[IC] Stalwart University

[TaliPaendrag]

Avery had to admit that she was a little amazed at how many forms of martial arts Marc knew, even if he couldn't remember the names of all of them. She knew from her limited experience that it usually took several years to actually master a form of martial arts, so he must be some kind of prodigy at them in order to master five by college. “You must be really talented then,” Avery said, glad that he didn't seem to have a superiority complex about his skills. She had been around too many people like that before.

Before Avery could thank Marc for his offer to teach them martial arts and similar skills, Matt did, so Avery just nodded to show that she too was grateful while Matt continued to speak, explaining that he was able to defend himself, though he seemed to have a bit of trouble coming up with the right words to use for explaining why, as he hesitated a bit. Once the words came to him, however, he seemed to recover pretty quickly.

But that didn't mean that she actually understood all that he was saying. “Sorry if it's a dumb question, but what's a 'Dan' and what kind of martial art is Jiu-jitsu?” she asked, feeling a little foolish over her lack of knowledge concerning the subject. Having been made fun of most of her high school career due to her inability to comprehend math to any real degree, she was sensitive to her own lack of knowledge at times. But, at the same time, she knew that she would probably be able to answer any questions they had when it came to art, which was a small comfort to her.

[HylianRose]

Paris nodded at Lulu's words, unsure of why he'd left so suddenly. He sighed and looked around. He spotted Marc a bit away, talking to people at the Martial Arts booth. He chuckled, watching him. It was amusing how passionate the guy was about martial arts. Paris chuckled at his next thought. "He should just marry the sport." He mumbled, chuckling to himself.

He looked over at the other booths and noticed a guy waiting on a girl at the... Gaming club? He blinked, looking at him. He didn't really seem like the gaming type, though one shouldn't judge. Paris probably didn't really look like the 'gardening' type either. Though... He took in a deep breath. Making more friends would be nice, and that guys seems nice enough, right? Not to mention, he looks pretty built... Kind of cute. Paris chuckled at himself. He usually thought everyone was cute or good looking in someway. Everyone had their own qualities about them. He put on a smile and sauntered over to the booth, smiling and sending a small wave at the guy.

"Hey! I'm Paris. Signed up for the gaming club? I've actually never played a video game... Maybe you could show me how to play." Paris greeted the man, chuckling. He looked up, finally noticing how tall the guy was. "Jesus you're tall... Has anyone ever told you you should play basketball?" He asked jokingly, trying to make light of the conversation and trying not to sound as awkward as he felt talking to the guy.

[General Scales]

Donovan while waiting for a reply from the girl looked off in another direction for a moment only to see someone heading straight for them. He noticed the wave and turned to receive the guy who seemed friendly enough just by the fact he was approaching him. He listened to Paris take off on a similar way he was getting his other acquaintance to join up with him in the video game club and it was instantly amusing in an awkward way, though the comment on his height made him shake his head with a grin. This felt like it was going to end up being a good conversation so the larger man would go with it.

"I'm Donovan. Think we might be in a similar boat when it comes to video games, but I'd try to give a hand there." Donovan said giving a bit of a friendly chuckle to the whole situation.

"I think the last time I played basketball it accidently became a contact sport, forgot how big I was and you can go from there." He said trying to keep a bit of humor with a funny memory to go along with it. "So what have you seen around here that looked interesting? Only other place I looked was sports, probably not a big surprise though."

[HylianRose]

Paris laughed at the response, happy it had gone over so well. The guy seemed pretty easy going and it probably helped that Paris wasn't really... shy. Paris smiled and crossed his arms, ready to begin what he assumed would be a rather long conversation.

"I've already joined too many clubs for my taste so don't think I'll be joining this one. I wasn't really interested in video games. You just looked a bit... bored standing over here." Paris replied with another big grin up at the larger guy. "But it's nice to meet you Donovan. I'm Paris." He continued, nodding his head slightly to show his minor excitement. "The last time I played basketball, I made a trip to the nurse. You can guess why." Paris explained, holding up a rather lanky arm for show. "My roommate's a martial arts guy, so we're going to start running in the mornings along with Lul- I mean Lucius, another guy we met. You're welcome to join us. Other than that..." He replied, trailing off and he looked around. "I've already joined all I want to. Just the Gardening and the Art club." Paris told him, turning his head to look at Donovan again. "What about you? See anything else you find interesting besides sports?" He asked, wanting the conversation to continue. Maybe he could convince the guy to come with him to the receptionist so he could find out his room number again. He didn't really... want to be alone. Which was weird for him, he usually liked to be alone but he felt like if he were alone, his thoughts would kill him. He needed someone with him all the time... What a loser.

