Alfhedil

Witches, Vampires and Werewolves! Oh, my!

Assuming I sort out my backlog, I may have an idea for a hunter for this. Just don't expect it any time soon lol.

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

"Must be nice to have siblings, even if they are quite different from you. I don't know of any other daughters of Jagannath, and father only had sons once a long time ago." A thought of speaking more on that was briefly entertained, but the slight hint of a frown formed on the corners of her lips and she wiped it away before giving it a chance to fester. It would not do to dwell on such things, especially when tonight was a night of welcoming and celebrating new friendships. She would answer the question at the very least though. "Father is father, of course, and my mother left when I was young to be with him in the stars. The people of my village raised me and taught me much of what I know, so they are pretty much my family."

Devi also thought of home, out in the few remaining wilds of her quickly developing home country, and even of the city life within nearby Calcutta. "Yes, I miss my home as well. It's not quite as warm here and there's so much built up. Still have the gentle sounds of nature to listen to every now and then, but it's not the same." At least Hayley returned to them to allow her a distraction from such thoughts, the homesickness starting to get to her though she tried her best not to show it.

A good long look over the girl was all she needed to give her own approval, admiring the way the dress sat on her figure and how she elected not to use any makeup. "Cute is the word, for sure." She said in agreement, giving Hayley a bright and warm smile to encourage her. "Natural beauty is the best kind, and with just a little smile yours will shine on the dance floor."

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

All together unconcerned with the dread aura about them, Devi retained that warm and friendly smile as they walked and talked along the way back towards Hayley's room. She seemed a nice enough girl, and she felt bad that it was likely her providence made it rather difficult to make friends, which would explain why she was keen on the one she had. Nevertheless, she was not one to be deterred and had already decided that this one was also a friend much like her two roommates. One of whom appeared to be catching on just slightly to why she personally wanted to go to the dance.

Her attention snapped back away from idle thoughts and to the present as Alena stopped them at a door, entirely uncertain if this was the correct one or not. "Yes, please do take your time and do not rush on our account." Devi leaned beside the taller redhead, hand still firmly in hers as they waited side by side. "When you're ready, then we can see about finding your friend Saranja, and perhaps our roommate Ebbo as well."

"And then comes the dancing." Her unspoken thought finished, along with a subtle glance upwards to see what Alena was doing. It promised to be a long night, and while she had her own intentions as to what to be doing during that time, she hoped that her friend wasn't sacrificing too much of her own night simply to indulge her. More pressing though, it seemed that perhaps she wasn't nearly as keen on the whole 'date' thing as she was, and made faces when it was mentioned. She wondered if Alena had ever been with anyone before, and that was why she seemed to tense up the way she did. Perhaps some idle conversation would help ease her nerves, small-talk always helped for her.

"So, Alena." She began, meaning to catch her attention with her soft tone first before just launching into a conversation. "I don't think I've heard you talk much about your sister other than that you have one, and apparently she is quite popular over here."

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

Devi was entirely unconcerned with the aura emanating from the girl, associating it with the touch of Shiva and knowing it was best not to draw attention to such aspects for those harboring them. It was rather curious though, as she had thought she was the daughter of one of the other greek gods, and wondered why one would go through the trouble of hiding themselves as such. She was getting distracted though, and gave Hayley a pleasant smile in return, hoping it would serve to ease her a little more and make her comfortable around them. "Don't worry, I have never been to one of these things before either. Alena had to explain that the ball was not some kind of strange westerner sport. Not entirely convinced on the matter of all this fancy dress though."

Makeup though, that she knew of and had dabbled in at one point, though clearly to both women she was not prone to the usage of. "Hmmm, yes perhaps your friend may know what looks best on you. Is she already at the dance, or is she your date? Most people do have dates for these things, right?" She sighed internally at the way Alena was glancing around, finding it all-together somewhat endearing as well as disconcerting that she seemed not to realize the aura was coming from Hayley. At the very least she had the right mindset to be comforting to her and offer assistance.

The grateful look she was given was returned with a beaming smile, communicating wordlessly that she was alright with the slight detour even if she was beginning to desire to move onward to their destination. She would never say as much, or even let on to Alena that she felt that way however, content in the moment while she thought on what awaited them in the main hall. "I don't mind the detour, and as Alena said, it is not a night to be alone. Why don't you point the way and we'll go together?"

