[center][h1][u]Morning Summaries[/u][/h1][/center]
[hider=Zeno Zander Mozaru's Group][center][h2]Zeno Zander Mozaru's Group[/h2][/center]
They arrived all at once. First it was Yimu and then it was Selio. Marlijn tried to stifle a yawn and was only half-successful. The Rettanese girl was not half as subtle as she likely thought herself, and the creak of her bed, flip of her pages, and candlelight as she'd spent half of last night reading had made it more than a little difficult for Marlijn to sleep. Then, with zero thanks and even less general etiquette, she just sat down and started stuffing her face. "When do we start learning?" she asked in an almost-demanding tone. 

Marlijn Vaanse often struggled to see the worth in formality, but even she found herself irked and struggled to keep a sour look from her face, eyes sliding over to the Zeno. She had started to consider opening her mouth. Then, he did.

"We already are," he said simply. "You started learning the moment you first opened your eyes. You will only stop learning once you close them for the final time. Why, you are learning this very moment. You are learning something of my approach and philosophy and that the food here is very good. There are some things that you have already learned." He smiled patiently, "and some that I yet hope you learn - of the Gift and a great many other matters. Perhaps you will learn how to cast an illusion or manipulate liquids and gases with great skill. I shall instruct you on these things. I should also hope you will learn the value of gratitude and politeness towards Megga, who cooked the meal that you are so enjoying." His gaze fell upon the Rettanese girl sternly but not unkindly. "And learning is not only something you receive," he continued after a moment, eyes flicking up towards the stairs, "but also something you give. We are learning about you as you speak and act. We are forming opinions on you and what sort of companion you will be, just as you form opinions on the various things you may glean from a book: which will contribute to your growth and which are best discarded. Learning is all around you, in many forms," he concluded. "Give and receive it wisely. That is your lesson before we set off for the day."

It was right around then that the third member of their apprentice group revealed himself: the tall Torragonese boy: Selio. Marlijn supposed that she'd found him vaguely handsome too, though all she'd really sensed last night was a tiredness. He, too, dug into his food with great gusto, but at least he was somewhat more polite about it. Marlijn was nearly done eating and she stole another glance in his direction, noticing his eyes on her. Quickly, she looked away. She could feel his gaze, sporadically, and she tried not to blush. Zeno Mozaru dominated the table from its head, ready to dispense further wisdom. For the benefit of the latecomers, he reiterated their plan for the day and bade them prepare. Then, he rose. Marlijn rose too, making her way into the atrium and glancing upstairs for any sign of Vyrik.

He appeared just as the other two joined her and their master near the door, bounding down the steps, greeting them quickly, and snatching up some food as Zeno Mozaru led them out the door. He looked an awful mess, as always and Marlijn found herself rather unimpressed with him, after all. Still, she twisted and glanced behind herself as their group was about to turn the corner. Vyrik came racing after them and she wasn't sure whether it was a chuckle or a groan that she had to suppress.[/hider]
[hider=Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight's Group][hr][center][h2]Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight's Group[/h2][/center]
Hmmm. So with all this feast, he was going to give the rest to the poor. Leon wondered if Jomurr was the kind of guy to try everything only leaving half-eaten scraps. The matter bothered Leon, but he decided not to bring it up. It was all too early in the morning for any type of conflict.

Leon pulled out a seat at the kitchen table and lounged on it. “No clue about her. She doesn’t seem like the type to sleep in though.” Leon adjusted his bracelets, making sure they aren’t too out of place. “I’ll go wake her up if need be.”

Jomurr pressed his lips together for a moment, busy setting the table as he’d seen his servants do. While this work was most certainly beneath one of his station and talents, it was an intriguing challenge, at least. Having a thought, he paused and concentrated, pulling energy from the sunlight, the motion of wagons on the street, and the chemical reactions taking place within the food. Forks, knives, and plates flew out of the cupboards and placed themselves on the table. It was… imperfect work but, for a first time doing so, acceptable. He fiddled with the details momentarily and glanced up from his work at Solaire’s offer. “Indeed, she seems rather the ambitious sort. Charming, but… motivated - not at all the type to sleep in.” He paused. “Yes, if you’d be a good man and go take care of that, I can finish with this table setting.”  

“That won’t be necessary,” said Carmillia. She had just made her way into the dining room and caught the end of their conversation. Jomurr was right, she was indeed not the type to sleep in. Carmillia had already been up earlier but chose to remain in her room in order to further ruminate over what Flavius had told her. 

