Took a second to savor the sweet in his mouth before answering. "Yeah, should begin tomorrow proper. You can sign up for what classes you want at the Admin buildings. Didn't you read the brochure?" He gave a questioning look at the girl. She was obviously new, if she didn't know how classes worked around here yet. Well that would be pretty swell for him.
"I could show you around, if you want?" he offered. It might even be fun.
The treants of the school were patient, pondering specimens with long memories. In the years past, they had dealt with countless students who thought to get past them and gain access into the forest that was their charge. Before even that time, they had dealt invaders of every stripe; destructive forces who sought to harm Beloved. Where it not for the Headmasters protection, they would have surely perished in shame.
So it is in the spirit of gratitude that they take up the task of preventing his students from accessing his land. Some are merely curious, and so are turned away, others are of the daring type, and must be sternly scolded. But for the more malicious types, those who seek to enter with ill-intent in their hearts, the treants returned them to the earth.
La'Tavia was perhaps one of the most persistent and audacious challengers to their authority. She had caused all manner of mayhem attempting to gain entry into their forest without permission, and they drove her back every time. It was actually quite amusing for them - especially as La'Tavia was a girl of little evil intent - much to the surprise of the treants.
So it was with some amusement that one of the treants roots reached out from underground, and pulled La'Tavia and her friends down into the earth, leaving only their heads above ground.
"Back so soon, Firebird?" A gnarled face on a tree-trunk peeked over to her. It's voice, slow and ponderous, and rumbling deep like a canyon. "Or was it? How many days has it been since you've come, I wonder."
Xinhua at first stared. Whoever this Zane was, she had to admit, he was both perplexing, and had audacity to match even the most outrageous of hermits. She was used to others supplicating themselves to her, she was used to others attempting to woo her, but never had she encountered someone with the temerity to try both in the same breath - much less after doing her what might have been a great insult to many!
Even more audaciously, he claimed to have done so for the sake of their other roommate, the shy one who's name she had already forgotten. Apparently he found Xinhua's intimidation of her a crime, and so took matters into his own hands, though it appeared they were clumsy hands indeed.
The dragon priestess actually laughed. How interesting!
"Very well," she said after she had gotten in control of her mirth, "Seven PM tonight, in wherever you see fit. I am rather interested in seeing your attempts in earning my affection. I must warn you though," she added, her smile going slightly predatory for good measure, "that I hate being disappointed. The consequences for earning my wrath twice over are terrible indeed."
Her piece being said, she turned to his other companions. "I wish you the best of luck, however I have business to attend to at the moment, not to mention," a sly glance at Zane, "a date to prepare for. Good day, friends."
Turning back, Xinhua made for their room once again, without waiting for Zane's reply.
Elspeths' reaction was a slight shrug as she recalled the girls back at the train. They weren't worth mentioning. "A bit more eventful than yours perhaps, but it's a given, considering I'm a prefect." She didn't really have to do that much. Thomas took care of most of the rowdier ones that weren't cowed by her appearance.
"I would have dropped by if I'd seen you, sadly it seemed I just didn't have the time." Her words were not so much as apologetic, but more a statement of fact. Much as she enjoyed Pipers' company she'd hardly slack off on her responsibilities just to spend some time with her. Still, it might have been worth it to check up on her, back at the train - the girl quite swiftly redirected the topic to prevent her from digging deeper, so she'd respect that and let it subject lie.
For now, anyway.
That being said, she may as well redirect the subject further. "So, have you decided on finally joining the Dueling Club for real? We'd be more than glad for your company after all. It'd be quite interesting to see you as a dedicated duelist after all."
With the time for breakfast passing and the afternoon slowly breaking in, students began crawling out of their stupor to enjoy the morning sun, or at the very least do anything other than be cooped up in their dorms all day - well, some of them anyway. There were plenty enough students that reverted to experimenting in the relative privacy of their rooms. Such students generally never left their rooms at all.
In any case, with the pick up in activity, facilities across the campus threw their shutters open, ready for business. The campus was soon bustling with traffic as students came from everywhere to do business. They made their way across various modes of transportation - students blinking in and out of existence at different spots, others riding on a giant three headed gila monster; others made their way across the skies on magic brooms, carpets, and a flaming motorcycle that was promptly shot out of the sky by an irate student for being to loud for their sensibilities. Many things happened after that, but it's irrelevant for narrative purposes.
