Trainerblue192

Of Blood and Magic

Salem gave an odd look to Lilie before shrugging. Did Aaron forget that Salem was going to speak to Varis after class? [color=82ca9]"I suppose I'll see you at lunch? Save us a seat will you? I need to go and speak to Varis, but it shouldnt take too long."[/color] He gathered his items back into his bag, after making a few final notes into his class notebook. Taking his rustic pencil and twirling it about around his hair before finally putting it in and tying his hair up into a bun. A finally smile was shot at Lilie before making his was down the steps, between desks and and students that still sat about, until finally reaching Varis.

Salems shadow loomed over Aaron's kneeled body, the tall plant mage given a weird look behind the light mages head before looking back onto Varis and switching his face from confusion to more stoic. "Thank you for agreeing to see me Varis, I hope I'm not interrupting too much, and for that I'll make it brief. As you're well aware, I was assigned your house for the assignments and thus I am to model my views and amendments in your family's way of thinking. I was hoping to be able to shadow you, learn from you, and pick your brain as to how it is that the Sinnenodels conduct their businesses and thoughts. However after hearing the response that you gave to the other student, I assume you will direct me to the books and archives of the library instead. Am I correct in this assumption?" Salems eyes briefly flitted over to Aaron's stiff body beneath him, rigged and poised.

The Gifted - Concluded

Maximillian Gray

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Location: The Morlock Tunnels
Skills:

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"Impressive, you should think of a codename, something we can call you by. Seeing as how you havent given us your name yet, which makes it a bit harder to speak to you. Speaking of playing detective..." Max's voice trailed off as he placed a hand on his chin, trying to the of the best angle to obtain this from. He snapped his fingers as an idea creeped into his mind. "Aus Atnemitsev Ogniff" Max's eyes began to glow with the familiar cosmic energy, his hands held palms out on his sides. The swirl of energy began to encircle him, tangling around every piece of his body as his creation began to take form. "What do you think? Im a regular Sherlock Holmes, eh? I'll go back down and get James and my cane. Be right back,"

Max hurried down the ladder they used to get up, beginning to wander through the sewers in search for the Morlock base. How hard could it be? He just came from them. The sounds of dripping water and the tapping of his shoes were the only noises that stood out in the silence of the underground. He began to squint his eyes, searching for the way back. "I cant get anywhere without any lighting down here. Sucearg Singi!" Max flicked his hand out, palm up, to conjure a flame into his hand for some light. A small candles worth of fire appeared in the center of his palm as he let out a groan of frustration. "Oh come on!" It was at this point he was glad that neither Jack, nor anyone, was there to see him struggling for once. He pressed forward in search of the Morlock hideout, walking in what felt like circles for some time. "Have I seen that slime before? I feel like I have...Ugh why cant the sewers just have a map like a subway." He resigned himself to standing still for a while "Helloo. Grimlock? James? Blink?..."

The Gifted - Concluded

Maximillian Gray

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Location: The Morlock Tunnels
Skills:

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Max listened in on the phone call as he attempted to meditate. From the half he could hear, it appeared one or more people were locked away in Jail, an unknown jail. Could this be the mutant underground that he was speaking about earlier? Did they suffer a loss? Regardless of who it was, Max understood that Jack was only one man, and although he has the power to stretch, he may end up stretching himself to thin and like every other elastic thing, either break, or snap back at someone close to him. "Sounds to me like you have a buffet of problems and need a team to help you finish the plate." he spoke with his eyes closed, still in his meditative stance. "Now, if I was a betting man I'd say you have one or more mutants missing from the underground, locked away in an anti mutant facility and you need to help them out of there, what's more you have your brother to deal with and a previous favor as well as attempting to help me to get the underground."

