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Ryner waited alone at the front gate for her newest arrival. Periodically, she sent the odd group of students trying to sneak off campus back into the campus festivities with a few minutes of conversation and a chuckle. When the holiday first debuted, Lord Marivaldi's festivities at the castle had been fun but far more overwhelming that Ryner cared to repeat. Since then, she's happily played the part of chaperone for those who did find respite during the festivities and tonight was no exception. She'd sent most of the guard on their way for the nights on campus, only a small rotation of them keeping their perimeter, and joined them on duty to help keep the peace.
Ryner forwent her normal dresses and instead opted for a pant suit, Noila blue with a gold dress shirt and a blue and gold patterned tie. A pair of gold earrings hung from her ears, three diamonds ending with a tear drop sapphire shimmered like light beneath the waves. A gift from a friend long gone, she rarely wore them. She couldn't remember the last time she opened the onyx jewelry box but something about tonight suggested their addition. She chuckled softly to herself. It seemed like she was forgetting as much as she was learning these days. But such was eternity.
The low droll of the engine barely registered in Ben’s ears until he sat up, a quick view outside showing that they were almost at the Academy already. After feeling the vehicle come to a stop, he pulled on his collar slightly. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous, but he was a little more concerned about any possibility of looking tired. A short nap was always refreshing and there was little else to do after getting frustrated trying to navigate the smartphone Noah had set up.
The door opened as a crisp breeze swept in, awakening the count fully. Just what he needed. His thumb quickly swiped the corners of his eyes to erase any potential evidence of dozing off as he stepped out of the vehicle. He thanked the driver sincerely as he took the chance to look around. The Noilan grounds were unfamiliar territory, but the gates alone were magnificent. They did pale in comparison to the vampire waiting for him, and it took him longer than it should have to realize that none other than Princess Ryner herself was awaiting him.
Ben straightened up immediately, offering the royal princess a deep bow of respect. “Good evening, Your Highness,” He greeted her cordially.
"Good evening, Count Benjamin. Welcome to the Noila Academy. I'm honored you accepted our invitation." Ryner responded warmly, making her way over to the vampire. "I hope you don't mind the unusual escort. Most of the guards are enjoying the festivities with their families so you'll have to make do with me tonight. I trust the trip was pleasant? Nothing too difficult I hope?"
“The honor is all mine, Highness,” Ben said, his arms bent behind his back. “Very few would mind your company at all, though I was taking in the structure of the gate when I first saw you; it is magnificent.” He gestured towards it with one arm. No escorts, no guards, just him and the princess. It was odd, but he was smarter than to linger too much on it. “I admit I’m excited to see the rest of the grounds.”
"And I am just as eager to show you. Come. Although the night's events obscure some of it, there is always something interesting just around the corner." Ryner turned, leading him onto the grounds with at a leisurely pace. "Although time has stolen some of the wonder I myself have for this school, I still remember the excitement of planning it. The Academy is a little over 330 years old now. Sometimes it feels as if it was just last night I was in my mother's quarters, demanding she allow me to fund it personally. We stayed up four nights bickering before she finally acquiesced. Mostly because she had other matters to attend to but I wouldn't let her out until she said yes." Ryner chuckled and waved to a boisterous group of vampires and mages running from one end of the campus to the other. She steered him along a path that took them towards the various halls and she pointed them out.
"I had your schedule left in your room. You'll be able to select more specific classes next quarter but there are some required classes for the first one. As a noble, I have every confidence you'll have an easy semester." Ryner stopped for a moment and turned to Ben. "I should have asked, is Count Benjamin okay? Most of my students tend to prefer their titles left off but if you prefer it, I will be more than happy to oblige. In fact, I'll admit I'm woefully unprepared for the void left behind by Countess Marinette. If it hadn't been for a timely letter from my sister, I doubt I would have been able to find someone to represent your house quite as quickly. Why don't you tell me about yourself? I'm quite interested to know what you plan to do with the opportunities you'll have here."
