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[center][sub]Dates: December 7th - December 21st[/sub][/center]

[hider=12/16: Lilie and Ben]
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Squinting down at the needle, Lilie put her whole focus into trying to thread it, letting out a small wail of frustration as she failed for the fifth time. Letting out a sigh, she looked down at the lace detached from the sleeve of a shirt she was wearing five minutes ago. Her habit of fiddling with sleeves finally came back to bite her, resulting in the lace getting pulled off. In her defense, she assumed that something so fancy would be more durable, but it turns out it was just as delicate as anything else she wore.

Truthfully she didn’t really have any reason to be nervous, but she couldn’t help it. Ben would be coming back from his appointment with the princess any minute now, and he had promised he would talk to her about her desire to take longer classes. While Protection wasn’t really her first choice, after finding out Aaron would be taking some of it she really couldn’t help herself. They wouldn’t be in the same class, but it was definitely an excuse to study together if he ever had the time. Maybe he could tutor her!

Of course, when she found out her schedule would only work with ‘permission’, she had to ask Ben. Which resulted in an argument. She wasn’t proud of it, but there was no way she could go along with Ben’s suggestion. Why would she take showmageship when there was [i]magic[/i] to be learned? Okay, yeah, the argument was her fault, but he promised he would leave the decision in the princess’ hands, and she had no reason to think the princess would decline.

The sound of the dorm room door opening caused Lilie to practically toss aside the shirt and needle onto the dining room table, rushing over to meet Ben at the entrance. [color=00BFFF]“Welcome back!”[/color] She greeted him, practically bouncing in place as she looked at him eagerly. [color=00BFFF]“What did she say?”[/color]

Not even a step in and Lilie was already there to greet him; the thought made Ben chuckle, reminding him of one of his pups coming to greet him in the evening. He would, of course, be acutely aware that this would last. In the end, Princess Ryner met with his concerns and agreed that Lilie’s request would be denied. While she was willing to shoulder the blame, he felt the over enthusiastic mage was at minimum due an explanation. 

[color=C0C0C0]“Unfortunately, Princess Ryner denied your request,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I am sorry, but she felt it best to stave off for a semester or so.”[/color]

Lilie visibly deflated at the news, frowning. He didn’t have to lie and say he was sorry, she knew he didn’t want her to do it so that she’d take that stupid class instead. She wasn’t really satisfied with it, trying to wrap her head around it. [color=00BFFF]“But...did she say why specifically?”[/color] She asked him.

Ben chose to walk to the study with Lilie in tow. The girl was predictable but he was aware he wouldn’t shake her off easily. In truth he was relieved Her Highness was on his side; her ambition was admirable and shouldn’t be stifled, but she had yet to understand her limits. It was common in young mages, of course, and he had dealt with it with Noah already.

[color=C0C0C0]“Her Highness expressed concern that you may be overzealous with your new abilities,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Magic is like training a muscle that you didn’t know you have. As such, you cannot overexert it without endangering your health. It’s also important to me that you go at a pace best suited for you.”[/color]

‘Best suited for her’? What was that supposed to mean? Lilie was super confused, trying to wrap her head around what he said, but it really sounded like he was saying he--they, apparently!--didn’t think she could handle it. Did he not see her grades? She studied her butt off for magic! She practiced every single day! Why did they think she couldn’t handle it?

[color=00BFFF]“If I couldn’t handle it I wouldn’t have such good grades in my affinity classes,”[/color] Lilie couldn’t help but point out. [color=00BFFF]“I can handle it. I [i]like[/i] magic, I give it my all every time, so I don’t know why the princess would think that.”[/color]

[color=C0C0C0]“I understand your disappointment but Her Highness’ word is law,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Truthfully I think it’s for the better.”[/color]

Lilie stared at Ben for a second, his words suddenly hitting her. [color=00BFFF]“You...you said something, didn’t you?”[/color] She asked, peering up at the vampire. [color=00BFFF]“You wanted me to take that dumb show-whatever class, so you totally made me look bad, didn’t you?”[/color]

Ben would have laughed if he wasn’t acutely aware that it would further upset Lilie. What was worse was that there was, yet again, another disagreement just waiting to happen. Their relationship was like a wave in the ocean, rising repeatedly and crashing into the sand only to repeat the notion over and over again. He hadn’t expected such a fierce fighting spirit from someone who looked like she could easily be bowled over.

[color=C0C0C0]“I presented the facts. I am sorry it is not the outcome you expected, but the princess’ word is final,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I believe your frustration is misguided.”[/color]

The white haired girl narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms. [color=00BFFF]“I don’t believe you, Ben,”[/color] She ended up admitting. [color=00BFFF]“You just...it’s hard for me to believe that you wouldn’t do things so you got your way.”[/color]

At the very least she was honest. Ben could appreciate that. If only it was better timed. He wasn’t sure what he could say to convince her otherwise but now was as good a time as ever to get to the bottom of it. Finding the solution would work out better for the future as well, as this would hopefully nip any future disagreements in the bud.

[color=C0C0C0]“I am still unsure where this misplaced trust is coming from, but I believe we should discuss it in full,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Tell me, why do you think I would do such a thing?”[/color]

Shifting in place, Lilie couldn’t really verbalize what she meant. Because he didn’t trust her? It wasn’t that, though she did think that was part of it. [color=00BFFF]“I just feel like...ever since the dinner, you’ve been a little weird with me. I already told you that I didn’t have anything to do with Countess Marivaldi, but I feel like...I don’t know, that we’re back at square one. That you’re not being honest with me lately, and I’m not really sure why.”[/color]

Ben was a little ashamed at that topic; he honestly wasn’t sure why it had turned into such an argument, but the countess’ insistence would cause anyone to be suspicious. Now, he knew better, but it was clear that she had driven a wedge between them. If this was her intention, then well done.

[color=C0C0C0]“I, too, feel that our relationship has regressed,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“However, I also feel that you don’t also take what I have to say to heart as well. It is coincidence that Her Highness agrees with me but the concern we share comes from a good place. There will be plenty of time to practice with your affinity but very little until you enter my house. Magehood for one born among humans is an exceedingly difficult challenge and I want you ready for it.”[/color]

Lilie tried not to be annoyed, but she felt like once again Ben was missing the point of what she was trying to get at. Every time she complained to Aaron about him he always made it seem like things would be easier if she gave Ben a chance, but how was she supposed to do that when he’d get like this? Letting out a sigh, she figured she may as well sit if she was about to get lectured. 

Walking back to the living room, she sat down on the lounger, crossing her ankles as she gave him a weary look. [color=00BFFF]“I feel like you don’t like it when I practice,”[/color] She ended up telling him. [color=00BFFF]“You always have this weird look on your face when I talk about my magic or my swordplay, like you’re not really interested. I’m actually really proud of my progress but you don’t seem to care about it at all.”[/color]

Ben supposed he should have feigned his interest some more but he was more astounded at how Lilie picked up the subtleties. Perhaps to avoid such conflicts in the future it would be best to come out with it as she was already suspect. What was it the mortals said? Better now than never? He made sure that he was seated as well before he would give her his complete attention.

[color=C0C0C0]“With all due respect, your magic is not a priority at this moment,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I’ll reiterate that you have a few short years to learn the ways of servitude and I believe your time would be better spent on abilities that will help your future. I don’t believe there is a need for magic or combat-oriented skills which was why I suggested Protection as an arcane major in the first place. I will find a place for you in my home, but it will not need any skills you can’t already learn in the safety of this dorm or a classroom.”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]“What?!”[/color] Lilie blurted it out without thinking, clearly shocked. What was he talking about? The whole point of being a [i]mage[/i] was to do [i]magic[/i]. She hadn’t spent [i]years[/i] on learning fencing just to never use it. What, did he really want her to prioritize which stupid fork was supposed to be used on a dish? Even through her shock, though, Lilie couldn’t accept that. No, she refused to accept it.

