Elizabeth Hawkins - Taking Notes

A tactful and careful precise etching of a pencil upon pale sheets of paper marked the continual work of her decoding against Flamel’s journal. There was still much to learn, much more that she didn’t understand. And in front of her sat the second volume of a quartet that held the key to greater efficiency. Drawing a nearly perfect circle, small symbols were added to the polar directions, symbols of the base elements, even ideals of the masculine and feminine.

Precision was key, and she was sure not to miss a hint or minute detail in the least.

While it was rather quiet to begin with in the dining hall, times slowly changed as other parts of the student body began to meander in. With it came chatter and noise, and it slowly increased in an overwhelming tone. Though there were only few, it was their movements, their actions, and mannerisms that slowly seeped into her mind. Slowly within the confines of her brilliant mind, it grew into a dull roar.

It grew and rumbled through the depths, and it continued on as such until she snapped Flamel’s book shut. Then, and only then did it resume a normal volume. From the corner of her eye, her gaze caught a familiar movement. A recognizable frame that she couldn’t miss.

Remarkably, it was Ash.

A girl with whom she shared a conflicted history, full of both good and bad alike. Elizabeth was the lead seat of the Violins, while Ash herself was one of the greatest voices she had ever heard. While she admired the girl for such talent, her lack of humility was troubling. There had been many a time where Elizabeth had been directed to perform a duet with the girl; yet even then, they had not become friends. Differences in a sense that were far too great.

Yet there was nothing stopping her from attempting to form a friendship this year. Maybe things would go better than last.

Standing up and tucking her two books beneath her arm as she strode after the Opera Singer, Elizabeth simply watched on Ash plucked an apple from a basket, deftly tossing it up and down a few times with one hand before taking a bite out of the crisp fruit. Taking an orange herself for future snackings, the Alchemist mutely followed the upperclassman.

Once they both departed from the confines of the Dining Hall, Elizabeth swallowed her courage and picked up her pace, quickening her steps in order to close the distance between herself and Ash with relative ease. Walking up alongside the Singer’s right side, she partook in a particularly convincing act of surprise once she glanced over to meet the corner of Ash’s eye. Though she was certain she detected a hint of scorn at first, Elizabeth still managed to quip a radiant smile to meet her.

“Ah, it’s nice to see you here again Ash!” She exclaimed jubilantly, smoothly transitioning upon the ball of her feet to walk backwards so that she would be looking to the girl almost face to face.

“Hi Ellie. Nice to see you too. Have a good Summer?” Ash smiled, though it seemed almost bittersweet. She had seen her around Jaime before, and it held not even a candle to the radiance that seemed to shine in those moments.

“It wasn’t terrible,” the Alchemist stated amicably in her British accent, noting the minute changes the Singer’s overall demeanor. It seemed that she had failed to make a good impression once again. Though the very thought of it seemed distancing to her, she still walked backwards, looking to Ash behind strands of fiery red hair. Folding her hands behind her back with the books held in them, she mulled over her thoughts in the attempt to quickly find a different train of thought to continue upon.

“It could have been better, then again it could have been worse. I shan’t complain. I’m not dead, nor am I in prison.” She then added with a dry smile to accompany her drier wit. “Things at home certainly don’t change, other than finding better tea there than I do here.” Softly offering a bemused grin in response to such a thought, she glanced back to Ash.

She realized perhaps far too late that she had been rather rude, rambling on aimlessly about her own summer for a moment too long. Awkwardly, she ran her fingertips through the flame that was her hair while she tried to think of a way to compensate for such a mistake.

Thankfully, she found a simple solution. She would ask the Opera Singer of her ordeals through the days of summer.

“What of yours? Did you fare well? Nothing too troublesome, I hope?”

“No, it was a very nice Summer. Lot’s of sun, and water. Got to spend two weeks at the ocean with the family.” She grinned at the word water, “And then my brother and I did a road trip to get here. Rather far out.” Ash led the way into the Gym, and then the sports locker room. From her locker she pulled out her bag with some difficulty. “If I could do that every Summer I would.” She announced after finishing with the bag.

Far out? What does that even mean? What does the enjoyment of one’s holiday have to do with distance? Oh...it must mean some kind of enjoyment or happiness. Bloody Yanks.

That was term that was unfamiliar to her, and it took Elizabeth a moment to truly grasp that it meant something that was good, or perhaps entertaining. To which she simply offered an easy response: “Well, that sounds as if it were wonderful then.”

What was more peculiar was the expression towards the curling end of the word water. Ash grinned, in a strange but undecipherable sort of way. Enigmatic perhaps, but with a touch of eeriness that she couldn’t explain. It sent a chill in a bitter shudder down the length of Elizabeth’s spine, but she would pay little heed to it. At least for now.

“Well, I am relieved that you had a good holiday. Have you visited the Music room yet? I heard that there might have been some changes during these last few months.”

Ash shook her head, bearing an expression of bitter disdain at the thought of what the administration could have done to her precious sanctuary of a music room. Or...could it be something else? “No, not yet. I figure I’ll see it tomorrow morning, bright and early.” She started leading the way back to the dorms.

“May as well see it tomorrow, delay misery for another day.” The violinist quipped dryly to the singer with that wry smirk upon rosy lips aside it.

Digging deeper for another chance at a conversational tense, Elizabeth bit her bottom lip for just a moment before continuing to speak with Ash. “Where is Jaime, anyway? You two were practically attached at the hip last year, don’t tell me that things have changed so direly since then!”

Ash’s ears turned red, “Uh, no. He just went to his dorm to put away his stuff. I figured I should probably do the same and face the music when it comes to talking to my roommate.” She finished, her lips curling into a smouldering scowl. “At least it isn’t Snow this year.”

Elizabeth winced at the mention of such a name. Knowing all too well of the rumored personal war that was waged between Snow and Ash the prior year. Usually in the form of Ash breaking some rule of some sort, and the little bookworm running off to tell the teachers the moment it happened.

“Well simply look at the brighter side of things, Ash.” Elizabeth quipped lightly with a hint of humor. “At least Miss Snow won’t be constantly trying to freeze your attempts to go swimming or spend time with Jaime, it isn’t your fault she holds such a cold heart.” The British girl chuckled to herself lightly as she thought to make further puns, but reconsidered.

Ash laughed, really laughed.

“Good, let’s move on to less chilling subjects, yes?” The violinist added with a light teasing smirk, while simultaneously delving away from something that obviously aggravated the Opera Singer. Snow was, and would probably continue to be a rather touchy subject in due time, and it seemed that it was without relent. Especially after the slew of detentions that Ash had been forced to endure as a result. Yet even then she tried to find some optimism.

“At least there’s a palpable chance that your complaints were not in vain however. You do have a new roommate to meet. Perhaps your luck will be much better off this year.”

“She won’t be any better. I know her already. She’s on the swim team. Just as rules orientated as Snow. So I doubt I’m going to get away with anything again.” Ash hopelessly added wearily with a forlorn sigh. “Anyway, I’m going to put away my stuff. See ya at dinner.”

“Right-o, have a splendid time of that.” She added in the last, folding her books back to where they belonged beneath her arm at the side instead of the small of her back. Departing from Ash then with a bit of feline grace, she bore just the hint of a smile. Inevitably meandering her way back towards the dining hall, where she hoped it would eventually become quieter than it had been.

Perhaps, just maybe, she and the Opera Singer could become good friends after all.

Michael nearly told his parents to turn around about ten times, thinking of his tearful dance instructor and the girls--still dressed to dance--wishing him well at boarding school. But then he'd remember Merlin's stupid face and would glare at the scenery while his sisters fill the car with chatter. The conversations were something he was used to and he wondered if he'd find it hard to concentrate on his work without their voices as background.

