[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cNtrvII.png[/img][hr][hr][b][color=7ea7d8]Event:[/color][/b]Week Nine: Assani 26-30, Student Societies Faire [b]|[/b] [b][color=7ea7d8]Location:[/color][/b]Academy of Thaumaturgy, Ersand'Enise[hr][hr][/center]
[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ECEC3EU-c[/youtube][/center]

[hr][b]DRAGON[/b][hr]
There was a rap on the door as the knocking was relentless. Even as she tries her best, the pillow held around her head failed to drown out the sound. The lion cub growls and stretches as she tries to fight away the nose at this ungodly hour. [color=808080]“By order, if you don’t open up this door. We will break through it.”[/color] When the door eventually opened, it bore witness to the comical sight of Ayla looking like a demonically possessed ghoul with a serious case of bed head. [color=808080]”... We will be back in an hour. I am sure we can prioritise some other students first.”[/color]. The DRAGON agents return in an hour, though this time, a fresh faced and charming Ayla Arslan is there to meet them. [color=808080]”Lady Arslan, it has come to our attention you are in possession of a Dragon Egg. We are agents of DRAGON to check upon their welfare.”[/color]

Ayla opens the door to let them in, the room was warm, really warm, the kind that those in Eskand love to enjoy before diving into the snow after their sauna session. The girl seems to be acting oblivious to it, wearing her typically loose Torragonese clothing. [color=7ea7d8]”Didn’t think my application inquiry would come to you so promptly.”[/color], she moves over towards the special brazier where hot ashes are keeping the Froabase eggs nice and toasty as advised by the fireflies. [color=7ea7d8]“The big one when it hatches is going to be named Áureo, and the small one Amêndoa.”[/color], indicating the large one with the aggressive red and encrusted gold pattern, and the small black one which would bear an albino. [color=808080]”That one looks to be a runt, it is better…”[/color] the agent began to speak, before being cut short, [color=7ea7d8]”Oh yes, Amy is just like me. Runts! We would be perfect together”[/color] The agents looks towards eachother, but deciding it is wise not to continue their comment after that remark, [color=808080]”... better with you after all the paperwork is in order. You mentioned an application?”[/color],  [color=7ea7d8]”Yes, went to the Fireflies for some advice which they provided with recommendation towards yourself. Having raised Lion Cubs in the past, it is not completely new to me to house... those that require additional requirements”[/color]. [color=808080]”Well, your application was not in time, but since you are so willing and seem to be taking the right steps, let's work together. This is a first offense, you are taking the right steps though running afoul. Let me give you a fine, it looks like you can easily pay it, and we go through the paperwork here. I highly recommend joining the Order as well for learning proper care. Does that sound good?”[/color] Ayla nods in agreement, paying the fine and the membership in the hallway, and out of the heat of her room. They didn't need to double check if she qualified under the fireblood bracket.

[hr][b]Zenobucks[/b][hr]
Ayla has spent some of her free time between moving one place to another working upon a song for Zazzy's new venture. It was good to see her getting along with Marci, especially since that spicy first meeting, and admittedly feeling a tad jealous, but it is all fine. Friends stick together and work together. The melody wasn't too difficult, especially as she decided to do some creative borrowing from a well-known Revidian song, she started to put the chalk to board. Now, how to get more people interested… let’s get that curiosity, that spark, starting small. One foot through the door.
 [color=7ea7d8]♪ Just one coffee,
give it to me, ♪[/color]

Now, for something exotic. Things are always nice and exciting when it comes from abroad. Does it even come from aboard? She shrugs her shoulders, Zaz is from Virang, so it does kind of count. Writing the next lines.
 [color=7ea7d8]♪ delicious elixir,
from over sea. ♪[/color]

So they need to know what to order. Black coffee can be very bitter to taste, so they won’t be getting a lot of return customers. Milk can help with the bitter taste, and whilst sugar would be best, it is pricey. What about honey… something lighter on the taste buds.
 [color=7ea7d8]♪ Creamy milk and honey dream, ♪[/color]

Now the last important detail, where can they order this treat from!
 [color=7ea7d8]♪ give me Coffee,
 from Zeno Bucks team.♪[/color]

Ayla smiles widely as she reads the words, and with a hum and a sing-song of her voice. Sings on her way to recite Zazzy the song she came up with.
 [color=7ea7d8] ♪Just one coffee,
give it to me,
delicious elixir,
from over sea.
Creamy milk and honey dream,
give me Coffee,
from Zeno Bucks team.♪[/color]

[hr][b]Society Stalls[/b][hr]
The big weekend has finally arrived! Ayla starts the day with going to the stalls after her advertisement, the streets around the dorms especially are filled with song. It appears some did the wrong idea, as Ayla is buzzing as she is rather loaded up on coffee as they have been purchasing one for themselves and one for her. What is now known as the ‘Ayla’ order has become popular, with stories reporting about the distressed girl singing in need of her coffee and once you taste it, you can understand why.

