-actual thing? What hellish idea was going through this Headmistress' head? Still, if it meant that the Headmistress would teach her personally. "Hmm, if you are offering, I suppose I should take you up on it." She looked inquisitively at Livia, curious. "Where are you going to show me first, Miss Fiore? Or, perhaps there is something else you'd like me to call you?"



"Ahh, so they are grand tombs? I understand that. We have tombs as well, though, on a less grand scale. Beneath our temple is a tomb for everyone. It's our way of respecting the dead." Kozue said, setting her hands on her hips while staring out to the lake. Well, it didn't seem Chione was in great shape. "So, did you have any plans for today? I could help you train some... Or, at least not all day. I could help you set a routine."



"No." Luna responded almost instantly. That was a poor joke either way. She couldn't think straight the last time, since Sorcha's idea of "express" was in the most twist and daring possible thing. She'd rather jump on Avaline's back and ride her all the way to class... And she wasn't doing that either. "We're walking, Sorcha. Come on you two. Let's get going then. Or, finish food and follow if you want."

Livia

---

"Well, as much of a fan as I am of tradition," She laughed sarcastically. "If you are to be my student, then you will address me simply as 'Headmistress', 'Mistress', though I suppose 'Miss Fiore' works too, if you're boring." She mused as she headed for the door, pausing only a moment to clear her throat for some reason before opening the door and taking a look back at Astrid. "For now I'll give you a tour of the campus - you'll be making it your home for the next few years, so it would be good to become at least acquainted with them somewhat. After that, I'll take you on a brief tour of the town."

Chione

---

"Haha...thank you, Kozue." Chione let herself fall back on the ground. "Well, I needed to go see Katherine about getting me some new clothes. Mine are rather dated...as well, I was going to see if anyone had need of a skilled dancer. I at least want to make a living of some sort, heh." Chione frowned, recalling the last time she had danced...a small troupe, they were. Entertainers, wanderers...thieves...haha, she missed them. She shot a long look to Kozue...perhaps...?

"Are you any good at dancing, Kozue?" Chione asked.

Avaline & Sorcha

---

"Tsk," Sorcha pouted. "No fun, Luna. One of these days I'll make you enjoy flying, I will!" Sorcha declared in a fairly over dramatic fashion before flapping her mighty wings in a mildly annoyed fashion as she followed after Luna.

"Eh? Does Master Luna not like flying? But it looks so fun!" Avaline replied, slithering after the two. "Hehe, If I had wings I'd by a flying snake! It'd be so much fun! I could swoop in and hunt tasty boars so much easier." Avaline was of course, just being Avaline...and Sorcha was being Sorcha. She scoffed lightly at the idea of Avaline having wings. The silly lizard would only hurt herself if she tried it.

Cocoa & ....Livia?

---

Cocoa refused to be led by such an obviously dangerous woman. She didn't know what magic this puny human was using to drag herself around, but she'd not be defeated so easily! At least, she had hoped she'd be - it seemed that unfortunately however, Aetheria somehow had the upper hand. Struggle as she might, the cow couldn't get free. She spent the next thirty minutes in the cell, banging and attempting to pull the bars apart without so much an inch of success.

When Otille finally showed herself, she practically tackled the human to the ground.

"Otille! This mean human did something to you, didn't she?" The cow nuzzled her face against Otille's. It seemed she was far more concerned with Otille's safety than her own. "We should leave before she does something else funny!" Otille glared adorably at Aetheria who continued down the hallway, but said little else.

As Aetheria continued down the hallway, she'd become increasingly aware that something was...amiss. The air felt a little colder than usual, even for the time of year it was. Eventually she'd make her way back to her office, or wherever she was going...and immediately notice that her office was currently occupied.

by the headmistress - but...it couldn't be her right? Livia's face curled up into a smirk as she lounged in Aetheria's seat, giving her a playful, almost challenging look.

"Quite a punishment for a harmless cow, Aetheria. Cruel, some would say. No love for the antics of the common folk?"

Lyssa

---

In a display of physical and magical prowess, a blast of air cut through the fire. Fine, if Fia wanted to be an accomplice, then she'd receive punishment just like the rest! Cynthia didn't slow down much from the blast of fire - such a thing wouldn't stop her so easily. In a display of acrobatic prowess, the maid leaped into the air, blasting herself from the ground towards the trouble makers. If she heard Fia's request, she didn't make much of a show of it.

"Hold on!~" Lyssa giggled brightly, stopping in her tracks and taking a hard left into a nearby room and causing Cynthia to overshoot her target, landing acrobatically on the floor with a full stop before bolting in the direction of the room they had ducked into. Thankfully, this was all according to plan!

Lyssa of course bolted for the window in the room. She leaped into the air, launching herself towards it foot first, slamming her foot into the window and causing it to easily shatter in a flash of red light. Cynthia would have been right behind them. She would have easily followed the perpetrators to the end of the earth for destroying her immaculately clean Villa - but.

She had two others to catch at the moment, and well...she'd at least let Fia have her fun. She simply stood at the shattered window, watching the demon sat Fia down on the ground and watch them run off before turning and heading back inside the Villa. Lyssa of course, took Fia's hand and was giggling all the while as she slowed a bit, leading her into the village and away from the campus.

"Hehe! Well, how'd I do?" Lyssa giggled finally slowing a bit once they got into the village proper. "I saved ya from that demon maid and now we're gonna have fun, yea?" Lyssa didn't entirely actually have a plan for today. She was simply going to go around the village and see what fun they could find.

Gwynn

---

"I don't." Gwynn replied shortly, continuing to walk. If Maoin had asked her that a week ago or two, she'd likely give her a very different answer. Now though? Gwynn had other problems to worry about than the cat. "And since when have you been my 'friend'?" She stopped walking, giving the kitten an irritated glare. She really wanted Maoin to just leave her alone at the moment - she had business to take care of and the kitten was just a distraction at this point. She wouldn't normally have been this harsh to people, but...hearing that just pissed her off.

"You just wanted me to be a pretty princess noble, so fine. That's what I am, and I don't have time for you so get lost. I have better things to do than talk with you." She refrained from calling the kitten a 'stray' - she at least, had some respect for their former relationship and she was being as polite as she could make herself at the moment.

Aetheria raised an eyebrow at what seemed to be the headmistress - though it would be a rare and strange honor to have her just apparate in the office. She was usually far too busy for such a casual visit. "Too harsh? I would have been publicly whipped for those antics where I came from, I let them off far too lightly. And besides, a little community service won't hurt her poor master. I mean, lover."

A smirk crossed Aetheria's face though. "Though, who do I pay the honor too and why are you concerned about the antics of a deranged cow?"


Maoin stopped and faced her former mistress when the woman turned, and despite initially matching her glare the servant couldn't help but falter at those orders from a familiar voice. It took a bit of courage, but eventually Maoin forced out what hopefully seemed like a reasonable response. "Lady Gwynn, you don't own me anymore - you can't tell me what to do. And based on the way you are acting you don't seem like the sort of noble I'd want to be employed by." Perhaps it was too quick of a judgement, but her former mistress wasn't acting like Lady Lightsword - a near perfect definition of the word nobility.

Maoin decided to ignore the lack of advice - it seemed like a minor issue, and moved on. "You're right though. There's only a handful of times we acted like friends, but you DO know I care about you. I still do, Lady Gwynn, and it breaks my heart to see you like this, princess it may be. I-I was wrong, alright?" Maoin simply gestured to Lady Gwynn's whole form rapidly.

With a reasonable, although not crushing amount of strength, the cat drew herself a bit closer and put her hands on Gwynn's sides, as if hoping a bit of physical connection would help convey her feelings. "I don't need my animal instincts to be able to tell you aren't happy, that you walk with a sense of dread. You seem worse than I've ever seen you. Please Gwynn, tell me what's going on."


Fia did little more than cry out in excitement - and with a bit of terror - as their escape continued. She may have shut her eyes as they sprinted through the manner, dodging an angry Cynthia that chased them.

And the moment the pair hopped out of the manor, Fia screamed and gripped onto Lyssa for dear life, only stopping a second after they landed on the ground safely and she was placed down.