[color=00BFFF]“I can’t just sit around doing nothing. I’m proud of everything I’ve gotten so far, and I was going to go into dueling since I can’t participate in my usual championships anymore,”[/color] She started out slowly, picking up the pace. [color=00BFFF]“We agreed Evocation wasn’t the best choice, but now I’m starting to think if it was up to you, I wouldn’t be able to do anything. But why? Do you really think it’s okay for me to just--to just go to parties all dressed up just to sing a song and have everyone judge me?”[/color]

Ben had to ignore his initial response as he looked at the situation logically. He anticipated resistance of course but he needed to choose his words with the utmost caution. Dueling was entirely out of the question no doubt and she could not handle being part of his protection squad. He wasn’t entirely sure why she seemed so judgmental of her performance, however.

[color=C0C0C0]“You sang beautifully. Not a soul had a single negative thing to say about it,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I think a career as a songstress is more befitting a young lady. Why go through all the trouble of getting into brutish fights just to get hurt?”[/color]

Did she get teleported back into the 1950s?! [color=00BFFF]“If you knew [i]anything[/i] about my fencing, you’d know that I’m actually really, really good at it,”[/color] Lilie told him, shaking her head. [color=00BFFF]“I’m not some songbird for you to let in and out of a cage as you like. I have my own wishes and dreams, and if you don’t like it, then...then I don’t know what to tell you.”[/color]

[color=C0C0C0]“If I don’t like it, then you change,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“If you do something that I believe will bring you harm, then you don’t get to do it. That is my final word.”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]“That’s not fair!”[/color] Lilie protested, standing from her seat. [color=00BFFF]“You don’t even give me a chance to prove myself!”[/color]

[color=C0C0C0]“You can’t handle it, Lilie,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“You have this fantasy in your head where you believe that with magic you can accomplish anything, but the truth of the matter is that magic can only get you so far. You’re only human and can only see what is in front of you now and what your desires are in the moment. You say that you want to duel but have you the slightest idea of what that entails? How intense and brutal the training is?”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]“I’ve been fencing for [i]ten years[/i], I know what it is to train and to work hard. You act like I’m some glass flower that’s gonna shatter if anyone so much as looks at it, and you’re wrong,”[/color] Lilie snapped, feeling like she was at her boiling point. 

The argument was going nowhere and Ben had to admit he did admire this passion Lilie had. Unfortunately he would not budge from his position and knew there wasn’t a way to end this peacefully. If he needed to bring down the hammer, so be it. He could work on repairing the relationship at a later time.

[color=C0C0C0]“Ten years and you lost your first duel on your second day,”[/color] Ben said.

Lilie’s expression fell as she stared at Ben, frozen in place. Her heart was beating in her ears, a surge of frustration and anger hitting her, but she couldn’t do anything. She didn’t even know how he found out about her first duel with Aaron, but he was right. Was she really weaker than she thought? Was everything she worked for always going to fall short? Was it always going to be like this?

Even with what he said, she couldn’t help but ask, [color=00BFFF]“Do you think I’m weak?”[/color]

His comment seemed to hit home more than even he had anticipated. Gone was the flame of passion that had risen and instead only the embers remained. Perhaps it had been harsher than Ben had intended and he had to stop himself from apologizing. This was a crucial moment where he needed to assert himself and show Lilie her place; no matter how it may seem he knew it was better to snuff the defiance out now than to wait until later.

[color=C0C0C0]“As of this moment, I do,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I think that you have long since compared yourself to other humans without considering you’re in a different field now with different standards to uphold. It is better to save your energy for where I need it to be.”[/color]

The tiny sob that escaped her came out unwillingly--Lilie couldn’t even listen to anything else he said anymore. Shaking her head, Lilie left the living room and made a dash straight to her room. Closing the door behind her as she leaned back into it, she couldn’t stop herself from crying, sliding down to the floor and huddling her knees to her chest. She hated feeling so powerless, she hated being here at the academy, and she hated Ben a lot right now.

But there wasn’t anything she could do about any of it. 
[/hider]

[hider=12/19: Lilie and Amaris]
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Scrunched over a book like a wolf over its meal, Lilie was devouring the words as her eyes glided through the words. She was probably too mad to actually be reading, but the arena had no openings and she thought that studying would calm her down. After a few seconds, she let out a whine of frustration before throwing herself on her books, pouting. 

How was she supposed to get stronger if her own vampire didn’t trust her? Was she just doomed to stay at mediocrity while her friends and Max all got ahead of her? She was still in disbelief over Ben’s flimsy justification, and it didn’t help that it felt like ever since then she avoided him. As she picked herself up, she let out a huff of annoyance. If only she could talk to the princess, she was sure she would have gotten the okay. But no, instead she’s stuck with a count that was convinced he was her dad and kept holding her down and kept being overbearing and--

Resisting the urge to scream, Lilie let out a long exhale. If it wasn’t for the weather, she would have been at the beach practicing her affinity. Well, it was pretty cold out, but maybe practicing in a warm bath would be just as good. Making up her mind, she gathered her belongings into her bag, taking her coat in hand and walking towards the library’s entrance.

As she walked, however, a familiar face caught her attention. It looked like her neighbor, Countess Marivaldi, was here again. She had seen her a few times when she came to study, but she didn’t really go out of her way to approach her since she never really had any reason. Before she could continue, however, Ben’s words rang in her head. Right, he was convinced that she was lying about knowing her.

Well, now was as good a time as ever to clear the air. Taking in a deep breath for courage, Lilie strode over to the countess. [color=00BFFF]“Um, Miss--Countess Marivaldi, I need to talk to you,”[/color] She said, doing her best to recover after her initial stumble. [color=00BFFF]“Do you have a sec?”[/color]

Snaking her way through the rows of texts, Amaris swept her eyes lazily across the shelves before her. She wasn’t exactly sure what it was that she was looking for, only that she hadn’t found it yet. The Countess found herself in need of a break from her regular studies but she wasn’t quite ready to head back out for more training, nor was she up for locking herself away in order to practice her craft. Somewhere among the seemingly endless expanse of books was one just waiting for her to come along and whisk it away from the shelf on which it sat, Amaris just wished it would shout a little louder so she could finally grab a seat and relax.

With each pass she made, Amaris grew more and more impatient until she decided that she had finally had enough of the aimless wandering. Despite not having found anything that had called to her in particular, the Countess nicked a single item from the shelf nearest her hand and went to claim a seat for herself. She avoided the group study areas in favor of a less populated section near the library’s entrance, claiming a reading chair as her own before turning her eyes to the random selection. However, before she had a chance to figure out what it was that she had actually chosen, Amaris heard her name being spoken by a nearby voice.

Glancing back up, the Countess was surprised to find the voice belonged to none other than young Lilie. It would have been a lie to say that she had never noticed the mage frequenting the library during her own visits, but so far the pair had never really had a reason to interact with one another during the overlap. Flashing the mage a friendly smile, Amaris left the book forgotten in her lap and gestured to a neighboring seat.

[color=f49ac2]"Ah, Lilie! What a pleasant surprise. What’s on your mind?"[/color]

Lilie was a little surprised by the friendliness, blinking slowly. After a few seconds, she decided to take the seat, though she didn't intend on staying for long. It was probably best to just come out with it, but where should she even start? With herself? With what Ben said?

