FlitterFaux

Made in Abyss [Closed]

Kryss Alyce

Art Pending

"You... want to draw me? Um, m-maybe some other time. I have to go now. Sorry."

Name
"My name is Kryss. Kryss Alyce. What's yours?"

_{When she first told me her name I could have sworn she said Chrysalis; however, at the time she was very disoriented from blood loss.}

Gender
"Stop trying to look up my dress you pervert!"

Age
"Thirteen, I think? Sorry I never celebrated my birth. I kinda just... forgot. Is that weird?"

_{Thirteen does seem about right, but if she can't even remember...}

Height
"Five feet even I think, so... average, I guess? For someone my age anyway. Why do you need to know this again?"

_{152.5 centimeters tall...}

Weight
"T-that's none of your business!"

_{...and only 36 kilograms. She's underweight for both her age and height, going by averages.}

Hair style
"It's really long and I can hardly do anything with it and it keeps getting in my eyes, I wish it was more curly instead of straight like this."

"Th-thank you. But I was just clipping my bangs back and tying it in a ponytail so I could work without my hair in my face for once. The ribbon? I-it's nothing special. I just need it to make my ponytail tidier and easier to deal with."

_{That girl really ought to consider a hair cut.}

Hair Color
"No it's not white, it's platinum blonde. I mean sure, there isn't much difference in the end...

_{That's what she claims anyhow. I've seen it myself up close but if it makes her comfortable to have people think she's a blonde... Well, I'm not saying anything. It's probably for the best.}

Eye Color
"I swear they're not red, it's just a really really reddish brown! Please.. please stop staring at me."

_{I met a cute girl today down by the docks. Mom and Dad were fighting again. She seemed really nice and we talked for a long time. It was getting late and I was about to ask where she lived so we could hang out some more, but then I noticed something very strange about her eyes. It was only for a second but I know what I saw. They flashed red, bright red, like an animal's eye shine. I don't think she's human. I've heard stories of creatures from the Abyss that mimic humans. Could one of those have made it all the way here to the surface without getting noticed? I don't think I'll be going back to the docks for a long time.}

Skin Color
"I suppose it's a little obvious that I don't get out as much as I should. But the sun kind of hurts my eyes. It's really annoying."

"Kryss, honey? Go play outside!"

Whistle
"I've never had a whistle..."

_{We used to talk about her future as a delver, since she can't leave the island and already has... experience. She used to be really excited about the idea, but since the incident she just shuts down whenever I bring up the subject. As much as she may still want to go back down there, she is just too afraid now.}

Personality

"I don't really like to talk about myself..."

<sub>Kryss has been very helpful since she has come to live with me as my assistant. Actually, it's a little embarrassing because although I'm the adult she takes better care of me than I do. She's very eager to please, I've noticed. Perhaps a little too eager... I think we are alike in the sense that she often puts her own needs aside in favor of others. I should probably start setting a better example, after all we are only young once.

And she gets so upset when she makes mistakes. It's heartbreaking, like no one ever told her it's ok to mess up ever now and then. I noticed she was like this before the... incident, but it has definitely gotten worse since then. No matter what I say on that matter she blames herself for what happened. I suppose I would, too, if I had been in her shoes. It's just so sad to see a child carry around that much guilt.

I think she could really use some friends but damn it all if that girl is not the most shy, antisocial creature I have ever met! Okay, maybe that's overstating things but it's been years and she just spends more and more of her time in the library reading or tidying up or getting lost in her hobby. When she goes outside it's usually just for errands and the only people she talks to are adults. She doesn't even sneak out to explore the Abyss at night like she used to. I suppose I should be grateful for that but I know this change is also related to what happened and not the healthy kind of wisdom that comes with age. She's becoming more of a shut in than I am and if that's not cause for concern what is?

I'm seeing less and less of that fiery side she had before. And though she won't go near it anymore the look in her eyes when she stares into that great pit... I'm almost ashamed to admit this as a grown woman but it disturbs me deeply. It's as if her heart is drawn to those depths but she is terrified and desperate to escape this place at the same time.</sub>

Background

"I'm just another orphan. I came here with my parents from another country. They wanted to make their fortune on the treasures of the Abyss. One day... they just never came back. Can we talk about something else please?"

"W-who told you I came out of the Abyss?! That's ridiculous! You shouldn't believe rumors like that, someone is just messing with you. Don't repeat that nonsense to anyone, I don't need such lies spread about me. Really, who said that?"

