Tim the Yeti
Kirah
Nallore
kittyluna45
Achronum
BlueSky44
Blizz
KazAlkemi
Forsythe
Obscene Symphony
The walk back to the dorm was quite uneventful. Having not gotten a key to the place, nor requesting for one for the next day, Salem figured he would just have to try his luck and hope that Victor Astorio was kind enough to leave the door unlocked for his new partner. Heh, that was a laugh, an Astorio kind? Why, had it not been for the life mages and quick acting of others, Lilie may as well have been buried under earlier at the Arena. Tossing someone you didn’t know so callously as to not even consider their life is just a blatant disregard for others as well as a disregard to being kind. Nevertheless his only option was to hope that the brute was either kind enough to leave it unlocked or dumb enough to forget to lock it. Lilie seemed to be getting more and more tired as the night went on, clearly not used to the nocturnal life that some of the others were brought up in. Upon reaching the front door Salem paused to take a breath, reaching forward and finding that the door was unlocked and ready for him to enter. He nodded to Lilie and told her to go home and rest, she looked like she needed it, and then entered the house only to see Victor sitting outside in the backyard.
The twist of the door knob broke him from his trance, two sets of footsteps with one approaching and the other leaving. Victor did not need to try and figure out who it was, the boy didn't know how to cover his presence just yet. He didn't move at first but soon found himself standing and gathering his materials. Sword in hand the large vampire turned to face his new mage staring him down for a moment. The shirtless vampire changed his grip on his sword briefly as he walked up to the tan mage. “Salem Spellman.” a definite judgemental tone surged from him as he stepped up to his mage.
“Before you say anything, from what i've seen of you. you need restructuring, your hot headed and impulsive especially when it comes to your friends. You currently do not possess the physical means that will be required of you and our job. You lack discipline and a base understanding that the world you are now in is very hostile even if it seems quiet on the surface.” a short pause while he sheathed his sword, “Still, you are loyal to your family, brave enough if not stupid, to stand up to a vampire regardless of who they are just because they threaten your friends. That protective nature can be useful especially with our line of work. Once you are molded enough you may very well become a good hunter like me. At the very least, from what i can see is that your far from useless or worthless but you still have a long way to go.”
Salem watched as Victor began to rouse at his presence. He figured a confrontation was in order based on what had transpired in class earlier, but that didn't mean that he hated the idea of it any less. The tall, brutish vampire began to make his way towards the plant mage, wielding a sword in hand as he approached only saying Salem's name then a brief pause before continuing. Salem instinctively clenched his right fist as he was approached. Small beads of red began to form on the bandages wrapping his hands and knuckles, the pain being pushed aside as he prepared to defend himself if need be. Instead he was being berated, Victor seemingly having been keeping an eye on him for some time, making deductions of him in order to find the best route to mold him. In that respect he was much like Varis or other Sinnenodels, grooming their mages to fit their ideal and never allowing them to grow or flourish on their own. Victor did however compliment Salem on a few aspects of his personality and persona, believing that he could be a great hunter it seemed.
"I appreciate the compliments, but I have no intention of becoming a hunter. If you wish me to train and grow in physical prowess that is one thing, so long as it doesn't get in the way of my studies and schooling. However, know that I am here to learn my craft so that I may better serve those out there with my medicinal cares. I am not here to become a hunter and chase some wild fantasy." Salem's tone was cool, cold, and collected. Speaking more matter of factly than anything else.
He could smell the blood on his hands while he clenched his fists, at least the rumors of what Astorio’s were known for were not lost on this one. Victor's face did not change at all through the mages speal of ideals and dreams and at one moment a flash of a slight smile.
“You are an idealist, it seems you are still blissfully unaware of the world you are now in. you do not belong to me as the other mages belong to their vampires. As of right now you and I are both bound to the council, I work for them and now you do too.”
The brute took a moment to crack his neck and return his gaze to the boy, “your stubbornness in your ways will be a detriment. I am your saving grace, if you don't work with me you get given to another Astorio. One that will not be as forgiving, one that will break you, use you, toy with you, and eventually you will either be dead or left as a husk of your former self.” Victor's voice did not portray any amount of deception or lies simply blunt truths.