Ayla takes a look at the map trying to work out the best route to go. It doesn't help that the map was unclear and starting walking around in circles, and it doesn’t help that all the numbers are out of sequence. She decides on attempting a clockwork manner starting close to the dorms, bringing her right to the Fingersteepler Society.

It seems she missed the silence at morning, the anticipation which kept the rest waiting, and due to her late start, this resulted in meaning she arrived perfectly in time for the chocolate. She wolfs down the piece happily as she meets the Shadow Sovereign and his friends dressed in red. [color=ab2330]”So what is this, another do-gooder in ignorant bliss. One who aims to thwart my schemes? Perhaps in their dreams!”[/color]
Ayla smiles widely in excitement at the verse, and cannot help but get into character as well. She puts her fingers across her face. [color=7ea7d8]“Don’t mean to fright, for usually this one travels out at night. You think one is a knight? You will soon feel my bite!”[/color] she gives a low roar with a biting motion.
The Sovereign is being challenged as he hops on top of his seat. [color=ab2330]”Sister! Who can resist her? You shall come tonight and dine, you are to join us fine.”[/color] [color=7ea7d8]"Mister! Don’t you dare diss her. For this is a sign, for she is in fact a dark divine.”[/color] Ayla continues her edgy looking pose towards him as if attempting to darken her features. The sovereign shadow looks towards her with that immovable gaze of his mask, clapping his arm upon her shoulder. [color=ab2330]”I accept defeat, challenger! You have now joined our number”[/color].

After the word play and potential recruitment into the ranks of one of the ten evils of Sipenta, she starts to continue her journey. She stopped by the magic based clubs, though by stopping, more like trying to avoid them unsuccessfully. Being an Arslan, the Firebreathers were vying for her attention to join their ranks. You may wonder how she gets spotted in a crowd of students so easily, then you remember she is head-to-toe in lion jewellery. [color=808080]”Arslan! I see you Arslan, come and join us!”[/color] After trying to be grilled, both figuratively and literally by the fire breathers, she managed to escape with her clothing relatively intact, and avoided the cloudchasers all together. Her full clothing was much to the shame of Ipte’s courtyard where she ended up next. There was a display of couples dancing and having fun, and she even waved towards Ismette she saw there, but she seemed to be too preoccupied with the kissing booth and offering to take over, much to the joy of many who were gathered there. Nearby was the Torragonese league, making a courtesy showing and signing up, especially as she represents one of the large families, happily discussing Varrahasta with some of the other homesick natives.

Travelling through the arboretum, and after paying appropriate tribute to Mallow, is the Fauna society. It is definitely the best stall around with so many pens of animals, that it could only cause distress with there being so many, there was no time to hug them all and get through the rest of the fair. She ended up speaking with Beryl Mundi, the current president, talking about whether the society would consider paying a visit to the Reserva Natural de Arapor and seeing the famous Arslanian Lions. This resulted in a reluctant a yes based on merits, after a less than impressed statement about her family renaming the local Araporian Lion for their own purpose. Cannot please everyone.

Outside the park is the Pumpernickel Clubbe, with the Taster’s Union conveniently located just opposite. Though that won’t stop Ayla taking advantage with her height to sneak a few extra portions of the pastry delights for herself. [color=7B3F00]”Hands off. If you cannot bake it, you cannot cake it.”[/color] Ayla’s cake-hole was filled, but after a swallow, she responds to the large woman addressing her. [color=7ea7d8]”Oh, yes! Able to make lots of yummy treats. Desserts are my favourite.”[/color] The woman raises her eyebrow towards her in a curious then furious manner, [color=7B3F00]”Treats? We don’t deal with treats here. We are the Pumpernickel clubbe, we are a patisserie club. This is baking, an art, not some... treat!”[/color] It appears Una has been enraged by Ayla’s words, as the little cub reels from the woman’s fury. It happened that she was in possession of her own baking in the form of Pastizz, for a completely different savoury purpose, [color=7ea7d8]”Would my Pastizz lunch work?”[/color] Una looked down upon the girl, a common event given the height difference, taking a look at the pastries. She decided to take the girl on her offer as there is a light crunch as she takes a bite into it. [color=7B3F00]”This Pastizz has so much fat, I wonder how many Virangish Stripped Manatees were slaughtered in its creation. This cheese is like candle wax, and the pastry flakes are as tasteless as the dust of a carpenter's workshop. If you really want to learn how to be a pâtissière, I will see you at the exam. Otherwise stick to your… treats. Begone.”[/color] Ayla eyes widen as she was surprised at such a harsh review of her baking, another was friendly enough to suggest that her being requested to take the exam was actually a compliment. She sighs in visible relief, she was absolutely convinced she blew her chance then at joining the clubbe. Lessons learnt. Pastries are serious business.

