[Hider=9/6 Lilie Salem Workout Buddies]The warm orange glow of the sun was shining through the leaves of the forest and dancing along the stone wall enclosing the Astorio dorm. Lush green grass was broken up by small smooth stones surrounding a patch of soil where small sprouts could be seen growing, evidence of Salem's practice on his magic while also helping keep the dorm stocked with fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit for consumption. Two mages could be found in the center of the grassy field, Salem on his back, shirtless, with his hair tied up as he did sit ups, Lilie holding down his ankles for him before they'd inevitably switch off.

As Salem was going down he watched the orange hue behind Lilies head, his own spinning from the fatigue of sleepless nights couple with intense work outs and schooling. The cold blades of grass felt soothing against his sore knuckles each time his head hot back down onto the grass. [Color=82ca9d]"Hey...Lilie…How much do you know about the Eves?"[/color]

Lilie herself was preoccupied with Salem. She wasn't sure how she hadn't noticed until they got close how tired he looked. She wondered if he was having trouble getting used to the time change, too, but even while she struggled she didn't look nearly as exhausted as he did.  His voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she told herself to focus on holding his ankles down. The question caused her to frown slightly, giving him a slight shrug.

[Color=00BFFF]"They're full of weirdos, I can tell you that much,"[/color] Lilie sighed, shaking her head. [Color=00BFFF]"But maybe I'm biased, having three different partners and not getting along with Mariette--Countess Mariette kinda makes me not think about them much."[/color] She paused, looking at him. [Color=00BFFF]"Why do you ask?"[/color]]

That's right. She had mentioned that she was having a hard time getting along with her partners, and she had been through so many. Salem tried to wipe away the fog in his mind and think more on the matter and how to word his questions. [Color=82ca9d]"It's nothing really. I just don't know as much about them. Was hoping maybe they drawled on to you about their lineage and the many important figures in their household. Wouldn't do for me to open up a second investigation because I upset another Noble family. Honestly I'm lucky Victor didn't throw me through a wall when I first came in."[/color] He tried to laugh a little to help smooth over the joke, but it was grounded in too much reality.

Lilie shook her head apologetically. [Color=00BFFF]"I'm sorry, I don't know anything about that. I don't think the countess is that high up in the hierarchy--apparently Countess Arianna was, but she's gone. And I haven't heard from Ike…"[/color] She was sad to admit just how little she knew about the Eve house, though her expression fell when she mentioned Ike. He had stopped responding to her messages some time ago. [Color=00BFFF]"She's the daughter of a...retainer? But we don't really talk much, she just kinda feeds then locks herself in her room."[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"I suppose that can't be all bad. It does give you minimal interaction with their kind, which it seemed was something you were hoping for the last time we spoke. Even if you somehow managed to befriend Victor enough to join me in my morning routine."[/color] Salem winked at Lilie as he curled up, sticking his tongue out at her playfully. 

She grinned at him in return. It did seem weird that she got exactly what she had hoped for, but she didn't realize how lonely it made her. She was used to coming home to a house full of family, living with someone she barely knew just felt sad.

[Color=00BFFF]"Count Astorio is...not what I expected,"[/color] Lilie outright admitted. [Color=00BFFF]"And he did apologize! He seems like he has to be what people expect him to be, so it was easy to get along with him."[/color] And her not-so-hidden agenda of getting some extra training from the count.

She sighed again, though she just gave Salem a shrug. [Color=00BFFF]"You're right, though. It is what it is. Though I'll probably get another partner by the end of the month,"[/color] She joked. [Color=00BFFF]"How about you? Have you guys been getting along?"[/color] She asked. [Color=00BFFF]"You guys haven't been fighting or anything, right?"[/color] She hoped that wasn't why Salem looked so ragged.

As Salem went up for another sit up he couldn't help but laugh, the simple act using his core and causing him to fall backwards onto the grass as he continued his laughter. [Color=82ca9d]"He certainly isn't what he appears to be no. I'm not sure I see a reason as to why you would get another partner but perhaps this one can be a bit more chatty at least. Right?"[/color] Salem laid there taking in his breath for a moment before continuing. [Color=82ca9d]"We quickly established guidelines and other things the first night I came in. I think we see eye to eye on a few points and I'm willing to bend slightly but I wont conform and he knows that. It's a give and take situation."[/color]

He slid his legs free of her grasp and walked over to grab a sports bottle containing the tea equivalent of an energy drink, full of B12a and caffeine naturally obtained from within his greenery. He tossed a bottle of water towards Lilie, prompting her to 'think fast' as he took a sip of his drink. If he was lucky, maybe he could see how far along her magic has gotten.

Lilie was in the middle of stretching her arms above her head when Salem tossed the bottle at her. She tried to catch it, missing it by a hair. The idea of pulling it to her came to mind and she yanked the water inside back. Unfortunately, it was a little too much, causing the bottle to go flying upwards. She sighed, waiting for it to come back down before catching it with both hands.

[color=00BFFF]”I could definitely use some of that secret tea you gave me,”[/color] She giggled.  She was glad to hear they were getting along, pausing for a moment before deciding to ask, [color=00bfff]”How about everything else? You doing okay?”[/color]

Salem chuckled at the mention of the secret tea, trying hard not to laugh too loud. So much had happened in such a short time that he'd almost forgotten about that brew. [Color=82ca9d]"I'll see about having a few sachets made for you so you can take them on the go."[/color] His shoulders dropped slightly as he moved the bottle down towards his side, she already had so much to worry about for both him, her, and Aaron, he didn't want to add any more unnecessary stress in her life. Aaron was already on it and helping and that was more than he could ask for. Sure omission he'd had told Aaron that omission of the truth was bad and broke friendships but this was one of those rare cases where it was needed. 

[Color=82ca9d]"Yeah, I'm doing fine. I know I don't exactly look the best but I've just been practicing my magic a bit more than I probably should be and I think it's wearing me out. But much like exercising, I see it like a muscle, itll be sore at first and hard but with more and more practice my body will get used to it and adapt to the new changes in routine."[/color] [i]Liar[/i]

She frowned as she shook her head slowly at Salem, letting out another sigh. [color=00bfff]”Please be careful with it, okay? I know I’m the last person to talk since I’ve exhausted myself once or twice getting overexcited, but I want you to take care of yourself,”[/color] She smiled warmly. [color=00bfff]”I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you and make sure you get better.”[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"Well you will be seeing  me every other morning for these trainings, so I guess I'll have to just listen to you. Doctors orders."[/color] Salem stretched his right arm over his chest as he held it with his left. [Color=82ca9d]"Ready to go to the next set?"[/color][/hider]


[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjU0LmYwMTcwYS5RbkpsWVdzZ1UydHBjQSwsLjIAAAAA/shlop.regular.png[/img][/center]
[center][sub]Dates: September 21st - October 7th[/sub][/center]

[Hider=9/21 Aaron and Salem]Bracing against an unexpectedly chilly wind, Aaron checked his watch once more, looking around through the darkness for any sign of Salem. Instead, all that looked back were the various faces of other students waiting at the Academy gate for their rides to arrive, peering strangely at the blond man with a sword but no suitcase, inexplicably braving a September night in nothing but an undershirt and slacks. He brushed their looks away, rubbing his bare bicep with one hand and pulling his phone back out for the umpteenth time with the other to check for any updates.

Nothing. Sure, Salem wasn’t late [i]yet[/i], but Varis’ insistence that “on time is late and early is on time” had made enough of an impression on Aaron that he still chafed a little waiting. At least everything else was going according to plan; the driver had taken his special instructions discreetly and without question, preparations had been made for their arrival, and everything was running properly on schedule. The two-hour drive to Noila Castle would hopefully afford him just enough time to really hammer the house rules into Salem’s head before they got there, their arrival would be smooth and quiet, and everything would be fine. Probably. Honestly, all Aaron really knew for sure these nights was that if Salem didn’t arrive before the car did, he’d kick his ass all the way to the castle instead. 

