It was a wonderful day.

The sun glowed cheerfully as it basked the citizens of Almaston in it’s warm radiant light. Perched comfortably at the apex of the bright blue canvas, wispy clouds streaked their way across the sky in certain parts, adding a hint of flavour to the otherwise perfect day. A gentle breezed had picked up not too long ago, flowing it’s way pleasantly through the air and bringing the temperature down to what many land-dwellers would consider the perfect level. The weather was just right. Warm, yet cool enough to remind everyone that summer was rapidly approaching its end.

The streets of the capitol bustled with activity as merchants and residents busily went about their daily lives. Amongst them were the faces of countless students, who were eager to make the last day of their summer break count for something. Whether they liked it or not, tomorrow would be the first day back at Hartiche academy after a generously long summer break, and human students from all across the social hierarchy would be making the journey to the castle like institution that sat only a street away from the lands’ royal palace. For the students residing in Almaston, tomorrow would be marked off as a fresh new start. While for others it would mark the end of a long arduous journey from some rural town or village way out in the middle of nowhere.

---

Meanwhile on the other side of town a bulbously round man proudly stretched his stubbly little arms out to either side of his wide frame, almost as if he were trying to give the crumbling building before him an invisible embrace. The man’s brown beady eyes twinkled with mirth and the mocha brown mustache situated beneath a fat pear-shaped nose raised itself upward slightly as Waldo Maria’Shante Du Blanche’s pudgy lips turned upward in delight.
“My pride, my joy, I entrust it all to you little kitten” a booming voice roared clearly as the man’s triple chin wobbled in protest.

The man’s presence was so great that it seemed as if the man had spoken to either himself or the building before him, but upon closer inspection a petite little maid with a pair of feline ears bemusedly stood by the man’s side, adorned in traditional maid attire, the youth’s features were femininely soft, yet somewhat boyish, making the catboy’s gender rather ambiguous, though none could be blamed if one were to assume them to be a female, even if it were solely due to the skirt.

“With all due respect your wobbliness, you may want to consider getting your pride and joy renovated, I’ve done what I can…. But I’d still prefer to live in a dog house” a monotonous voice replied calmly, it’s speaker clearly identified by the impatient flicker of a thin black tail that protruded from beneath the maid’s skirt.

“Nonsense my dear! A common hound couldn’t possibly dream of attaining an estate this grand. It may be…. A little outdated, but with time and effort I’m sure it’ll be as good as new. Home is what you make it, and with a bit of faith and a little pinch of imaginative creativity it’d be grander than the royal palace!” Waldo continued, completely unphased by the disrespectful tone of his servant who made no attempt to conceal the rolling of their golden eyes.

“Time and effort? Are you sure you don’t mean blood and tears? I don’t know about a palace, but maybe we could make it a religious altar of some sort if we sacrificed pigs dressed in neon green at a makeshift altar, I’m sure the feral folk you’ll be inviting here will appreciate something that’ll remind them of home.” Kuon quipped, striding away from their master in a seemingly moody huff. Waldo on the other hand blinked dumbly a few times before shaking his balding head and returning to admiring the exterior, launching into a lengthy commentary on how the fanciful patterns on the walls couldn’t be mimicked by even the finest of artists.

“I wonder if he realizes that he’s admiring cracks in a wall…” Kuon mumbled to themselves as they began circling the building, inspecting what should had been a week long attempt to make the premises liveable. Waldo had instructed to make the place spotlessly clean, but Kuon had successfully managed to convince Waldo that the cobwebs, and boarded up windows only added to the personalized allure of the shambled building. It’d been a blatant lie, concocted purely due to Kuon not wanting to waste hours of fruitless time clearing out the dust, and wasting funds on repairs. Though that wasn’t to say Kuon hadn’t done anything. The bedrooms while shabby were kind of liveable now, and the two whale-loads of unwanted trash wouldn’t be a hindrance in keeping the place tidy. It wasn’t paradise, but as far as Kuon was concerned it was more than adequate to house the rural animals that would soon be arriving to use the (formerly) Rotting Wheel Inn as a dormitory during their stay in the Capitol.

A small but definitive smile appeared on Kuon’s lips as they imagined how the soon-to-be residents would react when they find out their home away from home would be a spacious, but barren, and filthy old building. With any luck they’d refuse to live here and head home, effectively allowing Kuon to return to the luxurious mansion Waldo owned. The people there weren’t exactly pleasant either, but at least the place had running water, electricity too… this place? Well… the lake out the back wasn’t too hard on the eyes, but certainly didn’t substitute effectively for a proper bathing area, and the thought of having to light a candle each night certainly didn’t seem as convenient as flicking a magical circuit for instant lighting.

“Simplicity is everything! Don’t you agree my fair little meowling?” a voice boomed loudly, causing the feline maids tail to flicker irritably in response, not appreciating the disruption to their thoughts in the slightest. The new inhabitants of the Rotting Wheel Inn would be arriving any moment now, and Waldo insisted they be personally greeted, a gesture Kuon wholeheartedly had supported… though at the same time they also believed it’d be a shame for them to be a distraction as the great Waldo strutted his stuff. A humble servant like Kuon was better off in the shadows… of a leafy green tree situated on the far-side of the inn. What made it even better was that it was out of earshot, meaning no bumbling fat men to disturb their well earned resting time.