“I do not expect you to be a hunter but I am, your healing abilities will work with what we will be doing so I will not stop you from doing that. When it comes to your classes and magic, I do not care what it is you do I can adapt to any style but you are required to learn at least two binding or movement restricting spells.” He figured he would go over a few more ground rules now that they were face to face, “I require all my mages to get at least two hours of sunlight a day, when you address me it is, Yes sir No Sir in public, in private you can address me as Astorio. You will take care of both our black board things, i'm not good with technology but you won't be doing my assignments.” The count decided to wait to see what the boys reaction was before continuing with the ground rules.
Salem pursed his lips as Victor continued on, speaking about how the world was cruel and giving speeches a father gives to their daughter when she reaches the age to date. He did all he could to stave off rolling his eyes at the vampire, waiting to see how long he could drone on.
" I appreciate the lecture on how the world is run but it's not needed. You speak of a world as it is now but I see you have no vision of a world that could be. I do. And it does not entail a world in which one is so constricted and bound to another. Binding spells aren't exactly in my wheelhouse but I can tweak my magic to produce a similar affect. I'm planning to enter I'm Transmutation, coupling it with my ability to manipulate, grow, and evolve plants, and I am sure that I can create a strengthed bramble patch to stop any I'm their tracks. Or perhaps you'd prefer some crawling vines to ensare and strangle? Maybe even an enbiggened venus fly trap to catch your pray? What ever it is you feel I should learn, know that it will tie into my schooling and how i wish to do things. While we are on that subject there will be no Sirs. I will call you Astorio, Count, or nothing at all if you wish, but I see us as partners and equals and I will ensure to be treated as such. Is that understood?"
“Hmm you seem destined to push my buttons on the first day, don't you?” a rhetorical question as he looked the plant mage over again, “eventually once you show me you are able to work with me on these issues then you can relax a little with the formalities and we can start working toward being equals. I do this to make sure you don't mouth off to the wrong person or you dont address them in the wrong way. Your ideals of being equals will only hamper us. Astorios are by nature traditional, the Strigois clan. My clan, are ultra traditionalist. I do not wish to see you end up like Owl. no tongue and a few missing friends and family. No proof of what happened but we all know why, because he thought just like you and didn't know when to shut up.” again he paused shifting his weight to his left leg and biting the inside of his cheek, “I am valuable to the council because I specialize in live capture, I don't kill but I have in the past. Three humans, five vampires, and one mage. I will not let that happen again, so you have to be just as prepared as I am.”
"If your concern is how I address others in public then you have no need to get. I have been assigned classes on how to address and act around nobles and such by the queen herself, given so far as to have the very same teacher that the Starags employee for their mages. So it appears that you aid in that isnt quite needed. I don't doubt you've already caught scent of the teachings i received earlier in the night. As to if I am intent on pushing your buttons, no, no more so than you are mine. You will find that a plant has a much better response to growing towards the warmth of the sun, so any dark and cold environment that it is placed in will hamper its growth and survival. You dont need to be a tundra, be the light of the sun in which for me to grow towards. Also you'll find you, the council, and your family in quite the legal bind should I die, go missing, or missing any limbs. I have a legal obligation to my clinic and my ability to perform there and it would be an absolute hassle for you if anything were to befall me and stop me from doing so. But if you wish to train me...I prefer to learn how to use a whip."
Victor couldn't help but break his composure and laugh, “yeah, you're alright.” giving the mage a smile and relaxed his posture. “Some of that stuff I will be strict on, mostly training. So how about a deal? Ill train you and make you stronger if you teach me about your plants. Sound fair?” he reached out with his hand towards the boy. “I know its a bit unfair but i still wanted to see if you were as stubborn as a red wood.” whether he shook his hand or not was no concern of his as he turned and began to walk down towards where he assumed the boys room was.
“Your rooms this way. We may be partnered but if i do get called out on a mission or task by the council. they would have me work with a mage that, for one they trust and two has a specific skill set just for the job. Otherwise i'm more than likely stuck with you on my down time which means ill be helping you out with that clinic of yours.” he continued opening a few doors before finding a room that looked like it would belong to salem.
“I'm aware that im a dick i was not aware of your edicate class. I figured you hit something stupid. Now I don't mind being relaxed like this in private but in public, especially around the other nobles i'm going to be a dick.” stepping into the mages room and looking around with the sword in his hand and the creepy smile still plastered on his face. “I don't care for the game they play, that masquerade for power, too many of my friends have already died for it. But I will put up with those highborn while im here.” obvious distaste for the other vampires lingered in his voice as he spoke.