She was a little surprised that she was alive, and when Lyssa took her hand the phoenix merely held onto it and allowed herself to be guided through the streets, where eventually a giggling Lyssa turned towards her.

And maybe she was giggling back, more than just a bit. Had they seriously managed to escape Cynthia, the supposed demon maid? "... yeah ..."

There was one thing the phoenix wanted again though. "Sweets again!?" It was obvious Fia was excited about it - and that she was also better about expressing that excitement.


It seemed like her own words were unneeded to comfort the cow - despite the fact she had been in obvious duress and a quick look at her hands showed that they had been beating against something. "I'm fine, Cocoa. She was ... fairly nice to me."

A glance at the destruction throughout town on the way here made it clear that only getting a few days worth of community service and an angry nurse screaming at her was a fairly light sentence.

A quick glance at Cocoa's clothes though made it obvious they were a little ragged - and besides, she needed to get ready for the date later as well. "Yeah, why don't we? And it looks like your cloak got dragged through the dirt - maybe we should get that washed?" The farmer would grab her familiar's hand and walk them back to the tavern - and after a brief conversation with one of the tavern's maids, lead her familiar into the large baths in the center that were intended to serve the entire customer base.

"Hey, Cocoa." Otille had turned away from her familiar for a bit of privacy as her clothes dropped to the floor. "Before getting in the water with me, can you be a good cow and put both of our clothes in the hamper? They'll be washed while we are in the baths together." After having spoken softly to her pet, Otille slid into the water with a hand covering her chest and spun around once she had gotten deep enough with a smile on her face.

"Ehh? Dance?" Kozue wasn't quite sure about that one. "No. I'd say no. Not unless you consider combat as a form of dance of course." She answered, being blunt enough but not trying to sound rude about it. "I hope you're not asking me to teach you how to dance too." She was saying it seriously enough, though it came off as more of a joke. "If you're looking for someone that knows... Well..." She cleared her throat and attempted to sound like Ayumi, "For someone who knows how to have fun." She looked thoroughly irritated with herself for saying that in that tone. "My... Sister is it? She'd probably be better if you're looking for a dancer, though it may just be her fumblings."



"I just don't like Sorcha's idea of 'Express'. It makes me sick when she does it." Luna stated as they walked to the classroom... Though, perhaps unsurprisingly they had been one of the first there. "Today's 'Magic History'. If I'm understanding it right, it's to help us without that knowledge to understand quite where the basis for today's magic comes from. I figured I might as well learn it."

And it didn't take long for Katherine to appear at the seat Luna took. She quickly looked between Sorcha and Avaline then down to Luna. "Decide to bring your underlings with you today?" She giggled at herself, thinking it so clever.

Of course, Luna didn't seem so amused. "They are not underlings, Miss Lindall. They are my friends, my family." She chided, quite sternly. It was quite obvious she wasn't happy with her relationship with the two being characterized like that.

"Yes, yes, your nobleness." Luna was going to say something else but Katherine cut her off. "Either way, they'll be joining us today? I understand one came because of the other." Giving an eye to Sorcha quickly before looking back to Luna and then Avaline. "Does the serpentine one wish to learn today? I have an assistant teaching my familiar the Alphabet. Perhaps she'd like to learn that?"

Luna looking concerned for a second, but then looked to Avaline. "That might not be a bad idea if she can handle it. What do you think Avaline?" Katherine looked over to Sorcha as if saying, 'That's what you wanted, right?'

Chione

---

"Aha, no no." Chione stood up, smiling softly. Teach her how to dance? She was the best dancer in all of the region! She might have been out of practice but a little warm up and she'd be fine. "I can dance just well - though I may need to practice a bit...instead, Maybe I should teach you?" She offered. "You'd be surprised at how well dancing and combat can mix and it's a wonderful way to exercise your stamina and control." Kozue looked irritated about something, didn't she? Sounded like that 'fun' comment though Chione couldn't fathom why. Kozue seemed to be enjoying herself at the moment.

Avaline & Sorcha

---

"I-I can read!" Avaline replied confidently, though perhaps a bit too defensively. "I Don't need it."

"Oh?" Sorcha mused, noticing Katherine's gaze. "Avaline...think of it less as you being taught, as you sharing your vast wisdom and knowledge with the world by teaching them."

"Eh?" The Wyrm frowned, face scrunching as she seemed to think deeply about something for a second. She couldn't teach anyone! She couldn't read and write but she couldn't exactly admit that either...But wait! She could go in, simply observe and learn how to while under the pretense of being there to make sure they were behaving and doing well or something! Hah! Genius! "W-well," She smugly replied, placing her claws on her hips. "If you insist on sharing my valuable many years of experience, I can't say no."

"Well then," Sorcha smiled faintly. "Perhaps you should be off then? Who knows, they might already be messing everything up."

"Ah..." Avaline quickly turned to Katherine. "Yes! Where are they at so I may share my vast, many, years of experiences with them?"

"We should go take a seat in class then, hmm, Luna?" Sorcha took a few steps closer to Luna.

Livia

---

"Who? Oh dear Aetheria," Livia laughed. "Did the cow hit you on the head? Or perhaps are you just being mistrustful?" The headmistress sat up from the chair, flourishing dismissively with one of her hands. "Mistrust will get you far...but don't let it get the best of you. A certain amount of trust is needed to get anything done." She chuckled, walking over to a globe, running her hand over it. "Just keep in mind who runs this place, hm? I shall suffer no cruel or unusual punishments inflicted upon my students. People learn best with gentle encouragement, examples, and a stern reprimanding when they make mistakes." She spun the globe, giving Aetheria a moment to ask a question or two if she wanted, since she was so suspicious.

"Now then," She wouldn't give her long too, though. She was on a time crunch after all. The globe stopped spinning, her finger pointing right on the middle east - specifically the area known as Egypt. "Tell me, what do you think of that priestess. The one Kozue bought home."

Cocoa

---

Cocoa was jut glad to be back with Otille. She didn't care about much else in terms of how she looked or how rough her appearance got while she attempted to break out of a cell. Not that she'd complain about a wash though - she had never had a proper bath before, actually, come to think of it! She quickly pulled off her clothes once she got into the bath area, picking up hers and Otille's and tossing them into a hamper.

"Done and doone!~" She giggled before turning back to the bath water, not seemingly embarrassed in the least about being naked, walking back over to the bath and quickly jumping in and swimming over to Otille.

Lyssa

---

"Ehe, now your speaking my language Fia. Come on then!" Lyssa giggled, taking Fia by the hand and leading her through the crowded streets. They'd also wonder the streets a bit later, see if there was anything fun going on. You could find a bunch of neat little things happening if you just looked close enough. For now though...Chocolate! Lyssa guided Fia quickly to their destination, a small shop near the campus. The bakery was full of different sweets, cakes, cookies, and other similar items.

"Ehe, feel to buy anything you want. I got the money for it. Might I suggest something chocolate, though?~"

Gwynn

---

This cat-she should have kept walking. She should have. That's what she should have done, but no. The cat had to try and push things. Well, that was fine. She had made up her mind. She wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of her duties or get in the way of what she had been assigned to do from here on out.

Gwynns reaction to being touched was almost immediate.

She bought her hand up, and slammed her the palm of her hand into the cats face, the slap likely strong enough to at least leave the entire side of her face bruised if she didn't avoid it.

"Out of my way, cat. I'm fine. I've just decided to stop running from my responsibilities...of which, you're getting in the way of."

Aetheria shrugged at Livia. "There was a one cow stampede through town - and I gave some character building community service. Not sure how that's cruel at all - maybe that peasant will become a doctor one day from the inspiration." As the headmistress continued though the white mage thought for a moment how to respond. "I don't have many thoughts on her at all - she sort of just popped in here out of the blue, and she's not my patient. She's a bit strange, but then again so is everyone else here. Why do you ask?"


Maoin's eyes had closed as she finished her plea, and she only opened them in time to register the fact that she was about to be hit. Her cat like reflexes didn't give her supernatural speed or remove her surprise as the blow slammed into the side of her face. Maoin reeled backwards from the impact as she placed a hand protectively over her now bruised face. A quick inspection of that hand revealed there was likely a small trickle of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth.

