Achronum

Of Blood and Magic

_{December 7th, 7:15am - The Sinnenodel Dorm}

Varis certainly wanted to snap back at the Eve for even suggesting that he, the youngest heir to the Sinnenodel family to date, needed help. The comment was well called for; Queen knows if he caught someone tirading over such a simple task, he’d well suggest they’d be relieved of their mage entirely. Encouraged or not, the comment rankled but Varis kept a considerate smile on his face as he sipped at the boy’s blood. He couldn’t very well let the disrespect go unanswered but how to respond? Varis sat forward, a considerate glance thrown at the Astorio. “Perhaps our guest of honor has a point. The boy mentioned he trained with one of the Noilan guard dogs regularly so perhaps I switched methods too quickly. Maybe breaking bones and restricting access to life magic would be a better starting point.” Varis mused, fingers tapping on the arm of the chair. “It certainly imposes on the values of the Sinnenodels but sometimes excellence demands sacrifice. I’ll take your recommendation under consideration, Count Eve. I’ll be certain to have the boy write you a letter of gratitude as well.”

Victor chose an excellent moment to chime in with such an astute observation. Of course the boy’s ego and pride was in the way. He oozed smug satisfaction whenever he thought his performance perfect. It motivated Varis to knock him down all the more harshly. The fact that the Starags are still permitted to think so high of themselves even though they themselves do nothing but bow and kneel is a joke. Perhaps Landar had that spark of life in him but modern day Starags were little more than mindless livestock. “Yes, it certainly is in the way. The boy thinks highly of himself and his family. I did too until I met him. The Starags are considered the highest quality servant but reality quickly corrected me.” Varis admitted hands spread out as he shrugged. “And the fact that he skipped your mages’ blood is yet another shining example of his incompetence. All of the mages’ blood should have been served but it seems someone socialized far too long.” Varis sent Eris a warning look when he spoke up in the boy’s favor. That damned actor was far too soft on the boy. Varis would have to ensure Eris made the boy regret the little offer instead of letting him off easily later that morning. If Eris messed up his planning, Varis would stake the actor himself.

He glanced back at his pocket watch and stood. “While I would like nothing more than to continue our conversation, it seems the sun will find the sky soon. Boy, I expect an apology to Count Astorio for the disrespect you’ve shown him and then fetch the other mages.” Varis commanded Aaron. “In the meantime lady and gentlemen, I should certainly hope our next gathering will find you adequately prepared for an evening of conversation. I'll make sure that Chaend presents us an opportunity for everyone to speak together again."

---

Maddie would have to be blind not to see what was happening. Lilie must have stumbled head over heels into a crush on the worst possible person she could have. All Maddie felt for her was pity because anyone with any knowledge of the Sinnenodels knew she didn’t stand a chance. Lilie was a sweet girl but Aaron was so far out of her league, it wasn’t even funny. Aaron would set the record straight if it ever came to that but she hoped for Lilie’s sake that it would disappear before they got to that. They really didn’t need anymore tension in this group as it was.

“I’ll let the group know not to expect you two. It is a little nerve wrecking meeting new people so I can’t blame you.” She told Salem and Max, honestly relieved they didn’t accept. They spelled trouble and she was fully committed to avoiding them as much as possible now. “It’s wonderful that you two are having fun together. Queen only knows how much Aaron probably needs the support these nights.”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Glitter Factory -> The Car
Skills: N/A

---

---

“Sweetheart, light of my life, apple of my eye, and I say this with all the love and affection in the world, but absolutely the fuck not.” James shook his head with a chuckle. “I’m about 100% certain I’d rather have someone put me through a woodchipper. Turning off my healing would be a disaster.” God only knows how Casper survived that. He pressed a kiss to Casper’s cheek as they helped him to the car and then listened intently as Waverly explained how she worked on her control. He wasn’t convinced it would be helpful. Though, who knows. Maybe it would be. Even he wasn’t sure how this all worked,much less how he gave it to someone else, but maybe all that weird new age vibration stuff had some merit. “It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. Worst thing that comes out of it is that I feel a little more relaxed. Thanks for the suggestion!” James thanked her, climbed in so he could help Casper in, and then nestle in next to him.