Salem's face dropped as Victor began to laugh and his entire attitude shifted. It had only been a few days but this school was a heavy reminder of the world outside his home, fulls of assholes who all played their games and treated mages like pieces on a board. The deal that was offered to him was a quite sound one. A helping hand is always nice, and a vampire who cared to be partners more than owner and subject was definitely something that Salem could agree to. He wasn't fully sure on how that would work, being that a few of his patients didn't care for these immortals but perhaps having one aiding them of their own volition and kindness would help lead everyone towards the ideal Salem strived for. He smiled at Victor, shaking his hand and agreeing to the terms of that particular deal, following him towards the mages room and he continued to listen to the vampire.
"I'd expect nothing less. Be a dick if you care to be in public, so long as you dont treat me in the same manner that the Starag mage is treated then I shall be fine with whatever rude thing leaves your lips. After all i will know you're true intentions and the reality of our partnership. As for your missions, if they happen to be in the forests, plains, or other earthly areas than I am sure I could be of use to you. Not yet seeing as how my schooling has only started but in due time yes. However, if you'll excuse me I think I will retire for the day. I've had a trying day and need some rest before class tomorrow"
“That's acceptable, i'll wake you up in the morning for your time in the sun. after it sets we will begin your training.” he was about to walk away when he stopped, “theres one more thing. Be careful what you say around the stagg boy. I won't tell you not too see him but varis is not to be underestimated.” this one needs a good example to understand, “think of it like this i have the best fighting skills among the others here, i can pick someone apart just from the way they stand and beat them before they even step into the ring. Varis is the same way but through politics and influence.” crossing his arms at the door.
“He is dangerous, I can take a life but he can destroy one.” a cautionary word of advice to his young mage, “in your room you will find two crates, one holds books and texts pertaining to my job so you can better understand it. The other crate contains about a month worth of elixir. It will help your body heal from the training ill put you through. Human muscle is grown by slowly tearing down muscles fibers and repairing it with scar tissue. The elixir will help you with that and other injuries you might incur.” he began to slowly walk away, “now get some sleep ill see you after dusk.”
As Salem began to wind down for the evening, choosing to enter his room in order to be in solidarity and away from his new Astorio war dog, he sat and tossed his phone onto the foot of the bed, taking a seat next to it and just leaning his head back in exhaustion. His phone lit up with an email from a monthly medical magazine he was subscribed to, rathering to get the scientific articles from the creators themselves than a published piece that didn't give the geniuses a cent. He placed his finger on the screen and it unlocked for him revealing the open messages he had sent before. Salem quickly popped open the all app view to close the messages and a few others, noticing that he still had his notes app open where he and Aaron were speaking during dinner. Salem stomach churned at the sight of it, reminding him of the horrible feeling of anxiety, loss, and worst of all the feeling he received from having his mind entered and probed. He went to swipe it away, his finger flubbing and opening up the messages instead. A slight sigh escaped him as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his finger and thumb and decided to pore over the conversation again, see if he can gleam any insight into Aaron or that night. As he did he noticed an error in his comprehension and memory from that night. All this time he had thought himself alone in having his mind broken open, and here it was in plain text that Aaron had his done as well. Then hadn't he spoken up? Knowing that this would eat away at him and unallow him to sleep he took to texting the Starag.
> Hey are you up? I think I need to apologize as well as talk to you.
Aaron, on the other hand, had just gotten comfortable on the patio couch, having fled there with a pillow and blanket from his linen closet as soon as his apology letter (and the necessary morning routine) was done with. Childish? Perhaps, but he’d rather be kept up by daylight than the sounds of whatever was going on in the room next to his. He was figuring out some way to cover his eyes as the sky began to lighten when his phone buzzed with a text from Salem.
Apologize? Well, Aaron would certainly not deny him the chance, but it was a surprising development nonetheless; Salem seemed so sure that he was in the right, Aaron was surprised he felt any need to apologize. Peering suspiciously at the phone, he read over the message a few times before typing out his reply.
> Okay, what’s going on?
