[color=darkgray][hr] [img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjg4LjNkNzA3Zi5VM1F1SUVWMWMzUnBZMlVuY3lCVFkyaHZiMndnWm05eUlIUm9aU0JGYm14cFoyaDBaVzVsWkEsLC4w/perfecto-calligraphy-personal-use.regular.webp[/img][hr] Lord Poe rested on one of the chairs as he received the introductions he asked for from the three young pupils before him. He enjoyed these introductions, gauging each of the new faces who joined the school. Eager to see their potential. What truly concerned him, equal parts worry and excitement, was their Enlightened abilities. Oftentimes, it was these skills that showcased what type of student they would be: those with more combat-focused skills tended to enjoy weapon classes, fighting, exercise regimens, possibly even history, while those with mental-based skills enjoyed logical pursuits, classes in strategy or mathematics, science, etc. Though sometimes an Enlightened ability showed up that surprised him. Chess pieces used to support others were fascinating. [color=5f60d0]"Lady Nightingale, truly a pleasure. I also offer my condolences. Please know that if you need support in that matter, we have staff on hand who can be of aid. Your Enlightened ability sounds intriguing, and I am excited to see how we can expand your knowledge on it. I believe I know a professor here who would be very helpful in this endeavour. Once you get accumulated, with your blessing, I'd love to introduce you."[/color] His attention turned to the next man who spoke up. Lord Blackmore. [color=5f60d0]"Yes, Lord Blackmore, I received your father's letter. Please give him my best when you next speak to him."[/color] Lord Poe observed his use of his ability. Interesting control in the face of the headmaster. Lord Poe had a feeling Lord Blackmore here rarely, if ever, heard the word no. [color=5f60d0]"We have a few students here who master ice and snow also. I know they enjoy spending time together in their off hours, so perhaps you might find friendship with them. I look forward to seeing your progress."[/color] Finally, the last student. While he welcomed students who sought out the school rather than those who were enlisted by him or those in his staff, there weren't too many. Still, upon seeing Jo's ability, he was reminded that the school welcomed all, no matter their gender, their station, or their desire for learning. [color=5f60d0]"Impressive young Jo. I hope you find the school to your liking, and I am anxious to see just what you can do. I think the school could use a little bit more tricks, if you catch my meaning."[/color] He offered this with a wink before he continued. [color=5f60d0]"Of course, we can speak privately after. That goes for both of you,"[/color] he said, referring to Selina and Edward, [color=5f60d0]"My doors are open if you have any questions or concerns. I am usually in, but in the off chance I am not, you can speak to any staff member and they will let me know." "If you will allow me a brief moment here before I let you leave to finish getting settled in, but I am very glad to have you all amongst our ranks. I encourage you to observe inwardly while you are here. What I mean by this is, recognize what goals you have for your time here, but also see what opportunities arise. The history of our country, really our world, has enjoyed putting people into tidy boxes of expectations. That is not the case here. I encourage everyone to explore their interests here. You will not be denied an opportunity due to your family history, your station, your gender, or anything else. These halls have seen many men, women, and others take the opportunities presented to them and go on to do great things. As always, we are here to support you."[/color] Lord Poe allowed them a moment to finish their drinks and sweets before he stood up. [color=5f60d0]"With that, I will let you go to get settled in. Your rooms should be ready and your class schedules should be finalized. If you need to change any of that, please speak to Ms. Pennyford in her office as she is in charge of all of that. Beautiful mind in that one, truly the school would fall to pieces without her. And Jo, please stay behind so we may speak privately."[/color] Once Edward and Selina had exited, Lord Poe beckoned Jo to follow him into his office proper. Inside, he offered Jo one of the chairs in front of his desk while he took a seat in his. Once settled, he gestured. [color=5f60d0]"Please, speak freely. What do you wish to discuss?"[/color] [hr] Staff lodgings were set up to provide more comfort for those employed. While students were offered comfortable amenities to help support them, staff were given more space. Typically, a bedroom, a study, and a central sitting room were provided. Meals were taken in the kitchen and dining room, though there was an option to have meals outside of the school if that was preferred. Students often did not find themselves amongst the staff rooms, but occasionally they would explore and find themselves face-to-face with their professors. As Edmund sat in his study, preparing for a new round of students to be subjected to, he would hear the faint sound of voices. [color=white]"-did she mean by naming those other girls though?" "Nothing, my love. I promise, I have no idea who she is." "She seemed awfully sure. I think..."[/color] Soon, a short shriek echoed amongst the walls. If listened to carefully, the soft sound of whimpering and crying could be heard as well as the voice, now more sinister. [color=white]"I said she was wrong. Do you understand me?"[/color] [hr] [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/40/a3/69/40a3698988fe84791b36b9945e90b6a6.jpg]Ms. Pennyford[/url] often found herself wandering the halls when she did not have any work to be done. She particularly enjoyed going into the kitchen to see if there were any sweets she could pick up (she had a terrible sweet tooth). On this particular day, carrying her parasol and spinning it in step, she found herself passing the gardens. Her eyes landed on a lone figure there, recognition apparent on her face. Ms. Pennyford stepped into the floral space and moved closer to Charlotte. [color=white]"Ms. Waldegrave, I see you are enjoying this beautiful day amongst the flowers. I hope your classes are going well and are to your liking?"