His whole family had come to wish him off, the dopes. Especially since the the girls would have to stay in the care (which they wouldn't since they caused more problems than he did).

"Are you sure you want to do this?" His mother asked for the hundredth time.

"Yes, mom." Even though he wasn't, not really, and fifteen year olds shouldn't be allowed to make life decisions. This was especially true when one considered those life decisions were based on a hippie who called herself Merlin (he wondered if she was a descendant too or was Merlin himself turned magically into a girl or what- he should've asked). In all probability he was following the advice of a crazy person.

But the building had looked nice and they had dance. And he wouldn't have to deal with his sisters until Christmas. And he'd read the school had kids from all over the world, so if he slipped into his British accent--a trait he'd mostly trained himself out of after years in the states--it wouldn't be as weird. He'd still be the kid who wore a leotard for fun and enjoyed a manicure every so often, but he couldn't win them all.

Getting out of the car was a hassle because he got at least three hugs from each sister and they messed with his hair and he caught them trying to stick a paper on his back that said I'm a loser. But they all told him good luck and to write and to get into insurmountable amounts of trouble.

They sprawled all over the car as he and his parents went inside the building and were greeted by the headmistress. He had to pull his parents away from asking her questions or something equally embarrassing. They piled into the gym and he was a bit disappointed to hear about the lake, but the curfew didn't bother him as much as it might anyone else because he usually got up early to run or stretch or practice anyway. It was nice, he supposed, that the student body was so small. It would be easier to figure out and join the culture here with fewer people.

It was weird, though. Michael had known about the dead girl (Merlin had told him even before his mother had figured it out in her worrying-stage of his application process) and thought there was more to it but everywhere else he'd heard of where a student died, by the next school year most of the kids were okay. But the death of this Natalie girl seemed to hang over everyone. He thought it might be because of the smaller size, but it was still weird to just insert himself into that atmosphere.

As he went to get his packet, his parents bade him farewell--his mother slobbering all over him and his dad being very British and shaking his hand (he winked though, so Michael knew it was mostly an act--he'd been very Americanized over the past decade and just refused to show it).

The only thing that irritated him was that he'd been signed up for Debate club (dammit mom!), which was fine he guessed, but he'd probably end up skipping it to practice or to get a head start on homework or he could find out more about that girl's death or something. Maybe actually go, if he felt like it.



He checked his room number. It was on the second floor, which he liked because he wouldn't have people making noise above him, in the third room. Which would have meant something if he knew where he was going. He glanced at his roommate's name, Rayford Whynn, and hoped he wasn't a real prick.

The room was easy enough to find and luckily his roomie wasn't there yet so he could claim the best bed and put his stuff away. The room wasn't bad, as far as dorm rooms went. It was a bit drab but he figured livening up the place wouldn't be too difficult. If anything, the natural clutter of teenage-boy-dom would make it feel lived in. Michael looked out the window and couldn't help but grin at the view. There probably wasn't a bad view with the Academy's surroundings, but a boy stuck in the suburbs like him was amazed.

He figured that was enough sight-seeing--he needed to check out where he'd be dancing--and he left his room.

((Dropping a place holder for @kittyluna45 and myself. We ment to Collab but we were both delayed.))

Zaylin managed to find the dorm room without mishap. Hoping she had arrived first, she paused in front of the heavy-looking door, sat a suitcase down again, pulled her key from her pocket, then unlocked the door.
The empty room was basically cut in half and created mirror images of each other. On either side, a canopy bed, mirrored dresser, a desk built into the wall, and a closet took up most of the space, the plush-looking blankets on the beds made up neatly. A window sat in the middle of the space between the two beds, burgundy curtains drawn over the glass and the evening sun shining through from outside.
“Sweet,” she muttered, closing the door behind her, but leaving it slightly ajar for her roommate.
Her roommate. Zaylin took a deep breath at the thought of sharing a dorm with someone for the duration of the school year.
It’ll be fine, she reassured herself, going to the bed and tossing her suitcases on top of the covers, the relative silence of the room gratefully welcomed. She quickly began to unpack, placing a few arcane looking books and a jeweled jewelry box on the dresser.
When she finished, wishing she had brought some sort of posters to put up to give it more of a personal flare, she tossed the suitcases under the bad, grabbed a sketchbook and pencil from the desk, and sat down cross-legged on the end of her bed. Placing the spiral-bound sketchbook on her lap, she flipped through the pages filled with detailed drawings, each one dated.
She placed her pencil to paper, ready to write the date and begin a sketch of the school, when she heard someone outside the door. She looked up as an older, brown-haired girl dressed in similar colors as Zaylin entered with a cheerful introduction.
She looked at Athena and cocked her head as she took in the girl’s appearance. Something about her seemed intriguing, though she couldn’t quite place what, no matter how hard she tried to figure it out. After a short moment, she returned Athena’s smile, realizing she should probably answer before the worry she saw in the girl’s eyes worsened. She could ponder later.
Athena. Greek goddess of wisdom. I like it.” Zaylin placed the sketchbook on the bed, the blank page facing up, as Athena sighed in relief.
“Thank you.” Athena entered the room, tugging her stuff inside with her.
Zaylin stood, looking the girl in the eye as she offered a leisurely hand to Athena. “The name’s Zaylin. Friends call me Zay. Just transferred for my sophomore year.”
“Zay… I like that! It’s easy to remember which is a plus. I’m quite terrible with names. But nonetheless, welcome to the Academy! I’m a senior here, and in the dance team so I apologize before hand for any sporadic dancing I might do here.” Athena laughed.
Zaylin returned her laughter with a smile. “I have dance, too. Not sure if it’s at the same time, but it’s on my schedule.”
“You’ve got dance?!” Athena’s brows rose in surprise. “No way, that’s great! Hopefully you’ll be with me.”
As Athena went to her bed, sat her stuff down and plopped down on the fluffy comforter, Zaylin returned to the edge of her bed, thankful that the girl seemed nice enough so far. Picking up her sketchbook, she looked over when Athena spoke again.
“Beautiful rooms, huh? I had some stuff sent a week in advanced so I have to check both closets later, if you don’t mind. I don’t know where they put it.”
“Yeah, they really are. I didn’t see any packages or anything in my closet, but I’ll double check if you want.” Zaylin wrote the date on the upper corner of the page of her sketchbook. “I have a couple packages on the way, too. Kind of sent them late, though. Procrastinated a little too long.”
“How are you liking this place so far? Have you met people yet?”
“This place is gorgeous! I’ve never seen anything like it.” Zaylin smiled at the thought as she began to sketch the general shape of the main building, adding a heavier Gothic flare to the architecture. She felt Athena’s gaze on her as she drew, but didn’t look up, her roommate’s content smile going unnoticed. “Only officially met a couple people so far. So, where’re you from? How’ve you liked going here?”
"Oh. Um. I'm not exactly from a certain place. I've been moving around a lot my whole life so it's difficult to say. I lived a large portion of it in South America though. My mom works for this company that's always sending her on business trips. How about yourself? How'd you hear about this place? My mom found out through a colleague of hers and immediately started doing research and calling in favors. I'm glad she did though because it has been a good experience..... Except...."
Zaylin looked up as Athena’s words faltered, the other girl’s expression grave.
"Except last year.... With the whole, uh, death ordeal. I'm sure you'll find out the story's entirety today." Athena frowned slightly, shaking her head.
I wonder if she knew the dead girl? Zaylin thought, but made a mental note to not bring up the recent murder with Athena, no matter how much she wanted to know. She didn’t need to get on her roommate’s bad side.
That’s awesome you got to live in different places, though,” she answered, redirecting the conversation from the gloomy topic. “I actually got an invitation to come here. My grandma went here, and almost died when she found out they wanted to recruit me.” She snorted lightly at the memory. “Didn’t really want to leave my school back in Cali, honestly, but I’d rather take on a raging bull while dressed in red than Gram.”
Athena stood. "I'm actually about to go have a look around the school. Try to find some of my friends. Would you like to come?"
Zaylin glanced to her sketchbook, debating for a second, then placed the pencil on top of it and sat it back on the bed. “Yeah, sure! It’d give me a chance to get used to the school’s layout before tomorrow.
Zaylin stood and gestured to the door with a flourish of her hand. “Lead the way, my friend!”

