Matsuri

Breakfast University Of Magic

H I L D A

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Hilda was thankful for the long legs she had been blessed with, because even within her moment of panic she had still managed to catch sight of her dorm building in no time. Her pace increased, arm still held up to her bloody nose.

Then a familiar voice cried out 'Madam', and Hilda almost tripped over her large feet.

She suddenly felt so tempted to just turn around and face the boy, but now she was here outside her dorm building where she could find her room and clean herself up and actually look presentable on her first day at this school. This was not how things were supposed to go today, and Hilda had to fix things up.

Before she entered the building, Hilda turned her head slightly, just to see if her pursuer was still running after her. She was met with the sight of his accelerating luggage trolley crashing into his hands, and one of his cases slamming into his stomach. Hilda felt a pang of guilt in her own stomach; this sorry situation could have been avoided had she just turned her head, and now she felt the need to jump at the boy and ask if he was okay.

But first, it would have to be her dorm room. Students were beginning to stare.

What few students there were currently in the building right now, anyway. From what Hilda could tell from the dorm numbers she was running past, 6-B wasn't far away!

Her door was locked. Which, probably meant no one was in. Hilda had found some luck to spare.

With the turn of her key, Hilda's frantic movements relaxed, and she opened her door slowly. She searched for the lights in the near darkness, and once the the room had flickered to life, she dropped her suitcases and jacket and darted for the bathroom. Wherever that was.

Ah, how relieving it felt to wash all that dry blood off her face. For once Hilda welcomed the cold water onto her face and rapidly freezing hands, and once she had finished at the sink she began to ponder over her stained jacket by the door. She wasn't going to wear that to the mess hall, not at all. Perhaps a scarf and gloves would have to do in this morning's weather; Hilda didn't have any thicker coats in her luggage.

A grumbling in Hilda's stomach was a clear signal for some breakfast, and she acted upon it. She quickly pushed her suitcases into one of the bedrooms and laid her sheathed sword and spear over the bloodier sides of her coat, and took one of her cases to pull a pair of gloves and a scarf out of it. Wrapping it around her neck and tapping for the school map and dorm key in her trouser pocket, Hilda rushed out of 6-B.

She was beginning to shiver already.

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It took Hilda a while to reach her initial destination, but now she was here at the mess hall, and now she could finally have something to eat. She was blasted with the aromas of hundreds of different countries, and was met with the sound of thousands of loud and bustling students. This building was huge and grand, and Hilda felt her stomach churn a bit at it's sheer size and the humans scuttling inside of it. Perhaps lining up to get breakfast would be an appropriate solution to that.

Minutes later she would break away from one of the queues, leaving for one of the tables with several plates of food on her overflowing tray; a plate with huge slabs of meat and eggs, one with a pile of croissants and potatoes, a bowl of porridge and an even bigger bowl of fruit and salad. Again, Hilda was getting a few odd looks, but this wasn't like the time she was rushing back to her dorm with a bloody nose. Now she was in a hall with thousands of other students, and a lot of people seemed to be watching. As anxious as Hilda felt at the thought of so many people just looking at her, she had a figure to maintain. No Gorman was without their extravagant breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Hilda eventually found refuge on one of the emptier tables, and dug into her breakfast.

What she didn't expect to hear when she had scooped all of her plates clean was a loud, piercing scream that seemed to shake the entire mess hall. Hilda jumped.

The girl looked up and gasped, seeing an armour-clad being in confrontation with a much, much smaller boy in gray.

Breakfast University Of Magic

I think Kalton might be waiting for me, so this might be mostly my fault there.

@Savo

It's cool, I think I just sometimes have this tendency to not make it clear when I'm waiting for a reply, and so I end up waiting too long to post as the story progresses. As for the @TheHangedMan I've got things planned out for later events in the mess hall once Hilda gets tidied up because convenient nosebleeds are convenient, so I guess when Savo gets up a response I'll get started on the good stuff. :D

also now that you've mentioned what those numbers were for I am now deeply concerned for the well being of my imaginary character

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Accepting Applicants!]

As long as we can get the RP going smoothly again, I'm all for whatever, whether we restart or not. I'm not ready to let go of Mallory just yet!

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Accepting Applicants!]

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• In the Fields •

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Mallory's short conversation was rudely interrupted when the sound of a gunshot ripped through the air, and the girl nearly jumped out of her deathly pale skin. Her head snapped towards the source of the noise, and for a while she was only able to hear the sounds of her teammates' exhales and the faint, disappearing rustles of whatever had been in her group's company.

Then another loud, obnoxious shriek rang in her head, and Mallory stumbled back. It was Professor Brovak, who appeared to be very amused at the foolish actions of another group. Someone had gotten shot, someone had just died, and the Professor seemed to be in unusually high spirits about it. Mallory was shocked, shocked about the accidental death and shocked by the Professor's reaction, but at this point she was simply far too confused and disoriented to understand the entire situation. A part of her showed some understanding for the Professor's amusement however, because quite frankly, shooting yourself in the head or getting accidentally shot by your teammate is not exactly the greatest way to go.