Having a hard meeting time was both a blessing and a curse for Salem. He ended up having to start his exercises several hours earlier tonight, having told Lilie that they wouldn't be able to work out together today as he was on a tight schedule. As soon as he was finished with his training, there was setting timers and feeders for his plants to ensure that they wouldn't die during this two week stretch. Any sproutlings that may have struggled were helped along with his magic, his own training he'd been doing to help the amount of energy he could put out. All in all Salem should be arriving at the exact specified time if not a bit earlier.

As he made his way out he ensured to announce himself to Victor, leaving in the same suit he wore the day he had dinner with the queen though now with an added cloak. If you asked him this was all ridiculous, but if this was how Aaron thought he should dress then so be it from him to argue. Salem gathered the last of his bags, one case full of clothing for the trip and other full of the ingredients for Victor's elixirs. He pulled out his pocket watch as he noticed Aaron already standing there bracing the cold. [i]hmm five minutes early[/i]  [color=82ca9d]"What's the matter Starag? Are cloaks not allowed at the castle as well, besides you seem a little underdressed...you sure you don't want my cloak?"[/color] He eyed his watch once more before adding [color=82ca9d]"And aren't you a bit early?"[/color]

Aaron’s head snapped toward Salem’s voice, his relief at seeing him arrive on time tainted by the horror of whatever on earth the man was wearing. Hideous suit aside, was that a [i]cloak?[/i] Aaron was used to vampires dressing in the styles of their outdated youths, but not mages, and it wasn't as if it was cold enough to warrant such a thing anyway. Good lord, and Varis criticized [i]his[/i] wardrobe. Honestly, all he'd told Salem was to dress formally!

He tried not to show his exasperation too obviously, but inwardly, he groaned. He could already tell this was going to be a long two weeks. 

[color=f0d705]“I didn't want to keep the driver waiting,”[/color] Aaron replied flatly, looking Salem up and down one more time as he approached. [color=f0d705]“And don't worry about what I’m wearing, worry about you. Put [i]that--”[/i][/color] he gestured to the cloak, [color=f0d705]“--away somewhere before the driver sees you, and… is that the suit from dinner at the start of the term?”[/color]

Aaron paused as a horrible realization dawned on him. [color=f0d705]“Don't tell me that's your [i]only[/i] suit.”[/color] 

[color=82ca9d]"It was the only one I packed yes. I wasn't exactly planning on making multiple trips to her highnesses castle when I enrolled into this academy."[/color] Salem unclasped his cloak, allowing it to fall back as he grabbed it and draped it over one arm. [color=82ca9d]"There's no more room in my luggage I'm afraid so I'll just have to carry it. Guess we had the same thing in mind then with being early. Father always said if you're early you're on time, if you're on time you're late, and if you're late you're fired. Not that I ever saw him fire anybody, people tended to come early just to make sure they weren't."[/color]

[color=f0d705]“Her [i]Majesty[/i],”[/color] Aaron corrected, [color=f0d705]“the Princesses are ‘Her [i]Royal[/i] Highness’ and the Queen is ‘Her Majesty’.”[/color] Sun and stars save him if Salem ever had occasion to use those terms during their stay - Aaron was hoping they’d be able to avoid any and all contact with the royal family to mitigate the risk of any further problems - but he had to say it nonetheless. 

Salem Sr.'s punctuality standards helped explain part of why he and Varis apparently got along, but Aaron couldn’t say he was all that interested in the subject. [color=f0d705]“Well it’s a good thing you are,”[/color] he said, checking his watch again and looking up the drive. [color=f0d705]“The car should be here in a few minutes. I’m going to explain everything you’ll need to know about the castle on the drive, but if there’s anything you want to ask that you don’t want the driver to know, now’s the time. This is your last chance not to be overheard for the next two weeks.”[/color] 

Salem hadn't really thought about the lack of privacy that he would have in the royal castle. A household swarmed with vampires and servants who, if they were anything like Aaron, would undoubtedly tell the royals of anything either boy did during their stay. He'd have to be on even better behavior than usual, and he would have to play guest once more. [color=82ca9d]"I can't say that I can think of anything, my main concern right now is if you have a greenhouse where I can either, practice my magic, or collect herbs to make these elixirs Victor has tasked me with drinking. If I'm under accompaniment then I will also need you or another to escort me outside for two hours a day. Another requirement of my partner, getting sunlight."[/color]

Aaron considered for a moment, pleasantly surprised at a rare moment of cooperation. [color=f0d705]“There’s no greenhouse with herbs, but there are plenty of gardens and the grounds are full of plants. I’m sure you can practice your magic on those, provided you can reverse any changes you make. Otherwise I can speak to the gardener and see what we can do about some seedlings or something. He and the groundskeepers are plant mages too.”[/color] He nodded to himself. [color=f0d705]“As for sunlight, that’s no problem. There are rooms in the mages’ quarters with full-spectrum bulbs, but if you really want natural sunlight then that can be arranged.”[/color] 

[color=82ca9d]"I'm sure if Victor wanted me to use synthetic lighting then he wouldn't mind the ones I use at the dorm for my plants. No I'm afraid it has to be the real thing. Oh and I almost forgot that after my sunlight I am to do morning exercises, the time varies but it has been shortening the more I do them which means I'm most likely going to need a new regimen soon. But that's all I can think of right now."[/color]

Aaron’s expression fell to something less amused as Salem spoke. [color=f0d705]“Alright, we can fit those in but you’ll have to do them at different times of night,”[/color] he replied hurriedly, checking his watch. [color=f0d705]“I’ll need to confirm the schedule at home, but you’ll probably have to move your sunlight time to morning before bed, and you’ll do your exercises in the training room with me as I do mine.”[/color] 

He glanced anxiously up the drive again, where a few pairs of headlights shone in the darkness. He turned back to Salem, expression deadly serious. [color=f0d705]“Now it’s my turn,”[/color] he spoke urgently as the vehicles approached, voice lowering. [color=f0d705]“Beyond anything else I’m going to tell you on the way there, you need to follow my lead. If I say something you don’t understand or that doesn’t make sense to you, do not correct me. Do not question me. Just go with it. I know what I’m doing, and you’re just going to have to trust me.”[/color] 

Before Salem had the chance to respond, three vehicles arrived at the gate a sleek black limousine flanked in front and behind by two intimidating black SUVs. The back doors of the SUVs opened to produce two armed men each, clad in light armour emblazoned with the Noila crest; the standard among the castle guard. From the driver’s side of the limousine, a middle-aged man in a neat black suit appeared, opening the back door and gesturing into it. 

[color=f0d705]“Mathias!”[/color] Aaron greeted the man jovially, approaching with none of the imposing attitude he’d shown Salem just seconds before. [color=f0d705]“I was glad to hear they’d be sending you. Did you fill out my request?”[/color] He lowered his voice a little slyly at the end. 

[color=gray]“Indeed,”[/color] Mathias replied happily, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gestured inside the car. On the far end of the seat, a garment bag hung from a hook in the ceiling, and Aaron beamed.

[color=f0d705]“You’re a heavensent, Mathias,”[/color] he clapped the older man on the shoulder, climbing inside. 

Meanwhile, Mathias approached Salem, looking at him more cooly than he had Aaron. [color=gray]“I will take your bag, Mr. Spellman,”[/color] he said, less offering and more informing. [color=gray]“Please, follow Mr. Starag inside.”[/color] 

Salem gave the man a polite bow before handing him his suitcases. [color=82ca9d]"Please be careful with this one, there's glass vials in there from my partner and I'd hate to lose supply so quickly."[/color]  He made his way past Mathias and entered the car next to Aaron eyeing the bag that hung.

Mathias eyed Salem but didn’t comment, moving to put his bag in the trunk as Salem got into the car. Inside, Aaron unzipped the garment bag to reveal a white dress shirt, tie, and suit jacket, all in his usual style and matching his slacks perfectly. Immediately he set about putting on the shirt, occupying himself with fastening the buttons and tucking it in as Mathias got back into the driver’s seat.

