The viewing platform above the mage’s classroom was larger than it seemed from down below. A few smaller tables lined the edges with two comfortable chairs around each, letting the vampires lean easily on the railing, and a few raised platforms boasted couches that gave vampires an opportunity to lounge while viewing. Each couch was flanked by small side tables that held a menu for the turned if they were interested in snacking and several pairs of opera glasses if a vampire preferred external means of seeing their mage closer.
Varis claimed a table with the closest view of Aaron. Luck had it that he was paired with the annoying Spellman child and it seemed he’d already taken to his assignment, the silly loops and swoops that filled his journal on display, if one chose to look close enough, on the table. After an irritatingly obvious lesson in feeding, it helped Varis’s mood to see the boy taking his job seriously. Why anyone needed a lesson on feeding at this age was beyond him. It was the very basics of vampirism; that the turned couldn’t handle it and the suggestion that purebloods ignored them made his head spin. It was as disgraceful as it was disgusting.
Down below, the mages were putting on rather good displays of their control. Almost every table could complete the basic exercise, a wide variety of color shining out of the crystals, and were urged onto trying to moderate the rate of change. The instructor flitted around like a hummingbird, only staying long enough to say a few words of encouragement and moving on again. The TAs were more methodical, staying at each table for a few minutes to get a feel of how things were going, and then moving to the next table to rinse and repeat.
Victor casually made his way towards the viewing area. Glancing at the note book he carried with him, the words “VicStragois@Vmail.com” and “password - DrowSsap117” etched into the page. He was unsure why he needed such a thing for this blackboard nonsense but at least that aid helped him with it. A submissive and very well trained human, but thin and almost fragile looking. Something like that would not be well suited as a mage for him.
Entering the viewing area, The tall vampire could see several other vampires finding their own perches to watch. He honestly should pay more attention to the class schedule, it seemed it would be his new life for the time being. Slowly walking towards a balcony with one other vampire who looked like he wasn't all that talkative either. Making sure his footsteps were known by forceing the heel of his boot a little more forcefully onto the ground.
Walking up to the balcony and peering over, Victor could see different colors of light flickering between mages and crystals. He had only witnessed one mage ceremony were these crystals were used and it was not as vibrant as this. His dull red eyes peered through the faces of the mages below him before finally settling on the face of one that he recognized.
“Spellman.” he muttered to himself with a disappointed sigh.
Varis hadn’t bothered reacting to the approaching vampire, already dismissing them as below him. The conflict brewing between his own mage and his target held his full attention. The Spellman child clearly held the upper hand in the discussion, practically slicing his mage into ribbons from this view, while the light mage struggled on the defensive. Varis rolled his eyes with a sigh. For a Noila mage, his deflection needed work. Hopefully, his swordsmanship didn’t follow in the same steps.
It was the muttered last name that drew the vampire’s attention away from the struggling mage. He nearly missed it but the name wouldn’t let itself go unnoticed and Varis gave his attention to the vampire who muttered it dejectedly. A scar adorned man towered nearby, watching the same table as him. Varis’s lip curled in disdain but he quickly smoothed it away as he took another few moments to observe. While his strength and build were certainly commendable, his looks left far too much to be desired. If that Spellman name hadn’t left his lips, Varis would have looked over the brute as little more than insignificant.
“Spellman.” Varis repeated the vampire’s words, loud enough to catch his attention.
“Are you part of the investigation team because you certainly don’t scream Knight of the Evening.” The two mages below them at the table seemed to be enjoying each others company. His mage, this spellman seemed to be drawing off and on or sketching the other. This tallent did have its uses but otherwise this mage looked scrawny and weak. Almost as if he hadn't eaten a proper meal in days.
It only took him a few more moments after muttering the name that he felt it. The other vampire was staring at him. First impressions count right? Purposefully he moved his hand to his neck and pulled his collar up to cover the scarring on his neck. He wanted the other to think he was self conscious about it but didn't return the gaze. At least for a little while longer.
The other vampire spoke, first repeating spellmans name then something about an investigation, “great im paired with someone who is already suspicious and likely can't be trusted.” he thought to himself before sighing. Victor glanced up at the man next to him taking a moment to look this one and his demeanor over, rather obviously as well.
“I find no use for fancy titles.” he spoke with a deep monotone voice that sounded surprisingly smooth.