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

देवी कौर

(collab with @Blazion)

Looking before simply wandering in was never quite Devi's thing, so it was that it took a moment or two for her to realize that Alena was not only fully dressed but also ready for the ball for the most part. Since she was so clearly distracted, she took a moment to observe as she did, seeing the smart looking dress suit and vest and for once impressed with the rather conservative dress that people seemed so keen on. "Oh, that looks rather nice." Was all she managed before Alena found her chin with her hand. So strange, she still wasn't quite used to her presence like this. Western civilization confused her. She didn't have too much time to ponder on it when the woman's voice struck her.

Like before, it was a sickly sweet taste that lingered in her ears and seemed even to stick to her tongue as she breathed it in. A warmth filled her from the subtle pull she could feel attempting to draw her closer, but she resisted as she was content merely to bask in the intoxicating charm of her voice with that ever-growing smile on her lips. "I thought about going, yes." Devi said simply, her tone subdued slightly as she held her ground and nodded, finding it more amusing than usual that Alena was trying desperately not to look at her. She hadn't actually thought much on it, though the idea of dancing was not quite as interesting to her as meeting some of the others from the school. There was one she didn't mind having a dance with however, though it seemed clear that they did not approve of her current state of dress. "Suppose I could go get dressed, though I don't quite have anything as fancy as what you've got." Alena's slight wince at Devi's words were hidden from her position pointedly attempting not to stare, keeping her gaze firmly on the opposite wall.

"I am... very sorry. If I had known you were confused I would have helped get you something to wear. I went out earlier in the week," The lacing of guilt in her words was obvious and bled out the enticement laying upon her tongue as the redhead paused here. Her fingers twitched at her sides in a show of resistance in fighting the urge to mess up her hair to rub at the back of her neck. Idly, in the back of her mind, she wondered if her next words were inappropriate considering what the shorter roommate was currently wearing. Not wearing? "You are very, ah, beautiful already though, so I do not think you will have trouble finding a partner at the dance-ball." Alena's jaw tensed slightly as her sentence finished, eyes narrowing just slightly at the plain white wall before her. No, she didn't think Devi would have a problem finding someone interested in her - the problem was finding someone who wouldn't be inappropriate with her. She'd have to keep an eye on her shorter roommate. Getting to that point was probably more important right now though.

"So... dressed? Please?"

Devi caught the slight guilt in her tone, though for her part misunderstood it as something else entirely. She assumed it was merely in the way Alena was avoiding looking at her, rather than the very obvious fact that she had thought ahead enough to prepare for the dance and not quite thought she would want something a little more appropriate. Of course, appropriate dress was not her strong suit and both women were well aware of this. She caught the slight twitching of her fingers, and a simply glance up to see the way the woman's hair had been given a significant amount of attention made her smile as she assumed she was trying not to rub at the back her of her neck. "Thank you Alena, I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a partner either. I'm not entirely sure on actually dancing though, since I'm not familiar with how people do it on this side of the world... Or if there's really any difference."

Without a further word, she spun on the spot and slowly padded across the short distance into her own room, tossing the towel onto the bed and beginning to dress herself as requested. "Do these things really require such dress? Seems like so much to prepare for, when I think the event was stated to not quite be the entire night. Wouldn't people want to remove some of these troublesome garments at some point anyways?"

"I- I mean," Alena once more found herself stumbling over her own tongue, though at least this time it was hopefully less obvious with Devi in the other room. The redhead cleared her throat and finally felt safe enough to move from her position facing the wall ramrod straight, though a quick glance to the other room had her looking at her feet as she sat back on her bed to wait. Of course Devi didn't close the doors. At least the distance gave her some breathing room, though she still idly tugged at the loose collar of her shirt. "Some people, maybe? I am sure there will be those who - remove... garments... In the privacy of one of their rooms. Not everyone! It is just for fun, to meet others. And - and if you are nervous, I will do the first dance with you to show you how. At least, I should be able to. I do not think there is much difference from my home." Well, unless they were treating the ball as a 'club' outing, but Alena very much doubted that. Balls generally meant a fancier gathering than pulsing music and flashing lights. Hopefully.