After all... today was such a wonderful day~

@Rakurai
----a week before arrival-----
Lapis rushes about the home gathering his various belongings like a tornado that picks up things instead of destroying it. As he goes, he places the items into a homemade hand cart. A cart that is elegant yet simple, with leather covering the handles for preventing splinters and a piece of wood dividing the cart into two.
After what felt like a full day, he places his bongo drum into the section containing jarred fruits, various vibrant clothes, a chest of his clothes, a smaller chest of his pots of khol and dyes, leathers, and a large tapestry. The other section contains an anvil, steel, a couldren, and tools for black smithing.
He finishes off by putting on a thick deep blue belt with a curved dagger sheathed on it.
He glances at his parents and smiles at them. Knowing their silence comes from mixed emotions. "I'll be okay, I'll write, and I'll do well" he hugs them before hefting up his cart and heading off, with no protest from the wheels on the cart.
The days after were reliably irritating, filled with males thinking he is female from behind since he walks like a female....then with irritation he would turn around to reveal that no he isn't a woman. His short shirts revealing his etched abs and that would get them to leave.

-----arrival-----
He pulls his cart with nothing less then sheer irritation from his experiences. His ears nearly pinned back and a glare that could kill...if he had that ability. However, this seems to vanish as he gets closer to his destination. His ears go straight up, the movement causing the earrings adorning said ears to glint. His speed slightly increases as well.
He glances at the place as he gets up to it...rather run down, but he could deal with it. It wasn't the best, but he didn't expect much from humans.
He stops as he notices an individual outside and he lightly lets go of his cart and walks forward, knowing full well his cart isn't going anywhere with how heavy it is.
"greetings, I am Lapis....I will be attending the human school" his voice isn't as deep as his father's, but it is definitly male. Along with that his voice has a velvety feel to it...as if he could speak smoothly to a woman and get her to do anything just with that voice.

The day was a beautiful one indeed, there was no way someone could take that away but deep within the woods that was on the far side of the of the inn, was a gray wolf who just couldn't be unhappier with how the sun shone over the woods. "Stupid, little, fucking sun, all your fault!" Ari found himself grumbling and mumbling to himself before glaring up in the direction of the sun. "I'll eat you one day!" The wolf exclaimed before the golden eyes found themselves wandering in the direction the rabbit had run off. It was a pregnant one to boot, and it was not every day the self claimed big bad wolf would stumble upon both a meal and desert. Flicking his nose with his thumb, and clicking his tongue, Ari found himself walking in the opposite direction his earlier pray had ran off to.

With long, almost hubris long strides, the wolf made his way further towards the outskirt of the woods, in the direction of the lake. If the wolf was lucky enough, the rabbit had hopped off to sedate their thirst on the somewhat hot summer day. To the 'big' bad wolf who resided in the the fair size woods, everything in the area was his. The tree's, the lake, even including the dilapidated human establishment. Though, perhaps what he seemed to enjoy the most of this place was the peace and quiet the place was, unlike the shabby little town. Though, Ari had his reasons for disliking the place, that perhaps he would reminiscence another time since it was besides the point. The wolfs tail fluffed out, as the ears flickered remembering the little cat that had stumbled into his ruined house! How dare the cat clean up the place and throw out the treasure he had gathered? Ari could still remember the day he had found the golden shiny wrapper, he still hadn't found what it had been used for, and now the cursed cat had ruined it all. All of it!

"Stupid cat..." Ari mumbled to himself, as he found himself remembering how the skirt trailed down the lithe thighs, and how the bright cold eyes stared forward, as the small framed cat 'girl' had so adorably done the tasks. Adorable? The wolf shook his head, the cat was far from cute! A soft hue of a rosy pink spread across the gray wolf's cheeks below his own golden orbs as he continued his way. Perhaps, if Ari was lucky enough, the cat was done with his place, and gone for good. Of course the wolf was not going to admit to not having have had the courage to confront the 'girl' who had been unwelcome into his home.

A loud growl snapped the wolf back into reality, as the ears perked and the eyes looked around alert, till the growl once more resurfaced, only making it painfully obvious to the gray haired wolf where it was coming from. Clutching his stomach with his hand, Ari felt his ears lower just ever so slightly, as he almost soothingly patted his gut. "Now, now... We will get something to eat soon."

The large capital was a assault of sights and sounds as a small figure fluttered through the streets. Pausing often to look down to consult the map and series of directions her brother had given her. Finally reaching the appropriate destination, her large white sunhat askew on long curls and her arms aching from pulling a large case, and carrying another. Clamped under one arm, a slim battered briefcase. One large wing, ranging in a deeper tan along the bone to a creamy off-white at the tips of the feathers, wrapped about to help balance the precious package. Giving a thankful sigh as she noted several people around a dilapidated building. Noting a cart, her head did a bird like turn and tilt. It was a odd contraption, slim fingers reached to examine before her brother's words sliced into her mind.

"Don't touch. Don't get curious, and pick up shiny things. That little 'must know' habit of yours could be very dangerous in a human city." Tytos had warned. "You aren't human, they won't treat you like people do here. They won't try to understand you. Keep to yourself, do as told, and whatever you do..."

"... do not sing from your heart." She sighed, mentally repeating her brother's harsh words. For all she held little hostility towards the humans, Tytos would never trust them. Humans never paid the full amount and profits were short. They couldn't even make some of the better instruments because of the required parts. Ivory for pianos, the aged wood for the basis. Special orders got those, or the show pieces after years of saving for the parts. She stroked the large case absently. While he had be loathe to part with the instrument he could not, nor would he, deny her taking the beloved violin and flute she adored so much. They were part of her inheritance and she had pointed out, that they had two show pieces of those. Her paternal grandparent's set from when they used to play in duo together.

Pulling the free wing close to her, Yennifer forced herself to continue on up to the group. One seemed to match her in height, as she drew closer it appeared to be a cat based Beast kin. The other was a large man, so large that the random thought if he could fit in a regular doorway entered her mind or if this is why all rich humans were said to have double doors to all their rooms. Squashing that thought she heaved at the large case, pulling it over a particularly stubborn pothole. A deep voice attracted her attention to the third seemed to be a mountain. Woman or man she didn't want to guess, it was just so tall! And red! Yennifer just stared, head slightly cocked. Her eyes just looking hopelessly upwards. The ears didn't help she decided. Perhaps she should have brought a ladder, everything was so very tall in a human city. Edging about she stood quietly off to the side, looking sideways out of the corner of her eyes and between wind-blow strands of reddish hair at the giant.

