[center] [h1][color=f7941d]Dakota Brookes[/color][/h1] [/center] [hider=Morning] [center] [h3][color=f7941d]Dakota[/color] and [color=0072bc]Joryldin[/color][/h3] [sub]Interacting with: Each other [@Jade Blades][/sub] [/center] There were so many other questions plaguing Joryldin’s mind, none of which were good, but Dakota was on to him like white on rice. He had to give her something, and it had to be believable. Somehow the fact that Joryldin was homeschooled didn’t come as much of a surprise to the young mage. A lack of established peers was apparent in the way that he danced around socialization, both in body language and in spoken word. While Dakota, personally, had never come close to such isolation, they had known a few classmates who went full semesters without speaking a word out loud. The last thing they wanted to do, however, was seem like they were pitying their new partner. Maintaining a relaxed posture and soft expression, Dakota aimed to lead with a joke. “[color=f7941d]Hey, at least you had a chance at a productive study hall. Public schools are a bit overrated in my opinion anyway.[/color]” Dakota shrugged their shoulders and grinned. “[color=f7941d]Enemies are easy. Just ignore them, unless they get physical… then you kick the ever loving sh…. Crap out of them. If you can’t, you make sure you’re friends with someone who can.[/color]” With a comical wink, Dakota busted out laughing and sloshed back their drink. Joryldin covered his mouth, just barely stifling a laugh of his own, "[color=0072bc]I don’t know who you think you’re talking to that you have to watch your swearing. I know three languages: English, profanity, and sarcasm.[/color]” It felt good to laugh, he could swear he almost felt his heart beat. “[color=f7941d]Hey, you never know who’s listening. Gotta keep it rated E for everyone mate.[/color]” It was a queer feeling, having such a casual conversation with someone his age given the circumstances. For a brief moment, reality seemed to slip away. In his mind, Joryldin was in a normal dorm with another normal kid on an average orientation day. The sun was rising, and he was enjoying a chat with his partner over breakfast as they were getting ready. Seeing her chug whatever G-fuel abomination was in that thermos, he instinctively did the same with the drink he was hiding in his hand, the vial of blood. For once, he didn’t mind the sickening sweetness that slipped past his taste buds. Joryldin was so wrapped up in the moment that he couldn’t discern it from any other morning protein shake. The fledgeling shook his head and smiled. Maybe in a perfect normal world she’d be right, but here they were at Nolia Academy. “[color=0072bc]That’s some pretty sound advice, but the last thing anybody here is going to do is start a fight in the open…Besides, there’s infinitely worse things they can do than throw a punch.[/color]” A few examples came to mind, and as his gaze drifted down to the empty vial in his hands, bright eyes snapped to a shade of crimson far darker than the blood it once contained. If there’s one thing he had learned, it was that vampires get creative when it comes to their feuds. They can find what you care about most and make it disappear in a heartbeat. It worried him that she was just as firey and defiant in nature as he had been, but unaware of the danger. God forbid if she pissed off one of the noble kids and they learned about her family. A bunch of normal humans? Nobody would bat an eyelid if they disappeared. The fledgeling couldn’t take his eyes off of the small glass in his hand. Covering his mouth, Joryldin turned his back to Dakota. How could he warn her without sounding like a total hypocrite? It really was the perfect torture. “[color=0072bc]...What about friends?[/color]” A frown quickly overtook Dakota’s face as Joryldin turned away, continuing to speak as if nothing were amiss. There was this sinking feeling that he was hiding something and it wasn’t sitting well with the mage. “[color=f7941d]That’ll depend on what sort of friends you want to have.[/color]” They replied, their tone falling a little more flat than intended. Downing what little remained of their drink, Dakota moved to the sink and placed it next to the mug from the morning before. “[color=f7941d]If you want real friends, and I mean people who are actually going to have your back when you need it most, you’re going to have to start trusting people. If you continue to keep to yourself the way that you do, hiding behind a hood and cowering away from those who offer that kind of relationship, you’re going to find yourself surrounded by the kinds of people that drove you there in the first place.[/color]” For a moment, Dakota thought that they might have been a little harsher than necessary in their advice, but the feeling quickly passed as old memories began to creep in. Reality had a tendency to be harsh so what use was it to sugar coat for him? “[color=0072bc]Got it…[/color]” Joryldin took the hint and lowered his hood, though the second line of defense provided by his bangs stood vigilant to protect the mage from his unstable gaze. “[color=0072bc]I can trust you, right? We’re in this together?