“No, I am not part of the investigation team, at least not for this one. This one unfortunately is mine.” He answered with a frown and a half truth as he turned his attention back to the mage,
“that other one yours then? Or perhaps one of the others nearby?”“The Starag at the same table. As disappointing as he is for a Noila breed, I'm stuck with him. I'll have to wean him off the Noilan milk for the next few years.” Varis sighed in response. He watched them a moment longer and returned his attention to the vampire.
“The Spellman child is opinionated. Believes mages should be elevated to a vampire's station and that their opinions should be considered in matters of state. An amusing thought when it isn't spat at the Queen's table on the heels of an accusation of Lady Sinnenodel. You'll have your hands full with that one.” Varis raised an eyebrow as he sat back, evaluating the vampire. He hid his scars after walking across campus, ashamed or forgetful Varis didn't know or particularly care, and he had little problem ignoring titles and proper greetings. Either a small branch or some commoner above his station; either way, Varis would much rather ignore him but his unwilling attachment to the Spellman could be useful down the road.
“So now I know your mage but who exactly is his partner?” Varis asked, returning his attention down below.
“So he is a Starag? At least you will have fun with that one.” Victor prodded a small form of amusement towards him before thinking about the others comment about introductions.
“Victor Strigois Astorio. Apologies i have only just come off an assignment with a mute mage. I have not had the pleasant company of fellow vampires for some time.” At least this time he was telling the truth, spending the better part of the last year with a mute mage named owl. They were tracking a lesser vampire that broke the law and was running away with a mage. Victor had only returned last week as the vampire tried to sacrifice himself for the mage only to end up getting both of them captured.
“Yes I'm sure I will have my work cut out for me. We will see how talkative that one is after training. He wouldn't survive my current assignments in his condition and the council will not accept lack of physical prowess as an excuse.” glancing at the other for a moment before looking back down at those two.
“And you? You don't look like an Astorio. What should i call you?”“Varis Sinnenodel, current favorite of the fickle Lady of the House. Technically, I'm the heir but short of her assassination, I won't see the Council seat in my lifetime.” Varis responded with wry amusement on his lips.
“Not that I have the time to plan that. Far too many other family members to get in my pocket or kill as necessary. And the boy is amusing. He still has suffers the delusions of modesty, one of my favorite ones to break. His pride however…” Varis shook his head, clicking his tongue.
“That will be an unpleasant task. Noilas bred it strong and it'll take the next few years to undo all that.” Varis took a moment to consider the information he'd gotten. The last Astorio was the exact opposite of this one; maybe he could goad this Victor into doing a few of the more unpleasant tasks tucked away in his desk. He certainly seemed capable enough if his physique was anything to go by and that someone trusted him to hunt rogue vampires. He'd have to test that.
“So how does Victor Astorio change a mage's attitude? We've all heard the stories and seen a few of the more creative displays your family seems so fond of.” Varis suppressed a shudder at a memory, Lord Peiron disciplining his mage for his Lady after a pathetically small insult. He still wasn't sure if the mage survived it or not but the foolish thing probably wished it wouldn't.
“But how do you plan to break the little stubborn streak your new pet got himself in trouble with?”“Hmm Varis, a pleasure.” Again trying to be polite and not create too many frayed edges on his first day.
“My clan is rather low ranking in our family but we have something that most other Astorio do not. Restraint or at least better than the others. That is why they put us in charge of judiciary means.” Victor became quiet for a few moments as he eyed his mage and pondered the vampires question.
“Although Lord Peiron’s methods are effective, but brutal. I was told I would not be able to get away with such… activities.” Again he continued to ponder this one's question.
“More than likely will have to settle with corrective punishment through physical exercise for a time until I can find some leverage either through his family or his friends that he finds here. All it takes is the right rumor, the right nudge, to watch their world burn around them.” He couldn't help but smile at that comment. It seemed more likely that he was reminiscing on some past event rather than Spellman’s future.
“However, it seems this pride will be the downfall of both our mages if we continue to let them speak out of turn. If what you say is true, speaking to the queen in such a manor from spellman will not be tolerated. Simply being investigated isn't enough of a corrective measure. He should know that he is lucky, if it were my father or the lord. Well I'm sure you have heard of the training accidents that are abound in the Astorio house.” glancing at the Sinnenodel for a moment before sighing,
“we really should update our safety procedures when it comes to training with mages.”“I’m shocked your family even has them.” Varis snorted, amused at the idea of Astorio safety procedures. They must be
dreadful and the mages subjected to them must know exactly what they’re in for when they discover them. Absolutely fantastic.