[color=00BFFF]"I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding,"[/color] She decided on a starting point, making sure to look at the countess seriously. [color=00BFFF]"Count Eve is under the impression that you and I are close. And that isn't true at all, but for some reason he didn't believe me after he asked me about it. He made it clear you said something to make him think we were and the last thing I want is for anyone to think I'm close to any vampire."[/color]

Amaris fought back a groan at the mention of the count's name. It was precisely the subject that had her using every resource available to her in order to distract herself. As much as she would have preferred not to have to think about the man while trying to relax, she didn't think it would be fair to turn the girl away over something so outside of her control.

She maintained her friendly expression but it was difficult to completely hide her disappointment. Not only was the Eve unable to let the issue go, but he was digging in his heels in the most bizarre way. If he were so worried about it he could have simply asked her directly, yet it seemed he had some preconceived notion about the situation he couldn't let go. As a result of what she could only describe as insecurity, the Count had resorted to pinning it to his mage instead of dealing with it properly.

[color=f49ac2]"I see."[/color] Amaris began, shifting the book so that she could cross her leg over the opposite knee. [color=f49ac2]"Unfortunately, it seems that a personal disagreement of ours has broken its banks. I expected better of him but he seems intent on proving me wrong wherever possible."[/color] The Countess did regret the inconvenience she had caused Lilie but she couldn't fully deny the vindication this news produced. After having made such a fuss about being the one who would know his own partner best, here she was proving that he didn't know as much as he pretended to. After all, he was refusing to believe the truth over a fiction of his own creation.

Lilie had no idea what breaking the banks meant, but she wasn't really happy with the response. She stared at the countess expectantly, waiting for a moment, though when it was clear that's all she had to say, she rubbed her temples. This was why she didn't deal with vampires, you tell them one thing and all they do is talk about themselves!

[color=00BFFF]"I'll be honest, it doesn't matter to me what the disagreement was about,"[/color] Lilie continued. [color=00BFFF]"What does matter is you saying things that give the wrong idea. I haven't done anything to you or even gone out of my way to talk to you until now, so I don't really appreciate being thrown in the middle of whatever you and Ben--Count Eve have going on."[/color]

The countess was a bit surprised by how tense the mage came across. Was it disappointment that sparked her response? Aggravation perhaps? Whatever the emotion, it was becoming clear this was more than just a simple inconvenience to her.

[color=f49ac2]"I can and do apologize for the stress the situation has caused you. You shouldn't have had to go out of your way now to address this yourself so for that I also apologize. Unfortunately, I have very little idea what fairytale your partner has adopted as truth. You mentioned that he didn’t believe you, may I ask what about?"[/color]

Of course Lilie was going to address it, what did the countess think was going to happen? Was it not typical for people to talk about their problems? Or what, did she expect her to send Ben to talk about it? Lilie was an adult, she could handle talking about her own issues without needing Ben. 

[color=00BFFF]"He said at the party you talked about me like we knew each other and was concerned our relationship was inappropriate, especially since it contradicted what I said when I mentioned that I didn't know you,"[/color] She decided to start there first. [color=00BFFF]"I don't know what exactly you said to give him that impression but he wasn’t happy to hear it, especially since he thought I was lying, and I don’t blame him."[/color]

Not to mention the lecture she got about how bad it would be if it turned out she was lying to him, but she wasn't going to get into that here since it didn't matter. What did matter to her, however, was setting the record straight. She had enough problems with Ben, she wasn’t letting some uppity countess add to the list.

[color=00BFFF]"If I'm going out of my way to address it, it's because I don't want problems with the guy I'm supposed to be dealing with for the rest of my life,"[/color] She told her. [color=00BFFF]"It's easy for a vampire to just say and do whatever they want, but I'm not going to let you think you can say what you want and I'll take it sitting down. I get that you're supposed to be someone important but I don't owe you anything."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"An inappropriate… relationship?"[/color] At first she didn’t know how to respond. What sort of things was he imagining his mage getting up to when he wasn’t around? With an imagination that wild it was no wonder he felt he had to have such control over the girl. Still, the situation was so ridiculous to her that Amaris failed to contain her laughter. Between her own passive observations and Maddie’s assessment from the party, the picture that had been painted of Lilie was one of a soft spoken airhead yet sitting beside her was something else entirely. Perhaps she had underestimated the mage just a little.

[color=f49ac2]"And what, exactly, do you think it is that the Count is doing?"[/color] She asked of Lilie as she settled. A part of her was amused, but it was a feeling that was quickly beginning to fade. [color=f49ac2]"Listen, I’m not even sure where to begin but I don’t expect a thing from you and I never have. You have made your disdain for me abundantly clear despite our lack of contact, something I respected out of a desire to maintain the relationships fostered by my partners. But I’m finding it difficult to wrap my head around the idea that you’re mad at me for, how did you put it, just saying whatever I want while you ‘can’t blame’ your partner for doing the exact same in response to a simple disagreement. A disagreement, I might add, that started over the color of your hair."[/color]

Lilie wasn’t sure how to react to the laughter, though she wasn’t really surprised at it. Not to mention that her disdain wasn’t directly at just the countess, even if she was annoyed right now. At the mention of the disagreement, however, she was a little surprised. Ben had mentioned that the conversation between the nobles got weird, but he didn’t give any details. She had no idea it was about her, her hand moving instinctually before she stopped herself. It looked like she couldn’t really escape it here, either.

[color=00BFFF]“It’s not colored, this is my natural hair,”[/color] She mumbled, shaking her head. [color=00BFFF]“Why would that even cause a disagreement between nobles?”[/color]

The countess nodded her head in understanding, already well aware the culprit behind her lightly tinted hair. But had Ben really not talked to her about any of it? Amaris shouldn’t have been surprised but the realization only added to her irritation with him.

[color=f49ac2]"Natural or not, it’s different. Please don’t misunderstand, I’m rather fond of it. I think it’s a lovely color and suits you well. However, it was one of our host’s critiques about you, one that was not eased with Ben’s explanation of your genetics. The pair think it in your best interest to… remedy this issue. I disagreed with their assessment on the matter, which did not go over well, and caused some friction throughout the evening."[/color]

Why would that be a reason to cause friction? Lilie was entirely confused, trying to wrap her brain around the idea. She didn’t even dream of even being mentioned, let alone actually talked about. What bothered her more, though, was that she was completely clueless and learning about this from a third party. A third party that was ‘fond’ of her hair--the thought was enough to make Lilie consciously scoot away from the countess, unnerving her a little. And what was this about remedying an issue?

[color=00BFFF]“You can’t alter genetics, so I’m not really sure what you mean,”[/color] She said slowly, looking down at the table. [color=00BFFF]“And why disagree? Isn’t the whole point of the mage-vampire relationship one of subservience?”[/color] A point she had been butting heads with Ben over, but she wasn’t about to bring that up. 

Raising an eyebrow, Amaris took mental note of the girl’s shift in position after hearing what she had to say. Did she… frighten her? Unfortunately, it was a thought that would be pushed to the side as Lilie spoke.

[color=f49ac2]"He was not specific in his methodology. I believe he was planning to take you to a hairdresser, which I’m assuming means hair dye or perhaps another form of alteration. For that I have no answer outside of conjecture. I could run through every point I disagreed with if you’d like, but can I ask you something first? What do you know about the house of Marivaldi?"[/color]

The first thing that popped into Lilie’s head was that her mom would probably end up scolding her, but unfortunately if that’s what Ben wanted then she’d have to say something to stop it. What was the point of that anyway? She couldn’t change something she was literally born with. What, would she have to dye her eyebrows, too? Letting out a huff, it was Lilie’s turn to raise an eyebrow at the countess as she asked her question.

