[color=darkgray]

The room was filled with a haze as the men sat in a circle around a fire, stoked to a low ember; enough to provide some warmth but not enough to produce light. The men gathered here periodically, usually when one called for a meeting, but today was different. Each of them had sent word they needed to meet, and almost all received the summons at the same time—a rare event.

[color=white]"What are we to do about this?"[/color] one of the gentlemen asked. He was a rotund man, balding from years of stress and worry. He thought of himself as the leader of this merry band of men, the truth being that none of the others respected him enough to invite him out for their other outings, hunts, and so on. 

Another man, this one younger than the one who spoke up, with tanned skin the color of caramel, uttered, [color=white]"We prepare. Gather our resources. This is not the first time, nor should I expect, will it be the last."[/color]

The other men grumbled, either agreeing or raising a fuss just to be heard. The first man spoke again, [color=white]"The Dark Embers have been silent for a while. What's to say this most recent threat is even them? Could it perhaps be someone hoping to stoke the fire of war?"[/color]

More agreements were made. A third man, pale with a shock of white hair despite being one of the youngest, raised a point. [color=white]"Who would do such a thing? For what benefit?"[/color]

The first man took the reins of conversation again (perhaps he [i]was[/i] the leader). [color=white]"That school might have a hand in it. I do not trust that Lord Poe. His father was the right sort of man, if you gather my meaning. Truly made that a place of education and learning, with everyone knowing their place. Now they have men and women gathered in the same rooms learning the same things. In my day, women knew their place, even if they were Enlightened. Mark it here, gentlemen, Lord Poe is going to run that school, and by rights our country, into the ground should he be allowed to continue."[/color]

The second man guffawed as if the funniest joke had been uttered. [color=white]"Surely not. Lord Poe values the job far too much to risk. If you want my opinion, it's that circus that appeared on the outskirts of town. It hosts all manner of unsightly agents. The owner operates it with an iron fist, and who could deny that they have the force behind them? Entertainment, ha! Tis a madhouse of horrors there."[/color]

The third man shook his head. He kept it hidden that he and his wife had visited the circus time and again. [color=white]"I disagree. If it is someone, it is that pompous woman, Lady Rosemarie, or whatever name she is using now. She is housing all manner of unsightly specimens in her wings, teaching them how to sneak around and rob. Trading in secrets. Vile beings. If anyone wants to see warfare, it is her!"[/color]

The men spoke rapidly, either stating their opinion on one of the mentioned people or factions, or supplying their thoughts. A whistle blew, and everyone fell silent. The man who whistled rested his gloved hands in his lap. he had been silent the entire time. Watching the men argue back and forth. One of his eyes was milky white, with a hint of an iris visible. Most gave him a wide berth.

[color=white]"It could be one of them. It could be all of them. It could be another organization entirely. I say, it might even be one of you."[/color] 

The other gentlemen looked around the room at each other, hard to say if it was because the mild accusation was so out there it couldn't be true....or if they realized there was merit.

The milky-eyed man continued. [color=white]"There is a looming threat here, gentlemen, and instead of sitting around throwing accusations into the wind, we need to bring action. Take matters into our own hands."[/color]

The caramel-colored man spoke up this time. [color=white]"What do you propose then?"[/color]

The milky-eyed gripped one hand in his other. He eyed each member intently before he spoke up. [color=white]"If it is war the Dark Embers want, then gentlemen, it is war they shall have."[/color]
[hr]
[img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjg4LjNkNzA3Zi5VM1F1SUVWMWMzUnBZMlVuY3lCVFkyaHZiMndnWm05eUlIUm9aU0JGYm14cFoyaDBaVzVsWkEsLC4w/perfecto-calligraphy-personal-use.regular.webp[/img][hr]

[color=white]"Be reasonable, Lord Poe."[/color]

Sitting across the desk was Humbert Sullivan. He was a stout man with a full head of gray hair and held the position of Lord Poe's right-hand man in matters concerning the school. Humbert held the position with Ingram's father proudly. With the change in authority, Humbert fgured things would be shaken up a bit. He knew Ingram since he was a young boy and watchedh him grow into the man he is today. It didn't mean Humbert supported everything about Ingram, though.