How did he get so tall?! For a rabbit even! She just was simply bewildered. Hopefully the rest were not so tall...

---

---

"Sweets, you know you could always stay..." her fathers voice drifted off at the end before he shook his head. "No no, that won't do." he put a smile on his face as he caressed his daughters face and sighed. "I just hope you don't happen upon something horrible... I would hate for you to get bullied or worse, simply isolated." his eyes wavered as he frowned. Leda smiled gently, taking his hand. "Father. You know I've never gone through bullying", she lied with no sign of it. "You worry too much. And besides, i'm sure they're all kind." she continued as she turned her head when she heard her mother burst in.

"Leda!! My goodness! My own daughter... Going to live side by side with... humans! I can only hope that they aren't like the ones I have to deal with." she said, her expression frustrated at the mention of the people she fought. "Haha, you guys, it will be just fine! It'll be a wonderful learning experience for me and if anything bad happens, i'll come straight back home." she once again lied. Leda had no intention of coming back. She was going to become a doctor and that didn't include giving up on school.

Leda had a bag that contained her clothes and the such. She was a light packer so she didn't think she needed much. Just before she left, she hugged her parents tightly as tears formed in their eyes. She was leaving her beautiful home and her wonderful parents but it would all be worth it in the end. "A goodbye is never hard to say unless you're never going to say hello again. And that isn't the case." she said. Leda had always been a bit more emotionally stronger than them but it was fine. Having such lovely parents who always felt so much for things was wonderful. Much different than her habit of letting things slide at times and not putting her own input into things. She was going to become someone that made them proud.

---

Arriving at the school, Leda stared at the building in amazement. "How historical! How spectacular! Different from my home. Very different." she thought with optimism. The place in her eyes had no flaws. A wonderful building that had been there for a while and was beginning to show its age. It was wonderful when you could look back at a place and simply by the cracks, see that it had been through a lot and many people had waltzed in and out of it.

Leda didn't smile. She was smiling on the inside but her exterior was serious. Standing tall and determined. "I simply cannot wait for everything to begin! I step in with butterflies in my stomach, a nervous feeling. A feeling that lets me know i'm doing something right."

She noticed that a few other beastkin had arrived. One of which made her stare in awe at their flaming red hair. A jackrabbit, how wonderful! Next, she turned to see a beautiful nightengale. She was shorter than Leda by a bit. Her 5'4 in height was taller than her perhaps 5'1. She was simply stunning. One more was there. A cat. Adorable to Leda as her happiness grew. All of these beastkins. All of these new things to admire and learn about. "Just like my storybooks! Just like the animal encyclopedia's that I read! They are all a wonderful sight to come upon." she thought to herself. Leda still had on a serious look, still standing tall as if she was looking down on people as she surveyed them all. She had no idea how to start a conversation with them. No idea whatsoever. But that didn't matter right now. All that mattered was that she was there and she was happy to be there. Ecstatic even!

"It's a new day. I must be open enough to see opportunities. Wise enough to be grateful. And courageous enough to be happy." she said to herself in her thoughts. Her father was always the one that told her these things and she always tried her best to follow as he says. I just hope that everyone, including myself has a wonderful day.

Ozzy Walked through downtown Almaston his large suitcase dragging beside him on his right side as he pulled it along. The wheels of the mobile suitcase were more than noisy causing as much noise as possible as Ozzy walked. Oddly that wasn't the most attention grabbing thing about Ozzy. It wasn't even his small ears or puffy tail that was open for the world to see on his back side. It was the large possibly 3 feet tall white bear that was cupped under his left arm. The best part is the white bears name is Barnaby and was his gift from his parents before he left home. The circus act walked along the streets getting pretty far without running into trouble. It was probably because of how proper he was dressed.

Anyways that didn't bother Ozzy. As long as he didn't have to deal with any human shenanigans he was just fine. It wasn't long before his thoughts were proven wrong when a faint feminine scream came from an alley a few yards ahead of him. Ozzy a 6'7" bear of course nonchalantly walked in the direction of the scream to investigate. When he reached the the scene two men obviously shorter than Ozzy was beating on a helpless woman. From the looks of it she couldn't be in her twenties. He sat Barnaby on his suitcase and approached one of the men who was aiming to take another shot at the woman's face. The two unaware of their surroundings barely noticed the shodaw that slowly casted over then from behind.

Ozzy grabbed one of their arms which quickly caught their attention. "I believe you shouldn't be doings that to the lady." He spoke his Russian like accent and soft tone causing a chuckle to uproar from the men. The brief laughs were quickly ended when Ozzy's grip on the mans arm tightened. He instantly started to plead for Ozzy to let him loose but he simple replied with. "Apologizing to the lady would be nicer." There was an awkward silence that was interrupted by a another plead from the man. This time he quickly apologize to the young woman and was let go. His partner confused on the situation turned and ran avoiding the penalty his friend faced with Ozzy.

After they both had left the scene Ozzy walked to the young woman. She was beaten pretty badly but only a black eye and some heavy bruises luckily she wasn't bleeding. "Are you the okays?" Ozzy asked reaching his hand out but to his surprise was smacked away. The young woman stood shaking and squeezed out a simple word as she limped away. "M..Monster~..." All Ozzy could do was stare in her direction before returning to his stuff. "Humans are the weirds Barnaby." Ozzy spoke to his teddy bear as he returned to his route to the inn. It took him awhile but he reached the old raggedy inn but it was all worth it. Once he stepped foot on the property a large smile became visible on his face.