[color=00BFFF]“All I know about that is they’re nicer to mages for some reason compared to the other vampires and that you’re the next in line. I don’t know much about any of the noble houses aside from rumors and stuff,”[/color] She admitted with a shrug. [color=00BFFF]“Why ask a random mage about your own house?”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"I was a little curious what your base of experience was with us if you were asking [i]me[/i] if the point of a vampire-mage pairing was subservience. It’s not exactly a secret that we do not fully subscribe to that belief. Just for your context, I am the daughter of our late Lord not our current. Our current Lord caused quite the stir on a couple of occasions: when he took over as our head of family and, even before that, was granted the rare request to become Embraced. Before that, he had been a mage just like you, however he served as something closer to an advisor to my father. It’s not that my father was nicer to him, he truly respected and trusted him, otherwise he would never have made it to where he is today."[/color] Amaris stopped herself from continuing, clearing her throat as she realized she had begun to ramble. She was beginning to find it was a common problem when she tried talking about her father. 

[color=f49ac2]"Sorry, that was a bit of an information dump. My point is that we, I especially, see a lot more potential for our world if we change the nature of that relationship. Unfortunately, that sentiment is not shared by many of my peers and I am not so practiced in the art of bluffing my way through a simple blood tasting. I was perhaps a bit forceful in expressing my concern over the ill effects forcing you to alter your body might have."[/color]

If she was asking, it was because she didn't have a clue--it wasn't like they taught anything that wasn't the bare minimum back home. Lilie had heard similar stuff about the late Count Marivaldi but she wouldn't say she knew anything concrete. Her eyebrows did shoot up some when she mentioned [i]body altering[/i]--what the heck was Ben planning?! 

[color=00BFFF]"Except Marivaldis are in the minority since the other three houses are Traditionalists,"[/color] She replied--that much she did know!--with a lidded stare. [color=00BFFF]"And besides, it doesn't change that you're all vampires. It's easy to just have whatever opinion you want when it doesn't affect you."[/color]

And easy not to care when it didn’t. 

[color=00BFFF]"That said, I don't get why you bothered. I'm not your mage," [/color]Lilie continued. [color=00BFFF]"I already knew Be--Count Benjamin wasn’t happy when he learned I was his mage, so if he wants to change me, then...that's on him. You don't have to butt in."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"My stances on mage rights and treatment aren’t dependent on their personal relationship to me. And that seems to be something your partner doesn’t appear to understand; the empathy for people outside of his circumstances. It doesn’t sit right with me that it is acceptable for one party to recommend beatings and public humiliation while I can’t ask that you be called by your name. Just because it is the belief of the majority does not mean it is the way it ought to stay."[/color] Amaris eased back with a defeated sigh, sensing that she likely wasn’t going to get anywhere with the mage. She had already accepted her new lot in life from the sounds of things and that meant that people like Amaris were little more than a nuisance to the status quo.

[color=f49ac2]"All I wanted was for him to at least consider the consequences of his choices."[/color]

Outside what circumstances? Weren't they both nobles? Lilie didn't understand, though it was obvious they weren't really on the same page. This girl--[i]vampire[/i] was convinced Ben was some devious guy when just the other day he ended up punching out the microwave because it beeped at him without having anything in it. But even that didn’t matter; it was clear to Lilie that this conversation was going nowhere because she was being pitied. She couldn’t help but remember Salem's lessons or the look Aaron had at the party.

[color=00BFFF]"It doesn't matter what he chooses to do with me, because I'm not going to accept any changes he tries to enforce on me,"[/color] Lilie informed the countess as-a-matter-of-factly. [color=00BFFF]"And that's besides the point. You're supposed to be some important heiress in your family, aren't you? If you want to be of real help, how about you do something about the students that are actually abused around campus? Like the ones who get humiliated publicly by their vampires? The ones getting tugged around by leashes? Or the ones like my friend who was physically abused during his lessons to the point that his knuckles were cracked and bleeding and he wasn’t allowed to be treated by anyone?"[/color]

At that point Lilie stood up from her seat, turning to Amaris. [color=00BFFF]"I'm not going to let him or anyone else change me, and I don’t care what anyone has to say--not him, not you, [i]no one[/i],"[/color] She stated clearly. [color=00BFFF]"I'm no one's charity case, if you want to cause problems in my life, then you clearly have the time to be doing [i]better[/i] things."[/color]

For the first time in quite some time, Amaris had been rendered completely speechless. Not a sound escaped the countess as she peered up at the mage who now physically looked down upon her. Not even the passive aggressive snark of the nobles could compare to the passion of a girl determined to live her life in spite of the world around her. But it was more than just the shock of the moment that got to her, it was what Lilie was implying. 

[color=f49ac2][i]No, there is no implication here. This is an accusation.[/i][/color] She thought as her eyes remained fixed to the mage. Amaris found her initial reaction to be something along the lines of indignation. How was she the one causing problems when it was Benjamin who was making wild assumptions and projecting his insecurities onto his partner. It was hardly her fault… right? She couldn’t exactly control his interpretations… … … But that wasn’t her point at all was it? It didn’t matter what she had said, it was never really about the misunderstanding. It was about her sticking her nose into a situation that was already under control. 

Then there was the matter of the other mages, the ones she wasn’t addressing, the ones she had written off as beyond her reach. She had trusted in the princess to keep her students safe even if that meant from one another. Evidently, they had two different ideas of what that looked like. But did Lilie truly think there was something more she could do that Ryner could not? It would take decades, perhaps centuries more, to fight a battle of that nature. What could she possibly change from- Amaris’s eyes widened ever so slightly as realization washed over her. 

That. [i]That[/i] was the point. Lilie had become a special interest of hers due to her relationship to Cassandra. She had rationalized her involvement because of it, but all the while it had just been an excuse; a distraction. It was an empty gesture because it ultimately affected nothing, there were no stakes and no consequences. As much as it pained the Countess to admit it, Lilie was more than just a little right. She was supposed to be someone important. She was supposed to be someone of influence who could serve as an example to the rest. She was supposed to be respected… Amaris had always assumed it just went with the name. That she was mocked for sharing her family’s beliefs, that it was the name that held her back just as much as societies dislike of change. But it was never any of that at all. She demanded results without ever lifting a finger, like a child crying about the rain while ignoring the umbrella in her hand. Everyone else could see it, so why did it take this unassuming little girl to be the one to show it to her.

Straightening her posture in her chair, Amaris removed any lingering remains of her earlier amusement and replaced it with solemn neutrality. She still didn’t have any of the answers, but it was about time she stopped expecting them to fall into her lap and instead go looking for them herself.

[color=f49ac2]"I see. This has been a rather… enlightening conversation. As much as I have valued our chat, it appears that you have somewhere else you’d like to be. Thank you for lending me your time, Lilie. Was there anything else you needed to address before you go?"[/color]

This was enlightening? Lilie would have laughed if she wasn’t so ready to just end the conversation. She did end up letting out a disappointed sigh--it was so [i]easy[/i] for vampires to just sit on their thrones and be completely oblivious while everyone else had to scramble underneath. Maybe this was why the Marivaldi and Ben didn’t get along. She still didn’t understand what the countess’ problem with Ben was, but honestly, she just didn’t care.