[color=gray]“I kept your request discreet as you said, but Aaron, you must know that I can’t help but ask.”[/color] Mathias betrayed no malice - in fact, a hint of amusement tinted his voice. [color=gray]“Why exactly has it fallen to me to provide the other half of your ensemble tonight?”[/color]

Aaron chuckled fondly, working on tying his yellow satin tie as he replied. [color=f0d705]“You won’t believe the misfortune I’ve had this evening,”[/color] he began, exasperated, [color=f0d705]“no sooner had I sent all my other shirts for dry cleaning than I spilled coffee all over myself.”[/color] He laughed. [color=f0d705]“Imagine my horror.”[/color] 

Mathias chuckled from the front seat. [color=gray]“Well, I am always happy to help,”[/color] he replied. The convoy started moving, circling around the Academy drive and out onto the road toward Noila castle.

Salem tried his best not to roll his eyes as the two of them spoke. It was clear that Mathias had little care for Salem, and Salem had never known Aaron to be so careless as to not have something to wear. Aaron's voice rang in his head, reminding him that he was not to be corrected and to just follow his lead. He waited a moment for the light mage to get himself together before gently nudging him to let him know he was ready to listen.

Aaron was waiting for Salem to toss caution to the wind and make some comment, but to his pleasant surprise, none came. Hm, it seemed the man took his advice after all. If this set the tone for the break, then Aaron was in for a huge and welcome relief. He tried not to get too hopeful. 

Looking over at the nudge, Aaron took it as his cue to begin. [color=f0d705]“Alright…”[/color] he began, pausing to put his thoughts in order as he fastened on a pair of cufflinks. Strange how he knew everything he needed to tell Salem, but somehow couldn’t quite ascertain how to order everything; he was so familiar with all of it that it was like second nature, and he supposed he wasn’t sure what he could assume Salem knew and didn’t know. 

He decided to anchor himself by relaying the information he’d been given. [color=f0d705]“As you know, you’ve been sanctioned to spend the break under my supervision as part of the terms of your freedom during your investigation. You won’t exactly be a [i]prisoner[/i] in Noila Castle, but you’re not quite a [i]guest[/i] either, so keep that in mind as we go forward.”[/color] He looked over to Salem to ensure he was listening. 

[color=f0d705]“You will be constrained to the mages’ wing, specifically the Starag quarters, for the duration of the break,”[/color] Aaron continued, more or less quoting from the briefing he’d been given. [color=f0d705]“If you want to leave, you’ll have to be accompanied at all times, most likely by me but not necessarily, so be aware of that. Even with supervision you will not be permitted in either of the Princess’ wings without the corresponding Princess’ express permission, and if there are guests at the castle you will not be allowed to interact with them at all without one of the Princesses present.”[/color] He dropped his robotic tone to add, [color=f0d705]“Personally, I’d prefer if we avoided guests and the royal family altogether; just to minimize any possibility of anything going wrong.”[/color] 

He looked to Salem expectantly. [color=f0d705]“Any questions so far?”[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"Just one for now. Will I need supervision while roaming the halls of the mages wing? That is to say, will I need an escort to the kitchen, restroom, and bedroom, or even the training area or garden?"[/color] This all sounded too much. It reminded him of an old saying he'd heard time and time again, children should be seen not heard. Although in this case they should be neither seen nor heard unless called upon by someone of royal blood. 

Aaron shook his head. [color=f0d705]“You’ll find all of those in the Starag quarters. In fact, there should be no real reason for you to leave; all the amenities you’ll need are provided. Outside is a little trickier, but the boundaries of our quarters are pretty clear and there are guards stationed at key spots who will turn you around if you’re straying too far. And of course, I know the place backwards and forwards so if you need something, you can always ask me.”[/color] 

The more Aaron spoke the more his previous words sounded like a sugar coated lie. This wasn't a break, it was a prison. The halls his courtyard, and the room his cell. Salem leaned his head back for a moment and closed his eyes as he thought about how long and arduous these next two weeks will be. [color=82ca9d]"You keep saying Starag quarters, is that separate from the mage quarters? If so would I be allowed to interact with the other staff? If I could gain insight from the other plant mages that would be very appreciated."[/color]

Aaron didn’t miss Salem’s exasperation, but he wouldn’t comment. [color=f0d705]“They’re in the same wing, but our living quarters are separate from the other staff, yes,”[/color] he confirmed. [color=f0d705]“You’re free to talk to the other staff if you want, so long as you’re not venturing outside our quarters unaccompanied to do it.”[/color] 

[color=f0d705]“But I’m glad you mentioned that; it brings us to our next point,”[/color] he continued. [color=f0d705]“You’re going to be surrounded by people - more people than you’d probably expect - who are all happily in the employ of the Noilas. At the castle, keep in mind that my way of life is the standard, and yours is the outlier.”[/color] He looked to Salem, a warning in his eyes. [color=f0d705]“Even disregarding that it would spark rumours and probably hurt your case in the investigation, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that voicing your… distaste for our way of life isn’t going to be met very kindly. Loyalty to the crown and the Treaty is the one thing we all have in common there, and insulting either will make your stay more difficult than it needs to be. Understood?”[/color]

About a thousand different things ran through Salem’s mind, each worse than that before he finally landed on what to say. [color=82ca9d]"That seemed to be a given. So yes that is understood. I'm really trying to get in the way of their work, I wouldn't want them to potentially be punished because I took up their time. Just figured i could watch the gardeners at work and ask questions while they do their stuff so that I can advance my learning since I wont be able to take this time to be surrounded by an estate of plant mages."[/color]

The more Salem said, the more Aaron suspected that he wasn’t looking for input from plant mages at all. After all, he’d grown up around them, and he’d told him before about all the knowledge they’d passed down among themselves. No, he wasn’t looking for insight; he was looking for familiarity. Salem was homesick, and wanted to surround himself with plant mages to mitigate it. Aaron had to sympathize. He was homesick too, but at least he got to [i]go[/i] home rather than to some new strange place with rules he might not adjust to. The thought crossed Aaron’s mind that Salem was only in this position because of his own hubris, but still, a small part of him felt for the guy. 

[color=f0d705]“Like I said, that can be arranged,”[/color] Aaron confirmed. [color=f0d705]“As long as you’re respectful and don’t impede anyone, it shouldn’t be a problem.”[/color] Provided they agreed to talk to him, anyway. Aaron knew there was a distinct possibility that they wouldn’t. And who could blame them? All they knew about Salem was that he was a suspected rebel under investigation, sent to Noila castle to spend his break under strict supervision. It was entirely possible they wouldn’t want to touch him with a ten foot pole.

[color=f0d705]“Just don’t take it personally if people are a bit… distant,”[/color] Aaron added.

Salem's eyes opened and they looked towards the rear view mirror of the car, notably making contact with Mathias. [color=82ca9d]"None taken. I know what I must look like to them, and, and I say this with no disrespect, but who knows what has been whispered of me. Things tend to get misconstrued when spoken too much so as far as anyone is considered I could be a rabid mage who foams at the mouth and wants to topple our society...which of course we both know isn't true."[/color]

Aaron had to chuckle; as much as he denied it, Salem certainly did a good job of playing that part. [color=f0d705]“Well you know how word of mouth can be,”[/color] he agreed, [color=f0d705]“and servants are particularly talented at gossiping. All the more reason to think before you speak.”[/color] 

The rest of the two-hour drive to Noila Castle passed in relative silence, interrupted periodically anytime Aaron remembered another detail he thought Salem should know. He covered the proper way to speak to servants of different stations, some information on his family and how to talk to them, and a number of tidbits about the history of the castle largely amounting to “don’t touch anything”, among others. Despite occurring in small bursts amid stretches of silence, by the time they neared their destination Aaron was growing tired of the sound of his own voice. 

[color=gray]“We’ll be arriving in about five minutes,”[/color] the driver called back, eyeing the pair in the mirror. 

[color=f0d705]“Thank you, Mathias,”[/color] Aaron replied, nodding. He glanced at his reflection in the darkened window once again, giving himself a final once-over. He adjusted his tie just so, and straightened his collar for what must have been the fifteenth time throughout the drive. He smoothed the lapel of his suit jacket as per habit and also did a final check of his hair, neatly combed just as he liked, checking every detail one last time with a critical eye.