His start at becoming a veterinarian started at this, in Ozzy's eyes, breath taking scene. As he closed the distance between himself and the inn he started to notice the people around it. Other beastkins and a man that looked very close to the description of Santa Clause his human parents used to tell him about. He happily spoke wants he was in what he believed to be speaking distance. "The greetings! I believe this is the inn, no!? For the students that will be attending the schools?!" Ozzy just hoped he fitted in and didn't cause to many problems. He already noticed that a lot of the other species didn't stand as tall as him, but height didn't matter he couldn't wait to make friends, get the knowledge he came for and take unpredictable naps.

The loud growls from the wolfs stomach continued to become painfully obvious, even to the small critters around the woods who had taken up on scattering in all directions when the gray haired youth passed by. With a loud, and an audible sigh, Ari ruffled his hair a bit as the golden orbs looked around once his feet came to a stop. Patting his stomach, the wolf almost soothingly hummed, as he tried to think back to the last proper meal he had indulged himself in, as he remembered the cats lunch from a few days prior. Perhaps Ari should have played it a bit more smart and saved some of it, but after the hard earned work of sneaking off with the meal without the other knowledge, he just couldn't help himself but to gulp it down in almost one go. The thought of the meal got the wolf to salivate, it wasn't often he had actually gotten made food that was still pretty fresh. The last time he had stirred up some teens on a picnic, they freaked out to the extent that sent the food flying everywhere. Despite the taste of dirt, it hadn't tasted all that bad. And of course, stealing the cats lunch was actually one of the petty ways the wolf had tried to scare the other away from his house. His woods, his lake, and his dilapidated human establishment!

Kicking a rock, the golden orbs watched as the peddle skipped off across the grass, as the youth tried his best to bring his thought out of his daydream of food, picking up on the long strides once again. Though, perhaps the wolfs timing couldn't have been better, as a little white cotton tail came into view just briefly, before darting off into the bushes. Mentally cursing himself for kicking that rock before actually looking around himself, Ari lowered himself down to all four and picked up his pace.

Ari rose himself up to his toes, as his fingertips dug into the dirt and grime with each and every step, as the growls from his stomach almost instantly came to a stop or were forgotten. Now the predatory golden orbs had only one goal in mind; the white rabbit. The swift movements, as well as the speed only showed the wolf had perhaps spent his entire life in the woods; resulting in the boy being more of a predator then human.

The chase got the wolfs heart to race, as well as his blood to rush through him, resulting in the wolf grinning and baring his fangs. The thought of sinking his teeth into the white fluffed flesh almost got his stomach to cry out for the meat to meet his lips. The golden orbs tried their best to follow the movement of the white fluff ball that had jumped off just moments ago, but it was almost like the rabbit was toying with him. Taunting him forward, as each time the golden orbs met with the cotton tail, it disappeared once more into the distance. Though perhaps Ari had been right, the rabbit perhaps was heading off to the lake to sedate it's thirst due to them gradually closing in on the clear and cool blue. Then again, the rabbit could also just be running for it´s life.

Several long minutes passed as Waldo loudly continued to praise and admire his new establishment. While the estate wouldn’t do much in filling his pockets, primarily due to the almost negligible amount of rent Waldo was charging, the thought of owning his own little doghouse away from home was a thrilling one, and he frankly couldn’t wait to acquire his first wild beastkin… err tenant.

Growing impatient as the seconds ticked by, he was startlingly surprised when he turned his head to lock eyes with the amber orbs of what looked like man with freakishly long furred ears. The shape of the Jackrabbit’s pupils though indicated quite clearly though that the youth wasn’t some escapee from a circus, but one of the many beastkin Waldo had waited countless nights to meet.

“Oh… Ohhhhh~” Waldo exclaimed, his entire body shaking with excitement as he flung his arms out to either side and swiftly waddled his way towards Lapis, acting like a needlessly mirthful uncle meeting his nephew for the first time since birth. “You’re finally here!” he shouted, and although his voice was almost threatening, the childishly wide green splitting his face from ear to ear couldn’t have been mistaken for someone with the intent to harm.

Fortunately for Lapis though, Waldo’s attention was quickly diverted as he noticed a much smaller figure hidden behind the shadow of the Jackrabbit. Unfortunately the fortune that graced the rabbit wouldn’t extend to the Nightingale girl, and if human beings could pop with excitement, Waldo would have turned into a bright neon green balloon at the very moment.
Hurriedly brushing aside Lapis, and nearly knocking him over in the process, Waldo swiftly closed in on Yennifer like an enraged hippopotamus ready to swallow its prey whole.

Had Waldo considered any of them to be his equal he would have acted… more like a gentleman, but they were lowly beastkin, and until they graduated they were figuratively part of his collection. “No, no, no, that won’t do at all my fair little dove” Waldo stated, stopping so close to Yennifer that a step further would have knocked Yennifer over with his bulging belly. “A precious little damsel such as yourself shan’t carry such enormous bags while the Great Waldo draws breath!”

With terrifying strength and vigor he abruptly snatched the large case Yennifer had been holding preciously from her grasp and hurled it in Lapis’s general direction. Uncaring of the content as Yennifer was the treasure Waldo had truly been looking forward to. Not even the case being pulled along was spared as that too was violently flung aside, though this time it was Kuon who had silently appeared out of nowhere to prevent the case from being hurled onto the ground.

“You, fine lady remind me of delicate little daffodils swaying gently in the breeze on an open plain. So very beautiful, but also so very fragile. I’m sure you’ve experienced much hardship in getting here, allow me to-“ Waldo started only to cut himself off as another winged ‘angel’ came unto the scene.

“Ah forgive my hastiness, I hadn’t noticed you’re fair sister had travelled with you! Fear not my little sunflower for today truly is a marvelously wonderful day” Waldo boomed, his face flushed red not with embarrassment, but purely ecstatic happiness. “Where are my manners though? Pardon me fine queen’s, I…” he paused allowing the spotlight of the moment to center in on himself before elaborately continuing “Am the Great Waldo Maria’Shante du Blanche, your humble little benefactor for the upcoming year” he boasted, grinning pridefully as he figured that fact that his name alone would be enough to make them all grovel in his brilliance. And if not. the charitable act of offering them a place to stay surely would.