For a second the cat looked between her hand and Lady Gwynn's face, brain not really registering what her former mistress was saying. She had never been really angry in her life, but she felt her blood boil in her veins as she looked defiantly into this bitch's eyes.

If Lady Sorcha had been watching the next few moments she would have been proud - the kitten's nervousness from their training dissipated. Her submissiveness evaporated. Her focus was complete, and she seemed to finally be employing her catlike sense of balance to it's fullest extent as she leaped towards Gwynn, employing her tail to balance her body as she sent an airborne kick straight into Gwynn's head.

She didn't have a reaction time, Lady Sorcha, Lady Luna, and especially the goddamn pirate did. She'd seen the pirate train back at the manor, and now thinking of Lady Sorcha's lessons she remembered the subtle flaws in Lady Gwynn's footwork that had always existed. She could adjust her blow before the woman would even finish positioning herself to block nothing, and she knew it.

After the shot, the cat would land back on the ground low in a position the looked like she was ready to pounce and rip the flesh from the woman's bones as she exposed her small fangs. It was a rare look of confidence - no, dominance. Lady Gwynn might be a natural, but she wasn't a fucking beast.


Fia looked up towards Lyssa and nodded with a big smile. Chocolate? That sounded great! Now literate, the phoenix looked over the various labels on the goods in front of her declaring some items to be vanilla, or strawberry, or even a couple lemon flavored items. Eventually though, the crimson haired girl's eyes rested on a large, chocolate cookie with white nuts in it.

The fourteen year old poked her companion's side, gesturing towards the cookie and putting her hands together in what was clearly some sort of plea. "... please ...?" She spoke softly as usual, but a small hopeful smile crossed her face.


Otille blushed as she looked at Cocoa's completely unapologetic entry into the bath. For the moments in between stripping and entering, the novice mage got quite a good observation of the curves of her familiar's body. The farmer's eyes drifted downwards in embarrassment and a blush crossed her cheeks - Otille did manage to look up as Cocoa swam up to her, unconsciously observing the cow's ... orbs ... before looking at her face, her own still very, very red. "H-hi Cocoa ..." The farmer reached a hand up - somewhat nervously - to pet the cow's head. "Ummmm ... d-do you have a favorite color or something?" Such a dumb question, but perhaps Cocoa already had an entire philosophy of the universe planned out.

Kozue considered what Chione said for a minute. "Dancing? I hadn't considered it, nor even as a profession. I was raised in a monastery on a mountain. We practiced fighting each other for years. Though some moreso than others. I could try it I suppose." Kozue stated, looking at her conversational partner. She gave a nod. "Very well. I have other things to take care of now of course, but perhaps at another point? Are you ready to continue yet?" She asked with a small smile. She found this woman easy to get along with at least.



"Very well." Luna said, taking a seat again. "I think it'd be great if Avaline could read a book to me." She added, hoping to inspire the Wyrm to learn. Of course, this was for the best probably. She'd interrupt the class multiple time likely enough. She hated to feel like she was scheming but it as somewhat necessary. Oh well. Avaline seemed happy enough with this.

Katherine nodded, "Great. Now then, Avaline... Follow this little one here. It'll take you right there." The Puppeteer said, pointing to a doll that just appeared in front of Avaline. It waved a few times, getting the Wyrm's attention and then turning on it's heels and walked out toward where Selvina and Meowka were. With that done, Katherine turned back to the two early arrivals. "Well then, Miss Lightsword, 'Dragon Lady'. I hope you're ready for class. It's simple stuff today sadly." After a second, she seemed to be in thought and then looked to Sorcha. "Rather, perhaps you'd like to show your age?" She teased. "That is to say, show off your knowledge. The knowledge only one that's been alive for a long time would know. You could show how great a familiar you are and how wondrous your master is for having such a wise Dragon."

Chione

---

"Oh wonderful. I've never taught anyone before but it can't be too difficult." She grinned. "And yes yes, very well. I suppose I am as rested as I'm going to be." She got the sinking feeling that training with Kozue was going to be literal hell, but trial by fire and all that. She could handle it so long as she maintained focus. "So lets get going then. I shall follow your lead," She gave a nervous chuckle. "as best as I am able at the moment."

Sorcha

---

"Ah!" Avaline looked surprised when the doll appeared in front of her. A moving doll? How curious! "Wait tiny non-human-thing! You're adorable let me hold you!" Avaline slithered off after the doll, leaving Sorcha and Luna alone with Katherine. Eventually she'd find her way to where Sel and Meowka were teaching, barging in after the doll.

"Hmph," Sorcha gave her wings an impertinent flap. "That's miss dragon lady, Katherine...but very well, since you asked so nicely I certainly wouldn't mind teaching these students." She had taught people before, so it wasn't a stretch to say she could do it again should she put her mind to it. "If it is history I shall like to think I'm fairly good with it...since I've lived through most of it. Shall we get started then?"

Livia

---

"Heh," Livia laughed, casually walking over to Aetheria. "And If I told you she's a demigod would you take more interest in her then?" Livia asked simply. She wasn't quite certain of that statement herself, but Chione certainly wasn't human, or at least if she was at some point she attained divinity through some means. Not that it particularly mattered too much in the end - this wasn't the point of her 'visit'. It was more simply something to peak Aetheria's interest and possibly give her more personal motivation to do as she asked. "But that aside...I want you to keep an eye on her for me." Livia continued. "I'll compensate you appropriately if need be. As well, see if you can figure out why she's here, hm?"

Cocoa

---

"Ah...favorite color?" Cocoa seemed to think really hard for a moment, face scrunching up as she apparently tried to solve some extremely complicated color. "Ah! Green! What about you, Otille? Do you have one?" She asked innocently, obviously just happy to be spending time with the farmer girl.

Lyssa

---

"Good choice. We'll take a dozen!" Lyssa immediately said, placing the appropriate amount of money on the counter for the cookies. After a bit of waiting, she was handed a box of a dozen of the cookies Fia had pointed out, and Lyssa handed her two of them as she looked around the shop a bit longer. Lets see...sweets were only one stop on this date. What else could they do?

"Ah," She said turning to Fia. "We should get a drink or something too. Anything you want?"

Gwynn

---

Whatever Gwynn was expecting, it was not a retaliation. Unprepared as she was, she did not have the proper reaction time to completely dodge or block the blow. She took a step backwards, barely able to prevent Maoin's foot from slamming into her head full force. Instead Maoin's foot clipped her face, grazing across her cheek and the bridge of her nose causing her to stumble backwards, nearly falling over. Had she...had she really done that?

For a moment, seething rage filled her as she winced in mild pain, holding her face where Maoin had hit her. This damn cat - the train of thought was caught off as a warm liquid flowed from her nose, covering her hand and filling her mouth with the taste of iron. Her other hand went to her sword, then she remembered what she was here for, and restrained herself.

"Filthy animal," she grumbled coldly as she, straightened her posture, looking at her blood covered hand then back to Maoin. "You're lucky I have better things to do than waste my time with you." She'd need to stop at the infirmary after this. Had to be presentable to the headmistress at least. Oddly poised, Gwynn fixed Maoin with a gold glare.

"Next time, Maoin...you better hope your new master or whoever boots it is you lick," She turned to leave, casting a glance over her shoulder. "Is around to save your tail...Because you won't get any more mercy." With that, Gwynn left, leaving Maoin alone in the street and a crowd of curious onlookers.

Selvina was irritated. Meowka was trying - that much was obvious, at least whenever Selvina managed to catch her attention. "Hey! Cat!" Meowka's eyes fluttered back to the teacher, clearly annoyed but trying to pay attention to this girl that was completely impatient with her.

The mage let out a small sigh. "What letter is this?" She pointed to the first leter of the alphabet.

"Ay."
Selvina pointed to the second letter.
"Beee."
Selvina pointed to the third letter.
Silcence. Ok, that was fine.
Selvina pointed to the fourth letter.
"Deeee."

A little confused, the mage pointed back to the third letter, but Meowka didn't respond and instead looked away from them. Selvina raised an eyebrow. "Seee."