Now, did James know Casper was playing at needing help still? Absolutely. Echo was up and walking around minutes after his spine was sliced through and Casper himself had been moving almost instantly the last time he and Jack showed up at the MU half dead. Did that mean James was going to do anything other than indulge his adorable as fuck boyfriend? Absolutely not. He snuggled in a little closer to Casper, leaving his hand out on his thigh for Casper to take once he was satisfied with mocking his dad. The guy certainly deserved it and more; honestly, James kinda wanted to punch him in the face for all the shit he put Casper through. At least James had a guarantee there wouldn’t be an awkward meet the parents dinner where he had to sit and play nice. Even if Casper for some reason did want to be in the same room as that man, James is 100% certain he’d win more of Casper’s approval if he did end up decking the guy. Of course, that would mean dealing with one of the most powerful telepaths in the world and frankly, he just didn’t want to.

“So on a scale of Max accidently setting a roof on fire to M-Pox decimating the mutant population unchecked, how fucked are we and how are we going to fix it?” James asked the group. He’d caught a little of the X-Cutioner guy’s commentary, something about a bomb and the x-men surrendering, but he’d been focused on his boyfriend dying on the ground in front of him. The thought made him wrap around Casper a little bit tighter.

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

---

The room she’d gotten from Lienna was more than ample for her. A little small but she certainly wasn’t planning to spend much time in her, sequestered away from the marvelous views the mountain offered. It wasn’t the ocean she was familiar with, no salt in the air or sudden gusts of wind carried in on the waves, but the dizzying heights gave one a perspective on just how small everything was in the grand scheme of things and she found that thought oddly comforting. Small was never something she’d consider herself or her goals but here, tucked neatly away from the rest of the world, she was content with it.

Laughter bubbled up as she put away her things. How odd of her, waxing poetic over a sense of serenity. Perhaps it was that she’d have to stand still for a year, an unusual occurrence for her. She was certainly no stranger to travel, accompanying her father to Duke Reagan’s territory since she was barely past his knee and then to the other territories of the Alliance as she sought to gain footholds and allies. She shook her head as she neatly put away her books in alphabetical order by the author, set up her sword’s stand near her bed, and neatly folded and hung her clothes. It was true she’d never imagined she would stay still for quite so long but it promised to be just as exciting as back home.

Clarissa heard the ruckus of others outside. Lienna wasn’t wrong when she said characters of all sorts would be right there. Honestly, it didn’t bother her. Having the noise of everyone around them seeping into her room made it feel a little more alive. She put two wooden frames on her desk, smaller copies she’d paid the portraitist to make her once they were finished. One was her family, a portrait they'd commissioned shortly after her coming of age ceremony to officially declare her the heiress to House Edmund. She remembered how proud her father had been, how nervous and apprehensive her mother was, and how bored out of his mind the little six year old was at the time. The poor boy had been squirming in his seat from the get go but Mother hadn’t let him complain a bit. Clarissa knew things were still a little strained between them but it was the little things, like that, that reminded Clarissa her mother still did her best to support her.

The other felt more personal. Years ago, Duke Riegan and her father bribed, bullied, and commanded them to sit still for the Duke’s portraitist. They must have been no older than 13, Jorah eager to cross his father at every opportunity and Clarissa unwilling to give up valuable time to sit for a portrait of all things. But she was glad they did now that they were older. She survived hard times because of her friendship with him and while she had a sneaking suspicion the Alliance wasn’t large enough to hold Jorah forever, she’d always make sure a memory of her best friend was always around. There was a time when she once thought about joining him on the adventures he claimed with all certainty he’d have. The daydreams of a girl with no direction and no responsibility. Now, she’ll make sure the man always has a place at her table, just to make sure he always comes back home.

She gave the place a final inspection, straightening a few things here and there, just as the dinner bell chimed. And just in time it seemed as her stomach made itself known loudly. Thankfully, no one was around to hear that. She pulled on the coat of her uniform, having removed and hung it for a moment while she tidied up, and took her leave of the room. She still hadn’t gotten around to touring the grounds but she could see what she remembered was the dining hall when she’d passed. She did give the green house and the pond a moment of her attention, resolving that at the very least, she’d visit those before she retired for the evening.