<sub>I was at the harbor awaiting an incoming shipment when a small boat arrived with only two passengers. One was a deckhand from one of the recently departed ships and the other a young girl. The man was visibly shaken after having been sent back with the girl. As I approached it was obvious what was troubling him: she was clearly suffering the effects of the Curse of the Abyss. The curse of the fourth layer.

The deckhand explained what he knew after I told him I had been a doctor. Apparently this girl had showed up out of nowhere asking for a ship to take her 'anywhere but here' to quote her own words. The captain was going to refuse but changed his mind when she offered up a rare and valuable artifact. After the ship set sail she got progressively more sick but this didn't seem unusual; many people were susceptible to sea sickness. However, when she suddenly collapsed and started bleeding from her eyes they knew something was very wrong and they sent her back for help.

Things were uncertain for a while but she pulled through in the end. I took care of her myself and as her doctor I quickly noticed dome shocking peculiarities. While she was recovering I started asking around, trying to find out where she had come from and where her parents were in case she was a runaway. At first I couldn't find anyone that knew anything. Then, of all people, that drunkard Tim comes up to me telling me he'd seen a girl with white hair and red eyes he had never seen before climb up into the town one night. Normally I wouldn't pay such a tale any mind but Tim described the same unusual traits I had seen with my own eyes.

Since then I've decided to take her on as my charge and Kryss has appointed herself as my personal assistant. I considered taking her to the authorities of course, but I don't feel like she would be... safe, if I did that. Kryss is no normal child and I think it best for her secrets to stay between the two of us.</sub>

Talents
"What am I good at? Um, reading I guess? I'm ok at cooking and cleaning and organizing the books in the library. That's about all really. Well... I do like games, and I'm pretty good at them. I even make my own sometimes! Ahem. Um, can we keep that between you and me?"

"I never said I couldn't climb, I'm actually pretty good at it. I used to sneak out and explore the Abyss near- I-I mean, uh, you didn't hear that."

Likes
"Books. I like books a lot. I also love exploring but I don't get out as much as I used to... Mostly I like helping people though. It doesn't matter what it is, just as long as I can make someone's life a little better. And, uh, I kinda like art and.. games, too. And studying the Abyss, of course, it's really fascinating. I'm lucky to live here more than anywhere else in the world. I wouldn't mind traveling, but I can't go on boat's, they make me super super sick. Like it gets really bad. Sometimes I get dizzy just looking at the ocean. I never feel that way when I look into the Abyss though."

Dislikes
"I don't like swimming. The water kinda scares me and I just can't handle boats or the open ocean. I also really hate it when people stare at me. Flying? Hehe, forget that! Balloons are just boats in the sky, it's horrible!"

Theme

[youtube][/youtube]

Private notes:
<sub>During my examination of Kryss I noticed several very strange physiological anomalies. Besides the fact that she was suffering the effects of the Curse on the fourth layer here on the surface. The first things apparent to anyone at a glance are the unusual color of her eyes and hair. Her eyes are especially curious, however, as they shine like a cat's when light hits them at the right angle. This is much harder to notice in daylight. I suspect she has exceptional night vision which seems further supported by her sensitivity to sunlight.

I would call the aforementioned minor peculiarities and might have passed them off as a mutation if it weren't for one thing. Kryss Alyce has wings, fully functional wings sprouting from her lower back. They are undersized for her weight and I doubt she is capable of sustained flight but I have no doubt they still have their uses. She refuses to talk about it so I only have my theories but we are both in agreement that this should be kept secret. There's no telling what people would do to the poor girl if they saw these wings. There's not a scenario in my head that ends well.</sub>

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

Yvette
@ghastlyInc

---

The cat girl's pupils expanded again at Mori's change in tone and she shrank away a little. Her lips parted slightly as though she were going to retort but she seemed to change her mind. She tried to laugh the whole thing off but close as he was Mori could easily see her face was redder than it had been.

"Mooo-riiiii~" she said in a singsong voice "I don't hurt anyone! Usually. But it's not my fault if people are stupid and get themselves into trouble. Buuuut you'll get your wish. Nothing I've set up, that you've almost totally ruined anyway, should lead to any harm. Really now~! What do you take me for? A monster?"

Yvette grinned in such a way that married innocent mischief with malice in an unholy union. The grin her sharper canine teeth stand out. Her eyes narrowed as she leaned in close again, challenging Mori's assertion that she was unaware of how things looked to the other students.

"Au contraire, mon amour," she started in a foreign language before closing the rest of the short distance between them. She kissed the boy passionately before he could stop her, and using her canines bit down on Mori's lower lip. It was hard enough to hurt but just shy of drawing blood. She then pulled away slowly, eyes locked with his, letting her teeth scrape over his flesh.

