Achronum

Of Blood and Magic

The Dorms

As partners found each other, happily or not, the students slowly left the courtyard for their new residences. Some took the available bus while others made the ten minute walk across the academy grounds. Those who walked would find wrought iron lamp posts lining the walkways that led to the dorms. A variety of flora grew along side the paths, often circling large clearings where benches and tables were placed in the event students wished to relax on the grounds. Students followed small placards that gave directions to a gate swung open and two mages. As students passed through, they could feel the prickles of magic as the mages thoroughly inspected each individual.

The bus however only took a few minutes. The bus, a luxury liner gifted from the Eves before their struggles, followed the curving road outside the Academy’s walls. The noise inside the bus was muted, chatter kept at hushed volumes. They were let off just inside the gated community at the bus stop opposite from where students walking left the Academy.

The dorms were located in a gated community attached to the Academy. All blues and golds, the dorms were attached in groups of four, each sharing their walls, before breaking off and starting a new one. Between each building was a small garden with a pagoda lit up with fairy lights twining around the support beams. If someone needed brighter lighting, each pagoda did have a light switch for a bright overhead light. Each unit had its own mailbox and students would find two keys in it which would unlock the front door. Each mailbox also has an envelope with the student’s class schedule.

Regular Dorms

The dorms are basically condos, attached at the side with four units to a section. Each unit is painted blue and gold with a mahogany door. The names of the residents are on a brass plate attached to a stone mailbox ten feet in front of the door. When entering, there is a kitchen to the left with a small hall opening into the combined dining and living room. There is a dark wood table, an expensive looking couch, a flat screen television, two bookcases, and a glass display case. A sliding glass door opens out onto a small patio fully furnished which then opens out to a small fenced in backyard that looks out into the forest. There are two bedrooms, neither with windows. Each has a luxury queen sized bed, small closet, a chest of drawers, a bookcase, and a desk. Each room has an attached bathroom. One is smaller than the other, one containing a tub and shower combination and the other only a shower with a glass door. Both have a small linen closet and dark wood cabinets as well as a toilet and sink.

If you walk past the normal dorms however, students will find themselves looking at for stand alone dorms the circle a large cul-de-sac. These dorms are twice as large as most and are very clearly separated from the rest. Each unit has its own private yard, surrounded by a stone fence, and looks out into the Noila’s forest. These units also have mailoxes, each with the symbol of one noble house. Starting from the left, the order is Marivaldi, Eve, Sinnenodel, and Astorio.

Noble Dorms

Unlike the common students, the noble families have private dorms. These are the size of two units and are unattached and separate from the rest of the dorms. The first Sinnenodel invited to the school nearly quit when she heard she would be living with the common populace and the Noilas were forced to build separate housing. These dorms each have a small stone wall surrounding them and circle the same cul-de-sac. The exteriors look identical as the others, however each one has it's respective family's crest on the mailbox instead of a name.

Upon entering, it is immediately different. To the left is a small study area with three full bookshelves on subjects ranging from history to magic theory to politics. Two desks are facing g each other, both with an adjustable lamp and paper, pen, and pencils neatly arranged. To the right is a formal sitting room, four leather chairs placed in a circle facing each other with a side table with each. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

The kitchen, dining room, and living room are all separate rooms but are furnished the same as the other units with the expedition of an additional China cabinet in the dining room fully stocked.

The back patio has more furniture and a grill for mages who enjoy cooking. Little wind chimes hang from the ceiling and the view into the forest is breathtaking, if one appreciates such things.

The two rooms are much more different however. Both the same, each has a king sized four poster bed, a walk in closet with a full length mirror, a vanity, a dresser, a bookcase, and two bedside tables. The bathrooms attached to the rooms each have a stand alone clawfoot bathtub, a separate shower with glass walls, dark wood cabinets, a toilet, sink, and linen closet.