---

Kuon sighed loudly, as he caught Yennifer’s case, and carefully placed it off to the side where Waldo couldn’t possibly knock it over. The feline youth apologetically nodded their head towards Yennifer, though whether the white-winged girl could see them or not was doubtful. After all, it wasn’t every day beastkin had to endure the threat of a round green whale shoved in their faces.

A decent attendant probably would have tried to attempt damage control… but anyone who’d worked with Waldo for even an hour quickly would realize how futile such an attempt would be. Furthermore Kuon didn’t have the patience, nor care to interrupt the bulbous one’s childishly arrogant antics.

Allowing they’re slightly narrowed eyes to gaze over the group that had quickly assembled, Kuon’s golden orbs were immediately drawn; not by the flaming red hair, nor the two winged girls who Waldo might as well have been sexually harassing. It wasn’t even the mountainous monstrosity that towered over Lapis that made Kuon silently scoot over with curiousity… though admittedly the latter was the one Kuon approached.

“This is the animal farm you’ll be staying at, yes… though… will he be staying with us as well?” Kuon asked monotonously, they’re expression giving away neither excitement nor disapproval, as they gazed calmly up at Ozzy to indicate they were being spoken to. The question might have seemed puzzling to any other, but even if Ozzy himself was baffled by the question, the constant flicker of Kuon’s eyes towards the stuffed white animal Ozzy had brought with him hopefully explained things clearly enough for the other.

It was too damn hot! Torao's tail swished idly in annoyance as he wiped at the sweat beading his brow. From colder lands far to the north, the white tiger beastkin had been cursing the weather for the last few days - ever since he left the forest, in fact. At least there the trees had provided him with some shelter; out here the sun could beam down on him with all its unwanted heat and light. He'd long ago stripped off his heavy jacket and if not for the absurd human ideas of 'decency' he would have stripped off his shirt too.

He paused at the gates of the city, checking the map he'd been given - and also, although he'd never admit it to himself, using the moment to steady his nerves. He scanned the map again before returning it to his pack, and checking everything he'd brought with him: his pack, containing all the belongings he'd need at the Academy (spare clothing, books and writing tools), the long dagger in its beaded sheath at his belt and the spear he carried, the sharp head covered now in waterproof oilskin tied tight around it as proof of his peaceful intentions. Outdated the weapon may well have been, but all of Torao's ancestors had been trained in the use of the weapon and it was a strict tradition - one of his family would as soon as cut off their own tail as forego to learn the spear.

His finger flexed nervously around the shaft of the weapon as he remembered his father's parting words with his hands resting heavily on his younger son's shoulders: You are the son of warriors and leaders. Make us proud, my son. Never forget you are tigerkin. A thin smile tugged at his lips; his elder brother's last words as he'd awkwardly embraced his younger sibling had been shorter and more to the point, hissed furiously in his ear: For pity's sake, don't fuck up.

He took a deep breath. Okay. Son of warriors. I can do this. Anyway, he would get to see the human city, and the capital at that! Settling his spear on his shoulder, he walked in through the wide gate.

Within moments Torao was feeling overwhelmed - he'd never imagined a city could be so big! Full of noise and colour and a variety of different smells. His nose wrinkled a little - not all of them were pleasant, either. He found himself staring at the people rushing around, all seemingly intent on going somewhere. So many humans! He drew a few curious stares himself - he supposed it was rare to see one of his kind so far from their own lands.

The noisy clattering of wheels on cobbles caused him to turn and see the biggest beastkin he'd ever clapped eyes on ambling down the street to the side and stopping in front of the inn he'd been told would be his home while he was studying (Ozzy). The larger beastkin was asking if this was the inn they'd be staying at.

Torao strode up quietly behind the larger new arrival, stepping to one side to get a glimpse of his fellow students. As well as the massive bear and a cart full of... stuff, there was a small redheaded bird girl, another, very pale bird girl and...that is the biggest freaking rabbit I've ever seen! Only the lessons in the correct way for a warrior to behave kept Torao from goggling open-mouthed or laughing out loud in disbelief at the sight of a red rabbit, taller than he was by several inches, dressed like a particularly colourful pirate, complete with earrings.

His lips quirked very slightly in a smile, although the tip of his tail twitched with nervousness. Okay - I think this is going to be interesting, if nothing else.

The sudden approach of the jiggling grinning man somehow did not phase Lapis, though his ears swirled to show dislike. That and that he is listening to the approach of the others. Two birds...and a Bear. He had a feeling he would get along with the bear, being that bears were the kindest beast kin he's run into. Tending to be willing to trade honey for his jarred fruits and willing to lend a helping hand when needed and defend when necessary. His thoughts were interrupted by a flying case, of which he managed to catch. He lightly puts it with the other case and went to his cart to move it closer.

There is a perfect tree to chain his cart to, so he does so. A large chain goes through both front wheels, loops around the tree, and gets locked with a large iron padlock. The key goes into a secret pocket in his boot. He re approaches the group and studies them, knowing full well that not every beast kin was friendly....and most humans had a different agenda. Like the man housing them. He seemed friendly enough, but why...he could just be friendly, but time would tell soon enough.

He puts a fist over his heart and bows his head, giving respect to the man. "I thank you for housing me Mr.Blanche" Respect given for housing....since that is a rather nice thing to do for someone in need. That and usually respect goes a long way with others...sometimes humans. His ears flick and his nose twitches as he realizes a predator approached. His focus going straight to the tiger, a slight two finger salute of greeting went the tiger's way.