“Good morning Jomurr, Leon,” said Carmillia, addressing each of them respectively. Leon was shirtless but she chose not to bring it up. Addressing his toned body would only fan his ego. She noticed their Zeno was nowhere to be seen. “Is Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight still asleep?” she continued.

She’d addressed him first, as was proper, and she looked to be in good spirits. This day was off to a rather good start, Jomurr decided, absence of his master aside. He cleared his throat and motioned at the letter. “Far from it, it seems. Appears that our fourth member decided to go for a little stroll late last night and Zeno Moonlight is at great pains to retrieve her.” He shrugged - “I recommend reading that at some point.” - and heaved a small sigh: nothing big and demonstrative. “Seeing as there wasn’t much in the way of breakfast, unless you’d rather eat cold oatmeal, I took it upon myself to provide one.” He gestured with a restrained sort of grandeur at the table and its sumptuous settings. “Please, be seated and partake.”

Carmillia showed no particular reaction when Illanaq was mentioned. Having understood more of Jomurr’s temperament, she chose to respond to him first before heading for the letter. 

“Perhaps the stress of our new environment has gotten to her,” she said. Carmillia then chose to change the topic. “This is… quite a feast, Jomurr.”

Jomurr tried not to look too pleased with himself. “Yes it is, isn’t it.” He took up a serviette and affixed it around his neck, about to seat himself before there was a knock at the door.

“Here, let me get the last of the food” Leon mentioned as he walked over to meet the boy’s last delivery. He handed him one of his own lemon tarts as a tip. They didn’t need it in the first place. Before the boy had much chance to respond, Leon closed the door and swung around with the food. “Breakfast is served.”

Jomurr took his seat at the head of the table, making sure to grab the correct cutlery for his appetizer before starting. “Right, thank you, my good man.”

Carmillia eyed the small feast that adorned the dining table. Hotcakes, tarts, ham and the like, even an entire pheasant. It was unlikely that the three of them could ever finish half of what was present. “You have my thanks,” she continued. With her gratitude given, Carmillia reached out for the note and scanned its contents.

“Ah, indeed. It’s ours to eat, so let’s, ahem… I believe it’s ‘dig in’, you commonfolk say, yes?” 

Carmillia refrained from raising an eyebrow at Jomurr’s playful jibe. The young Belzaggic man was in a far better mood compared to the day prior, possibly due to the fact Illanaq was no longer present.

“Lets,” she said.

Leon needed no more invitation. He swung around back into his chair and commenced ‘digging in.’ On the contrary, Leon kept his eating very reserved and polite, making very little mess at all. You could call it practice from the odd meeting with the Doge. But Leon knew how to act around the higher class and rather enjoyed beating them at their own game.

Mirroring Leon, Carmillia stuck to etiquette. Life on the streets had taken the skill away from her but it was second nature for her once more, having reacquired the habit from constantly interacting with nobles on business ventures.

For his part, Jomurr Ikon the Third was utterly chuffed to bits at this glorious display of etiquette. He would yet make respectable members of society out of this lot, a shirt or two notwithstanding. He dared think of himself as their guide to high society - a mentor figure in his own right, leading them down a path of… [i]Oh my,[/i] he thought. That would not do. Leon was quite the polite eater, but he was holding his glass with his pinky finger unraised. You always raised your pinky finger when drinking. [i]No matter,[/i] he counseled himself, it was a work in progress and, in the grand scheme of things, a relatively minor offense. Presently, the performer’s finger did pop up and Jomurr hid his grin behind his glass. [i]Good show[/i]. “So, I suppose you’ve read the note,” he said to Carmillia, after a few moments had passed. Jomurr glanced up at the clock. “We should be heading to master Zemana’s shortly. Perhaps we shall leave some food for the others if they come here first? Likely they will be famished.”

“Yes, I have,” she responded. 

Though it was entirely possible for Illanaq to make a reappearance, something told Carmillia that they would not be seeing the Rettanese for the foreseeable future. She considered the Rettanese’s disappearance to be a stroke of good luck. Not only did it serve as a hint regarding the Traveler, they no longer had to deal with someone antagonizing Jomurr. 

Carmillia jumped at the opportunity Jomurr presented her. As delicious as the food was, she’d already had her fill. “Yes, I’m sure they would appreciate it if we kept some of the food for them. As for Zeno Zemana, he’s likely waiting on us to make our appearance and it doesn’t seem like Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight will be back any time soon.”

“Are you ready as well, Leon?” she continued.

“I’m ready to go any time.” Leon tossed his other unfinished lemon tart in the air and caught it. He then began walking off toward the door.