The car turned down a forested road, the trees closing further over it until the stars could no longer be seen through the canopy. It ended at a wrought iron gate attended by two heavily armed guards, one of whom stooped to confirm the drivers’ identities and purposes before the gate opened and they could continue on. They went up an incline, and when they crested it, the treeline disappeared.

It was then that the castle could finally be seen from the drive, all hulking gothic spires stabbing at the sky, the architecture of a caliber unlike anything else in the world. Both the drive and the castle were expertly lit, and everything in sight, from the building to the paths to the grounds and gardens, was immaculately maintained. There was a large, elliptical driveway encircling a magnificent water feature at the grand entrance, but the convoy did not approach it; instead, it ducked down a smaller road to the side and around to the East. They pulled around to the back of the castle and into a much smaller circular driveway in front of a much less exaggerated entrance, though everything was still of a standard not seen anywhere else.

[color=f0d705]“Here we are…”[/color] Aaron murmured, mostly to himself as he stared out the window at the castle. He wasn’t sure if the twist in his stomach was excitement or dread, but they’d find out soon enough. 

Salem looked around, noting the detour that Mathias was taking, remaining silent as he watched the trees pass by and wondered as to where they were being led. Once they arrived he turned to face Aaron. [color=82ca9d]"Where exactly [i]is[/i] here? Or I suppose I'm more curious as to why we didn't use the front entrance."[/color]

[color=f0d705]“This is the mages’ entrance,”[/color] Aaron explained, adjusting some minute flaw in his tie as Mathias got out of the car. [color=f0d705]“The entire East wing of the castle is the mages’ wing, so we come and go through here when we aren’t directly accompanying our vampires.”[/color] 

Mathias circled around to Aaron’s door, and another servant appeared on Salem’s side. Before they opened the doors, Aaron looked to Salem one last time. [color=f0d705]“Okay, to reiterate: be respectful, try not to speak unless spoken to, and above all, follow my lead.”[/color]

The doors opened, and Aaron stepped out gracefully, taking a moment to straighten his sleeves as he thanked the driver. A servant had already begun unloading the trunk, taking the luggage off to some other door around the corner after Aaron told him to take it to Salem’s room. The servant gave him a strange look, presumably questioning the lack of a second set of luggage, but didn’t question it, disappearing without a word. The convoy disappeared as well once the two men were clear of it and Aaron led Salem to the castle confidently, though he halted at the door where a young, heavily armed guard in Noila livery stood waiting for them. 

[color=f0d705]“Hamish, it’s great to see you again,”[/color] Aaron greeted with a smile, giving the guard’s hand a firm shake. The guard returned his grin in full, though his eyes lingered on the Sinnenodel earring swinging from Aaron’s ear a little longer than was necessary. 

[color=gray]“Likewise Aaron,”[/color] Hamish replied, perching a hand on his hip. [color=gray]“Though I’ll be honest, escorting a wanted man was not how I expected you’d be returning to us.”[/color] 

[color=f0d705]“Life is full of surprises,”[/color] Aaron shrugged, giving his earring a flick.

The two shared a knowing look before Hamish offered the pair a curt bow, gesturing to the door. As if on cue it opened, pulled by some unseen servant on the inside. Hamish kept his eyes on Salem as the two passed, but said nothing more.

Inside, they were greeted by a large foyer, cheerily lit and constructed in warm tones of burgundy and cherry wood with a large, curved staircase cascading down the back wall. Aaron looked around fondly, glancing to the benches along the right-hand wall; it was on one of those benches he had said his goodbyes to his mother before leaving for the Academy. What a way to return.

Much to his relief, there was no arrangement of servants waiting to greet them, only the one who opened the door and another who flitted from one attached room to another, barely sparing the pair more than a mildly suspicious glance. Aaron barely noticed them; he only noticed the middle-aged woman who emerged from the right-hand door next, who nearly jumped when she laid eyes on the pair. 

The woman was significantly shorter than Aaron and looked to be somewhere in her thirties, but shared the same cerulean eyes, with a head of curly golden blonde hair corralled beneath a sheer lace veil. A familiar pink crystal glimmered from among the curls, matching a pair of long earrings, and a rosy beige dress cascaded loosely from her small frame, billowing sleeves tightening at the wrist. Her face was a picture of shock, and her hand flew to her mouth. [color=ec008c]“You’re [i]early!”[/i][/color]

Aaron’s expression mirrored hers, though he had to laugh. [color=f0d705][i]“I’m[/i] early?”[/color] he asked incredulously, [color=f0d705]“You’re [i]here!”[/i][/color] He crossed the room insistently, taking his Aunt Dora by the arm and stooping to kiss her on the cheek. [color=f0d705]“What are you doing here? What happened to Count Alder?”[/color]

Dora shook her head, a smile replacing her shock. [color=ec008c]“Don’t you worry about him. I’m here working out a few kinks with Her Highness for him, as usual,”[/color] she replied airily, scoffing. She playfully smacked his arm. [color=ec008c]“And besides, I wasn’t about to miss your visit!”[/color]

Aaron shook his head, smiling. [color=f0d705]“Well you’re a sight for sore eyes,”[/color] he told her, turning back to Salem. 

[color=f0d705]“Salem, this is my aunt, Isadora Starag, if you recall,”[/color] he introduced, looking to Dora. [color=f0d705]“And Aunt Dora, I’m sure you remember Mr. Spellman,”[/color] he spoke more cautiously. 

[color=ec008c]“I do indeed,”[/color] Dora replied. To Aaron’s considerable surprise, she strode across the foyer to where Salem stood by the door, approaching him confidently and laying a comforting hand on his arm. After a moment, Salem felt a warm calm spread through him. [color=ec008c]“You poor thing, you’re wound up like a spring,”[/color] she cooed. [color=ec008c]“Do try to relax; no one is going to bite. I do understand though, being so far from home is difficult, especially under these circumstances.”[/color]

It was hard not to notice all of the eyes that were cast upon the two, but primarily Salem. He did his best to mimic Aaron's movements and follow his lead, staying silent and only offering polite smiles to those who passed the pair or gave him a discerning eye. Hamish's view seemed to linger the longest, Salem keeping his smile held for as long as those eyes were in his direction. Never once did he speak up.

The interior was warm and welcoming, contrasting the reception that he had had so far. Though he wasn't exactly surprised by how he was being treated, he did hope that the mages would be better at hiding it then they were. That is until Aaron and Dora were reunited. The scene was enough to warm anyone’s heart, seeing two people so happy to see each other and watching Aaron finally loosen up the smallest bit. It brought a tinge of sadness in Salem as he began to think of how his mother would've acted in the same way, his aunt more than likely offering them all drinks as they took the time to finally catch up.

Without realizing it Salem began to rub the nape of his neck as he watched their display, snapping out of it only when Dora had approached him and used her magic to calm his emotions. [color=82ca9d]"My apologies, it hasn't exactly been the warmest welcome so far but that is to be expected. I do appreciate your trying to help but...so far I haven't had the best relations with other mages using their magic on me so if you could refrain that would be greatly appreciated."[/color] There was a slight awkward pause before he continued, [color=82ca9d]"But that's enough about me, how have you been feeling? How are you doing?"[/color]

Dora withdrew her hand from Salem’s arm as if it had grown spikes, a brief look of horror crossing her face. The immediate effect of her magic was gone, but a semblance of calm still lingered for the moment. [color=ec008c]“Oh, I’m so sorry dear! Terrible force of habit, though you’d think I’d know better by now. Especially after what the two of you went through.”[/color] She glanced sympathetically between the pair before raising a hand to her brow, shaking her head to assuage Salem’s concerns. [color=ec008c]“Don’t you worry about me, I’ve made a full recovery. Took some time, but so does everything,”[/color] she brushed off the events of their shared dinner experience perhaps a little lighter than she should have, though the unpleasantness of the memory was clear in her eyes. 

[color=ec008c]“But!”[/color] Dora clapped her hands together, looking between the two. [color=ec008c]“I’ve kept the two of you long enough; Aaron, I’m sure you have things to discuss, and Mr. Spellman, I imagine you’re eager to settle in. This is all very overwhelming, I know. There will be plenty of time for talking when the two of you have your affairs in order.”[/color] She pulled Aaron down by the sleeve to kiss him on the cheek, and patted Salem’s arm again (without magic this time) before moving to the door opposite the one she came, disappearing into the castle proper with one last wave. 