With a wink she turned back to the others who were mostly looking away in discomfort or envy and talking to eachother to feel less awkward about the show. Yvette let the area of silence linger a few moments more. It was created in such a way that allowed her to still hear everything around her, and she listened now to assess the damage Mori had already caused. She noted at the very least, the girl from the frontier that had spoken up earlier was still waiting to hear the rest of the story, albeit with a deep blush from having witnessed the interaction between the two.

Zyphyria
@MULTI_MEDIA_MAN @Rekaigan @liferusher @HokumPocus

---

A few students had wandered away entirely for a variety of reasons, including a very tall girl with long light blue hair wearing a very nice red robe. This one made her way to the quieter part of the cafeteria, a wry smirk on her face. She sat herself down in the seat Berke vacated after possibly admiring his departing posterior for a few seconds.

"Ghosts. Who does she think she's kidding am I right? At best it's just stupid pranks I'm sure. Or at worst residual magical phenomenon. Campfire story ghosts are a ridiculous notion."

She seemed to notice L'ilisht for the first time after having somehow missed the giant on her approach. Her eyes went wide and she looked him over. "Wow. And I thought I was big for a mage. What forge did you crawl out of? Same one as those boss classics?" She inclined her head towards his weapons, obviously impressed. "They just do not make em like you where I come from." She looked like she had a lot more to say but shifted her attention once more when she noticed Mycona.

"Oh hey, Mycona Fr- Mycona, yeah? Sorry I was such a bi- aaah, big dummy earlier. I didn't mean to offend. You're just... So different from what I'm used to. No that sounds kinda rude, too... I mean you have a unique way of talking. Anyway.. sorry."

Elsa
@Etranger

---

The younger, smaller cat chimera startled at being addressed, jumping and turning slightly in her seat. She cluched at her tail which had poofed up and began smoothing out the fur once she caught her breath again. Taking in Berke's easy smile and friendly demeanor a fair portion of that anxiety seemed to melt away. She stopped hunching over and sat up straight to respond to the enormous boy.

"B-B-Berke. Nice t-to ma-make- make your- to make- y-y-y..."

Her stuttering was very bad and it was very obvious she was quickly becoming embarrassed and frustrated. But instead of trying to force the words out she stopped, held up a hand in request for a moment, and took some time to get control of herself. Clearing her throat she looked back at Berke and tried again to return his greeting.

It is... nice to make yyour ac-acquaintance, Mr. Berke. My nname is- is Elsa. Elsa... U-Urzenheim." She managed to speak mostly normally by focusing hard on each word, but there was a clear hesitation when it came to speaking her last name. When she did she also looked down and away as if somehow ashamed or disappointed. Hastily she looked back up to meet Berke's eyes, not wanting to seem rude. Unlike her sister Yvette, only Elsa's left eye was cat-like, while her right seemed the same as any other humans. Much of her wavy silver hair was covering her cat-like eye but had shifted away from all her sudden movements.

Heroes of Beacon - the Next Chapter

Physical Education

---

Skye read through the pamphlet carefully as the pregame shenanigans unfolded around her. I'm sure we played this variant in Rokhang once or twice. It wasn't very popular though and I'm not sure this is quite the same. I think I'll just have to fo my best. At least this isn't a cliff challenge. But I think this... might be fun. It's been a long time since I got to play a game.

A cold shiver brought the soaked faunus back to reality. She realized she had been standing there absorbed by the rulebook for quite some time. Apparently in that time one of the players from the other side had switched to theirs and several people on both sides had gotten rid of their shirts. Skye realized her own wet shirt and jacket were probably sapping more heat than they were holding im. But- Wait. Is that same girl on both teams? Am I delerious? She rubbed her eyes and shook her head, then concentrated hard on each girl. They were the same person, in looks at least. What... did I miss? And where is Jericho?

Skye was about to ask what was going on but it looked like the game was about to start. She vaguely recalled something about being assigned a defensive role once more so she backed up and found what looked like a good position.

She watched the start of the game intently and felt a rush of excitement as the opposing team quickly gained the advantage. It would be up to defense to keep that advantage from turning into a goal.

For the moment Skye forgot her weariness and discomfort and pain, focusing intently on the ball.

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

@ghastlyInc

---

Yvette stiffened as Mori's breath teased her ear and her face reddened. A second lster at the second offense of using Miss Frost's first name her nails dug a little deeper into his skin. Freeing one hand Yvette held up one finger in the univeral 'give me a moment' gesture, complete with apologetic smile. With a few superfluous hand motions after that Yvette altered the behavior of soundwaves around her and Mori. No one beyond a few inches of the two would be able to hear what they were saying. Craning her neck to face Mori she made sure her expressions and body language looked like those of someone having a private but light-hearted conversation with a friend or lover. However, her words were anything but gentle and kind.