She hadn’t been inside it earlier but the dining hall was quite a bit larger than she expected. Several long, sophisticated tables ran the length of the hall and she gratefully noted each sat on it’s own rug. She could imagine that stone got cold in the winter months and an extra barrier against the chill was most welcome. But the room didn’t keep her attention for long. The familiar aroma of fish in a pan of sizzling butter caught her nose and it drew her toward the front of the dining room where chefs were cooking in an open kitchen. A two fish sauté, her favorite, was sizzling merrily in a pan. Technically, the dish was from Enbarr but a merchant who frequented the border brought the recipe back and she’d loved it at first bite.

A plate of butter sauteed fish in hand, she took her place at the end of the closest table. Honestly, she couldn’t think of a better way to start a new adventure.

Of Blood and Magic

_{December 7th, 7:05am - The Sinnenodel Dorm}

The Countess was in… Varis would say rare form but putting her foot in her mouth seemed the norm for her. Honestly, her skill rivalled the Spellman’s and he’d thought that was a feat in and of itself. Aggressive and sharp and bumbling, it was like watching a little vampire learn how to feed from a vein rather than a bottle. An utterly disgusting and humiliating display truly. He’d started out with a little pity for her and now he just felt nothing but contempt. But it would be fun to egg Count Benjamin and the Marivaldi on in the future. Maybe when he got bored with this institution, he’d pit them against each other for the fun of it.

“Count Astorio, I didn’t know you were a vampire of hidden talents. I never would have assumed you a comedian!.” Varis laughed at the question. How perfect! He’d practically given up on playing this angle but he couldn’t say no if the brute was going to open the door to opportunity. “He’d have to have any talents for me to squander them. He’s come to me even worse that your average house trained mage. He actively seeks out opportunities to prove himself to me that are barely a challenge.” He turned to Count Benjamin and waved his hand in disbelief. “That’s how our mages came to cross blades, actually. I directed him to find himself a sparring partner so his skills stay sharp―a simple task surely, I thought, for someone with ten years of experience under his belt―so he found your mage and he expected me to praise him as if he found some sort of decent challenge.” Varis’ heard the tell tale clinking of the boy coming with the next round and continued with a smirk at the corner of his mouth. How wonderfully fun!

“And at the dinner that got your mage caught up in this Red Hand business, Count Astorio, the boy made an utter fool of himself in front of both the Queen and my Lady! The Princess and I gave him very simple instructions on how to avoid drawing my Lady’s attention and that of her mind mages and at the very first chance, he threw it all into the wind because another mage got a little woozy. While it’s grand that chivalry isn’t dead, that left him defenseless against her and she wiggled her way into his obstinate, dull head. Varis clicked his tongue in disappointment, taking the glass as the boy poured it but otherwise ignoring him. He took a break in his ranting to take a sip, savoring that touch of brightness beneath the citrusy flavor, and resisted throwing it back like a shot. “Not that there seems to be much in there―he couldn’t figure out how to affix cufflinks without me, after all―but he certainly knew plenty about the Eve mage and his family. As much as a pride myself as a skilled strategist, her mind is still an enigma. Who knows who or what caught her mages’ eyes.” He closed his eyes as he took another sip, letting himself relish the taste. This was a dangerous thing;he’d have to start going back to bottles to keep himself from draining the boy empty.

“And the most infuriating part is that no corrective action so far has proven effective. I took away all his doors because he hasn’t earned privacy yet, he’s written plenty of lines and his handwriting is barley improving, he drafted and presented public apologies for those he put under my Lady’s attention and now they’re hanging in his room as a reminder, and just recently I’ve had to take away his Noila toy sword for a whole month because he went behind my back on the matter of his schedule. At least it makes an excellent foot rest at the arena. Too bad I’ll probably have to have it melted down if he keeps misbehaving.” Varis sighed. “I’ve tried being relatively tame with my punishments, he’s adjusting and all that, but I expected more from even a throw away Starag. It just means I’ll have to introduce him to proper Sinnenodel punishments sooner than I’d like to.”