Meowka shook her head, only making Sel more frustrated. "WHY won't you say it! Didn't you want to learn!?" It would be clear to Kat's dolls if they were spying that both students were becoming frustrated.

"Because Seas have watter, and therefore are evil."
Sel sat there, amazed, and ready to cast a spell to murder them all as the lizard arrived. Great, was her job elementry school!?

She looked towards the doll, pleading with her eyes to make this maddness stop.


Aetheria paused for a moment and looked over towards Livia as she mentioned the woman possibly being a demigod ... she raised an eyebrow. "Like you, then?" She hoped the headmistress hadn't forgotten her findings from earlier. "I'd love to have someone extravagant around here to help me, along with a little extra cash to take care of them ..." The white mage paused, turning back to the conversation and hoping her implication was incredibly obvious. "I'm not the most stealthy person in existence, but I could start by analyzing her hair ... or maybe her blood, if I could somehow get my hands on it. See if it's related to yours or your familiars in any way?"

The mage paused, looking over towards the headmistress. "So what's it like? Raising your ancestor? You don't talk about your familiar or even your favorite student that much with me."


Filthy animal? Maoin paused long enough that her opponent was able to examine their wound, and reply that once again they were planning on leaving. The kitten's blood boiled - from the insults, from being hit, the adreniline of battle, and downright being ignored. The cat scowled as Gwynn threatened her and spun in a circle to leave, the predator wanting to pounce and cut into their fleeing prey. But Maoin hesitated - some mention of Lady Sorcha about being honorable knicked at some deep corner of her mind - and allowed her opponent to once again abandon her.

She was certain the fight would only escalate if they saw eachother any time soon - or ever - and so the cat turned away and contained her urge to beat down some random passerby savagely. It didn't take long until she arrived at the edge of the forest, at which point a poor tree was subjected to the cat's wrath.

"DAMN YOU!" The sword slammed into the tree, hard. "Damn you Damn You DAMN YOU!" The cat swung assaulting the tree more with the simple blade. "You NEVER," Another cut appeared in the tree from a weapon not intended for this purpose. ", NEVER Appreciated ANYTHING I DID FOR YOU!" More cuts appeared in the bark Gwynn, each one deeper than the last.

"I-" Cut. "-did-" Cut. "-EVERYTHING-" Cut. "-to care-" Cut. "-FOR YOU!" The cat swung again, the blade beginning to dull.

"FUCK YOU!"

The cat screamed more, tears streaking down her face. She lamented Gwynn for having hit her at the library. She lamented Gwynn for running away from her, from all the issues in her life. She screamed about Gwynn making up some bullshit story about not being good enough for her affection - what sort of horseshit was that!? Maoin countinued to bring her anger into the bark - first the blade dulled, then her hands blistered, eventually beginning to bleed, and eventually the sword bent from all the strain until it was unusable.

---

When someone decided to look for her - or at least look into the forest - they'd find a sword burried into a tree, wedged in as if intented to never be removed. A small stain of dried blood stained the bark and a knife firmly impaled in it - the source of the choas balled up on a studry, low branch some thirty feet away leaning against the trunk and trying to ignore the world around her. She'd been crying, but she'd stopped eventually - instead sitting there, feeling emotionally empty. And exhausted.

She looked like a mess, her hands were bloodied and blistered, her face was bruised and her eye had turned black. But she was alive.


Fia thought for a moment, not completely sure how to answer that question. A drink? Did she mean they were going to a bar? Perhaps she was a little too young for that, but they'd already blown a hole out of the manor. Might as well be a little rebellious anyways~

"... Livia drinks the ... Champagne Chardonnay ...?" The phoenix looked up at her friend, wondering if she'd approve of them deciding to enjoy such things. She'd been more than a little curious about the effects of her drinking would be.


Green? Otille smiled. Of course Cocoa liked grass, that should have been obvious. The farmer girl gave a small smile. "Purple, it is royal, and majestic." Walking a short distance away the new mage handed her familiar a thing of soap. "Mind getting my back? We've been travelling a lot, so I'd like to get squeaky clean before we get out." She assumed Cocoa wouldn't mind scrubbing her at all. Once she began though, the farmer paused for a moment. "And Cocoa, the nurse said you kept calling me lover ... is that correct?"

"I'm glad you're excited 'Miss Dragon Lady' but we're still waiting a couple of minutes for the rest of the class to arrive. There is a couple of classes right before this so we just need to wait a bit. Take a couple of minutes and think of some things you want to share." Katherine said before taking a seat in a chair near the door. "Don't worry, I'll assist if it looks like you're having trouble. I'm a certified teacher after all."

Luna was a bit excited to hear about Sorcha's past, though she expected the proud being to embellish a bit.



The doll led Avaline to the room where Selvina and Meowka were. Not long after it entered, Avaline followed behind and had a chance to grab it if she wanted. If she did, it'd struggle a little bit before crossing it's arms. It's compatriot was in the room, keeping an eye on Meowka. If Avaline did grab it's friend it'd turn and mimic laughing at it. Obviously enjoying it. Then it looked to Selvina, pleading with her eyes. It jumped up on the table and grabbed a piece of paper. It made two things of note. "This is a 'Heaven or Hell' trial. I believe in you. If you can handle these children-like familiars, you should be able to handle normal students."

A bit further down, "Oh, and Meowka is fairly easy to trick. Just tell her that the sea also gives fish, and fish are not evil... Geez, I thought we already stopped this train of thought with her... Perhaps I just.. Oh! Sorry, thinking through writing. I believe in you, apprentice!"



It was a beautiful morning for the most part. Mugi had just finished a class telling the basics of magic. Of course, it was mostly meaningless to her, but it was good knowledge to have. She needed to get to the mansion quickly, and the road was filled with people walking to other classes... But she just needed to get to the Headmistress' mansion... So a quick adventure through the woods would both be quicker and more beautiful. She had never really had trees with leaves back home... Well, trees at all. And it was completely beautiful until she came upon an odd sight. A tree seemed practically eviscerated. [color=teal]"Oh dear me! What in the goodness happened here?"

It was bloodied and there was a knife stuck in it and an unusable sword wedged in. Of course, trees don't bleed like that. What in the world happened here? She looked left and right for more clues, then up and down... "Oh! You! There, in the branch!" Mugi was worried. There was person not too far. She rushed to the person, creating a platform of ice beneath her to be at a decent height to grab her. There were cat-ears, so Mugi only assumed one thing. "Bakeneko? Well... Umm, bloodied, you don't look good."

Without a word, Mugi just grabbed the girl and turned, aiming towards the healing center. In her tour around campus, Mugi had been introduced to the healing center, though she had yet the pleasure of meeting the manager of such a place. She rushed at the quickest pace she could. In fact, the quickest pace she had was skating on ice. "I'll get you to a place for healing!"

Sorcha

---

"Me? Have trouble with children?" Sorcha scoffed. "I'll have you know that I have intimate knowledge of both how to raise and teach children of all ages. This shall not be a problem for me." The dragon had her hands on her hips, confidently puffing out her chest with a proud smirk as she made that proclamation. It was true - she was confident in her teaching abilities and she had taught many children before, though it was a long while ago. Katherine did have a point though - she'd need to start somewhere, and it'd be easiest to start with History.

"I do believe I'll start with the glorious King of Britannia, Arthur." Sorcha mused to herself. "Some of my fondest memories are of him when I was just a young dragon. Taught me how to use all kinds of weapons."

Avaline

---

"Ha! Success!" Avaline slithered in after the doll, easily picking it up and holding it. It struggled a bit, but as strong as the wyrm was, it wasn't able to escape so easily. Avaline grinned as she held the tiny human doll in her claws. "Aha, tiny adorable almost human thing, you shall be mine and I shall name you...Line! And you shall be my tiny adorable little line and I shall love you forever." Avaline then folded her arms across her chest, as if hugging the doll and causing it to be pressed firmly into her cleavage - it took her a few good seconds to notice Meowka and Sel.