Ben followed the princess’ lead obediently and listened with great interest. There was little he actually knew about the academy itself, garnering that he could possibly gain a hint or two to find what his father tasked him with. Her passion was infectious as he hung onto her every word out of pure admiration. Clearly the academy was Her Highness’ pride and joy, the mix of vampire and mage alike an unusual but welcome sight. He stopped when she did, his features surprised when she asked him his choice of address. As far as he was aware, she could call him whatever she pleased. The Countess’ absence had also caught the princess by surprise? That bode ill.
“I suppose...something more casual wouldn’t be so bad. If it pleases you, of course,” Ben said before he paused. “I admit that this chance to attend comes with my sole intention of extending relations with other houses. Fostering friendships and meeting new people...here I am somewhat free of my past transgressions and can make a good impression on most, I hope.”
“Very well. Benjamin it shall be. I hope you’ll extend the same treatment to me.” Ryner grinned as she continued on, laughing as she did. “Have you planned your intentions well? While I’m not entirely sure how Count Victor will react, he seems to have a solitary purpose and socialization is not it, Varis and Amaris will no doubt take some thought. Amaris is friendly friendly enough and an eager mind at the very least but both, and I mean no offense, are higher on the social ladder than you. If you don’t mind, what are your plans to approach them? The two are not on the greatest terms and approaching one may compromise your chances with the other.”
Trying to have it all would end poorly, it would seem. The princess’ advice was probably well-intentioned as the two came from nearly polar opposite families. “In a gesture of goodwill, my aim is for a beneficial, peaceful four years here between the four houses. At the very least, we can all get along,” Ben said, nodding to himself. “Deeper than that, it would be nice if I could get away with strengthening relationships. While my education isn’t lacking, I had only planned to oversee my Luscin heir’s magical progress in person. I have to thank you for giving me the chance to see what it’s like to mingle with those above and below my station.”
“I’m glad you’re taking the opportunity to expand your horizons. I doubt you'll encounter much trouble. Most will welcome a noble's interest, even if they are a bit suspicious, but prove yourself an open mind and few will kept you at arm's length. Marrying Sinnenodel and Marivaldi in anything less than a terse comradery will be a feat in and of itself. Even at Council it is a… challenge." Ryner shook her head ruefully. "The only time I have seen Lord Marivaldi and Lady Sinnenodel collaborate was over a particularly confusing puzzle I encountered in my work outside of the Council. Both Houses prize knowledge and curiosities over even their political bickering but rare do we have the opportunity to twist our matters in that direction. Perhaps you'll have a better time or find a more efficient route and if so, I do implore you share your findings."
Ryner continued them on their way, passing into the administration building. "Here you can find the student housing office, the library, and my campus office if you need anything." She continued to the library, which was locked but she picked a key out of the pocket inside her suit jacket and unlocked it for them. She flicked on the lights and swept her hand across the room. "The library is normally open 24 hours if your mage prefers to do some studying in the daylight. If I recall, the guards have mentioned Lilie does enjoy the occasional sunlit stroll actually. Does your mage do that at home? I always admire how well new mages handle the transition but I can't say I know how often my own enjoy some daylight hours."
Lilie must be his new mage, although the thought made Ben frown. A female mage was often treated differently from a male one in his house, but he would have to meet her first to see if she needed to be looked after. It was strange to hear that she liked to be out during the day as it was a foreign concept to him.
“Eleanore of the Montclaire family-my Geoffrey’s wife-enjoys her sunrises and sunsets, a habit she has passed on to the current Luscin heir. It was a freedom she did not have with her old masters from what she has told me,” He admitted. “But as far as I am aware, none of them are active outside during the day. I’m assuming this new partner of mine must have had the same liberty from her previous vampires.”
Ryner paused a moment, a brief flicker of amusement across her face, and nodded with a contemplative hum. "Some vampires don't care enough for their charges' well being. How disgraceful." Ryner frowned disapprovingly but shook it away and led him back out into the evening air. "But, you aren't here to listen to my opinions on society. Our tour continues with the Arena! We host a variety of competitions throughout the year with different tiers of skill, if that is your sort of pleasure. I myself haven't touched a weapon since the signing of the treaty. My sister is more than capable of handling all the overt threats to the state but I do enjoy watching those with the skill to turn a barbaric necessity into an art. Are you trained in combat? I know the younger generation is a bit more lax in learning and rightfully so. We didn't fight for peace to have our children prepare for war."