If Ari didn't know any better, he could have sworn that the rabbit was toying with him. Had the stupid little rodent turned this chase into some sort of a game? Surely, the little ball of fluff wasn't brave enough to do so, if anything the dumb animal should have just accepted it's fate and succumbed to gracefully accepting it's role in life as the wolf's breakfast. It was actually quite the honor of one was to think about it, being eaten by the self proclaimed 'big' bad wolf, the owner of everything in the area.

"Stupid... Little..." Ari muttered low to himself between his breaths as he weaved his way between the tree's, "stop running!" Though, as the little ball of white fluff made its way to the clearing by the lake, the wolf slowed himself down; this time he was going to catch the stupid thing, this time his meal was not going to slip between his fingers. Lowering himself behind the tall strands of grass, the golden orbs as the rabbit hopped forward, not taking notice of how the lake began to bubble. No, he had something far too important occupying his mind.

Then, as the wolf dove himself forward, a frail figure stepped out of the water, and by the looks of it was demanding the rabbit to halt. "That's mine!" The gray haired wolf growled ferociously as the golden eyes showed a dangerous predator shine, as each long stride he took became longer, till the final one got him to pounce. Though, of course, to the canine eared youth's luck, he had miscalculated his jump, just ever so slightly, landing on the ground just inches from the rabbit who had eventually come to a stop. The white little cottontail shivered just ever so slightly, as the head turned to look over it's shoulder, before looking up at the girl, almost thankfully as it dove to the side and into the nearest bush.

That was the last straw.

Raising himself up, Ari felt himself absolutely fuming with rage. Not only had the rabbit gotten away from him once today, but twice! All thanks to some blue blob girl. The golden orbs glared at the girl, as the fangs caught a ray of the sun.

"That was Breakfast!" Ari growled as he took a step forward, dusting off the dirt from his shoulder. "First the cat, and now you? What are you doing here? This is my place. Leave, or I..." The wolf paused, sizing the girl, who seemed to be just a tad shorter then himself. "Or I will eat you instead of the rabbit." The wolf exclaimed, as another step forward was taken.

When the human had shoved the poor rabbit and her current shield from his way and advanced upon her. Yennifer thought herself ready to learn to fly from the terror that shook her. Never had anyone come so close and so quickly! Her feathers quickly puffed up as her wings were left partly open in shock as he tossed her precious instrument case behind him with ne'er a care. Thankfully the cat had caught it. Giving the fellow beastkin a small smile of thanks. Perhaps it would have been best to leave the precious items at home, rather than the dilapidated inn! Her clothes had been hurled at the rabbit. Clutching the briefcase tightly she knew if the man ripped this from her hand, she was going with it. A stray thought crossed her mind if he perhaps had whale and bull in his blood...

Thankfully a gracious swan had attracted his attention. Looking rather like a disheveled feather duster, Yennifer blinked with wide eyes. Perhaps her brother was right. Humans were best stayed away from. Sensing more Beastkin approaching, she longed to see what and who they were. But she was loath to turn her back on the man that was waxing praises and pet names on herself and the swankin. Forcing her feathers to settle she bobbed her head as he bowed. "I, thank thee for thy hospitality." Best to be formal and polite. Then again, this was one human she would strive to avoid! He was so overly loud and obnoxious, though she would never say that. Oh, she couldn't wait until he left- hopefully he would leave!- and she could check her lovely instruments. That would soothe her nerves beautifully.

A tall figure exited a rather ramshackle home, the door hanging oddly on its hinges, the windows broken and closed with what looked like recently added boards. The figure was an obviously feminine form, though one with a readily apparent rough edge to her earned from a hard life. She wore a light brown hide coat, a tawny speckled tail emerging from underneath adjusting in response to each step, with a matching pair of constantly shifting ears atop her head. Under the jacket she wore a simple black tank top, and a pair of loose fitting pants and brown boots finished the ensemble.

Tenne sighed as she left her house, carrying a small tote of her few belongings, groaning as she saw the sun already inching through the sky. She should have been gone hours ago, but of course her father hadn’t made anything for the twins to eat that morning. As such she'd been stuck making breakfast one last time, which included corralling them to the table. Though it was a bit easier due to the pair still sporting bruises from when their home had been attacked.

The memory evoked a growl from the back of Tenne's throat, her round speckled ears pressing against her head as she remembered that night. However, she'd more than dealt with the problem, having made sure the perpetrators wouldn't be doing much of anything for some time. Still, it had become obvious that she'd be unable to continue her current line of work and so now she was off to join some uppity human school, some sort of charity the old king hoped would make them forget about the past few hundred years.

She wove through the back alleys, using the paths she'd learned over the years to avoid the guards. A frown crossed her face as her ears perked to attention, the sound of a few bodies up ahead doing their best trying to remain hidden, and with a silent sigh she continued on her path, already knowing the script of the play.

Sure enough as she rounded the corner, ears perked and eyes wide, three humans surrounded her, the tell-tale click of knives coming out making their intentions clear. Tenne rolled her eyes at the display, seeing most of the boys hardly out puff their tween years, the way they held their knives showing they had little to no knowledge about attacking a person.

'But then again, you're not technically a person are you Spots,' came a wicked voice in her head.

Her ears once more pressed back as the thought disappeared as quickly as out had come. She was suddenly brought back to the present as the apparent leader of these children stepped forward, casually brandishing the knife. "Morning to ya miss, 'fraid there's a toll through this alley way, on account o' us keepin' it safe like," he said, circling her as he did.

"Normally da toll naught but 2 silver, but I think we can change things up, " he continued, a weasley smile creeping on to his face as he looked to her prominently displayed ears "For you, I'd say the fee is 6 silver, after all, there's a tax on animals," he finished with a wicked laugh, followed closely by the other two.