Aaron watched the whole scene with eyebrows raised, Dora’s confidence with Salem entirely unexpected. She was probably the most timid of the three older Starags - not that he’d ever tell her that outright - so to see her freely speak to Salem like a familiar guest rather than a suspected rebel completely blindsided him. He watched her go in silence, returning her wave and a bewildered smile, before turning awkwardly back to Salem.

[color=f0d705]“Well that was a pleasant surprise…”[/color] he commented, almost to himself. Looking to Salem, he cleared his throat, gesturing to the door from which Dora had come. [color=f0d705]“Let’s get going then, shall we?”[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"Very pleasant. I know she meant no harm and I really hope I didn't offend her. Maybe I could do something to make it up to her, perhaps the kitchen would allow me to cook her a meal or...no that won't do. They'd never let a suspected rebel gain the chance to potentially poison someone."[/color] Salem wasn't really talking to Aaron so much as past him and to himself. He began to rub the nape of his neck again as he continued to think before snapping back and realizing he was mumbling before Aaron in his own house. [color=82ca9d]"Sorry, yeah. Let's get going I suppose.”[/color]

Not too worried about Salem’s self-reflection, Aaron crossed to the double door on the right of the foyer and waved for Salem to follow. Beyond the door was a wide, similarly decorated corridor, spanning almost the entire length of the wing before splitting in two at the end, each branch turning off out of sight. The walls boasted priceless paintings of past Starags and their vampires, as well as small statuettes and other artwork depicting various versions of Starag and Noila symbolism. About halfway down the hall were a huge painting and enormous tapestry, facing each other, and the walls on either side were peppered with doors. 

[color=f0d705]“Well, this is home,”[/color] Aaron said as he walked, expecting Salem to follow. They passed a few doors on the right of the hall that he didn’t acknowledge, and the first door on the right was actually just an archway, leading into a spacious and lavishly furnished residential kitchen, complete with an island and barstools and a kitchen table. 

[color=f0d705]“This is the kitchen,”[/color] Aaron stated the obvious, stopping so Salem could take a look. [color=f0d705]“Our meals are usually prepared for us in the castle kitchens, but this one is nice for in between meals or if anyone would ever rather cook than be served. My mother is especially fond of it, though I don’t personally use it for much more than popcorn and eggs.”[/color] 

[color=82ca9d]"If your mother is even a fraction of the warmth and hospitality Dora seemed to provide, then I'm sure that perhaps I will see her in there, maybe get a glimpse into your life and where you came from if she would allow me."[/color] Salem paused for a moment in order to take in the view of the kitchen, beginning to attempt to piece where each bit of equipment or supply might be stored based off of the design. [color=82ca9d]"Shall we continue?"[/color]

Shrugging off Salem’s usual nosiness, Aaron continued, waving lazily at the right hand wall. [color=f0d705]“Those doors are all just spare bedrooms; in the past there were occasionally generations with enough Starags to fill every bedroom, but most of them are for guests or storage now. That’s our dining room,”[/color] he pointed to the next room on the left, denoted by double doors rather than a single one, [color=f0d705]“and farther down here we have the den.”[/color]

Aaron pushed the next door on the left, holding it open for Salem to take a look. The den was a cozy family room, though larger than it looked. It was practically a glimpse back in time; a large fireplace with an ornate mantle was embedded in the back wall, and fine antique furniture surrounded it, as if it had been furnished in the 17th century. In a corner sat an ancient, but well-maintained gramophone, flanked by a large collection of records. Finally, an antique piano and a few performing chairs and music stands stood neatly beneath a window in the opposite corner, accompanied by a shelf full of sheet music. 

[color=f0d705]“Stop me if you have questions,”[/color] Aaron offered.

The den was an astounding room to behold, Salem’s tense shoulders relaxed a bit just at the mere sight of it. Thoughts of potentially spending his time tied up in this room reading,  playing chess (against himself most likely) or simply listening to the music, began to flow in his mind. Only halting when Aaron asked if he had any questions. In truth he had one, but it wasn't one that should be asked aloud nor to anyone. If there weren't as many Starags as previously held, why give one up? [color=82ca9d]"I'll let you know if I have any. For now I'm just taking the place and information in so that I don't get lost and accused of plotting a nefarious deed."[/color] His tone was a bit more jovial than he had been recently, playfully joking at the horrid situation he was in.

Grinning just a bit, Aaron shook his head. [color=f0d705]“Duly noted.”[/color] 

As they continued toward the fork in the hallway, a portion of the wall to their left swung suddenly inward, and a young servant carrying an armful of linens emerged from the thin corridor within, pulling the wall flush again by a piece of the molding. 

[color=gray]“Good evening Aaron, welcome home,”[/color] she greeted warmly, though her gaze, like Hamish’s, lingered on his earring a moment longer than it should have. 

[color=f0d705]“Evening Myra,”[/color] Aaron greeted in turn, smiling as she passed. [color=f0d705]“It’s good to be home.”[/color] 

Myra smiled but otherwise said nothing, pointedly avoiding Salem’s gaze as she passed before ducking silently into one of the many bedroom doors behind them. 

[color=f0d705]“She’s probably putting the finishing touches on your room,”[/color] Aaron commented absently to Salem, watching as Myra disappeared. [color=f0d705]“Looks like they put you in the one next to mine, I suppose that makes sense.”[/color] He shrugged. [color=f0d705]“We’ll see those in a bit. For now…”[/color] 

The two reached the end of the hallway and Aaron led them to the right hand branch; this corridor was significantly shorter, with only a handful of doors to the left and one to the right, ending in a heavy exterior door. 

[color=f0d705]“This is where I spent most of my time growing up,”[/color] Aaron explained, gesturing down the hall. Moving to the first door on the left, he opened it to reveal something resembling an old classroom, where a single desk and chair sat in the centre. Three walls were lined with bookshelves, and the fourth sported a large chalkboard. Next to the board was a table and a rack where several long rulers were arranged next to a few long rods of various thicknesses, including a thin metal one that Salem might have found familiar. On the floor in the corner was a bucket full of pebbles. While everything was spotless, it was still clear nothing in the room had been used for some time. 

[color=f0d705]“I learned all my academics in this room; I’m sure you can see why the class sizes at the Academy came as a shock,”[/color] he explained, stepping inside and gesturing around. He looked to the shelf in the corner and the bucket almost fondly, mild amusement clear on his face. [color=f0d705]“This is also where I was familiarized with Count Julian’s methods,”[/color] he added, chuckling.

Salem began to look around the room, moving slowly and taking each item in. He stopped at the familiar thin rod and winced slightly as he touched it. [color=82ca9d]"Hello old friend, I didn't think I would be meeting you here today."[/color] He turned to face Aaron with a smile. [color=82ca9d]"His methods are...unorthodox but I see they worked to instill something in you at least. Are you to show me the training room you had mentioned earlier or will you save that for another day?"[/color]

[color=f0d705]“Unorthodox? Maybe for you, but here Count Julian is the industry standard.”[/color] Aaron shook his head at Salem's naïveté, shrugging. [color=f0d705]“The training room is just across the hall here, follow me.”[/color] 

The door across the hall led into a large, high-ceilinged room, about the size of a gymnasium. The floor was rubberized and around the room were various areas for different types of exercise: a weight track, a few punching bags, some dented and worn wooden training dummies along one wall, even a balancing rail. Benches lined the walls and moonlight streamed in from tall windows, bathing the room in eerie silver light until Aaron turned on the overheads. 

[color=f0d705]“This is it,”[/color] he said, gesturing inside and looking around himself. He hadn’t been gone long, but even after a month the sight of the room, the faint scent of sweat and rubber, brought a wave of nostalgia over him. Absently, he ran a hand over the scar on his ear, letting an old memory wash over him before he came back to his senses.               