[/color] Ms. Pennyford was a recognizable staff member among teachers and students alike. A relatively new hire, she took to the job quickly and helped establish herself as a main go-to for those who needed aid in fixing their classes, changing times, or just anything that needed further scheduling. Lord Poe often remarked on her mind and, with his ability, figured out that her Enlightened ability allowed her to process information quickly and remember pretty much everything she was told. A useful tool to have in his school. Ms. Pennyford was also a figure of kindness, never having a bad word to say about anyone. It took an awful lot to ruffle her feathers (and many have tried). [hr] Aoko chuckled lightly. [color=white]"Oh yes, the new students. I am eager to see their fighting styles. Especially those of noble lineage. There is always one who feels that because their father gave them a sword at a young age that they are masters. Is it so bad I enjoy putting them in their rightful place?"[/color] she asked, a small grin on her lips. Aoko came from Africa after her parents were slaughtered, though she rarely talked about it. What Lord Poe appreciated most was how trained Aoko was in weaponry and battle without any Enlightened abilities. He found people underestimated her due to this, but no matter what someone threw at her with their powers, she handled it with grace and strength. It was one of many reasons he hired her, and she was highly sought out for training, mainly among women who were interested in learning to defend themselves, but also some men who either felt they could best their professor or those who did not care about gender roles. [color=white]"What of the rest of your day, Sylas? I have some time before my next class and I love watching you work. Perhaps you would honor me with a duel?"[/color] [hr] [center][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjg4LmFmM2IzYi5UWEl1SUUxaGJHVm1hV05oY2lkeklGUnlZWFpsYkdsdVp5QkRhWEpqZFhNLjk/kamangir.lp.webp[/img][/center][hr] Big Bulma smiled warmly, helping only with what she expected. She had enjoyed Alphonse's performances, though she could recognize that he judged himself harshly. It was easy, she felt, to judge oneself compared to others, even those you shared a stage with. [color=white]"Oh, I do so enjoy your juggling, but if that is what you feel is best, my lovey. Don't overextend yourself. We may provide dreams, but that does not mean extinguishing your own."[/color] Bulma had dreams, ones she shared freely and ones she kept closer to her heart. [color=white]"Perhaps one of the other performers could help? Take some pressure off yourself while helping others. I could ask around if you want."[/color] Bulma hated seeing her family struggle. Many would jump at the chance to help out, some not so much. It took all kinds to run a circus. [color=white]"Mr. Maleficar may run a tight ship, but even he would not want to see you struggle, love."[/color] In truth, not many people knew Mr. Maleficar's motivations. He wasn't unkind in the open, but rumors still spread around. It was hard to separate fact and fiction. [hr] Mr. Maleficar left his office and made his way to the storage tent, where he knew his boys...correction, his man...would be, training and getting ready for tonight. The Eclipsed Born he called them. Their parents, fickle beings, damned them to death, but he saw potential. Greatness. If there was one thing Maleficar knew, it was talent and his Eclipsed Born were brimming with potential. He waited a beat, trying to give him some privacy in their moments, before he gently knocked and stepped in. Maleficar watched them a moment, taking them in. He was not blessed with children, didn't rightly know if that was ever in the cards, but he sometimes saw those under his care as his own flesh and blood. Cassiel and Obasi were his. Sometimes he had to run a tight ship, which meant he had to have a firm hand or word; that was just how it had to be. He relied on some of the others to help, like Bulma. [color=C2452D]"You ready for the big show?"[/color] he asked, stepping forward to clamp a hand on Cassiel's and Obasi's shoulder. [color=C2452D]"It's a big 'un tonight. And, truth be told, the start of a lengthy season for us here, so don't put it all on tonight. Save some for the rest."[/color] Maleficar glanced around the storage tent. [color=C2452D]"I know you like to practice here, but you can do so out on the grounds if you prefer. Anyone gives you a hard time you point me in their direction. I will not stand for any of my own being messed with, even from kin."[/color] [hr] [img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjg4LmMxNGE3OC5UR0ZrZVNCU2IzTmxiV0Z5YVdVbmN5QklZWFpsYmlCbWIzSWdWMkY1ZDJGeVpDQkhhWEpzY3cuMA/geraldine-personal-use.italic.webp[/img][hr] Mayweather bustled around a bit, tidying up as was her want. [color=white]"Oh, I don't know about that missus Melody. I see the work ya do for the young'uns and by all God's graces and virtues you are a saint amongst many."[/color] Mayweather kept to herself a lot and that included secrets. She was sometimes a trusted ear from those who needed to vent or confess. She kept a tight lip. [color=white]"Lady Rosemarie did not appear too concerned, if I may so say, but you are right. Usually spells trouble."[/color] As she prepared to leave Melody to her services, she turned to respond. [color=white]"I reckon I do not know too much how Mr. Morris works, but I would imagine he is in his lab doing Lord knows what with his tools. If you do not find him there, perhams young Prudence would know. She seems close to him. Shall I send word for him missus?"[/color] [hr] [sup]Skill Used: Stealth[/sup] Prudence blew a frustrated breath out. It seems most of the staff had little use for her. There was also a lot of mistrust amongst them towards her, ironic given the services the Haven offered. [color=d6b4cb]"All right, if you say so."[/color] She could not hide her disappointment much. Prudence turned to leave, but had a thought. Morris was as close to a friend as she had here, but did she trust him? Did she trust anyone? She never knew his work to its full extent. What [i]did[/i] he do here? Lady Rosemarie trusted him, and that seemed to please everyone, but Prudence did not give hers so readily. [color=d6b4cb]"Do send for me if you need me, however. I have bundles of time."[/color] She stepped back a bit and closed her eyes, summoning her Enlightened ability. Her ability allowed the use of illusions. She had practiced enough to know she could control them and shift them if needed. In doing so, around her body, she could make it seem like she was invisible to the untrained eye. She concealed herself and crept along, closer to Morris' workstation, and settled herself close enough to hear him, should he speak. This was necessary, she had to tell herself. If she was going to be a part of the Haven, she needed to learn who she could and could not trust. [/color]