Tenne rolled her eyes as they finished they're little tirade, dropping her bag to the ground, rubbing her shoulder a moment before seeming to close the small gap between them in a moment, her forearm against his throat and pinning him to a building wall, a look of calm being slightly ruined by the wide eyes staring rather intently at the boy, "Well, this is rather cute and all, " she said, her words rather odd and measured, "But I'm already late and really don't have time to be fucking around on amateur hour, now tell your boys to drop the knives," Tenne giving a large grin, her large canines on prominent display, "and we can all have a lovely day. "

Silence reigned over the alley for what seemed like hours, before a hint of steel entered the young boys eyes, "Gut tha bitch," before wiggling out of her grip, readying his own knife.

Tenne took on a wide grin as the boys came at her, ' At least they have balls'

------------------------------------------

Tenne was breathing hard now as she wiped a shallow cut on her forehead, the boys having put up more of a fight than she had expected, but still nothing she couldn't handle. She grabbed her bag from where she had dropped it, heading out of the alley when her ears pricked , a groan behind her gaining her interest. She fought the urge to turn around but lost the battle, and turned to see one of the boys apparently bleeding out with his own knife sticking out of him, though she couldn't remember using it on him. Though to be fair that wasn't too surprising.

She momentarily considered just leaving him there, but that nagging voice in her head wouldn't leave her alone, groaning as she turned back to them, seeing the other two starting to recover, "Take the lil shit down to the east alley by the market, there's a discrete doctor there, tell him it's from Spots," grimacing at the name, before leaving the alley way behind, not bothering to see if they were taking her advice.

Upon leaving, she spotted the home the beastkin students were supposed to stay in. She groaned as she saw the crowd that was gathering, having hoped to get her stuff in before everyone else arrived and grow used to her setting.

Luckily there seemed to be some kind of commotion involving a...man? Yes definitely a human, he had that arrogant air one gets when they think they can own anything. She wiped the cut on her eyebrow again as the blood got in her eye, trying to sneak in hopefully on the chaos.

The enormously large human in a painfully garish green tunic that sudden waddled out, throwing things about and speaking far too loudly, was a bit of a shock and Torao stared at him for a moment. I had no idea humans could get so big! He thought. He was slightly alarmed when the human advancd on the smaller of the two bird-girls - she looked so delicate he was alarmed that the human would accidentally crush her. The human's name caused his ears to tilt slightly. Waldo Maria'Shante du Blanche. This was the human who had agreed to lease out the inn to the beastkin who had been chosen to study for the year. I hope he's not staying with us, he thought. He looked at the inn. I'm not sure the floor would be able to withstand the weight.

He glanced at the other beastkin, to see their reaction to this gross human. He caught the rabbit's eye and was slightly taken aback when he flicked an offensive gesture the tigerkin's way. Affronted, he managed to supress his immediate response - screw you too, long ears! - although his tail lashed furiously. Did the rabbit think because he was so damn tall he could insult predators with impunity? Torao remembered a favourite saying of his grandfather's about large prey animals: the bigger they are, the more there is to eat.

Not that he would try eating a fellow student - after all, that wouldn't impress people, and there was no way he would give humans more so-called proof about the barbarity of the beastkin. He made a graceful formal bow to the human, hand touching forehead, lips and heart as he bowed from the waist. "Master Blanche; I thank you for your hospitality." He spoke politely and formally, with a very slight accent.

@Rakurai

Ozzy's attention quickly focused on the large man that spoke a bit oddly especially to the women. He was not fully sure about how he liked this human. He seemed to be more of a dictator than a supervisor. To make his first impression even more not so enjoyable was the circle man's name. It was far to long and confusing for Ozzy to remember or speak. There was a good chance that he was gonna forget or say his name wrong each and every time it pops up in a conversation. Ozzy noticed the small feline approach him. The feline's appearance by their self made Ozzy grin. They were small and cute just like Barnaby. Speaking of Barnaby after the feline confirmed Ozzy's question they questioned him about the living situation on Barnaby and Ozzy simple replied with. "The thanking you and yes Barnaby will be staying here with me." Ozzy gribed largy and put Barnaby down on top of his suitcase. "I am the sorries but I can't help myself!" He shouted reaching out and giving Koun a bear hug and then letting them go. Ozzy even patted the felines head after a few brief seconds of hugging them. "I've never seen such small cute animal before." He stated smiling big and picking his suitcase and Barnaby back up. "I do hope we will be getting in the soons."

The faint smile that formed on Kuon’s lips were barely noticeable, but if one were to pay enough attention they’d notice an unmistakable change in the felines features. The bored narrowed eyes opening ever so slightly, and the empty stone-like expression softening to accommodate a touch of engaged interest that seldom came to the surface. “Good” were the only words that left the feline’s lips as Ozzy confirmed that Barnaby wasn’t here just to see the larger bearskin off.

Though that quickly changed when the golden orbs noticed Ozzy staring down at him with keen interest. A look of alarmed disapproval immediately blanketing the feline’s features as they shook their head furiously in denial.
“Not that I care or anything… I just thought it’d be a pain if you couldn’t sleep at night… or something” Kuon blurted, although his tone of voice hadn’t changed all that much, the way in which the words clashed together indicated a slight, but definitive moment of chaotic confusion within the cat’s mind.

While Kuon was accustomed to much larger men looming over him… thanks to a certain Waldo. the feline couldn’t have possibly expected another creature within the realms of the living to act in a selfish fashion much akin to that of Waldo. The booming apology, coupled with the abrupt grabbing knocked Kuon into a state of startled confusion, before the feline immediately began to struggle against the vice-like restraints wrapped around them.