[color=5f60d0]"I am not changing the curriculum at this time, Humbert. The schedule is made, and students have already conducted themselves. If I change it now there would be confusion, not to mention outcry from staff and students alike."[/color]

Humbert grumbled a bit, a habit he picked up since Ingram took the position (not without notice). [color=white]"All I am suggesting is that we go back to more traditional senses for our students. Set them up correctly for when they leave. Surely you recognize that is the goal for this school?"[/color]

[color=5f60d0]"My goal for this school is to teach young Enlightened members of our country, as well as beyond, the skills to see them off to wherever it is they wish to go. Times have changed since you were a young lad, Humbert, surely you recognize the need to keep up as time marches on."[/color]

[color=white]"Of course I do, but the fact remains that men and women are vehemently different and have such places in society already established that have served us well for years upon years."[/color]

Ingram bit back a retort that the system set up for 'years' had benefited one part of the population and while he was sure some women had enjoyed where they were and what they did he also knew many wanted to do more. Be more. Or at least have the option of a choice.

Ingram also recognized he was probably among the minority in his views, but it was not without experience. Ingram's father, as much as he enjoyed order and status, had a loving relationship with Ingram's mother. The two seemed inseparable. Ingram's father never made his mother feel less than. In truth, Ingram's mother was intelligent beyond her station in life. Had she been presented opportunities in her youth much like Ingram is trying to do now, he was sure she would have held an esteemed position amongst the higher echelons of the country, perhaps a professr or a lawyer or even something in government (though Ingram had made many jests that those in governement surely were not geniuses). 

[color=5f60d0]"With all due respect, Humbert, times have changed. Gender constructs aside, being Enlightened has made opportunities that were long ago withheld from people, and I don't see you advocating for going back to when we were hunted or enslaved."[/color]

That shut Humbert up, his grumbles dulling to a low murmur now. Ingram sighed. [color=5f60d0]"I appreciate your candor, Humbert, and your wisdom, it served my father well and will serve me well until I pass, but we must recognize that we are in the middle of something grand and I want to be at the forefront of change."[/color]

Humbert nodded his understanding. [color=white]"Of course, Lord Poe. I meant no offense. I shall support you in your endeavours."[/color] 

Ingram grinned and stood, offering a hand to shake. [color=5f60d0]"Let's continue to make this school the best it can be, then."[/color]
[hr]
St. Eustice's School was large and grand. Having undergone many changes both internal and external, it served as a reminder of not only the country but the world at large, that the Enlightened served a purpose. The school had many facilities including a fine dining room with three meals a day served, many classrooms, a field outside for practices in combat and exploration, two dormitories (one for lords and one for ladies), a game room, a laboratory for more scientific pursuits, a stable, and many others. Students were allowed to choose their coursework as it suited them. If a gentleman wished to learn music or the art of sewing, he was encouraged. If a lady wanted to learn how to shoot a firearm, she was allowed. Ingram did not believe that the things they learned here needed to have walls built up because of a person's gender or station in life. Students came from all walks and each with their own lived experiences. Ingram and his father, to a degree, believed that life here would challenge views and the status quo.

Classwork had a mix of skills needed for one's average life, as well as Enlightened classwork. History was taught from an Enlightened sense, though they did not shy away from the mistakes made by those in the past. Depending on one's Enlightened abilities, there was also tailored one-on-one work with staff here to help fine-tune their abilities.

While students were not given specific marks in class, the work was pass/fail, and some students earned awards for going above and beyond or demonstrating an understanding far beyond the scope of the coursework. This led to some friendly competition amongst the students and staff alike.

Whispers amongst the patrons of the school spoke of a looming threat. The Dark Embers had not launched an attack anywhere for a while now, but some spoke of a possible attack coming soon. Many were worried, understandably, but some students showed signs of support for the Dark Embers, posing them as a 'necessary evil' to help Enlightened grow into the future.

Lord Ingram Poe often spent most of his time in the headmaster's office. Students were allowed to come see him with questions or concerns, much to Humbert's chagrin. Ingram did not want his position in the school to mean he was above those in his halls. He would sometimes step into a class to listen to the teachers or help students out in the field with sparring. 