"...Oh hello human and...almost familiar small black mammal." She greeted cheerily. "Is this where I am supposed to share my vast years of learning and experience?" She paused a moment, slithering near the human and cat. "Don't mind me, I'll just be watching so none of you get anything wrong." Translation: She'd be secretly taking notes and learning things whilst pretending to observe.

The doll was still held captive in the Wyrms cleavage.

Livia

---

"We are nothing alike, Aetheria." Livia sternly stated. "Her father was a god and she chooses to accept that fact. However - my divinity is just the gods meddling where they shouldn't and I shall rectify that soon enough." Livia sighed, getting a little too worked up about that topic as always. It made her blood boil, and only furthered her distaste for such 'divine' creatures. Taking away everything she had worked for in her life with a single fact. Bah, pathetic.

"Do as you will with her - just keep an eye on her. Make friends, if you must. She might cause problems here soon." Livia walked to the door, walking past Aetheria as she changed subjects. "As for Fia...It's nothing special. A child like any other. I will say that I am allowing myself to feel some fondness for the child...but she is nothing more than a means to an end, in the end, should I have need of it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a student to show around campus." She mused, a slight smile forming on her lips.

"If you need extra funding or help with Chione, ask and I will do what I can to aid." With that, she left the room. The cold, oppressive air seemed to lift immediately as she closed the door to Aetheria's office, and if Aetheria tried to follow or speak further, she'd find the headmistress would have seemingly vanished into thin air.

Cocoa

---

"Wah? Purple? So regal." Cocoa giggled, picking up a washcloth and taking the soap from Otille. Ehe, this was great! She was finally able to actually able to spend time with Otille, and she could hardly contain her excitement - and it showed in her scrubbing. She bought the soap and washcloth to Otille's back and scrubbed. Hard. Almost forgetting her strength in the process and likely causing Otille a mild amount of discomfort.

"Ah...yes?" Cocoa replied innocently at her last question, still scrubbing Otille's back in a not exactly comfortable manner. "Ehe, that's what we are right? That's why you wanted me, right? We've been together for almost our whole lives, that's what that is isn't it?" The cow probably had some misunderstandings in her vocabulary.

Lyssa

---

"Champagne...?" Lyssa looked surprised, blinking a few times before her mouth curled into a smile. "Wooow, very Adulty. I like. Ehe, unfortunately I don't have the money for that so we'll have to settle for something a biiit less expensive." She wasn't really saying that to be responsible - she really didn't have enough money for some expensive stuff. So they'd have to settle for something else. "How about just some fruit juice instead or something? It's kinda like wine but not really?" She giggled brightly. "No alcohol or anything."

Selvina read the sign, looking over Katherine's advice. Fish, of course. Though of course the lizard introduced herself in the most ridiculous manner. Heaven or Hell trial? The mage rolled her eyes, questioning for a moment if this was worth it. She was supposed to be teaching magic, history, or alchemy. Not the goddamn alphabet to a bunch of incompetent familiars.

It wasn't hard for the mage to see through the lizard's real intentions as she suffocated the doll. "That's fine then - be sure to let me know if there isn't anything I'm not clarifying enough." Meowka seemed to cast a questioning and slightly hostile glance as she mentioned 'almost familiar' black kitten.

"I-I'm not small!" Meowka glared at the lizard, not realizing it was in a different context. Even in that one was nineteen, dammit, not three!

Sel coughed loudly in an attempt to gather their attention. "Anyways, um Meowka."

Focus, Selvina. The mage looked towards the cat, since that was apparently the only person she was teaching. "Alright, Meowka. But you do know fish come from the sea, right?" The cat grumbled something hostile under her breath. "How would you ask a fishermen about what fish were in the sea? You wouldn't be able to buy fish then."

It was honestly terrible logic - Sel doubted you'd have to specify that the fish needed to come from the sea ... but Meowka seemed to buy it. "... Sea ..." Selvina smiled, going on to E ...

If they managed to learn all the letters she'd be pretty impressed, really.


Maoin was so deep in her gloomy thoughts that she didn't even realize another's presence in front of hear until she heard a growing column of ice appear in front of her. "Huh?" The cat blinked a couple of times, surprised, before finding herself being held like some sort of bride down a ramp of ice and back into town.

Like most cats (and people) Maoin didn't appreciate being picked up by this random person. "L-Let me GO, Mugi! I'll walk there if I want!" It was rather apparent that the cat was quite furious being in this position - really, she wanted to find a nice little corner to hide in. She didn't want to talk to anyone. The cat struggled a bit against the girl, even pounding the Yuki-Onna's chest with her fists a couple time pointlessly as she continued to be carried to the nurse despite her wishes.

As they arrived and the kitten was guiding in, a few seconds would pass before a hurrying white mage would appear from the direction of the office. "What happened?" The mage looked at the cat, but the cat glanced away. Based on the person who just left though and a couple of drops of blood on Maoin's boot though, she managed to get the story to herself.

Maoin largely stood there as the nurse looked over her face, then looked over the cat's hands. Blisters? Aetheria frowned, putting together what happened. "You there. What do you know about this?" The mage spoke sternly, but not harshly as she looked in the direction of Mugi. "The injuries to the hands were self inflicted ..." The cat didn't protest, only looking down a bit further. "... how did you find her?" The mage looked at the snow girl, waiting for a response.


Of course it was adulty - Livia drank it! Fia frowned though as Lyssa said she didnt' have any money on herself at the moment - and to be fair, the girl had already bought her a dress - which she was currently wearing. "... fruit juice ..." Still shy, the girl raised her face and offered Lyssa a smile so she would understand she was grateful for the offer.


Otille winced as she was scrubbed like - well, like a cow. The woman didn't want to correct her familiar - but it needed to be brought up before her eyes started to water. "Cocoa, I'm not as tough as you. A little softer on the scrubbing, okay?" The farmer put a smile on her face and turned around to smile at her familiar for a quick moment before facing away again.

The next bit was a little more ... difficult, to explain. "Cocoa, I do love you. You are a sweet little cow and quite adorable too." Well, she didn't think the Kahaunkas on Cocoa's chest were adorable, but that was for a different time and place. "You are my ... good friend, and back home I took care of you and you watched over me as well ..."

She should probably get straight to the point. She wasn't educated enough to explain what she met in flowery language, and Cocoa probably wouldn't understand it. "Lover implies that we are mates, Cocoa. Like, that we um ... have sex and kiss and stuff ..." Otille turned around this time, petting Cocoa's head to make sure the cow understood this wasn't a criticism - her cheeks were utterly flushed but Cocoa's happiness was more than worth exposing her embarrassment.

"... if you want to explain to people that you are my familiar you should probably tell them that I'm your mistress ..." That's the word Aetheria had used, right? Honestly, it sounded a bit ridiculous. It didn't seem like Cocoa was some sort of servant to her at least. She'd always been a bit more like a pet or a friend. "... or if that's too formal, you can say that you are my pet or my familiar. Or that I'm your mage." Otille offered a small smile and a quick hug before turning back around. "Either way, I'm glad you are with me Cocoa."

"Oh? The Great King himself? How interesting." Katherine said, taking some notes. It wasn't often one got to talk to someone who had first hand experience with the King, Arthur. She was more than happy to listen to this. "Well then... How would you describe King Arthur as a person? Was he the respectable king we all know? Or are the tales off? I've curiosity over this matter."

Luna seemed interested as well, though she was much more silent on the matter. King Arthur was suppose to be the king of chivalry, though a great deal of the concept is not as it was, Arthur is the embodiment of what it means to be an English knight. Some might even call him the King of Knights for what his concept is. Luna might have to press Sorcha on the issue more.



The doll that Avaline grabbed up didn't really try to struggle. It could probably break free realistically but Katherine didn't want it harmed, and there was a great chance of that if it ran at the moment... Or the wyrm would get hurt too and that would end up a headache for everyone, wouldn't it? It's partner just ignored it and continued paying attention to Sel and Meowka. It seemed proud that it's advice (from Katherine) worked. Realistically, Sel could take that as what Katherine was thinking.



