The envelope contained three small invitations. Each was printed onto a form of paper, likely cardstock based on the firmness and texture by Alyssa's reasoning. The invitations bore a small message, detailing why the House had picked her and signed off with an emblem making it explicitly clear which House it was in case the genus-related name failed to make the connection apparent.
Looking down at her cards, weighing her options and examining how each colour looked against her skin and hair, Alyssa ultimately made her choice. Quickly looking around as she came to the realization she was among the last to choose. All of Team Eclipse had already picked, Robert Scott had accepted the colours for House Canis, the same as Cassander Charon, the same as Oliver she quickly realized before looking down at her cards again to ensure that was not an option. Zebulun Michaels had approached Team Lutra, while Eden Sherewood had gone to Myotis. Both options that Alyssa shared.
Holding her cards up again, Alyssa carefully looked them over, focusing on which attribute each addressed.
Alces,
mindfulness. Serene greens surrounded the bull moose that represented Alces. The Lord of the Forest; tall and triumphant, but also gentle and peaceful. The green also complimented her hair well, Alyssa would be lying to say it was not tempting. But she didn't exactly feel defined by being mindful of others, that was just good manners, part of being a good samaritan if one would. She'd reconsider it if the other two didn't add up, but looking toward Katja and Trace, Alyssa didn't really know how the three of them had anything in common. Someone must have thought they all belonged in Alces though.
Lutra,
intelligence. Symbolized by calming blues and a frolicking otter, the house was certainly tempting. Alyssa had been taught to value education and subsequently intelligence from a young age. She also appreciated that of her three choices, House Lutra was the only one whose faculty member was female, even if the Captain was not. There was also the bonus of Lutra being the reigning champion of the school's intramural league. Alyssa had enjoyed several sports through her years at boarding school and the academy back in Orange County. Basketball, Rugby, Soccer, Track and Field, it could be fun to be part of a competitive house.
Myotis,
spirituality. The vibrant violet hues called to Alyssa as they encompassed the silhouette of a hanging bat. But was spirituality necessarily the same as faith? Alyssa wasn't convinced that her personal relationship as a Christian, even if it was a little rocky could simply be boiled down to spirituality. She couldn't deny the appeal towards the colour, but the bat itself was a little off-putting, perhaps even half the reason why she was worried she wouldn't jive in Myotis. Looking at the others who joined the purple House, Alyssa couldn't help but feel there were no real similarities between her and either of her former teammates.
Completing her reevaluation, Alyssa realized there was only one clear contender for her. Looking towards the blue banner and the familiar faces of Elodie Miller, Sierra Hilton and Zebulun Michaels, Alyssa held up her Lutra invite and approached the House Captain. Isabelle Christianson nodded to the Lutra Captain, Holt Sommersfield as he placed the blue boat cloak on Alyssa's shoulder.
A celebratory cry echoed across the stadium as another joined the current holder of the House Laurels.