The Bard and Aesthetics societies went as well as expected. The bards were hounding her for paperwork and receipts for performing without a licence, as apparently singing in the streets for free, especially as a clear endorsement of a business, did not constitute as fair use of your vocal ability. It appeared Jaqweshia was unhappy with trying to explain to their other customers that the lion girl was not for hire nor a member of their college and told in specific terms they won't press it further and event enhance her career if she applied. The Aesthetics society on the otherhand was very focused on their art, though some of the pieces were looking very pretentious. She swears that one of the prominent pieces was the aftermath of the artist being attacked by Mallow for wandering too close to the pond, then trying to pawn it off as some kind of masterpiece. There was a strong undercurrent of ‘Make Art, not War’, and some impressive usage of painting styles and techniques using the gift to achieve them which rivals traditional methods of chalk and brush. One artist used binding to create 3D sculptures created layer by layer, looking almost revolutionary in its potential applications.

There were smaller stops at the Needle & Thread Guild, and the Gamers Union. The Needle & Thread looked to be fun, with fashion displays and practical advice on how to use different fabrics. She has heard that the Yasoi girl, Casii, was thinking of joining this one. Perhaps it might be a society to try to befriend her at, or perhaps even hire her. As for the Gamers Union, Ayla thought it was going to be a lot more fun, though the head to head challenges were heated with those present taking it very seriously, and as for every sharp dresser, there were ten more experiencing significant hygiene issues and wardrobe malfunctions. Perhaps this wasn't the scene for her.

It was when she was on her way to the Draconic Order, the Fireflies, especially after her recent visit by the lovely people from DRAGON, that she came across something unexpected.

Last time she came across someone confrontational was Casii, the rather confused and eccentric Yasoi girl, but this was a different level that showed a geninue hatred. [color=808080]”Look at that one there. I bet she looks down at you even at that height!”[/color] Ayla couldn’t help but not notice the obvious reference to herself as the girl was giggling to her friend. [color=808080]”Oooo I think she heard us, perhaps she covers herself in all those lions so she looks so big and scary! Yet, she can fit in the palm of your hand, like a Palm-Top Lion.”[/color] Ayla sighs long, nothing ruins the day like coming across another bully. It is fine, just have to move on. [color=808080]”Run away now little Lion, don’t worry, Mother will put some spratz in your warm milk for you.”[/color] Ayla stops. Normally, she would run away, keep her head down, but there is something about facing death multiple times in the Desert that makes you want to try something different, and it is at this moment, she decides, that sometimes you just have to do something for yourself. She turns around as she walks up towards the girl, then simply smiles. [color=7ea7d8]”Don’t know who hurt you so badly that now the only pleasure in life you take is in the misery of others. Hope you find real happiness without it being at the expense of others.”[/color] The crowd of girls looked shocked, the brat even more so, [color=808080]“HOW DARE YOU, NOBLE BITCH”[/color]. The girl struck towards her with a mundane slap, as Ayla used the gift, foaming a sonic-sheet with the girls screaming to create a barrier, the hand clapped against it with no harm to either party except for a loud noise.  [color=7ea7d8]“Is your rage because of my birth? No one chooses their birth, rich, poor, strong, weak, tall, short”[/color] the latter with emphasis with a smirk in that self-depreciating manner, [color=7ea7d8]“in this unjust world, what matters is our actions. Those who are strong help the weak, those with wealth help the poor, those who are tall get things from the high shelves… and those with power and noble have great responsibility. What is it you choose to do? Help or hinder those around you.”[/color] The girl looked like she was not going to give up easily, though it seems the presence of another caused her to reconsider her options as she turned away scowling and cursing.

[color=eaeaeb]“Don’t mind her, a large chip on the shoulder. A Noble displaced her family from their home to make way for a private game reserve.”[/color] The words did make Ayla frown as she pitied the angry brat, feeling sorry for their experience, the long haired man came up and held his hand out, [color=eaeaeb]”The name is Elek. Don’t get the wrong idea, I wasn’t chastising you, Petra was in the wrong. I thought you spoke beautifully. The world could do with more of that mindset.“[/color] Ayla looks out towards the direction Petra walked off to,  [color=7ea7d8]”It was really wrong what happened to her. She has a right to be angry...”[/color], Elek nods as he follows her gaze, [color=eaeaeb]”You are right, but it shouldn’t be misplaced. An eye for an eye, it makes the world blind.”[/color] he offers the palm-top Lion a big smile, Ayla couldn’t help to feel charmed by the sentiment. [color=7ea7d8]”Mind if I borrow that one for next time?”[/color], Elek laughs out, [color=eaeaeb]”Gladly. It is all yours to use.”[/color], [color=7ea7d8]”Will do then!”[/color], she smiles, waves, and is about to walk off as she gets tugged back a moment. [color=eaeaeb]”Wait a moment, there is something. I do run a society, and it is actually what you describe. It is called Egalite Fraternite, Perrence for meaning a friendship group of equals supporting each other, regardless of class, RAS, or other such measurements. We do struggle to actually have members of the Nobility join, so I think someone like you would be perfect. Perhaps show Petra that there is good out there, even in the noble classes. What do you say?”.[/color] Ayla considers for a moment, then nods.