“And considering what safety procedures you do follow, how long do you expect it will take to whip the Spellman child into shape? He’ll likely fight it the entire way.”“Well what do you expect? We do have to have something down on paper to get the council out of our affairs.” He was joking and knew that talk like this was something he could likely get away with because of who he was talking to.
“That I'm not sure of, judging someone based on their looks alone is what you would call foolish. I won't know until I have a proper read of his abilities.” he smiled again but was well aware that the other one here likely knew of this himself.
“As for a fight? Well I would hope so. It wouldn't be any fun if he just laid there and took the abuse.”“I look forward to it.” Varis murmured, eyeing the vampire. An Academic setting seemed odd for this one as focused on his duties as he seemed. Not only that but between this one and the Knight of the Evening, Ryner was crippling the Council's enforcement powers. He couldn't have been the only one to notice meaning these two and maybe a few more had their own agendas, personal or otherwise. His fingers drummed lightly on the table as he contemplated, excitement bubbling up inside him. Unexpected surprise aside, the likely possibility added an extra sense of danger to his game and it made Varis feel alive. Why not stoke the fire a little more though.
“Princess Ryner's student selection is certainly interesting. Two members of the Council's military arm, two arguably important figures, and the questionable heirs to two Houses.” Varis mused aloud, just loudly enough for Victor to hear.
“I do wonder what her goal is. It all seems a bit… convenient, don't you think?”The tall vampire fell silent at this one's pondering while he watched the two mages below them get into something of an argument. Their posture changed and he could pick up bits of what they were saying.
“Hmm perhaps, but i wasn't summoned here at her request. I was told to come here by someone who is above my father but wouldn't give me their name.” he lied best not tell everyone who you get your orders from.
“Something about having me come here to help teach these nobles and mages a few things when it comes to fighting Lycans.” He emphasised the last word, an ancient enemy he does not joke about.
“My family, before we were accepted into house Astorio, were known as Strigoi. Specifically Armata De Strigoi or army of the dead. They were tasked with the most dangerous missions and proved their worth by not only completing the objective but returning. Never with everyone but returning every time.” He seemed to be reminiscing old stories now but stories backed by all members of the clan and other Astorio nobles as well.
“We are the Stormbound, The Avatar, we are the sons of death and sorrow, we are the ones who see no tomorrow, Suck up, Armata De Strigoi.” an old tune inscribed in some of the old books. He pondered again the others question and wondered what he was trying to get out of it. Victor knew enough not to give everything away. He knew he wasn't the best when it came to getting information this way from people.
So instead of continuing this he looked back to Varis once more and gave him a nod.
“I best be on my way to the next class, i want to make sure i'm not missing anything that i might need. It was a pleasure talking with you Varis, have a good evening.” He would wait for a moment longer before giving him a nod and continuing onto his next class. At least this time he had something to think about, mostly how to deal with this Spellman character and what Varis might be playing at.
Varis maintained polite interest as the Astorio rambled. Knowing how staunchly Ryner defended the Academy's independence from the Council, Varis doubted a higher authority demanded a spot for the bumbling Astorio against Ryner’s approval. Which left two options, either the neolithic vampire made the worst lie the Sinnenodel heard in recent decades or he was another one of Ryner’s
hiccups. After the whole several months early assassination, Varis wasn’t inclined to give his collegue the benefit of the doubt. He leaned back with a sigh. Just another headache.
And then Victor just rambled. In a perfect world, Varis would have laughed the little Count out of the room but little and less is perfect and Varis predicted their paths would cross more often than he’d care for if his little game with the Spellman child continued. It almost made him text his own mage, rescinding his orders for his own comfort, but a little suffering now would pay off later as pleasant as one less task would be. He spared the pair one last glance before leaving the observation room, his own preparations neglected. He would have to speak to Aaron about getting along with the boy better. His performance today was abysmal; Varis could feel the tension between the two. Today’s lesson: Deflection and Mitigation. The mage’s soon to be marking should work as a reminder if done properly.
Member
Morose
Kirah
Forsythe
Blizz
op2024
Fetzen
PatientBean
Noctis
Kronshi