She was more preoccupied with the light dress and slipping into it than Alena's stumbling over herself for once, likely much to the relief of the other woman. It was a rather thin and not very covering affair, as her roommates had already found out quite thoroughly, but it was what she liked to wear. With the snap of the collar behind her neck and ensuring the two straps of silk were secured properly across herself, she stared into the mirror to ensure that it was adequate enough for her tastes. Of course, it was nowhere near as whimsical or fancy as some of the dresses and suits she had observed from the window of her room, and a small part of her frowned at that. Enough so that she plucked a few flowers from her planter and stuck them into the dress at points. Just the slightest touch of her power inspired them to continue their growth, thin vines spreading into patterns across the dress and actually forming a covering over her abdomen with blossoms of blue and vivid purple. When done she actually seemed to be wearing a proper short ball gown, a gentle skirt of green ivy flowing about her hips. "Hmmm, I think I'll take you up on that dance Alena, though I'm unsure if I've quite got this dress thing correct."

The comment made Alena hesitate, but finally she risked peeking up to her roommate. She abruptly stopped, only blinking slowly as she took in Devi, eyes roaming over her form akin to the other girl when they had first met. Finally a wide smile blossomed on the redhead's face and she rose up, flashing the happy expression to Devi.

"Wow, that is ... pretty amazing! I thought you didn't have a-" Alena paused, crossing the distance between the two rooms to hover at the entrance to Devi's in order to peer down at her. "Are those just... flowers? You grew your dress?" A touch of awe entered the redhead's voice, and she reached out to touch one of the flowers on her roommate's chest.

"That really is amazing!"

Not one to miss a chance to allow another to indulge a little bit, Devi took the moment to pose slightly as her dress was scrutinized. The back of the ensemble was still wide open, all the way down to her hips almost and showcasing the full-back tattoo she had, but otherwise her upper-body was covered in silk and vine. Alena's smile was all the encouragement she needed to know it was fine, though her praise made her a fair bit self-conscious and slightly flustered as she actually didn't like showing off her powers of nature quite that much. "I-I g-guess it's okay, never really used my powers like this before."

In fact she almost became as close to flustered as it seemed she would ever be, a touch of blush coming to her cheeks as she allowed the woman's fingers to touch the flowers. It seemed to respond to her warmth, more blossoms forming around it all an almost mystical blue in hue. "Hmm, I've seen a few of the others walking around with flowers in the chest pocket of their suits, how about you have one of mine?"

Granted, she was already in the process of removing a particularly bright purple dahlia from her hip even as she asked, fingers already finding the pocket of Alena's suit and slipping it in. "There we go, a touch of color always looks nice."

"Huh, it does look nice..." Alena traced the petals of the flower in her breast pocket, the pleased smile never leaving her face before she focused back on Devi. A short laugh left the daughter of Aphrodite's lips. "We match a little now, too! If I was a man it would almost be a date." The redhead ran her hands along her front, making sure the suit was still in place after her little jolting experience before focusing on Devi once more, holding her right hand out.

"Well, shall we start heading out then? Hopefully we can meet some others there, it is a welcoming dance after all." A pause, hesitation, before Alena leaned forward and commented in a quieter voice, akin to keeping a secret. "And, uh, since you are mostly immune... you can tell me if my voice starts drawing stares, yes?"

"Almost a date." Her face blanked internally at the comment, as she had been quickly gathering that it was the intention to attend these kinds of functions with a date. She brushed it off and retained her smile however, as she had found that Alena didn't quite catch on to these kinds of things. "Yes, that it would." Was all she said in response, looking down at the hand and taking it lightly with her own.

The pause also gave her a moment to consider the dance ahead, but she was reminded that she was in company when addressed. "It's only the pull that I choose to resist, but all the same I will be at your side and looking out for you Alena." Perhaps she would catch on that Devi had been quite alright with being on the receiving end of her voice, though with all evidence of previous encounters, she didn't bank on it. "But I am ready to go if you are, just let me know if I do something that is not recommended."

"I am sure you will be fine," As long as you keep your dress on. Alena didn't say that part out loud, not wanting to be rude and assuring herself it was likely just in the comfort of her own home that Devi was so free. Maybe. She'd make sure to keep an eye on her, like Devi had promised to do in exchange. Interlocking her long fingers with the smaller girl's for a firmer grip Alena took a moment to close her door so Cheshire wouldn't get into any trouble and started leading Devi out of the dorm. She briefly wondered if Ebbo had left yet and if they should wait for him, but on hearing little noise decided he might've been gone already. He was quite a looker it seemed, perhaps he had a date.

