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Veronica was all too content to let her worries melt away with the water, even if she could have done without the chatter of the busybodies. Still, even their voices seemed far, far away, covered by the sound of the waterfalls. She could feel the heat massaging her aching muscles and found herself relying on the edge of the bath. Perhaps she could steal a servant to learn how they got everything to this point, she would love to have something similar in the castle. Of course, a little more privacy would be appreciated.

As she opened her eyes, she was greeted with the sight of one Clarissa von Edmund. Edmund, Edmund...ah, of the Leicester Alliance, was she? While her initial meeting of the Golden Deer was forever tainted by the monkey, she was far too dignified to let that sour her impression on others. At least this one seemed much more put together than the other two girls.

Sitting up, Veronica returned Clarissa's greeting with one of her own. [color=lightsalmon]"I am Veronica Berenike von Gerth. A pleasure,"[/color] She gave her at least a nod out of respect and acknowledgment. [color=lightsalmon]"You'll have to excuse my appearance, I wasn't expecting to meet anyone of importance here."[/color]

Rolling her shoulder, she thought a little on Clarissa's comment. [color=lightsalmon]"I wouldn't have minded such a harsh lesson if our professor didn't seem to get so much joy out of it,"[/color] She ended up admitting. [color=lightsalmon]"Honestly...I don't think I can understand Professor Michail."[/color]
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The bathhouse wasn't really something Derec was used to seeing. Well, that wasn't entirely true--he wasn't used to seeing one this [i]fancy[/i]. He also wasn't really used to having so many servants constantly ask him questions. They kept asking what he was going to do, what he wanted, where he would like to go. It was only after giving a short answer about wanting to take a shower and the arrival of a few other students that they finally left him alone. 

Derec lagged behind in the shower and let himself think over the day's events. Admittedly, he had been a little cowardly, wanting to avoid more servants, though he did wonder if he should have done the opposite and finish faster to join the others. Then again, was that the smart thing to do? He did sort of blow up the group, no doubt Auberon and Kellen might not really want to be around him. The thought was depressing, but he supposed he did it to himself. He really didn't get Professor Michail, either--if they were supposed to be working as a team, why wasn't he directing them properly?

[color=turquoise]"Then again, the 'future king' should know how to unite people properly..."[/color] He muttered the first thing he thought of, lightly banging his head against the wall. Maybe he didn't give the guy enough credit, it wasn't something he had considered. But he was so sure that he and Lienna were the same that he just ran his mouth. He shouldn't have made assumptions, but he thought having some common ground would finally bridge the gap between them.

Emerging from the showers, he took two towels from the silent servant--this one so far was his favorite, if only because he said nothing--and focused on drying his hair some as he waited with a few other guys. He was surprised that he actually recognized one of them: if he remembered right, the silver-haired man was the son of Lord Winston Ubert Gaspard. He wasn't entirely sure what his name was, but he was willing to bet he was right. The other young man looked a little familiar, too, but he couldn't place his face. 

[color=indianred]"I can't believe you'd rather flit about the marketplace than attend a sermon!"[/color] A voice made Derec nearly jump out of his skin. He was practically bowled over as another guy stomped over to the duo, exasperated. 

That much had the silver-haired man turn around, though he stopped long enough to look at Derec. [color=lightblue]"Please excuse him,"[/color] He stated before returning his attention to his friend. [color=lightblue]"He's mad at us and isn't aware of his surroundings."[/color]

Derec shook his head, though he figured now was as good a chance as any. [color=turquoise]"It's okay. But, um, you're...sorry for the rudeness, but you're the next Lord of Gaspard, right?"[/color] He asked.

[color=lightblue]"That's right. I am Olivier Ubert Gaspard,"[/color] He introduced himself. [color=lightblue]"Forgive me, you are...?"[/color]

[color=turquoise]"I'm Derec. We've never met, but I used to live in your territory,"[/color] He explained. [color=turquoise]"I think I saw you with your father when you both visited Ashbourne some years ago."[/color]

The dark haired boy's eyebrows shot up. [color=lightblue]"Not the same Ashbourne that got razed to the ground?"[/color] He ended up asking.

Suddenly, all three of them were staring at him. Well, if the other guy looked familiar and knew about Ashbourne, he must have been from Faerghus as well. Still, he was a little surprised. [color=turquoise]"Yeah. I didn't think people knew about it, though,"[/color] He admitted.

[color=lightblue]"Shit, that sucks,"[/color] He muttered, straightening up. [color=lightblue]"Sorry, sorry, should've introduced myself first. I'm Isaac, and the nut over there is Victor."[/color]

Victor scoffed, crossing his arms. [color=indianred]"You're the one skipping the morning sermon and [i]I'm[/i] the nut. Unbelievable!"[/color] He huffed, stomping off into the public bath.

Isaac chuckled, patting Olivier's shoulder. [color=lightblue]"I'll go calm him down. Nice to meet you!"[/color] He gave Derec a wave before hurrying after the brunette.

Olivier watched the duo for a second and then frowned at Derec. [color=lightblue]"They're a little rowdy, but they mean well,"[/color] He assured him before pausing. [color=lightblue]"Shall we join them?"[/color]

Derec nodded, deciding to follow Olivier's lead. The duo had taken a free corner of the bath, though rather than calm Victor down, it looked like Isaac had riled him up further. Olivier excused himself and joined them, trying to calm things down, though that left Derec with a decision. He noticed Kayden, Jorah, and Auberon together, though he swore someone else was with them, so he could either go with them or get to know the new guys.

Deciding to take the risk, Derec decided to stick with what was familiar, eventually joining the trio. He managed to catch his words, somewhat regretting his decision. Still, he was morbidly curious about something. [color=turquoise]"I don't think a Saint would be appropriate. Maybe for the women's side?"[/color] He also couldn't help but think a Saint probably wouldn't stop him, either. [color=turquoise]"Though I didn't think I'd find you guys talking about girls of all things."[/color]


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