Looking to Salem, he pointed to a set of double doors on the far wall and cleared his throat. [color=f0d705]“That's the equipment closet, full of different sparring weapons. I have a key to open it if you need it, though needless to say I'll be supervising if you want to use anything in there.”[/color] 

[color=82ca9d]"I won't be needing them but thank you. I have a feeling Victor would keep over in his grave if he caught wind that I changed up his routine without so much as asking."[/color] Salem placed his hands on his hips and turned his head softly, taking in the gymnasium. [color=82ca9d]"Suppose this will do just fine. It'll be a bit lonely without Lilie but I'll manage."[/color]

Aaron chuckled, crossing his arms. [color=f0d705]“It’s hard to be lonely here, but suit yourself,”[/color] he said indifferently, making his way out of the training room and beckoning Salem to follow. [color=f0d705]“The last thing I’ll show you tonight is where you can get your sunlight in the mornings.”[/color] 

He led Salem to the door at the end of the corridor, pushing open the heavy exterior door with a little difficulty. The door swung out to a flurry of black feathers and annoyed cawing, a number of ravens scattering from a pristine marble patio circling an elegant water feature. The patio formed the centre of an expertly lit garden, full of beautifully maintained topiaries and nocturnal-flowering plants, with white marble benches and statuettes arranged around the fountain, peacefully bubbling away. When Aaron led Salem out, one of the ravens from before returned, hopping around in the grass. 

[color=f0d705]“Why hello there!”[/color] Aaron cheerfully greeted the bird, who looked through one eye at him skeptically. He made a face at it, murmuring, [color=f0d705]“that one never liked me,”[/color] before turning back to Salem. 

[color=f0d705]“This is the mages’ garden,”[/color] he explained, gesturing at the lavish plants all around. [color=f0d705]“It’s smaller than the castle gardens, but it’s quiet and private. This is the tip of the East wing of the castle, so there’s lots of sunlight in the morning, but not so much in the evening. You can get your few hours of sunlight out here.”[/color]

[i]He's talking to birds. He really must have been lonely in his childhood to have developed relationships with the wildlife outside his quarters.[/i] [color=82ca9d]"Thank you, it's quite lively out here isn't it? And I've never seen so many ravens in one spot. They must really like you."[/color] Salem removed a golden ring from his finger, one with which he had no prior attachment, and he gently tossed the ring by the bird’s feet a few inches away. 

[color=f0d705]“We feed them all the time, so they’ve gotten accustomed to congregating here,”[/color] Aaron explained, watching as the raven took flight once more, startled by the ring tossed in its direction. It landed atop the fountain, eyeing the pair suspiciously. 

[color=f0d705]“I don’t have anything for you,”[/color] Aaron told it defensively, holding out his hands. He got a rather offended look in response. 

Aaron rolled his eyes. [color=f0d705]“They’re not huge fans of strangers,”[/color] he explained to Salem, [color=f0d705]“and even though they get used to people they know after a while, they’re still not terribly personable. Until you have a handful of meat scraps, anyway.”[/color] He shrugged. [color=f0d705]“Make sure you greet them when you see them, though. I think I told you before, they’ll give you bad luck if you don’t.”[/color] He couldn’t help but smirk. [color=f0d705]“I think being the royal bird has spoiled them a bit.”[/color] 

[color=82ca9d]"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Who knows, I might even be able to befriend that one before the times up. If not at least it'll have collected a good amount of objects to add to its hoard wherever it may be."[/color] Salem began to make note of the time, wondering how close it was till sunrise and what the next day had in store for him. Something told him this would be a lonely, drawn out birthday full of glaring eyes and silent tongues.

[color=f0d705]“I suspect you’ll just leave here with lighter pockets, but you’re welcome to try I suppose.”[/color] Aaron shrugged again, leading the pair back inside. The raven on the fountain would probably collect Salem’s ring in the daylight when it started to glitter, but didn’t seem too concerned about it for the moment. 

[color=f0d705]“I think that's enough touring for tonight,”[/color] Aaron concluded, leading the pair briskly back to the fork in the corridor. He gestured to the branch they hadn't taken as they passed, and Salem would notice it was closed off with a door. [color=f0d705]“That's the general servants’ quarters, where all the staff aside from my family live,”[/color] Aaron added. [color=f0d705]“That's off-limits for you, too, so don't think you can go exploring just because it's not a vampire section.”[/color] 

Leading him back up the corridor, Aaron stopped Salem at the door they'd seen Myra go into and opened it. The room was a good-sized bedroom, featuring a double bed draped in expensive bedding against one wall, a vanity, dresser, shelf and desk, and two other doors inside. Unlike their dorms at the Academy, this one actually had a window above the bed, coincidentally looking out on a portion of the garden. Salem's luggage had made it there before he did, neatly deposited next to the bed. 

[color=f0d705]“And here's where you'll be staying,”[/color] Aaron concludes his door, gesturing for Salem to go inside. [color=f0d705]“That door is a closet, and that one is a bathroom, so you don't have to worry about sharing.”[/color] He looked to Salem. [color=f0d705]“Any questions?”[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"None at all."[/color] Salem paused for a moment as he entered the room and opened up his suitcase. The latches clicked open as he held his hands there, still, before finally speaking again. [color=82ca9d]"I'm sorry that your break isn't turning out how you expected it. I'm sure neither of us expected for it to take place chaperoning or being chaperoned, but nevertheless I appreciate your hospitality and will try not to be in the way while I am staying here."[/color] With that he began to take out hard full of plants, herbs, and other assorted medicines that were handed to him by Victor, placing each onto the desk and beginning to get his room in order.

Aaron watched Salem skeptically for a moment as he unpacked his strange, strange belongings, but eventually he had to sigh. [color=f0d705]“Don’t worry about it,”[/color] he said softly, unsure what else to add. He watched Salem a moment longer, leaning on the door frame, before he took a deep breath, shaking off the solemnity of the moment. 

[color=f0d705]“Okay, so,”[/color] he clapped his hands, looking around the room. [color=f0d705]“My room is right next door if you need me, remember not to go wandering around without talking to me, and if you hear footsteps in the walls, pay them no mind. The castle never sleeps. With that I think I’ll leave you to it for the moment, and I’ll see you at dinner I suppose.”[/color] 

He was in the act of ducking out the door when he stopped himself, unable to leave quite yet before making one last thing painfully clear. Leaning back into the doorway, he made sure Salem was looking at him before speaking. [color=f0d705]“For the record, I think you’re innocent. I really do. And I feel for what you’re going through, it must be awful,”[/color] he insisted, sincere. But then, his expression grew more serious. [color=f0d705]“However, you’re in my home now, where my family lives. Where the [i]royal[/i] family lives. And I feel obligated to tell you: if by some slim chance you’re actually guilty and you try something shifty here, I will not hesitate to kill you myself.”[/color] 

Satisfied that he’d made himself clear, Aaron finally took his leave. [color=f0d705]“See you at dinner.”[/color] 
[/hider]

[Hider=10/7 Aaron and Salem]
[i][color=gray]12:45pm

Sunlight was so unlike the moonlight she'd grown accustomed to over the past few months. Moonlight held no warmth, no tangible feeling that suggested it existed outside the imagination. Moonlight left the stones of the balcony cold and biting where the welcoming crackle of the fire couldn't reach. It didn't soothe away the dread that churned in her gut when fear tore away the comfort of sleep from her shoulders. A creak of the door in the wind, a muttered curse from a stumbling servant outside the room, even the sound of a soft conversation she wasn't expecting could shake her to her core and plunge her into the fear of the belt and the man again. The warmth the sun provided, heavy and wholly encompassing, helped chase away that dread that so stubbornly clung. It was why, when she woke with a scream in her throat and tear stained cheeks, she stole outside just to bask. It was something she'd never been allowed and that grounded her. Reminded her she could choose, that she was somewhere different.

But the sunlight was nothing in comparison to the moon itself. She never understood when the other children said they liked the sun better. The moon was soft and reassuring. It lacked the typical warmth but it didn't judge. [i]She[/i] didn't judge. The moon was acceptance, the promise that any problem could be fixed, that the world was more than what you could see but what you felt and how it changed you. The moon and all her darkness that draped behind her like a melancholy, the weight of secrets long faded and passionate promises whispered broken beneath the sun's harsh, brutal, unrelenting determination, never refused or turned away. She handled the burden with grace and strength and nothing in the world could stop her.