 

    Kiddo smiled as the voices in his head finally went away. They never really seemed to stop unless he was focused or not hungry, He tended to be hungry a lot. His work left him unable to eat most times, he claimed he didn’t have time for it. His mother sometimes tried to force him to eat. This only ended with yelling and the food on the floor.

    Standing up, Kiddo finished off the bag of pretzels and the Big Red. He threw the trash away in a nearby trash can. Letting out a sigh and shoving his hands into his pockets Kiddo began to walk up the stairs to the second floor. He was bored and didn't want to go back to sketching. There was plenty of time for that all year.

    As he was walking the halls of the second floor a door flew open. The third door to be in fact. The kid that walked out of it had dark blue eyes, short black hair. He looked to be a little girlish. Kiddo jumped back. After his almost heart attack he began to adjust his bow tie and sleeves again. “Dammit man. You almost killed me. Please watch where you’re going next time. You never know who could be outside.” He forced a small smile, he didn’t want to seem to weird. The kid was beautiful. It made Kiddo happy just thinking about what his insides look like. He wanted to get closer. to the kid, maybe know a little bit about him. Of course he would have to keep the voices on the down low. He didn’t want to take the chances of making a mess and ruining a maybe new found friendship. Kiddo then spoke again. “I must say though. You look good today. Do you mind if I join you wherever you are going? I’m a Freshman and need to get a good layout of the building before classes start.”

After a couple more Stones songs, Cat's in the Cradle, and an upbeat rendition of American Pie, Ben and Marie had finished their playing for the day. He absently picked at the bottom strings of his guitar as Marie packed her own instrument away. "How come everyone loves the Stones?"
To this, Marie shrugged towards her older brother. “I don’t.” She muttered, and clipped her guitar case shut.
“Maybe it isn’t just the Stones, but the people playing,” said a voice familiar to Ben. Katalina had shown up, with a rather big smile on her face. “I know I appreciate it.”
Ben turned with a grin on his face, automatically recognizing the voice behind him. “I mean, hey. Marie’s the main attraction here.” He stood to his hand and offered a humorous handshake to Katalina.
Katalina took the hand and shook it happily. “Well, you’re both amazing. Also, hey Marie,” she said, offering a wave with her free hand. “You did get my letters this summer, right?” She asked, turning her head back to Ben.
“Letters?” He asked, feigning ignorance.
She gave him a look, and sighed. “You know what letters.”
Ben’s humor faded, but his eyes crinkled as he smiled lightly. “Yeah, of course I did.” He turned to Marie and said, “You good to go?” She nodded, heaving her case from the ground. She offered a shy wave to Katalina and turned to leave. Katalina returned the wave and smiled.
“Sorry I’m late! I heard you guys playing from my room, but was getting to know my new roommate.” Amy smiled. “It’s not Ash again, thank god.”
Katalina’s smile dropped. “That is because Ash is my roommate. Hey Amy.”
Amy with a sharp intake of breath, “Oh, I am so sorry.”
“Hm…” Ben observed. “She really did a number on you two, didn’t she?” He released a small laugh. “Should’a paired her with Marie, so she could let all that out to someone who really doesn’t care what she has to say…” He rubbed his chin, as if he was seriously pondering this.
Katalina shrugged. “It is alright. Maybe I can finally figure out why Ash dislikes me so.”
“Yeah, and maybe someday, phones will fit in your pocket and not have buttons.” He responded. “Besides…” He laced his fingers through hers. “I have no idea what she dislikes…”
Katalina smiled, seemingly accepting his hand. “Well besides Jamie and the lake, she doesn’t seem to like too much, but oh well.”
“Which with the lake basically off limits... You’re going to have fun watching her try to sneak out the window.” Amy says.
“Goodie. She can get mad at me when I tell Ms. Reese about it,” Katalina said.
“Oh,” Amy (remembering something) “I’ve got to go the library. I’ll see you guys later.” She runs off.
“See ya, Amy.” Ben calls after her. He breaths, then turns to Katalina. “Entertainment?” He asks, nodding to his guitar. She nodded and went to sit with him. “Any requests?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Just… no Stones... “
Katalina giggled. “How about Heart of Gold?” She asked.
“As you wish, M’lady. ” He said, faking a bow with his head. “As long as you promise to sing and not chicken out!” He plucked a red pick from his pocket and began strumming. Katalina blushed a bit and nodded, soon joining him by singing.
As he finished the final chord of the song, he sighed exaggeratedly. “Oh the great works of Mr. Neil Young.” He glanced down at the watch on his wrist. “I know we just sat down… but Dinner’s soon, and I still need to unpack…” He said.
“I do as well… see you at dinner?” She asked, standing up.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He said, standing with his guitar. He bent down and lowered the instrument into it’s case, clipping it shut.
“Good, see you later then,” she said and gave a wave before walking off.

Katalina & Ash @Kirah

After having left Ben after having spent some time with him and promising to meet up at dinner, a very happy Katalina was heading off to unpack. So, maybe Ash was finally there. If so, the two could talk. Or maybe Ash was off necking with Jamie. Wouldn’t surprise Katalina, since the two had been making goo-goo eyes at each other since Freshman year. She opened the door and noticed Ash was there. She put on her best smile and looked over at the other girl. “So, we’ll be rooming this year it seems,” she said brightly.

“Yeah it would seem so.” Ash was sitting on the bed to the left, shoes off, and kicked under the bed. “I asked Ms. Reese and she said there was no changing, but you get to enjoy morning swim practice without me again.”

Katalina frowned already. She knew Ash disliked her, but to already go to a teacher about changing rooms. She sighed to herself and went over to the bed on the right, and picked up her suitcase and started unpacking. “I see. I guess there are no free rooms this year, which isn’t that much of a surprise. I saw a lot of new freshman at the ceremony,” she said, ignoring the jab about swimming practice.

“Seems like there’s always more of them every year.” Ash’s voice sounded bored.

Katalina continued to unpack, deciding to ignore the tone that Ash was taking. “Well it means there are new students we can help! Since we’ve been here three years, people will look up to us,” she said, working on hanging up her clothing. “And anyways, it will be nice to keep our minds off… well… other things.”

“Yeah.” Ash shifted and then pulled her own bag from the end of the bed, and started putting away her clothes in her dress. “Do-” Ash cut herself off and shoved some shirts into a drawer.

“What were you going to say, Ash?” She asked, not turning to look at her roommate as she started putting swimsuits away.

Ash sighed, “I was just wondering, if you thought, they’d catch...” Ash trailed off, “You know.”