"Listen here you meddling jackass, Lady Frost doesn't have shit to do with any of this and I'm fucking insulted you have the balls to imply I can't think for myself. I am having a little fun of my own with these newbies and if you keep slandering my dear Frost's name I will make it my fucking mission to utterly ruin your life. Do we understand eachother? Are you going to be a prick and keep pushing me? Cause if not either get lost or..." Yvette paused, her pupils thin eliptical slits at the moment. "...help me out by playing along and keeping quiet about my...past games. If you're a very good boy I can even make it worth your while. But I fucking swear, do not fuck with me anymore. 'Kay, sweet cheeks?" She waited for Mori's response on that note still having not acknowledged the mention of Elsa.

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

@Azereiah @Etranger @Jay Kalton @Rekaigan @liferusher @HokumPocus @Pkken @Avant @ghastlyInc @MULTI_MEDIA_MAN @Illiren @TayTay

---

Yvette's irises all but vanished as her pupils expanded and the fur of her tail puffed out for a few moments. Body rigid, it even looked as though the girl's breathe caught in her throat. This was proven true when she exhaled hard, and grabbed her tail to begin smoothing down the fur. Her pupils remained dialated. Following the moth chimera's appearance and his words several students began to laugh off what Yvette had said, accepting it as the more likely story behind the school. Flustered, Yvette tried to regain the crowd as best she could from her fellow second years interference.

"M-mori! Don't tell them that, it really is haunted, I swear! It's not my fault you never believed me." She shifted her attention back to the crowd after responding to Mori, giving him a subtle look only he would be able to notice. "So, yeah, now that sweet cheeks here has outed what we used to do at that place... I was a first year once, too. Just last year, would you believe it? Heh. Anyway we might have fooled around in that place once but that was before I knew. After I found out the hard way the place's reputation I have never been back there. Seriously, if any of you are gonna have fun like that, don't do it there. The fourth floor of the library would be a better place for that kind of thing." She leaned back into the boy still draped over her shoulders and reached up to gently hold his arms, as if they were indeed intimately familiar with one another. Unbeknownst to the others her sharp nails were digging into Mori's flesh. She flicked her tail across his face once, satisfied she had control again.

Across the cafeteria, in as quiet a corner as there could be at the moment, sat another silver haired feline chimera. she was largely unnoticed even though the resemblance to Yvette was unmistakable. Her face, however, conveyed nothing but exhaustion and a clear disdain for her relative. As Yvette had her fun Elsa would occassionally glance at her and scoff or shake her head. Yvette, meanwhile, did not even glance at Elsa, as if the girl didn't even exist.

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

Cafeteria
@Azereiah @Etranger @Jay Kalton @Rekaigan @liferusher @HokumPocus @Pkken @Avant @ghastlyInc @MULTI_MEDIA_MAN @Illiren [@Queentze]

---

The cafeteria was a cacaphony of excited conversations during dinner after all the testing had concluded. The first year students talked about how their tests had gone with eachother and anyone else who would care to listen. Many second year students were present as well, either chatting amongst themselves or with the new students. It sounded like most had passed their tests with flying colors and rare was the downcast or sour faced student tonight.

One very large group was clustered near the center of the room, around an attractive and richly dressed student in her second year, and the silver haired feline chimera was clearly enjoying the attention. Her black furred tail swayed from side to side as she conversed with the various students gathered around her. Despite all the noise her voice was crystal clear and it was easy to overhear what she was saying from almost everywhere in the cafeteria.

As more students filed in for a well deserved and much needed meal the tone of the conversation was shifting from light and animated to somewhat more serious. One of the first years had asked about the abandoned building across the small river,. Yvette Urzenheim was happy to explain what she knew of it, even if the tone of that subject was a bit more grim.

"Oh, you guys noticed the old abandoned schoolhouse on the hill to the west of the dorms? Is that not the creepiest place you have ever seen?! I heard that it was hundreds, maybe even a couple thousand years old. I'm glad they shut it down after... Whatever, the place just scares the hell out of me."

"But aren't you a second year mage in training?" A short girl with a thick frontier accent piped up. She seemed unconvinced that an old building might actually spook the other girl, but at the same time she looked a unnerved at the possibility.

"Yeah, I may be a second year, _{and top of my class,} but even I won't go there! Especially at night, and most definitely not tonight." Yvette answered, visibly shivering for a brief moment.