She did take the chance to put on her coat, focusing more on bundling up for a second. [color=00BFFF]“No, that was it,”[/color] Lilie said as she took a hold of her bag again. [color=00BFFF]“In the future, please mind your own business and leave me alone. Dealing with one vampire is more than enough for me.”[/color]

Without waiting for a response, Lilie marched off, positively fuming. First Ben, now this lady--what was it about her that made people think she was so pitable? Did she really come off as that pathetic? It angered her to no end, her frustration coming back in full all over again. She was so sick of these vampires assuming they knew more about what she needed than she did. For all her years Countess Marivaldi was so [i]haughty[/i] and talked like she knew her, how dare she?! Lilie couldn’t believe half the stuff that came out of the countess’ mouth. But it didn’t matter anymore, Lilie said her piece and she didn’t want to ever talk to the spoiled countess ever again if it could be helped.

She really needed to let off some steam. With that in mind, Lilie decided at that moment to go to the Arena.
[/hider]

[hider=12/21: Lilie and Aaron]
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The chill of the night was the same as ever, keeping the snow on the ground for a little longer. The candle lights that floated around in the courtyard flickered quietly, giving the area a sense of calmness. The air was crisp and the night sky was filled with stars, illuminating the sky along with the moon. The only thing Lilie heard was the clicking of her own heels against the exposed cobblestone, the soft wind causing her to huddle her beige coat around her.

It seemed a little callous, but Lilie wanted to be alone for a little bit. Everything was feeling a little more overwhelming than usual and she always felt being outdoors helped calm her nerves a little. Of course, it was usually nicer outside, but for now, she didn’t really mind the cold as much. It felt nice as it bit at her cheeks, her chin huddled into the fur collar as she tried to brace herself against the cold. For once, she was actually okay with wearing a long skirt, even if she still felt like they were too heavy for her.

It was hard not to think back on the argument she had with her count. She had been actively avoiding him and he didn’t try to talk to her aside from earlier. He thought it’d be nice if they did something together, but she lied and said she already had plans. Not that she needed to--she was a bad liar and just didn’t want to. Their conversation had replayed in her head a hundred times, Kanalie’s invitation looking more and more enticing. Still, there was a very real possibility that even that wouldn’t change things, that she’d be small and weak and powerless no matter what she did.

Arriving at the fountain, she was pleased to see the candle lights floating above the ice. One bobbled as she poked it but it returned to its rightful place. She wondered if people anticipated others touching it, but she was still amazed by it. As she walked, she paused for a moment as she realized the snow was starting to fall down, adding a gentle touch to the scenery. Taking a seat at the fountain, she stared at the candles under the pagodas, letting herself get lost in thought.

Moon’s Mirror at the Academy was surreal. Maybe it was just an extension of every other strange experience he’d had since his world was turned upside-down, but for Aaron, it felt like no other Mirror he’d ever experienced. The campus was superbly outfitted, with a veritable maze of ice walls and sculptures reflecting twinkling candles like stars in the night sky, at once hiding and exposing couples and friends reminiscing on the year gone past; it was quiet, serene, and elegantly fitting for the spirit of the occasion. But for Aaron, having spent every other winter holiday surrounded only by family and close friends behind the walls of Noila Castle, sharing such an intimate occasion with the Academy at large felt… lonely. 

It was strange how that worked. 

Still, he tried not to mind it too much. He’d be going home tomorrow to spend the rest of the holiday with his family, and Varis had even allowed him to decorate the dorm a little bit before kicking him out for the night. Aaron wasn’t about to argue with a mandatory night off, but there still remained the issue of what to do with it: normally he’d take to the infirmary for a few precious hours of sleep, but instead, he found himself wandering around campus, taking in the sights with a misplaced sense of melancholy nagging at him. It must have been homesickness; with everyone he knew here either moody, insufferable, or otherwise engaged, there was no one he was particularly eager to spend time with. 

Well, there was one, but with her vampire a member of the holiday’s patron family, she probably had something better to do. 

He had considered texting Lilie about twenty times that night, but each time he lost his nerve. What if she got the wrong idea? What if [i]Count Benjamin[/i] got the wrong idea? After all, men didn’t seek out women on Moon’s Mirror for any purpose either of their masters would approve of. He’d been revisiting her kiss on his cheek for the past two weeks since it happened, near-certain that it meant what he thought it meant, but what if he was wrong? Not to mention Varis would rightfully have his head for even [i]considering[/i] such a thing. But if it helped him get through the night, was it so wrong to hope? 

Maybe, if he ever tried to make that fantasy a reality. 

Aaron paused in his wandering to admire the fountain in the library courtyard, shaking his head at his own foolishness. Maybe that was why he felt such a nagging tug in his chest: he [i]did[/i] want to spend the holiday with someone, but she was far, far out of reach. He’d be better off heading for a nap at the infirmary like he should have done than wandering around like this, tormenting himself. 

He cast a look around the courtyard before leaving. Ryner had done a great job with it, erecting pagodas where the tables had been, bathing the area in the soft orange glow of floating candles. A couple here and there lounged under the pagoda lights, lost in their own little worlds; it was a picture worthy of a postcard. But as he rounded the fountain for a better look, something much prettier caught his eye: a flash of white bundled up in beige, sitting on the ledge of the fountain all alone. 

Aaron’s heart leapt in his chest, but he froze. He should just walk away, he shouldn’t get into this. With all the rumours that already circulated about him, he didn’t want to risk his or Lilie’s reputation on the chance that someone might see them together, on a romantic holiday meant for reflecting on relationships, and get the wrong idea. 

… But he couldn’t just leave her [i]alone[/i] on Moon’s Mirror, could he?

The decision was a little [i]too[/i] easy to make, but once it was made, there was no going back; taking a deep breath, Aaron approached Lilie’s side of the fountain, leaning down into her field of view, and smiled. [color=f0d705]“What’s someone like you doing here all alone?”[/color]

At the sound of Aaron’s voice, Lilie was brought out of her thoughts and back to reality, eyes widening as she looked at him. There wasn’t any stopping her warm smile, though she couldn’t help but laugh just a little bit. What did he mean ‘someone like her’? Well, she usually [i]was[/i] always with someone one way or another unless she was studying, so maybe it came off as weird to him.

Still, she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t happy to see him. [color=00BFFF]“It’s a time of reflection, after all, so I’m...reflecting,”[/color] She told him, wondering if it came off as lame. But it was the truth, and there wasn’t any shame in that. Her smile fell a touch as she returned her gaze to the ground. [color=00BFFF]“It’s...definitely been a year to reflect on.”[/color]

Aaron’s spirits fell a touch when he noticed the air of gloom that settled over Lilie. His first thought was that she might be homesick too - if starting off the holiday at school was weird for him, he could only imagine how foreign this was for her - but her words made him think something else was weighing on her mind. At least this time, it sounded like something he could empathize with, even if he was sure their experiences were night and day. 

[color=f0d705]“It certainly has,”[/color] he agreed, putting his hands in the pockets of his black wool coat. After a second’s hesitation, he sat down next to her on the fountain’s edge, offering Lilie a gentle smile. [color=f0d705]“Still, it’s not Moon’s Mirror without company.”[/color]

Lilie watched Aaron as he chose to sit down next to her, smile returning in full--with an added skip of the heart to boot. [color=00BFFF]“You’re right,”[/color] She agreed wholeheartedly. Without giving it much thought she scooted a little closer to him, happy to have him with her. He always had a way of lifting her spirits whenever she felt low, and if she was being honest, she really, [i]really[/i] liked the idea of having him with her right now.

It was really the perfect moment, wasn’t it? The candlelight, the mood of the area, and it was just the two of them. It gave her a quiet happiness, a nice warmth settling in her chest as she tried to steady her heart. But as much as she enjoyed the quiet, she needed to say something, right?

