[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/389a152d-6e82-4b71-b324-39252a43c01f.png[/img][/center][right][sub][@Achronum][@Obscene Symphony][@webboysurf][/sub][/right][hr][indent]

Every minute that passed felt like someone was subtly and slowly pushing down on Isolde’s chest. It was all so overwhelming; the statues felt like they were staring into her soul, the odd glance her way feeding into her anxiety in a way that made her wish she hadn’t bothered coming. The benefits had initially outweighed any negatives and her mother had a point; she had to show her face in public at one point or another.

She prayed silently to the Goddess for strength, hoping in some way that making it through the first day would mean she could survive the rest of the year. Her naive hope was that it had been so long since she had been seen that she wouldn’t be recognized, that the feeling of being watched was just her own paranoia. Everything passed her in a blur, and it wasn’t until a paper was in her hands that she woke up, so to speak.

Unfortunately, said paper sent her into such a spiral that she was sure she was going to throw up. 

The mingling of students from different Houses had actually piqued her interest, if only because it meant a fresh start. She was shocked to see many noble–and even a royal!–name on the sheet, but her inner dread came out in full force when her eyes landed on one name: Nathanael Gloucester. Why? Why had they been put together? Surely the news of the late Duke Gloucester’s murder was widely known! 

She noticed she was trembling and laid the paper down flat, taking a look around. To her absolute horror, she spotted the young man in question looking directly at her. Shame swept her quickly and she tore her gaze away, heart beating in her throat. She wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t prepared to face him. 

Isolde stood without realizing it and made a beeline for the door, stopping only when another arm hooked through hers. She was spun around in place and pulled along, and it took her much too long to realize it was Oskar Goneril doing so. There was no escape, much to her dismay, the older boy dragging her along even when she dug her feet in. Why was he so strong?!

He stopped before the trio and released Isolde, not noticing when she immediately hid behind him. [color=lemonchiffon]“Alright, if we’re going to be showing these people a sincere Alliance party, then you just tell me where and when so I can tell people,”[/color] He boasted with a dazzling grin. 

A startled, almost sickly look crossed Jorah’s face like a shadow as she approached, but he lit back up immediately when he saw Oskar, matching his enthusiasm. [color=FFAB66]“Hm, that would help, wouldn't it?”[/color] He replied, holding his chin in thought. After a second, he snapped his fingers, eyes sparkling with excitement. [color=FFAB66]“The Reception Hall! After the last bell. Tell people to bring their dancing shoes!”[/color] 

Oskar clapped his hands together before pointing at each person with both hands. [color=lemonchiffon]“Reception Hall after the last bell. Bring your dancing shoes. Be there. I’m doing my part!”[/color] He announced, nearly bowling Isolde over as he darted out of the classroom, repeating himself to every person he saw on the way out.

That left Isolde with nothing to hide behind, her expression, ironically, akin to a deer getting caught in the open. She tried not to panic as she found herself nearly face-to-face with a confrontation she wasn’t ready for, head dipped down as her brain tried to organize some words. 

She failed, trembling in place for a few seconds before turning around and making an attempt to flee.[/indent]