Class Schedules:

As you open the envelopes, you find two sheets of paper. The first reads:

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Noila Academy. Tomorrow first year vampires and mages will have seperate orientations starting at 9:30pm. Vampires and mages will be separated until midnight so please take appropriate precautions. Afterwards, everyone will have an hour recess for lunch before pairs will have the opportunity to explore the campus and take tours of our facilities. There will be signs and attendants to direct you to your orientation tomorrow.

Congratulations,
Kiran Kotyo
Mage Headmaster

The second is your class schedule starting the day after tomorrow. It is dated through the winter break.

Mages

9:30pm - 11:00pm: Affinity Mastery

Dakota, Maxwell - Onyx Hall
Cassandra, Lilie - Rose Hall
Salem, Aaron, Damien - Cerulean Hall

11:15pm - 12:00am: Treaty Law

All - Vilbrek Hall

12:00am - 1:15am: Lunch

1:30am - 3:00am: Spell Theory

Cassandra, Dakota, Damien - Onyx Hall
Lilie, Aaron - Rose Hall
Maxwell, Salem - Cerulean Hall

3:15am - 4:00am: Self Defense

All - Arena

4:15am - 5:00am: Royal Etiquette

Salem - Library, Study Room 1

Vampire Schedules

9:30am - 10:30am: Mortal Biology

Varis, Eris - Nightingale Hall
Joryldin, Victor - Mockingbird Hall
Amaris, Ben, Lucan - Cardinal Hall

10:45 pm - 11:00 pm: Mage Observation

11:15 pm - 12:00 am: Treaty Law

All - Valbrek Hall

12:00 am - 1:15 am: Lunch

1:30 am - 3:00 am: Human Psychology

Victor, Amaris, Eris - Nightingale Hall
Ben, Varis, Lucan - Mockingbird Hall

1:30 am - 3:00 am: Vampire Biology

Joryldin - Cardinal Hall

3:15am - 4:00am: Self Defense

All - Arena

Of Blood and Magic

Varis

_{Interacting with:@Obscene Symphony}

Listening to the mage rattle off his accomplishments mattered little to Varis. He picked out key words and phrases but ignored the superfluous chatter. He would have to teach the mage to speak concisely. Displaying a modest command of language was for a purpose, to disorient and befuddle, not to report. The boy would learn quickly once Varis taught him.

But the pride. He could hear it swell with every word and it made him itch to tear the mage down. Down until the boy begged for mercy and Varis could piece him bit by bit back together. But the Noilas hung over the boy like a phantom, not truly a threat but menacing nonetheless. Breaking Aaron in such a violent fashion would ultimately insult the royal family and bring further complications. Varis clicked his tongue irritably at the thought. He would make the change seem of the boy's own will. Slowly but surely so when the Noilas came for him, they would have nothing but contempt.

“Put your number in mine.” Varis unlocked his phone and pulled up a blank contact, naming it A. Starag, before passing it to the mage. “I will be the judge of your sword skills. Tomorrow, you will find a sparring partner so I may observe. If you cannot, I will find one for you. If I find you lacking, I will request additional lessons for you. I will be in contact with your instructors in magic as well to monitor your progress. If I find anything below expectation, I will request additional lessons and tighten your leash immensely. Is this understood?” Varis left no room for discussion. Although the Noilas likely left little for anything but success, Varis would not let the boy settle. The pride that bubbled and swelled beneath the mage's words made the young Sinnenodel uneasy. The Sinnenodels believe pride bred complacency and no self respecting family member would allow their mage to suffer that. Varis would watch the mage like a hawk for a while and then maybe step away if he proved himself.

Aaron's information on modern political matters did please Varis enough for his eyes to lighten just a touch. His knowledge was limited in scope and filtered through the Noilas family lens but it was much better than he expected. It meant less work and the possibility of a brain in the mortal. Of course there was more to discuss and plenty of warnings to give about the constant life threatening existence that was the Sinnenodels but he would wait for that. The boy still held loyalty to the royal family and Varis was loathe to give his Lady a reason to rip his throat out.

