[COLOR=C0C0C0][img]https://i.imgur.com/ie0pHVA.gif[/img] [CENTER] [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5612178]Character Sheet[/url] [hr][sub][color=C71585]THE INTRODUCTION [color=white]LOCATION:[/color] ST. EUSTICE'S SCHOOL FOR THE ENLIGHTENED - LORD POE'S OFFICE [color=white]MENTIONS:[/color] [@PatientBean] [@TimelessParagon] [@SilverPaw][/color][/sub] [hr][hr][/CENTER] The large doors gave way with a low creak as the headmaster and students stepped into the room. The office was nothing short of a miniature drawing room; composed, refined yet exuded a chaotic intellect known through the many papers strewn around the room. A tall window bathed the room in cold morning light, illuminating the generous shelves and timeworn leather furnishings. She inhaled a faint scent that permeated the air. Traces of cedar and chocolate, a sweet tone that contradicted the stern aura of the man in front of her. Her gaze flickered to the other two students besides her. A quick, practical assessment - one carried himself like he had something to prove; the other, like he had something to hide. Selina offered them a curt, polite nod before settling down in a nearby chair. As the silver tray was brought in and placed on the ornate table, Selina leaned forward to help herself, pouring a modest cup of tea. A slight swirl of milk, no honey. A sweet tooth never bode well for nobles, at least that's what her father used to say. A soft spot for the selfish things in life, he said. She always kept it in mind, save for the bit of milk to soothe her heart. Raising the cup, Selina briefly glanced at Lord Ingram before offering a composed, cordial tone. [color=C71585]"Selina Nightingale."[/color] She paused for a moment, the cup's edge hovering near her lips. [color=C71585]"Formerly of Latimer."[/color] The word 'formerly' weighed heavily in her throat, though her composure showed no fuss of it. [color=C71585]"I am honoured to be received, Lord Poe."[/color] Selina took a measured sip; poised, graceful, noble, all the features of being ladylike. The teacup lowered, resting gently against the saucer. [color=C71585]"I... support others using chess pieces."[/color] Selina pulled out a delicate, soft-rose coloured silk bag, small enough to fit inside her palm. Fishing out a pawn from the pouch, she held it between her index and thumb. [color=C71585]"I use these as a medium. The exact knowledge of this ability of mine is lost to me. I hope to find out more about it while I study in this institution."[/color] She doesn't reveal her entire intentions. They were not for this room's ears, nor would it be polite to give the game away. Her eyes glided over the room, remaining steady, waiting to observe who would next rise to the occasion. [img]https://i.imgur.com/PQTlh82.gif[/img] [CENTER][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5612548]Character Sheet[/url] [hr][sub][color=6D6968]THE RECALL [color=white]LOCATION:[/color] ???[/color][/sub] [hr][hr][/CENTER] The paper laid heavier than it needed to be. The contents were brief, trimmed of ceremony. As always, it masqueraded an urgency as simple logistics and coded letters: [quote][i][color=white]“Weather turning. Immediate consolidation advised. Report to Command Central by dusk. Disposal recommended.”[/color][/i][/quote] Leonard let the parchment linger between his fingers. He scanned it one more time, before pressing it gently against the oil lamp besides his cot. The letter curled and hissed out of existence, vanishing in smoke. He exhaled a breath of fog between his teeth. A reflexive habit, as much as gritting teeth were. Patrick had long left, a mouth flying dirtier than a pirate's deck. Leonard agreed in a way, but he understood why; the war has many victims left to claim. [hr][hr] Leonard's silhouette faded into his familiar shadow, visible through the low grey of the fog that still stuck from earlier today, the mists obeying with quiet grace. It made the soldiers uneasy in a way that they couldn't explain. He stood straight-laced, arms crossed, as the rest gathered in a loose small half-circle around him. [color=6D6968]"Final sweep before midday. No questions. Small teams. Quiet eyes."[/color] His voice steady and calm, business-like. No trace of rum in his system. A few glances passed between the men, but none spoke. Patrick's eyebrows furrowed, but he knew better than to ask. At least not here. The soldiers worked in quick action, obeying the lieutenant, who had turned his back already to let the fog guide him. Deep into the terrain he spent weeks in, places he knew. Still, he watched. Still, he listened. He thought about the commander while watching the perimeter. Nothing is ever fun with him, at least not since- A rustle in a nearby bush alerted him, just outside of his fog domain. Being still deep in it, he remained a dark shadow to those peering, yet he kept still, arms and hands ready. His eyes scanned his front and peripheries slowly. A slight turn of his head, no-one was behind or with him. A few seconds passed... nothing had happened. Leonard lowered his hands, but not his guard. Maybe it was the movement of a small animal, at least that is what Leonard hoped. He was called in to arrive by tomorrow afternoon, scuffling with an enemy right now was the last thing he wanted. [/color]