[Hagura]

Kacela continued to walk around the school. She continued to enjoy being enveloped in the open air of nature. She took off her shoes and socks. Balling up the socks and placing them into her shoe. She carried them around as she continued to explore. The dirt and grass beneath her feet were comforting. The occasional rock or twig that momentarily caused her discomfort were but pleasant surprises to her. She smiled from beneath the mask of hair. She pulled it aside for a momen and hung it on her ear as she walked. Enjoying the fantastic view with both of her eyes in full view. She felt warm inside and a bit giddy from being free. She was a spirit that always wandered. Nothing could keep her bound. Kacela smelt the pine, it's scent like an old mans handshake. Warm, comforting, and heartfelt positivity. The animals around created music to kacela. She could pick out each note and compose a symphony in her head from them. She often wondered if it was better to just one day leave behind society and become a hermit. Completely alone and have no worldly worries. Depend on no one but her self, where she could hurt no one else any more. But something inside her kept her close to the people. Something inside her told her that staying close to others for now was the best idea. Until atleast she overcame her grief and fear.

As she danced to the sounds of the forest, a new sound took up the tempo. Commanding it softly and blending it together so well kacela knew this was not of her imagination, but instead some one was playing. Performing to the ears of the forest. She decided she would take a listen and come to understand true music.

Kacela followed the sounds with soft steps. As to not disturbe the exsquisite meal of notes. Kacela soon found the musician and watched him closely from behind a tree. She watched in awe of his mastery over the instrument. A poet for the ears he seemed to be. Kacela intently stared at him and kept watching with a smile yet serious face.

[Lucek]

Lucius continued playing, though he felt someone nearby, it was only thanks to his training and awareness of the surroundings he knew someone was in the vicinity. It wasn’t someone who was a threat though, there were no negative emotions, nor was there any feeling of threat. Lu wondered why the person didn’t come closer, he wouldn’t mind that, since he thought his playing was what attracted this person or maybe it was a woodland creature, he couldn’t tell. Looking abruptly would probably scare them off so the boy decided to use music to somehow get this guest to come closer.

next song

He hoped that this song would be taken as an invitation, as he poured his heart into his playing a smile on his lips. The surrounding didn’t matter anymore, the warm breeze that started blowing gently stroked his hair as he played, slightly swaying as if dancing with the wind. Even though it was Bach, the tune had a undertone of spring, at least that is what he incorporated into it. The playful air that surrounded him should be inviting to anyone, that is what he hoped at least. In reality no matter what he wanted or imagined it, his playing brought him joy and allowed to express himself, no matter the circumstances.

Once the song was done Lucius put away the violin and waited, smiling softly, his posture quite relaxed with his eyes closed. If his audience wouldn’t come out he decided to call out, but only if the person wouldn’t come out, he didn’t want to force others to do things they didn’t want. Time and time again he got to know the feeling of being forced to do something he didn’t feel he should do, so he waited patiently, slowly turning in the direction where he thought the listener was hidden, still smiling.

[Hagura]

Kacela listened and watched him play. The person was a master of his art. He incorporated the sounds around him so well. It was near magical, atleast kacela thought so. She listened intently and she knew he was aware of her. But she decided to keep up the game of hide and seek. As long as she felt semi hidden. She felt safe, he didnt seem to pose a threat, but then again neither did she think she was a danger to any one else as well until she awakened her powers.

Kacela smiled as the song ended, shifting slightly in the tranquil silence that followed. She kept her self pressed close to the tree and breathed softly. Then as he turned to her, she ducked out of sight from behind the tree, she felt as she wanted to meet him. But she felt more content to hide where she was. Her shyness made her embarrassed to meet this person. She wasn't sure what to do but stand where she was, waiting for something to happen.

[ML]

Matt paused. "Dan is a word signifying the level of mastery in a martial art. It just means I've been doing it a while. Nothing impressive."

He glanced at his phone. Mom calling. "Gotta take this. See you guys later." Off he went, wandering into his new life.