Then Brovak calmed down, and mentioned that 'they're looking a little hungry'. Mallory went silent for a few seconds again, seemingly in deep thought, and later pivoted on her heel towards the direction where she could see the town buildings. She began to walk in that direction.

“Well, it probably is best that we get going then. Damn, I guess we really shouldn't have even wasted a second out in here. Perhaps there'll be a more appropriate time for you guys to see my special fire displays.”

Turning around to face her teammates, Mallory flashed her usual cheeky smile. “But that doesn't mean we can't walk and talk about plans! We'll need something decided before we become the next ones to get shot in the head. And it probably won't be an accident this time.”

Mallory turned back towards the direction she was walking in with her combat knife in hand, hoping her teammates - and only her teammates - would soon follow. She also hoped that they wouldn't walk right beside her at this moment, because the overwhelming storm of worry and paranoia she felt probably wasn't making her face look at all calm.

It was the first time Mallory had felt so alert and on edge, and most likely, it wouldn't be the last.

@HeartlessNobody @GrafRoy Zeppeli

Mordhaben's Institute for Aspiring Mages [Accepting Applicants!]

Currently working on a short post just to respond to the events.

• 葉隱 •

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K A G U R A

A K I Y A M A

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N A M E:
Akiyama Kagura, The Red-Feathered Hatchling
_{Akiyama (秋山) - "aki" (秋) meaning "autumn", and "yama" (山) meaning "mountain"
Kagura (神楽) - meaning "God-entertainment"}

A G E:
18

T O T E M:
Eagle

A P P E A R A N C E:
With a head of dark scarlet hair and eyes the colour of orange autumn leaves, Kagura is not so easy to miss in a crowd. She is a hunter by background and it certainly shows, her build being much more muscular and athletic than most women her age. But being only eighteen years old, Kagura's face remains more youthful and child-like, resembling that of a typical fifteen-year-old girl instead of a young adult woman.

Kagura dresses simply and practically, wearing a dark grey shirt and large brown pants bound to her waist by a thick rope. To blend in with her usual forest environments, Kagura may wear a long, dark green cloak, especially when the nights become unbearably cold. As long she can run around without getting caught in a forest's foliage, any sort of clothing should do.

P E R S O N A L I T Y:
A clear representation of the unusual colour of her hair, Kagura is a confident and adventurous individual who's youthful flame blazes with endless passion and energy. The girl is certainly no pushover, having a hair-trigger temper and excessive pride in her monstrous physical strength and experiences as a born-and-bred hunter. Her burning competitive spirit can be some what expected for a person her age, and a challenge rarely goes unaccepted when she's involved. The girl is reckless, yes, but when you've grown up running after deers and running away from wild bears, it's hard to forget the undeniable exhilaration of near-death encounters and successful chases. Kagura does not have the inability to remain quiet and patient for periods of time, however; when you're out hunting for food, the only thing you can do is be quiet and patient. And she's been practising that for years.

Although generally boisterous and constantly assertive, Kagura's history as a hunter who survived off the resources of the Tsukishima forests has hardened her into the fiercely independent and brutally honest girl she is today. Her childish ignorance and pride are aspects of her personality that lead to the most conflict between other people, and her short temper only fuels the anger she feels when she is met with harsh opposition. Kagura likes to think she's strong. Kagura wants people to think she's strong. She won't ask for help, she won't cry in front of others, Kagura just wasn't raised that way. When you're out in the wilderness alone, the only person you can turn to is yourself. And to survive in the wilderness alone, you must be mentally prepared to rely on yourself.

S T R E N G T H S:
• A Hunter's Skill: To survive, Kagura hunts, and has been doing so for the past fourteen years of her life. Her frightening strength, seemingly endless amounts of stamina and astounding speed assures no wild deer escapes her sight, and her accuracy with a bow and arrow can guarantee some sort of meaty meal for the next day. Although she is still young, Kagura's strength as a hunter cannot be denied.

• A Hunter's Instinct: While her physical capabilities are quite impressive, Kagura's heightened senses can also be of high praise. Her acute sense of hearing makes it difficult for the slightest whispers to go unnoticed, and her sense of smell is so strong that the scent of most incenses can give her a terrible headache.

• A Hunter's Hand: A carrier of a spear, a bow and arrow and four hunting knives, Kagura shows some skill as an improvisational combatant. Her knowledge of the bow had been passed down by her father, her skill with a knife had been honed by slaughtering wild boar for a living, and the 'techniques' she claims to know and be able to perform with a spear are so vague that it's clear she has not had any formal training with the weapon at all. Nevertheless, Kagura's efficiency with these weapons shouldn't be underestimated, because what she lacks in formal training she makes up for with raw power and sheer will.

W E A K N E S S E S:
• A Hunter's Pride: Excessive pride plagues Kagura's personality, and it takes quite a lot to prevent her from walking a self destructive path. She is not one that takes even the slightest bit of doubt or criticism easily, and her belief that she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and others is certainly a problem.

