[center] [h1][color=f49ac2]Amaris[/color] and [color=f26522]Cassandra[/color][/h1] [sub]Interacting with: each other A [@Gisk] and [@WeepingLiberty] collab[/sub] [/center] [color=f26522]”No, I don’t need anything. Let’s go, before - oh shit!”[/color] Several blocks from the arena floor rose up to usher the last lingering students out. Cassandra rushed ahead of them to get to the doors and out. When they were safely out of the maniac instructor’s reach, she looked up at her partner, just a bit sheepish. [color=f26522]”Sorry, hope you don’t mind the language.”[/color] Noting the impending stone block, Amaris pranced lightly after Cassandra. A small burst of airy laughter filled the space between the pair as they narrowly avoided being catapulted unceremoniously out the door. “[color=f49ac2]It’s not a problem at all. ‘Vulgar’ words are supposedly a sign of a learned and expressive mind. Use them to your heart's content… when appropriate.[/color]” The countess maintained her smile as she took over the lead, seeming to know off-hand the direction of their dorms. While there were many things that Amaris preferred the privacy of the dorms to speak about, she couldn’t allow the journey back to be one of a silence. It took her a moment, but she finally thought of a subject that could bide their time while they walked. “[color=f49ac2]I’m starting to wonder where the princess picked up her staff. There are some rather… extreme personalities in charge around here. Would you believe it, there is a professor who has made it his life’s purpose to teach anyone and everyone he can about pineapples?[/color]” [color=f26522]”Maybe it’s magical. Apparently plants can have magic power too.”[/color] She found herself just a half step behind Amaris. It seemed appropriate to her. “[color=f49ac2]Can they really? A magical pineapple, now that’s something I’d like to see.[/color]” Amaris mused, glancing over her shoulder with a half-incredulous look. [color=f26522]”Yeah, we talked about it in spell theory. Maybe you already have! If your teacher had a pineapple with her, maybe it [i]was[/i] a magical one.”[/color] The conversation was unfortunately shallow, and Cassandra thought they were waiting to get back to the dorm before having the talk Amaris really meant to get into. As intentionally shallow as the conversation had been, Amaris found herself surprisingly thrilled by the prospect of a magical pineapple. The professor had seemed so genuinely interested when talking about it, but nothing he said pointed to it being magical in any way. “[color=f49ac2]I don’t know… I’ve heard of several superstitions surrounding [i]animals[/i] and magic, but nothing about plants. That does have to make you wonder, though, about products made from beings that have awoken to their magical potential. Paper, dyes, clothing… Do they maintain a degree of their magical potential even after altering their form?[/color]” To an outsider, the topic of conversation might have been a rather odd one; especially coming from a vampire. But Amaris had always been rather interested in magic and its rules, and now… well, she had even more of a reason to. The ramblings of an over-excited countess found the pair approaching their dorms in what felt like no time at all. Walking up to the entrance, Amaris withdrew her key from her belongings and unlocked the door in one easy motion. She half expected to see more of the royal guard to be waiting for them within but the room before them was still and silent. Shaking her head, the countess entered the space and set her bag down next to the common area’s table before taking a seat. She crossed her right left overtop her left as she motioned with her arm for Cassandra to take a seat for herself. Cassandra sat. She had her feet flat on the floor, and her hands held loosely in her lap as she looked at Amaris with patient interest. In truth, she was ecstatic to be sitting down with her partner. It had been so turbulent, between the Astorio count's sudden disappearance, and the unknown image's ejection from the school. She had been operating the last day and a half off of blind optimism and luck. “[color=f49ac2]Alright now, let’s get to the point before there are any further interruptions. While I have no way to know for certain what sort of an experience you’ve personally had with your previous partner, I do know that Count Varis’ display with one of your classmates is difficult to ignore. I would like to assure you that is not the sort of relationship I am seeking.[/color]” Amaris leaned forward slightly to rest her elbows on the table, her fingers weaving together so that her chin could settle atop them. “[color=f49ac2]I suppose my preferences fall on the more… unconventional side at times. There is little I have in the way of expectations; so long as you can prove to me that you are trustworthy that is really all I require. But trust is something that can take time and it is far from a one-sided ordeal. That is why I would like to start with a contract of sorts, a verbal agreement between the two of us that will hopefully garner a mutually beneficial partnership.[/color]” The countess relaxed her posture once again, shifting so that her spine touched the back of the chair she sat in. “[color=f49ac2]Do you have any objections to this approach?[/color]” Cassandra followed her lead and relaxed significantly. Perhaps too much. She leaned all the way forward, and laid her chin in the crook of her arm, laying on the table. [color=f26522]”That sounds perfect,”[/color] she was surprised at the relief in her own voice. [color=f26522]”I think you know I was originally paired with an Astorio. I think one of us would have killed the other, if we’d been left alone too long. I trust you. And I’ll prove myself trustworthy. I promise.”[/color] "[color=f49ac2]Ah yes, the Astorios. They are, as I'm sure you've realized, an aggressive bunch. I regret that your friend had to learn that the hard way.