[center][color=f7941d][h1][u]đŸ”„Ciara SmithđŸ”„[/u][/h1][/color][h1]& [color=aba000]Joseph[/color][/h1][/center] [sub]đŸ”„ Location: Silvermist Academy, Baths--> Messhall đŸ”„ Time: Afternoon[/sub] [hr] Ciara glided through the crowd of students moving past her. She shifted one way then the other before a larger student forced her to grind to a halt. A large grey skinned girl with a deformed nose, white tusks from her lower jaw and a hulk-like form. Ciara failed to puzzle how the student managed to fit, but she shrugged it off. She hated it when answers didn’t come easily. Her arms crossed over her chest while she waited for the student to move. Red veins snaked across her surface, cracking the dark and flawless surface. Budding signs of her growing irritation. She hated being in close proximity to those who weren’t fireproof. Constance entered her thoughts causing Ciara to sigh, missing her usual partner on missions. Out of the numerous students, those who had powers associated with fire or resistant elements allowed her to be herself. Not tip-toeing all the time. This was the only drawback of being trapped in the Academy, but it wasn’t any better out there. Her thoughts shattered when her ears caught a voice talk to her. She turned her head to catch the student’s image and clue her into his name. Joseph. The word hauled itself from the ashy remains of her mind. Her expression still looked annoyed despite him not being the source. Numerous black pustules covered areas near his fragile-looking body. [color=f7941d] “Ciara Smith. I’ve seen you around, but why choose now to say hello? I figured you would’ve been with your own group of friends instead.”[/color] Her ears caught a soft thump in the courtyard but ignored it. It was likely some snow falling to the ground from a tree or something. The boy hesitated slightly before nodding, his voice echoing in a slightly raspy tone. [color=aba000]” Precisely - I would be, if I had a group of [i]‘friends.’[/i] I do not, and am therefore attempting to join your group instead.[/color] The boy then pulled his cloak around himself tighter, in a far too rigid and stiff motion. He paused briefly before continuing. [color=aba000]”Of course, that is only if you would want that - I can leave now, if you find my presence irksome.[/color] Ciara turned to face him. She narrowed her eyes, studying him closely. Her head tilted as her smoky hair continued to float off into the air. Any heat that radiated off her had lowered in a few degrees from before. [color=f7941d] “I guess? I don’t feel like I have a group. Just a few people I hang around with or go on missions with. It’s not easy getting close when you can burn someone. Know what I mean?” [/color] Her voice sounded unsure, but not an outright no. Her posture relaxed from its tense stance before gesturing for them to head out. The boy’s facial features didn’t soften or change, but his cloak was clutched less closely, and the black tendrils inside of it occasionally twitches or grabs for his hands. [color=aba000]”Yes, I know what you mean - it sounds quite inconvenient. I would like to meet your partners, if you ever have time to spare. Alternatively, we could exchange personal information and resources at your leisure, as I have read ‘friends’ do on occasion.”[/color] [color=f7941d] “Right now, I am heading to the mess hall for breakfast. I spent all night keeping the fires lit and need something to eat. Want to join me? Constance should meet me there soon.”[/color] Ciara offered as she decided to lead the way. Her feet moved toward the door and shivered at the chill greeting her, forcing her to core to increase her temperature. [color=f7941d] “I fucking hate snow. Burns me when it melts and takes a while to stop.”[/color] Joseph didn’t immediately respond to the request to join Ciara or her complaint about the weather, but he did follow her. His cloak responded to the sudden cold with a small hiss and small tremors, but the boy was calm otherwise. He only spoke a minute or two after Ciara spoke. [color=aba000]”It is understandable - snow was a very bad thing in my old home, so I have never found it comforting either.”[/color] The pair quickly moved through the academy courtyard, crossing the plants that have died or lost their foliage. Joseph seemed to focus on a small structure close to the dorms, but made no motions to go towards it or point it out to Ciara. Eventually, they finally arrived at the Mess Hall, where they started to get their food. As they did so, he addressed Ciara, attempting small talk. [color=aba000]” Where would you like to wait for your friend? I rarely eat in the Mess Hall, so I would not feel comfortable choosing where we will wait.”[/color] Ciara pointed to the table near the kitchen as she moved toward it, expecting him to follow her. She didn’t sit when they arrived. Instead, her eyes looked to the staff walking in and out. They looked a bit busy, but she didn't mind. Her eyes caught the towering tinder box in order to avoid scorching him. She would never hear the end of it if he got singed and ignited the whole academy. [color=f7941d] “I usually find it warmest near the kitchen, the fire is always going. I’ll grab us something. Want something specific? They have some pretty good stew and bread.”[/color] Ciara turned her head to show her attentiveness. Joseph paused for a second in hesitation, before nodding his head and giving his normal monotone response. [color=aba000]”I would like that, yes. Please pick whatever you think is good, but please make sure there is a decent amount of meat, if you don’t mind. Thank you very much. [/color] Joseph sat at the table, moving to take the corner seat and looking somewhat anxious. [@Lightning Fast]