• A Hunter's Hostility: Although it was her father who had taught her the ways of the Akiyama hunters, it was the forest who had truly nurtured and disciplined Kagura. No place is entirely safe and everything seems like it's out to hurt you, so it's either escape or deal with the threat; killing humans is not something Kagura supports, but when the situation calls for it, she's not exactly against it either. The forest is harsh and the forest is cruel — if it means you can live to see brighter days, take the chance without hesitation.

• A Hunter's Ignorance: Kagura had no need for reading and writing in her younger years, and it shows. She cannot read very well and her handwriting is actually quite atrocious, though she is far too embarrassed and arrogant to admit it. She always makes the excuse that reading and writing isn't going to be much help when she's hunting down wild pheasants for dinner.

♪

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Breakfast University Of Magic

I'll go for a 9 then?

• 葉隱 •

Literally every character I’ve seen Jay write is over five foot ten.

@Inkarnate

Most of them are 5'6 and way over, pretty much. I don't know how many times I've put the words 'long' and 'limbs' together in the appearance section of a character sheet, or described how the character 'towered over' someone in an RP post. I don't exactly know how to feel about that.

_{so far, Kagura has only been described as just a bit of a bulky teen, but if anyone is happy to imagine her as a seven foot tower of pure muscle, I'm not going to deny anyone's creative freedom}

• 葉隱 •

<Snipped quote by Jay Kalton>
Especially when Jay specializes in "too tall for you" female characters!

@Inkarnate

hell yeah.

Breakfast University Of Magic

H I L D A

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Hilda wasn't expecting many social interactions before the opening ceremony began, which seemed evident from the people who would simply give her friendly nods in her direction. She wasn't sure why - perhaps standing against a wall looking all dark and brooding had somehow gained the attention of some - but she liked to believe they meant well. So when a fellow student decided to approach her, Hilda flinched. She wasn't exactly prepared to engage in small talk so early on in the day.

Hilda looked up - which was something she rarely found herself doing - to face a boy dressed in notably formal and smart clothing. A purple tuxedo it seemed, upon closer inspection. She had to admit that his choice of attire was a little strange for a student, heck, she was questioning if he even was a student because of that. His offer to let her borrow one of his coats was also strange. Was she really shivering that much that people were beginning to notice?

Hilda lifted her hand in apology and softly shook her head. Although his offer had good and well meaning intentions behind it (to her assumption anyways), she thought that her own large coat was enough to keep her alive. Hilda simply smiled at him as a way to show appreciation for his concern, as well as for being the first person to try and have a conversation with her since she arrived. Her face didn't blatantly show it, but his actions were very much appreciated.

But apparently, a train was due to arrive, according to the headmaster's words. Hilda saw no sight of one.

"...and thirdly, I think I'll continue this introductory speech on the train. That would be so much more exciting, don't you think?" said the headmaster.

That was until it did come into sight in that split second, a powerful gust of wind knocking one of the floating fairies into her face. Hilda's eyes widened.

"I hope you can pardon me for the abrupt rudeness over the, erm... one-sided conversation... and the ending to it all," the boy said, and Hilda could only shake her head once again to tell him not to worry about it. She found it ever the more strange when he made a short bow to her, but nevertheless, she responded with a short nod, giving the boy a gentle smile as he did to her.

"Regardless, mayhaps I might see you again, I suppose? My offer still stands, after all."

“Ah...”

The boy left quickly alongside the rest of the new students to board the train, and as soon as she reached out her hand to actually talk, he was already gone. Hilda noted that she definitely had to get better at this whole social interaction thing, because it was only when the boy had disappeared that she remembered to ask for his name.

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Hilda followed the rest of the students into the rather glamorous looking train and took a seat, clutching her bags as she sat down by a window. She gazed out of it as she waited for other students to board and for the headmaster to continue his introduction. Nothing intriguing had actually caught her eye, but Hilda rarely ever got out of her own estate back at home. Riding on a special train like this was sort of a first for her.

But then the train started to move. Really, really fast.

Hilda was not prepared, she wasn't even used to moving at such high speeds. The abrupt movement of the train sent her head slamming into the seat in front of her, and by the time the short journey ended, Hilda thought she was seeing stars. She had tried her best to concentrate as the headmaster spoke, but having your head crash into someone else's seat made it that much harder to do so.

And once she had stepped off the train, her nose began to bleed. Curse her inexperience with absurdly fast trains, Hilda was seeing red all over her coat.

Curse her choice of coat as well. Bright red didn't exactly blend in well with the colour grey. She held her left sleeve to her face and had her right hand scramble around in her pocket for the campus map, because if there was one place where she could clean herself up away from the public eye, it would be her dorm room. Dorm 6... It was far. Fortunately, not many people were walking in the same direction as her. The mess hall could wait.

Unfortunately, on the way to her dorm, Hilda caught sight of a familiar purple tuxedo by one of the dorm buildings. She immediately knew who it was; there couldn't possibly be anyone else in the school who was dressed up like some nobleman's butler. Hilda's stained coat made her look like she had just murdered someone, and the one person that could possibly catch sight of her in this sorry state just happened to be someone she actually recognised.

Flushing a bright embarrassed red, Hilda bolted, hoping she would find her dorm room soon. She had hoped she would be able to ask for the boy's name another time, but this was not the way she expected to see him again.

@Savo