“Once I message you, I expect you to forward me a list of all health issues, including allergies, and food preferences you have. I will regularly have freshly prepared food delivered to our quarters and I expect you to eat it. I loathe waste and while I enjoy waking up to the aroma fresh pastries and coffee, I cannot eat them. If there is too much, you will distribute it amongst your acquaintances and, as long as you perform well, I will take your requests for food and flavor into consideration.” Varis took a sharp turn and walked past the regular dorms, paying them no mind. Instead he headed towards the end of the complex, where four separate units sat.

Of Blood and Magic

Varis

_{Interacting with:@Obscene Symphony}

‘Excellent composure.’ Varis thought to himself as Aaron suffered silently. He felt the boy’s jaw clench when he faced the other mages. A quick glance at the pair spoke volumes. The tense set of the man's shoulders and the rigidness of his posture. The woman's averted eyes and the uncomfortable shuffling. They knew him well enough for this display to be offensive. It sent a thrill through him that the blood barely bested. He hoped this story would grace their mistress's ear this evening. Help her realize what a poor decision she made. ‘Unless she didn’t care about him.’ Varis mused.

Still, the boy proved even more entertaining. The widening of his eyes at the thought of his disgrace and the twitch of his fingers at the mention of his sword told the vampire volumes. That, and the mage's spectacular dedication to his servitude, confirmed the boy wasn't given to him as a punishment. The uncertainty of his situation left the mage vulnerable and his sword, as well as whatever precious little he has, is what acts as a reminder that he was valuable. Why would they waste resources on him otherwise? Take away his precious treasures and all he has left is the uncertainty of his worth. Varis made a mental note about the vulnerability and looked down at the mage, noting he managed to center himself again. The boy was well on his way to impressing the young Sinnenodel. Definitely not a failure.

“Stand.” Varis spoke as he stood himself, drinking the last sip left in his glass and placed it down on the fountain's edge. It was likely the last time fhe would have the opportunity to enjoy that particular brand for some time. He waited a moment as Aaron stood, noting the mage stood two or three inches taller than him, before walking away. He expected the mage to follow without being told.

“While we are out, you may address me as Count Varis unless it is a formal event. While we are in private, you may drop my title. I will not require your presence at all times but I expect to be made aware of your activities so I may find you when I need you. Do you have a phone?” Varis spoke as they walked,leading them away from the courtyard. The vampire already made the social rounds and was eager to leave. He had one more piece of business to attend to before his evening was over. “What type of education have you received from the Noilas? What do you know about the noble families?”

Of Blood and Magic

Varis

Varis watched the crowd, passingly thankful it afforded him a few minutes to think, as he considered his partner. Aaron Starag. Any vampire with a few hours of education knew of the Starags. The lineage of Landar Starag, both the man who signed away mortal kind’s freedom five centuries past and its fiercest protestor, bent its knee to the Noilas since the signing and the royal family kept it to themselves, circulating it from branch family to branch family to keep the gene pool fresh. He tapped his fingers against the glass and ran his fingers through his hair again. Passing a Starag to another family under the guise of an Academy student. Either his Lady somehow won the Queen’s affections, which his Lady viciously rallied against, or the Queen finally tired of the family’s attitude and was attempting to reign in their independence. An expensive chain indeed.

The blond gave it away first. He watched as the Starag made his way and kept his distance before bowing. His movements shone with well practiced elegance. The Noilas certainly taught him well. He sipped at the drink in his hand and a fun thought slipped through his head. The mage had been sent away from the royal family to serve a lesser house, a noble one yes but not the royal family, so it was only fitting to test his loyalty in this situation. He glanced to his right, sipping at his drink as he took in the mages who attended the Princess during her speech that had been left behind at the edge of the courtyard. He smiled briefly, wicked and sharp, before turning an appraising look to the young Starag. If the Princess wanted the Starag in his possession, so be it.

“You have been trained well.” Varis spoke, his words slow and measured. Language held as much power as mages welded when applied properly and Varis was loathe to misuse it. He snapped his fingers once and pointed to the spot in front of him. “Kneel.”