[/color]” He realized the pointlessness of the question as soon as it came out of his mouth. As if someone would tell you that they were untrustworthy! “[color=f7941d]That’s going to be up to you decide. I can respect a certain amount of privacy, but I don’t do secrecy. When you’re ready to share, I’ll be ready to listen… and I’ll even make you a deal. For every bit you share you can ask one thing in return, sound fair?[/color]” Dakota sighed internally, maintaining a neutral expression so as not to give away the sudden cringe they felt. What ‘secrets’ did Dakota have that wouldn’t end up blurting out eventually anyways? Still, the mage thought it might be a good first step in developing some kind of trust between the pair, so they were more than willing to try. Joryldin could hardly believe how [i]normally[/i] she was treating him. In spite of what he was, Dakota sounded almost fed-up with his attempts to hide it. Again, the feeling of hypocrisy ran through his mind. He wanted to fight against his new nature, but strayed away from casual human interaction in an attempt to do so. “[color=0072bc]Heh, secret sharing? … sounds like some sort of slumber party, that’s what. [/color]” He gave her a light jab on the shoulder, chuckling softly. God, it was such a relief to be able to laugh at something. “[color=0072bc]Thanks. An hey… if you need somebody to confide in, I’ll be here for you too![/color]” “[color=f7941d]Geez, I’d hate to go to your slumber parties. They sound boring.[/color]” Dakota jabbed back playfully, relieved to see some shift in Jorlydin’s demeanour… even if only slight. Glancing at the clock on their phone, Dakota turned to device around so the vampire could see it too. “[color=f7941d]We’re going to be late if we don’t hurry… and as for the first day jitters? I’ll let you in on a little secret; even those of us used to public school fear day one.[/color]” The mage’s body shook with a genuine laugh, the kind that helped them shake of the nerves even they were beginning to feel. “[color=0072bc]Let’s get moving then![/color]” Joryldin grabbed his few belongings, shoved his phone shoved into his hoodie pocket, and discretely slipped the glass of blood into the kitchen sink to wash later. A thought struck him, and he stopped at the door. “[color=0072bc]Hey Dakota?[/color]” Raising an eyebrow, Dakota stopped short and glanced up at the vampire standing between them and the door curiously. “[color=f7941d]Yeah?[/color]” “[color=0072bc]If we’re gonna be totally straight with each other, then feel free to call me Joey. It’ll mean a lot.[/color] He opened the door and bowed with a sarcastic smirk, “[color=0072bc]Ladies first.[/color]” Slipping past him, Dakota couldn’t help but return the smirk. Patting Jorlydin’s head on their way by Dakota laughed and winked. “[color=f7941d]My friends call me Kota and… I’m not a lady.[/color]” The mage took off into a light jog, the sound of their laughter trailing behind them as they ran. Joryldin wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but he pushed it to the back of his mind for later. He had made a friend, a human friend, something he never expected to have again; and he would do all he could to see her shine like the amazing star she was. [/hider] [center] [h3]Orientation[/h3] [sub]Interacting with: [color=lightblue]Lilie[/color] [@Hero] and [color=598527]Salem[/color] [@Trainerblue192] || Mentioned: [color=8585ad]Maxwell[/color] [@Scribe of Thoth] and [color=cbba2e]Aaron[/color] [@Obscene Symphony][/sub] [/center] Dakota had run ahead of Joryldin, a satisfied smile overtaking the ‘morning’ fatigue as the mage shuffled in with the rest of the crowd. First day jitters picked at the youth’s stomach, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overtake the sheer excitement they felt. Turning their neck this way and that, Dakota took in a very different atmosphere than that which had been set at the party. They were the same faces, sure… but everything seemed so relaxed and natural feeling. Already, groups were beginning to form and friendships made. Dakota hoped they would be able to find at least one or two decent students they would be able to call friends. After a little bit of walking with the flow of traffic, the crowd began to filter as staff members yanked mages off to the side. Ushered in the direction with the other mages, Dakota’s awe became ever more apparent as the first years shuffled past gatherings of upperclassmen. There was lots of excitement in the air, not just from the new students but the returning ones as well. Some sat in circles and studied, others began showing off (though for whom was debatable), but everyone… everyone buzzed with an energy that Dakota could not describe. A large grin was all the mage could do not to dash off and begin interrogating every person they came into contact with. Taking a seat inside the auditorium, Dakota let their eyes wander the room to take in some of the faces they would