"Why not?" asked the same girl, her and several others now looking less comfortable with the recent turn of the conversation. "What's so scary about an abandoned building? There were tons of those in my town. Worst that could happen was one fall on top of you."

"No one's told you about that place? Oh, that's right, aheh, the staff doesn't like rumors going around... Ahh, never mind, just forget I said anything!" Yvette sincerely looked as if that critical piece of information had slipped her mind.

As Yvette tried to change the subject several people spoke up, protesting just leaving them hanging and pressing her for more information. Yvette resisted at first but it ultimately wasn't long before the peer pressure took their toll on the young chimera. Caving under the various pleading voices Yvette sighed before finally continuing.

"Alright, alright! I guess I have already said a bit too much, haven't I? The least I can do is warn you all at this point." She leaned forward and lowered her voice, making it harder for the entire room to listen in. Her face was much more serious now and most of her audience became very quiet.

"That place... is legitimately haunted."

The group fell silent at those words, and their expressions revealed a menagerie of expected reactions to such a revelation.

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

Professor Zayid Leere

@Jay Kalton @Etranger @Azereiah

---

Research Laboratory Room #5

---

An individual of average size and build wearing an unmarked blue uniform called out a series of random numbers, raising a finger every now and then until they were holding up a total of six digits. Their masked face looked between the students and was met with only confusion. After a few moments like this they put a finger to the lips of the mask as if in thought.

"Ah! Yes of course, I forgot again. People like to be called by name." Professor Leere mused aloud, lacing their gloved fingers behind their head. "Mortimer, Frisa, Steiner, Rayne, Kaiser, and..." The Professor made a quiet but obvious sound of distaste before adding the last surname to their verbal list. "...Urzenheim. This way, all of you. Don't delay, please, I will be assessing you all based on your actions and words from now until the conclusion of your combat based magic examination." Though the professor's words seemed for the group as a whole Leere's eyes were locked on a well dressed, silver haired chimera girl who looked away realizing they were under such scrutiny.

Leading the students into the laboratory marked as number five the proffessor began explaining in detail what would be expected of them. They sat on the table with the materials and crossed their legs. Pointing at the feline chimera with the silver hair Leere spoke to them first. "Six three zero nine nine zero, why don't you step forward and embarras- I mean, show us what the Urzenheim name means? Goodness, to think I almost said something rude." Leere put a hand over their mouth as the now flustered girl stepped forward. Leere continued speaking as she tried to concentrate on her test, throwing the blushing student even more off balance.

Leere said a number before each other attendee's actual name, all of them notably much lower than miss Urzenheim's number. The professor explained nothing about what those numbers meant and instead made everyone's test order clear with Urzenheim, Kaiser, and Rayne first followed by Mycona, Mortimer, and Steiner. Then, while the Urzenheim girl was still trying to explain what she understood about the magical items present, stuttering while she did so, Leere walked to the cage in the center of the room. Seemingly ignoring the first student Leere theatrically unveiled the ash-hopper, and described the creature in detail.

"You will be facing an unknown number and variety of these creatures in the next chamber, and the environment will be to their advantage. You will don one of the hoods lining that wall and protect the single filter inside the mask. That, or you can breathe toxic fumes which should render an average adult unconscious within thirty seconds. The ash-hopper, no matter the size or variant, will be very much attracted to that lifesaving carbon filter. To pass this test and not be placed in remedial combat classes you must best each ash-hopper pitted against you. Obviously, you will fail this test if you die."

Hearing these words Urzenheim whipped around to face the professor, her stutter now rendering her speech almost impossible to understand. However, the girl's body language was clear enough to convey disbelief and fear. Whatever she was trying to say was ignored by Leere and the professor simply spoke over them. "Miss Urzenheim! Grab a mask and get in that room or go home. Those are your two options; now don't waste any more of everyone's time."

The girl glanced at the door behind her but a moment later strode forward and awkwardly put on one of the hoods, clearly both frustrated and extremely nervous. In the next moment before she could hesitate or change her mind Leere gave the girl a helpful push into the next room and immediately sealed the door behind her. A somewhat chubby boy who looked to be of Airelosian descent stepped forward nervously to address the professor. "S-sir, she won't really die in there, will she? I was told..." Leere held up a hand and patted the boy on the head. "Oh no no no. None of you have anything to worry about. I simply owe the Urzenheim family a... favor. Yes, let's call it that. She'll be fine and so will the rest of you." Leere chuckled and the boy notably relaxed.