With that being said, the center of activity were the administrative buildings, which had begun posting the list of available classes for the next three months, as well as openings for field trips. As of yet, there were no posts for quests, which was to be expected given how early in the year it was. @EpicKDP@Spike
Viola followed Meruin into her room, smiling lightly as she always did and closing the door behind her.
"Ugh, that one is going to be annoying." Viola sighed, running a hand loosely through her hair. "If she meets a fairy I expect her to end up dead or worse." Giggling like an impish fairy herself, Viola gave Meruin a smirk. "Well, more entertainment for me at least. I'm only going to see how badly she messes up. Really, making a contract with me without clarifying 'help'. Fufu. Vague contracts are the worst." Taking the liberty of taking a seat on Meruin's bed, Viola gave her a smile. "So, little Meruin...care to help me with a little summoning?"
Meruin slid the suitcase on her bed away from Viola as a precaution. Before taking a seat opposite to her.
"Clarify 'help'." Crossing her arms, Meruin took the liberty of shooting her own words back at her. "I'm not as careless as La'Tavia is, Viola. So what exactly do you think I can do for you?"
"So suspicious." Viola giggled with a smirk. "Good, good, you should always be suspicious of anyone asking for help." Viola reached for her journal, a small, old worn thing with pages seemingly turning yellow with age. She flipped open a few pages, and if Meruin paid any attention she'd find most of it was written in a form of Latin.
"Lets see...well, to start with, I wasn't lying earlier when I said I was going to try summoning something as you may have already guessed." She paused on one of the pages, laying it down on the bed for Meruin to see. "You see, I am quite knowledgeable about many things...but when it comes to practical application, as loathe as I am to admit it, my skill is rather lacking. As well, my magical reserves aren't quite so deep." Sighing lightly, the small girl looked over to Meruin. "I suspect that is why they still consider me a novice, and I have to begrudgingly agree. Knowledge is useless, if you can't put it to use."
She mulled over her words. Violas' conundrum was one she could sympathize with - though lack of skill was a problem she had no difficulties solving, like her, she had been limited in the power department. Though she had since covered that weakness, she was still acutely aware of the rather irritating feeling of knowing exactly how to how to accomplish your goal, but not have the means to execute it.
Taking a peek at the book in Violas' hands. Worn with age, and written in the Holy Tongue, she could gather enough from context what her companion had in mind.
"A risky summoning, to be sure." Her muttering was more for herself than for Viola, but still meant for her ears. Her next question came out dryly. "Though I suppose your involving me mitigates the risk somewhat, doesn't it?"
"Well, when you can't do something yourself you seek outside help, yes?" Viola replied quickly, scooting a bit closer to Meruin. "And I've heard quite a few stories of you, Meruin...and when I saw we were to be dorm mates, I was ecstatic." Why she didn't seem to elaborate on, and quickly continued. "What I want is simple enough. The risk if I myself do it, is that I may not have enough sheer magical stamina to do everything myself. Summon and bind it with a contract...but with a little help from you, I should be able to do it. So we do it together, in a way."
Quite the proposal, she thought. Aloud, her response was less enthused. "I see. I can see why you sought me out now." Or at least, why she preferred her over her other roommates. Still, "You've yet to elaborate on exactly what you want out of me. If you're to get my help, let's begin ironing out details."
There was a hint of interest in her tone now, as she began thinking of methods and other benefits she might reap from this.
"Excellent." Viola smiled. "Mostly, I'll be borrowing your magical capacity and talent. I think the most efficient way is for you to do the majority of the summons yourself, but I am open to suggestions on that end." Viola stated. "When the summons is complete, and we pull in the spirit then I shall contract and bind the spirit with my own abilities." Viola paused a moment, holding a hand to her chin. "...ah, and if we could potentially get a private room in the research halls where we won't be disturbed either, that would be wonderful. I am unsure if a Novice such as myself could acquire one without supervision and I'd like this to remain a mostly...invited only party, heh."
If Meruin was uncomfortable with her proximity, it didn't show on her face. "I hope you've thought this out Viola." Standing up, Meruin went through her belongings, itemizing the things she believed they'd need. "Demons are a different sort of business compared to fairies. Demons are actively malicious beings, not like the playful Fae." Of course, Viola probably knew this already, but it was something that bore repeating.