He glanced at his pocket watch, clicking his tongue again. It was a little late in the morning so they’d have to wrap this up soon. That would explain why they skipped the Spellman boy’s blood. Varis couldn’t say he was upset by the decision but he’d make the boy sweat to explain it nonetheless. And if anyone brought it up, what an excellent opportunity to damage the boy’s reputation here.

Aaron's blood

Orange and Cloves with a pleasant brightness

---

She’d thought Firefly was adorably amusing but it definitely did not have the same impact as Maestro. Firefly got a shake of the head, amusement or irritation she wasn’t sure, but Maestro had Aaron red. Maddie watched Aaron as he hurried back to the kitchen, little wheels turning in her head. She turned her attention back to the group and smiled at Max and Salem, neither speaking up at the mention of the invitation. “Don’t feel pressured to come, of course. It’s just meant to be laid back and fun.” She offered them, letting them step out without an awkward no slamming into Lilie’s excitement. “If you do make something Lilie, let me know. I’d love to bring something too!”

All in all, the evening had been… interesting. Max was someone to avoid, especially as he called the Princess a lying bitch. That was a mess waiting to explode and she didn’t want to be in splash radius. Salem was odd but he seemed harmless. Lilie was nice and sweet but there was a landmine to avoid around her labeled “Vampires” and she didn’t want to navigate that. She made a note to avoid gatherings with her if vampires were likely to be in attendance. Aaron was the only one she didn’t have any rela misgivings about because she knew where he stood and he knew where she stood and they didn’t have to play games about what not to talk about and what to lie about. She’d have got advice from Amaris about this whole mess. Maybe she’d have a good idea how to navigate this mess.

“So when did you have the opportunity to see Aaron play? I knew he danced but I wasn’t aware he was an accomplished musician.” Maddie asked.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Glitter Factory
Skills: Healing Factor

---

---

“Yeah, you’re a little well done right now, honey. Nothing we won’t get fixed sooner or later.” James smiled appreciatively Waverly as she took Casper, a groan escaping him as the weight came off. The man was nothing but dead weight right now and James was barely in any condition to be schlepping him around. He gave her a thumbs up and laid down on the floor for a few seconds longer to catch his breath. He even closed his eyes but he felt the pull of sleep and he snapped them right back open and forced himself up onto one knee and then up the rest of the way. He rolled his shoulders for a few seconds, rubbing away the soreness of laying on the floor, and turned to follow Waverly.

Just in time to see Casper hit the floor. He winced at the nasty sounding thud, another bruise or bump he probably couldn’t mend right now, and made his way over as Casper rambled about Ghostbusters. Waverly tried to keep him moving but she was barely faring better than he had been. “Since no one else is in danger of dying or bleeding out, give me a second to try and close him up one more time and then maybe together we can keep him off the floor. Teamwork makes the dream work and all that, right?” James suggested as he knelt down next to his boyfriend one more time. Everything, and James literally meant everything, in him protested but he laid his hands out again and focused, searching for that familiar feeling. It took a moment, long enough that James was sweating at the thought of yet another fail, but finally he clung onto that familiar heartbeat and fixed the remaining bullet hole.

“Oh, thank fuck.” James sighed as he hoisted Casper to his feet and got him moving to the car with Waverly. “Making sure Echo was okay took way more out of me than I thought. Does it wear you out to use your gifts, Waves? Do you do any training to make it less exhausting to handle stuff?”

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

---

@Hero@Scribe of Thoth

Clarissa considered his evaluation of the Blue Lions and the Crown Prince a moment. He clearly put deliberate thought into his words but whether or not that was because he was still getting his thoughts in order on the subject or because he was treading carefully, she wasn’t sure. Still, it seemed he was in a similar position as herself given they’d had little time to get to know everyone. Everyone was still a bit of a mystery in the other Houses at least. Her own were infuriatingly straight forward and the future headaches she was expecting were unpleasant. Maybe she ought to acquire a remedy sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, one detail sat out in Auberon’s commentary. Kellen, the boy who stumbled over himself in his introduction, was noticeably absent. Perhaps Auberon had even less time to figure him out but he at least theorized about Lienna. Maybe that’d be something to keep any eye on.