Max slowly stood up, dusting and dirt off his newly made pants and jacket as he continued to speak. "Now, I know the Morlocks need those generators fixed, but they seem to be running fine at the moment, and they have Glow to help out if they falter. Why dont we get Caduceus on board with us to help you out first. It appears his gene allows him to heal others, could come in handy if your friends are injured. I'm sure Mrs. Frost, nope that names taken, uh Elsa, wouldn't mind tagging along. You did say you need training, and what better place to do so than on the job. I ofcourse will also be joining you, I have martial arts skills as well as some conjurey and evocation. You seem so willing to help others, let at least me help you. Besides..." Max pulled out a camera from his bag and then attached a lenses to it. "I've been dying to use this telescopic lenses that came with my camera, could be good for surveillance, and scoping out a place before going in."

Of Blood and Magic

As soon as Varis began to speak, Salem took to taking notes. He may not like his teacher, but that was no reason to fail to get an education. His notes were detailed, long, and full of quotes from Varis' own mouth. Salem found that paraphrasing was often more trouble than is worth, especially when working and learning about chemicals and remedies. Because of this, he was more than accustomed to writing notes at the speak of the speaker, Keeping up with Varis about 4 words behind and taking any time during quick pauses or screen changes, to quickly sketch out what was being shown or anything that had caught his interest beforehand. These doodled annotations helped him look through his notes faster, finding the appropriate sketch to the appropriate topic.

Several subjects that were touched by Varis caught Salems attention. Morgan Le Fey, one of the strongest Mages out there, was a subject that Salem always found to be thrilling. How any one mage could amass such power, such force, behind their conjurations, that even the vampires feared her walking away from negotiations. Truly astounding. Next we moved on to Article 3, the punishments that were given to those who broke the laws of Article 2. Solaris Pius was a typically interesting subject, not only did it seem to give Varis pause before speaking, but it appeared that this particular law was meant to vanish into the background, to be forgotten by the current populace. How many other laws faded away like that? As Varis continued onwards, speaking of how the mortals and immortals worked together to form such a treaty, he began to wonder why it was that they couldnt continue to work together on the council? If they were trusted enough to not be mind controlled or charmed back then, then why not now? And why not use this Starag Commandment to help enforce such a truce between High Council Mages and Vampires. Could another such failsafe be created today? Or has this treaty weakened the might and power of mages to a watered down version of what legends held before.

A loud bang quickly knocked Salem out of his thoughts and his eyes darted towards the door, head still down and taking notes, making no indication that he was paying attention to the commotion. Several students began to speak up, asking questions, mocking the students, or just plainly being giddy and excited at the newcomers presence. Salem waited patiently for the racket to stop before lifting his pencil into the air once more and calling upon Varis. "If the Solaris Pius was meant to fade away and move into the background of lost history, how many more laws and such practices have done so?"

Of Blood and Magic

As Aaron sat there replying to Lucan, Salem doubled over the note searching for an appropriate response. Not long after the bell began to ring, he gathered his notes and placed them methodically into his bag, then grabbing the note he and Aaron had been passing around, refolding it into a football and then placed it in his pocket. Silently he stood, smiling at the blonde mage as he waited for him to gather himself so they may proceed to the next class together. The walk was silent as Salem looked about the area. Taking in his surroundings so they could better get around the school, as well as enjoying the nice night air.

Upon entering the classroom, Salem waved Aaron off who eagerly found a seat next to a mage he had seen before in orientation. The two began to chat and it appeared the mages face contorted into a foul look, making Salem wonder if Aaron just had that affect on people. As he continued to stand, scanning for the best seat, someone seemed to grab him out of nowhere, startling him. Soon his saw pure white hair flash in front of him as the small girl pulled him across the room towards Aaron. "Lilie you could've just asked me to follow" he chuckled out as he began to match pace with her, arms still linked. Where as she took the seat next to Aaron, Salem took the seat next to her. Looking over his syllabus he noticed Varis was the T.A., thinking back to the dinner when he was told about this last minute arrangement. Salem pulled out a new notepad, this one was had a yellow cover on it, flipping it open and taking notes as Varis began to speak. Once he concluded, a vampire appeared to speak up and asking about the noble houses. Either he is recently turned or very out of the loop. When Salem noticed his partner was Lilie and some guy named Max, he nudged her gently sticking his tongue out with a wink, pointing at their assigned houses. Once Varis finished answering the vampires question he held the top of his pencil up before saying "If it's alright with you Professor, may we speak shortly after class?"