Katalina nodded. “At this rate, it’s filed under cold cases I’m sure. It’s been months… and… nothing. I miss her. We all do…” She thought back to Natalie. She had been tutored by her for a bit in Math by her… and Natalie was sure Kata was going to be the next Student Body President and had been giving her tips before… She paused, realizing she was clutching her hands, hard, almost drawing blood. She looked over at Ash and sighed. “Y’know… maybe we should try getting along… we’re all going to need each other, more this year than last.”

Ash doesn’t respond at first, and the sound of her shoving clothes into her drawer stops. “Katalina, I don’t want you to think,” Katalina noticed that Ash was very neutral looking at this point, “That I hate you, you’re just competition.”

Katalina frowned. “I never think of you as that way, but if that’s what you want, then fine, I’m competition,” she said simply and went back to unpacking. She could never quite understand why Ash thought of her that way. They both did swim, yes, but Ash was a long distance swimmer, and Kata was more of a sprinter swimmer. They had only been pitted against each other when Ms. Reese made them compete. Katalina had tried, but Ash was very abrasive, and unfortunately this had rubbed off a bit on her best friend, Jamie.

“Whatever. I’m going to dinner.” Ash grabbed a worn paperback from her bed and shoved it unceremoniously into her back pocket, then left.

Katalina sighed and rolled her eyes. She soon finished unpacking as well and went to head to dinner as well.

Late, as always, Maribeth made her way up the steps into the dorm hall. The maid followed her up the steps and stopped at the door with two of her bags, frowning at the young girl, "I'm sorry miss Wilson. I wish there were another way." Maribeth smiled warmly at Gwendolyn, reaching up to hug her dear old friend pulling back and wiping her own tears. "It's alright, Gweny. I'll be fine here! I might even make friends!" Maribeth grinned, hoping to receive the same enthusiasm from Gwendolyn. The older lady grinned back and Maribeth felt better immediately. She had to fake enthusiasm around her companions so that they wouldn't fear for her or pity her.

Once Maribeth had taken ahold of her luggage, she watched as the black sedan pulled away and sighed, biting her lip to not let out a sob. It was hard not being wanted, but things would get better. At least that's what she told herself. Clearing her throat, Mari turned around and fixed herself before going inside. She straightened out her high waisted skirt and wiped the tears away from her face. The butler had made an unexpected stop when the wheel of the car had suddenly exploded, so naturally, Maribeth was late and had arrived after the commencement speech had been made.

Luckily, the Headmistress was still near the entrance, next to a box which contained some papers. Maribeth greeted her with a genuine smile and walked over, listening to her before taking her packet and walking away silently. "Floor one, room one. Simple enough." Maribeth muttered to herself as she looked up and squinted at the door signs. She had forgotten her glasses at home which she was probably going to get the next week through the mail, along with a very angrily written letter from her father, telling her how careless she really was.

"Here it is!"

Finding her room was the easy part, opening it while holding many bags was the hard part. No one seemed eager to help so Maribeth had to set everything down and open the door then pick everything up only to leave the room and lock the door once again. She had no means to stay in her room for very long. The drive to the academy was excruciatingly long and she had only ate once in the very morning. She needed food if these people wanted to see a coherent and content Maribeth. Since she didn't know anyone, Maribeth decided to keep it that way, walking with her eyes scanning the walls for directions and humming quietly to herself. Something she should have done in a room by herself rather than in front of a semi-crowded hallway. She knew what her voice could do but being alone for so many years, the girl forgot that others were affected by it.

...

Samantha Wellington & Natali Valkyrie @Maelvona

Samantha Wellington was setting up for the first music class in the theater. There was the choir part and the music part. Her husband had volunteered to help, since it was a Sunday, but she had said no. She was finished with first day stuff, but had made it clear that if anyone had wanted to talk to her before classes started for the year, she would be on campus till nine pm that Sunday.

Natali walked into the auditorium, wearing an red hat and an light wool coat. She had on fuzzy boots, looking comfy, and had a red scarf as well, she seemed to like to wear clothing usually meant for the cold. "Mrs. Wellington," she spoke, clearing her throat before continuing. "How are you today?"

Samantha looked up and smiled as Natali spoke up. "Hello Natali. I am doing well. How are you? How can I help you?" She asked, turning her attention to her student and away from setting up the chairs. She ran through her mind. Natali Valkyrie. Junior. She was in her theater class. She was her assigned counselor, and she was always there to help.

"Ah, I just wished to know what we were going to be working on for Drama Class..." She looked around at the half-assembled orchestra. "Need any help?" She brisked her hands and kept them at her sides. She seemed quiet for a while, until looking back up at the teacher with an certain sort of eagerness that comes from nervousness.


"I'm not sure yet. I was hoping to get the classes input on Tuesday when we met. We do need to figure out how many of you are actually acting, and not just on stage crew. However, I was thinking maybe some Shakespeare first. We have a couple of good leading men and women in class," Samantha answered. She looked at Natali and paused. "Is everything alright? I mean I appreciate the offer for help, and will take you up on it, but it seems you came here for another reason," she added, gesturing to the pile of chairs that still needed unfolding.

She nodded quickly, and started to get to work with the chairs.. "I-Well, I think I may have been a little too overeager, with reacting to my classmates and interacting.. I sort of.. I kind of flubbed up." She sighed and tried not to look the young teacher in the eyes.

Samantha looked at Natali. The girl was a bit brash at times, and had been reminded a few times by Samantha to be discreet about her powers. She walked over and patted Natali on the shoulder. "I understand to being overeager, but you have to remember, we do ask that you keep your powers secret here. You are a very special girl, Natali, and I don't want to see anything happening to you. Which student did you flub up with? Someone you know?" She asked.

She hugged Samantha, who assumed that Natali wanted to feel some type of warmth. But she didn't get too clingy, and let go quickly as she folded her arms behind her back. "His name's.. Jamie. I forgot his last name. He sounds like an Irishman, and he called me a Soviet!" She bit her lip, "I-I over-reacted and.. I think we may have had a falling out. Now people look at me funny, and not as many sit by me at lunch.. I just... I had a reason."

"Aww sweetie, it's just the first day. I'm sure it will die down soon. However, I'll go talk to Jamie's counselor and see if we can get this figured out. Also, I'm pretty sure he's a year above you, so your own classmates will still want to talk to you. I know you'll bounce back from this, like you always do. You don't call yourself Valkyrie for nothing," Samantha said with a warm smile. She did make a mental note to talk to Miss Standiford. Jamie was not a personal student of Samantha's, since he was in none of her classes, but Sam would try to get this fixed. Natali was not the first student to flub up for sure, and she wouldn't be the last. However, there were rules.

"I know, I know.." She seemed to light up a little at the teacher's words. "But, Mrs. Wellington, I felt something. I did! I wouldn't lie about that, you know. I was sure in my mind that.. He.. He had powers like me. I don't know why I didn't ask you, I didn't cross my mind." She sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry."


"It is alright. I know you wouldn't lie, however, if he says he doesn't have any powers or abilities, then he might not," Samantha said. Due to how the school worked, she did have to lie here. She felt terrible about it, but, again, there were rules. "You don't have to be sorry to me. As I said, I'll see about getting this fixed. Misunderstandings do happen."

Natali smirked and quickly hugged the Teacher again, kissing her cheek as a sign of affection as she clapped her hands quickly thereafter. "Thank you, Misses Wellington!" She started immediately unfolding all the chairs thereafter, and setting them up. "Sorry I didn't sign up for Choir this year, I wanted to be a Ballerina..." She said longingly, cheekily smiling.


"You're welcome. I understand. I wish I could still dance, but you know that this old lady can't keep up with you," she said with a grin. Once they finished setting up the chairs, she thanked Natali for her help. "Looks like I'll see you Tuesday, unless you need anything tomorrow."