[Krodin329]

Marc looked at Avery, he felt a bit awkward. He wasn't sure why, she seemed as if she was trying to keep away from him. It may have just been her small stature, but it felt like something else, too. His stomach grumbled, loudly. He imagined that Avery probably heard it, too. He didn't really mind to much, he'd just gone running and it was only natural for a growing young man to be hungry after working out. He thought about anymore clubs to do. He couldn't think of any, but he wasn't sure.
"Hey, Avery what clubs are you doing? I'm still thinking of signing up for one more and I'd like to at least have one acquaintance in a club. After I sign up I'm going to go and grab some food in the cafeteria, care to join me?"
Marc was trying his absolute best not to treat the girl like a child, she was his age and deserved to be treated so. The only problem was that she looked remarkably like his youngest cousin Janice. It was very awkward. Marc steeled himself and tried to focus on things other than her size.

[Lucek]

Lu waited for a minute or two but it seemed that this person, he was certain that what who he felt was human, wouldn’t come out but he didn’t hear them leave either. He sighed softly opening his eyes, trying to give his gaze and face a gentle expression. Not knowing if the person was scared or shy he would normally leave, as he didn’t want to be a nuisance, however this time he decided to sate his curiosity. Having decided that he packed the violin in the case and once more turned into the direction where he thought that person was.

Without much preparation Lu just slowly went towards his hidden listener. Once at the tree he didn’t try to catch the person or anything, or even go around, he just sat next to the tree, his back against the trunk. After he put the violin case to the side he exhaled slowly and while looking at the sky he started talking quietly, trying to sound friendly. Hey, sorry if I startled you just now. He paused, continuing after a few seconds. I’m Lucius, but call me Lu or Lulu if you like. I hope I didn’t disturb you. He smiled knowing the person he was speaking with didn’t hear him.

[TaliPaendrag]

Avery nodded as Matt explained what a 'Dan' was, but before she could ask anything else, his phone went off and he wandered off, briefly apologizing for the interruption. An awkward silence seemed to reign in his absence for a few moments, being suddenly shattered by a deep rumbling coming from Marc's stomach. The suddenness of the sound caused Avery to giggle a little bit, which seemed to do a good job of easing the awkward tension in the air, as Marc almost immediately asked Avery a question after that.

“What clubs have you already signed up for? I only signed up for the Art Club and the Outdoors Club,” she replied, kind of hoping that he would enjoy one of the two clubs. It wouldn't be a bad idea for her to know someone in each either. His sudden invitation to join him for lunch after he signed up for another club did catch her off guard though. She wouldn't have thought that someone would want her to tag along with them, especially not after just meeting them.

“Uh, sure, but I'm going to need to stop at the restroom in the gym first.” She knew that it had been quite a while since she had changed last, so it was pretty certain that she would need to change again to keep from leaking. It was certainly a good thing that she had had the forethought to carry the backpack containing her changing supplies along with her.

[Krodin329]

Marc smiled, he had no plans of joining either club. He wasn't very good at either thing.
"Sorry, but those things I'm not too good at, I heard you say that you were in gymnastics, and I'm good at that. If you're willing we can join that!" His stomach growled again, less loudley this time. Avery made a comment of how she needed to stop in the ladies room and Marc certainly was in no position to stop her, nor did he want to. "Ya sure, go right ahead, I'll go sign up for the gymnastics club since that's the only other thing I can think is want to do." Marc lightly jogged off to the gymnastics counter and signed in. Behind the counter was a sophomore girl. Light, fit, clearly a gymnast.
"So I've gotta ask, what's a really built guy like yourself doing in the gymnastics clubs why not something like football, or basketball?" She asked.
"Thanks! But those sports bore me, they're not enough fun, things like martial arts, parkour, and gymnastics are where the real excitement is at. Constantly perfecting the smallest things until you're the best you can be!"
The girl nodded her head. "So you're in to martial arts huh? Are you like a black belt?"
Marc responded, " More like a worldwide master of five different martial arts, hopefully going in six. Hey I have to run, I'll talk to you at practice...what's your name?"
"Janice." She said.
"I'll remember that name!" He spoke as he walked away.

[TaliPaendrag]

“O-Okay,” Avery said, a little hesitant about taking up her old hobby. But, she supposed that she could take something of a risk if she was super careful with it. It wasn't as if displays of strength were really noticeable in gymnastics anyways. Certainly not zero, but not as obvious as if she was able to tackle people in the football club. She nodded along as Marc explained that he would head to the Sports Club's booth for their gymnastics division, going with him until they reached the gymnasium, where she split off towards the restroom while he went towards the booth.

