lips just as the three brothers attacked Lucan at once. He barely fought them off and then ruffled each ones hair, before staring at his eldest brother Jonah. 

[color=#9932CC]"You're going to be in charge you know when Father is away. You have to keep up with the court appearances and represent our family. I know you're struggling right now and I wish I didn't have to leave but now is the time to step up and prove yourself. I know you have what it takes and believe in you, do me proud."[/color] He saw the flashes of emotion in his brothers eyes and hardened his own violet eyes as a warning which Jonah seemed to take as the younger Vampire regained control. Lucan then moved to his middle brother and stared down at him. [color=#9932CC]"And you, if I come back and haven't seen improvement with your combat abilities, I will not be pleased eh?"[/color] Samuel just gulped and nodded before throwing his arms around Lucan's form and hugging him tightly. The elder just nodded softly, forgiving the outward show of affection since they were alone and Samuel hadn't quite taken etiquette yet, even though Lucan knew the boy knew better. Finally it was Aaron's turn, the boy was the first child sired by Lucan's father and Cassandra and while Lucan had struggled a bit he had finally given in and became a true brother to the boy. [color=#9932CC]"You start training soon, so be ready and..."[/color] He was cut off as the boy jumped into Lucan's arms and hugged his neck. It was a struggle not to just hug his brother back, but his familiar fear of getting to attached to anything hit his mind and he simply patted Aaron's back once before he put the boy down and then adjusted his coat. He took another few moments just staring at each of his family members and then started for the hall which would lead back to his room.

"Remember Lucan, anything you need." Came the soft voice of Cassandra and Lucan stopped right at the exit and nodded, before continuing to the safety of his room. He entered and closed his door, leaning his back against it and tilting his head back until it to thudded against the carved ebony wood. That had been much harder than he first thought it would be, but then again it had never been easy to keep his family at arms length. He thought of his mother, and how hard he had taken it when she died and had cursed himself for the weakness he had shown. Never again, never again had become something of a mantra for him and after several minutes of calming himself he collapsed on his bed and closed his eyes. Soon, he would be sleeping on another bed, in another place and he wouldn't have to feel suffocated by the familial bonds that still bound him. Slowly he fell asleep, still clothed and thinking of all that had happened that day.[/hider][/center]

[hr]

"Lucan, ahem. Lucan, wake up. We've almost arrived, I would imagine you'd like a few moments to prepare." The voice came from the front of the luxury SUV and Lucan Bordeleaux reluctantly opened his eyes and sighed. 

[color=#9932CC]"Hastings, I promise I respect and admire you but I would be lying if I said I didn't want to stab you at the moment."[/color] A soft chuckle came from the front and Lucan slowly pulled himself up out of the seat bed he had made and stretched his arms out. The sun was beginning to go down and a glance at the clock showed the time was exactly seven o'clock in the evening. [color=#9932CC]"How was the drive, I didn't snore did I?"[/color] A small joke between comrades and Hastings, the Vampire driving rolled his eyes and glanced back.

"Like the dead Luc. So, how exactly did you manage an invitation to a place like this? I know you, you're not the type for this school. Besides you hate the pureblood and noble interactions." The words rang true and Lucan could only nod and tilt his head. Lucan was great at politics, and could hold his own with the best in diplomatic situations but Hastings was right in that the young pureblood hated it. It was tedious, and frustrating talking around a subject for upwards of fifteen minutes to finally figure out someone's take on an issue. But, it was his duty and Lucan was nothing if not dutiful.

He stared into the sunless window and then responded. [color=#9932CC]"I may hate it but the Academy is a great opportunity to help me grow and become an even better Vampire. And an even better Dusk."[/color] He spoke quietly at the end even though he didn't need to, Hastings was one of Lucan's best friends and one of his father's best friends as well, he was like an Uncle to the younger Vampire and Lucan felt much closer to him than his own father which was understandable considering who Lucan's father was. Hastings was one of the few people that Luc allowed to get in close and only because the man was a fellow soldier, someone who understood and was always reading Luc better than any diplomat or court member ever could. [color=#9932CC]"Besides, I get to meet 'my' Mage. I'm sure that will be very interesting."[/color] 

The two talked for the remainder of the ride which by all accounts was short and sweet. Upon arriving, the sun had finally surrendered to the darkness and two Academy Security Guard walked towards the SUV. Lucan hopped out before anyone could touch his door and moved to the back of the vehicle to get his belongings out. The guards seemed a bit confused but when Lucan came around to greet them they both broke out into smiles and chuckled a bit. "Luc, is that you? I was told we were going to have a few late arrivals but never would I have imagined it would be you." Lucan smirked and inclined his head respectfully at the two, whom he knew quite well from his time working security at the Academy prior. 

[color=#9932CC]"Morning Leander, Callum. I'm err, I'm attending this year as a student."[/color] He took out his invitation and passed it to Callum who seemed more than surprised. The Vampire took it and browsed the handwriting and nodded when he saw the Princess's signed name. 

"Well, all seems to be in order. Seems a bit surprising considering where you went after this post but hey, who am I to argue with the Princess." Lucan just nodded as if he knew exactly what the man was talking about and let his fingers tap on his luggage. "Oh, you can leave that here with us, we'll get someone to take it to your dorm. Also, I'm supposed to give you this envelope, has the name of the Mage you'll be paired with and also instruction to the Orientation location. It's in Mockingbird Hall, if you remember where that is." Lucan just nodded and took the envelop, sliding it into his pocket to look at later.