Every so often, Ingram's Enlightened ability sparked, and he would travel to where he was needed to see if he could enlist a new student. More often than not, he had success, especially as the school was funded by the country, so there was no fee to attend (though donations were always appreciated and those helped a great deal).

Lord Ingram knew others outside of the school were helping in their own way. His mind raced to one such familiar face. A missed opportunity for him, though he was sure Lady Rosemarie didn't see it as such.
[hr]
[img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjg4LmMxNGE3OC5UR0ZrZVNCU2IzTmxiV0Z5YVdVbmN5QklZWFpsYmlCbWIzSWdWMkY1ZDJGeVpDQkhhWEpzY3cuMA/geraldine-personal-use.italic.webp[/img][hr]

Lady Rosemarie sat in her chair as two young girls stood in front of her, heads bowed in either shame or sincerity. The two of them were brought in front of her because they had been caught by some of the nearby Bow Street Runners for theft. Lady Rosemarie had to buy them off silently, though she could have readily handled such matters without dipping into the coffers. 

[color=#C14A78]"Ladies, I must say I am ashamed."[/color]

If the two girls ' heads could dip any lower, they would have. So it was shame.

[color=#C14A78]"Really, girls. Have you learned nothing in your time here?"[/color] Lady Rosemarie stood up now, walking calmly towards the two wards. She gently placed one hand under their chin to lift their gaze to hers. [color=#C14A78]"You must choose your marks more carefully. Remember your lessons. Reconnosaince. Stealth. Examine your targets and choose the most opportune time to strike. This could have gone even more poorly had you not had each other there, so well done to that end. But as punishment for being caught, you will be given extra chores for two weeks. Now you may go."[/color]

The two girls bid their thanks and appreciation, knowing it could have gone worse. They left the room and Lady Rosemarie let out the breath she had been holding. She returned to her chair as the other woman in the room came forward. Mayweather let out a light chuckle as she had heard everything. [color=white]"You let those off lightly missus. I cannae say I blame ya, but I woulda strattled them both, you can be sure."[/color] A hint of an Irish accent played amongst Mayweather's lips. The two of them had known each other a fair while. Mayweather was an invaluable teacher and staff member here at the Haven. Many of the girl's came to identify Mayweather as a mother figure, one that many of the charges needed desperately. Lady Rosemarie did not know the woman's true name and Mayweather was not about to give it out freely. The woman stood tall in front of her despite her being so short. Long, red hair flowed in fancy curls out of the cap she wore and her dress was a dark, almost emerald green color. Despite this, Lady Rosemarie knew Mayweather could easily blend amongst the shadows. It was her Enlightened ability to manipulate the shadows around her. Lady Rosemarie came to rely on her greatly.

[color=#C14A78]"I could have, but one must recognize when to lead with kindness or fear. I daresay they shall not make the same mistake twice."[/color] Both women recognized what remained unsaid. 'If they are caught next time, they won't be so lucky. '

[color=white]"Aye missus, I gather that."[/color]

[color=#C14A78]"But you aren't here to critique or praise my teaching styles. You have information?"[/color]

Mayweather nodded. [color=white]"Aye missus. Rumblings in the shadows I don't have to tell ya. There is word of an attack coming. No one knows where or when, I fear, but cross my heart missus I will keep on it."[/color]

Lady Rosemarie sighed inwardly, leaning back in her chair. She was afraid of this. She had been relaxed. Too relaxed. This would mean her charges needed to be equipped more quickly than she wanted. [color=#C14A78]"Thank you Mayweather. Please send word to our wards that there is to be a meeting tomorrow in morning before classes begin. Urge the importance of attendance."[/color]

Mayweather gave a light curtsy as she turned to leave, the shadows following her out the door. Lady Rosemarie closed her eyes, deep in thought. She may have to reach out to some of her allies. She needed to be ready.
[hr]

Lady Rosemarie's Haven for Wayward Girls was a hidden undergrove. No one knew where it was, and Lady Rosemarie prided herself on keeping it well-hidden. There were rumors, of course, that it lay underneath Lady Rosemarie's own home or that it was a secret underground that ran the entire country. The entrance the wards knew of was not its true entrance, and there were still many secret doors and avenues. 