Carmillia's eyes quickly flicked between the shirtless man and Jomurr. As usual, Leon behaved as though he was oblivious to his surroundings. Whether or not it was intentional, Carmillia had yet to determine. 

“Shall we, Jomurr?” she asked.

Had she gone ahead of him behind Leon, Jomurr would likely have thrown a fit at being disrespected. She sighed inwardly, even with Illanaq gone, she was still going to have to act as an intermediary between these two.

Jomurr scowled. Artists. And the man wouldn't even put on a shirt… His right eye may have twitched ever so slightly, but he composed himself quickly. There was no intentionality behind it, he believed, unlike with that little beast of a fireblood. "Oh yes, please," he offered, providing only the subtlest hint of disapproval in his tone, "I suppose today is opposite day." He cracked a smirk at the uncouth absurdity of it all and nodded in Carmillia's direction. "Ladies first, at the very least," he chided Leon, disinterested in actually picking a fight of any sort. "Remember your better sense, man!" And, with that, Jomurr was - more or less - ready to go.[/hider]
[hider=Zeno Hamir Zemana's Group][hr][center][h2]Zeno Hamir Zemana's Group[/h2][/center]
At Eun-Ji's offer of help, Hamir Zemana merely chuckled. "Oh, haha, no need, my dear girl. All that is required is that you seat yourself at the table with young master Hohenfelter here and prepare yourself for breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day, I always say - wakes the brain up, and you're going to need your brain!" He paused, busy working a frying pan over his stovetop, drawing and expelling thermal energy to even out the cooking. "Tan Keoulean, right?" He asked, but it wasn't really a question. "I remember having scallion pancakes from there once upon a time." Her cleared his throat and concentrated for a moment, whisking over to a nearby cauldron, peering in, and stirring it with kinetic magic as he hustled back to the fire. "I've done my best to recreate them here," he grunted. "Hopefully they live up to your expectations."

Manfred, for his part, reached out with a hand as opposed to a kinetic grasp and pulled a chair out for Eun-Ji. "If it's half as good as this potato omelette, it'll make your day." He avoided meeting her eyes, but managed a brief smile before going back to his plate.

The trio had barely had the chance to get settled with each other when their attention was grabbed by a commotion on the stairs. It was Mayu, and she was headed for a painful fall. With his years of experience and naturally quick reflexes, the Zeno reached out and drew most of the kinetic energy from her, seamlessly redirecting it into a whisk he had going in a nearby bowl. The fall... wasn't that bad. He shot his other apprentices a cautionary look not to laugh at the poor dear thing and they didn't seem the type to anyways. 

“G-good morning everyone. T-today looks like it’s going to be a wonderful day!” said Mayu awkwardly. Her cat, which truly, the Zeno had sensed from the outset, hopped up on her shoulder and she looked horrified. 

"Indeed," replied Manfred, and there may have been the hint of a smirk on his lips, but it was hard to tell. "Seems your secret kitty agrees."

Kurbis had first made a shy appearance this morning, skulking between hiding places and getting the lay of the land. He once again appeared, his big orange face peering skeptically out from beneath a Virangish-style recliner. Zeno Zemana let out a bark of laughter at this. "Haha, nice to see the little fella," he declared. "With two of them, I doubt we'll have much trouble with mice. Now, why don't you sit down, child. The Perrench Toast is just about finished."

No sooner had he said it than there was a knock on the door and both felines made themselves scarce in their own separate ways. On the other side were... a pale, pretty Perrench girl, A posh-looking Belzaggic boy, and... Leon Solaire himself.[/hider]
[hider=Sienna Afraval's Group][hr][center][h2]Zeno Sienna Afraval's Group[/h2][/center]

Penny hurried down the stairs, managing to feel at once excited, contrite, and physically wretched. Upon catching her first sight of Onarr, she blinked. [i]Ah, so there [/i]is[i] a real human being under there![/i] Truly, she liked Onarr greatly, even at this early juncture. Despite their exhaustion the night before, the girls had briefly gathered in the same room and talked for a few minutes as they lay awake in bed in their nightgowns. One of them had joked that perhaps Onarr was actually some fay creature under his helmet, or else a ghost. Alas, he was just a particularly small boy with... a lot of hair, a charming smile, and what looked like a handful of burn marks - she hypothesized from an experiment gone wrong, perhaps.

The girl completed her thank yous and listened as her master outlined the day's activities. [i]Definitely a two crutch sort of day,[/i] she decided, feeling more an invalid than usual. Yesterday had already prodded at her limits and she was not looking forward to what today might do to them. Then, however, Onarr had a question: "Would there be any courses you would recommend for us to do?"   