She thought for a moment, seeming to nibble her cheek, before blinking. "Oh! Yeah, do you think it would be okay if I ate lunch in here with you, by your office?" She scratched the back of her leg with one foot nervously. "I'll get a form, or a pass, or something if I need it."

Samantha paused in thought for a moment. "If it really is that bad even after I talk to Miss Standiford, I can see about getting you a pass to have lunch with me. However I will have to run it by the Headmistress." And with that, Natali thanked the teacher, and hoped to see her soon again as she walked out of the door to her dorm.

Samantha let out a long sigh as Natali left, and gathered up her bag and went to find Miss Standiford.

Elizabeth - A Good Start!

Her spirits were high, her joy at such even greater! For the first time in her life, the Alchemist had made a decent impression with one of the powers that be. Her grip tightened upon her notebook ever slightly as she passed through the mass of other students, simply minding her own as she wished not for the contents of her books to spill everywhere. While the very thought of such happening made her cringe, she was certainly happy that it was not an ordeal that she'd be forced to suffer.

That would be certainly unpleasant.

It didn't matter, such things weren't going to happen! She refuted the very thought or concept of it! Having such a catastrophic thing happening to her precious alchemic codex would be heartbreaking!

Much to her dismay, she would have no such luck.

Seemingly as if from nowhere, another girl collided headlong into Elizabeth's side as the bustling crowds surged about them. Whether it was other students or other faculty that created the masses, it didn't matter. What did matter was that the Alchemist was sent spinning and had to quickly skitter on her hands and knees to grab her pair of books.

"You bloody Yankee! Watch where you're going!" she cried out in dismay with her Yorkshire accent!

Rising quickly to a stand as she Before her then stood the girl who held a terribly frightened look as if she were completely lost and overwhelmed! With her cheeks puffed out annoyingly in indignation, Elizabeth fumed for a moment at the girl before she realized that there was something a little more critical of the matter! Though she appeared to be about the same age as the Alchemist, she certainly didn't recognize her in any way!

Wait a moment...OH! A new student! Well done on first impression, you daft fool! She's going to be petrified of you! COMMENDABLE WORK.

"So sorry, are you new?" She hesitantly started at first, looking towards the girl.

Oddly, this one was shorter than she was...such things didn't happen. At least she wasn't one of the shortest people in the school anymore! Wait, that was a generalized term generated towards the lower fifth percentile in terms of height. Her shoulders sank when she realized that she was STILL one of the shortest people in this school, but resigned herself to the fact there was nothing she could do about it.

"My name is Elizabeth Hawkins, from London originally I must say. Again truly, my apologies for shouting out like that, I'm rather zealous in the protection of my grandfather's journal." The Alchemist added brightly, trying to put on a little charm that her fury had overlapped earlier. Figuring it was easier to win more bees with honey than salt of course.

"Though I must say you look a touch lost, is there anything I can do to help?" A queasy churning within her stomach reminded Elizabeth all too well of her hunger however, and she offered a slightly awkward smile instead. "Perhaps after a bite to eat? I'm famished, and I'd rather not wear this fatigue any longer. Do you know where the Dining Hall is? If not, I can show you the way."

Maribeth - People sure are strange

'Circles... That's all I'm going in! Circles!' Maribeth could have sworn that she had seen the same two girls talking and standing in the same position just a few minutes ago. Her plan to wander the halls until she found the dining area had failed miserably, and now she was just begging the gods to allow her to find her room. The halls were loud, the kids liked to stare, and people had the tendency of not moving when they walked. They would just ram right into her!

"Get. It. Together."

Maribeth had made herself stand off to the side as she took in a few deep breaths before submerging herself once more into the throng of students and staff. She now crossed her arms as she tried her best to not touch anyone, much less bump into them, and did everything in her power to swerve out of their way. Her plan seemed to have been working quite well up until the point where four girls almost a foot taller than her decided to nearly trample Maribeth. "Oh.... Excuse me." Her voice was as quiet as a mouse as she squeezed through them, only turning back to make sure they hadn't found her embarrassment amusing. It was mainly her fault for not stopping. The girl continued walking without keeping her eyes ahead of her which caused Maribeth to run right into another student. "Oh! I'm...."

"You bloody Yankee! Watch where you're going!"

Wide eyed and face turned bright red, Maribeth stared at the girl without moving a muscle. Were people really supposed to act like this? Yet as soon as she yelled at Maribeth, she completely changed her tone.

"Uh......" The girls eyes darted from one side to the hallway to the other, looking at the people as they quickly lost interest and began to walk away. Maribeth didn't exactly know what to say nor how to really react. She had hardly ever spoken to anyone of her own age, much less someone who had just finished yelling at her.

After a moment of stammering and stuttering, she finally found her voice and the correct words to respond to Elizabeth. "N... Nice to meet you. I'm Maribeth. Mari for short." She gave the girl a sheepish smile before slowly reaching out to shake her hand. It was the polite thing to do. "I actually am lost. It's my first day here, although I am a sophomore."

She must have became a bit more comfortable as she spoke to Elizabeth. Her voice got slightly louder; at least loud enough to be normal, and her stuttering ceased. "I was actually headed to get something to eat. My stomach has been growling so loud, I think people around me can hear it." She flashed Elizabeth a grin as she joked, patting her stomach and laughing once. "Could you actually show me? This is...... Very.... This is a lot to take in. Also, I'd like to get to know about your country. I've never heard an accent like yours before!" Maribeth was beaming now. The fear and anxiety that once plagued her mind replaced with curiosity and pure joy now that she had someone to actually talk to. "Wait.... Your name... I think... Hey that's my roommate's name! Looks like we'll be getting to know each other quite well!"

Stella Herbalem & Mr. Johnson @Kirah
Just before Dinner

After Stella finished unpacking, she realized she had some time before dinner to explore the grounds a bit. She pulled out the map of Northwood and smiled to herself. She saw that there were greenhouses, and noticed on the class schedule that they were where the Horticulture club met. It had been some time since she had been just among plants and listened to them, so she put on her jacket and headed outside.

She went towards the greenhouse, letting her powers flow a bit, wondering what the plants were feeling. However, they all felt the same thing. This strong urge to make people leave. “Leave. Leave. Leave. Leave.” The word echoed in her head until she clapped her hands over her ears. “STOP!”

A weathered hand touched Stella’s shoulder gently. “Miss, are you okay?” The voice is deep, and calming.

Stella looked up and blinked. “Oh uh, sorry, I just, had a lot on my mind and was trying to make it stop,” she said. She shut out her power, not wanting to hear the voices at the moment. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I have a tendency to just keep my head in the clouds, as mama says.”

“I’m Mr. Johnson, what’s your name Miss?” He asked nodding his head.

“Stella Herbalem… oh! You’re the Horticulture club adviser! Its nice to meet you!” Stella said, perking up after this. She had read through her schedule earlier, and had noticed his name.

“Ah Miss Herbalem. I remember your name on the roster. Want to check out the houses then?”

“Would a honey bee love to pollinate a lily?! That is why I came out here. I was hoping to sneak a look around before club met Tuesday… seems like a long time,” she said and went to follow Mr. Johnson to the greenhouses. She kept her powers under wraps for the moment. She knew better than to tell people she didn’t know well about her powers. Also, she was still a bit freaked out about what the plants were feeling. It was normal for plants to feel all sorts of things, but for all of them to feel the same thing at the same time? And such a feeling as making everyone want to leave? Something was wrong at Northwood. However, for the time, Stella shoved it out of her head.