Kicking and flailing and best they could, Kuon even attempted to yell at the bearskin in protest, but the sound was completely muffled against the others form. And despite the ferocious expression of disapproval, Ozzy didn’t see fit to put the feline down until they themselves had enough of physically assaulting the furious cat.
“Good, cause it’s the last thing you’ll see before I claw your eyes out” Kuon grumbled, almost inaudibly as he swiftly scooted out of the bearkin’s reach range. The supposedly cute ears pressing flat against the ebon dark hair, while the frizzled dark tail bristled unhappily in an upright position. As loathe as Kuon was to admit it, they’d been after a bear hug… though for starters the wrong bear was involved, and in Kuon’s mind the feline had been the one administering the embrace.

---

A ridiculously wide grin also formed upon Waldo’s lips as the cast of characters around him began bathing him with gratitude and praise. It had barely been a few minutes and he could already sense how humbled they were by his regal presence. Just one look in their eyes and he could tell the men and women alike admired him for his wealth, power, and of course good looks.

“Nonsense, nonsense my dear little friends” Waldo shook his head dismissively, the curved layers of skin beneath his chin wobbling furiously as he did so.
“And what place does such formalities have between friendship like ours? Please dear children, call me Waldo” he insisted, clapping his hands loudly together suddenly to divert the attention of the remainder to himself. Anyone with a keen eye though would have noticed the delighted twitch of ecstasy in the moose brown moustache, when Ozzy referred to him as “Master.”

“I do believe we are a few short, but I shan’t keep you beautiful creatures waiting any longer… Kitten!”

---

It was almost as if Kuon had disappeared and then reappeared several feet away within the span of a split second. They’re sudden appearance by Waldo’s side seeming almost magical, one would almost be forced to consider the possibility that there were two Kuon’s… though the hostile glare of disapproval shot in Ozzy’s general direction indicated there was none other.

“Pleased to be of acquaintance” Kuon started, bowing their heads respectfully at the group, as they lifted either side of their maid-skirt in a polite curtsey. “My name is Kuon and I have humbly been tasked with the role of making your stay here as pleasantly comfortable as possible.”

Taking a quick breath, there was a hint of practiced ingenuity in the feline’s voice, but the tone wasn’t disrespectful enough for others to immediately pinpoint that the feline didn’t mean a single word they were spouting.
“The Rotting Wheel Inn as you may have noticed consists of two floors. The first floor consists of a leisurely lobby area, dining and kitchen… When you enter the building you’ll noticed a flight of stairs taking you up to the second floor. There are four… ensuite rooms here at the Rotting Wheel, and my benevolent whale of an overlord… ahem, has allocated you all with a room and a roommate.”

“As you climb the staircase;
The first room shall be shared between Sir Lapis, and Lady Yennifer…” Kuon paused, glancing at the two mentioned individuals in turn as Kuon had already looked over photo-attached application papers, memorizing the names and details of each resident had been the first task they’d busied themselves with.

“Room two shall be shared between Sir Torao, and her Highness Nixie… who appears to be running late.” Kuon added, not even giving the first pair a chance to argue being arranged into mixed gender rooms.

“Room three shall be shared between Sir Barnaby, Lady Tenne…. and Sir Ozzy… I suppose” Kuon continued, the façade of politeness cracking completely for a moment as golden eyes glanced over at the bearskin with evident distaste.

“The final room shall be shared between Lady Leda and… another who has yet to arrive…. If there are any pieces of luggage you would like me to take up to your room, please leave them in the lobby, and I shall take them up within the hour. I sincerely hope you all enjoy your stay here at the Rotting Wheel, and look forward to serving you will patient diligence… as I’m sure I’ll be needing it.” The last part was whispered, but stated loud enough for all to hear.

Filthy? Ari felt his eye twitch along with his brow. Just who was this mad woman? The wolf was actually rather proud of how well he kept and clean he kept himself, and a little mud never hurt anyone. Though, as the little jellyfish continued to speak, the canine eared youth actually had trouble keeping himself from diving at the girl when she went on about how he'd do as a servant. Just who did she think she was speaking to?!? Feeling his fingers twitch, and the corner of his lips turn to a rather mad smile as the predator gleam returned to the golden orbs.

It was clear that the boy acted more on animal instinct over anything else, and his actions and posture clearly showed that he really did spend a lot of his time in the woods; alone.

"As you can see," the wolf spoke, folding his arms to his chest as he cocked his head to the side. "Breakfast has already hopped off, so it does not seem like he will be waiting." Taking yet another step forward, closing in the already close distance, the wolf once again eyed the girl up and down, allowing the tip of his tongue to slip from between his lips. "You on the other hand, look almost good enough to eat. Though, the more you talk the less appealing it is to eat you."

Tapping his lips with his index finger, clearly thinking things over, the wolfboy reached out to take a good hold of the smaller wrist. "I'll guide you to the road, but call me a servant again and I truly will eat you." The wolf growled as he tried to lead the girl towards the large filthy house. "Then again, I do wonder how long it would take someone to notice a blabbermouth going missing?" The wolf teasingly hummed. He'd drop the stupid girl off, and be on his way. Just where could that stupid rabbit have run off to?

Lapis tilts his head as the tiger flicks his tail and looks annoyed. Clearly he did something wrong...though what exactly it was he has no idea. Is it just the whole predator thing or just the tiger not liking him? Well, hopefully he can clear up whatever misunderstanding just happened. Either that or continually worry about being attacked.

He watches as the bear hugs the much smaller feline and can't help but smile. Definitely a friendly bear. His focus goes back to the large human and the feline as the talk. It seemed like there isn't a huge amount of space on the inside, so he would have to get creative. He can deal with that, he would just have to situate things in such a manner as to save space. Possibly even leave some of the heavier things outside.

Everything seemed doable until the roommates are announced. He is roomed with a female...his ears drop. Co gender rooms? why?? He looks down at the smaller bird whom he is guessing is yennifer and shrugs. His brain racing with ideas on how to deal with this. "I have a tapestry that would could use as a room divider..if you want?" Hopefully that would solve the problem, because he really doesn't have any other ideas.