[color=00BFFF]“I’m glad you’re here,”[/color] She ended up admitting, placing her hands on her knees. “I don’t mean just right now--well, I [i]am[/i] glad you’re here now, of course! I just mean…” She trailed off, scratching her cheek as she tried to find the words that wouldn’t come off as weird or inappropriate.

Thinking back, she figured Aaron was long overdue for at least one thing. [color=00BFFF]“I don’t know if you remember, but back at the Revel I mentioned that when I came here, it felt like I was dropped in a dark cage and you were my flashlight,”[/color] Lilie decided to start over, pulling out her words from a memory. [color=00BFFF]“Thinking back on it, that was kind of an understatement. My Awakening made so many things harder at home, and coming here didn’t really--well, it was hard. Really hard. I really thought I wasn’t going to make it through the first day, let alone come this far. I know that seems silly since it’s only been a few months, but…”[/color]

As she looked down at her hands, she realized she was shaking. Taking in a breath to steady herself, she looked back at Aaron. [color=00BFFF]“But you were my flashlight. And without you, I don’t think I would’ve been able to be so comfortable here. I mean, I’m still learning, but you made things...you made me look forward to the day. Um, night, sorry, I don’t think I’m ever gonna get used to switching up my words!”[/color] Lilie couldn’t help but laugh at herself.

Aaron chuckled along with Lilie, if only to try and loosen the growing lump in his throat. Her words meant more to him than he could express, but he still felt they were undeserved: Like so many other things in his life, he felt like he couldn’t possibly have done enough to deserve such praise. He what, copied some notes for her in Treaty Law? Helped her make sense of noble etiquette from time to time? Even comforting her after a row with her Count seemed so miniscule a favour in comparison to all she’d done for him. Hell, there weren’t even enough hours in the night for him to see her outside of class more than a few times a week, and here she was singing his praises. He’d feel like a fraud if he wasn’t so moved by the sheer sincerity in her voice. 

[color=f0d705]“Oh, come on, you’re exaggerating,”[/color] he tried to recover, grinning like a brutally self-conscious idiot down at his feet. Really, if anyone between the two of them was a light at the end of a tunnel, it was Lilie; she had a way of turning his night around just by existing, sitting next to him in class with those ridiculous fuzzy pens of hers bobbing and weaving over the page, or a smile and a wave across the dining hall, even a cloth napkin full of cookies in the mailbox as a thank-you for her notes. She’d turned one of the scariest nights of his life into one of the best with a simple kiss on the cheek, and all apparently without even realizing it. 

But there was no way he could ever put all that into words. 

[color=f0d705]“I think you sell yourself short,”[/color] Aaron said after a long pause, a little more serious now. [color=f0d705]“You’re talking like you would have crumbled to dust if I wasn’t here to help you, but I have no doubt you’d flourish just fine with or without me. I mean…”[/color] He wanted to tell her how the challenges she’d overcome seemed insurmountable, how he and everyone around her could see the wellspring of potential she possessed, how she shrugged off the equivalent of moving to another planet like it was little more than a speedbump, but he couldn’t find the words. Instead, he thought of a memory, and caught Lilie’s eyes. [color=f0d705]“You can move oceans, Lil. In every sense.”[/color] 

Of course, as quickly as he’d looked at her, he looked away again, as if there was something somewhere in the courtyard that might quell the butterflies in his stomach. He couldn’t very well leave things there after all she’d said in his favour, but she was so close, and the night was so calm, and everything was so perfect; he could barely string a sentence together on a good night, and he’d be loath to spoil everything with a misplaced word. 

But there was one thing that he [i]could[/i] say, and he forced himself to look at her when he said it. [color=f0d705]“I’m glad you’re here too. You’re the best thing about this place.”[/color] 

Aaron had so much confidence in her that it genuinely left Lilie speechless. What could she even say to that? There were a few things that came to mind but they all didn’t feel like enough. She did wish he would believe in himself a little more, but she supposed there wasn’t much she could say to change his mind. Well, she could think of a few things, but he’d probably dismiss it.

Still, even if she had found something to say, it would’ve gotten caught in her throat with his next words. Lilie couldn’t really look away from him, even as bashful as it made her feel. Did he really think that? There were plenty of other things here that were better than her. But as selfish as it sounded, she secretly liked that he really thought so.

The blush on her face spread like wildfire as she shook her head and couldn’t control her own grin. Ah, she probably looked like a doofus, didn’t she? It was exceedingly difficult to look him in the eye, her hand covering her mouth in some attempt to maintain her dignity. But she couldn’t really hide how happy it made her feel and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t like it. 

[color=00BFFF]“I feel like you stole what I wanted to say about you!”[/color] She giggled, nudging him a little as she finally remembered that she shouldn’t just stare at him in awe. [color=00BFFF]“I’m really, [i]really[/i] happy that you think that, though. If I can repay you back for your kindness in any way, even if it’s just hanging out or getting to spend time with you, then…”[/color]

Then what? Then they could get closer? That was what she wanted, yeah, and his words were sweet, but it felt so delicate that if she said the wrong thing it could end up ruining everything. Maybe she was taking them the wrong way? But it’d be so nice if it meant more, right?

As the thought crossed her mind, she tried to control her face, knowing it was probably getting redder by the second. [color=00BFFF]“Then I’d do anything for you,”[/color] She blurted it out, her eyes focused on her knees. [color=00BFFF]“And...I just really like being with you.”[/color]

Aaron felt his ears get hot at that remark, his insides all aflutter that Lilie seemed just as eager as he was. It played on something deep down, something old and primal and largely undisturbed, to think that a woman like Lilie valued his company as much as he valued hers. But, at the same time, a streak of guilt tainted his delight, and he’d be remiss to let this moment go by without addressing it. 

[color=f0d705]“I like being with you too,”[/color] he told her, his smile turning a little sad. [color=f0d705]“I’m… I’m sorry I can’t be around more. Here you are singing my praises and half the time I’m too busy to even sit down and chat like this. I just…”[/color] Aaron trailed off for a moment. It was weird and uncomfortable to open up like this, but he had a very dangerous feeling that Lilie might reciprocate what he’d been feeling about her since the night they met, and it would kill him to think that she thought so highly of him when so often, he couldn’t even give her the time of day. He let out a long breath, shrugging. [color=f0d705]“I’m glad I’m only one of many, because you deserve people who can drop everything for you.”[/color] 

[color=00BFFF]“Aaron…”[/color] Lilie was so touched that he felt so bad about it. She wished he wouldn’t feel so bad--she wasn’t really someone worth dropping everything for--but it was hard to deny how much she felt her heart soar after hearing that. There were a lot of things she could say but none of them really felt right. Nothing she could say really felt like it was enough, either.

Her hand reached out and touched his, giving it a gentle squeeze as she smiled at him. [color=00BFFF]“I’m just happy to have you here with me now,”[/color] She told him.

Aaron’s head snapped up when he felt Lilie’s hand on his, and once more he was thankful for the relative dark when he felt his flush spreading to his cheekbones. It wasn’t the first time she’d taken his hand - in fact, she was even more insistent at Revel - but this felt different. It wasn’t a friendly touch, or a gesture of sympathy, or a half-drunk attempt to pull him down a beach. It was something else, something that made his heart run a mile a minute, and that [i]smile[/i] of hers wasn’t helping, either. 