Mr. Johnson chuckled a bit as he entered the flower greenhouse. “This is the second greenhouse.” He explained. “Want to see something special?” He asked with a wink.

“I’d love to! I mean, if that’s alright with you,” Stella said, trying to calm down. However, she was super excited about plants. Maybe the ones in the greenhouse would be different. Maybe they’d be happier? She continued to follow Mr. Johnson, interested in what the something special was.

“Excellent.” Mr. Johnson led Stella down one of the isles and pulled a small rose plant forward. “This is a special breed I’ve been working on for the last couple years.” Mr. Johnson leaned forward to bring his face close to the rose. “How are you doing today Katie?” Mr. Johnson gently brushed one of the leaves, and seemed to be nodding to the rose. “This is Stella, I have a feeling the two of you will get along just wonderfully.” Mr. Johnson looked to Stella. “She’d like to shake hands.”

Stella smiled, reaching out gently and brushed the same leave as Mr. Johnson. “Hello Katie, it is lovely to meet you. You’re quite beautiful,” she said to the plant and then looked at Mr. Johnson. “She’s lovely!” Stella paused for a moment, and turned her empathy back on, wondering what Katie was feeling. A pleasant warmth spread into Stella’s finger, along with the small push to leave. Stella smiled. Perhaps it was not all bad here. Katie was well cared for. “I can tell she gets a lot of love,” she said, turning back to Mr. Johnson.

“None of them have been too happy since the end of last semester.” Mr. Johnson shook his head sadly.

Stella blinked. Could it be… She then shook her head. “Was it… because… I mean I’ve heard about what happened… plants have more empathy than most people understand,” she said, removing her hand gently from Katie. She wouldn’t use her powers on this one… no… She was Mr. Johnson’s.

“Yes.” Mr. Johnson nodded. “Something’s wrong and they know it.” He gestured around the room. “You can sense it, but now isn’t the time and place to talk about it. I’ll talk to you tomorrow about it all during your homeroom.”

Stella went wide eyed and nodded. “Alright Mr. Johnson. But you are right… They don’t want anyone else to stay here… except Katie,” she said softly.

“Katie sees hope. The others only feel the darkness. Just know you’re not alone Miss Herbalem.” Mr. Johnson reached over to another plant and gently placed his hand the plant, and Stella could see it stretch and visible grow under the gentle touch of Mr. Johnson.

Stella nodded. “Thank you. I look forward to talking to you more tomorrow Mr. Johnson,” she said. She knew it was the time not to talk about this, as he said. But she was surprised. She had never met anyone else that had powers like hers. She then smiled to herself. He could easily do the same to Katie, but he was letting her grow on her own. What a kind man.

“Have a good evening Miss Herbalem. I look forward to our chat as well.” He held out his hand for Stella to shake. She happily shook his hand and nodded.

“You too Mr. Johnson,” she said, before going to head to the dining hall.

After dropping off his bags, Jamie contemplated hunting down Ash again, even knowing that she was busy dealing with an unsavoury rooming decision made by the Headmistress… or whoever designated the roommates. It was easy to ignore that urge, to instead slip out of the dorm building and into the main hall – over where the classrooms were. There were already a few students there, of course, visiting favourite teachers and so on and so forth, which was exactly what Jamie was doing.

The Home Economics room was in a corridor of its own, if only because the size of the various appliances (set-up like a few miniature real kitchens) required a lot of space. Miss Standiford was in there, he knew, because he felt the absence of strong emotions. The teacher, only seven or so years older than Jamie himself, was a blank canvas – her colours reflected those of people around her in bright but short-lived splashes of wet paint.

“Jamie?” she asked quizzically, looking up from her folder of spreadsheets and class registers, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She glanced over to the open door and, with a tilt of her head, the teenager understood the message and shut the door over. Yes, he did want the conversation to be in private. “Didn’t expect to see you around here so early! Something wrong?”

“Can’t a kid come and visit his fave teacher without a reason, Miss?”

Not when you and Miss Mareino are usually joined at the hip this time of year. A wry grin quirked at Miss Standiford’s lips as the voice echoed as if it was in some building with good acoustics, like a cathedral, or a church. The “temple of the mind” as he’d heard her reference before to explain the phenomenon.

Jamie’s attempt was not quite so subtle, if only because telepathy was not his ability. Worry like a hangnail washed over her, and Miss Standiford obliged, following the emotion back to the source: her student’s mind. Locked doors everywhere, betraying only what he wanted her to see. (That was not to say she couldn’t break them down if she wanted to, but she wasn’t so cruel.)

The Ukranian girl, Natali – hallway? – “Oh.” Aveline withdrew from Jamie’s mind in a rush of imagined air. “I’ll speak with her, or her guide. Is there anything else..?”

Worry, this time more similar to a tightrope between two cliffs, hit her softly, as if it wasn’t meant to be seen. Jamie leaned back against the desk, knuckles white with a feather-light frown. He didn’t want her to know that but– it was her job, counselling. “Had another episode,” he said aloud under his breath. “Got worse over the summer.”

“Oh,” Miss Standiford repeated.

“It was like– with Coleman’s death, what I was like after it.” Jamie remembered the night through a haze of heart-stopping terror and confusion, even the hallways outside his dorm room seeming oppressively dark as he had sprinted through them to reach Miss Standiford’s office. “Except I was– I was angrier. Like ah’d just been pinned down and stabbed to death mysel’, but I could get up after it– I could… get revenge.”

“Who was it..? Whose emotions were they?”

“Domestic violence victim, and her son. Weird mix of understandin’ and hope for the end and ‘no, Da, no!’” Jamie needed a cigarette, and he needed one so badly his want for it was probably floating out into space for Miss Standiford to hear. He hoped it was in garbled Scots so she couldn’t understand it. “I didnae kill him, just phoned the po-lice. But…”

“But?” Miss Standiford prompted, eyes and emotions filled with such saccharine sympathy Jamie could hardly stand it.

A deep breath. “But it’s getting worse. Stronger. Got nothin’ to pin my emotions to, to keep them in, y’know? So I’m feeling everythin’.” Before the teacher could interrupt, he rushed ahead. “And yeah, my aunt told me what I need to do – she’s only batshit ‘cos she lost her husband.”

Miss Standiford could only nod, and Jamie was alright with that. This was where there powers diverged, for all the same meditation techniques and discipline helped. His head tilted to the side inquisitively, as if listening to something outside the walls. “Yeah, someone’s lookin’ – looking for you Miss. I should probably get going, get ready for dinner or something.”

As he turned to leave, Miss Standiford said. “Jamie? We’ll start practice again Monday after school. Take care, alright?”

He smiled, then left.

Elizabeth Hawkins - The Alchemist and the Knight

Well, that is a pleasant development.

Much to her surprise and elation that she had quickly retreated from her aggressive stance, the girl she had collided with turned out to be her newly obtained roommate! Though there was the hint of a stutter, the girl was nervous evidently; probably due to the fact that the Alchemist had yelled at the girl not moments before. Such was understandable.

Remembering quickly that Maribeth had mentioned that she too was of the starved sort, Elizabeth nodded hastily to such a thought.

"Well, that settles it then! Let's be off to the dining hall to grab a bite, shall we? After that if you'd like, I can give you a small tour in recompense for biting your arm off there." Glancing about herself and regaining her sense of direction from when she had been spun about, the Alchemist quipped a brilliant smile to the girl. "It'll be good fun being a roommate with you, I'm sure. I'm not one of those blinkered blokes who puts too much ado about nothing really."