[/color]" An irritated gaze flashed through Amaris' eyes, the color shifting through subtle shades before returning to normal. "[color=f49ac2]The other houses can wait for a moment, though. I think we've put off a few key details for long enough. While I would prefer more time for us both to acclimate to our new arrangements, it's not a risk that should be taken lightly. Since the time table is mine, I would like to hear your preferences on the [i]how[/i]… I believe that's a fair exchange wouldn't you say?[/color]" There were many things to consider from such a broad statement, but Amaris found herself curious to see which particular details Cassandra's mind would go to first. The most obvious would be method, as there was always the option of equipment over fang… but would that be the only request this mage would consider? [color=f26522]"Well,"[/color] she started nervously, but Amaris's demeanor reassured her. [color=f26522]"Obviously, I've never done it before. I, um, I hear it feels good, though. So I think as long as it's safe and clean, I'll be willing to try however you prefer."[/color] “[color=f49ac2]Excellent! Honest [i]and[/i] considerate. Keep that up and we’ll have no issues getting along.[/color]” Amaris beamed, a short clap of her hands punctuating her exclamation. She had to admit she was slightly disappointed at the lack of adventure in Cassandra’s response, but it was satisfactory in the sense that she was already learning a lot about her new partner. Having gotten the most important part of their arrangement settled, Amaris decided it was time she reciprocated the education. While they were far from sharing major secrets, it would be a good start to teach the mage what sort of a family she was now tied to. Rising from her seat, the countess stepped away to the kitchen as she began to speak. Having pulled a mug and tea leaves from their respective homes, Amaris set to brewing the fragrant substance without ever once losing her train of thought. Despite her inability to consume the drink, she had always liked the scent. She found it calming and had noticed it worked similarly for humans, thus sparking the countess to seek techniques from the lord’s wife. “[color=f49ac2]I do apologize, most of this must seem rather mundane for a conversation requested in private. Be it fortune or misfortune, you have the distinct honor of being paired within the Noble circles. This, unfortunately, can come with varying degrees of complications. Your every move from here on will be watched by someone, sometimes friend and other times… not so friendly. The expectations will be higher for you than some of your classmates but I don’t want this to intimidate you; rather I want this to be a source of inspiration for you. Consider it a challenge to become the very best version of yourself, someone you can be proud of at the end of the day.[/color]” There was a pause while Amaris fiddled with some items, allowing the information to sink in before continuing on. “[color=f49ac2]Even if you decide this partnership is more of a curse than a blessing, you can still count yourself rather lucky.[/color]” Surprised to find that the water had already reached the desired temperature, Amaris poured the steaming liquid into the mug with the infusion spoon and returned to the table with the goods. The mug was set before Cassandra alongside a container for sugar and an empty saucer for the infuser once it had steeped to the mage’s preferred strength. “[color=f49ac2]The house of Marivaldi is a rather unique one. We have what is greatly considered ‘controversial’ ideals. Unlike most other highborne houses the current Lord Marivaldi is actually Embraced, but before, he was a mage for our house just as you are now. To the outside we appear soft on our mages, gifting them with special privileges and spoiling them as if they were our children or pets. We generally allow this thought as it is more readily accepted at the moment than our belief that mages can be our equals.[/color]” Retaking her seat, Amaris sat back and studied Cassandra’s expressions for a sign of what might be going through her head. Cassandra piled an inordinate amount of sugar into the tea, then took a large gulp, leaving the infuser in the cup. Then she added more sugar. [color=f26522]”Good,”[/color] she said at last. [color=f26522]”I’ll be your partner, not your servant. That’s all I ask. But [i]don’t[/i] treat me like a pet, or like a child. I’m going to hold you to all that talk of being equals. And I’ll show you that I’m worth it. Deal?”[/color] She lifted herself to sit straight, and held out a hand to shake. Amaris’ smiled widened as Cassandra offered out a hand to shake, her words and actions more confident now that they had come to an understanding. She shifted her posture to mirror her partner’s and extended her own arm to accept the deal. “[color=f49ac2]A deal it is. I’m looking forward to working with you, Cassandra.[/color]” While she was confident that she could live by the promises she made, there was still a lingering concern over the times where it might not be so easy. There was little doubt in the countess’ mind that a time would come where she would have to command rather than ask… she just hoped the pair were still on the same page when such a time came. The sudden sensation of something wrapping around her leg drew Amaris’ attention downward, her expression taking on a playful but disapproving look as she picked the creature up with her arms. “[color=f49ac2]How did you get out, I thought I closed that door.[/color]” She asked before making a realization. “[color=f49ac2]Oh! Right, I almost forgot. Since you are now officially assigned to a Marivaldi there is no reason for you to be staying with the Astorios; not that anyone would [i]want[/i] to room that sociopath. Knowing Her Royal Highness, I’m sure your belongings have already been moved over if you’d like to double check everything. I’ll see about finding you that other key… I’m sure it’s here somewhere.[/color]”