"At any rate, Mr. Fen Kaiser, please demonstrate your magical abilities for me." Leere gestured behind themself at the table of materials while they tossed aside the clipboard they had written nothing on as of yet. With a 'yes sir' the round boy calmly stepped forward and seemed to be concentrating. Though nothing obvious occured Leere began to applaud after a few moments. The professor commended the boy and addressed him by a slightly lower number to those that had been paying attention to that peculiarity. They then urged the girl by the name of Zyphyria Rayne forward. This girl's demonstration was far flashier than the boy's and the heat and energy made the whole room rather uncomfortable. To this Leere responded similarly and moved on to the next student.

"Ms. Mycona Frisa, step forward please." Leere's tone as they called the next girl was obviously bored compared to the prior two. However, when Mycona stepped forward the professor stopped them abruptly and leaned very close to her face, as if suddenly very interested in the girl.

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

I'm sorry things aren't going well for you and I understand. Will keep your spot open if anything changes for the better in the future :3 Goodbye for now, but best wishes to you

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

Bawen Coridell & Emilya Vance

FlitterFaux & @ghastlyInc

---

Emilya exited through the cafeteria doors, holding them open for Bawen. She guided the boy to the opposite side of the building the other student had stormed off toward. She hoped she would not have to interfere there. Shaking her head Emilya took a good look at Bawen, toes to head, lingering on his eyes. She didn't like what she saw; his posture, body language, and expressions alone told a sad story she hoped she was wrong about. After a few silent moments she spoke, her tone neutral, almost conversational. Her eyes never left his.

"How is your father?"

Bawen frowns, considering the question, and its odd air of loadedness. "He is well." He says, deciding the simplist response is the safest. "Am I to presume you know him personally or simply through reputation?" he added, preparing to correct whatever misconceptions she may have about the Coridell family methods.

"Personally." Emilya noted Bawen's caution, but wasn't yet sure if that caution was bourne of concern for the family reputation or something else. "Though I haven't seen him in... a decade or so, now? He never mentioned having a son, but I may be acting presumptuous, thinking he'd tell me something personal like that. Still, I was surprised to hear your name." She paused, watching the boy's eyes carefully and offering him a chance to speak if he so chose. Her expression was much gentler now then it had been earlier.

There is a small flash of suprise across the chimera's face for a moment, but it is quietly squashed. It was rare for him to meet someone who knew his father outside of professionally. Harkin Coridell, for all his virtues, was not a man who had many friends. "The estate has been very busy since the war. More so since the empire decided to not accept us as a protectorate." He says. "And it is unsuprising. He was not fully aware of my existence until after the war. I was not formally granted the name until seven years ago. He has another, if you are any way interested. With any luck, Young Master Dorill will be in your lecture halls before too long." He adds, remebering with some mild amusement how excited his brother was when he heard Bawen would be attending school.

Emilya nodded as Bawen spoke. "I see, that makes sense then." She caught something like a brief sparkle in his eyes when he first spoke of his younger brother, Dorill, and she smiled at that. "I look forward to meeting him then. However, for the moment..." She let her smile fall away before she continued. "...I would like to focus on you." She paused briefly again, giving Bawen another opportunity to speak.

The chimera gives Emilya a curiuos look. A somewhat more difficult task than he thought it would be, considering their height difference. But more pressingly, she seemed to be acting strangely friendly for what, he had assumed, to be a dressing down of his behavior in the cafeteria. "In what regard ma'am?" He asks, voice once again going flat as he prepared for an assumed verbal ambush.

Emilya spoke gently and tried to come across as non threatening, sensing Bawen was withdrawing into himself. "It's all right. I've already made it clear what the school's views on certain behaviors are. I just want you to tell me, in your own words, what exactly happened. Start to finish please."

Bawen relaxes a little, grunting in confirmation. There is an awkward moment of silence as he collects his thoughts on what had transpired in the cafeteria. "Simply put, it was rather harmless initally." He begins, "I ran afoul of a rather...unpalletable student. Condemed him for his poor public behavior and sat down else where. Apparently the young lady was disturbed by our outburst and was polite enough to bring her discomfort to my attention." He pauses for a moment, confusion marring his face. "Then the young man apparently felt I needed his assitance for some reason. I believe he used magic to deter her, but to be honest it caught me off guard as much as her. As for the other chimera.... Luke Anus? I think he was just looking to fight something." Quietly, the sheep boy manages to grumble something about 'filthy blooded barbarian', though it's doubtful that was part of his testimony.

Emilya did not need magic to see that Bawen's perception and values were skewed, alarmingly so. Listening to what he said and how he said it she could tell he saw nothing wrong with the racially charged insult he had used. If she was reading him correctly he also saw nothing wrong with the actions of the two Brovak had dealt with. However, watching as carefully as she was, Emilya did not miss the subtle expressions on Bawen's face as he spoke of any other chimera.