"I can secure a sealed environment for us, and I'd also like to review the contract you have in mind for the demon," she said. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to discuss... payment, I suppose." It was very mercenary of her, but Mistress Chase had made sure to drill it into her that there must be a price for her services. Very different in that regard was she from Master Reina.
"I suppose it is fair, though since you are helping me." Viola sighed lightly, seemingly ignoring Meruin's warning. She knew well the dangers of attempting to meddle with demons or spirits, especially more malicious ones. You didn't grow up around them without learning to err on the side of caution. "I'll allow you to look over it when the time comes...that said, I expect some haggling to potentially take place so some things may change from what is planned...now, what would you want in return?" Payment of course, Viola had expected. That's how contracts and deals worked. Both parties benefited in some way as long as both kept up their end of the bargain. "I do not have access to much, but I will fulfill my contracts to the letter."
Now that was something for her to consider. Truthfully speaking, Viola had very little to offer that she had interest in. After all, she had access to resources she was sure Viola had never even seen, and in terms of ability, she was equally sure she eclipsed the other girl in that department, insofar as it came to magic in general.
"If you don't mind me asking, what magic do you specialize in?" Perhaps that would give her an answer.
"A fair question." Viola replied, leaning back lazily on the bed. "Specifically, Summoning and Contracts. In simplest terms I can form a temporary alliance with otherworldly entities, bring them to this plane of existence, and they'll do whatever it is I desire as long as I have the appropriate strength to command them." Granted, she couldn't do anything particularly flashy with it yet like summoning a demon straight from hell. The most she could pull would be low level wraiths and some lesser imps.
"As for that second part," Viola looked over to Meruin. "I can bind spirits, if they are willing, to a contract. For example, If a spirit was willing I could ask to borrow an ability of its, in return for something of mine, or something else that usually will benefit the spirit. Or, I could potentially bind it to take up residence in a mundane item of sorts, thus giving the item special properties. Say, binding a fire spirit into a blade to give the blade fire properties so long as the contract is upheld."
Meruin considered her abilities for a moment. Plenty of uses, given the right opportunity, but nothing that she could find an immediate use for. For now, it seemed as though Viola had nothing of substance to offer her. Well, no matter - it was traditional for magicians that business be dealt and traded in favors.
"Well, it seems that you don't quite have anything that I could want at the moment," she said with a shrug. "So, I propose you owe me one favor. Anything I want, barring life-threatening requests and intentional humiliation, to be collected at my convenience."
"That is agreeable." Viola replied, smiling slightly. About what she had expected to come of this. "If that will be all, then, this Contract is signed and sealed." Hopping off the bed, Viola chuckled. "Best we not keep that one waiting. She'll barge in here again if we take too long."
Nodding, Meruin put her things away, and held the door open for her. "I'll be sure to draft a formal document for later," she said. "Not that I don't trust you to your word, but affairs like this are best left in writing."
"Agreed." Viola replied. Well, this had gone well. Hopefully this could be the start of a wonderful partnership. She just needed to make sure to not owe Meruin too many favors and this would be beneficial for the both of them. "Now lets go see about finding ourselves a Fairy~"
Xinhua was about to comment on how terribly exaggerated her reputation was, when the boy who had spoken to her threw a fried egg on her face.
Admittedly, this was an entirely new form of humiliation for her, enough that she actually paused before her rage had hit its peak.
So it was with some amusement that she watched as her dormmates left one-by-one, for various reasons, culminating in Zane making a clumsy attempt at escaping her wrath, resulting in a fantastic body pile up that got a slight snicker out of her. And of course, in the resulting excitement, it looked like Zane had forgotten that he was supposed to be running from her, considering their snail pace from the dorm.
Silently, the priestess rose from her seat, and wiped the food of her head. In that instant, her hair was clean - grease or crumbs left, as though it had never even come into contact with the offending meal. A perk of being a priestess: perpetual beauty, regardless of the circumstances. No need for make up or even to brush her hair in the mornings. It would take a literal act of god to ruin her looks.
Following them outside, she placed a hand on Zane's shoulder.
"Perhaps an apology would be in order, before you go off on your little adventure?" she asked evenly. Truth be told, any anger she felt was easily controlled. Much like the Storm in her name, it took a long time to form, but once it did, woes be to whoever was in her path.