Those same arms that held the weight of the world could hold her when the tears didn't stop, when her throat was hoarse from screaming, her body exhausted from thrashing and lashing out against things that were gone but wouldn't let her rest. It chased away the darkness, the horrors that clung so stubbornly. At least for a time and when they came back, those arms would come right back with that sadness in her eyes and a warmth on her lips whispering into her hair until she slipped into exhaustion again.

And the stars. She'd never given through to the stars. She'd always saw them as accessories to the moon, lacking depth and existence without her. But no. They were existances in their own rights: a funny little man who brought her dolls and puppets when she wanted to play, who taught her that the silence was never what it seemed but rather an entire conversation carried in the unconcious. A woman who spoke with authority and command with others and carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, who taught her jokes and pranks to play on the moon. A man who spoke little and chafed inside the stone walls of her home, who caught her pets and brought her flowers despite the bloodied axe he carried. A man who she imagined as a father, focused and stern but almost as warm as the sun when he carried her on his shoulders and tucked her into bed when her moon was away.

She never imagined living in the sky. Chains and bars and screams held her to the ground for so long it seemed an impossibility but here, where the stone walls were covered in her favorite books and the garden spiralled out past the horizon and the moon and the stars dotted on her, she felt like she was floating on a cloud. It scared her.

What if she fell? What if they left? What if...

But a smile broke the deepening frown. The curtains barely twitched and she knew. Her moon was pacing in the shadows. She always did when she went outside during the day, somewhere she couldn't follow. A pale blue butterfly wriggled out between the curtains and fluttered over to her, settling on her nose. She giggled as it tickled her and drifted onto an offered finger. It faded away quickly, the sun quick to remind the moon of her place, but it was enough. She bolted back inside, careful not to disturb the curtain too much, and launched herself into the waiting arms of her moon who only chuckled softly and petted her hair like she knew the moon would.

[color=53BDF7]"A nightmare again, my Ellmare?"[/color] The moon spoke softly, kissing the top of her head when she nodded. The moon lifted her and she buried her face into the silk nightgown as her moon sung her way back to bed. Flowers and vines grew, blossoming into beautiful roses as they walked, the aroma soothing and calming as she settled into bed. Stars spun from her moon's fingers to hang above her bed and chase away the darkness that clung to her bed. She couldn't help but reach out, curling her fingers into the silk again, sighing happily as the singing started again and the stars swirled above her. Everything would be okay.

So she dreamed. Dreamed of laughter in the maze garden, dreamed of fun in the library, dreamed of her moon and her stars warding away the darkness. But it wouldn't press in tonight. The belt and the man and her parents cowered beneath the radiance of the sky while she played amongst the stars.

[center]~ /// ~[/center][/color][/i]
Aaon gasped as he woke, startling himself in the process, heart pounding and gulping for air. He sat up before he even realized he was moving, and was disoriented for a moment, squinting around with blurry eyes at his surroundings. It took a moment for him to remember where he was, and another still to discern what he’d just seen; a tower, a garden, the sun and stars, and [i]Yvaine[/i], all through a young girl’s eyes. 

He hadn’t jolted awake tangled in bedsheets and covered in sweat as he had the last time he visited Ellmare, but Aaron felt no less violated for it. He nearly screamed when he realized what had happened, curling his legs up and slamming his forehead on his knees. He tangled his hands through his hair in frustration, as if he were trying to wring the dreams from his very head. [i]Why!?[/i] He thought he was [i]done[/i] with this!

Salem's eyes shot open as soon as the dream had ended. Hardly a nightmare like before, yet the child's fear and pain lingered inside of him as if it was his own. The sheets felt as if they were made of lead, holding him down as a prisoner in this foreign bed. He wriggled one finger, and then another, and finally was free to move as he sat up with a small smile on his face.

There was an odd sense of satisfaction to this dream. That rare bit of emotion from [i]knowing[/i] you were right all along and that you were correct in pursuing something others found outlandish. Salem calmly slid out of his bed, making his way over to Aaron's door and pausing for a brief moment before knocking softly. He didn't dare speak as the blonde mage had warned him about the eyes and ears of the estate, his own currently heightened as he listened for any sign of an eavesdropper.

Aaron’s head whipped up at the sound of a knock, and he all but flew out of bed, tossing his sheets haphazardly aside in his rush to open the door. As expected, Salem stood at the threshold; Aaron grabbed his arm and yanked him inside, closing the door as quickly as he’d opened it. 

[color=f0d705]“Were you just [i]woken up[/i] too?”[/color] he hissed, voice a harsh whisper.

Salem cocked his head slightly, eyes narrowed in a way that could only say 'what do you think?' His hands found their way towards his hips as he shook his head at Aaron. [color=82ca9d]"Do you really need all the theatrics? I'm sure your hurried response woke half the mages quarter, and if Dora is anywhere nearby she may practically [i]feel[/i] your anxiety right now. Quite frankly I'm not in the mood to make out with yet another mage to cover up a story."[/color]

Lacking the patience to deal with Salem’s shit at the moment, Aaron shoved his shoulder away, glaring. [color=f0d705]“Oh fuck off Salem, I’ll be the judge of appropriate reactions here, thanks. And don’t you dare fucking presume to know more about my aunt than I do.”[/color] 

He paced a little circle on his rug, hands on his hips as he tried to think. This new dream honestly couldn’t have come at a worse time; the [i]last[/i] thing Aaron needed were rumours flying around Noila castle that he was crazy - or worse, that he had some kind of connection to a suspected Rebel.

Turning back around, Aaron pointed to Salem, eyes burning in the darkness. [color=f0d705]“You will not breathe a word of this to [i]anyone[/i] until we’re back at the Academy,”[/color] he warned, voice barely audible but unmistakably deadly. [color=f0d705]“In fact, you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone at all, anywhere. Not until I figure this out.”[/color] He pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. [color=f0d705][i]“Fuck.”[/i][/color]

Salem sat down on Aaron's bed, watching the light mage pace around as he occasionally threw him death glares. It was funny really, Dora had mentioned how wound up Salem was at the beginning of this break and now here he was calm and watching her very nephew pacing like a man who was about to lose his life. [color=82ca9d]"Aside from Lilie I won't breathe a word. I'd promised her at the Revel that I wouldn't keep these from her, told her I'd been having nightmares after they ended and she practically ripped my head off for not confiding in her sooner. She doesn't know the details of it but she knows [i]I[/i] had them, made no mention of you."[/color]

[color=f0d705]“You—”[/color] Aaron cut himself off, torn between strangling Salem and throwing him against the wall for being so [i]stupid[/i]. Somehow he managed to stop himself from doing either, but the day wasn’t over yet.

[color=f0d705]“Shut up,”[/color] he warned Salem, holding out a hand. He wanted to scream, having to take a moment to arrange his thoughts coherently before looking back at Salem with a look that could cut glass. He put his hands together. Finally, he decided on something he thought would elegantly summarize the situation. [color=f0d705]“You’re an [i]idiot.”[/i][/color]

He left no room for Salem to reply before continuing. [color=f0d705]“You absolutely will not tell Lilie, you won’t tell [i]anyone[/i] because that’s [i]incredibly stupid.[/i] You’re under investigation, Salem! For an incident related to [i]mind[/i] magic! What do you think your inquisitors are going to think when they hear about you having [i]trouble sleeping?[/i] At [i]Revel[/i] no less!?”[/color] Censoring himself was a pain, but wholly necessary; sadly, it seemed to have been a lesson Salem learned a bit too late. 

[color=82ca9d]"Perhaps that I am under an immense amount of stress between being away from my work, my family, having school work, and an investigation, the changing of partners and adapting to a new form of life with someone who is so vastly different from the vampires that my family has back at home. Perhaps they already know because it is clear that they have no issues using magic against the students, manipulating their minds, and twisting their perceptions, or perhaps it is all just coincidental. Lilie is fine she only knows I have trouble sleeping that is all. She was concerned for my well being as my performance slipped both in class as well as during our morning workouts. She, out of anyone, deserves to know the truth or as much as is allowed. Some of us [i]care[/i] Starag."[/color] Salem’s tone up until this point had been calm and collected. His voice was now cold, sharp, and distant as he rattled on without taking a single breath. His eyes glared daggers at the blonde mage wondering how anyone could be so heartless to those they considered his friends, or if he even knew the meaning of the word.