[color=#9932CC]"I remember yes, I'll make my way over now. Thanks for the assistance."[/color] He turned to look at Hastings who was just shaking his head, leaning against the SUV. [color=#9932CC]"Be safe on your way back to the Castle, and let everyone know we made it just fine. Um, tell me dad..."[/color] He was cut off by the older Vampire who couldn't hide the mirth in his eyes.

"I got it, save the orders for that new Mage you get and don't forget to have some fun. You still have some time for that you know, don't lock yourself in the arena for hours like at home. I mean it." He winked at the pureblood and then jumped back into the SUV, putting it into gear and pulling around to head back, without Lucan. It was hard to grasp for a few long moments but Lucan finally turned back around and nodded to Callum who just returned it, a silent understanding passing through the two who had been partners when Lucan worked at the Academy. 

With what would be a deep breath had he been living, Lucan tilted his head and then nodded with a finality and headed into the Academy's grounds. A brief glance at his watch showed the time was 8:50, almost time for the Orientation to start. The building was a decent distance so Lucan put some haste into his steps, and ignored the synchronized thwack of the Rapier scabbard on his hip. He made it with just enough time to spare and entered the building right as Alder began speaking. He noticed a few Vampires had saw him enter and he inclined his head respectfully to those and took up a position in the back so as not to bring to much attention to himself. He was good at that, his experiences as a Guard giving him a lot of practice at blending into the backdrop. 

His fingers twitched and he felt curiosity begin to gnaw at him, begging him to open the envelope and see just whom he would be partnered with. He was at a disadvantage to the rest assembled as it was and as such Lucan slowly removed the envelope from his pocket and opened it, to reveal a bespectacled male who seemed to be quite tanned. Under the picture in elegant handwriting was the name 'Salem Spellman' followed by the Noila family's crest. Lucan nodded and placed the small note back in the pocket from which it came and refocused on Alder as he started going on about using the Nobles attending as role models. Of course, he had almost forgotten every Noble House in the Moonlight Council had someone attending the Academy that year. His eyes browsed around and he spotted many faces he knew from court. Well, this would be an interesting year indeed.

As Alder continued with his initial speech, Lucan spent the time to size up some of his soon to be fellow Vampires. It seemed only a small number were Embraced which made sense and he made a mental note to at least make acquaintances with them even if they were second class. He frowned then, there was that arrogance again making an appearance. He tilted his head and then nodded again, rephrasing in his head that they could prove to be great Vampires in some way or another. His eyes then went to the huddle of Purebloods and Lucan did his best not to judge to harshly, just scanning and trying to get a feel for personalities or getting a hidden tell given to him from someone not as practiced as he in the political world. And then there were the Nobles, Lucan only getting brief glances at them but of course knowing who they were. He was sure they would also know of him or at least his family and made a mental note not to initiate contact, after all he was below their station which was just fine with him. 

He didn't have a whole lot of respect for any of the Noble families except the Noila's and at that thought his mind went to Aaron, the youngest member of the Starag family who had also been assigned to the Academy this year. He remembered the young Starag had been sent to the Bordeleaux's for combat training, Lucan had been his tutor with the Longsword. Though after William and Sariel had gotten a hold of the Mage hopeful, he was already rather good. Lucan focused mostly on footwork and how to gain advantages while also leaving the Mage open to cast spells. It was a different style that he himself would employ but then, Lucan wouldn't be able to light someone on fire or cause the earth beneath him to squash his opponents. Overall he had quite enjoyed his time with Aaron and hoped the young man was finding the Academy to be a good time. 

He was just getting comfortable when he saw a few of the Embraced shuffle closer to each other. Lucan stepped forward a bit out of the shadows and overheard them talking about how boring Alder was and shrugged to himself. Alder wasn't the best speaker but he hoped, for their sake the two Embraced would heed some of the words of wisdom that the Elder Vampire was saying. It was never good to disregard advice, even if you felt you knew plenty on the subject. But it wasn't Lucan's responsibility to reprimand anyone, he was a student just like anyone else and so he fought down the urge to defend Alder's honor and instead just moved forward when Alder dismissed them to leave. He wanted to make sure his schedule would reflect his desire of as many weapons and combat classes as possible. He passed by the Embraced, and nodded to the one that he heard speak about Alder. He continued past the still groggy purebloods and then the social elite. He knew he was opening himself up to be approached but he had to ensure his time spent here wouldn't make him rusty with his weapons training.

As he approached the councilors he wondered how much an image he was, strolling through wearing a midnight black overcoat over a purple vest with a similar midnight black undershirt. His pants were formal styled leather with the legs tucked into a pair of knee high polished military boots, also black of color. Attached to his left shoulder and hanging softly was a black satin cloak engraved with the Bordeleaux House Crest, a silver falling star curling around a silver sword pointing down on top of a dark purple background. He of course had his Rapier on his right side in a glossy black scabbard which had bits of white thrown in as if they were stars. Attached to his belt on his back was a gauche knife in a similar sheath to the Rapier. He walked with a practiced ease, a walk many of the Pureblood Vampires would recognize as the standard walk of the courts, calm and assured. Smiling softly, Lucan nodded to the few that caught his eye and reached his councilor, speaking low on his classes and making sure his wishes were followed. He then turned and tilted his head, stepping out of the way should anyone else wish to speak with the Councilor, placing his hands behind his back and waiting for the room to begin clearing before making his way out.