“I think you have Jorah perfectly described.” Clarissa laughed. She was perfectly content with that answer for now; Clarissa would follow up later in the year. Jorah had plenty of wonderful qualities, even if she’d probably jump out of a window before telling him otherwise his ego would swell twice its size, and she knew his familiar attitude in these situations could turn the serious kind away. “We certainly are an unusual group but I hope you’ll persevere through their antics. I doubt you'll find people more loyal to each other and those they call friends but I know they may be a tad overbearing for a few months. Jorah’s reunited with one of his closest friends and has two new ones to make and he has the uncanny ability to wrap everyone up in his exuberance. If you ever need advice on how to handle them or just need them out of your hair, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I have plenty of experience keeping them from going overboard.”

Her attention shifted to the Archbishop as soon as she started speaking, For such a young child with an impossible burden on his shoulders, he certainly held it well. She nodded along with Ionnias,practically beaming as he explained himself. Everytime he spoke, she found her respect for him growing. This was exactly what she believed would benefit the Leicester Alliance, high and lowborn reducing the significant gap between them and unifying together for the betterment of their country as a whole. Jorah must have had too much sway over her because she was two seconds away from picking him up and whirling him around she was so excited but she had to remind herself this was not her little brother and it would be far too improper to swing the Archbishop around like he was, no matter how excited she was. She cleared her throat and kept herself perfectly still.

“I appreciate your honesty, thank you! Actually, that’s similar to how my family governs. With our limited size and resources, we rely almost entirely on the weight of our economy so reducing the wealth gap between all citizens improves our financial status and helps us maintain our relevance in an increasingly aggressive production age. I have no doubt we can raise ourselves to your expectations, if for no other reason than to give others proof that you deserve to be involved in anything you decide to put your mind to. If there is anything we can do to help you further, you only need ask and I will do my best to assist you.” She offered with a determined glint in her eye. The last part had just slipped out, a spur of the moment decision she made as his situation struck a chord with her. She was no stranger to being dismissed because she was young and she wasn’t about to have this child, Archbishop or not, struggle because his clergy wouldn’t support him. Absolute nonsense. He clearly had ideas and dreams and if she could make the path to achieving that a little easier, she would do everything she could to make that happen. “That being said, I’m afraid I’ve lingered for far too long. I’d intended to get a lay of the grounds, get my things put away, and then talk with Professor Euphemia about a few things but I couldn’t miss an opportunity to chat together. Maybe the three of us can have tea one evening? My father and I used to make a habit of it and I’m afraid I’m going to miss it dearly.”

Of Blood and Magic

_{December 7th, 6:55am - The Sinnenodel Dorm}

Varis should have expected it but the Countess’ pathetic attempt at expressing her scorn and vexation startled him. He hadn’t realized someone of their age and stature could fumble such a simple exchange. He’d given her too much credit; he assumed she’d at least put her energy into a productive and creative outlet while on her self imposed exile―Varis certainly didn’t buy into this grieving nonsense, after all. They weren’t mages.―but clearly she’d only wasted away. No wonder her father didn’t want her to take over the family. She’d probably run it into the ground with how she sold away her potential for melancholy.

“Only confirming the process is moving. The sooner the boy figures out his plan, the sooner he’ll be able to focus on learning to be a proper Sinnenodel mage. I don’t need him stumbling like this at Chaend.” Varis sighed, fiddling with his glass. “Though I’m interested in your lack of faith in Count Eve and his mage. It’s true that the Spellman boy is certainly trouble; he was put under investigation for possible rebel ties after he spoke against the Queen at dinner in the beginning of the year. I’m certainly surprised Count Astorio hasn’t put him on a shorter leash considering he nature of his employment for the Council.

---

“Oh, that’s definitely interesting.” It was most definitely not interesting. In fact, it had all the hallmarks of messy and Maddie was more than content to stay far, far away. She was thinking maybe a test was put in the wrong place or maybe it just didn’t complete the way it was supposed to and his vampire couldn’t leave it well alone but the Princess and her mages offering various excuses and lies that fail to line up? She couldn’t very well believe a seven or eight century old vampire would fail to make sure her various mages didn’t have the same story at the very least. She could believe it out of a pair of six year olds trying to get out of trouble but not some who survived a war and the political minefield of a modernist that challenges her own family values half the time. This is about where she’d just leave the room back at home but here she did not have that option.