Waving for Maribeth to follow her, she tightly tucked her two books beneath her arm tightly. "Let's carry on now, it isn't too far of a venture from here."

And so she made headway towards the Dining hall, weaving her way smoothly and knowingly through the hallways and through the crowds towards the place where they might acquire a full fledged meal. One that was much more of a meal than the orange she tossed up and down in her grasp ever casually. It was easy for her to navigate, but she was more than sure to walk at a leisurely pace so that her roommate could easily keep up.

Yet along the way there was a distraction.

So surprising was it that she actually came to a dead stop in the hallway while the world continued to move around her. Her normally neutral expression turned to one that was heavily amused, as a cunning grin alighted her lips.

"Blimey...what a surprise. That cheeky old codger sent him here of all places?" She muttered softly beneath her breadth, watching onward as he was approached directly by another student. From a distance he looked uneasy, the silly Knight that she had thought him to be when she was young still growing deep within his soul. It seemed as if even across the great Atlantic, he would still end up following her just like how he did during their summers together in the countryside of Britain.

For now she would subtly attempt to save him from his unease.

Smoothly strutting forward and placing one foot in front of the other, the fiery-headed Alchemist strode towards the two that stood and conversed, one of the eerie sense, the other of the nobler poise. And once she was behind the back of the creepy one, and instead looking towards the Knight, she waited ever patiently for a few moments.

She was waiting for his eyes to wander.

It did not take long, it never did.

Once they departed from the eerie one for a brief moment, they found the brilliant sky-blue of her eyes and they met across the short distance. Upon their meeting, the red-haired girl smiled brilliantly and offered a sly wink. Her head bowed lightly as she looked up to him over the rim of her glasses, and recognition crossed his face then as she departed from him then. Quietly, she pointed to him lightly and curled her finger towards herself as if tugging upon the tie that remained about his neck.

As if she were begging him to follow her, the Fox beckoning to the loyal Hound; pleading for him to give chase.

Continuing on towards the dining hall then, it was only just a short distance away as she made sure that Maribeth were still right behind her. Pressing her fingertips lightly against the ever-rigid oak of the doors. They gave way and swung wide for her and and Maribeth alike were revealed a splendor of food and flavor, with other students still continuing to filter in.

"Well, let's grab a seat before they're gone, right? Where would you like to sit? I can tell you all about London and my own home over dinner."

@Lady Hawk
@wolverbells

@McHaggis

As Samantha Wellington headed into Aveline Standiford’s room, she noticed Jamie was just leaving. She gave him a small wave, to which the boy nodded in response, but seemed a little spooked, and walked in. “Hey Aveline, I need to talk to you for a moment,” she said, sitting down on one of the stools in the Home Ec room. “It’s about one of your favorite students and one of my students.”

Aveline peered up over thin glasses, leafing through a ledger of some sort – probably for Home Economics supplies… ingredients and the like. “Which one of them’s done something this time, this early in the year?”

“Well your student is the one that just walked out, Jamie Drummond. He might have mentioned a small run in with Natali Valkyrie? If not, then I guess I might need to fill you in,” Sam said and sighed.

“No, no, it’s fine,” the Home Economics teacher said hurriedly, and a little nervously. “While he doesn’t follow the rules, I think being threatened with death was enough for him to show up at my door – and, of course… all that talk of powers...”

“Woah woah, death!? Natali said nothing of the ilk. She mentioned to me that she had felt something in her mind around him and had decided to ask him if he had powers as well. Apparently that didn’t go so well and he called her crazy and now she’s worried she’s been ostracized from the whole school. All on the first day,” Samantha said, a bit surprised. Natali was brash, sure, but she would never threaten death.

Aveline shifted from side to side in her own chair uncomfortably, tapping on her temple like some secret code. “‘In my country either makes you a bastard, or an soon to be dead man,’” she quoted. “That’s what she said. It’s no wonder he called her crazy – wouldn’t you agree? It’s a more pressing matter than the accidental leak of information of the supernatural.”

Samantha sighed. “I was not aware of this… I will talk to Natali tomorrow about it. I have warned her about that temper of hers… her own foster parents were trying to work her being less confrontational… I do apologize. I hope we can reach an accord with both of them and make amends. We don’t need any more problems this year,” she said, rubbing her own temples.

“Jamie handled it well, at least, as well as he could without breaking the rules too. He’s blameless in it.” Aveline was known for playing favourites, that was for sure.

“Aveline… we both know Jamie may bend and break the rules sometimes, but he is not all blameless in this. He did call her crazy and told her she was a Soviet, in the middle of the hall way. I don’t think Natali was lying about that part.”

“Call it ignorance, then. The facts don’t lie – she’s from the Ukraine, and he made an assumption – but need I remind you that Jamie could’ve started an all out panic in the school if he’d humoured her about her powers? Calling her crazy at least put a little doubt in her mind. He saved us a whole lot of bother.”

“I will give him that, however, as I said, she is now worried about the social repercussions of all this. She even asked to have lunch with me to avoid the other students. I am not saying that one or the other deserves all the blame. I am just wishing we can mend the gap and try to make this year peaceful. I have handed the power thing on my end, although lying feels terrible, but, she won’t question the other students again,” Sam said. She was trying to suppress her thoughts, but it was no secret among the faculty that Aveline’s ‘golden child’ was Jamie. No matter how much trouble he made with Ash Mareino, or how many rules he broke, he could do no wrong in the young teacher's mind. It was getting annoying on some ends.

Aveline sighs, arms crossing defensively as she rubs at her temple. She doesn’t even try to speak aloud. My honest opinion – without bias, now – is that asking… forcing Jamie to apologise to her will have him tell the whole school she’s a nutter. Right now, the only one who he has commented on it to is… Ash Mareino.

“I’m not trying to force an apology out of Jamie. As I said, I will speak with Natali, and get her to apologize first. She was wrong to make threats, and if Jamie wishes to accept it and move on, then hopefully peace will be made,” Sam said. “This doesn’t even have to be public. We can do it after classes are over tomorrow.”

“He will make it public, because he’s a teenager. The indignation of being dragged away from his friends to apologise to some girl he doesn’t even know – or care about–”

Samantha stopped Aveline. “I am only asking Natali to apologize at this point. Jamie just has to listen.”

“Right.” Well, that cut her off successfully. “Just make sure it’s sincere, if anything. Jamie can… er, tell.”

“I believe it will be. She just wants to fit in… but has a hard time. As I said, I will talk to her. Although I wish she had been upfront about making threats… I do apologize to you for that,” Samantha said and sighed.

“It’s not a problem…” Aveline sighed almost in tandem. “Just, um… if it still backfires, I did say. Okay?”

“Yes, you did. However, I just hope it can be swept under the rug, and quietly. Augh, things were so much easier when I was younger. Thank you for hearing me out. I will see you tomorrow then,” Samantha said, rubbing her temples. “I'll pull Natali aside during her second period class, since I'm busy during first and she's in swimming.”

“I'll talk to Jamie during first period. Though I’ll probably just do it during class when he’s too busy concentrating on cooking just to scare the pants off him.” Aveline smiled, albeit weakly.

“Woman after my own heart Aveline. Thanks for being understanding, and clearing it up more for me.”

“Yeah. See you around.” With that Samantha nodded and headed to go outside to her car. It was time to head home… she needed to rest after that.

Michael slowed the opening of the door at the last second, narrowly avoiding hitting him. He looked over the kid in front of him, taking the outfit in—he was in a goddamn bowtie. And of course he, a freshman, was taller than him. With his dark hair and eyes, he knew the girls had to fawn over this kid—he’d been forced to be a girl’s wingman enough to know.

