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Achronum
Morose
Stryder BC
Nameless Hero
IAmTheIsland
feferipeixes
Guardian Angel Haruki
Whoami
MaeB
Lord Ingram Poe sat in a small room that was attached to the main office. This was his little domain where he did his best work. Ever since his own Enlightened abilities manifested, he felt he was able to utilize them in a close space. This was, in part, due to his fear of enclosed spaces ever since he was a child and his brother locked him in a trunk and left there crying for hours. A story he does not share nor dwell on. The room itself was not small in feeling, though, which helped his work.
Ingram had sent out a notice for the school that new, prospective students could come to his office for a meeting. This was to have any questions answered as well as to get to know the new students. Ingram enjoyed being more involved with the day-to-day business, though he knew he needed to rely on his staff just as much.
He could feel them when he reached out. His power allowed him to find new Enlightened, especially once they awoke to their abilities. There were three fresh-faced students waiting to meet with him. One was Edward Blackmore. Lord Ingram had heard of the Blackmore name, though his recollection of a young Edward failed him. Edward had the Enlightened ability for ice and snow. A fascinating ability Ingram had seen some time before. His father, in particular, enjoyed those with elemental abilities.
There was also Lady Selina Nightingale. Her Enlightened ability was something quite unique. Though Enlightened abilities that utilized tools or other such detritus was not out of the ordinary, Ingram could scarcely recall in any of the texts he read of an ability associated to chess pieces. Sporting equipment, perhaps. It was remarkable and Ingram could not wait to see how it performed.
Lastly, Josephine Montague. Or Jo, as they preferred. Lord Ingram took some small amount of pride in being more "progressive" in terms of how gender could be demonstrated and wanted to be respectful of all his new students, much to the dismay of some of his staff members (ironic being that some of them, with their abilities, would be called "different" at best. One could shoot fire out of their mouth, but God strike them down if a lady dared to wear breeches instead of a skirt). Her ability was illusion and hallucination. Powers that could spell trouble, but Ingram didn't want to judge a person by their abilities alone. History is thick with human beings doing just that.
He stood from his sitting position and put on his overcoat and came into his office. There was a sitting area in the corner, long bookshelves stood along the walls. There were giant windows that overlooked the countryside outside. Candles were lit on his desk that held all manner of books, tools, a globe, and papers scattered. It was a mess, but it was his well-put-together mess.
Lord Ingram took a breath and a moment before he went to the big doors that stood between his office and the waiting room outside. He stepped through a bit, eyeing each of the prodigies that were there. "Hello, students. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Ingram Poe, headmaster of this school, and we at St. Eustice's School for the Enlightened welcome you to its hallowed halls. I am sure you have questions, so please, step inside." He left the door open and allowed them entrance.
Gesturing to the plentful seats, he stood off, allowing them to sit where they chose. "Please, have a seat. I have tea being brought in shortly as well as some sweets, should you like."
Once the new students got the situation, Lord Ingram continued. "I'd like to start by saying I hope you all find what you need from this school and my aim is to provide that for you. There are many accommodations made depending on need. I would like to start with some introductions if you do not mind. I am Lord Ingram Poe, as I said, and my Enlightened ability is to sense other Enlightened people, either close or far away. I am able to sense their abilities and can even sense it before their abilities awaken. Part of why some of the students are here is because I knew what they would be before they did."
A woman came in with a tray and set it on the table in front of the students. There was a teapot and some cups, a cup of milk, some honey, and a plate with what looked like cookies. Ingram gestured towards it. "Please, help yourselves. And whoever wishes to speak next, please."
The school gardens were a source of pride, sometimes shared with the outside community. Events were held here occasionally as Lady Ivory Sutton kept them controlled and maintained. Lady Ivory was a red-haired woman in her mid-40s whose Enlightened abilities were control of earth and plantation, able to grow beautiful flowers and, some rumors said, speak to them and be spoken to. Most did not dare try anything with the flowers since the last time someone did, the poor boy was picking thorns out of his backside for weeks, or so someone shared.
As Charlotte would see in the gardens, she was not alone. A young lord and lady were amongst the small trees, though the two were not doing anything untoward; it was clear from their explicit body language that they wanted to. The young lady giggled softly, and the gentleman whispered something in her ear. Or, was he whispering?
They didn't notice anyone else, lost in their tryst.
Aoko walked along the hallway, hoping to make it outdoors for some meditation, when she heard the telltale signs of a scuffle. One of the school's resident teachers of the art of weaponry, Aoko was not unfamiliar with the sounds, though it was interesting there were no classes happening regarding combat, at least as far as she was aware.