The Gifted - Concluded

Maximillian Gray

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Location: The Morlock Tunnels
Skills:

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Max was a bit startled when Jack popped up from behind him. As helpful as his information was, the sudden rush of thoughts hit him like bricks. What if I hadn't changed clothes? What if my hairs a mess? How can anyone live like this, not knowing who could be listening in? His cheeks began to blush, his head tilted away from Jack's as Max's eyes met with Grimlock and widened wondering if he heard any of this. He let Jack speak of a mutant underground, a group or organization that helps to get other mutants to safety. Blink began to speak in agreement with him, saying she used to be a part of them as well. Max opened his mouth, quickly closing it as he realized it wasnt his business to pry on why she left. He cleared his throat and regained some composure "Thank you. Both of you."

Jack left almost as quickly as he came, saying he was heading to the surface for some signal, and Max couldnt deny he would love a breathe of fresh air. He turned to Blink once more and mouthed a thank you to her agai. Just before chasing after Jack. When he reached him, he "accidentally" brushed his hand against Jack's, intertwining his pointer finger slightly before pulling back. Get a grip Gray. You're probably too young for him anyways. Jack appeared to be taking a call, his emotion shifting as he kicked over a trash can and Max stood there wondering what to do. After witnessing him write something on his pad, Max approached him and just gave Jack a hug. "I dont know what you're going through...but I find hugs always comfort me." He pulled back and gave him a smile. "I'd hate to be a bother but...do you mind watching over me while I meditate?"

The Gifted - Concluded

Maximillian Gray

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Location: The Morlock Tunnels
Skills:

---

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Max had woken up fairly early, completely by habit. Feeling the familiar softness of his coat, coupled with the stiffness of his bag beneath it. Smacking his lips a few times as his wrists rubbed any sleepies from his eyes. Right, he was in the Morclock Sewers. Max sat up, criss cross, each hand lay atop a knee with pointer and thumb touching as he began to meditate. A long, deep exhalation rushed passed his lips as he closed his eyes. Breathe in. His eyes shot wide open, gagging at the scent he hadnt noticed before. The sewers were after all, sewers. He closed his eyes again, this time opting to breathe in through his mouth. Breathe in, and then coughing. Great, now he could taste it. How was anyone supposed to meditate down here? He stood up, rather annoyed, and flipped through his catalogue, searching for adequate clothing. If theres one thing these sewers were good for, it was soiling his clothes. He unwrapped his coat from the messenger bag, placing it on the cleanest looking surface while turning the coat inside out and putting it on the ground and then standing on it. He slipped off his shoes, then his pants, standing there in only boxers and a shirt. "Aus Atnemitsev Ogniffe!" The cosmic energy began to flow and wrap around him once more, his eyes glowing with the familiar swirls of blacks, purples, pinks, and blues, as a new pair of pants and coat wrapped around him, co touring perfectly to his body. Satisfied, he placed his shoes back on and kicked the dirty clothes into a corner before grabbing his bag and cane.

Max made his way out into the open, seeing Erg and Sunshine having a chummy chat. Well, at least she seems to be enjoying her stay down here. Breakfast would be the smart thing to do, but the mornings air was disagreeing with him, his stomach both grumbling in hunger and churning at the scent. Max began to take another walk through the tent city, seemingly enjoying the view while actually searching for Blink. If there was anyone he felt comfortable asking this, it was her. Erg just seemed too...hardened. After some time, he managed to find her in a tent with Grimlock, braiding her hair. There was no sense in asking the young telepath to give them privacy, after all she seemed to be capable of reading minds from a great distance. "Hey...Blink, can I speak with you?" He moved into the tent, opting to stand to ensure his new clothes wouldnt get sullied either. "Its not that I dont appreciate your hospitality here, or what you are doing, but... I was wondering, are there other groups like this? More, proactive ones? The X-Men, well, they arent here, and we cant expect them to be everywhere at once, so there must be other groups like them, fighting the good fight...right?"