Aaron had to wonder if it felt nice to be so naive. He prided himself on his self-discipline, though; luckily for Salem, since it was probably the only reason he didn't clock him in the jaw at that last comment. 

[color=f0d705]“You don't get it, do you?”[/color] Aaron spat back, [color=f0d705]“You don't get the benefit of the doubt here. Anyone looking into you is going to hear anything you say out of the ordinary and twist it into something they can use against you, no matter how excusable you think it is. And they [i]will[/i] hear. You're a [i]noble’s[/i] mage now, [i]Spellman,[/i] you have to assume that no matter where you are, no matter who you're talking to, [i]someone[/i] is listening in. And all this ‘honesty’ you're so proud of?”[/color] Aaron made air quotes around the word, throwing it back in Salem’s face. [color=f0d705]“It's only going to put more people in harm’s way.”[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"Quite frankly it feels as if you're misplacing your frustration. I'm more than aware you wished to put this all behind us but I never once stopped believing that it was a fool's errand to think so. Why else would I have avoided answering you at the Revel? Something like this doesn't just appear out of thin air, dance around for a week and then vanish for no reason. Something [i]is[/i] happening here Aaron and the sooner you start taking it seriously the sooner we can figure out what it is. We've both been busy since that night, I know, but you had told me you found something and we never discussed it. I assumed you hadn't wanted it brought up but here it is doing it's own to bring about this conversation once more. So why not take this a bit more seriously this time around unless you want it coming around a third?"[/color]

Aaron shook his head, the frustration beginning to wear on him. He thought he'd made it clear not to divulge any of those details here, but apparently he hadn’t quite gotten through. [color=f0d705]“If you're so hellbent, you can pursue that [i]anywhere but here.”[/i][/color] He made eye contact, making sure his message got across. [color=f0d705]“Until then, [i]go back to bed.”[/i][/color]

Salem's eyes burned towards Aaron for a moment longer, silence filling the void between the two. Finally a sharp exhaled breath left him and a tension in his chest began to subside. He didn't know what to expect of Aaron when he awoke, but he certainly should've seen this fight coming. Perhaps it would’ve been best to ignore it. Pretend as if only Aaron was now being plagued by these dreams so that it would eat him alive like he so clearly wished it would. He stood up, not saying a word as he made his way back towards his room for the night.[/hider]

[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjU0LmYwMTcwYS5VMk5vYjI5c0lGTnJhWEEsLjIAAAAA/shlop.regular.png[/img][/center]
[center][sub]Dates: October 8th - November 4th[/sub][/center]

[Hider=10/8 Victor and Salem]As Salem finished plating his dinner he made his way over to Victor's door and knocked softly. "Hey you mind talking with me for a minute? I wanted to speak to you about my Evenight exercise routine." With that he made his way over towards the living area and sat down on the couch placing his plate upon the coffee table awaiting his partner to join him. He had run out of the altered flavors of blood that he first arrived to school with, but had managed to bottle a bit of his blood with adrenaline, wondering if Victor's hunter side craved that taste most. He poured him a glass in hope's that he wouldn't be eating alone.

Victor was taking his time polishing and cleaning his suit of armor on its stand. Meticulously taking piece by piece off the set setting it on the floor in front of him to slowly brush and polish every edge and crevice. He never intended to use this armor at the school. He simply keeps it in his room to polish and clean when he needs a distraction from his other duties. It wasn’t very hard not to hear his mage in the other room. Salem wasnt that quiet all too often. 

The knock at the door did break his concentration for a moment to hear what the boy had to say. Taking a few more moments to finish cleaning the piece he had in hand, the tall vampire slowly made his way to the living area where Salem waited. Victor was wearing comfortable loose clothing like he always did at this time of night. Grey sweatpants and a black t-shirt. Picking up the glass Salem had poured for him he took a moment to smell the blood like a good glass of wine then drank some of it. “Hmm your getting better at the bottle method. So what is it that you would like to discuss?”

Salem took a sip of his tea, taking the time to blow on a little to help cool it down beforehand. "Thank you. I'm sure I don't need to tell you since you're eyes are more likely to be sharper than mine but, my times have gotten faster, I'm finishing my morning exercises earlier and earlier lately and have more time for idle chat with Lilie or to help her on her form if needed. I believe I've gotten used to this regimen and am in need of either a new addition to it, or an increase in sets and reps so that the work I put in isn't going to stagnate." He took another sip of his drink before taking a bite of his food, letting Victor know he was done saying his piece for now and waiting to listen.

Taking another sip of his drink he listened to his mage speak and then pondered his question, “is that a bit of pride i sense in your voice?” he laughed a bit with a smile on his face. “Finish the rest of the day off and take a break tomorrow. I'll get you a new workout schedule the following day. I'll also add in more advanced combat techniques including ground fighting and the base techniques used with whip fighting.” he took another sip of his drink and swirled it around in his mouth, “i like this flavor. You have been doing good with your courses and training, you haven't skipped on it, and If you were your muscles wouldn't be as defined. The starting whip techniques are your prize for that.” Victor went silent for a moment with a look as if he forgot something, “remind me tomorrow to talk to the new Eve about miss Dionne joining you on your workouts.”

Salem couldn't help but smirk slightly as he chewed his food. It's true he felt a tinge of pride in his advancements. He originally viewed this exercise as a burden, a chore that had to be done in order to keep tensions low with his partner. He did however grow to enjoy them. Not only was it a good way to relieve stress, but it also helped him spend some time with Lilie where they could simply talk without the need of schoolwork. Salem simply swallowed his bite and smiled at Victor. "I appreciate the reward. I look forward to learning how to properly wield a whip as well as the rewarding feeling of gaining a new training repertoire."

Finishing the glass and nodding, “I’m glad you're finding enjoyment in this. Soon you will move to less calisthenics and more into actual weapons training and drills. Hopefully, at the end of the next 2 months we can move into combat tactics and strategies as well as implementing them.” he paused for a moment to gauge his mages reactions before continuing. “After that and you prove yourself. I will allow you to start using your magic with your training. But not until then. You learn the basics first until they are muscle memory then we change them up. Same goes with your magic.”

These rules he had were very important. If you didn't learn the basics with one or the other the finished project is clumsy or lopsided, and ultimately useless. “I don't have a set training for the later parts for you. All i can tell you is it is meant to be flexible and work for you specifically. The last three mages i've trained like this all are unique for their own magic style.” he looked the boy over once more before finishing, “you will get your own whip that i expect you to take care of. We as in together, will design it for you. I will not allow you to use a whip you create with magic until that training phase is complete.”

"Seems reasonable enough. It makes sense to drill in the basics before delving deeper into experimentation. I was taught a similar way back at home, learning how to grow, nurture, and cultivate plants without the use of magic so that I could gain a deeper understanding for they're needs and the fundamentals that way when the time came to learn magic I would already be aware of the nutrients, energy, and needs of what it is I am trying to grow with my own magic. I'm sure [i]we[/i] will be able to design a whip of both elegance and ferocity that would work well with my magic when that time comes." Salem leaned back into the couch, looking at his arms and the tattoos on them, thinking about how long it had been since he last spoke or saw his family. "I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me."

“As long as you understand the material. I think i might also ask some of the others if they think their mage would benefit from this kind of training.” pondering the question for a few moments then stood. “The next step for you to practice on your own is trusting your instincts and don't be afraid to fail. When in a tight spot you tend to panic, think about the issue too much, and ultimately freeze or stumble. I can recover from any damage you do, but if you don't do any damage in the first place you won't learn. Remember failure reinforces wisdom.” he headed back to his room but stopped at the door way before talking again. “And again i don't mind being casual talking to you like this in private. In public i do expect you to still use that edicate training you have been getting.” with that he returned to his chambers to start working on the new workout plan and finish cleaning his armor and weapons.
[/hider]