Her sword clung to its sheath along her hip as she made her way closer. The sounds died down and she could see one student walking away. She could tell he had a wounded pride, among other things, as she turned to see who had done the deed. She was surprised to see a fellow teacher. "I take it you got through to him?" Aoko asked, gesturing to the departing student and following behind Silas, catching up to him. "I know Lord Poe gives us more leniency with lessons, but I would still tread carefully. How are you this fine day Sylas?"
Mr. Maleficar sat in his office, makeshift though it was, reading paper after paper. Though there was no emotion on his face, inside he was filled with anger. He preferred movement. Here one day, gone the next. A circus did not do well confined to one place for a length of time. There was only so much enjoyment over gymnasts, jugglers, clowns, and animal shows given to people before they got bored. And bored people spent money elsewhere.
But as it was, they would be here for a while. Some of the staff knew and knew better than to let it slip they would be staying longer than intended. Mr. Maleficar planned to break the news, sure, perhaps after a good night when people's bellies and pockets were full.
He needed new blood. He was proud of his family here, proud of the people who have gathered far and wide to be here, but if he had any hope of continuing, he would need to think of something.
Big Bulma walked through, speaking to staff as they moved quickly, carrying their tricks of their trade to the designated spot. Things were progressing quickly, thankfully. They were set to have things done in time for today's show. She swung around and spotted the strongman, Alphonse. Big Bulma enjoyed his performances greatly. She was also a little jealous. Alphonse's strength didn't make him a pariah as much as it did her. Still, she bit it down as she did all self-depricating thoughts and put on a warm smile as she spotted the man carrying his weights. "Alphonse, let me help ya with that, love. We're kin, after all."
Big Bulma took pride in representing them all as a family. She would try to get people together ater shows or on days they had off to spend time, drink, dance, eat, and enjoy. Some joined regularly, others occasionally, and some not at all.
"Are ya excited for the show today? Seems like a real good'un. I tell ya, lovey, as much as I feel exhausted afterwards, there's something about this that moves ya, eh?"
Prudence ran along the halls, eager to get to her destination. She bumped into a few of the other girls and ignored the looks of hatred and anger. She was not well-liked amongst her peers here despite her continued efforts in doing all she could for them. It was her proximity of closeness to Lady Rosemarie that did her in. Lady Rosemarie often called on her for favors. Prudence helped any of the staff if they asked. Moreso because it filled the boredom she held in her gut.
Since coming here, she had been a terror in the beginning. She fought hard against any hand that was held out to her in aid. She spat back lessons, kicked staff square in the shins, and scoffed at any consequence offered. However, Lady Rosemarie showed a great deal of patience. And soon, Prudence found herself growing more accustomed to the Haven and its workings. Eventually, she found herself actually enjoying the learning. School and lessons was not in her future at a young age, so this opportunity was invaluable.
Prudence twisted herself through a throng of girls giggling with each other and she felt a twinge of longing. No, she didn't care. Eventually, she slipped past Tagen the Third and knew she was heading in the right direction. She spotted her mark and slowed down to a walk, approaching carefully. "Mr. Hennigar," she said, curtsying. It was often requested for the girls here to be polite to the staff and have manners. It wasn't often met with punishment, but more it was practice or if they needed to ever blend in with those who expected that sort of thing. "I apologize if I am bothering you, but I wished to know if you have need of me following your bone servant again like last time. To ensure he doesn't get in trouble. Or, perhaps, I can help with something else?" She hoped beyond hope to do something. Anything to get out of the monotony that was her life.
Mayweather scurried through the halls, passing along the message Lady Rosemarie had given her. She informed some of the staff and had them pass it along to their students. Mayweather approached where she expected Lady Melody to be and, right as rain, there she was. Mayweather enjoyed Lady Melody's company. While some were wary of the woman Mayweather knew better than to judge others unfairly. As a girl she was often mistreated and left to fend for herself, which gave her an unfortunate reputation.
Wasn't it wonderful how that reputation landed her employment?
She knocked lightly on the door and stepped in, attempting to not rouse the young ward who appeared to be resting. "Sorry to bother you missus Melody, but I have a announcement from Lady Rosemarie. There is to be a meeting before classes tomorrow of, I believe she said, the utmost importance." Mayweather stepped closer, inspecting the surroundings. "You do good work, dove. I cannae say I would do as well in your shoes."