The mage's face fell just a tick; most wouldn't have noticed the change, but one with an eye for it could tell something troubling passed behind his eyes, however briefly. He hesitated for a beat or two, visibly swallowed, but then took a deep breath and stepped forward, face now somewhat more serious. He then fluidly sank to one knee, resting his elbow on the other, head lowered, eyes downcast. The scabbard on his hip came to rest on the stone behind him. He didn't say a word.

Varis watched silently as it played out. The mage knelt, still precise and fluid but more hesitantly than his earlier bow, and Varis reached out, brushing his fingers gently down the mage’s cheek then lightly but firmly gripped the boy's jaw. The vampire tilted his face up until their eyes met and Varis carefully held back his compulsion as he took a moment to just look. The Noilas truly outdid themselves in preserving Landar’s line and this boy practically glowed. All golds and blues, from his hair to his eyes to his clothes. He turned the mage’s face one way and another, making a show of examining him. When he tilted them towards the Princess’s mages, he held the Starag in that position and took a long sip from his nearly empty glass, watching Aaron’s reaction to seeing members of the Noila household watching him.

“I find it interesting, a Noila giving up a most precious resource. I wonder how you failed.” He wondered aloud and held Aaron’s position a moment more before releasing him. “How long would it take to have a new sword forged? I'm not sure I'm fond of my servant wearing Noila gifts.”

✧ Adventure Must Continue ✧

Anna

_{Interacting with:@HueMan[@Lunarlord34}

“Careful Baron. Your arrogance is showing.” Anna glanced up at the creature before returning to her book, unphased in the face of his display. “Come down off your high horse for a few seconds and let me ask you something. If I refer you as the steward, outside of context of your position, does that make you my steward? No you, as we all are, are servants of the Masters of the Cathedral and thus “the” is in relation to our positions to the Supremes and which is why I said “the pet” and not “your pet”. And yet you believe I would have the audacity to claim that as ours.” She gestured flippantly towards the errand boy and turned a page with a small tsk as her eyes scanned the page. “No. Unless the Supreme Beings demanded it, I would rather have nothing to do with someone as punctually challenged and disaster prone as that.” She flipped another page.

“And secondly, I hardly find it proper you handing out punishments. Your authority is borrowed Baron. Given to you for a specific purpose or task. In this instance, it seems to find information and since I have hardly done anything to interfere with that, unlike someone trying to intimidate another working Guardian, I see no reason for your temporary authority to allow that.” Another page flipped and she paused with her finger on the page, opening another book to look at something else. “However if you feel the need, perhaps following up with our Lord Volaris may benefit your cause. Yet as I was a direct result of his whim, I find you may have difficulty with that particular path. Or, even better, you can continue with our job and we can move on with our lives, supporting our Lord rather than falling into petty fighting.”

She snapped the second book shut, muttering “And I thought I may have had something.” With a wave of her wand, the scroll unrolled across the table and she set her first book down and pulled the scribbled writing on the scroll closer.

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Volaris

_{interacting with:@Lunarlord34@Ithradine}

'Thank you for making your NPC intelligent because I nearly messed up and we’ve only just begun.’ Volaris barely refrained from face palming as he heard Elizabeth quickly correct herself. He really should have had the foresight to consider that particular issue. He watched as Elizabeth mended the two soldiers’ wounds. It seemed healing magic still had the same effect. That was a relief.

“Helping a soul in need is the responsibility of anyone with the power to do so.” Volaris waved off the thanks. He regarded the pair. The man was useless now, sleeping peacefully now the pain had been washed away with Elizabeth’s magic. The woman now owed him a debt however and he fully planned to exploit that. Volaris sat, making his way slowly to the ground and laying his walking stick at his side. He looked back up at Elizabeth.

“Thank you for healing them Elizabeth.” His voice stayed cheery as he spoke to the girl, “Would you be a dear and take Megu to check the surrounding area for other survivors? I believe there was a fort further on that they could have taken refuge in. I will join you after I have taken care of these two.” Volaris smiled at the two and turned his attention back to the two soldiers, holding out his hands. “Create food and water.” A small loaf of bread, a bit of cheese, and a full waterskin appeared in his hands.