[color=f0d705]“Me too,”[/color] he breathed. Something overwhelming welled up in him like a gathering wave, and for a second he sat there, transfixed, like a deer in headlights under Lilie’s gaze. He shouldn’t. He [i]couldn’t.[/i] This was a bad idea for all involved; it was forbidden, they’d get in a mountain of trouble, someone could walk by and see--many of his same concerns when he first sat down ran through his mind at a record pace, but at the moment, none of them seemed particularly moving. What moved him instead was the way Lilie looked at him, the touch of her skin, the sound of her voice saying she wanted to be near him, the way the candlelight on her skin and hair made her shine like a star in the darkness. What moved his free hand to her face was a desperate and long-denied desire for one single thing in his forsaken life that he could call his. He really couldn’t justify it; it was stupid, it was risky, and there was nothing else in the world he wanted quite as badly.  

So he pulled Lilie closer, and he kissed her. 

Lilie had no idea why two little words suddenly threw her heart into overdrive, but maybe it was less what he said and more how he looked at her. It wasn’t something that he normally did, but it was hard to look away. Should she say something? Was now the time?! Could she make up for that fiasco at the party?! But it was too sudden, wasn’t it? Every single one of her thoughts, however, dissipated into the cold as he pulled her closer. And before she could properly digest being so close, before she could take a second to lose herself in sight of those cerulean eyes, he kissed her.

He [i]kissed[/i] her! He was kissing her! Every thought in her brain promptly exploded with shock and glee and uncertainty and a weird satisfaction, confusing and delighting her all at once. Her eyes fluttered shut as she moved closer, savoring the moment the best she could. The free hand she had rested on his coat, pulling him in a little more, as if wanting to be as close to him as she possibly could.

For all his boldness, Aaron was still surprised and ecstatic that Lilie didn’t pull away. Very few times in his life had his heart ever soared so high, and his magic soared with it, brightening every candle in their vicinity - and Aaron wasn’t about to let that feeling go without a fight. He pulled her ever closer, his former gentleness giving way to a deeper need; his other hand found its way to the nape of Lilie’s neck, fingers weaving blindly through her hair as if to remind himself that she really was there with him. Sure, his kiss was clumsy, it may have lacked the experience and grace of everything else he did, but it was passionate, and it was real, and in that moment, that was all that mattered. Everything but Lilie melted away; there was no Academy, there was no Varis, there was no family name to live up to. Just for a moment, on the edge of that fountain under the stars, he was free.
[/hider]

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[center][sub]Dates: December 22nd - January 5[/sub][/center]

[hider=1/1: Solo]
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“Welcome to The New Star!” 

The greeting came as Lilie walked into the cafe, the small bell on the door ringing as it closed behind her. She was glad to be out of the cold, trying to warm up her frozen fingers as she rubbed them together. It was surprisingly empty inside, an assortment of chairs and tables littering the floor as she walked around to approach the counter. Then again, when she used to come here it was always daytime, but her nightly schedule meant she was dying for something at the ripe time of three o’clock p.m. Because that was her life now.

Stopping in front of the pastry display, her eyes roamed over everything left over. Too bad it was late, she was pretty sure none of it was too fresh. Continuing to the register, she gave the cashier a smile. [color=00BFFF]“Hi, could I please get a cappuccino with cinnamon and a club sandwich?”[/color]

"Of course!" The cashier responded cheerfully, punching in some numbers as the barista got to work. "That'll be eleven dollars and twenty five cents, please!"

Scrounging around in her purse, Lilie took out a blue card and presented it. As the cashier swiped it, however, she gave her an apologetic smile. [color=00BFFF]"Oh, sorry, I guess I must have used up my monthly allowance,"[/color] Lilie apologized as she opened her wallet. Weird, she usually budgeted pretty well all things considered. Then again, she had been using her card a lot more. Between taking Maddie out and treating Kanalie, she definitely burned through what she allowed herself to. She had been using her savings from when she worked part time, but she supposed it wasn't really prudent. As she tried to figure if she should just withdraw more from said savings, she noticed she did have the card Ben gave her. She could use it--he made it clear it was hers to use at any time for anything--but she wasn’t really used to being a mage and depending on someone else for money.

Reluctantly taking it out and promising herself to give him the money back, she handed the card over. To her surprise, the cashier was completely shocked, turning the card over before looking at Lilie in wonder. Before she could question it, the cashier cleared her throat. "Sorry, our machines don't take this, but you could use our ATM," Her entire tune had changed from friendly to somewhat nervous.

[color=00BFFF]"Oh, um, okay, I'll just be a sec,"[/color] Lilie turned away, staring down at the card. Was it the Eve insignia? Even her name printed on it looked kinda weird. Whatever the case she needed to pay, so she went over to the ATM as instructed. She vaguely remembered setting up a PIN, but she figured she should take out the minimum. Wait, Ben had just given her the card, what if it didn't have anything yet? 

The best thing to do was a balance inquiry, but as soon as she did, Lilie felt like she was going to have a heart attack. Never in her life had she seen so many zeroes! This had to be some kind of mistake, right?! She didn't realize her jaw had dropped, her expression frozen in a mix of shock and horror. Yeah, Ben said he gave her a small allowance, but this was [i]not[/i] small at all!

Eventually, she hastily punched the minimum she was able to take out, handing it over to the cashier wordlessly. Once she got her order, she sat down at the table, putting in the phone number on the back of the card and calling it. As she went through the steps it was confirmed that the balance she had seen wasn't a fluke. 'Small allowance', did Ben know what small was?! Then again, he [i]was[/i] a noble, and he replaced her entire wardrobe and got her that pretty jewelry before, so it wasn't really farfetched to find out he was rich. But this was too much!

Lilie ended up stuffing the sandwich into her purse, her mind ablaze as she got up. It wasn’t until she was headed for the door that she realized the cashier and batista had been whispering, both claming up as she looked over. Were they talking about her? She didn't know what to think, only giving them a small smile before leaving. The cold did wonders to cool her down, but her head was still whirling. She should've known better than to trust a vampire's judgement considering this was the same guy that still used a really loud and annoying typewriter. 

"Lilie? Lilie Dionne? That's you, right?" 

Stopping at the mention of her name, Lilie didn't realize someone had been calling out to her. She turned around, a familiar looking girl approaching her. Her blonde curls stuck out from her hat, green eyes shining excitedly.

"It is you, I'd know that hair anywhere!" She said excitedly. "It's me, Melinda! Remember, we were in Homeroom together for senior year?"

Lilie blinked slowly, remembering as she nodded. [color=00BFFF]"Oh, yes, I...sorry, yeah, I do remember,"[/color] She said, trying to stay polite even as she got a little nervous. [color=00BFFF]"You're Jason's cousin, right?"[/color]

"Yeah! Wow, you actually remembered me," She giggled, looking Lilie up and down. "You look amazing! Mage life is treating you well, huh?"

Following Melinda’s gaze, she did think maybe she was a little fancier than usual. She stopped packing up clothes when she came home, but she chose to bring along the plush pea coat and knee high boots that were part of Ben’s choice of wardrobe. Not to mention the fancy purse, fancy jewelry...she may as well have packed her academy clothes.

[color=00BFFF]“Oh, yeah, you know…”[/color] She shrugged, not really knowing what to say.

“It suits you, you’ve always stuck out and now you’re more refined,” Melinda said, though she caught herself. “I mean that in a good way, of course! You were pretty popular in school for a while, right?”

[color=00BFFF]“Only ‘cause I hung out with Helena and--”[/color] Lilie stopped, finding the second name getting stuck in her throat. [color=00BFFF]“...and Claire. They were the popular ones, I just hung out with them a lot.”[/color]

Melinda’s eyebrows shot up, though she gave Lilie an apologetic look. “Oh, right, I...I forgot, I’m sorry,” She apologized sincerely. “I always felt like Helena was a third wheel, though. You and Claire did everything together--you guys had been friends since elementary school, right?”