“I do enjoy archery and all its forms,” Ben said, failing to hide his interest in the arena. “It is an excellent hobby that keeps me active. I know a little in swordplay, but I suppose I prefer to keep my distance. My mages at home all love it, with Eleanore going so far as being an accomplished duelist. Noah--the heir--has been trained since his youth, having begged me for lessons since he was old enough to hold a sword.” He frowned at that memory for a moment. “If I can be honest, I was reluctant. Aside from the obvious dangers of hurting himself, I feel that he should be enjoying himself, his life, his magic. I’ve been there since his birth, and he has this passion for serving me that I feel is unearned. But I want him to focus on himself first and foremost.”
He realized he may have spoken too much, bowing his head apologetically to Her Highness. “Forgive the rambling, I admit both Noah and Lilie will be the first ones that I will be training entirely on my own and I worry about striking a balance between duty and private living,” He sincerely apologized. “Just as they dedicate their lives to serving me, I want to return the favor the best I can.”
"Speak your mind as you see fit. I won't take insult or be bothered if passion takes you further. It's both my duty and pleasure to listen to my students and frankly it is a welcome reprieve from the myriad of complaints from my contemporaries and seniors. Which means whenever you need a friendly ear, you are free to, Benjamin. Especially for someone so dedicated to the true spirit of the treaty." Ryner gave him a warm smile as they continued into the Arena, circling up into the stands. Below them, a few small barriers and obstacles had been set up and people screamed in delight as water balloons flew through the air. The arena barrier shimmered periodically as balloons slammed against it. "This barrier is the oldest of its kind in existence and arguably the strongest. Every graduating class infuses a little of their magic so everyone has an opportunity to leave their mark on the campus, even if they were denied the opportunity through their years. Little in the way of remembrance but it is something lasting.” She took him downstairs through the underbelly of the Arena, pointing out the various training rooms and explaining how to reserve them if he so desired, before she took them up and out back into the night air. They exited on the back side of the Arena, looking over the ocean as it stretched into the distant darkness. Ryner paused a moment as she scanned the horizon but quickly pressed on, heading back towards the various halls.
“Given your disposition towards your own mages, I think you’ll find Lilie a pleasant addition. She’s a sweet thing. She sent me a bouquet of paper folded flowers in the Noila colors and Aaron Starag mentioned she sent one to all of the noble mage students. I keep them on my desk in my office.” Ryner chuckled as they walked. “I’m just glad Aaron found someone as nice as her to befriend. Aaron hasn’t been outside the castle in a social situation… ever if I recall. I’m grateful they managed to connect. I’ll admit I wasn’t above exploiting my position to ensure he had a support network but after speaking with Lilie on campus, I decided to still my hand. I think she’ll be a wonderful influence on him.”
The princess’ compliment was truly wasted on him, but Ben was happy nonetheless. He followed her obediently, taking note of anything that caught his eye as they continued. The view from the academy was astounding and he genuinely wished he had figured out how to take pictures on the smartphone just so he could try to capture the sky’s resplendence. He would just have to settle for a memory for now, as Princess Ryner would shift the topic onto the one he was most anxious about. Accepting a new mage whose background he was unfamiliar with was a test to him. So far Noah was a shining example of what he wanted his mages to be: talented, loyal, and with a zest for life, but he was there to help raise him from birth. Taking in a mage from another family would have a few challenges that he would need to divert his attention to. On top of that, the little lady would no doubt draw attention, both good and bad, due to the change in social status. But it was a welcome trial, if he was honest.
Benjamin did a poor job containing his surprise, however, once it was mentioned that his new mage had already gotten attention from a Noilan mage. And a Starag at that! He wasn’t aware that the heir was attending the academy, but his new mage had laid out the groundwork for them to meet. A freshly new friendship between the two was sure to have a positive outcome.
“That you’ve chosen to educate him at your side is a wonderful idea,” It was almost what he wanted to do with Noah, he mused. And if Lilie was already in her highness’ good grace, it was definitely another positive in his mind.