The firm grip on her own hand was more than reassuring to Devi as she looked up at the redhead, allowing herself to be led from the room and passing by the rest of their dorm. She also thought briefly on the presence of their third(wheel), but like Alena she felt it quite possible he was already at the dance and with a date. A shame, she thought, as she wondered if he would be willing to dance with her in case a certain someone wasn't.

Of course even the simplest plans had a tendency to veer off course.

Actually, the problem was that Alena didn't veer off course. Distracted, excited, and altogether not paying attention as she led Devi down the stairwell from the fourth floor the redhead wasn't paying attention and on the third floor platform found herself knocking into something. Automatically her free hand jerked out to steady it, just to feel an abnormal warmth beneath her fingertips.

Alena blinked down at the girl she had ran into, and felt ice drop down her spine. Her grip tightened just briefly where it landed on the other girl's shoulder as a feeling of deep unease filled her, for a moment the demigod not speaking as she raised her gaze and glanced around for trouble. It was just the three of them currently, which soon had her looking once more at the girl and realizing she didn't apologize.

"Ah! I am sorry, I was not looking where my feet went." The redhead flashed an apologetic smile to the dark haired girl, standing there holding a black dress before her. Looking lost. Distressed as the feeling that permeated Alena.

"Is she in trouble?" The thought crossed Alena's mind quickly as the feeling just wouldn't go away, settling deep in her stomach. She had felt like this before and always learned to follow what her gut said. Naturally, the feeling of dread must mean the girl needed help of some kind. Alena would be wrong not to offer, she was sure Devi wouldn't mind.

"I... see you have a dress!" Alena finally proclaimed, offering Hayley a smile. "You are going to the ball, yes? Me and my friend are as well - we were hoping to meet others. Do you want to walk down with us?"

Being a fair bit more observant than the absent-minded daughter of Aphrodite, Devi had noticed their approach to Hayley before actually nearly running her over and was about to warn of such when she was too late. Those strange feelings gently washed over her, and she wouldn't have normally paid it any mind except for that it seemed Alena was again mistaking something for what it wasn't. "Hayley, correct? I think we may have met in passing earlier in the week." She tried to keep her tone soft and reassuring, though it hitched slightly when the dreaded f-word slipped from Alena's lips. "Yes.... Friend." Perhaps she would have to have a discussion on what exactly westerners considered the line of friendship, but for now there was the dance to consider.

"Not usually my forte, but isn't that supposed to be worn rather than carried?"

@medalliah

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

Anyone not in the Discord should absolutely join it as well, helps a lot in coordinating collabs and talking about how Room417 has the best harem.

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

देवी कौर

It had certainly been a confusing, if eventful, week for Devi Kaur as she adjusted slowly to the strangeness of this country and the environment of living on campus. It took only a day for her flowers to spread beyond the bounds of their meager planter, and by now one entire interior wall was covered by vine and blossoms of vibrant blue and purple. Despite feeling a bit uneasy about the rate at which her plants were taking over her room, the councilor assigned to their group assured her that it was fine and even expected of a few residents. Seemed that the staff really thought of everything when it came to the children of gods. So much so that she had even been provided with a few lessons on how to work a smartphone, and the usefulness of having it on her person.

Still, nothing quite prepared her for how receptive her roommates would be, even if she continued to get the feeling that her presence was more than a fair bit awkward for them. Talking with them and just idle interaction had helped her English significantly, and she felt that she had even acquired a few bits of other languages while casually listening to them. She had even managed to speak clear enough that her accent didn't quite make her words unintelligible! That in particular was an accomplishment she felt proud of, as initially she felt for sure she had mispronounced nearly everything. Alena had been especially patient with her, though she only found out earlier that day that she couldn't read English nearly as well as she assumed and that all her books were in Russian.

Today it seemed that everyone in the university was occupied with some function or another being held, one which she didn't quite understand at the moment as she was still learning much about the customs on this side of the world. So it was that after her evening shower, she stepped out of the bathroom with scant but her towel about her waist and simply strode into Alena's room across from hers to inquire of her as she had been prone to do the last week. "Alena, what is this Welcome Ball, and why is everyone getting so dressed up?" Of course, she didn't knock or announce herself, only speaking out once she was already fully inside the room and staring at her roommate. "Is there some kind of strange game they play with the ball that requires all these clothes?"

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

Considering I live on Discord, that's a yes. Also still suffering through making a CS. Character sheets are my weakness.