For a single instant, Michael though of shoving past him simply because he was a freshman and he should be looking out for opening doors anyway. But every shred of decency he had reminded him he was only a year older than this kid, just as new to the school, and he might've been a bit careless with the door.

He grinned widely, “Sorry there, mate. I’m in the same boat you are—I’m a transfer. I wouldn’t mind having someone to explore the place with.”

“Eh, it’s alright. Since you’re a transfer, I guess we’ll both be seeing new things. Where do you come from?”

“I’m from…”

He trailed off as he looked elsewhere for a moment, eyes widening as he caught sight of her. Blast it, what is Ellie doing here? He hasn’t seen her in ages. And yeah, maybe she grew up well. Very well. But she’d been bloody annoying as a kid (her legs had been so damn long and he’d been little and had been off to do interesting things and wouldn’t slow down) and she’d read too much when he wanted to get away from his sisters.

Who the hell did she think she was, giving him that a come hither gesture as if he would listen. And that wink. The nerve of her!

What was worse that, yes, he wanted to see the theater but she was going into the dining hall and he just remembered he was hungry.

Michael jerked his head toward the stair and started walking. The freshman followed him as he heads down the stairs. “I’m from Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. How about you?”

And before that, he was from Britain but this kid didn’t need to know that.

The kid walked with him, but Michael was honestly not paying too close attention to him. "I live in Indiana too actually. Very very south. Almost Kentucky." He shrugged, "It's alright there. People are pretty narrow minded and kinda rude. But it's alright."

"Eh, small world." He moves easily past the moving bodies of other students as he subtly follows her. He doesn't hurry, taking in his surroundings. "I'm a bit hungry so I'm going to the dining hall first, I hope you don't mind there." Michael realizes he doesn’t know this kids name and says, "I'm Michael, by the way." He doesn’t wait for him to answer as he goes towards the smell of food.

When they reached the dining hall, he sat down, deliberately not facing her because she was ridiculous and he wanted to have a pleasant meal.

Maribeth - Very Fast Paced

Maribeth had been more than eager to follow Elizabeth down the hallway, listening intently in case she asked anything. She was going fast now, as if on a purpose. Or maybe it was because Maribeth was used to walking at her own, slow pace. Still, she kept up but kept her eyes on the walls and people, admiring everything and everyone. She had never been amongst so many people in her life!

"Uff." She should have kept her eyes forward though, as she nearly ran right into her roommate once more. "What are you...." Maribeth's eyes scanned the hall to see what Elizabeth was looking at. It seemed to be a boy about their age. She felt it rude to interrupt so the girl kept quiet. Or at least somewhat quiet. She hummed quietly until Elizabeth started moving again. 'She sure is funny.... Does everyone act like this?' Maribeth dared not ask the question out loud, afraid that she'd get on her roommates bad side.

When Elizabeth told her to pick some seats, Maribeth froze in place. "M....M...Me? Pick seats?" She wanted the ground to swallow her whole. There were people everywhere! Sitting in every table!

Maribeth looked around the room, her blue eyes wide. "Um......" Nervously, and a bit hesitantly, Mari took a few steps inside. Her hands were balled up as she dug her nails in her palms from the anxiety building up. "Right here." Her voice was quiet but she had finally found a table where she thought it would be alright to sit at. It was the table where the boy, that Elizabeth had spotted in the hallway, sat at. Surely they had been friends before, so what harm could be done by sitting there?

  Kiddo sat down next to Michael. in the dining area. “My name is Kiddo. Happy to meet you.” Kiddo forced another smile, trying to act normal. “I’m not very hungry so I won’t eat, but I will sit with you. If that’s alright of course.”

    Michael didn’t seem to object, he was just focused on the smell of food. Kiddo chuckled a little at how amused people can be over the smallest things. Kiddo then stood up and made his way to the nearest vending machine, buying another Big Red and then making his way back.

    A lot of people seemed to be coming into the room, ready to eat an evening meal. Kiddo rested his head on the table as the whispers began to creep back into his mind. So many people were in the room. It was hard for him to think straight. It was hard for him not to want to know what each person looked like under the skin. He wanted to know, but couldn’t let himself slip away into a state of insanity that would get him noticed. Kiddo slowed his breathing, made fists and began to dig his nails into his palms. He had to get the voices to leave.

Elizabeth Hawkins - The Knight and the Alchemist

Frightful apprehension is what her new roommate possessed, so frightful was it that it actually worried Elizabeth a fair amount. Keenly she watched, carefully noting details that were critical. Observantly considering how her fingernails dug into her palms out of the corner of her eye. In fact, it was not a harsh judgment nor was it even satirical, moreover it was concern. Truthfully, it was very worrisome. If this mere touch of social interaction held such amounts of horrific tension for the girl, she could only imagine the stresses that the bold curriculum that the school hosted would do in terms of detriment.

Yet still, she pointed out a seat for which they could partake in a meal.

The seat she chose made a light smile appear on the Alchemist's lips.

Such a choice noted the observation skills of the girl she was to be roomed with. She must've noticed the moment by which she had locked eyes with an old friend of hers. For now she might be meek in terms of nature, but she had good eyes, distinctly noticing important ones at that. This was something that she wouldn't forget. After all, it is in the tiniest details that one finds the most critical information.

"Alright, I think that would be a lovely seat to take. It's been a bit since I've ad' a chin wag with a childhood friend. Six years in fact." Elizabeth stated amicably, cracking a sagely yet mischievous grin. "Not sure if I'd be throwing a spanner in his works though; then again, I suppose there's only one way to sort it out." Plucking up her tray of food from the line, she held it tightly with both hands as she casually sauntered with all the grace she possessed to take a seat right in front of Michael.

Perhaps it was a touch arrogant of her to assume that she wasn't unwelcome, but she still kept that mischievous grin across her complexion all the same. Their eyes met, and she would of course to be the first to speak to him. "Don't mind me, would you Michael? I must say, it's been...how do Americans put it? A raccoon's age, right?"

Twisting her bottom lip to bite it pensively in thought for a moment, Elizabeth nodded as if to make such a foolish statement official. "Yes, that's the ticket! It's been a raccoon's age since I saw you last. Must say, I did miss you and our gallivanting about back at home. For one, I can't believe you managed to convince your tosser of a grandmother to let you freely come here."

He would know all too well who she meant in reference to his grandmother. There was only one person that she called a tosser, and that was Merlin herself. Much to the elder wizard's chagrin of course.

Blinking as Maribeth sat down beside her with her own bit of a meal, the Alchemist quickly realized precisely how desolately rude she had been.

"Oh! And forgive me for my impetuousness. Michael, this is Maribeth. Maribeth, this is Michael. This misfortunate girl has been assigned as my bunkmate of sorts, and perhaps even an unorthodox friend if she'd grant me the opportunity." Cracking a wry smile, as she hoped that she had made a good impression after having not seen him for so many years. Even then while her eyes didn't leave his, she had to admit that she was impressed. Her little knight, the boy who had followed her almost everywhere in her youth had turned into a charming looking young man. Give him another year, and she was sure that other girls would be flocking to him in droves.

Was that a tinge of jealousy in her heart at the concept? No, it couldn't be.

"Either way, no matter." She started again as there was still a touch of awkward silence. Folding her glasses neatly and tucking the arm into the depth of her collar where the buttons met, her freckle-covered collarbone could be seen just slightly then as she took a bite of food. Glancing up to her dear old friend for a moment. "Who's your friend, hm? He looks like he's about to go all sixes and sevens!"