[color=FF3131]”Spicy like Virangish pepper.”[/color] Yasoi is leaning along the tree branch as he peers down towards the girl. [color=FF3131]”Kitty has claws like a ferocious lion, and a loud roar to match.”[/color]. Ayla blinks as she looks up towards him, is it really going to be one of those days? Though she gets surprised as an apple is tossed towards her, the yasoi rolling to the edge as he dangles down upon his legs, matching her eye level by hanging up-side down. [color=FF3131]”You are not scary like a flock of froabase like Casii makes you out to be.”[/color] she tilts her head to the side as she tries to match his look.  [color=7ea7d8]”Are you a friend of Yasii?”[/color]. He smiles brightly as he flips from the branch, the tall man appearing behind her, lowers himself down upon his knees as if trying to match her height, and still being on the taller side. [color=FF3131]”Ashon’amar’loiyang, if you can tie your tongue around that, I would be impressed like a yanii reaching their 80th birthday.”[/color], [color=7ea7d8]”Ash-on’a-mar’loo-e-yang ?”[/color], he claps, [color=FF3131]”Close enough! Now, don’t tell Yasii we met-sii, though for a peck on the cheek, I could put in a good word for you with her.”[/color], Ayla raises an eyebrow, [color=7ea7d8]”You are strange one.”[/color] Ashon blows a kiss, giving a wild smile, jumping back upon his feet as he hops back up in the tree. [color=FF3131]”The friend group sounds fun. Let’s see if they can handle the both of us in there~”[/color]

The last but not least is the Draconic Order. Ayla looks up as the fireflies are in action overhead as the riders buzz against the rooftops in a chorus of roars. No where impressive as the Tyrannus Monsigneus, but it definitely lured many eager to join the ranks. A lot of fans are turning up and cheering as stewards create barriers to keep them behind the lines and safe. Ayla joins the crowds as she cheers too, slowly making her way towards the front. It seems that the lines are being formed based on factors such as ownership. Ayla makes her way to the significantly far shorter queue for those who own dragons. [color=808080]”Hello, can we see your DRAGON paperwork?”[/color], Ayla rummages through the paperwork to produce the provisional licence and also a fine for owning Class B dragon eggs. The man looks at the paper, including the date, looking up towards Ayla. [color=808080]”Ah, you were the one asking about the dragon eggs, weren’t you? Sorry about that, we need to report suspicious activities. We have had reports of several sales and illegal activities.”[/color], Ayla shakes her head,  [color=7ea7d8]”It is fine. Though my eggs were rescued in Torragon, not through the black market. A couple of my friends did as well.”[/color] The man nodded, [color=808080]”You do have a valid licence, so you are eligible for membership. So welcome to the Draconic Order. Put the choice on your application and we can sign you up to the Egg & Hatchling classes our Breeder’s host.”[/color].


Ayla found her way towards the admission office and towards Margot Maloise’s desk by the end of the day. Her application filled out with a Pastizz placed upon it. Office work is hungry work.

[hider=Ayla's Society Selection]
[b]Guild:[/b] Magicians’ Guild
[b]Clubs:[/b] Draconic Order, Egalite Fraternite, Fauna Society, Fingersteeplers, Pumpernickel Clubbe, Bards' Society, Firebreathers, Torragonese League.
[/hider]
[hider=Ashon's Society Selection]
[b]Guild:[/b] Enchanters' Union
[b]Clubs:[/b] Bards' Society, Cloudchasers, Egalite Fraternite, House of Japes, Speed Demons, Yasoi'riimei, Astronomers, Ipte's Courtyard
[/hider]

[hr][hider=TL;DR Summary]
Ayla is getting in a wacky adventure mode again and getting into fights with everyone.
Meet some nice people from DRAGON.
She does some song writing.
She gets in a rhyming match with the Shadow Sovereign, Gordon Ramsey'd by Una, in a catfight with a commoner, met a strange Yasoi, and a host of other weird and wonderful things.
She made her choices above.
[/hider][hr][hr]