The Gifted - Concluded

Maximillian Gray

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Location: The Morlock Tunnels
Skills:

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Max waited till after the Jack of hearts was far enough away from ear shot before turning to face Sunshine. "Pfff I wish. He is kinda dreamy isnt he?" He propped his head onto his hand as he watched Stretch walk away for a second. "You know...the worst part about being on the run for a year...its being so alone. No one to really talk to, hang with, it's just you, what's on your back and a box of protein bars to keep up the strength. Now, I dont know if I'm staying long enough to get branded but...its nice. The idea of a community, a place to belong to. Growing up it felt like I was just climbing up a big ladder until, well, until my powers awoke and although I love them, it opened up one big chute for me and I've been falling for a year now. I just wish I could do more, be more, like the X-men. They're out there doing good, fighting the fight that must be fought and I'm...just here, running from the law and my past. Anyways, good talk Sunshine. Ket me know when you're done playing." Max stood up and was beginning to walk over towards James, heels tapping against the sewer floors.

There stood Jack, James, and the new mutant, Blink was at her distance but still interacting with the group. Adding another person to the mix may make matters worse, stress her out more. He began to wander the compound a bit, trying to grasp a glimpse at their way of living. How they kept warm, housing, clothing, bathing, all the things he thought may be crucial. Just because he didnt join the community didnt mean he couldnt help them acquire items likes soap, food, and other necessities. It was the right thing to do, and he believed it's what the X-men would do.

Of Blood and Magic

Salem chuckled silently at Aaron's struggle to land a goal. It appeared they would both be teaching each other something. He may not know exactly how to socialise, but he did know a thing or two about not being so rigid all the time. When he opened the note however, his face scrunched up at the sight. Theres that word again. Salem thought back to what Aaron had said earlier in ckass, being forbidden from using his name. Was that some odd punishment? Something Varis just preferred? Or perhaps another Sinnonedel mental tactic to break their mages. Salem scribbled over the word, redacting it before continuing to write his own response.

Note

"No need to have that in there. So...mind if I ask you what that's all about? You mentioned earlier you're not allowed to say his name, why? Just seems kinda...odd? Speaking of odd, does Lucan typically ignore his mages for over 24 hours? He never came home and wasnt even at the viewing today.

P.s. you know you've got Lilie and I to watch over you right?"

Salem refolded the note, waiting for Aaron to put up his goals before launching it at him.

Of Blood and Magic

Salem let the note fall where it may, picking it up afterwards. Aaron's writing was...it was... well it was a lot like him. Very structured, unwavering, and clearly beaten in. Was there any real flaw to him? Salem began to balance his pencil between his upper lip and nose as he read the note, the scent of natural wood and graphite filling his senses. "What he taught him before?" What did Aaron teach him again? He began to chew on his pencil, every once in a while tapping it against his cheek as he thought on what Aaron possibly could've meant. He reread the note once more, a bit of a disappoint half frown on his face. He certainly seemed to be busy as every hour of the day, they really did lead separate lives.

Note

"You sure are busy huh? Mind if I ask who you're going into town with? While I'm at it, mind if you remind me what the first lesson was. I seem to be drawing a blank. Just let me know when you're free and I'll make some time for a few private etiquette lessons, maybe rope Lilie into them, she seemed to have a few questions on how this all works.

Love, Salem.

P.s. It's ok if you're not artistic, I'm sure you have talents elsewhere.:

Salem folded up the note again, this time a bit slower to give Aaron a chance to see how it's done. He silently pointed at him and then pantomimed a field goal by placing both his hands up, elbows on the table and palms facing towards Aaron, his two thumbs extended and touching with his pointer fingers straight up and the others in. He waited for a moment until Aaron finally caught on and mimicked what he was doing, quickly flicking the paper football into the goal and having it hit his chest.