Lilie quietly nodded, her gaze dropping down to her boots. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, but it paled in comparison to how cold she suddenly felt. It almost felt lonely, but she didn’t know what to make of that. Instead she shook her head, putting on a smile as she gave Melinda an apologetic look.

[color=00BFFF]“I really have to get going, I’m sorry,”[/color] She said, giving her a wave. [color=00BFFF]“But it was nice seeing you again.”[/color]

“Oh, yeah, of course! Take care!” Melinda eagerly returned her wave before setting off.

Lilie watched her for a second, her hand over her mouth as she tried to calm herself down. She could feel hot tears pooling in her eyes as she tried to will them to go away, deciding to walk back home. The winters here were usually mild, but it looked like some snow had fallen last night. It looked like it was still soft, like a giant white blanket had covered everything. She usually preferred warmer weather, but she had to admit the snow was nice, especially since it was now associated with a much more pleasant memory.

Fishing her phone out of her pocket, any negativity she had was washed away as she smiled fondly at the picture she had of her and Aaron as her background. Her fingers touched her lips, unable to hide her shy smile. Maybe she should call Aaron now? No, he might be sleeping. She could just text him! She scrolled through their messages, thumb hovering over her keyboard as she looked over their last conversation.

[color=f0d705]A > Yeah, I guess I kinda did sabotage myself on that one, haha. 
A > Still, this break is starting to feel awfully long.[/color]
 
[color=00BFFF]L < could be a little longer imo[/color]

[color=f0d705]A > Hey rude! XD 
A > I meant the break feels long because I can't see you![/color]

[color=00BFFF]L < OMG
L < IM SO SORRY
L < but itll be over soon and then we’ll be together again ❤❤❤
L < how about u call me when u get up?[/color]

[color=f0d705]A > Hahaha
A > Sounds good (^_^)[/color]

The temptation to call Aaron soared as she reread their conversation. Then again, she didn’t want to come off as clingy. Besides, they had agreed on a video call later, so she should just wait. It was hard not to get excited at the idea as she tried not to look too giddy as she waited for the light to change so she could cross the street. Ugh, if only they could meet up somewhere. Maybe when the weather was better they could go on a picnic?

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought her out of her thoughts, and she mentally chastised herself for getting too wrapped up in her little fantasy. Shuffling in place, she exhaled into her hands, trying to warm herself a little, though she felt like she was being watched. Fortunately she didn’t have to look far--unfortunately the last person she wanted to see was the one watching her.

Helena stared at her without caring if she was seen, though instead of the glare she had seen before, this look had more disdain than anything. It was a little amusing to see her stare her down with her mink trimmed coat, but that wasn’t something she could focus on. Instead of the usual panic, Lilie could only stare back wearily, already feeling the impending tongue lashing.

[color=00BFFF]“Heading home?”[/color] Lilie asked, daring herself to keep eye contact.

[color=slateblue]“My house is the opposite way,”[/color] Helena reminded her, shaking her head. [color=slateblue]“It hasn’t been [i]that[/i] long since you’ve been there.”[/color]

It hasn’t been, but it feels like it was forever ago. As Lilie looked back to the street, she noticed there were a few people on the other side. One pair had been speaking to one another, staring directly at her, though as soon as they noticed she was looking their way they made sure to avert their gazes. She thought it was weird, but after a few seconds, she realized they were probably talking about her.

[color=slateblue]“Everyone knows you’re an Eve mage now. Ever since you came back, you’ve been the talk of the town. You and I both know how people talk here and how quick word gets around,”[/color] Helena ended up revealing. [color=slateblue]“It’s funny how they went so quickly from pitying you to putting you on a pedestal.”[/color]

The light changed, and the two girls ended up walking together. The ones across the street walked by, their stares on the back of Lilie’s head. Was that really how things were now? She wasn’t sure which was worse if she was being honest. Was she just born to always be stared at for one reason or another?

[color=00BFFF]“I’m not really someone that should be on any pedestal,”[/color] Lilie ended up muttering.

[color=slateblue]“I don’t think so, either. But then again, they did a good job covering up what happened nine months ago,”[/color] Helena replied. [color=slateblue]“The Dawsons ended up moving out last month to get away, too.”[/color] Lilie’s eyes widened considerably, looking at Helena in shock. Maybe she shouldn’t have been too surprised, but it was still news to her. Helena didn’t look back at her, but she did let out a sigh. [color=slateblue]“I heard they were compensated. I think it would’ve been more difficult for them to stay.”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]“I can’t believe it…”[/color] Lilie couldn’t help herself. 

[color=slateblue]“Now there’s nothing that would remind the town of what happened. It’s almost like a clean slate--you should be happy,”[/color] Helena commented. [color=slateblue]“Now you’re known as a fancy mage to a noble. No one’s going to paint you as the murderer that you really are.”[/color]

Lilie frowned, stopping in place as she watched Helena take a few steps ahead of her. [color=00BFFF]“Except you.”[/color]

Helena stopped as well, turning around to look back at her. [color=slateblue]“Except me,”[/color] She confirmed that much, her hair brushing her dark locks off her shoulder. [color=slateblue]“I’m not going to go around shouting it to the skies. But I’m never going to forget or forgive you for it, either.” [/color]

The situation didn’t call for a laugh, but Lilie really couldn’t help herself. Something about it felt cathartic, though she managed to control herself. [color=00BFFF]“Can you believe we were best friends once?”[/color] She asked in disbelief. [color=00bfff]“Anyone that was watching this conversation would think we were mortal enemies or something.”[/color]

[color=slateblue]“Enemies? No, I don’t think of you as an enemy,”[/color] She admitted that much, shaking her head. 

Despite knowing it was a bad idea, Lilie couldn’t help but ask, [color=00BFFF]“Then...could we be friends again, someday?”[/color]

Helena stared at her again, and while it lacked the harshness of her usual glare, the look she gave her was still empty. [color=slateblue]“No,”[/color] She answered. [color=slateblue]“They all died because of you, and instead of bringing you to justice, the mages came and whisked you away. And now the town practically [i]celebrates[/i] you: the new star of Glendale, Eve Mage Lilie Dionne. I can’t accept that you just get to walk around like nothing happened.”[/color]

As hard as it was to hear, at the very least Lilie could say she knew where they stood. It looked like that was all Helena had to say as well, as the girl continued on her path without another word. Lilie couldn’t help her sigh, but maybe it was for the best. Helena was right about one thing at least, their friendship had been over for a while. Maybe Lilie was just hoping it wasn’t, but there wasn't any point in wishing otherwise. 

Lilie turned back and continued on her way, though she ended up taking a detour. She didn’t think Helena would lie, but she felt like she needed to see the Dawson home for herself. Once she reached the block, she continued to the second-to-last house. Nothing looked that much different from the outside but the curtains had changed from what she could see. The cars parked in the driveway were different, too. 

Approaching the house, she stopped as she looking around for the mailbox. Mrs. Dawson was a creative woman, often doing several home improvement ventures on her own, and the one that everyone in town knew about was the modified mailbox. From a glance it looked like someone had splattered paint on it, but she remembered Claire telling her that her family all dipped their hands in paint and left their handprints on the metal. It was their way of letting everyone know that this was their home.

And it was gone.

Whoever owned the house now opted for a mailbox next to their door, it looked like. Lilie almost couldn’t believe it, but she had no other reason for it suddenly going missing. She could always knock, but it’d be awkward explaining herself, wouldn’t it? No, she was better off just going home now. With a heavy sigh, Lilie did just that.
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