The Haven took in mostly young women who needed a place, though there were some young boys there as well. Each had a room they shared with four others, and they were expected to keep it clean and tidy. There were daily chores expected amongst their lessons, but they had a roof over their heads and food every day so there wasn't much complaint. There were some who felt the rules did not apply to them, and they were swiftly punished. Violence was not accepted in the halls of the Haven, though most of the wards knew there were back-alley fights that took place if they needed to get some excess energy out. 

The staff at the Haven ranged in skill. The men and women who taught the charges armed them with knowledge that was more often than not undesirable in society. How to pick locks. How to remain unseen. How to pickpocket. Lady Rosemarie understood the need to do what needed to be done to survive. Some of the charges were Enlightened, but many were not. She did not differentiate between the two as they all had a place in her home. Those with Enlightened abilities were aided and taught as best they could, but even Lady Rosemarie had to admit the damned school had better opportunities for them. Still, she would never admit such out loud. Lord Ingram Poe was a tentative ally in some respects, despite Lady Rosemarie harboring a small grudge.

The charges were allowed to leave during free periods or, if they were given special permission, sometimes it was to visit someone they cared about or to complete a job requested of them. They were expected to be back in time for their classwork or by lights out, unless they sent word they would be late because something unexpected happened.

Many speculated how Lady Rosemarie could afford all of this. Some say she stole what she needed, while others say she was secret nobility, possibly a descendant of the King or Queen. Lady Rosemarie never let much of herself be known. She was a figurehead, respected and feared in equal measure.

Word spread that a circus had arrived a few days prior. Many of the charges wished to go see what it was, but knew they would not be allowed. Was it because it was tempting, or was something more dangerous afoot?
[hr]
[img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjg4LmFmM2IzYi5UWEl1SUUxaGJHVm1hV05oY2lkeklGUnlZWFpsYkdsdVp5QkRhWEpqZFhNLjk/kamangir.lp.webp[/img][hr]

The circus had arrived in England a week ago, having traveled from France. The staff was a force in getting things set up quickly. Booths were drawn up, caravans parked, animals fed and tamed, and put where they needed to be. Truly, it was an act in and of itself to see the circus finalized. Many of the members knew their place and what they needed to do every time they settled. 

A tall figure stepped into view of everything. Big Bulma stood nearly 8 feet off the ground, well-toned and muscled. She had short-cropped brown hair, and her dress was fashioned together for her from leftover materials. She did not complain. Despite her size and clear imposing nature, Big Bulma was one of the kindest souls you ever ran across. A hard history for her due to her size, a side-effect of her Enlightened ability, made her a pariah in society. 

It was when she was in her late adolescence that she came across Mr. Maleficar. The man had invited her into the chaos and camaraderie of the circus he had long established, and it was there she found her home. Big Bulma worked her way up, starting off as part of the late show and eventually being a huge part of the program's set-up. Many came to her with worries, fears, or just to have a comforting word from someone who has been there, done that.

Mr. Maleficar was the mysterious figure who ran things. Many did not know much about him. They knew his Enlightened ability, the reason he carried a metal cane with him despite not needing it to walk, but most of what was told was speculation. He got things done, ensured they had an audience everywhere they went.

This time, though, there was word their stay here would be their longest yet. Many wondered why: was it because they were not welcomed anywhere else for the time being? Was there more profit to be made here? Or was the rumbling of a future attack the reason?

Performances were hosted nearly daily, with some time for rest given. The hours could be borderline cruel, but a lot of the performers and staff knew that if they did not have the circus, they would be on the streets or worse. Society did not look favorably on them, though they came in droves to see them perform. 'Look at the crazy cast of characters! Aren't we lucky they don't live amongst us and we can point and laugh to our heart's content!'

In spite of this, the circus staff was a family. They looked out for each other, helped each other, and ensured they were all safe and cared for. Big Bulma took a large chunk of that role and made sure every day she set a little time aside to speak to anyone who wanted before she got back to work.

They had a huge performance later that night and many were running around, eager to get things ready. 
[/color]