And stars only know Amaris would probably care for this information. Hopefully, she’d just find it interesting, they could leave it alone, and move on but a little voice in the back of her head laughed at her. If only she had magic to turn abc time and never ask the stupid question. This was all clearly well above her paygrade and she was certainly content with staying the fuck away from this. “If you take out the constant fear of death, the challenges were fun ways to learn more about each other and how we think and act under stress. It definitely made the Countess much more understandable than she was before.” And speaking of teamwork, Maddie forgot she was supposed to ask Lilie and Aaron something while she had them all.

“That reminds me! Kanalie and I were talking before I started getting ready and she told me to tell you guys that she’s planning some sort of party for Moon’s Mirror before we head into break and she wanted to know if you guys were interested. Apparently, one of Alexander’s friends specifically told her to make sure Firefly shows up because, and I quote, “That guy needs a fucking break before the shit hits the fan.” Maddie chose, very gracefully she thought, not to laugh at all of that. “I asked if I could extend the invitation to everyone here and Kanalie only said the more the merrier so just let me know and I can give her a number. Apparently next semester is a monster for the seniors and they won’t have a ton of time to hang out."

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Glitter Factory
Skills: Healing Factor

---

---

James hesitantly backed away when Callie told him too, hovering nervously as Callie expertly cauterized the wound. The stench of burning flesh barely bothered him. All he could think about was getting Casper safe, whole, and home again, tucked away where no mysterious dickhead could put a bullet in his chest. How come he could piece together Echo’s spine and have them walking around barely five minutes later but a bullet in his boyfriend’s chest was too much? Logically, it’s probably because he’d condensed an absurd amount of healing and recovery time into those five minutes and it drained him but logic went out the door at the sight of Casper on the ground. All he felt now was frustration and anger and worry and exhaustion. If his ability was going to fail him when they needed it desperately, maybe he needed to talk to Sapphire about getting some first aid lessons or some sort of kit with at least bandages so when shit like this happened he had options other than sear it shut.

“Gotcha.” James nodded to Callie’s command, taking Casper from her so she could get back into the fray. He cradled him gently, keeping Casper’s head propped up on his shoulder, and matched his breathing again, settling neatly into his heartbeat as they synced up. James wasn’t about to move him with fully open wounds and pushed himself to at least close something. Casper seemed to settle a little more and the wound on his back closed itself. James panted, his lungs desperately clawing for air again, as he came back to himself. Little speckles danced in his vision, his head spun, and everything ached. He was definitely pushing himself too hard. He finally got himself together in time to see their attacker vanish and James just swore. Well, fuck him too. Hopefully, his little gizmo was as reliable as Max’s control and he ended up in a god damn volcano or something.

James stumbled as he pushed himself up, hauling Casper up with him in the process, and then promptly found himself hitting the floor again as a wave of dizziness stole away his vision and turned his legs to jelly. He curled protectively around his boyfriend, shielding him from the brunt of the fall, but his own back didn’t fare that well. The pain knocked the wind out of him and he sat there stunned. “I… I think I need a little help with him.” James admitted, eyes shut as he waited for the room to stop spinning. “Everyone else good? Last call for patching up cause I think getting back to the car’s going to take everything I have left.” A headache bloomed behind his eyes as he shouted over the music, the pain beating in time with it. He really wanted to put a bullet in them just to shut them up.

Of Blood and Magic

_{December 7th, 6:45am - The Sinnenodel Dorm}

Varis only shook his head in disappointment at the lack of initiative from the Marivaldi and the Astorio. Squandering away an opportunity he practically handed them on a silver platter. Even if they weren’t politically motivated, certainly they had to be somewhat curious about their newest addition. Why wouldn’t a relatively unknown noble Ryner snatched out of the woodwork and elevated to the public scene not spark some interest? The only reason Varis could come up with was there wasn’t enough there to spark. A couple of simpletons with little more than air between their ears and instinctive thirst for blood. Perhaps Varis would pity them if he didn’t find them utterly repulsive for it.