[color=teal]"What do I know about this? Umm, Neko-san was just laying in a tree when I found her. There were blood marks and some weapons stuck in a tree so I rushed her to this medical center." Mugi recalled. She seemed to have at least recognized the cat from their time playing in the snow, though a lot of that was blurry. "And, she was like that?" She looked confused as to why the doctor took a stern tone with her. It was rather annoying actually. She really wasn't expecting to get to talked to like that right after bringing someone in for treatment. "Well, there's little more I can do here so I'll take my leave. Maoin... Was it? Tell when you recover." She gave a deep bow to the two and turned to leave.

Sorcha

---

"Hah!~" Sorcha used one of her wings to make an exaggerated gesture, using one of her hands to wave dismissively as if mildly irritated. "The heroic King of Knights as he's called? Bah, he was nothing more than an idyllic fool." For a quiet moment she paused, a wistful, almost sad seeming smile forming on her lips as she shook her head. "An Idyllic fool that a certain young dragon admired greatly. Bah, if I had been on Camlann that day, that fool Mordred wouldn't have won that battle." Sighing, Sorcha relaxed a bit, folding her arms across her chest. Ah, there were so many stories she could tell them, though not all of them pleasant. Actual Kingship required not so chivalrous things to be done at times. Not to mention, she did have more stories of Merlin than she did of Arhutr - since she had technically been his.

"But yes, he was every bit the King in the tales." She laughed. "And oh, how beautiful the actual round table was! Arthur and his knights certainly knew how to decorate a place for ceremony, heh. Knightship is half skill and chivalry, part, ostentatious decorations, and a little bravado and foolhardiness." She mused. "I could tell you at least one tale of all of them. Lancelot, Mordred, Ewain, Bedivere...I could spend weeks recounting tales of their adventures. Mind you, the legends do get some things wrong." She glanced over to Katherine. "But I doubt that is the kind of history lesson you want your students to have, hmm?"

Avaline

---

"Ah...? Not small but you're smaller than me!" Avaline coiled herself up next to Meowka, grinning in her usual way, not realizing the kitten was speaking of something completely different. "I'm almost teen feet long! See?" She grabbed the end of her tail, pointing to it, as she turned her attention to Sel and what she was attempting to teach. The Alphabet it looked like. Ah! Avaline at least knew how to read! She could do it, yep! Suddenly feeling incredibly competent, she thought she might as well grace them with her two cents.

"Ah ah! I know what comes next! 'D'! For dragon!" Incidentally, at the same time she puffed out her chest confidently causing it to look like she was showing off her objectively large chest. By now, the doll was nearly lost in a valley made of dragon. She hadn't realized Sel had already moved on to E.

Cocoa

---

"Ah! Sorry, but I need to get out all the dirt!" Cocoa did let up a little, but it was obvious she was serious about washing Otille. She kept pleasantly scrubbing as Otille called her both sweet and adorable. Friend, too! Whatever that was. Her vocabulary was not that big. Of course, as the human continued Cocoa's scrubbing slowed as Otille went on to explain more about their relationship. Not Lover? But friend? Mistress seemed like such a harsh thing to call someone! That sounded like the name of a bad person in a story! Otille wasn't bad therefore couldn't be called that.

"Ah...okay!" Cocoa replied slowly. "Friend!" She echoed the word Otille had called her a few seconds ago. She seemed to gloss over the 'sex' and 'kiss' and stuff, or at least didn't seem entirely to register it.

Lyssa

---

"Okay! Wine's really expensive y'know. I might be royalty but my mom took away my allowance for causing trouble last time, haha..." She giggled sheepishly, scratching the side of her face with a finger. "Buut anyways, come on, we can go get something near here!" Lyssa left the store, grabbing Fia gently by the hand and pulling her along towards a stand not far away. Quickly, she ordered something to drink for the two of them. Grape for her - It was sorta wine but not really. She'd let Fia get whatever she wanted before she found themselves a low stone wall situated around a tree to sit on so they could enjoy their impromptu lunch outing.

"Hey hey, so how's it?"

Sel sighed as Meowka turned her head in response. The cat of course factually understood that Avaline was, in fact, larger than her. Understanding the dim-witted lizard on meant length though, the prowler of the night's facial expressions lightened up a bit. Until the 'D for Dragon comment' and flaunting her chest appropriately.

"Hey! It's not my fault!" Meowka stood up, clearly angry about the entire situation. "Those kahaunkas of yours are practically unnatural!" The cat's eyes widened, as if she was ready to pounce.

"Great great great ..." Sel looked around a little desperately as she tried to prevent the fight from happening. "Meowka! What letter comes after E?"

A brief glance at the cat revealed she didn't know, and didn't care. "Eph! And do you know what else starts with F?" Meowka stared dumbly at the mage, contemplating how to eat today's lizard dinner. "Fish! Fish start with F!" The cat wasn't happy, but calmed down about hearing that. Selvina looked around, relived, as she tried to come up with contingencies in the next situations where the nitwits decided to murder each other.

She looked to the doll for advice, hoping Katherine would have an idea of what to do here.


Maoin remained silent at Mugi's request - it seemed to at least be acknowledged though as an ear seemed to shift slightly to receive the message.

"Hey! Wait!" Aetheria practically shouted at the snow girl as she began to leave, rushing behind the reception desk and looking for something. It felt really ridiculous, but Aetheria pulled out a small container containing a funnel cake. "Thank you for helping ... um ... here you go ... enjoy." All around, it was awkward for the white mage to do this sort of kindness.

Livia had instructed her several times to be nicer to the students because due to her dual role as 'displinarian' people were starting to come up with names like 'scary mean nurse' or 'that white bitch'. She didn't think living at a magic academy excused people to do uncalled for hooligan acts - so if she was going to reward people, it would be the helpful ones.

She at least hoped it tasted good. As Mugi left, the white mage looked in a rather irritated manner at the cat girl. "And YOU." Maoin looked up, largely unfazed by the angry mage in front of her. "... Come on." The cat followed the white mage obediently, being led into an examination room.

---

The lecturing eventually came to an end, the white mage finishing the final wrap of the bandage around the kitten's painfully blistered hands - no magic had been used for any wound, although a small amount of alcohol had been applied as a disinfectant. When Maoin stood to leave, the nurse shook her head no and pushed the cat back down onto the padded examination table. "Hey, what do y-"

"I'm sorry, but you've committed an act of self-harm - and not just now, because there's an improperly healed scar on your left arm too. And you've also been in a fight." The cat paused to protest, but Aetheria silenced it with an angry glare. "As the nurse, I can't let you leave until a responsible party comes by to pick you up - probably your mistress. A note will be left on your door so she knows to come find you, and I'll ask her how to handle you." Once again Maoin wanted to protest, but the mage just kept talking. "The room will also try and sedate you if you think about doing anything stupid to it or yourself, so don't bother. Now, I'm going because I have other things to do. Bye."

"H-hey!" The nurse ignored the cat's protest, leaving the room and locking Maoin in from the outside as she turned down a hallway. The kitten sighed, a little angered, but ultimately decided that any further protest was useless as she slouched against a wall and began waiting.

---

There was a small note eventually left on the door to Luna's dorm room.

To The Grand Dragon Lady Sorcha,

Your servant, Maoin, was found by another student in the woods and brought to my office. Your cat has signs of self-harm and of having recently been in a fight, both of which have had her sustain light wounds. She is fine and in no danger of declining, so there is no immediate need to rush. That being said, she is being held in my office until you or another responsible party picks her up.

Stop by the outskirts of the forest on your way here - you'll quickly find a destructive scene.

Thanks,
Aetheria.


"Fine!" Using the color coding method, Fia had decided to go with a cherry drink - it was the same color as her hair, after all. Taking another sip of the red liquid, the phoenix smiled at the girl in front of her. "Thanks ..." For a few minutes, Fia was content to bask in the happiness of the moment until she realized the implication of what Lyssa had said.

"Royalty? You?" The fourteen-year old tilted her head as if a little confused. That seemed a bit absurd to her, but she had heard and seen stranger things in her dreams. Lyssa didn't ACT like a princess, though. Maybe it was just one of her silly creations?


