[hr][hr][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/01989753-c0d4-751e-94b6-ac932f65638b.webp[/img][hr][@Achronum][@Trainerblue192][@Morose][@Blizz][@Kirah][@PatientBean][@Teyao][@KazAlkemi][@kittyluna45][hr][h3][color=57F287][b]Evening - Thur. Oct. 31, 2040 [/b][/color][/h3][/center][hr] The paper Sariel provided was a convoluted set of instructions on how to reach their meeting place the next day. Wherever it was, this lab was well in the heart of the Academy though it mentioned hallways, doors, and stairs that no one was quite confident they'd ever seen before. She handed the last one to Franklin. “Yes, you will find out tomorrow.” Sariel answered. “We will review safety procedures, creation specifications, and define the limitations of the mystery before you start off on your independent studies!” Dysphoria enjoyed this confusion. [color=F739D7] “Oh, this seems like a fun puzzle Darling! We would very much like to win at this.”[/color] Dysphoria grinned at the prospect of the challenge, but their attention drifted to the others in the group. Darling was speaking with the one called Franklin. The woodling Dysphoria was familiar with though they believed the woodling did not care for them, and then there was another that drew Dysphoria's curiosity. [Color=F739D7]“The woodling is always a quiet one, but you are new. Do you not enjoy the presence of other humans?”[/color] Dysphoria asked Annika. [center]✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩[/center] Nicholas chose to keep his words to himself as the dragon eyed up [i]Jake[/i] and dismissed him. He'd warn him, Finley, and Dysphoria later once the evening settled down. He pulled out his flask, took another scorching swing, and returned it just as quickly. He itched to light his pipe as well, but he'd wait until they'd settled into their new dorms and he could scurry back to Haven. Too much excitement this evening already; they hadn't even socialized yet. [color=5b8a9a]“The hag is a relic from an age bygone. Her immature proddings should not be the basis of any decision.”[/color] Nicholas responded, flat in his irritation. Nicholas held no love for Agatha, but she owed them and that made him smile unkindly. Nicholas barely listened to their Coven Head and instead took in the two new faces this year. One girl was just that, a girl. Nothing exciting, nothing interesting other than the whisper of power her magic offered, but other witches had claimed horrific powers only to find themselves tied to a pyre and screaming at an apathetic world. She would be dead before Nicholas would even care to remember her name and another witch, bright eyed and drowning in their powers, would take her place on the stage of history. The other was more interesting, but the brief mention of divination already had the telltale headache treating behind his eyes. He pulled out the sage and eucalyptus bundle he carried around for just these sort of people and brought it to his face, murmuring an incantation and blowing. His spellwork was shaky, the threat of Not Marcus looming above him, and so the edges caught, sputtered, and died. Nicholas scowled at it and tucked it back into his pouch. Mikkail patted Nicholas on the shoulder reassuringly as he animatedly chatted with the new students. “And we are certainly excited to have you, my dear! Such a tremendous gathering of minds and magic this year. Truely, I do not think I've had the pleasure of teaching such a bright group in my years here and I have been around for quite some time! The things the four of you can do-will do!-shall be a testament of your potential, will, discipline, and talent and will, I have no doubt, serve you as you continue on your journey beyond this place!” “Well met Willow and an excellent idea! A quick round of introductions since we have two new faces! I am Professor Mikkail Genesis, Professor of Magical History here at the Academy. Although I certainly seem human, I am from a far away planet, resemble the creature you know as a dragon, and have spent millennia documenting various magical practices across the universe! Unfortunately, I do tend to ramble so please let me know when I get off topic. My longest lecture lasted almost a week before someone finally told me I was talking to an empty room in the middle of a winter holiday!” The Professor laughed, wiping a tear away from his eye before clapping Callaghan firmly on the shoulder. “This is my young protege, Callaghan Silver. A sharp mind and a charming disposition, he's a treasure trove of knowledge and a wonderful resource to lean on but perhaps, don't let him charm you too quickly.” Mikkail sent a knowing look at Cassie and gestured at Nicholas. “This is Nicholas, he-” [color=5b8a9a]“Does not welcome words on his behalf.”[/color] Nicholas interjected. He looked at Cassie and Willow blankly. [color=5b8a9a]“Every student in this room will receive an invitation to a gathering later this evening. Do well to read it if you'd like to join.”[/color] “Of course, of course. Mikkail shook his head in amusement. “Still, you need to get along with your coven to overcome the challenge you will face! All of your resources and experience will be critical to grow both your mind and ability. Consider that as you move forward through the year.” Mikkail offered Nicholas, who just raised an eyebrow, and Mikkail raised his hands in surrender. “Very well, I will let the youth of today make their own mistakes.” “Now Willow and Cassie, before you need to settle in and find your rooms and dorm partners, any questions, thoughts, or concerns you've had I can help ease away?” [center]✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩[/center] “You know your task. We will begin right before midday tomorrow. Do what you can to prepare and perhaps you'll meet the barest of my expectations, though I shall not anticipate such a feat.” Professor Croan sniffed in distaste. He gave Pedro and Jake long disapproving looks before he vanished, a hazy outline where he once stood slowly fading away.