Eris took the reins of the conversation with Count Benjamin once Varis released them for the others and Varis chuckled at his commentary. Shocked into silence indeed. Eris kept rolling after that, not bothering for splash value anymore, and his little pot stirrer was interesting, if not entirely ludicrous. The Eve mage looked like a strong wind would push her over, much less an adequate dueling partner. She was the sparring partner the boy tried to claim as a suitable candidate despite the fact that he dismissed her skills entirely. “It’s probably a good thing. The boy had the opportunity to cross blades with her the second night here and he found her lacking. Ten years of study and apparently she proved too aggressive for her style, leaving her easily dealt with as he put it.” Varis ignored the posturing the Eve threw out, not particularly interested in a measuring contest, but it did remind him he unfortunately had business with the Marivaldi.

“While we’re here, there was something I needed to discuss with you Countess since their platedate seemed to go well the other night. The boy has discovered a compelling interest in mental magic and as part of his required entrance preparations, he needs to develop some sort of a routine to help relax him or some nonsense. He requested that he have permission to attend regular dancing sessions with your mage. Has yours reached out to you about this yet?” Varis still wasn’t sold on the boy mingling with a Marivaldi, a fire wielding gremlin of a Marvaldi nonetheless, but at the very least he could have some fun watching the Marivaldi struggle her way around the issue. Mage loving freaks they were, the Countess probably wouldn’t want to disappoint her little pet but probably hates the idea of letting her mingle anymore than she has to.

---

“Oh, that’s definitely awkward. I couldn’t imagine having to kiss a vampire, much less one that I have to live with. But your others sound like fun!” The second one sounded vaguely terrifying but probably just some sort of grudge the vampire families still held against each other and they took the opportunity to poke at the Sinnenodels over it. “We almost lost all of our tokens in our last game. We were at a casino and all these cards had our faces, our vampires’ faces, and the faces of the Lords and Lady of each family and we had to figure out which one the little riddles were talking about but we had to put our tokens up against theirs to play. We won our way to a 95 and then Ari―I mean, the Countess―took on the double or nothing round. I thought we were going to lose everything.” Maddie felt her face heat up at the mistake. She wasn’t supposed to use her name at these things but she was just so used to saying it, it just slipped out. Oh dear, hopefully Ari wouldn’t be too upset with her later.

“It sounds like Salem lucked out on the practical then. The rest of us had a… weird time and he found a new way to use his magic. Lucky!” Maddie steamrolled over her mistake, not giving herself a second to continue considering it. “But what made you think there was a mistake, Max? I mean, there are some pretty awful things circulating about the mental classes and the students who take them, it must have been pretty bad if you wanted to get messed up with all of that.” Especially since he made it very clear he didn’t really want anything to do with basically most things, it struck her as odd that he’d willingly trudge off into the crazies. ANd they certainly were crazy if even half the rumors about them were true.

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

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@Hero@Scribe of Thoth

Clarissa returned Auberon’s nod with her own, giving the Archbishop the first response. How fortunate that the House Leader at the top of her priorities to make introductions walked himself straight into the conversation. Two birds with one stone was certainly an apt way to put it. Clarissa smiled at the Archbishop’s words, briefly reflecting on how much the Goddess’ words carried her through. She had no doubt that whatever tribulations brewed on the horizon, she’d find familiar strength in Her wisdom.

“Please, call me Clarissa. Standing on too much formality will only hinder us and I have no doubt we’ll be working together closely during our time here. Your introduction left an impression; out of all the House Leaders, you seem the most experienced with the position. How do you feel about leading the Blue Lions and working with Prince Hresvelg and Jorah?” Establishing Auberon’s opinion of the other House Leaders now would give her a better look into how she measured with the Galatea; so far, they were quite similar. Auberon gave the impression of a matured and focused man while his fellow Blue Lions seemed like children still nervous to be toddling around without their mothers, a situation in which she could empathize greatly. Well, she wished she could call them nervous. She had exactly the opposite problem, toddlers too curious for their own good.

“And speaking of our group Archbishop, Professor Lysnader told us you hand picked us for the Rose unit! I’m honored to have caught your attention but if you don’t mind me asking, what was your thinking behind bringing us together?” Clarissa asked, not bothering to beat around the bush. If he didn’t want to answer, Clarissa could certainly understand that but hopefully it would put to rest some of the unease she still had trailing her out of the first meeting.