Ryner's shoulders slouched at the comment and she gave a rueful chuckle. "If only that were the case Benjamin. He would still be safely in my household if it were my decision." She sighed but composed herself as quickly as it fell, her smile back firmly in place. "I'm sure the socialization will be good for him. Regardless of the intentions, his absence from his family will be brief. One way or another." Ryner walked him through the halls, pausing to introduce Ben to whatever students called to her. She stopped for everyone and more than once caught an inebriated student before they introduced their face to the ground. Each time, she sent them all on their way with a fond shake of the head.
"Now, I believe all that is left are the dorms! Normally, I'd take you to the infirmary as well but I have a feeling we'd only get underfoot." Ryner laughed as they looped back around the various stalls and games and rides back to the student housing. "Do you have any questions for me?"
Ben’s shock was poorly hidden as he felt both sympathy for the princess and the tiniest hint of shamefulness. Jumping to conclusions like that never ended well, why in the world did he assume that? He almost wanted to apologize, only keeping it to himself because she moved on quickly and kept the conversation at a positive. It would be a lie if he said he wasn’t curious about the circumstances; the Starag family was the Noilan treasure of mages, to think they would give their sole heir to another family was baffling. Princess Ryner didn’t seem too happy about the decision being taken out of her hands, either. He would have to see if his mage knew something to sate his curiosity.
Watching her highness address her students was a treat. He fell into place next to her, returning any greetings as he was introduced. Wearing the mask of politeness hid his eagerness to mingle, the vampire greatly enjoying talking to new people. At the princess’ question, he gave some thought to it.
“I did want to ask about visitation,” Ben decided to start with something simple. “If it pleases Your Highness, I’d love to show the grounds to one of my mages someday.”
“Visitors are allowed on property given we receive at least a week’s notice and only when classes are not in session, submitted to the student housing office. I personally recommend at least a week and a half since we do reserve the right to deny visitor permissions and it normally takes a few days to review those requests. However, we rarely do. Most guests are permitted entrance to the grounds from 9pm to 6am and must be escorted at all times. Afterwards, they must find accommodations off grounds. If they know someone in the town, they may stay there otherwise they’ll have to leave and return if they are staying multiple days.” Ryner explained as they walked, passing the administration building and making their way through the gates that lead to the campus dorms. “Nobles are allowed to have one guest stay in their home for the duration of their stay as long as they have authority over that individual. Otherwise, they are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other student. If, for example, your father wanted to stay on the grounds, he would have to petition me directly and then he would need to stay at my home on property. Security purposes and all that.”
Unlike campus, the dorms were far quieter. The sound of the Revel bounced between the buildings, only a few lights on in the dorms for those who decided to handle the Revel in the comfort of their own homes or skip it entirely. Ryner guided Ben through the dorms and down to the Noble cul-de-sac. “Now, the Nobles have their own section, courtesy of the Sinnenodels. It’s at the very end of the dormitories with a garden and a relaxing view of the forest in my opinion.” The Noble dorms loomed ahead of them quickly enough but Ryner stopped before they reached them. “What else can I clear up for you before we end our tour?”
The rules were fair enough and Ben made sure to commit them to memory. The thought of his father visiting almost made him laugh; no doubt that he was relieved to be free of his son for the brief duration at the academy. Still, he appreciated the tour and would be loath to let the princess leave without some sort of gratitude.
“None that come to mind; I’m sure I’ll fill your post with letters once they do come to me,” He chuckled before straightening up. “I do, however, wish to give you a sincere apology on behalf of the House. It is not my place, I know, but it is common knowledge on how many of us have come and gone from here already. I can promise you that I will make the best of everything you offer here.”
“I’m glad. I do hate to see wasted potential. Now, let me show you where you’ll be staying. The accommodations aren’t as grand as your private ones I’m sure but they’ll serve their purpose for your time here.” Ryner lead them into the cul-de-sac and up the way to the Eve dorm, nestled comfortably between the Marivaldi dorm and the Sinnenodel dorm. Ryner pulled out an envelope, pulled out a key to unlock the door, and tucked it back into the envelope before passing it to Ben. “If you ever need a replacement, please feel free to use the student housing office to request a new one.” She opened the door and walked in, gesturing for the noble to enter.
“And while I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, I’ll cover it for formality’s sake.” Ryner stared directly at Ben, making sure they made eye contact and smiled sweetly as she spoke, raising her voice just a bit. “Refusing a mage a key to their dorm is highly frowned upon, regardless of the reason.” It seemed directed at Ben but her voice carried much further than the edge of the Eve property.