“You must be hungry after your ordeal. Eat up and perhaps you can explain what exactly happened here. Unfortunately, I am rather out of touch with the world. It feels like it's the first time I’m seeing it.” Volaris laughed. “I had secluded myself but with my granddaughter’s father gone, her life is in my hands and the life of a hermit is the life for the old, not the young.”

Of Blood and Magic

Varis Sinnenodel

@Obscene Symphony

Varis arrived just after the gates opened. Lady Sinnenodel thoroughly instilled punctuality into him, reminding him time and time again that being early was on time and on time was late. He watched as the servers made their rounds and a particular aroma caught his attention. He licked his lips and made his way through the rapidly growing crowd,pausing here and there to greet those he had met at other affairs. He plucked a chilled champagne flute off the end of a server’s tray, ignoring the woman’s slight fumble as he unexpectedly unbalanced her tray, and swirled the vicious red liquid. He brought it to his lips and forced back a groan at the flavor. Vitae Felix, a specialty brand of blood that specializes in bottling pure, unadulterated joy a variety of mages or a Life mage in this case. The flavor of bananas and oranges burst across his tongue, leaving a slight tingling sensation in his mouth as he finished the drink. He picked up another and made his way from the dangerous tray. If the Noilas already started that brand, they obviously spared no expense for the event.

He settled down with a few vampires and a curious mage, content with listening while he let his eyes wander the yard. Most mages meshed easily with their new lives, lambs among the wolves. More than a few of them would come out for the worse despite the Princess’s attempts to shorten the gaps between the races. Varis twiddled the key around his neck absently as the volume of the crowd rose.

It went silent as Princess Ryner stood on the fountain and gave her speech. The centuries had refined her silver tongue and at the end Varis dutifully clapped. Such optimism. It was no wonder so many of these mortals wished to believe. With little in the way if rights or protections, many of these mages had to buy into Princess Ryner’s passion for unity. But, it was of no matter to him.

He slipped the photo and name of his mage out from the envelope. The crowd had since burst into a flurry of activity, nerves goading them on. Varis looked over the photo. Aaron Starag. His eyebrows shot up in surprise and a pleased chuckle made it's way past his lips. He had heard rumors but he’d dismissed them as just that. The Noilas giving away their precious Starag keepsakes. He cocked his head thoughtfully, a small smile spreading across his lips.

“So this is the game.” He murmured to himself as he stood and made his way to the fountain, sitting in the exact spot the Princess stood. His mage would find him eventually. He spent the time running have hand through his hair and brushing wrinkles out of his vest and shirt and sipping on another glass of blood.

Of Blood and Magic

In the dark of the night, the open courtyard glowed with light dancing on every surface. Moon and lantern light spilled across the large fountain and the numerous windows, giving the wide space a fairytale feel. A pleasant breeze wound through the murmuring guests and classical music drifted in its wake from somewhere unseen. Servants bearing a variety of refreshments made their way through the crowd, unaffected by the evening’s excitement, and dutily passed mage and vampire alike, even those actively avoiding the main crowd. Many chattered excitedly with acquaintances old and new while others struggled with their new surroundings, clutching the magically sealed envelope they were handed when they entered the Academy’s gate.

Outside the Academy courtyard, the entire town was decorated in festive lighting and colors to welcome the new arrivals. Noila Academy comprised not just the school but the town attached to it as well. The Noila family built the Academy shortly after signing the treaty between humans and vampires as a physical testimony to peace between the races. Known for its extravagance, the royal line funded it directly. Money was of no concern to the Academy and everything provided was of the utmost luxury. Such was the privilege of Noila Academy students.

The Academy’s vast grounds and opportunities provide much in the way of social interaction between students while maintaining nook and crannies for when it got overwhelming. Change was difficult, when you factor in a vampire’s age and human stubbornness, but Princess Reyner hoped the social balance and respite from the stresses of the world were enough to allow bonds grow naturally over time.