Once in the restroom, she entered a stall made quick work of changing, as she didn't want to keep Marc waiting on her and didn't want to needlessly increase her chances of getting caught. It was embarrassing enough being so small and getting mistaken for a young child all of the time. She certainly didn't need to add her incontinence onto that.

After everything was taken care of, she left the restroom, the only evidence of her condition a trace of the baby powder scent that seemed to linger on her, and made her way to the booth, sneaking up, signing the sign-up sheet, and snatching a pamphlet so as to avoid talking to someone for too long.

Now signed up, she turned and looked for Marc, spotting him talking to a girl behind the booth while he signed up for the club. He didn't seem to notice her at all, which wasn't all that surprising considering the fact that she was shorter than everyone else on campus and the crowd was a little thicker around the Sports Club's booths. “I-I'm back. And I signed up for gymnastics too,” she said as she stepped up to him, though still a little hesitant. The though that he might be a little miffed over having to wait for her was persistent in her mind. “Where to now?“

[Hagura]

Kacela listened to the musician. She could hear him be there. Kacela tried to learn about him without looking at him. He obviously knew she was there. He didn't seem outwardly evil nor malicious. So what was there to fear? Then she heard him move closer to her. Stopping on the other side of the tree. Then he sat down against it. Kacela felt a strange tingly feeling in her belly. Something along the lines of excitement and fear. It was weird, yet appealing. Kacela decided to follow her instincts and talk to this person. It was the least she could do.

"Oh.... I wasn't startled..."

Then he said his name. Lu...... Kacela liked that name. It sounded wonderfully childish and light.

"M-my name is Kacela... Nice to meet you...."
Kacela then sighed a breath of relief that she actually spoke. She knew she wasn't the best person to keep up a conversation and she was horribly aware of it. It's a reason why she chooses not to speak normally. Because she felt awkward and inconsistent when in a conversation. Why speak when you can just read a persons body and know what they mean. Words sometimes don't convey enough or not what you mean to get across. The body is much more truthful than words. But words were nice as well...

[Lucek]

Kacela… The name had a nice ring to it, made Lu smile involuntarily. He looked up at the sky a bird looking down at him from the tree he was leaning against. A crow, they seemed to follow him around, maybe it had to do with how he carried himself, there was always some kind of animal near him. Not really thinking he took out some food and held it out. The bird flew down and acceted the meal. Slowly eating what it was given.

That’s a nice name. He nodded his body relaxed while he was talking. He didn’t feel the girl to be a threat, neither did his instincts give him any signals. It was someone like him, not really comfortable around people. That is at least what he assumed. How do you like it here. He didn’t really mean anything by the question, it was his feeble attempt at conversations. I’m not really good at this. Talking I mean. He shrugged, he could talk to some people and when talked to he had no real problems talking, but opening up or saying what was really on his mind was sometimes hard for him.

[Hagura]

As the conversation slowly developed, kacela felt more and more safe. She wasn't so scared and wanted to enjoy the company of Lu. She mulled the thought over in her head of going around the tree to see him. But she wasn't confident in herself at all. She had low self esteem and wasn't yet ready for a face to face talk.
Then the compliment about her name threw her off. Not many people had talked to her, much less say something nice. She smiled, it felt good to say and hear nice things. She restlessly picked the grass with her fingers slowly. The plucking sound greeting that of the bird eating from Lu. Kacela could sense all the movements. She was always in tune with her surroundings. She could feel everything around her, being aware of the things around you was always a useful trait when you normally kept to your self andusult planned to remain in solitude. Then the conversation continued.

"Oh. T-thank you. I-I like your name too. This place? I like it so far. But it has only just begun. S-so I can't really say. And it's okay. I'm not good at talking either."

Kacela responded with a more steady voice than before.

"A-and you play very well!"

Kacela felt as she should compliment him.

[Lucek]

Hagura said
As the conversation slowly developed, kacela felt more and more safe. She wasn't so scared and wanted to enjoy the company of Lu. She mulled the thought over in her head of going around the tree to see him. But she wasn't confident in herself at all. She had low self esteem and wasn't yet ready for a face to face talk. Then the compliment about her name threw her off. Not many people had talked to her, much less say something nice. She smiled, it felt good to say and hear nice things. She restlessly picked the grass with her fingers slowly. The plucking sound greeting that of the bird eating from Lu. Kacela could sense all the movements. She was always in tune with her surroundings. She could feel everything around her, being aware of the things around you was always a useful trait when you normally kept to your self andusult planned to remain in solitude. Then the conversation continued. "Oh. T-thank you. I-I like your name too. This place? I like it so far. But it has only just begun. S-so I can't really say. And it's okay. I'm not good at talking either."Kacela responded with a more steady voice than before. "A-and you play very well!" Kacela felt as she should compliment him.