At that, Sienna paused, placing her fork back on her plate. "What an eager and excellent question, Onarr." She smiled appreciatively if not a touch indulgently and her expression presently turned pensive. "If I were to offer one piece of advice [i]before [/i]the fact, it would be this: choose at least one course that you're passionate about - that you truly want to do and that you could see feeding into a lifelong calling. Then," she added, furrowing her brow for a flicker of time, "choose something that's a risk: one that you're less familiar with but possibly intrigued by - one that'll help expand your horizons." She paused for a moment and nodded. "Hmm, yes. That's what I'd say."[/hider]
[hr][center][h1][u]A Tour of Campus[/u][/h1][/center] 
It was... quite an eclectic group that made its way about campus. Eight groups, truly, for the Biros were divided into eight informal 'collegia', each headed by an Arch-Zeno, the Zenith, or the Paradigm (who did not actually travel with his students on account of his greatly advanced age).  

As they walked, their college administrators spoke. They started in front of the Aquiline Fountain in the center of the Grand Plaza, and soon made their way to Balthazar Hall, where much of the school's administrative work took place and where most all of their courses in the languages and academic stream were to be held, as well as a handful from the arts stream. They were led to Medeville Place, where a great greenhouse - nearly two hundred feet high and temperature regulated through the use of the Gift, acted as home to flora from all across the known world. They were shown the Treacle and Habregon Buildings, which housed laboratories for the natural sciences, chemists and alchemists, a grand telescope for viewing the stars and planets, and a runecrafter for the sealing of magics into mundane items. Next was Indigo Theatre: a grand performance venue for orchestra, drama, and receptions, along with smaller and more intimate performance rooms. Some might've marveled at the Sanz-Petterel Clocktower with its massive, faintly glowing clock face depicting hours, days, months, and seasons, sculpted from gold, ivory, and lapis lazuli. There were the noble, merchant, and 'everyone else' dorms, and the Biros were shown their rooms and entrusted with their keys for the night after this one. 

Flagging in energy and attention, perhaps, they reached the Grand Library of the Magical Arts and the Mundane. They scarce had time to marvel at the ten stories of tomes, maps, scrolls, and scientific tools, much less the fabulous central atrium and the star-shaped glass dome one hundred-fifty feet above their heads - the largest of its sort anywhere in the world - and they were ushered onwards. The stylish facade of Blackbriar Manor seemed almost to welcome them in with its stone chimneys, great bay windows, and cozy nooks and fireplaces, yet they skipped it for the time being. Finally, the exhausted students reached Arc-en-Ciel Hall, with its gorgeous rainbow stained glass windows and cavernous lecture halls. It was here that their tour ended and they found themselves inside of one of those very great spaces, course registry papers thrust into their hands. 

"A moment of your attention," called a voice from the podium at the far end. It was none other than Zenith Upta's, and the way that it boomed inside of their skulls made clear that it was magically enhanced. "We will be taking a recess of one and a half hours so that you may enjoy a luncheon." Two sets of double doors opened at one end of the hall and dozens of finely-liveried servants strode in, pushing hand-carts piled high with a buffet. This, they began presently setting on a series of tables. "Dare I say this would be an excellent opportunity for you to get to know some of your instructors and your fellow students." She seemed almost to meet all of their eyes as she spoke, whether through magic or simply as a practiced speaker, one could not be certain. "After this, we shall reconvene at 4:00 Dorrad and you will be given the opportunity to learn more about some of your options at this, your home and school for the next five years. For the time being, however, you are dismissed!"

At these words, twenty five long tables appeared seemingly out of nowhere, set and ready to be eaten at. The setting out of the buffet had concluded as well, and all that was left was for students to find their places (for all tables were labelled by Zeno group even though the Zenos themselves sat separately, with the other faculty), help themselves to some food, and do whatever it was that they were going to do. 

[hider=Required Courses Registry][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Rei2dV7.png[/img][/center][/hider]
[hider=Elective Courses Registry][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/VAHwkc9.png[/img][/center][/hider]
[hider=A Summary]1) Students received a brief, summative tour of campus, including the dorms, technically off of campus proper
2) They received course selection forms which they are to fill out. Perhaps they'd like to see what their peers are taking.
3) There will be speeches with detailed course descriptions after lunch if people want to wait that long. However, they can approach faculty after eating or explore a bit of campus since they have ample time.
4) All four of our groups are sharing the same table. The four NPC groups also listed on the spreadsheet are seated at one of the tables beside theirs.
5) Please ensure that, by the end of this posting cycle (Saturday), I am made aware of your course selections.[/hider]
[hr][hr]