This boy clearly viewed chimera as being inferior to humans, and for her it was no mystery as to where he might have gotten such an idea. She raised an eyebrow at the butchering of the other student's name but made no comment. More concerning was his muttered comment he had failed to keep entirely to himself. She considered her next words carefully.

"Why do you think so many reacted so strongly as quickly as they did in that situation? Please explain as thoroughly and as accurately as you can."

"People generally take exception when people scream about the fellowship of soldiers in public with all the subtly of a dying star." He says, flatly. "Especially when it comes from someone who should know better. That said, I was probably not as quiet in chastising him as I should have been."

Emilya was silent for a long moment, partially lost in old memories and partially assessing Bawen's thought process. "Tell me, if it had been a human doing the shouting would you have reacted any differently? What would you have said in such a case?"

"Forgoing the fact that a human wouldn't behave in such a manner..." He begins, crossing his arms and considering the question for a few moments. "I likely would have said nothing. To do so in such a situation would would be beyond my station. But as I said..." He huffs for emphasis, the noise bleeding over into a subtle breathless trill. "It is a moot point. A human would not have debased themselves in such an incredible display of cognitive impairment."

At that Emilya felt she understood the situation more than adequately. Her expression became notably sad and she looked at the ground briefly as unpleasant life lessons came to mind. "Bawen Coridell. I have witnessed far more disgraceful behavior from humans. From my own brother. From myself." She locked eyes with the boy as she continued. "Even from your own father. Do you honestly think humans are above chimera?"

Bawen stared at her silently for a moment, face flat and composed. He had been concerned this line of questioning was going somewhere uncomfortable, though now the woman's goal seemed crystal clear to him. He had to commend the professor; he hadn't been expecting her to test him like this so early.
"Absolutely." He says, voice ringing with a confidence that could have only come from practice. "Our origin is deplorable nor are we in any way a natural inhabitant of this planet. There is no conclusion to draw but inferiority. One need only observe the fact that subsequent generations of halfbreeds trend towards human features. If one can look upon a seventh generation chimera and not draw the logical conclusion that humanity is the optimal form for sentient life, then there is no helping them." He adds with a small puff of pride.

Emilya's face barely twitched before becoming unreadable. She had heard almost those exact words before, and they had the same effect now as the first time she'd heard them.

"Have you ever considered the possibility that your father may be wrong about humans and chimeras?"

"Occasionally the idea strikes me. But normally I'm able to see reason after a few minutes of self reflection." He adds primly. "It cant be helped really, considering I am one. The bias comes naturally."

Emilya shook her head slowly and sighed. There was a lot of deeply rooted damage, more than she could handle alone. Years of this one idea that chimera were inferior being drilled into the boy's head would not be easy to heal.

"The tour will be starting any moment now, so we'll have to shelf this conversation for the moment. However, if you need to talk I'll make myself available. I am going to need to send you to a friend of mine. Her name is Leonora Serannen, and she's a staff member here at the Institute as well. You need help Mr. Coridell, and I believe Miss Serannen can provide that help. I'm afraid I must insist you see her regularly, at least once a week. Is this understood?"

Bawen frowned, tempted to object to the order, but he nodded obediently. "Very well Professor. Though I fail to see the need for additional staff assistance." He says tone once again flat so to not risk further offense. "Nor as to why I specifically need help. But if it will put you at ease, consider it done ma'am." He elects to remain silent as they continued, now thoroughly confused.

"I hope in time these things will become clear to you." Emilya reached up and placed a hand on Bawen's shoulder. She looked about to say something else when the doors to the cafeteria opened and the students began pouring out. Hans also emerged, a concerned look on his face.

She retracted her hand, albeit reluctantly, and adopted her usual professional demeanor. "It seems we're out of time for the moment. Please rejoin the group Mr. Coridell. And remember to check your comments before voicing them."

Emilya stepped away from Bawen letting him rejoin the group. Hans walked slowly to her, but did not say a word when he caught sight of the subtle look in his sister's eyes. Instead he stood next to her silently, waiting for the students to pass by. For her part Emilya kept her expression in check enough that she did not disturb anyone that looked her way. She took note of the other students involved in the incident and was satisfied to see their attitudes were acceptably subdued for now. As the last students passed by the pair hung back.

"Emilya?" Hans asked at last.

The tiny professor's facade of self restraint fell and she glared darkly in the direction of the tour group, though her actual feelings were not directed towards anyone present. Her fists clenched as she began to explain. "That was Harkin Coridell's boy. Fight nearly broke out thanks to some racially charged comment from the boy... directed at another young chimera over some apparently loud and obnoxious behavior, but otherwise...