> I was rereading our messages and realized that there was a lapse in memory or comprehension or both from that night at dinner. Being that a lot did transpire during that evening I dont exactly blame myself for missing this detail but nevertheless it did affect the way I view you to some regard. You said you were also...infiltrated mentally?
Aaron squinted at the message. ‘Infiltrated mentally’... was that why Salem was so hostile? Aaron wasn’t sure how much difference it could make that they both had their minds sifted through, but Salem seemed to think the miscommunication was a big deal, so he’d clear it up as cleanly as possible.
> Yes, just like you described. Dragged through memories, influential moments of my past, etc. It happened when I ran to Dora, after she fell. I didn’t wake up until Master had me by the throat on the table.
Knowing that Varis could - and would - look through his messages at any moment, Aaron had to be careful what he shared. But he had also been tasked with earning Salem’s trust, and that required give and take; besides, he was essentially reiterating what he’d already told Salem before.
> He warned me beforehand to stay near him, although it was vague. That’s why he was so angry with me. I can only assume that little attack was why he wanted me to stay close.
> What about it?
Salem sat there and reread the message a few times, trying to figure out exactly how he felt on the situation. Aaron had now offered to help him with his family twice, yet not once did he offer to absolve his family by simply telling the Queen that he too was probed meaning either the hand had gotten to them both and it wasnt a familial thing, or that it was indeed Lady Sinnenodels mage as Salem accused. He typed and deleted several messages before landing on
> How come you never told the Queen?
Aaron blinked a few times when the message finally came through, unsure where to start. Why didn’t he tell the Queen? Why didn’t he tell the Queen?! Had Salem not already proven himself a little thick in the ways of aristocracy, Aaron would have thought he was joking.
> Um
> Couple reasons
Was it rude to list them all? Maybe he’d just stick to the highlights.
> Well firstly, things kind of exploded after my mind was read, in case you forget. Her Majesty was long gone by then and there wasn’t exactly an opportunity.
> Glossing over the fact that a Count’s mage can’t just walk up and talk to the Queen, even if I am a Starag, you were accused by a Count and a Lady of a noble house. My word would never, in a million years, ever be weighed more heavily than theirs.
> I also can’t just refute suspicions, not to mention my Master and his Lady made the accusations. I wouldn’t just be flying in the face of the Crown, but my own Master and House as well.
> And even if I forewent all of that and stood up for you, it would only have hurt you more anyway.
Aaron sighed. He felt bad laying it all out in such plain language, and so harshly at that, but if Salem didn’t start understanding how things worked sooner rather than later, he’d end up in a lot more trouble than he was in now. And it was true: vouching for him only would have thrown him under more scrutiny; they’d probably think he was manipulating a Starag or something. Not to mention the hell it would bring down on Aaron’s own head, and the ensuing stain on his family’s reputation. All for nothing.
> Listen. You’re innocent, right? I think you are. So let the investigation run its course, and the truth will come out, and that will be that. Trust me.
> You place your faith too blindly. I am innocent and understand now why it is you cannot help me in this endeavor and that is fine but...I have a sinking suspicion that mine and my families innocence will mean nothing. If it is being covered up that Lady Sinnenodel would do such a thing then I don't see what is stopping them from falsifying evidence against my family or me. But I do want to apologize for how I have been acting towards you. Here I thought you were just taking their word over mine and simply refusing to hear the truth when in actuality you're stuck in a much more similar situation yet you cannot speak out because of those who you chose to surround yourself with. I do get that you cannot speak out against your family and I did hope perhaps your word carried more weight towards her highness…
Aaron almost threw his face into his pillow with frustration when the text came in. Salem, sun and stars to guide the poor dumb bastard, was going to get demolished by the world he lived in if he didn’t get a grip on reality real quick. But Aaron refrained from throwing his phone into the woods and pinched the bridge of his nose. Salem was apologizing. That, at least, was a good thing. He shouldn’t just throw that away. He had to be gracious.
> Thank you for your apology. I’m not the type to hold something against you without good reason, I hope you’ll come to understand that.
Good reason was fast approaching, apparently, but he’d gloss over that.
> Regarding the investigation though, let me reassure you.
> What makes you think Lady Sinnenodel cares enough about your family to interfere with the investigation?