The pace at which they talked was slow, but that was all right with Lu. After all he felt Kacela was shy, he didn’t inquire for the reasons, he thought people will open on their own once they trust each other. He had his own secrets so that might have been another reason he wasn’t nosy about other people.
Lu blushed a little at the compliment, berating himself as he shouldn’t show his emotions so easily. Well maybe because Kacela was giving him a calming feeling and the place was calm without negative emotions he let his guard down. All in all it wasn’t that bad to be more open sometimes. Lu relaxed more, at that his new feathery friend nudged him for more food. Seems I made a friend he though as he looked into the crow’s eyes, then gave it more food.

Thank you. I have played for a few years now… but I rarely play for others so I don’t get many opinions. I’m glad you like it. He smiled broadly, making people happy was something he wanted to do. He made up his mind and asked. Sorry If I’m prying… Did you join any clubs? Or do you have plans for joining any? Might as well see if he’d have more chances to talk, it was the most calming conversation he had in a long time.

[Hagura]

Kacela was receptive to Lu's emotions. She could tell he felt calm and relaxed. The atmosphere was stress free and easy going. She very much enjoyed the pace of everything so far
This is an ideal relationship for kacela. She didnt want to be bound by anything and had the freedom to go and return when she wanted to.

"You play so well. Why don't you do it more often?"

Kacela verbally wondered. She liked his music alot, she wanted his talent to be shared. But she understood if he wasn't okay with it. Kacela would most likely feel uncomfortable as well.

"Clubs? No, none yet. I don't have a plan to join any. "

Kacela then pulled her knees closer to herself and hugged them. Kacela was becoming more confident as the conversation started to rise to the real thing.

[Lucek]

Lu scratched his chin quizzicaly. Why didn’t I? He thought about playing, then recalled the sole reason, he wasn’t outgoing enough, or rather his days were busy, too busy to go out and just play with friends…. Which I didn’t really have. he thought. They were more like acquaintances to him, not someone he could open to. Still in this place he already met people he could call more than acquaintances, maybe even friends. Still Kacela deserved an answer.

To be honest, I have no convincing answer. The most truthful one would be that I didn’t have anyone to play for. There was my family, but mom didn’t really want to listen and dad… well he did, rarely when he had time off from work. Lu shrugged, but smiled. Still that made me who I am today.

Maybe now I’ll have more people to play for, I know at least one person who I wouldn’t mind… no who I would more than enjoy playing for. He smiled. He liked how the conversation was progressing. Seems he needed someone to talk to, someone… he couldn’t describe it, but maybe someone like Kacela.

Well I joined the Art, Game and Gardening clubs. Each for a different reason though. He looked down as something nestled into his lap. His new crow friend decided to claim the lap for his own. Well this is new. Lu said softly, as he gently petted the black feathery bundle.

[General Scales]

Donovan listened in turn to Paris about the clubs he joined and he found his retort about the basketball story rather amusing, understandable but still amusing. He had a feeling he would end up meeting his roommate and Lucius at some point during his stay whether it was sooner or later had yet to be seen although the prospect of running around was something he would have to think about. Then his interests being brought up made him pause for thought because it wasn't something that had occurred to him, but he did have one other possibility,

"The Outdoors club is kinda appealing now that I think about it, but beyond that not much else I guess. Man I'm boring!" Donovan said with a realization that made him chuckle considering his own simple interests. He had to admit it was a bit pathetic at his lack of creativity in that respect, though it was the opposite while using his powers where ideas came left and right. "As for the running, I might just have to think on it a bit. Takes a bit for me to get up in the morning so I'll see what I can do." He said with his smile having grown slightly at the idea.

Donovan decided he would probably just throw a signature at the Outdoors club before he left the gym but he was more than willing to wait for Paris to be ready for it. "Not a bad start on meeting people I have to say." He thought feeling better about being in the academy the longer he was here and it was just the first day. "Gardening and Art huh? Sounds like a good combo, though I probably have no idea at least as far as the gardening goes. Not much for me to talk about there but if you want me to tag along for a bit maybe I'll get to meet your buds in person or something else entirely if it happens." He said giving an honest opinion on the two clubs and keeping a good conversation going felt like a decent idea.