Curt girl, he thought. He could work with that. "See you in a bit," he said, as he made for his room. After a moments setup, he joined his new dormmate in the living room, chewing gum in hand. "Fancy a sweet? It's clean, I promise," he said with a wry grin, before popping one in his mouth.
"Name's Francisco, and you would be?" Never a bad idea to make good with the people you'd be living with for the better part of the year, especially in a school where curses ran rampant. They had a whole department in the Enforcers dedicated to curse breaking for a reason, after all.
The short mage paused, processing the events as they came. Her roommates were a varied bunch, a far-cry from her last one - they were decidedly less personable. Still, at least one of her roommates was on a similar wavelength to her.
With that being said...
"I did not mean to antagonize you," Meruin addressed La'Tavia with a shrug. "I just thought I should warn you. Any problems you create with fairies will come back with you here, after all."
And wouldn't that be annoying. The Fair Folk could cause all manner of mayhem by accident - she shuddered to imagine what they could do with actual malicious intent.
Turning her attention to Viola, she nodded. "It would be a pity if you had my reputation." There was a slight scowl on her face as she said so, before she schooled her expression back into passivity. "Let me set my things aside, and I'd be glad to talk."
Walking inside, she regarded Nicholas and nodded in greeting, before proceeding to her respective room.
Xinhua bade her new acquaintance goodbye, and proceeded inside. No sooner had she stepped in when one of her roommates proceeded to manhandle yet another into eating breakfast. The priestess blinked owlishly as the girl meekly complied, and no sooner had she taken her first bite, proceeded to devour the food lain before her.
Perhaps it was magic? A food mage? It would not be the strangest magic she'd come across in this school.
Xinhua made way to her room, and unpacked. Stepping outside, there was yet another person - but that made five of them now, even though there were only four to a room. A friend, perhaps?
"Well now, you certainly are a lively crowd," said Xinhua with a slight smile. "I hope you do not mind me joining?"
She took a seat next to where Liors had sat, and looked at the girl as she was about to leave. "Come now, it is bad manners to simply leave while we are all still eating. Sit and talk with us for a moment."
Then she addressed the newcomer, Damien. "I am Xinhua, but please refer to me as Nulong." She looked expectantly at them, silently urging them to do the same and introduce themselves.
"If you ever need an open ear, feel free to ring me up any time," Francisco said with lopsided smile. The girl in front of him practically swooned, before catching herself and nodding.
"I-I'll call you then!" came her stammered response. He said nothing in response, merely planting a tender kiss on the lips of his partner-for-the-night, and felt a twinge of satisfaction as he felt the girl melt at his touch.
A moment later, the two went their separate ways, the girl blowing him a kiss as she left, and him responding by turning his head at an angle, as if to catch it on his cheek. Not even one day in and already finished one date. That was fast, even for him.
He chuckled silently to himself. Hypnotism was such a convenient magic.
Upon reaching his room, he took a deep breath and knocked thrice, before opening it. 'Manners maketh the man' and all that; even if there was no one around to see it.
Inside he found that the dorm was already occupied. A blue-haired girl whose entire aura screamed 'punk' to him. He stood at the entrance with a meek smile on his face.
"Hey there," he greeted, "looks like we're roommates for this semester. Nice to meet you."
"Breathe in, breathe out," Karen said aloud. She was standing before the door of her dormitory, which, given how late she had come, was fairly sure was already occupied. "It's just introductions. You've done this before. Get a grip girl!" She slapped her palms to her face for emphasis, and took a deep breath, before exhaling sharply.
Knocking on the door sharply, she counted up to five seconds before stepping in, just to be safe. Upon seeing that the room was already occupied, she gave the two people in her sight a wave that looked more confident than she actually felt. "Hey there neighbors!" she said with a bit more enthusiasm than she intended. Oh well, might as well roll with it.
"Nice to meet you guys now I'd love to chat but I've gotta put my stuff away first ciao!"
She exhaled her sentence in one breath, then bolted as fast as she could without running towards her room, bag in tow. As soon as she was inside, she closed the door and collapsed face-first and screamed into the pillow.
@Canidae that sounds pretty good actually, however he has to be slightly more skilled than he is now (meaning you can buff his abilities) since right now he's too green for admission.
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