> You’re a new mage from a common family with no noble ties. You and your family aren’t even a blip on her radar. In her eyes you’re barely a bug under her shoe. I can almost guarantee she only had her mages probe your mind because you were right in front of her and she likes to sow chaos. That’s her entire Council reputation, remember. By the time she was done toying with you, she probably forgot your existence completely.
Aaron thought back to Varis’ lecture the night before. The Count had terrified him enough with the idea that their Lady could toy with everyone she saw in his memories; even if he thought himself miles below her notice, being under her dominion as a Sinnenodel mage still put him higher up on the priority list for her attention than Salem.
> Try not to take that too harshly. Honestly, take it as a blessing. I don’t think anyone wants to be on her radar.
Aaron wrote out another message, but paused before sending it. Was it too overbearing to hit Salem with so much all at once? Well, perhaps, but it needed to be said.
> Also, please remember that while I was born under the royal family’s dominion and I consider myself lucky for it, it wasn’t my choice. Neither was coming to this academy, or joining House Sinnenodel.
> Don’t mistake that for ingratitude. I came happily at Princess Ryner’s behest and I will happily serve my Master as a result. But I had no more choice in any of this than you did.
Salem blinked, blinked again, and then did it once more for good measure. He wanted to make sure he was reading what he thought and yet no matter how hard he tried, the contradiction that Aaron had placed was still there. How could he tell Salem to relax, stating his family is insignificant while also telling him that the woman loved to sow chaos for the sake of chaos. Is that not what falsifying a Red Hand attachment would do? It would allow her to play her games and have her fun without dealing with so much as a political scandal because his family was so insignificant in hers, and Aaron's, eyes. Salem wasn't sure if he should apologize to Aaron for how dense his noble brain was. All he could do to stop himself from walking over and slapping the blonde out of his hair was to simply say
> Have a good day Starag
> Hey are you up? I think I need to apologize as well as talk to you.
Aaron, on the other hand, had just gotten comfortable on the patio couch, having fled there with a pillow and blanket from his linen closet as soon as his apology letter (and the necessary morning routine) was done with. Childish? Perhaps, but he’d rather be kept up by daylight than the sounds of whatever was going on in the room next to his. He was figuring out some way to cover his eyes as the sky began to lighten when his phone buzzed with a text from Salem.
Apologize? Well, Aaron would certainly not deny him the chance, but it was a surprising development nonetheless; Salem seemed so sure that he was in the right, Aaron was surprised he felt any need to apologize. Peering suspiciously at the phone, he read over the message a few times before typing out his reply.
> Okay, what’s going on?
> I was rereading our messages and realized that there was a lapse in memory or comprehension or both from that night at dinner. Being that a lot did transpire during that evening I dont exactly blame myself for missing this detail but nevertheless it did affect the way I view you to some regard. You said you were also...infiltrated mentally?
Aaron squinted at the message. ‘Infiltrated mentally’... was that why Salem was so hostile? Aaron wasn’t sure how much difference it could make that they both had their minds sifted through, but Salem seemed to think the miscommunication was a big deal, so he’d clear it up as cleanly as possible.
> Yes, just like you described. Dragged through memories, influential moments of my past, etc. It happened when I ran to Dora, after she fell. I didn’t wake up until Master had me by the throat on the table.
Knowing that Varis could - and would - look through his messages at any moment, Aaron had to be careful what he shared. But he had also been tasked with earning Salem’s trust, and that required give and take; besides, he was essentially reiterating what he’d already told Salem before.
> He warned me beforehand to stay near him, although it was vague. That’s why he was so angry with me. I can only assume that little attack was why he wanted me to stay close.
> What about it?
Salem sat there and reread the message a few times, trying to figure out exactly how he felt on the situation. Aaron had now offered to help him with his family twice, yet not once did he offer to absolve his family by simply telling the Queen that he too was probed meaning either the hand had gotten to them both and it wasnt a familial thing, or that it was indeed Lady Sinnenodels mage as Salem accused. He typed and deleted several messages before landing on
> How come you never told the Queen?
Aaron blinked a few times when the message finally came through, unsure where to start. Why didn’t he tell the Queen? Why didn’t he tell the Queen?! Had Salem not already proven himself a little thick in the ways of aristocracy, Aaron would have thought he was joking.
> Um
> Couple reasons
Was it rude to list them all? Maybe he’d just stick to the highlights.