Otille winced slightly, but was able to withstand this largely intense scrubbing for the most part as she tried to not get pushed over by Cocoa's efforts. "... friend works just fine, Cocoa." The farmer let out a sigh - a combination of gratefulness that her cow didn't try some sort of strange and misled seduction attempt and mild irritation as Cocoa had managed to miss at least part of the point.

It probably wasn't worth trying to explain right now, but there was another thing to talk about.

"Hey, Cocoa, I talked with the ... 'mean woman' ... and she said you nearly hurt a lot of people and damaged some stuff on the way to get me. I love you, but you can't stampede through town simply because you don't know where I am." It felt bad, but Otille needed to tell Cocoa this even if it hurt her familiar's feelings a little. "I'll try and warn you better if I have to be gone, but that wasn't acceptable behavior. I got in trouble because of it, alright?" Otille turned around, using a single arm to cover her chest as she gave the cow a slight bop on the head before rubbing her ear right ear softly for a few moments. "I know you feel protective of me, but I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself. And besides, this campus is safe, alright Cocoa?"

The novice mage paused for a moment, waiting for the cow's immediate response to this before continuing. "Also, I'm going on a date with Lady Luna after this bath - I want you to stay here and be responsible, alright? There's people in the tavern you can talk to so you won't feel lonely." Later Otille would be glad to help her wonder the streets, but probably simplification would be more useful to the cow's thoughts than trying to explain exactly what she could and couldn't do with other people.

Katherine had never seen the legendary Round Table. It's an option for someone of her current standing as a teacher of this academy. Luna looked all too enthralled. The story of course spoke to her soul as a Knightess of England. Perhaps even now she feels greatly honored to be partners with the student of the legendary King Arthur of Camelot. If Sorcha looked back to Luna, she'd notice the woman's undivided attention.

Then the teacher spoke up. "Some say that Arthur and Merlin are possibly one of the sources... Or rather, what made magic popular here in the west. That he received Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake because he was not only a powerful swordsman and royal, but also a high class Magician. Of course, this is just modern speculation. Though the biggest question I had was regarding a certain rumor I've heard." Katherine said before scratching her chin a bit. It was the quite the question she seemed to have. "I've heard certain rumors that Arthur was not quite Arthur, but a more feminine in name."

Luna looked a bit shocked at this suggestion of the teacher. As surprised as she was, she spoke up. "You imply that Arthur was not a man but a woman?" Luna wanted to have such a claim specified. She stood and placed her palms on her desk. "There was such a rumor?"

Katherine could not help but laugh a bit. "Yes, well, as a fellow Englishwoman, I'd have assumed you heard this rumor. It is a rather speculated topic amongst the royalty and many nobles. Of course, according to the standards of house Lightsword, I should be unsuprised that it was a topic that your people cared little for. No offense."

Luna looked skeptical of such a claim, but looked up to Sorcha for a definite answer. If she knew the Great King, she would know the truth, would she not?



The doll looked to Selvina and shrugged a bit. It then took the pen and paper and wrote.

Meowka is the one that's having an issue here. She's having issues with her body because I refuse to s-- She's a little sore about something. Avaline's just a bit big in one department, like your huge butt. I swear that demon really fetishized you. Not that I'm going to complain about that, it's nice eye candy. Anyhow, I'll have you figure this out. I'm about to figure out if the rumor that King Arthur was actually Queen Arthur are true."

With the the doll looked to Selvina and just shrugged.



Mugi looked suprised. The woman with a stern voice offered her a small container of... Something. It looked sweet? "Ohh. What's this? Oh! I can share this with my love! Cynthia would love this! Much appreciated... Ummm, Miss Aetheria?" She seemed to recall her time during her orientation that this teacher's name. She bowed again and then left the two be.

Sorcha & Black fox

---

"Aha, that rumor still persists after all this time?" Sorcha rather cryptically stated, chuckling lightly to herself. Well, she should at least give them an answer. "Ah, Merlin told him he should never attend that party if he...ahem," She cleared her throat, swiftly changing her line of thought. "Well, all I'll say is that history gets many things wrong at times." She mused lightly, though perhaps revealing, didn't give either of them an entirely straight answer either - just as the door to the room opened.

"...Ah, I suppose my Master isn't here." The fox commented lazily. "Ah well. I can say I tried and failed then." She chuckled impishly, walking into the room only to quickly change into her fox form, landing on top of Katherine's desk. "Ah, don't mind me, do keep talking about some old history or whatever. I'll be here doing the important things." She rolled over onto her back, paws sticking lazily in the air. "And by that I mean being cute."

"...you're quite the rude little thing, aren't you?"

"Ah, rudeness is only rude if you take it as such. Maybe you shouldn't be so easily offended." The fox rolled impertinently over back onto her stomach.

Avaline

---

The Wyrm didn't seem to either get that Meowka was misunderstanding something, or didn't care. Boy, she was learning a lot though! F came after E, which came after D, which came after C, B, and A! Ha! Knowledge! And they called her a stupid lizard. She was now, factually, 600% smarter than she was when she slithered in here.

"Ah, ah, familiar small kitten." Avaline grinned, holding the doll against her chest once more. "Knowledge is great, isn't it? Ehe, I feel learned already!" She made another confident pose. "I could show that dragon what-for in terms of my vast historical knowledge and reading ability now, ha! eeerr..." She quickly coughed into a claw. "N-not that I didn't before, no, hahahaha..."

Cocoa

---

"Ah!" Cocoa furrowed her brow. "B-but you were gone and I didn't know where you were! Something could have happened while I was sleeping!" She refuted. She didn't understand how exactly she could have done wrong there. She didn't actually hurt anyone. Almost didn't count! Sure, she maybe startled a few people but she didn't actually do anything else. The cow frowned, trying to make sense of it and failing, but her attention was quickly diverted to something else - the mention of Lady lightsword and the word 'date'...and the fact she was supposed to stay here.

"...Ah." Cocoa deflated a bit more. "Okay. I can stay here. Really." The cow replied, obviously not exactly the happiest to hear she was told to stay somewhere while Otille would be out somewhere. "I can behave and be a good little calf, promise!"

Lyssa & Ritsa

---

"Aha...did I say that?" Lyssa's eyes shifted to the side, chuckling in a mildly evasive manner before she wrapped an arm around Fia, pulling her in close, speaking in a low voice. "Yep, royalty. Sorta. My mom's a demon lord. But don't go telling anyone, I'm not supposed to tell." Lyssa pressed a finger to her lips, indicating silence before releasing her and returning to her drink, sipping it happily. Fia would only have a few seconds to contemplate Fia's words before there was a familiar voice calling her by a somewhat familiar nickname.

"Pretty red!" Before Fia would have much of a chance to react, Ritsa came bolted through a crowd of people, latching onto the girl with a tight hug, rubbing her face against Fia's in a mildly overly affectionate manner. "Ehe, red is still pretty."

"Eeeh? Secret admirer, Fia?" Lyssa giggled.

Body issues? Selvina raised an eyebrow, a bit confused. Meowka wasn't unattractive, but what did the teacher refuse to do with her? The mage shrugged, curious but-

Her mouth dropped slightly and her face turned pink as she continued to read. H-huge butt!? F-fetishized? What did that mean!? Was the teacher looking at her butt!? "K-Kath-" The mage stopped herself from yelling at the doll as she realized she had students - the woman was obviously a little distracted as she suddenly acknowledged the circumference of her hips.

"A-anyways." Cough. "Um, Avaline and Meowka, why don't you guys umm try writing these letters." Selvina pulled out a couple sheets of papers and letting them do a bit more 'independent learning' while she tried to get what she was thinking under control.

... surely she was just overthinking what the doll had said?

Meowka looked at the letters and tried to start copying these first few letters on her own. It took a couple tries, but with a couple tries her natural dexterity helped her control the quill and produce something reasonable.


Demon lord? Fia felt that she should be worried, but she wasn't. The crimson haired girl just smiled, more impressed that the demon was actually some sort of princess. And a little convinced she was either being inane or pulling her leg. But Fia took another sip of her drink with a small smile and didn't protest or call the pink-haired girl out.

"Huh?" That was a familiar voice- IMPACT. Fia had to steady her arm to keep her drink up as her friend embraced her with a tight hug. And she still blushed a bit as she was called 'pretty' a couple of times.