be studying alongside for the next few years. Fingertips twitched as the excitement overflowed, the urge to pick things apart and to learn beginning to get the better of the curious youth. Thankfully, the speaker took to the podium at the front of the stage allowing Dakota something to channel focus to. The man speaking was definitely advanced in years, his speech slow and deliberate as if he had to force the air from his lungs to form the words. His sentences were interrupted and followed by small bouts of coughing, and he looked as if he could fall over at any time. The mage couldn’t help but to wonder how old exactly the man was, if his body just didn’t cope well or if through some use of magic he was able to extend the length of his life past it’s due date. Such thoughts were interrupted as the set of doors everyone had passed through previously flew open. The sound it made was loud, startling many of the student body into turning to see who had made such an entrance. A beautiful woman walked down the center of the aisle with little care to the scene she had just made, the scent of flowers following in her wake. Her face seemed familiar and it took Dakota a moment to place it, however after a moment, the mage recalled seeing the newcomer’s face at the party the night before. It had just been in passing, but this was one of the people standing near the Princess when Dakota had caught the last couple lines of the speech. Using a bit of her own magic, the woman climbed the stage to whisper something in the old man’s ear causing him to nod his head and retreat from the stage… in style. Dakota could feel the question hanging in the air, many students all wondering what she could have possibly said for the headmaster to leave in such a manner; but such questions were not to be answered. Instead, the woman took to the edge of the stage and sat while introducing herself in the man’s stead. Sariel continued on to assure the group that their concerns and fears were not without validation but they had nothing to worry about. It was very light and motivational to say the least, and Dakota found themselves even more anxious to get up and start the year off. Once Sariel had finished explaining everything that had needed explaining, the student body was dismissed to mingle and ask questions. Tables and upperclassmen had been brought in to provide any information the new students would need to start things off right. Dakota thought about heading straight back to start asking questions but suddenly didn’t know what questions to ask. Glancing at the back, it seemed there were several stations that were erected to answer questions about affinities, reminding Dakota of their own lacking. Turning to head up to the front, Dakota nestled in with the smaller crowd that gathered around Sariel, hoping to ask for some advice on what to do. Before getting a chance, however, another student pushed to the front and spoke without so much as introducing himself. His question was not all that unlike Dakota’s, but the tone behind it put the youth off for some reason. The attitude was unnecessary, not to mention the clear division he put between himself and his peers… Dakota made a mental note to take care in attempting to befriend such a character. [i][color=f7941d]That’s a shame… Would have been nice to know someone else without an affinity. At least I know I’m not on my own.[/color][/i] Dakota thought to themselves, taking a step back from the group so as not to ask a duplicate question. The advice given was simple enough, just a matter of trial and error until a result was produced so try anything and everything. If there was something Dakota was good at, it was messing around. Hopefully, the affinity would make itself known sooner rather than later. Satisfied with the response, Dakota began walking toward the back of the room passing the various groups that had already begun forming. There was one in particular that drew their eye, something marked [i]Arena Guild[/i] that had a decent number of people surrounding it. One of those mages ended up showing off a little bit of his own magic, earning him several bouts of praise from those he was talking to and pulling in a few more. Intrigued, Dakota moved closer, catching a small bit of conversation from a girl talking about combat to another student. “[color=lightblue]...But combat on the other hand… I believe I can hold my own quite well.[/color]” Taking the opportunity to invite themselves into the conversation, Dakota slipped forward beside the beauty with a small wave and a huge grin. “[color=f7941d]With confidence like that, I’d pay good money to see you take on some of the guys here. Show ‘em who’s boss.[/color]” Dakota laughed and winked, relaxing their posture to reign in some of the excess energy. “[color=f7941d]I’m Dakota by the way. Sorry if I’m interrupting, heard something about a fight and it peaked my interest. What are you guys talking about anyway?[/color]” The smile turned apologetic as the mage shifted their gaze between the other occupants of the conversation.