> Well firstly, things kind of exploded after my mind was read, in case you forget. Her Majesty was long gone by then and there wasn’t exactly an opportunity.
> Glossing over the fact that a Count’s mage can’t just walk up and talk to the Queen, even if I am a Starag, you were accused by a Count and a Lady of a noble house. My word would never, in a million years, ever be weighed more heavily than theirs.
> I also can’t just refute suspicions, not to mention my Master and his Lady made the accusations. I wouldn’t just be flying in the face of the Crown, but my own Master and House as well.
> And even if I forewent all of that and stood up for you, it would only have hurt you more anyway.
Aaron sighed. He felt bad laying it all out in such plain language, and so harshly at that, but if Salem didn’t start understanding how things worked sooner rather than later, he’d end up in a lot more trouble than he was in now. And it was true: vouching for him only would have thrown him under more scrutiny; they’d probably think he was manipulating a Starag or something. Not to mention the hell it would bring down on Aaron’s own head, and the ensuing stain on his family’s reputation. All for nothing.
> Listen. You’re innocent, right? I think you are. So let the investigation run its course, and the truth will come out, and that will be that. Trust me.
> You place your faith too blindly. I am innocent and understand now why it is you cannot help me in this endeavor and that is fine but...I have a sinking suspicion that mine and my families innocence will mean nothing. If it is being covered up that Lady Sinnenodel would do such a thing then I don't see what is stopping them from falsifying evidence against my family or me. But I do want to apologize for how I have been acting towards you. Here I thought you were just taking their word over mine and simply refusing to hear the truth when in actuality you're stuck in a much more similar situation yet you cannot speak out because of those who you chose to surround yourself with. I do get that you cannot speak out against your family and I did hope perhaps your word carried more weight towards her highness…
Aaron almost threw his face into his pillow with frustration when the text came in. Salem, sun and stars to guide the poor dumb bastard, was going to get demolished by the world he lived in if he didn’t get a grip on reality real quick. But Aaron refrained from throwing his phone into the woods and pinched the bridge of his nose. Salem was apologizing. That, at least, was a good thing. He shouldn’t just throw that away. He had to be gracious.
> Thank you for your apology. I’m not the type to hold something against you without good reason, I hope you’ll come to understand that.
Good reason was fast approaching, apparently, but he’d gloss over that.
> Regarding the investigation though, let me reassure you.
> What makes you think Lady Sinnenodel cares enough about your family to interfere with the investigation?
> You’re a new mage from a common family with no noble ties. You and your family aren’t even a blip on her radar. In her eyes you’re barely a bug under her shoe. I can almost guarantee she only had her mages probe your mind because you were right in front of her and she likes to sow chaos. That’s her entire Council reputation, remember. By the time she was done toying with you, she probably forgot your existence completely.
Aaron thought back to Varis’ lecture the night before. The Count had terrified him enough with the idea that their Lady could toy with everyone she saw in his memories; even if he thought himself miles below her notice, being under her dominion as a Sinnenodel mage still put him higher up on the priority list for her attention than Salem.
> Try not to take that too harshly. Honestly, take it as a blessing. I don’t think anyone wants to be on her radar.
Aaron wrote out another message, but paused before sending it. Was it too overbearing to hit Salem with so much all at once? Well, perhaps, but it needed to be said.
> Also, please remember that while I was born under the royal family’s dominion and I consider myself lucky for it, it wasn’t my choice. Neither was coming to this academy, or joining House Sinnenodel.
> Don’t mistake that for ingratitude. I came happily at Princess Ryner’s behest and I will happily serve my Master as a result. But I had no more choice in any of this than you did.
Salem blinked, blinked again, and then did it once more for good measure. He wanted to make sure he was reading what he thought and yet no matter how hard he tried, the contradiction that Aaron had placed was still there. How could he tell Salem to relax, stating his family is insignificant while also telling him that the woman loved to sow chaos for the sake of chaos. Is that not what falsifying a Red Hand attachment would do? It would allow her to play her games and have her fun without dealing with so much as a political scandal because his family was so insignificant in hers, and Aaron's, eyes. Salem wasn't sure if he should apologize to Aaron for how dense his noble brain was. All he could do to stop himself from walking over and slapping the blonde out of his hair was to simply say
> Have a good day Starag