"Ah, I see now. Harkin. So he couldn't escape the old man's poison in the end. With luck maybe the boy at least can escape the cycle."

"Luck, and a lot of work. Too many students coming to us damaged these days. I think I need to pay our old friend a visit.

"Ah, you two always were an inch from eachothers throats half the time. Please don't make it personal if you can help it."

"It's not about me and Harkin, Hans. Well, not primarily. It's about the boy. Bawen Coridell."

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Gaslamp Fantasy] [Completely Dead]

Emilya Vance

@ghastlyInc @pkken @Jay Kalton

---

"Mr. Coridell that kind of talk will not be tolerated here. The same goes for you Mr. Murdoc. Furthermore you are not required to be sorry for how you feel but you will be held accountable for your decisions. This includes threatening another student. Both of you need to exercise better self control in the future. Consider this a warning."

Though she did not state the fact itself, it was not hard to figure out that there would be no second warning.

Emilya took a moment to scan the surrounding area. Her eyes became briefly unfocused while she used her own Vision magic to see for herself exactly what had happened. When they came into focus again they were locked on Mallory and Emilya's harsh expression softened. She even smiled slightly and nodded to the girl. "I appreciate your attempt to defuse the situation, as well as your good judgement in not using magic to do so."

She glanced across the room to where professor Brovak and the other two students were. A darker, somewhat concerned look crossed her face. She knew now that the boy who had stepped in to try and control the fight with magic was a Breckenridge, and his breach of the rules, however well intentioned, came as something of a shock. Another concern entirely was how much attention Brovak was showing Alexander and the girl that had initially taken the situation too far. Normally he could care less as long as he fulfilled the bare minimum of his duty as a member of staff.

She decided to look into this later and turned her attention back to the students around her.

"Finish your meals, then. The tour of school grounds will begin shortly. Not you, Mr. Coridell. We need to have a few words in private." With that Emilya walked towards the cafeteria entrance, expecting the boy to follow.

---

Yrhen

@hagroden @Azereiah

---

Yrhen tried her hardest to ignore the boy that had come up alongside her, the very same that had disabled her arm. Her nearly ever present scowl deepened and she refused to look at the boy or stop moving.

Why did he have to follow me? Just go away!

She did not get her wish as he started talking, trying to... reassure her? Apologize? Explain the psychology of the boy she had hit? It seemed a kind and well intentioned effort but she was very much not in the mood for any of it at this point. He sounded honest enough but she was far too shaken internally to entertain any amount of trust.

She was about to tell him off when a disturbance in the air near her head alerted her to the fact that someone had managed to get in close right behind her. Far too close and a hand was coming down on her shoulder. Her instinctive reaction was to whip around and strike whoever it was as hard as she could. However, as the hand clapped down on her shoulder she froze in place. There was something very wrong with that hand. She felt no heat from it, though it moved as if it belonged to a person. Not only that but those fingers felt unnaturally thin with almost no padding to them.

Her head snapped around to see who or what could possibly have a hand like that, and she found herself even more deeply upset at the 'face' behind her. It was the bandaged and goggled face of the staff member she had seen approaching them, and his presence was especially disturbing this close, with his unnatural hand touching her. The professor's voice made it even worse. Her sense of nausea was suddenly much worse and it took all her energy to repress her shaking and the urge to vomit. She crossed her arms tightly across her chest, or as tightly as she could with one half dead, and looked away from them, glaring death at nothing in particular.

It was very difficult to focus on the professor's words with his cold hand on her shoulder but she got the gist that he was chewing out this boy, Alexander Breckenridge, pretty hard. Apparently using magic at all was against the rules, at least in the way it had gone down. On top of that the professor's assessment of nerve control magic did nothing to make her feel better.

I would have been in my rights to kill him in self defense? He must be exaggerating. I hope he's exaggerating...

By the time Brovak handed each of them the cards and released them from his grip Yrhen was grinding her teeth. The absence of Brovak's hand was like the freshest breath of air after being trapped in a small room breathing engine fumes. Deciding she was absolutely finished with being touched today she quickly walked the rest of the way to the cafeteria doors and slammed them open. Once outside she took a sharp turn and picked up her pace, looking for any secluded area where she could take a moment to catch her breath and calm down.

Rounding the corner of the building she found a space that was good enough for now; there were no people around anyway and she was not very visible from most angles. She leaned back against the wall, closed her eyes, and took a deep shuddering breath. Opening her eyes again she unbuttoned the glove of her partially numb hand and had a look underneath. She grimaced and shivered in the cold morning air.