Secret admirer?

"... not very secret ... I think ..." Fia gave Lyssa a small smile before returning her attention to the girl her own age. "... hi Ritsa ..." For a couple seconds the familiar wasn't sure what to do, but soon enough she held out her drink. "... want some ...?"

She hoped Ritsa would appreciate the sweet beverage.


Cocoa was obviously disappointed that she'd be here without her, but the cow would have to learn that her mage would have a life outside of taking care of the familiar. Especially when classes started. "I know you will be, Cocoa. You're a very good cow." Cocoa would feel a hand run through her hair. "If I need you, I've been told I can ... teleport you to me. Or something like that. So don't worry so much."

She let what she hang in the air a bit, letting Cocoa know she was being serious and wouldn't back down because she was being adorable. "Hey, Cocoa?" The farmer flung herself at the cow, tackling her towards the center of the bath with a smile on her face. "I beeeettttt I can tippp you." She'd never been one to do it herself, but she prepared herself to wrestle with the cow as she backed off a few steps.

Chances were with Cocoa's natural strength this would be over quickly, but it didn't mean she couldn't try at least. And besides, a tired familiar was a well-behaved familiar.

Livia had spent plenty of time showing her around. It was sort of nice, actually. Other than the sun. She still disliked the sun. It was a bit harsh to her eyes really. Either way, she needed to know her way around if she were to study here. "Thank you for showing me around Miss Fiore. It's easier to learn when someone so intelligent shows you around." She said, not forgetting to lay the compliments on thick for this legend of a woman.



Katherine just watched the fox waltzed in. It was almost enough to make her forget Sorcha's cop-out of an answer. Almost. Still she didn't push the subject more for now. She felt like she go her answer with even that vague of an answer. Luna felt... Similarly. Instead of feeling secure, she was ultimately confused. Was Arthur a man or woman? Did it matter? Not really, it just felt like her view of history was distorted with that possibility. Still, she put that thought in the back of her mind. Sorcha lived with her after all, she could ask later.

Either way, Katherine stood, walked the short distance to her desk and grabbed the fox gently. "Sorry, we're having a lesson right now. You mistress is off teaching lessons to some unruly students but if you don't mind me, I'll pet you right now if you want or just let you lay on my lap. I'll admire how cute you are over here. The dragon is giving an interesting view on history." Katherine made it back over to her seat and sat, letting the fox lay on her lap, petting her head if she allowed it.



The doll on the desk looked a bit worried as it grabbed a piece of paper and started writing again. Katherine was slightly miffed that the dragon hadn't given a straight answer, so she thought to tease Selvina a bit.

Yes, you have a nice butt. It's considered good you know? I know you were a male, but there's nothing wrong with it. Think about it this way, most of the girls around here seem to like girls more anyway. If you wanted a girlfriend, it'll probably be easier like this. I could always teach yo--. Oh, what's this a black fox?

The message seemed to stop. The doll seemed rather apologetic.



It was mid-day about. Soon was the time she was meant to go for the ritual. Eith had been thinking. A bit nervously, somehow. She wasn't wholly ready for this. She looked between Miren and Khira both of whom she had sit here with her. "I don't know what this thing will do today. At all. Whatever it does, I want both of you to be there with me. You two are the only ones I can really trust. You two are the only family I have." She added, with a nod. She waited patiently for the other two's answers.

Sorcha & Black fox

---

"Ah?" Fox rolled over on Katherine's desk, looking up at the woman curiously for a few seconds, using a paw to scratch her ear. "Well, at least one human here knows who to show respect too." She mused loudly. Well, why not? She certainly didn't mind this womans attitude. So she hopped off the desk, trotting over to where Katherine was sitting and hopped onto her lap, walking in a circle one before seemingly getting comfortable and using Katherine's lap as a bed.

"Master," Sel would hear the foxes voice echo in her head. "If a maid comes and asks my whereabouts, please don't ask. Also I am feeling a little under the weather. Please only use me should your life be in immediate danger." There, that should be good enough to hopefully have that dolt of a mage leave her alone for a bit. "Hmm...yes, right there just scratch a little more to the leeef-"' The thought was abruptly cut off.

"Yes, well," Sorcha continued, mostly ignoring the fox for now. "Whether he was male or female, King Arthur is quite the heroic - and tragic figure. Rose to power, leading Britannia to a golden age, only to be betrayed by his most trusted knight, Lancelot, and their child Mordred." She turned to face Luna, giving her a smile before turning to the rest of the class. "Lets start with Arthur's rise to power, then? Does anyone know how his tale started?"

Avaline

---

"Hmm..." Avaline attempted to pick up the quill carefully. She first pinched it between two of her claws, only to have it slip and fall to the ground. She then attempted to mimic Sel's writing technique only to minimal success. She was a giant lizard, after all. A giant lizard with big claws and...well, big everything. She tried grasping the thing higher on the quill, but it just ended up being clumsy and the words that were written were sloppy and messy.

"Ah!" With a sudden seeming stroke of inspiration, she discarded the quill entirely, instead taking to dipping one of her claws in the ink. Carefully, she started writing the letters presented to her - and by all accounts she seemed to be succeeded somewhat, though she had flipped the 'E' backwards before showing it to Sel, grinning brightly at her own perceived success.

Cocoa

---

"Bwuh?!" Cocoa was wholly unprepared for the cow tipping. "Cow tipping is cow abuse! COW ABUSE!" She shouted playfully as she was knocked off her towards the center of the pool. Did Otille really want to fight though? She wasn't sure about this. Otille was so weak, fragile, and...human. She was a big strong cow! She didn't want to hurt the human...ah! Wait! Could this be a thing? She should let Otille win, yes?With a grin Cocoa returned the action, stomping a hoof in the water - cracking the floor in the process - and grabbed Otille by the arm and waist, intent on lifting her clean over her head.

Lyssa & Ritsa

---

"Ah?" Ritsa took the drink, sniffing it a few times at first before taking a sip of the contents of the box. "...huh?" She seemed thoroughly confused by the flavor. Whatever it was, it wasn't something they had at home! Enthralled by this wondrous new taste the Hydra promptly forgot all manners that Nitsa had tried teaching her, and quickly drank the rest of the contents in one big gulp.

Followed by the rest of the box.

All of it. Shoved it in her mouth and ate it.

"Ah! Pretty red! What was that?" She asked curiously and excitedly. "Nothing like that at home!" She didn't seem to realize that what she had just done would likely both be considered odd and rude.

"Ehe," Lyssa of course, just giggled. "Well aren't you two adorable. So who're you anyways?" Lyssa asked, hoping for Fia to introduce them.

Livia

---

"Oh my," Livia chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere up here, darling." Livia mused as she continued to walk through the streets. Astrid certainly was a rare one. Cute, adorable...smart, and have limitless potential. Even if she wasn't human, Livia could work with that. She'd just need to...mold her in the right direction. Could she? no idea! But she was going to very well damn try. "Here, you go, dear." Livia said passing her an item she had bough while they were out. "A parasol - it can be used to help protect one from the sunlight, since I know you and your kin are particularly fond of the darkness." It was a white, slightly frilly thing. Perfect for being shaded under.

"I suppose that does conclude the tour, though." Livia continued, slowing her walk. "So, Astrid, my favorite new pupil...do you have a place to stay for the duration of your study here?"

Miren & Khira

---

"Hmph, such a sentimental Alpha I have." Khira chuckled lowly. "You are sick, and this will heal you. You are my Alpha and I will stand with you until you are no longer worthy of that title." Khira stated simply, and rather bluntly. "And I won't touch your rabbit either, fufu."

"...aha Khira please don't joke about that." Miren replied with a mildly tired tone. "B-but yes, we'll both be there when it's over with, Eith. No matter what happens if you need a place to stay, my home is yours." It felt a little embarrassing to say it so casually. She had never really had a roommate before these two moved in with her. Now it seemed she was going to become part of some pack of demon beasts or something.

...haha, she really wasn't cut out for this sort of thing.

"Don't worry so much, little rabbit."