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As the night wore on and the newly arrived seemed to all relax, conversation quieting down into a muted hum, and less hovered on the outskirts of the event, two men in black suits took position in front of the fountain. They looked over the crowd and one murmured into a piece on his wrist before standing back at attention.The gesture, harmless as it was, went overlooked by the group as they looked away from the men shortly after their arrival. A few moments later and a lull fell over the assembly as barely audible taps could be heard on the cobblestone. A woman strode across the courtyard with the grace and ease of a person assured in their authority. A man with dark skin and a scar riddled face trailed closely behind her with another woman, blonde hair tied tightly back and eyes darting everywhere as the woman stepped up onto the fountains edge. The pair took their places next to her, just a step down.

For a moment,the woman merely observed the faces that turned her way and watched as confusion and curiosity transformed into shock and wonder. The scarred man made a sharp gesture and the lanterns all dimmed until only the full moon’s light illuminated the space. It glinted off her silver accessories, all set with obsidian stones, and the opulent black silk of her dress highlighted the paleness of her skin. Yet, it all was designed to drag the eye to the rubies set into her silver tiara and the ruby pendant clashed around her neck.

“It is a pleasure to welcome you personally to your first night at the Noila Academy. I am Ryner Noila, eldest daughter of Queen Noila, and the founder of this esteemed university.” A collective gasp ran through the crowd, mainly mages, and the murmuring began. An inevitability that she allowed for a few moments as a familiar breeze slithered through the crowd. Princess Ryner glanced at her female mage and saw the usual far away look as the mage probed the crowd. The Princess clapped her hands together once sharply and the noise died down once again.

“I am well aware many of you have several pressing questions. Many of you never submitted an application to this Academy. And yet here you are. I want to assure each and everyone of you that your invitation was no accident. Every single one of you was meant to attend our Academy. Each and everyone of you are here to learn and to grow. Over the years that you will attend, you will find that you will meet and exceed your wildest expectations. You will discover things both good and bad about yourself, and others, that you could not have fathomed before.” The Princess’s voice carried a certain finalty in the statement. Everyone discovered something about themselves and it was up to them to overcome it. It was the one guarantee about this Academy she had. As they interacted in class and out of it, wills would be tested and boundaries would be pushed. Inevitably they would change and she would see, as she always had, it be for the better. She caught the female mage mutter something into her wrist and other two men slipped away.

“I believe that as society continues to grow, so will we and the peace we’ve created. Every bond created, either of friendship, romance, or the fragile trust between feeders and the fed, reaffirms and strengthens that which we’ve enjoyed for centuries and will continue to enjoy for many more to come.” The Princess spoke decisively and smiled again at the crowd. “However those are thoughts for another time. Now is time to explore our grounds and acquaint yourselves with the individual in the sealed envelopes you were given upon arrival. These people will be your partner for your duration of your stay here. Each pair, one vampire and one mage, have been chosen only by myself and your partner’s name and photo as well as the address of your new home have been provided to you in the envelopes. Please be advised there will be no reconsiderations and swapping partners in expressly forbidden. And so I will hold you no longer. William, Sariel if you would please do the honors.” The mages at her right both spoke under their breath and snapped their fingers. The dimly glowing seal on the back of each envelope vanished.

The lanterns glowed once again as the energetic chatter of earlier returned. Many mages hesitantly pulled their partner’s picture out of the envelope and started glancing around while most vampires homed in on their partners. The Princess stepped down from the fountain and the trio left, pausing at another exit to watch. “Remember, do not interfere tonight unless life may be lost. Once they’ve dispersed, meet me at home. I will likely be out the rest of the evening. I have an unwelcome guest to greet.” With that, she strode off and three other vampires slunk out of the shadows to follow her.

Of Blood and Magic

@Leslie Hall Excellent! Give ahead and move them over!!

Of Blood and Magic

@Jade Blades Go ahead and move your character over.

Of Blood and Magic

@Scribe of Thoth@Crusader Lord

Just to let you know, pairings should be coming out in the next few days and we will start shortly thereafter. Also, it isn't mandatory but if you want to keep up with the rest of the group, we have been pretty active on discord!