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

Devi paid close attention to the responses of the others, though by now it was obvious where her eyes were. Most of that was from the increasing affects of the alcohol on her system, as much of a lightweight as she was. Ebbo was nice enough, charming and considerate of others even if it seemed that he was not quite as at peace with his ancestry as she first thought. "Odin is the head of the Norse pantheon, correct?" She sat forward a bit, thinking and hoping that her minimal research was good enough and that she hadn't made some grave mistake. "I'm afraid I really only know the basics about other pantheons, comes with living disconnected from society." Even still, the more he spoke to both of them the more it seemed to ease things between the three, and she was glad that it looked like they would all be friends.

Of course, then came Alena. She could see the ever so slight drifting of her eyes across her own body, taking in the sight of her in something akin to window-shopping. Her train of thought was cut short by the disastrous missed cue, and she desperately tried not to show it as she sighed internally at the comment. "Right, maybe that was a bit too subtle for her." Devi kept the same smile all the same as she listened in, seeing that nervous rub across the back of her neck. "That's the second time she's done that, something impulsive when nervous. Actually rather cute..." As if to add fuel to the fire, Alena's sheepish smile only had her even more drawn to the woman's freckled face and watching how she fumbled around talking about herself and her hobbies. She was even about to say something to that effect when she noticed her approach, at first quite engaged with her elegant stride, then confused when she moved behind the couch.

"Huh?" Was the last thing she managed before a slight eep of surprise escaped her lips and she clung to the couch that was rising quickly into the air above the floor of their apartment. Her fingers dug deep into the cloth upholstery, bare feet pressing into the arm as she laid down and risked only the cursory glance down at the one responsible. Of course, having seen those muscles flexing and lifting her with ease, most of her anxiety melted away even when she was spun around as if being put on display. The same look of wonder remained on her face throughout Alena's show of strength and lingered there as she laid on the couch staring up at her.

"I... Wow..." The fact remained that she was a little past tipsy, and the sudden onset of vertigo was not helping her gather words either. Devi visibly focused on words into sentences, though not so much as to miss yet another one of Alena's nervous neck-rubbing, and slowly found her way to stability. "It's okay. I don't mind at all, was actually quite fun. Besides, I knew I was safe in your hands. And maybe when you're not training with Ebbo we could do some training as well? If you want I could even show you a few meditation things and brew some herbal teas that might help." That smile again, mostly friendly but with a slight hint at more behind it.

Riverswell University; Sanctuary and Learning Center for Demi-Gods and Hybrids

While Ebbo went to collect glasses for them to drink from, she kept her eyes on Alena and was relieved to see that she seemed to be warming to her roommates. Things promised to go quite well if all three of them were comfortable with each other, and that was what Devi desired primarily of this arrangement. That being said, her attention was turned to the strange shot-glasses provided and the pouring of alcohol. She was quite assuredly not one for such drinks, especially considering her body-type, and while she would accept any offers from the daughter of Aphrodite; she was preferring that one drink was enough to seal their bonds of friendship.

"I only have a couple annuals in my room at the moment, nothing harmful to animals. Chesire should be fine." Devi said simply, glancing back at her open door before returning her attention to the other two. A glass found its way into her hand and within was that clear liquid. In truth, she had only had alcohol once before and it had not left a good impression upon her. Regardless, she had made her choice and would carry through with it despite her reservations. "To getting to know one another." The toast returned, she took the drink and was surprised at first of the smoothness of the vodka. It was only once it went down that an intense blush grew from the top of her chest and spread across her face with the strength of the alcohol. For both of her roommates it would be all too clear just how much of a lightweight their shorter companion was, even if she refused to say so herself.

Even still, she had enough of her wits about her to place the glass back on the counter before she did something foolish, and slowly maneuvered herself to the couch in the main living area to have a seat. "If we are getting to know one another better, suppose it would be a good start to know what our hobbies are, right?" The question wasn't asked to either of them in particular, though her wide smile made it clear that she didn't mind of both or neither of them answered. "I enjoy nature in almost all aspects, which is why I love walking through the forests and tending gardens of varying types. Flowers are my passion though, I had a wonderful garden back home with so many different species from across the world. I brought a couple of my favorites with me as well, so I could keep a few around my room and perhaps gift them to others as well." In her slightly inebriated state, subtlety was no longer as much of an option, and that last statement in particular was made with quite obvious eye-contact with Alena. Her smile remained just as genuine and friendly as ever though, so perhaps she wouldn't quite take it for what it sounded like.