“Now, why don’t you come in and make sure that your belongings are in order? We can discuss a few more points on the school and what is expected of you after you are satisfied.”
Wasted potential was certainly one way to put it, but it was not his place to vocalize his opinion. Instead, he took advantage of the stroll to admire the dorms. They were quaint things, much more personal than any grand castle or manor. His symbol on the mailbox brought him a touch of comfort and he openly admired the landscaping. There was something just a little different from his new dorm than the others, although it wasn’t until they approached the door that he finally noticed. There were many more flowers planted around. It must have been the work of the previous Eve, or so he assumed.
Ryner’s sweet smile had thrown Ben off, and for a moment he had assumed he said something wrong. He gave her a short, curt nod, hearing her crystal clear. He didn’t see why a mage wouldn’t have their own key. Why waste time having to let them in and out? The only possibility he could maybe argue was if the mage was exceedingly irresponsible, but he couldn’t help but feel that was not the princess’ intention. Speaking of frowned upon, however, she did bring a question to mind.
“I am well aware you bring together a myriad of students from both high and low born, but I feel I must ask,” He frowned to himself before continuing with, “The mages here should be treated with dignity, but that view isn’t shared throughout the academy, is it?”
"It is not." She hesitated before continuing. "As much as I encourage that view, I'm afraid it is difficult to enforce. One of the principle requirements before I won funding for the school was that so long as there was no threat of death or significant injury, my staff and I were to remain removed from interpersonal affairs. I would greatly prefer to encourage mutually respective relationships between my students but it is difficult to sway those raised for a century in this age. Bringing a variation of social classes is meant to expose the more traditionally minded individuals to modern mortal views but it seems exposure reinforces the narrow views of vampire mage relationships more often than not."
A noble effort on the princess’ part, or so Ben truly thought. Why would those from above dare to lower themselves? It was a shame, really, but change had to be slow and steady. At the very least, he would make sure to set the proper example. Being one less person for Her Highness to worry about would hopefully do some right, and if there was a Marivaldi present, he was certain they could lead by example.
“The vampire’s greatest weakness: their insufferable inability to budge from already-formed habits,” He would jest, hoping to lift the mood. That said, however, there was a small curiosity poking him in the back of his mind; if he was to lead by example, he hoped his new mage wasn’t too unruly. “Fortunately, I do believe kindness does spread more than vitriol, or at least that it has a more lasting effect. Even compared to a few decades ago, there are small improvements and progress.”
"It is, isn't it? Our fear of eternity, our desperate need to create order in the chaos that is inevitable existence. Actually, that makes me think of when I was a little girl. Vampires were nothing more than shadows on the wall or monsters under the bed meant to scare us into behaving. My little brother lived those stories though. He went out of his way to hear them because at the end of every story there was always the vampire hunter there to save the day." Ryner chuckled. "We all thought they were stories, silly bedtime tales. Until my own Sire found our farm. We learned very quickly that they existed and that vampire hunters, as few as they were, existed too. That was how they killed us. Simply watching until they discovered our daily, weekly, monthly routines. And then we'd find ourselves with a stake in our hearts and a torch at our feet." A fond look came across her face.
"He always wanted to be a vampire hunter. What child doesn't want to be the hero of their story, elevated above their station to riches and glory that only fables held? He never quite got the chance." Ryner blink led a few sparkles of blood away from her eyes. "But you are quite right. We must believe that our kindness and our efforts to better the plight of those whose lives we are charged with will eventually change the views of our colleagues. And I fully believe they will."
Ben nodded in agreement. Hearing of the princess’ past had his guilt prick slightly; was it right to be so casual when his father’s task was held over his head? It was naive to think whatever he was searching for wouldn’t affect Her Highness. For now, his flimsy justification was that he had no reason to be unpleasant. If it came to it, he would simply have to find another way to curry his father’s favor. He did find himself sympathizing with the brother mentioned, the idea of being some sort of hero common in children, himself included.
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to the princess. The optimism they shared was genuine, at least. “As do I,” He found himself admitting it out loud.
